happy hour - Baltimore Style
Transcription
happy hour - Baltimore Style
Holiday 2006 HAPPY HOUR marketing supplement editor’snote The little black dress is a staple in every woman’s wardrobe. To her, it signifies all that is elegant, confident, sexy and timeless. It’s a dress for all occasions, formal to flirty to fun. And like its namesake, Little Black Dress wine is a woman’s assurance that she’s making the perfect statement. Chardonnay: This fresh fruitforward Chardonnay has subtle hints of oak spice in the finish, overtones of lush apple and just a note of citrus. Merlot: This medium-bodied Merlot has subtle hints of ripe black cherry, and the slightest bouquet of fruit, sweet oak and warm herb. Pinot Grigio: A nice light tasting wine, this Pinot Grigio has subtle hints of floral spice and crisp fruit overtones from peach, pear and green apple. Also, has notes of mineral and an off-dry finish. I have a good friend named Becky who was born to entertain. Whether she’s throwing a backyard barbeque or hosting a sit-down dinner for 30, everything is absolutely perfect from the table linens to the drinks to the hors d’oeuvres. The ease with which she entertains is downright enviable. In fact, Becky is so good at entertaining that she started a business to help other people create perfect parties. I’ve known Becky for 20 years, and for as long as I’ve known her, I’ve been secretly jealous of her ability to effortlessly welcome people into her home. For people like me, hosting a party always seems like such a great idea at the time, but as the event draws near, I begin to worry. Should I have a theme? What kind of food should I serve? Should I offer wine or cocktails, or both? Who will tend bar? Should I have a buffet or servers? How many desserts should I offer? What kind of music should I have? What if no one shows up? Or, perhaps even worse, what if they do? It’s amazing how even the most confident person can be filled with self-doubt when it comes to the simple act of entertaining. That’s one of the reasons we decided to bring you this special entertaining section. Filled with must-have accessories, festive holiday drinks and innovative cuisine, it’s designed to inspire your holiday gatherings. To guarantee success, we turned to some of Baltimore’s most popular restaurants and bars to find spirited libations, savory hors d’oeuvres and sinfully decadent desserts, so no matter what you choose it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. As for the “party” shown in this section, we couldn’t have done it without the help of people at the restaurants featured, who took time out of their schedules to make sure we had scrumptious plates of food to photograph. (Log onto baltimorestyle.com for addresses ¯ of Towson for letting us and phone numbers of all participants.) Special thanks also to VIN invade the restaurant for two days to photograph our “party,” and to Flowers & Fancies for providing an abundance of fresh flowers. So here’s to Becky, and to all of you as you celebrate the season ahead. Write to me and tell me about your sensational soirees, and be watching for our next special wine and spirits section coming up in April. Cary Pierson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Editor Jason Quick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Art Director Erin Clare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Graphic Designer Kirsten Beckerman . . . . . . . .Staff Photographer* Angela Davids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Copy Editor Sarah Moran . . . . . . . . . . . . .Project Coordinator ¯ One E. Joppa Road, *All photography shot at VIN, Towson (410) 337-0797. Cary Pierson Editor [email protected] Where’s Yours? Responsible drinking is always in style. © 2006 LBD Vineyards Hopland ww.lbdwines.com 4 • holiday happy hour I loved these plates the minute I saw them! Turn to page 70 for more information. –C.P. marketing supplement Diminutive by Design Get the party going with an array of tasty tidbits. Martini glasses filled with The Cocoa Room’s chocolate-covered sunflower seeds can be strategically placed for guests to grab, while cordial glasses from Michael Weems offer individual servings of M&M’s. The Cocoa Room Sunflower Dragees available at Hallmark Creations, 45 W. Aylesbury Road, Timonium (410) 561-4748 or online at thecocoaroom.com. M&M’s available in 22 colors at mymms.com. Michael Weems Elise cordial set in ruby available from Creative Specialties and Mt. Washington Wine Company, 1340-E Smith Avenue, Baltimore (410) 435-7410. Serve It Up When it comes to hosting a sensational soiree, it’s only fitting to accessorize with style. Start with a one-of-a-kind, handmade serving tray and add hand-embroidered beverage napkins from Statements featuring designs by Maryland’s own Michael Weems. In no time, you’ll be serving up the most sophisticated cocktails around. Napkins from C&W Imports, Inc. (800) 267-9796. Handmade trays available through Cary@Home, [email protected] (443) 841-4421. Chill Out get the Party started ’Tis the season for throwing fabulous fetes—make sure you’re ready to entertain partygoers with these chic and stylish accessories Bold and Beautiful Choosing the perfect invitation lets you set the stage for a stellar celebration. The updated damask papers from Whitney English are ideal for a sophisticated soiree. Complementary place cards from Apiary Design can be used for a sit-down dinner or to identify tasty offerings at less-formal affairs; available through Simply Noted, 544 E. Belvedere Avenue, Baltimore (410) 464-1166. Give them something to talk about—and covet— when you serve seasonal sparklers in the ultraluxurious Nachtmann Amalfi Champagne cooler. Inspired by the decadence of 1920s Berlin, the ice bucket features a modern Art Deco design; from Smyth Jewelers, 2020 York Road, Timonium (410) 252-6666. Red Velvet The elaborate scrollwork and leaf pattern of a Parisian iron gate is captured in a seductive shade of scarlet, lending elegance and drama to holiday table settings; available at Greetings & Readings, Hunt Valley Towne Centre, 118-AA Shawan Road, Hunt Valley (410) 771-3022 and Frederick Basket Company, 12 East Street, Frederick (301) 696-9345. Perfect Wine Every Time A step beyond your standard wine cellar, this exclusive two-drawer Wine Captain from U-Line features two glass-front drawers that can each maintain its own unique temperature, ensuring you’ll be able accommodate the discerning tastes of all your favorite oenophiles; from Design House Kitchens, 8220 Wellmoor Court, Savage (800) 827-0001. Raising the Bar When it comes to effortless in-home entertaining, what could be easier than a fully stocked mini bar? That’s why we love the new Pierce rolling bar cart from Elite Modern. Not only is it sleekly styled to fit into any space, but it features a wine rack and stemware holders to keep the essentials close at hand; available from Nouveau Contemporary Goods, 514 E. Belvedere Avenue, Baltimore (410) 962-8248 and 811 Aliceanna Street, Baltimore (410) 342-7666. "Your home should make you happy." - Jonathan Adler. "Shopping for your home should make you ecstatic." - Steve & Lee. With a Twist Turn the simple act of mixing into an art form with the award-winning Twist Cocktail Shaker from Nambé. Designed by Fred Bould, the chic shaker takes its cues from the spectacularly curving facets of a helix. Pair the sleek server with the Twist Martini Glasses and get ready to launch your party to the next level; available from Smyth Jewelers; Creative Specialties, 1848 Reisterstown Road, Baltimore (410) 484-2900 and The Store Ltd., 24 Village Square, Baltimore (410) 323-2350. Belvedere Square 514 E. Belvedere Ave., 21212 • 410.962.8248 Harbor East 811 Aliceanna Street, 21202 • 410.342.7666 The source in Baltimore for all things Jonathan Adler, and all things happy for your home! www.NouveauBaltimore.com We’re Interior Design Specialists. 70 • holiday happy hour marketing supplement holiday happy hour • 71 Forego the usual bottle of wine for a standout token that’s sure to delight every host and hostess Spirited giving Standout Sparklers Imagine your host’s or hostess’s delight at receiving this gift of bubbly-to-go. Four mini bottles of Heidsieck & Company’s Monopole Blue Top Brut Champagne are ingeniously packaged with two clever collapsible cups, making it the perfect companion for New Year’s Eve fireworks under the stars. Find it at Spirits of Mt. Vernon, 900 N. Charles Street, Baltimore (410) 727-7270. Seasonal Sippers Serious entertainers are certain to appreciate a spirited guide designed to transform low-key gatherings into fabulous fetes. Author Jessica Strand and photographer Laurie Frankel offer Holiday Cocktails (Chronicle Books, 2003), filled with must-have recipes, tips for stocking the perfect holiday bar and more. In Some Like It Hot: 50 Drinks to Warm Your Spirits (Chronicle Books, 2005), Holly Burrows and Katie Walter serve up recipes for cozy libations designed to spice up any get-together. Available at all local booksellers. Edible Art Spread holiday cheer with a mouthwatering gift that the party-giver can share with guests. The Berry Tree Bouquet from Edible Arrangements features a variety of fresh fruit including melons, strawberries and grapes topped off with pineapple stars. Arrangements available for every occasion from Edible Arrangements, 231 E. Baltimore Street, Suite 102, Baltimore (410) 545-0515. Buckets of Fun For a gift that keeps giving, present the holiday hostess with a one-of-a-kind fabricwrapped bucket filled with party-time essentials, including a seasonally scented candle, festive napkins and handcrafted note cards. Bread and Budder Buckets available from The House Downtown, 524 E. Belvedere Avenue, Baltimore (410) 464-1440 and online at breadandbudder.com. Custom-filled buckets available from sandrabegan.com. Gourmet Giving Since few can resist the decadence of chocolate, it’s a fantastic way to thank party-givers for their hospitality. During the celebration season, keep an assortment of gourmet bars and specialty truffles on hand. Before the next party, choose one or two, tie them together with a festive ribbon and give your host something to look forward to after the dishes are done; from Eddie’s of Roland Park, 5113 Roland Avenue, Baltimore (410) 323-3656. 8 • holiday happy hour marketing supplement some like it The chill in the air heralds a season of celebrations. Why not wrap your guests in the welcoming warmth of a steaming libation? 1 HOT Warm Minted Mojito 2 oz. Martell V.S.O.P. 1 oz. simple syrup* 5 oz. mint lime tea** Into a snifter, pour Martell V.S.O.P. and simple syrup. Add 5 oz. of mint lime tea. Garnish with a mint sprig. *Simple syrup: Combine equal parts water and sugar, heat until sugar dissolves. ** Mint lime tea: Combine 8 mint leaves, 1 lime and 1 cup of boiling water in a teapot. Muddle until fragrant and steep for 1 minute. NOTE: Syrup and tea can be made ahead of time and kept in thermal carafes on the bar. 2 Hot Apple Pie 5 oz. warm apple cider 1 oz. Tuaca Whipped cream Sprinkle of nutmeg Cinnamon stick for garnish Combine warm apple cider and Tuaca in a glass mug. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg. Garnish with a cinnamon stick. Glass mug, available at all Crate & Barrel locations. 3 Cozy PAMA Cider 2 oz. PAMA pomegranate liqueur 3 oz. hot mulled apple cider Cinnamon and super-fine sugar mixture Orange spiral for garnish Heat white wine glass, rim with cinnamon and super-fine sugar. Add PAMA and hot mulled apple cider. Garnish with an orange spiral. 4 Boordy Vineyards Wassail Heat and serve in a red wine glass. 6 3 5 Cozy Cocoa 1 oz. Woodford Reserve Candy Cane Infusion* 4 oz. hot chocolate Whipped cream 4 1 Combine ingredients in large coffee mug. Add a dollop of whipped cream on top. *Woodford Reserve Candy Cane Infusion: Place 3 medium peppermint candy canes in 1 liter of Woodford Reserve for 24 hours. Rosenthal Free Spirit Stars Titanium cup and saucer, available at Creative Specialties, Baltimore (410) 484-2900. 6 TASSIMO Beverage System Plug in your TASSIMO Premium Hot Beverage System and set out a variety of T Discs, so partygoers can make a single serving of their favorite hot beverage—including coffee, hot chocolate, tea, espresso, latte, cappuccino and more—at the press of a button and in about a minute. Providing a selection of premium liqueurs, such as Baileys Irish Cream, Kahlúa and Frangelico, means guests can turn their celebration up a notch in no time at all. TASSIMO Premium Hot Beverage System and T Discs, available at all Macy’s locations; Rosanna Platinum Chandeliers cups and saucers, available at Greetings & Readings, Hunt Valley (410) 771-3022; Frederick Basket Company, Frederick (301) 696-9345. 5 2 10 • holiday happy hour marketing supplement holiday happy hour • 11 1 White Hot Martini from Ixia, Baltimore 2 oz. Stoli Vanil vodka 2 1⁄2 oz. Godiva white chocolate liqueur 1 1⁄2 oz. white crème de cacao White chocolate, melted Red Hots or other cinnamon-flavored candy bits Shake 1 it up With the party under way, it’s time to mix things up with an array of seasonal sippers served up by some of our favorite local eateries Prepare glass by dipping rim of chilled martini glass in melted white chocolate and then in red hot bits. Shake Stoli Vanil, Godiva white chocolate liqueur and crème de cacao together with ice and strain into prepared martini glass. 2 Black Pinot-Tini ¯ Towson from VIN, 1 1⁄2 oz. Effen black cherry vodka, chilled 1 oz. Pinot Noir chilled Simple syrup to taste White-chocolate-covered cherry for garnish Shake together with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with white-chocolatecovered cherry. 3 Dulce de Leche from Phillips, Baltimore ⁄ oz. Baileys Irish Cream ⁄ oz. butterscotch schnapps 1 oz. white crème de cacao 1 ⁄2 oz. half & half 1 oz. condensed milk Sprinkle of cinnamon for garnish 1 2 1 2 3 2 Stir together, strain and pour into a martini glass. Garnish with a light sprinkle of cinnamon. 4 Peppermint Patty Martini from Sky Lounge, Baltimore 1 1⁄2 oz. Grey Goose vodka 1 1⁄2 oz. Godiva chocolate liqueur 1 1⁄2 oz. peppermint schnapps 1 1⁄2 oz. cream Chocolate syrup Prepare glass by swirling chilled martini glass with chocolate syrup. Shake together vodka, Godiva chocolate liqueur, peppermint schnapps and cream with ice and strain into prepared martini glass. 4 5 Espresso Martini from Grand Cru, Baltimore 5 2 oz. Ketel One vodka 2 oz. Kahlúa 2 oz. espresso, freshly brewed 6 + .NURLRX^\ KR] XO 0[JWLN XW0JUU\ <XJM $ELIGHTINTHEWONDERFULBREADS PASTRIESDESSERTSCREATEDEXCLUSIVELY FOR"ONJOURBY-ASTER0ASTRY#HEF 'ERARD"ILLEBAULT GOURMETGOODIES COFFEESTEAS GIFTBASKETSCREATED ESPECIALLYFORYOU ASSORTEDCOOKIES QUICHE Shake together with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. 6 Candy Apple Martini from Christopher Daniel, Timonium 1 ⁄ oz. butterscotch liquor 1 1⁄2 oz. sour apple schnapps 1 ⁄2 oz. Ketel One vodka Splash of Sprite Thin slice of Granny Smith apple for garnish 1 2 &ALLS2DJUSTSOUTHOF,AKE!VE MONAM¯NOON TUESFRIAM¯PM SATSUNAM¯PM Shake together with ice and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a thin slice of Granny Smith apple. marketing supplement holiday happy hour • 13 1 2 Yellowglen Pink & Yellow Australian Sparkling Wine Fall…into FRESH! Poinsettia Korbel California brut champagne 1 ⁄4 oz. triple sec Splash of cranberry juice Orange twist for garnish Layer in champagne flute and garnish with a twist. Riedel “Wine” champagne flute (#448/8), riedel.com for locations. 3 Moët & Chandon Nectar on Ice FRESH! boutique Riedel “Ouverture” champagne flute (#408/48), riedel.com for locations. 4 The Mistletoe 1 sugar cube 2 tsp. apple brandy 1 ⁄2 oz. cranberry juice 4 oz. Korbel California brut champagne 1 thin slice Granny Smith apple fresh fashion. fresh attitude. fresh start. BETTER CONTEMPORARY DESIGNER CLOTHING FOR WOMEN 2 1 Gatehouse Shoppes Green Spring Station • Lutherville 443 901 0097 www.freshandhush.com Drop a sugar cube into a flute. Add the apple brandy and cranberry juice. Slowly add the champagne (it will foam up) and stir gently, trying not to disturb the sugar cube. Set the apple slice on the inner rim of the flute, two-thirds submerged, to soak up the flavor. 5 What a way to celebrate the fall season! Tiffany trumpet champagne flute, tiffany.com. 5 Champagne Splits on Ice Apple Blossom™ 3 Keep the party going by providing guests with a variety of champagne splits and straws, to make sipping a snap. Suggested champagnes: Laurent-Perrier Brut, La Demoiselle Brut and Brut Rose, Diamant Brut, Moët & Chandon Nectar and Brute Rose. Bread and Budder large oval black damask print bucket with two handles, available through The House Downtown, Baltimore (410) 464-1440 and online at breadandbudder.com. 4 ©2004 To order, please call or visit: SEASONAL Sparklers Nothing says festive like the effervescence of a bottle of bubbly, so pop the cork and get ready to celebrate 410-545-0515 SPECIAL SECTIONS Raise the Bar... March/April 2007 One Enchanted Evening... July/August 2007 231 E. Baltimore St. Suite 102 Baltimore, MD 21202 www.ediblearrangements.com Free Fruit Salad Visit us, purchase any arrangement and receive a free 16oz. fruit salad. *Valid for walk-in orders only. Fruit salads are not available for delivery. Coupon cannot be combined with any other offers. Coupon must be used when placing the order. Offer expires 10/31/06 • Code: BSTY1031 Franchises Available. Call (203) 407-8777 Copyright ©2004 By: Edible Arrangements, LLC 14 • holiday happy hour marketing supplement TOP Dave Sherman Nasu Blanca Xarmant, Arabako Txakoli, Basque 2004: This Spanish white is bright, fresh and clean, and the perfect choice for seafood. Condado de Haza, Ribera del Duero 2003: Excellent with lamb, pork and red meat, this red is one hundred percent tempranillo, a rich, ripe red fruit that is the primary red wine grape for much of Spain. Naveran, Cava Dama, Vintage 2003: A Spanish champagne, also known as Cava, this sparkler is refreshing, crisp and well-balanced with a pleasant, smooth finish. HolidayWine PROS picks from the With the season for fabulous fetes and sensational soirees upon us, we asked the experts to help us choose the right wines for giving and serving This year, make a statement. Make a statement of appreciation for your holiday guests. Make a statement of sophistication, a statement of taste. A celebration at the Brass Elephant is truly a special occasion. The year long, guests will remember your gift of elegant atmosphere, inventive menus, impeccable service, and the ease of our free valet parking. Contact the Brass Elephant to plan your holiday affair — dates are reserving quickly. THE Join us year ‘round for lunch and dinner. Vicki Schassler Spirits of Mt. Vernon Santa Margherita, Prosecco, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy NV: This Prosecco is a highly flavored dry and delicate sparkling white wine with peach and apple aromas. Perfect as an aperitif, it is also ideal with seafood dishes and after meals with light desserts. Giribaldi, Brachetto Selezioni Rodellesi NV: Perfect for any festive occasion, this light, fizzy sparkling wine has a rich red color and aromas of raspberry, strawberry and chocolate. It is great with brunches and served as an aperitif. 16 • holiday happy hour Tony Foreman Bin 604 Willm, Pinot Blanc, Alsace, France 2004: This Alsatian dry white wine has hints of tangerine and apricot, making it a terrific match with fish and poultry. Per Bacco, Pinot Noir, Arroyo Grande Valley, California 2004: From superstar winemaker John Alban, this red combines a powerful and rich, dark-roasted black cherry fruit with meaty mushrooms. Pommery, Brut Royal Champagne NV: The ultimate food-pairing wine, this champagne has refreshing notes of Granny Smith apple and d’Anjou pear. Taylor Fladgate 10-Year-Old Tawny Port: A delicious addition to the holidays, this port has spicy, sweet flavors with layers of fruit. Enjoy with cashews and Stilton bleu cheese. marketing supplement Look for Chef Christopher Lewis’ “to-die-for” gourmet Mac & Cheese featured in this special holiday section of STYLE. And now, you can enjoy it on your table — Chef Chris has shared his recipe online at www.baltimorestyle.com. 924 North Charles St. • 410.547.8480 • brasselephant.com top Holiday Wine PROS picks from the see be seen Ed Scherer Helen’s Garden Fess Parker, Chardonnay, Santa Barbara, California 2003: This well-balanced white has scents of pear, apple, citrus, spice and vanilla integrated with subtle oak and light butter. It pairs well with fruit, cheese plates and a variety of lighter dishes. some perfection is debatable. Havens, Bourriquot, Napa Valley, California 2001: A finely textured and elegant red with notes of dark chocolate, fine cedar, fully mature roses and dried black cherries. the perfect patrón cosmo Gruet, Brut, Albuquerque, New Mexico NV: A unique sparkling blend of chardonnay (75%) and pinot noir (25%) produced in New Mexico by the Gruet family, producers of fine champagnes in Bethon, France, since 1952. This sparkler has a creamy peach nose and balanced palate featuring green apple, with a crisp dry finish. 2 oz. Patrón Silver 3/4 oz. Patrón Citrónge Splash of cranberry juice Squeeze of lime Lime wheel for garnish Chris Spann The Wine Market Method: Combine all ingredients into a pint glass filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a lime wheel. Susana Balbo, Crios Torrontes, Cafayate Valley, Argentina 2005: A crisp and bright aromatic white with notes of honeysuckle, jasmine and rose petal. some is not. Made by hand from 100% blue agave. The world’s #1 ultra-premium tequila. Rosenblum Heritage Clones, Petite Sirah, San Francisco Bay, California 2004: This is a huge red wine with dense and ripe flavors of blackberry, coffee and currant. simply perfect. simplyperfect.com Peter Rumball, Sparkling Shiraz, Coonawarra, South Australia NV: The epitome of holiday wine, this sparkler is exotic and sort of frivolous with notes of plum, pepper and blueberry. It pairs with everything from dark chocolate to duck. © 2006 The Patrón Spirits Company, Las Vegas, NV. 40% Alc./Vol. Nelson Carey Grand Cru Tablas Creek, Cotes de Tablas Blanc, Central Coast, California 2004: A blend in the style of French Cotes du Rhone whites, this wine features spicy aromas of herbs, stone fruits and minerals, followed by apricot flavors, rich texture, bright acidity and a long, clean peachy finish. simply perfect. simplyperfect.com © 2006 The Patrón Spirits Company, Las Vegas, NV. 40% Alc./Vol. The perfect way to enjoy Patrón is responsibly. 18 • holiday happy hour Saintsbury, Pinot Noir Garnet, Napa Valley, California 2005: This full, deep red has a silky texture and the vibrant aromas of maraschino cherry, wild strawberry, sassafras, herbs and mint, all lifted by a note of orange peel. It is ideal with salmon and light meats. Bollinger, Grande Annee Champagne 1997: Starting with a clean, citrus nose, this champagne has a mid-gold hue and a lot of buttery caramel and toffee character on the palate. The perfect way to enjoy Patrón is responsibly. marketing supplement newWines In the constantly changing world of wines, two hip new brands caught our eye A wine for every occasion. to watch Little Black Dress Just as the iconic little black dress is a staple in every woman’s wardrobe, Little Black Dress wines from Brown-Forman are being touted as classic wines for women that are always in style. Offering a merlot, chardonnay and pinot grigio, Little Black Dress wines are a fun choice for any occasion. “Traditional Italian” meets “Italian with a twist” and the results are “molto bene!” –ZAGAT 2005 Tapeña Inspired by the energy of the lively tapas bars throughout Spain, the Ferrer family introduces a fresh, fruit-forward style of Spanish wine called Tapeña. Available in two tempting varieties, Tempranillo and Garnacha, these distinctive food-friendly wines are turning heads. spirited trend With Starbucks seemingly on every corner, it makes sense that the hottest flavor in cocktails is coffee Patron XO Café Those who think of tequila as an ingredient in tropical cocktails will be pleasantly surprised by the extraordinarily smooth and sophisticated taste of XO Café. A remarkable blend of ultrapremium tequila and the pure, natural essence of the finest coffee makes this one of the most divine libations around. Excellent for sipping and as an ingredient in a cocktail, such as the Buttery Twist shown here, it is also a unique and delicious dessert topping. SOUPS IN THE CELLAR $10 November Sundays 1-5 pm CELTIC CHRISTMAS - FREE December weekends 1-5 pm Private Wine Labels Baltimore County, 12820 Long Green Pike Hydes, MD 21082 Boordy.com 410-592-5015 20 • holiday happy hour Van Gogh Espresso Vodka of Little The bold, true taste of espresso in Van Gogh Espresso Vodka gives “after-dinner drink” a whole new meaning. Whether savored in a martini or served on the rocks, this naturally infused vodka is a must for coffee lovers and vodka connoisseurs alike. For true caffeine junkies, Van Gogh offers Double Espresso-Double Caffeine, the only FDA-approved vodka on the market with 35% alcohol and 10 mg. of caffeine to keep you going. Italy 1012 Eastern Avenue • Baltimore 21202 410.783.9209 • www.lascaladining.com On- and off-site catering available. Ask about our private party room. marketing supplement c e l e b r a t i n g o u r 1 0 t h a n n i v e r s a ry w w w. s o t t o s o p r a . u s A SA M P L I N G O F O U R FA L L M E N U CA R PA C C I O di M A N ZO Thinly sliced lemon-cured beef served with celery, shaved parmesan cheese and lemon-truffle oil dressing RA V I O L I dell’ A M O R E Homemade spinach and ricotta ravioli sauteed in butter and sage served with a pesto-sun dried tomato sauce Intriguing. Innovative. Inspiring. L I N G U I N E al M A R E Linguine pasta with shrimp, mussels, clams and calamari served in a fresh tomato sauce Italian Cuisine so authentic you’ll walk out speaking with an accent. P M E S S I CA N I di V I T E L L O alle O L I V E Rolled veal stuffed with spinach, fontina and kalamata olive paste served with sweet potato cake and olivata sauce TO N N O alla G R I G L I A Grilled filet of tuna with paprika, eggplant caponata, basil aioli and polenta fries A taste of Italy is now also in downtown Baltimore. From renown Chef Riccardo Bosio, Owner and Executive Chef of Baltimore’s acclaimed restaurant, Sotto Sopra, comes Sotto Caffé, a new casual and contemporary café full of authentic Italian pastries, aromatic espressos, gourmet paninis and healthful salads. All made fresh daily. catering & business delivery available. Voted 2006’s “BEST ITALIAN” Baltimore Magazine Available for Catering & Special Events. Location in Mt. Vernon at: 405 north charles street baltimore, md 21201 • 410.625.0534 • www.SottoSopra.us 100 east pratt st. 410.332.1010 www.sottocaffe.com Seasons’ eatings When it comes to party fare, take a cue from some of the hottest restaurants in town and serve up American comfort classics with a gourmet twist Appetizer plates: Rosanna “Red Velvet” plates; Greetings & Readings, Hunt Valley (410) 771-3022; Frederick Basket Company, Frederick (301) 696-9345. Flower arrangement: Flowers & Fancies, Owings Mills (877) 653-0600. Oblong platter: Kate Spade St. Kitts collection oblong sandwich tray; Creative Specialties, Baltimore (410) 484-2900. Ornaments: Anokha mirror balls and sequin poinsettias; The Store Ltd., Baltimore (410) 323-2350. Pedestals: Rosanna “Rococo Noir” pedestals in small, medium and large; Greetings & Readings; Frederick Basket Company. Stemware: Michael Weems Elise Venice collection martini glass and champagne flute in ruby; Creative Specialties; Mt. Washington Wine Company, Baltimore (410) 435-7410. Tumblers: Nachtmann Skin collection tumblers in ruby; Smyth Jewelers, Timonium (410) 252-6666. marketing supplement *continued on page 90 holiday happy hour • 25 *continued from page 89 Lobster Corndogs ¯ Towson from VIN, Cornmeal-battered lobster with spicy house mustard Lamb Mini Burgers from Red Maple, Baltimore Miniature lamb burgers served with pickled onions and saffron aioli on a curried dill roll Miniature Sliders ¯ Towson from VIN, Three kinds of mini sandwiches including braised short ribs with tomato confit, rare tuna with petite salad and hamburger with avocado Mini Bison Burgers from Sascha’s 527 Café, Baltimore Tiny bison burgers on house-baked rolls with Moroccan BBQ sauce, served with homemade tortilla chips Mac and Cheese from Brass Elephant, Baltimore Orecchiette pasta with white truffle oil, white cheddar, fontina and gruyere cheeses. Log onto baltimorestyle.com for complete recipe. Lobster Mashed Potatoes from Christopher Daniel, Timonium Savory mashed potatoes made with real lobster and served in martini glasses Eggplant Meatballs from La Scala, Baltimore Vegetarian meatballs served with a light pomodoro sauce and fresh basil Crab in a Blanket From La Scala, Baltimore Colossal crab meat wrapped in phyllo dough, baked in the oven and served with light tomato cream sauce Miniature Chicken Pot Pie from Helen’s Garden, Baltimore American comfort classic dressed up for the holidays Polenta Fries from Sotto Sopra, Baltimore Fried cornmeal served with basil aioli Rosemary Garlic Fries from Brewer’s Art, Baltimore Thin-cut fries from the whole potato, tossed with garlic and rosemary and served with a side of mayonnaise Bacon Straws from Sascha’s 527 Café, Baltimore Bread sticks rolled in bacon with sweet and hot spices 26 • holiday happy hour marketing supplement holiday happy hour • 27 s U-Line’s Wine Captain holds up to 48 bottles of wine, all at the right temperature Bosch’s 18” Dishwasher: Ends the problem of s s never having clean glasses U-Line’s Icemaker: Taking ice beyond necessity to a luxury U-Line’s Beverage Center Lower Level Bar s Lisa’s ten important details in planning a bar when your guests arrive 2. Decorative details to accent your personal style THE DETAILS... Cabinet Line: Decora Cabinets Door Style: Galleria Wood Species: Cherry Finish: Arlington Expresso Granite: Tan Brown Countertop Edge: Half Bullnoze A full-size refrigerator Lisa Altman from Viking makes party platter 10 years experience storage a snap s s Viking’s Warming Drawer lets you be prepared 1. Spacious seating 3. Open/glass-front cabinets for displaying glassware and dishes of food and beverages s Jerry Foster’s allows you to store a variety 4. Undercounter appliances with custom wood panels 5. Multi-level counters to separate seating from prep area 6. Sink with gooseneck type faucet 7. Interior cabinet accessories for organization 8. Lighting for ambience 9. Work triangle 10. Solid surface countertop DESIGN HOUSE KITCHENS Family owned and operated since 1918. 8220 Wellmoor Court, Savage, MD 20763 800-827-0001 14101 H. Parke Long Court, Chantilly, VA 20151 703-263-2700 NEW LOCATION! Regal Designs 29466 Pintail Drive, Suite 13, Easton, MD 21601 410-820-0500 designhousekitchens.com Sweet endings 2 1 Every holiday gathering needs an ample array of sinfully decadent desserts. This divine display of treats from local restaurants and bakeries is guaranteed to satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth. 3 Dear Ketel One Drinker The perfect holiday cocktail: Ketel One and ice. (Ice optional.) 4 9 8 5 7 1 Marc de Champagne Truffles from Glarus Chocolatier, Timonium Distinct champagne-based center accented by a strong, Swiss dark chocolate and rolled in confectioner’s sugar 5 S’mores ¯ Towson from VIN, Homemade marshmallows and graham crackers combined with decadent chocolate 6 Pomegranate Cheesecake 2 Fruit Tart from Eddie’s of Roland Park, Baltimore A cookie crust filled with rich egg custard and topped with glazed seasonal fresh fruit from Red Maple, Baltimore An individual cheesecake with a chocolate-covered pretzel crust and zinfandel-chocolate drizzle 7 “Paco’s” White Chocolate 3 White Chocolate Cheesecake Lollipops from Chef’s Expressions, Baltimore Miniature white chocolate cheesecake lollipops coated with white chocolate ganache and toasted pecans Banana Bread Pudding from Nasu Blanca, Baltimore Homemade white chocolate banana bread pudding served with boozy caramel and Chantilly cream 8 Bûche de Noël 4 Strawberries infused with Grand Marnier from Chef’s Expressions, Baltimore Caramelized long-stem strawberries injected with aged Grand Marnier 30 • holiday happy hour from Bonjour, Baltimore Traditional French Christmas dessert made with vanilla cake and filled with Grand Marnier cream 9 Chocolate Raspberry Delice from Eddie’s of Roland Park, Baltimore A flourless chocolate cake with fresh raspberry puree baked into the batter, glazed with chocolate ganache, topped with chocolate curls and fresh raspberries Candlesticks and ornaments: Anokha black ball candlesticks, mirror ball ornaments and sequin poinsettias; The Store Ltd., Baltimore (410) 323-2350. Dessert plates: Rosanna “Haute Holiday” plates; Greetings & Readings, Hunt Valley (410) 771-3022; Frederick Basket Company, Frederick (301) 696-9345. Flower arrangement: Flowers & Fancies, Owings Mills (877) 653-0600. Large martini glass: Gorgeous Designs oversized martini glass in red; Nouveau Contemporary Goods, Baltimore (410) 962-8248, (410) 342-7666. M&M’s: Candy-coated chocolate candies available in 22 colors; mymms.com. Oval platter: J. Willfred 18” Midnight platter by artist Leslie Sattler; Creative Specialties, Baltimore (410) 484-2900. Stemware: Michael Weems Elise cordial set in ruby; Creative Specialties; Mt. Washington Wine Company, Baltimore (410) 435-7410. marketing supplement Ketel One Vodka distilled from wheat. ©2006 Imported by Nolet Spirits U.S.A., Aliso Viejo, CA. All rights reserved. 40% ALC/VOL. www.KetelOne.com 6 1 Kahlúa Eggnog 2 oz. Kahlúa 2 oz. Stoli Elit vodka Prepared eggnog Mix together and pour over ice. Baccarat Vega clear martini glass, available at Creative Specialties, Baltimore (410) 484-2900. 2 Gingerbread Man Martini 1 1⁄2 oz. Reyka vodka 1 oz. Frangelico 2 oz. Baileys Irish Cream Sprinkle of nutmeg for garnish Shake together with ice and pour into chilled martini glass. Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg. Stripe martini glass (part of 7-piece martini set), available at Creative Specialties. 3 Liquiddesserts Sweets lovers are sure to swoon over these decadent drinks inspired by some of the season’s most popular treats 1 2 Deck the Halls ⁄ shot crème de menthe ⁄ shot grenadine 1 ⁄3 shot Baileys Irish Cream 1 3 6W\OH HOHJDQFH FUHDWLYLW\ IRU WKH PHPRUDEOH PRPHQWV RI \RXU OLIH )URP ZKLPVLFDO WR VRSKLVWLFDWHG ZH ZLOO KDQGOH \RXU HYHQW IURP VWDUW WR ILQLVK )ODZOHVVO\ 1 3 Shawnn Harman-Bittorie Layer together in a shot glass. 4 410-795-5448 www.letshaveanaffair.org White Blizzard Chocolate Martini 4 oz. Stoli Vanil vodka 1 oz. white crème de cacao 2 oz. Godiva white chocolate liqueur 1 tsp. coconut flakes 3 Add vodka to a shaker half full of crushed ice. Shake vigorously. Add Godiva white chocolate liqueur and crème de cacao. Swirl the shaker for a full minute and then let it sit for a minute. Strain into freezing martini glass. Sprinkle with coconut flakes and stir. Same Day Delivery Vera Wang Challis martini glass, available at Creative Specialties. 5 4 Serving Baltimore and Surrounding Counties, DC, Suburban Maryland and Frederick Pecan Pie Martini 1 tsp. pecan extract 1 tsp. brown sugar 1 oz. brandy 3 oz. Chopin vodka Sugared pecan for garnish Add pecan extract, brown sugar and brandy to an empty cocktail shaker and let stand for 2 minutes. Stir until well mixed (sugar should be dissolved). Add enough crushed ice to half fill the shaker and add the vodka. Shake and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with sugared pecan. 443-286-1491 [email protected] 6 5 Since 1971 St. Louis-Cristal Verre No.3 Diablo martini glass, available at Creative Specialties. 6 11404 Cronridge Drive Owings Mills, MD 21117 410.653.0600 • 800.654.0600 www.flowersandfancies.com Holiday Cheer ⁄ shot eggnog ⁄ shot peppermint schnapps Peppermint stick for garnish 1 2 1 2 Order Online Anytime Layer together in a shot glass. Garnish with a peppermint stick. 32 • holiday happy hour marketing supplement holiday happy hour • 33 a t h C e n d o r a e l l c S a t r reet. i m A The BSO Holiday Spectacular is back. And even more spectacular. It was the talk of Baltimore last year, with near sell-out audiences at every performance. This year, our Holiday Spectacular returns with nine magical shows filled with music, dancing — and joy. The entire Meyerhoff Symphony Hall will be transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland. Featuring the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Jack Everly, and: • Hosted by acclaimed, award-winning vocalist Sandi Patty • More than 100 singers, dancers and entertainers in lavish costume Dec 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23 * HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR † † * † *† Tickets are going fast! • An amazing comedic performance by The Piano Juggler, as seen on The Tonight Show • The now-legendary Tap Dancing Santas *† 410.783.8000 baltimoresymphony.org Groups of 15+ call 410.783.8170 Gift certificates available! Spectacular, indeed. * 7:30 pm show † 2:00 pm show Sponsored by: