Liverpool vs Tottenham this summer

It's official.  Liverpool FC will be playing the Tottenham Hotspur at M&T Bank Stadium on Saturday July 28th at 1PM.  It's great to see English football played here in Baltimore between two large clubs.  Expect to see Under Armor showcasing their new uniforms for the Spurs in the event, so we'll see what UA can come up with.  Hopefully it's a good design, and that countless clubs will sign up with UA over the next few years.

Check out this page for more information.

Vote Baltimore - SoMe Symposium

Help Baltimore host the Social Media Tourism Symposium by voting for them in today's match-up on Facebook!  We're up against Northern Kentucky...like they stand a chance.  The winner of the bracket hosts the conference (and I think we can definitely win the bracket)!

https://www.facebook.com/SoMeTourism?sk=app_123940807662319

Free Parking in Harbor East

To make up for the nuisance of construction, several retailers and restaurants are offering free parking in the 1001 Fleet Street Garage and the Legg Mason Garage.  The catches are that purchase is required...and there doesn't seem to be a listing of the places that are a part of the program.  If you're heading to Harbor East, give a call ahead and find out if where you're going offers free parking.

Here's some more info.

Oriole Park Changes

Changes to Oriole Park at Camden Yards are under way.  The ballpark will be updated and looking fantastic for it's 20th season.  In center field, a new restaurant will be placed up above the batter's eye (where film crews were before).  This will provide great views for fans during games, or even when the team is on the road.

Happy Maryland Day!

On this day, 378 years ago, the ships The Ark and The Dove arrived and founded the colony of Maryland.  The ships landed on St. Clements island with around 200 settlers.  They quickly established their settlement of St. Marys City nearby.  If you're up for a drive, some celebrations are going on today down near the original settlement.

The Wire: An Online Tour

Ever wonder where those buildings and sites are in the Wire (greatest show ever)?  No need to drive around town searching...with the help of Google Maps, you can see all the major sites right here.

Free Rita's Today!

While the weather might not match up perfectly, the first day of Spring means Rita's is giving away 1 free regular sized ice to each person today.  If you're downtown, the one at the harbor (along Light St) is your best bet.

Baltimore Farmers Market - April 1st

We are less than 2 weeks away from the opening of the Baltimore City Farmers' Market & Bazaar.  It opens on April 1st, and is back every Sunday until December 23rd.  If you haven't been, it's the largest farmers' market in the state...and it's just phenomenal.  You can find it under 83 near the corner of East Saratoga st and North Holiday st.  While my wife is sorting through green peppers, I love to sneak off and get a few super spicy Tomales.  Everything from honey, milk, meats, cider, fruits & veggies, arts &crafts can be found.  If you go in the first few weeks though, expect much less (as the growing season is just kicking off).  Here's the official Facebook page to keep up with the latest news.

Free Tipsy Taxi This Weekend

If you're in need of a ride this Saturday from 4PM to this Sunday at 4AM, give a call to 877-963-TAXI (8294).  A Yellow taxi cab will pick you up from any Baltimore City bar for free.  Call them early as cabs will be a hot commodity this weekend.

The sticky points:

• You must be 21
• You must go to a residence
• The free ride maxes out when the meter goes to $50

Canton's Meet in the Street

This Friday and Saturday, Claddagh pub will be throwing the 17th annual Meet in the Street.  Huge outdoor tents (which might not be needed since it's been so nice out), Music featuring Mr. GreenGenes, Food, and Drinks.  Note that the area around Canton square will be closed to traffic both days.

Here's the website.  Keep an eye on the local events calender to the right...it will be filling up quick as spring comes!

Baltimore Green Works Eco Ball

The Fredrick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park and Museum (1417 Thames st in Fells Point...right on the water) plays host on March 16th to the Baltimore Green Works Eco Ball.  Tickets are $75 each (or $40 with a student ID); which gets you in for great live music, food, and drinks.  What's really cool though is that you get to vote for one of the aspiring chefs competing!  Check out the event page for more info.

It's Fantastic Out Today

Click to enlarge

It's 79 and sunny at the harbor...what's your excuse for not getting out today?

Pi Day in Baltimore

The Maryland Science Center plays host tomorrow from 10AM-1PM for Pi Day.  What better way to celebrate than pie eating contests (supplied by Dangerously Delicious...mmmmmm), pizza pie tossing (by Coal Fire Pizza), and lots of fun family activities?  Here's the website for more info.  I must admit, I wish there were more events like these when I was a kid.

Pics from the St Patrick's 5K

Here are a few pictures (supplied by my friend Chris) of the 5K through downtown Baltimore yesterday, March 11th.  As you can see, it was a very cool event...with almost 5,000 runners going down Charles St to Pratt St.  Once they reached Power Plant Live, the racers reveled in the gorgeousness of the weather.

National Crab Day

Did you know that the Latin name for our blue crab is Callnectes sapidus, meaning "beautiful swimmer"?

In honor of national crab day, below is the recipe for Faidley's crab cake (one of the best in Baltimore).  Of course you'll have to wait until later this year to get good in-season Maryland crab meat...but it will be well worth the wait.

Weekend Events (and Photos)

A lot going on this weekend...so make sure you get out there and see some of it.

• Irish Stroll in Federal Hill (Saturday)- The largest St Patrick's Day pub crawl in Baltimore.  Last year more than 5,000 strollers took over the neighborhood.  Even if you don't do the official crawl, just being there for the sights is worth it.  Here's the website.
• Konica Minolta Face-Off Classic (Saturday) - Lacrosse at M&T Bank...what could be better?  Johns Hopkins vs. UMBC, Princeton vs. North Carolina, and Virginia vs Cornell.  Here's the website.
• Baltimore St. Patrick's Day Parade (Sunday) - A fantastic parade that is preceded by a 5K down Charles street.  See below for some pictures from last year.  Here's the website.

What's a CSA?

Often enough when I mention our CSA, I get asked what it is and how it works.  CSA stands for "Community Supported Agriculture", but for us it usually means fresher fruits and veggies for less money.  The catch is that you pay the money up-front in the beginning of the year.  Then, as the growing season kicks off, you get weekly deliveries to a designated pickup point.  For my wife and I, we chose One Straw Farm.  We couldn't argue with a pickup only 3 blocks from our house.  In fact, they seem to have the best number of pickup points in the city overall.  For the 2012 season you pay $520 for a full share, or $270 for a half share.  Check out their website here...and here's a complete listing of fruits and veggies (and when to expect them)

Bmore on TV: Joe Squared Tonight

Joe Squared will be featured on "Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives" tonight at 10PM on Food Network.  Duff Goldman from "Ace of Cakes" will be there to walk Guy Fieri through some serious Baltimore pizza.  Now here's the cool part...you can watch the episode free at either of the Joe Squared locations.  The North ave location will show it tonight at 10PM and the Power Plant location will be showing it March 9th at 10PM.  Here's the show website and here's the related Sun article.

Orioles Start Pre-Season Games Today!

The Orioles start their pre-season by playing the Tampa Bay Rays at 1:05PM and then playing the Pittsburgh Pirates at 7:05PM tonight.  Unfortunately the games won't be broadcasted on TV, but you can follow them online here...Let's go O's!

Cafe Hon Kitchen Nightmares Now Online!

Gordon Ramsey's show, Kitchen Nightmares, has the Cafe Hon episode online now.  Check it out Here!  The question is, has the episode fixed the Cafe Hon image?

Time Running Out for Fridays After Five

Only 4 more Fridays (including today) to get into the Aquarium or Science Center after 5PM for just $8!  What's even better is that you can add on the dolphin show at the Aquarium for only $4 more.  That means you can save $16 for each person...not a bad deal at all.  The discounts end after March 23rd, so act fast.

For more information, check out the Aquarium website or Science Center website.