Tasty Creations ... Quite the Understatement!
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I have found the mother lode, and it is in Pigtown.
For years, I have purchased "chocolate tops" at grocery stores and delis around the region, always considering them an extra special treat. Now, thanks to a recent visit to the Pigtown Main Street, I know the source of these perfect confections: Tasty Creations Bakery. After the visit, I had a spring in my step and a smile in my heart! |
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| As you can see, the name "chocolate top" is very appropriate. |
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| The good people at Tasty Creations also just made it easier for companies to order platters, cakes, fruit and Zeke's Coffee - another Baltimore favorite - on-line by joining Foodify. Cannoli would certainly improve staff meetings. |
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| Though Tasty Creations functions primarily a wholesale and catering operation, customers can also just pop in the shop to fulfill their craving. Danish anyone? |
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| They also help Baltimoreans celebrate special occasions with cakes. |
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| Though hard at work, the Tasty Creations employees graciously welcomed me into their business, and I could tell how much they like bringing joy to their customers through mouthwatering and affordable sweets. Perhaps that spring in my step and smile in my heart had a little to do with this, too. |
Shopping Fell's Point
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| Looking for unique gifts, clothes, shoes? Fells Point is not just a dining destination, but a shopping hot spot as well, particularly for women's clothing and accessories. This post highlights three of my favorites, starting with Zelda Zen, a great place to buy special jewelry without breaking the bank. According to my husband, the place is mobbed with guys looking for the perfect gift during the holidays. Zelda Zen also sells other gift-worthy items, such as pretty hair accessories, purses, cool coasters that celebrate all things Baltimore, and pieces from local artists including Maggie Stewart, Tom Snyder, Olin Yoder, and Shelly Watt. As a nice finishing touch, the owner places your gift - even if the "gift" is really just for you - in a nice bag and tops it off with a gorgeous bow. |
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| Since its 2008 debut, Poppy and Stella has attracted women seeking fashionable and well-made shoes, winning City Paper's Best Women's Shoe Store for six consecutive years and additional accolades from Baltimore Magazine. Whether you need boots, walking shoes, party heels, or work-appropriate footwear, Poppy and Stella will have a range of options for you to admire, with brands such as Frye (Poppy and Stella's boasts the largest Frye selection of boots, shoes, and handbags in Baltimore), Borne, Johnston & Murphy, and Pour La Victoire. Shoppers can also find great clothes and accessories in this unique boutique, which now has a second location in Annapolis. |
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| Long-time Fells Point boutique Cupcake offers a great selection of clothes, but the shop's specialty is dresses for parties and special events. Very chic and popular with the younger crowd, Cupcake does have some age-appropriate clothes for forty-somethings, as well as very nice staff who are eager to help you pick just the right dress for the occasion. |
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| Really, no discussion of Fells Point can avoid mentioning food! After your shopping, be sure to visit Pitango Gelato for some cold and tasty treats. |
Belvedere Square: Shopping and Dining Destination Extraordinaire
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| North Baltimore's Belvedere Square boasts a dynamic mix of shopping and restaurants. It's market building hosts a carefully curated mix of delicious food, which patrons can enjoy on-site or take home. Within this 5,000 square foot emporium, one can dine on nourishing soup and a salad made of the freshest ingredients, treat the kids to homemade ice cream or vegan chocolate, rejuvenate with hand squeezed blood orange juice, and pick up smoked seafood or meats for tonight's dinner. This is just a sample of what the market has to offer, and I highly recommend checking their website for a complete directory. |
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| A pleasant atmosphere encourages patrons to linger and enjoy the company of others. Dogs are welcome, too (outside). |
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| In response to demand for more seating, the owners of Belvedere Square reconfigured space inside and expanded the outdoor seating area to accommodate more tables and these large umbrellas, which patrons will enjoy especially during hot summer days. |
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| One of the larger stores in Belvedere Square, Ceriello's offers Italian delicacies, prepared foods, and staples including their own sauces, marinades, and dressings. Patrons can sit right down in the store to enjoy the fare. |
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| The neighborhoods surrounding Belvedere Square attract many families with young children, so the owners wisely provide pint-sized seating options. |
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| While Belvedere Square is very well known for its great restaurants, gourmet food businesses, and its popular summer outdoor concert series, Belvedere Square also offers a nice mix of stores. In addition to Techlab, pictured here, Belvedere Square includes a shoe "salon", home furnishings shops, and a unique florist. |
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| Located across the street from Belvedere Square, the recently restored c. 1939 Senator Theatre offers residents and visitors the opportunity to see a movie in one of the grand movie palaces of the past (upgraded with today's comfort and sound standards in mind). Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Senator is a perfect complement to the shops and restaurants of Belvedere Square. It attracts patrons anxious to see the latest blockbuster as well sophisticated movie-goers interested in Oscar-worthy pictures. On many a Saturday morning, the Senator features beloved children's movies from yesteryear, from National Velvet to the Princess Bride, and the Senator also streams performances live from the Metropolitan Opera. |
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| One of a number of restaurants at the Square, Sofi's Crepes just blew out the candles on its 10th birthday. This photo shows the exterior of Sofi's Crepes, which is located around the corner from the main market and across the street from the Senator, during the holidays. I highly recommend the Nutella crepe, and I will leave on that note to go dream about crepes! |
Happy Shopping!
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| Plan to take some time in The Gift Cellar, because no matter how many times you circle the shop in a single visit, you will continue to spot items previously missed. From original paintings to sparkly jewelry, shaving kits to stuffed animals, and t-shirts to accessories crafted from recycled clothing, The Gift Cellar is a great place to find unique gifts. |
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| Just upstairs from The Gift Cellar, the Red Canoe Bookstore & Cafe is equally cozy. Dubbed "Lauraville's Living Room," the Red Canoe sells books - of course - toys, and cards, and often hosts children's sing alongs, meetings over coffee, author signings, and people working on their laptops. Bring your appetite, because The Red Canoe has some great food! I highly recommend the banana chocolate chip muffin, heated. Delicious! |
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| As mentioned in a previous post, Hampden offers a fantastic mix of locally-owned boutiques and is one of the top destinations in the region for shopping, especially during the holidays. Residents and visitors alike enjoy Hampden's festive atmosphere, walkable main street, wide variety of shops, and of course its great restaurants. In Watermelon Sugar, pictured here, offers a carefully curated mix of home decor items, bath and beauty products, stationery, and gifts. |
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| This photo of In Watermelon Sugar shows off the store's lovely interior and architectural details, as well as some of the products, which of course, is why you would go there in the first place. But don't forget to admire the historic tin ceiling. |
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| Moving to Fell's Point, also a favorite shopping destination for both residents and visitors, Poppy and Stella wins many accolades for Baltimore's best women's shoe store ... but Poppy and Stella sells more than just some of the chicest, most well-made shoes around. Pop in to Poppy and Stella for women's clothes, jewelry, and accessories, and you will not be disappointed. I even bought a baby present here once! |
Hamilton Bakery and Green Onion Market: Two Foodie Destinations in Hamilton/Lauraville
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Located in the heart of the Hamilton/Lauraville Main Street, the
Hamilton Bakery opened in 2010 to much fanfare. Residents flock to the
bakery for muffins, gourmet pastries, artisan bread, gluten-free products, and
now ... sandwiches and strata.
Top-notch restaurants such as Maggie's
Farm and Clementine feature
Hamilton Bakery products on their menus, as does the Four Seasons in Harbor
East, among other hotels and restaurants. Now the lucky residents of
Fells Point have their very own Hamilton Bakery at which to shop.
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Is it the
flour that Hamilton Bakery bakers
mill fresh on the premises every morning? The creative new cupcake flavors they
conjure up monthly? The rustic yet sophisticated atmosphere? For what makes the
Hamilton Bakery so popular, I think it might simply be the exquisite taste of
their food. I highly recommend the chocolate croissants.
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Another great
store in the Hamilton/Lauraville Main Street, the Green Onion market features an
array of locally-made products, including Moore's Candies, Kinderhook Snacks, Prigel Family Creamery, Healing Fields, and of course,
bread from the Hamilton Bakery. The popular market also sells produce
from many local farms, house-made sausage, charcuterie, fresh fish, and meats cut fresh
daily from their in-house butcher.
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The three-dimensional carrot
sticking out of the Green Onion facade, funded by a grant from PNC Bank and
dreamed up and crafted by local artists, draws attention to the business and reflects the artsy flair of the neighborhood.
Cool Shops in Hot Hampden
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| Hampden rocks the indie boutiques like nobody's business, and it boasts a stellar collection of dining and drinking establishments (covered in a later post). If you are intrigued by a commercial district where hip wine bars and long-time watering holes co-exist, and where you can buy cotton diapers, mid-century modern antiques, timeless menswear, fashion forward ladies' attire, handcrafted jewelry, and alternative books and comics all within one short walk, you will love Hampden, and you must visit the Hampden Village Merchants Association's website ASAP, because I cannot possibly give all of the merchants their due right here, right now. |
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Ma Petite Shoe,
pictured here and in the above photograph, sells both shoes and
chocolate. Does it get any better? The welcoming shop features shoes
from the newest designers (including Vegan-friendly footwear), children's slippers, accessories, and artisan
chocolate from across the globe.
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| Locally-made Mouth Party caramels occupy a prime spot in the midst of Ma Petite Shoe's mouth-watering collection of chocolates. |
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| Cloud 9 Clothing offers contemporary, trendy clothing and accessories for women and features brands such as Fidelity Jeans, Free People, Seychelles shoes, and Baked Beads. |
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| In addition to Hampden, Cloud 9 also has shops in Canton, The Shops at Kenilworth, and Rockville. |
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| Speaking of "rocking," Hampden's own Soft and Cozy Baby sells Rockabye Baby CDs, so if you consider it a top priority to school your newborn in Red Hot Chili Peppers or Green Day, pop in! |
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| Soft and Cozy Baby offers much more than lullaby versions of rock music. This store serves Eco-conscious parents-to-be, with its collection of cloth diapers and wipes, organic mattresses, and glass water bottles. When I stopped in to pick up a gift, I learned that they also sell products for new parents, from nursing covers to attractive diaper "messenger" bags, and older siblings, such as toys and lunch bags. |
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You do not have to be eco-conscious to appreciate the range or quality of products available at Soft & Cozy Baby, or to appreciate the expertise. During my visit, I stumbled upon a class in cloth diapering! |
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| Studio C Jewelry and Gifts offers stunning handcrafted jewelry and hand bags, as well as scarves, shoes, clothing, and accessories. Currently, the store is in the running for the City Paper's People's Choice award for Baltimore's Best Jewelry Store, and you have until September 6 to vote. |
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| My amateur photographs do not do justice to the work displayed here, so I encourage you to visit in person or on-line, where you can link to the owner's Etsy shop. |
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| Trohv boasts one of Baltimore's most eclectic selections of gifts, but I like this store most for its well-built, unique furniture and home goods. |
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| For some reason, everyone always seems happy in Trohv. Maybe it is the smart and slightly irreverent sense of humor that sneaks its way into some of the gifts and greeting cards. Clearly, people love Trohv - note the numerous Best of Baltimore awards displayed behind the counter. |
Frozen Yogurt and Massages in Federal Hill (Not Simultaneously)
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| Apothecary Wellness in Federal Hill is a slice of heaven. The minute I walk in, all of my cares disappear. This "holistic wellness spa and boutique" is a calming retreat which offers amazing massages, facials, and other services; they also sell organic products and eco-friendly makeup. |
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| Also in Federal Hill, Afters is a coffee, frozen yogurt, and pastry shop. It is a great, family-friendly business and good for an after-dinner (or post-game) treat. |
Local Color Flowers
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| Last week, I had the opportunity to visit Local Color Flowers, a gem of a business located in Waverly. Owner Ellen Frost is a floral designer who uses only locally sourced flowers. Genius! "LocoFlo" is the only East Coast florist with this claim to fame. Here are some of her Independence Day creations. |
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| Speaking
of Independence, many Baltimoreans appreciate locally-owned,
independent businesses like Local Color Flowers because they enrich our
lives with their unique goods and services ... and because they are often owned by our neighbors! In addition to Ellen and her husband, Local Color Flowers has eight part-time staff, all of whom are city residents. |
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| LocoFlo designs floral arrangements for weddings and special events, delivers individual arrangements in the Baltimore area, hosts periodic "popup" retail markets at its cool space on Brentwood Avenue in Waverly, and has its own flower CSA ("Community Supported Agriculture"), which is a way for interested consumers to purchase flower arrangements for the season in advance and pick them up from LocoFlo on a regular basis. |
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| Laura Beth Resnick, owner of Butterbee Farm
and one of LocoFlo's suppliers, farms at the Whitelock Street Community
Farm in Reservoir Hill, where she sells flowers from 10-1 on Saturday
mornings, and in Clifton Park. You can also find her work at the Farm
Alliance Stand at the Waverly Farmers Market. Butterbee Farm already needs more land, and its 2013 Flower Share program is full. Way to go, urban farming! |
Four of my favorites: Tapas Teatro, The Charles Theatre, Milk and Honey Market, and 2910 on the Square
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| Tapas Teatro and the Charles Theatre - small plates and artsy movies make this part of Station North a destination. |
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| Milk & Honey Market in Mount Vernon |
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| Gift Shop 2910 on the Square in O'Donnell Square, Canton |
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