Chefs

Years ago, in the land before social media (gasp!) there was a small group of women who either owned and ran a local food businesses here in Baltimore. This was about 2012 or 2013 and I think the group was called á La Carte. I was a member, along with about 10 others and we …

Before I tell you about Brian Lavin and Sam White, I have a question. Did you ever go to Gnocco in Highlandtown during their three-year run a few years back? If you did, you probably remember being wowed by the food and drinks and the warm, intimate feel. I was very sad when it closed, …

I remember when I first met husband and wife team Liz and Kevin Irish, it was at their original location of The Local Fry in Federal Hill. I was coming in to take some photos for a piece I was writing about them. I was super excited – I thought, wings and fries? – please …

Binda Singh is the epitome of hospitality. The impeccable suits, the astonishing memory, the professional yet warm and relaxed way he treats his guests at Ananda. And, yes, I usually focus my local writing on people and places within (roughly) Baltimore City limits, but for Binda, I will break the “rules”. He is so good …

When I first heard about Cafe Campli, it was from my friend Lane Harlan. She had met Sam and Paul Mincarelli when they were both working at a restaurant together here in Baltimore. She said I had to meet them because they were doing something very special and she knew I would love it. And, …

I first met Brendan Dorr and Eric Fooy at the bar at B&O Brasserie at Hotel Monaco in downtown Baltimore. At the time (circa 2013), I ran a local food and beverage Instagram and I had enough followers that I would be invited for “media dinners” and other events every once in a while where …

I met Damian Mosley many years ago. I immediately liked him. He’s quietly confident, very thoughtful and works really, really hard. You may know Blacksauce from area farmers markets or maybe you go to their storefront in Remington – or both. The storefront is fairly new, and as you may know, they had a major …

When I started this series, I knew I wanted to include folks I do not know well personally. People whose work, products or ethos I admire. When I first met Nicole Foster of Cajou Creamery, I was struck by her warmth and kindness. And then I had her vegan ice cream and was smitten. (The …