Saturday, July 30, 2011

Milan

Milan
1000 Eastern Ave
Baltimore, MD 21202
http://www.onemilan.com/

I decided to check out Milan for “Milan Mondays” to see exactly what “Food meets Fashion” entails. The contemporary upscale urban chic décor and extremely stylish clientele proved that they have the fashion part down to a tee. However, the food and service are sub-par at best. There are simply too many rules involved with dining at Milan. When I arrived at 8pm the place was half-full but very lively and for a brief second I thought I had lucked up and would get a seat on the patio. WRONG! The very friendly hostess informed me that reservations are required for patio and indoor seating with the exception of the sushi dinning area (second level was not offered). She went on to tell me that if I decided to sit in the sushi area I could only order dinner. Seeing as how I came to partake in the happy hour specials and environment, I decided to wait for something to become available at the bar. After about a 10min wait, I was seated at a table adjacent to the bar only to be informed by my waiter that I could only take advantage of the specials if I sat at the bar. Sooooo I took a couple of deep breaths, did a silent ten count, and asked for the drink menu ASAP!

My Strawberry Mojito, which only added insult to injury, tasted more like a gin and tonic with a splash of grenadine for color. I decided to have the Risotto Capasanta (Scallop and wild mushroom Risotto) for my entrée. The presentation was very nice and the scallops and risotto were well cooked however, the entire dish was under seasoned and the wild mushrooms gave the meal some kind of funky zesty after taste. After an extremely disappointing meal, I lost my usual social butterfly spirit and decided to call it a night. “Everything that glitters aint gold”, and while Milan might be the new place to be seen among the urban chic, it’s definitely not where the party’s at.

Star Rating:

Parking: Limited Street and Valet ($10)

Price Range: $15-$35

Biggest Disappointment: Use of space and the food

Good for: Small groups (3 or less), imitate dinners, drinks with the girls or guys, and networking

Bad for: Large groups (4 or more), birthday parties ($25 cake cutting fee), and walk in dinning

Randomness: The prices on the menu are in Euros and Dollars. I’m not sure if this is to solidify the whole “upscale” experience but it seemed kind of pointless since they only accept American currency. What I like to call a “Who the hell cares” feature.

Suggestions for Management: Since the space is large enough to be upscale but still small enough to be intimate/personal, you may want to consider engaging your guests. I mean if the manager at TGI Friday’s can greet his/her customers then it would stand to reason that an upscale establishment can offer the same level of customer interaction.

GBLA's Annual Masquerade Ball

Attending charity events is absolutely one of my favorite things to do. Each November I look forward to the Greater Baltimore Leadership Association’s (GBLA) Annual Masquerade Ball. In addition to a tax right off, open bar, lush buffet and great music, you also get to support a noble cause.  The GBLA’s mission is to “Improve the quality of life for African-Americans and other minorities in Baltimore City and its surrounding counties.” The associations states, “it uses a five-pronged approach comprised of real world education, financial empowerment, political empowerment, public health, and professional development to assist minorities with developing the skills necessary to secure a successful future.” While the GBLA takes its mission very seriously, trust me when I say these folks sho know how to throw a party!!

This year’s ball will be held at the Hippodrome Theater on November 13th  and the dress code takes grown and sexy to the next level. No Nike boots or dress jeans for this party Boo Boo.  This is a black tie event that gives ladies a chance to play dress up and gentlemen a reason to break out their tailored suits and tuxedos.  Between you and me, ladies there are very few things sexier then a Black man in an expensive suit. For those of you who like to mix a little business with your partying, this event is full of influential individuals.  There is normally a cash prize for the best mask and the party goes till 2am.  So if your looking for an upscale affair were folks still know how to have a good time then this is where the party’s at.

Cost: Early Bird Tickets $65; $100 once special ends

Good for: Networking, Date Night, Dancing, Break from the normal party scene

Bad for: Drama of any sort!!!  

Tips for a great night:  Take full advantage of the buffet and open bar, bring plenty of business cards, an upbeat attitude and a smile!

GBUL and GBLA website: http://www.bul.org/  or http://www.gblaevents.com/main/aboutus.aspx

Luminous Restaurant & Bar

Luminous Restaurant & Bar
1110 Old Elkridge Landing Rd
Linthicum, MD 21090
http://www.luminousbaltimore.com/

If you’re looking for a change of venue that’s still close to home I suggest you check out Luminous Restaurant & Bar at the BWI Westin Hotel.  Westin Hotels are known for their lush accommodations and first class customer service, which is evident at Luminous.  The fully stocked bar/lounge has a contemporary décor and is usually manned by the DMVs “Best French Martini Maker” b.k.a. Trevor Ifill.  If Martinis and cocktail aren’t your thing, Trevor will suggest and/or create a drink that will give you that warm and fuzzy feeling you’ve been searching for.  Happy hour is Monday – Thursday from 5:30pm – 7:30pm and provides the perfect atmosphere for your networking skills to shine and make some great national, as well as international connections. In additional to fabulous cocktails and a sociable environment, the food is pretty damn good.  The sautéed muscles were excellent and the complementary freshly baked bread was just what the doctor ordered to fully appreciate the flavorful lemon garlic broth.  Just beyond the bar/lounge is the formal dinning area where architectural features such as high ceilings and bent-glass-windows give the room an open and inviting feeling.  There is also an outdoor seating area equipped with a fire pit and Tiki bar so that guest can take full advantage of days with good weather. Luminous certainly has the right amenities, service and atmosphere to be where the party’s at. 

Star Rating:

Parking:  Free

Price Range:  $12 - $25

Biggest Disappointment: Portion size

Good for: Drinks, networking, dinner, change of scenery, private parties (birthday, engagement, charity benefits etc.)

Bad for:  Dancing

Randomness: None

Suggestions for Management: None

Talara

Talara
615 President St
Baltimore, MD 21202
http://www.talarabaltimore.com/events.html

If you’re looking for a late night happy hour with a Latin twist, then your party’s at Talara!  Their Saturday night happy hour goes from 10pm till 1am and features $5 Mojitos and cocktails, $4 glasses of wine, $3 beers, and $5 tapas. Top that off with a colorful décor, amazing artwork, friendly staff and a vibrant atmosphere, and you have the perfect recipe for a drunken good time with friends and family. I must warn you however, the food menu is not for the faint at heart.  In addition to some of the more traditional Latin/Asian fusion inspired dishes like Paella and Shrimp Tempura, Talara also has a Seviche Bar, which is kinda like sushi but with a citrus flavor.  Talara keeps the party going during the week with $3 Mojitos for lunch and events such as Salsa night, Wine night, Seviche night, and Ladies night.  From food, to drinks to décor there is always something fun and exciting going on at Talara that will give you a break from the norm.

Star Rating:  3

Parking: Valet available for $8 per car, parking garage for $5 after business hours and metered street parking

Price Range: $10-$25

Biggest Disappointment:  Parking

Good for:  Drinks, birthday parties, company parties, mixers, dinner, dates

Bad for: Folks that don’t like eclectic food.

Randomness:  I was pleasantly surprised the beautiful works of art displayed throughout the restaurant.

Suggestions for management: Please keep 1800 fully stocked for my next visit.

The Attic at Select Lounge

Select Lounge 
415 N. Paca St.
Baltimore, MD 21201
http://www.selectlounge.com/

The Attic made it’s open mic début in Baltimore in December 2010 at Select Lounge. Yours truly was in the building to kill two birds with one stone by checking out one of Bmore’s newest hot spots and see what The Attic was all about.  It was evident when I walked through the door why people have been talking about Select. The venue accentuates it’s imitate and sexy atmosphere with beautiful hardwood floors, soothing orange lighting, plush leather seats and flat screen TVs.  I was pleasantly surprised with my initial impression of Select, that is until I tried to get a drink at the bar.

As I took my seat at granite top bar, I perused the drink menu and noticed it only included bottle prices for champagne and liquor but offered wine by the glass or bottle.  After being overlooked for roughly ten minutes, I asked the bartender for the cocktail menu and was informed they don’t have one.  I found it a bit odd for a lounge that doesn’t serve food not have a cocktail menu since, in the absence of food, cocktails should be their specialty.  Sometimes I think my assumptions will be the death of me.  At any rate, I decided to get a glass of Malbec and was told they don’t carry it. In my most non-annoyed voice I asked, “Then why is it listed on the drink menu” and pointed it out to the bartender who apparently had no clue what Malbec was or if it was something the lounge normally carries. I settled for a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon, much to my disappointment it was severed in a miniature my first wine starter glass.  At almost $10 a glass, I expected a full body wine glass. The best thing about the bar for me that night was the discovery of purse hooks.   At this point I was just ready for the show to begin.

The show started a little late but nothing too CPTish and was hosted by Beny Blaq and Komplex.  The duo proved to be extremely entertaining, as did the rest of the DC based talent that graced the mic.  DC was definitely in the house to represent and support their own.  DJ Lil Mic was also in the building and did his thing as usual. The feature for the evening was Archie The Messenger & Lyrical The Lyricist.  You never know if you will be enlightened, amused, or seduced when these two touch the mic but you will always be entertained and walk away with a greater appreciation for spoken word. The venue in combination with the stylish crowd, music and performances gave the event a very welcoming feel and I look forward to the next show.

For a listing of The Attic dates in Baltimore and DC and other upcoming events, please visit http://benyblaqentertainment.com/site/?page_id=6

Venue Rating: 3

Event Rating: 3 ½

Parking: Street and Valet

Price range: $10 and up

Biggest Disappointment: Wait at the bar. It literally took 20mins for the gentleman next to me to get served and the place was nowhere near capacity. 

Good Venue For: Private parties, mixers, happy hours, sporting events, drinks with friends, networking, open mics

Good Event For: Dates, singles, artists

Bad Venue For: Clubing, I was told maximum capacity is 500 but anything over 200 and your going to be packed in there like sardines.

Randomness:  No cocktail menu, junior wine glasses, and limited selection of wines

Suggestions for management: Please hire some experienced mixologists that know how to split the bar, interact with patrons, and help you develop a one of a kind drink menu.

Platinum Treasures

Platinum Treasures
Carl Malloy (aka Toy Guy)
Cell: 410.701.0230
Email: platinumtreasures@gmail.com
Page: www.facebook.com/toy.guy1

“Let’s talk about sex baby!” Well sex toys to be more specific.  If you’re looking for a way to spice up your life let toy consultant Carl Mallory (aka Toy Guy) guide you through the wonderful world of Platinum Treasures. Adult novelty stores can be overwhelming for new and seasoned shoppers.  Having your own personal consultant allows you to keep your “lady in the streets and a freak in the bed” status intact by bringing the store and much more to you.  Platinum Treasures is your exclusive connection to toy parties, lingerie, private pole dancing lessons, and some of the DMV’s hottest male and female exotic dancers.  Best of all, the world of Platinum Treasures is a “judgment free zone”. Carl is more then happy to answer your questions, address any concerns, demo products, offer suggestions, and exchange merchandise that is faulty or doesn’t live up to your expectations.

Customer Service Rating: 4 stars

Price: $12 and up

Perks: Convenience, privacy, and more often then not, he throws in the batteries!

Products: Everything from lubricants and B.O.Bs to games and lingerie.  If he doesn’t have it in stock he’ll order it for you. 

First Fridays at The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture

I decided to take in a little culture this past weekend at The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture.  They host a special after hours event the first Friday of every month and their new exhibit, “Material Girls”, peaked my curiosity and. This month’s feature was the On Kee Jazz Band.  If you’ve never been to the museum, it really is a lovely facility and a great venue for a party.  Though, I do wonder why a museum has so much open space. At any rate, I arrived around 7ish and made my way up the stunning glass banister staircase to the second level.  There I was greeted by a lite fare buffet of chicken, pasta and salad and a beverage station that offered red and white wines, beer and soft drinks.

The “Material Girls” exhibit showcases the work of eight female artists (Maya Freelon Asante, Chakaia Booker, Sonya Clark, Torkwase Dyson, Maren Hassinger, Martha Jackson Jarvis, Joyce J. Scott and Renee Stout) and is visual arts at its best.  Sculptures are constructed from a variety of conventional and non-conventional materials including rubber tires, combs, glass, hair, wood, and beads just to name a few.  My favorite piece was a scale size replication of a room in one artist’s house complete with hard wood floors, chairs, accessories, homage to past lovers, family photos and paintings.  There was even a journal on the coffee table.  Once I was done perusing the exhibit, I swung past the beverage station for a glass of wine and made my way to the second floor balcony for the jazz show.  The band livened the atmosphere with their timing, original melodies, classic pieces, and amazing saxophone player. I had never heard of the On Kee Jazz Band before Friday night, but I promise you I’ll never forget them. So if you’re looking to add a little culture, music and wine (my personal favorite) to your life, I suggest making the Lewis museum your destination of choice.   

The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture
830 E. Pratt StreetBaltimore, MD 21202
443-263-1800
http://www.africanamericanculture.org/


Parking: $6 with validation, scarce street parking

Cost: $20 (includes buffet and drinks)

Crowd: Predominantly African Americans 35 and over

Good for:  Dates, music and art lovers

Bad for: Dancing

Suggestions for management:  It would be nice to have a small space for dancing.  I understand that it’s a museum but music can be an interactive art form.

Clips of the Band:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kc4BlR2G7as

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYye0DIA1qM

10 Reasons Why the 1st Mariner is Crappy Venue

The announcement of the Kanye West Jay-Z -Watch The Throne tour got me thinking about how much I hate the 1st Mariner Area.  Here are my top 10 reasons why the 1st Mariner is crappy venue:

  1. Its old
  2. The seats are to small and the rows are to narrow
  3. The sound system needs a major upgrade
  4. It smells
  5. There is no jumbotron!!!!  
  6. There aren’t any restaurants inside the arena
  7. Its dirty
  8. The lighting sucks
  9. The food at the concession stands suck
  10.  Its always hot in there

Long story short I think I’ll catch the tour at the Verizon Center which, isn’t the best venue I’ve been to but it sure as hell kicks the 1st Mariner’s a**.  Please feel free to add your lowlights or highlights to the list.

Step into my Boudoir

Those of you that know me well know that I’m not really a girly girl but I’m always down for trying something new. So, when I got an invited to a Boudoir party by one of my girlfriends, I was all in. Even though I wasn’t 100% clear on exactly what a Boudoir party was.  Imagine my surprise when I realized we were going to be photographed in lingerie!  My friend explained that lingerie wasn’t mandatory but it was the theme for the evening.  My motto about theme parties is this, GO HARD OR GO HOME.  There was no way I was going to punk out on an opportunity to get my Victoria Secrets model on!

I arrived at the hotel suite around 7:30pm to a group of giggling ladies drinking mystery punch, which I quickly poured myself a cup of. As I looked over the appetizers, desserts, and endless bottles of liquor and wine, I thought it wise to get my smash on before I got in the makeup chair.  I knew that once I hit that chair all my normal party shenanigans would be halted until after my photo session.  I approached the chair with caution, explaining to the makeup artist that I was a virgin and asked her to take it easy on me. After a brief discussion about my outfits and some input from the ladies, she worked her creative magic and I arose from the chair looking ultra photo shoot fab.  It was time for me to make love to the camera.

I'm certain the photographer saw the hesitation on my face when she called me to the bedroom.  She asked if I had any special poses or if I'd like her to pose me.  The only pose I know is a hand on the hip with a kool-aid smile, so I gladly accepted her assistance. After the first set of shots and some small talk, I began to relax.  By the time we got to my second outfit, I was completely comfortable.  At the end of the session, I thanked her for her help and rejoined the rest of the ladies for some food and drinking games.  Even though I normally shy away from super girly parties, I truly enjoyed getting in touch with my inner vixen. So much so that I’m seriously considering hosting my own party for my friends. Thanks to the miracle of Photoshop, this is something that women of all shapes and sizes can participate in with the sex appeal and confidence of a runway model. 


Party Tips:
  1. Invite open-minded women.  Everything isn’t for everyone and this maybe too much for some folks.
  2. Keep it a ladies only party, at least until everyone has finished their photo session.
  3. Appetizers, drinks and games are a must. You need to keep your friends entertained between sessions.
  4. Jello shots are always a good idea. They are perfect for drinking games and they don’t intimidate light drinkers.
  5. Don’t be afraid to take your party to the next level. Exotic dancers, pole dancing lessons, or even adult toys can bring an interesting twist to your party.  This is perfect for a Bad Girls Night Out, bachelorette party, or birthday party you’re only limited by your imagination and your budget.

Recommended Vendors (You can find them on Facebook) :
  1. Sherria Lovelace – Party planner and small group caterer  
  2. Von Kutekakes – Cake decorator
  3. KLK Creations – Cake decorator
  4. Toy Guy – Adult entertainment and toys
  5. Glamorous Diva Photography-  Professional Photographer
  6. Deneen Mitchell- Makeup Artist 
  7. Ericka Cherrie- Hair Stylist