Dave Sherman is one of the most positive-minded people I know. He sees the good. And not in a rose-colored glasses way, in a real way that makes you understand how he got to that feeling of goodness. He thinks way beyond himself and he helps other people see the good in the world, too. I love that about him.
Because this is Baltimore, I knew two of Dave’s brothers before I met him at Cafe Cito back in the day. (RIP Cafe Cito on Chestnut.) And I had heard stories about his first place back back back in the day, Nasu Blanca. It was a restaurant in Locust Point that was simply ahead of its time and did not make it. I keep hoping Dave and Christian (Ciscle, longtime friend, chef and partner) would team up for something new in Baltimore now. But, damn, the restaurant business is HARD and well, let’s just be thankful for the wonderful Catalog Coffee. You may still miss his first coffee spot Ground & Griddled, but Catalog is super fun, the vibe is bright and vibrant, the people are really nice and the coffee and food are both fantastic.
I hope you enjoy Dave’s answers to the 13 Baker’s Dozen questions. If you can, Google “Jerry Seinfeld coffee quote” to get an extended version to one of Dave’s fab answers. I learned a few new things about Dave here and I hope you will, too.
Cake or pie? And, what kind?
Pie. My Mothers Derby Pie every time. It’s like a giant chocolate chip cookie pie with walnuts and her fresh whipped cream. Nothing better to touch that sweet tooth.
Your most prized possession?
A watch and letter my Dad gave me when I was in high school. He came to see me as a lead in the school play and the next day gave me the letter and the watch. I’ll give this to my son along with my own letter.
What’s your favorite thing to order out at restaurants?
Shared dishes, so mostly small plates and apps I love Tapas-style dining. Lots of small plates that we can share and anything that really hits, we can double or triple up on.
What’s your favorite thing to cook at home?
I don’t cook at home much anymore. My wife Vanessa is an amazing chef and does all the cooking at home. I do still enjoy getting busy on the Big Green Egg with goodies from John Brown Butchery.
What is your morning beverage and how do you take it?
I love drip coffee. Nothing better than that first sip. I like mine black. Jerry Seinfeld said “coffee is the most important part of a human’s life. It’s quite possible that our last thought will be, man, that coffee was good. Everything after my morning coffee was pretty much a pain in the ass. It’s the only thing in your life that’s 100% on your side every day of your life.”
What’s your personal motto?
Kaizen, baby. Let’s get a little bit better everyday. And leave it better than you found it.
What is your favorite holiday and why?
No brainer, Thanksgiving. I eat and watch football with my family all day and I don’t have to buy anyone a present. What could possibly be better than that?
Best advice you were ever given? And from whom?
I heard Kobe Bryant say “Everyone has a box”. (and everyone’s is different)
What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment?
Finding Vanessa and having our amazing kids.
The last text you sent?
Ravens text group, solving all the Ravens problems.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Sitting on a beach in Jamaica with my wife.
What do you love most about food?
The stories and how food triggers such tremendous memories.
Your favorite place in Baltimore?
Camden Yards with my entire family. Go Birds!!
Photos: DJ Impulse
Michele Tsucalas of Michele’s Granola
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