Friday, October 27, 2017
Samhain Blessings
Thursday, October 26, 2017
I was contacted via Witch's Voice from a local radio station in Havre de Grace with an invite to appear on the morning show on Tuesday Halloween morning. Since I am unable to be there myself, I thought of the best person to represent our community - Amy Blackthorn. She has graciously accepted and I could not be more happier and excited. This is a great opportunity for someone whose work and achievements I greatly admire, to answer questions, probably take a bit of ribbing...l...ol....but more importantly, to present our community in an amazing way. She is the owner of her own tea line, as well as now being a full-time author whose first big work is expected to become available in 2018. I am so excited and I encourage everyone to tune in------->
justin@smashhits.fm
Oct 25 at 6:59 PM
justin@smashhits.fm
Oct 25 at 6:59 PM
ToRavyne
Hey Ravyne,
Just wanted to say thanks! I'm in contact with Amy now.
When the interview is on, you can listen live by streaming it online at our website which is, www.smashhits.fm
If people are in the Bel Air area, they can tune in to 107.5 FM, Havre de Grace area is best heard on 104.7 FM, and Elkton area is best heard on 100.5 FM.
We also have our AM station which is 1330 AM.
Thanks again,
Justin
Justin Mallow
Morning Show Host
Operations Manager
SMASH HITS WHGM
331 N. Union Ave.
Havre de Grace, MD 21078
410-939-9446
justin@smashhits.fm
Hey Ravyne,
Just wanted to say thanks! I'm in contact with Amy now.
When the interview is on, you can listen live by streaming it online at our website which is, www.smashhits.fm
If people are in the Bel Air area, they can tune in to 107.5 FM, Havre de Grace area is best heard on 104.7 FM, and Elkton area is best heard on 100.5 FM.
We also have our AM station which is 1330 AM.
Thanks again,
Justin
Justin Mallow
Morning Show Host
Operations Manager
SMASH HITS WHGM
331 N. Union Ave.
Havre de Grace, MD 21078
410-939-9446
justin@smashhits.fm
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
Samhain's Sirens: Witchy Wednesday: October 25, 2017
Samhain's Sirens: Witchy Wednesday: October 25, 2017: It's our last Wednesday with you, so we want to make the best of it. Let's get our Witch on, and have some fun! The Witches by Na...
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
Retro Roadside
If you love history and enjoy learning and/or visiting some really cool historical and retro places, try these sites. I have used them as reference for several years now and it is always kept updated. Enjoy!
http://www.kilduffs.com
http://www.kilduffs.org/
http://www.roadsideonline.com/roadcide/index.html
http://eccentricroadside.blogspot.com/
http://www.kilduffs.com
http://www.kilduffs.org/
http://www.roadsideonline.com/roadcide/index.html
http://eccentricroadside.blogspot.com/
A favorite neighborhood dive
A fave place when I worked in West Baltimore was a little place called Charlie and Dee's Carryout on Bush Street. OR, as we called it "Chuck & Di's"....lol! : )
Back in the day, about 18 years or so, this was THE place for a quick breakfast on the way to work or a quick lunch during a quick lunch hour for me and many of the industrial area's workers.
I had an occasion last week to be in the area before they closed and decided to revisit it for one of my most favorites lunches - chicken salad and ice tea.
Their chicken salad is practically famous, and it is always fresh and always great tasting. The same for their ice tea - they make a sweet and unsweetened version in a big gallon jug that is kept in one of the coolers. Customers serve themselves - get a cup, scoop some ice and pour from one of the jugs. (They also have lemonade)If you want a slice of fresh lemon, hand the cup top to the owner and he will bring you back a slice from the kitchen.
The sub was exactly as it always was - on a H & S roll, packed full with fresh lettuce and tomato....so good. And so very cheap - about $5.69. The large tea is cheap as well....the total tab was about $7 and some change.
I have gotten used to good breads and rolls at pricier "gourmet" places, so the H & S roll was a throwback to my early days when I did not know any better, but the chicken salad would have tasted just as good on a rice cake....the bread is always just secondary to the chicken salad here.
The homemade tea, as usual, was stellar.
So, for quick, tasty and cheap eats on the run and you happen to be near this beloved dive, stop in and enjoy the food...just try not to think too much about the surroundings...lol!
Back in the day, about 18 years or so, this was THE place for a quick breakfast on the way to work or a quick lunch during a quick lunch hour for me and many of the industrial area's workers.
I had an occasion last week to be in the area before they closed and decided to revisit it for one of my most favorites lunches - chicken salad and ice tea.
Their chicken salad is practically famous, and it is always fresh and always great tasting. The same for their ice tea - they make a sweet and unsweetened version in a big gallon jug that is kept in one of the coolers. Customers serve themselves - get a cup, scoop some ice and pour from one of the jugs. (They also have lemonade)If you want a slice of fresh lemon, hand the cup top to the owner and he will bring you back a slice from the kitchen.
The sub was exactly as it always was - on a H & S roll, packed full with fresh lettuce and tomato....so good. And so very cheap - about $5.69. The large tea is cheap as well....the total tab was about $7 and some change.
I have gotten used to good breads and rolls at pricier "gourmet" places, so the H & S roll was a throwback to my early days when I did not know any better, but the chicken salad would have tasted just as good on a rice cake....the bread is always just secondary to the chicken salad here.
The homemade tea, as usual, was stellar.
So, for quick, tasty and cheap eats on the run and you happen to be near this beloved dive, stop in and enjoy the food...just try not to think too much about the surroundings...lol!
Charlie & Dee's Restaurant
Pigtown/Washington VillageYule 2016
As usual, my quirkiness in holiday decorations was evident in this past year's Yule/Christmas holidays. This particular "tree" is always here, so I decided to add purple lights and a few new decorations for the holidays! 
No tree is complete without a snowy owl resting in it's branches.
I've had the fairy ice block light for a while, but a friends crafted a new block light for me with a Christmas witchy boot!
The most gorgeous wreath I have ever seen hangs proudly on my front door - after having a real wreath this year, I will probably never go back to the fake ones!
Raven ventures.....
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
The Celtic Harvest Festival - Lughnasadh
The Celtic harvest festival on August 1st takes its name from the Irish god Lugh, one of the chief gods of the Tuatha De Danann, giving us Lughnasadh in Ireland, Lunasdál in Scotland, and Laa Luanys in the Isle of Man. (In Wales, this time is known simply as Gwl Awst, the August Feast.) Lugh dedicated this festival to his foster-mother, Tailtiu, the last queen of the Fir Bolg, who died from exhaustion after clearing a great forest so that the land could be cultivated. When the men of Ireland gathered at her death-bed, she told them to hold funeral games in her honor. As long as they were held, she prophesied Ireland would not be without song. Tailtiu's name is from Old Celtic Talantiu, "The Great One of the Earth," suggesting she may originally have been a personification of the land itself, like so many Irish goddesses. In fact, Lughnasadh has an older name, Brón Trogain, which refers to the painful labor of childbirth. For at this time of year, the earth gives birth to her first fruits so that her children might live. Tailtiu gives her name to Teltown in County Meath, where the festival was traditionally held in early Ireland. It evolved into a great tribal assembly, attended by the High King, where legal agreements were made, political problems discussed, and huge sporting contests were held on the scale of an early Olympic Games. Artists and entertainers displayed their talents, traders came from far and wide to sell food, farm animals, fine crafts and clothing, and there was much storytelling, music, and high-spirited revelry, according to a medieval eye-witness account:" Trumpets, harps, hollow-throated horns, pipers, timpanists, unwearied…fiddlers, gleemen, bone-players and bag-pipers, a rude crowd, noisy, profane, roaring and shouting. "This was also an occasion for hand fasting, or trial marriages. Young men and women lined up on either side of a wooden gate in a high wall, in which a hole was carved, large enough for a hand. One by one, girl and boy would grasp a hand in the hole, without being able to see who was on the other side. They were now married, and could live together for year and day to see if it worked out. If not, the couple returned to next year's gathering and officially separated by standing back to back and walking away from each other. Throughout the centuries, the grandeur of Teltown dwindled away, but all over Ireland, right up to the middle of this century, country-people have celebrated the harvest at revels, wakes, and fairs – and some still continue today in the liveliest manner. It was usually celebrated on the nearest Sunday to August 1st, so that a whole day could be set aside from work. In later times, the festival of Lughnasadh was christianized as Lammas, from the Anglo-Saxon, half-mas, "Loaf-Mass," but in rural areas, it was often remembered as "Bilberry Sunday, " for this was the day to climb the nearest "Lughnasadh Hill" and gather the earth's freely-given gifts of the little black berries, which they might wear as special garlands or gather in baskets to take home for jam. As of old, people sang and danced jigs and reels to the music of melodeons, fiddles and flutes, and held uproarious sporting contests and races. In some places, a woman—or an effigy of one—was crowned with summer flowers and seated on a throne, with garlands strewn at her feet. Dancers whirled around her, touching her garlands or pulling off a ribbon for good luck. In this way, perhaps, the ancient goddess of the harvest was still remembered with honor.
.
MEXICAN CONFUSION
Is there a difference between "authentic mexican cuisine" and authentic mexican street food"?
Here is the thing - I saw an online menu for
"Los Portales" in Glen Burnie and it reads like a Chi Chi's menu from the 80's - from the ground beef (standard if not otherwise specified) and shredded beef (optional) to the fried ice cream. It turned me off a little and since I thoroughly enjoy the BLT's and fries from the Aviation Deli next door, I am still hesitant to enter a place that just seems....well...kinda "touristy" or maybe "cheesy" (no pun intended). Even though it is insanely crowded. I realize it is next to BWI airport - but, c'mon - authentic? I am remembering my horrible experience with the bland, watery gummy-cheese crap served to me and my friends in El Salto's - a place that is apparently all the rage and the "best" and most authentic...yada yada yada. I live minutes from this place and would never consider going there again.
In the meanwhile, I wander into the Mexican joint in the Shell station where I have been getting my car repaired for years (Russell and Mike - all-American and 25 million years experience - people are towed from miles away to have their work done - excellent!) BTW - the station is owned by Indian people (very nice) but their mechanics are apple-pie American and they rent space to a Mexican family that barely speaks English...lol... I love the whole melting-pottiness of it all - BUT especially the part about my mechanic speaking "perfect-honest-I-will-never-rip-you-off" English!
Anyhoo - I see authentic Mexican - something clicks and I can't resist exploring. So while Mike is busy coaxing my car to stop behaving badly I tried to peruse the menu - and wow! Totally different from the extravagent menu at Los Portales and it's sister Plaza Garabaldi. Tongue? yikes! Tripe soup? double yikes!! But - I did recognize a few things that reminded me of Fiesta Mexicana in Rosedale.
A limited menu with a variety of protein offerings, mexican cheese, fresh and handmade - in other words "authentic".
So - I am confused. To make matters worse, I was exploring Highlandtown today looking for a small house my aunt lived in centuries ago and I have fond memories as a child visiting and I cruised past a rather cool little place on a neat little corner called "Los Catroches"....or close to that...lol....and just when I thought I could not be more baffled - it said "a Spanish restaurant"....lol!
So - what exactly is "authentic" Mexican cuisine?
~Ravyne~
Here is the thing - I saw an online menu for
"Los Portales" in Glen Burnie and it reads like a Chi Chi's menu from the 80's - from the ground beef (standard if not otherwise specified) and shredded beef (optional) to the fried ice cream. It turned me off a little and since I thoroughly enjoy the BLT's and fries from the Aviation Deli next door, I am still hesitant to enter a place that just seems....well...kinda "touristy" or maybe "cheesy" (no pun intended). Even though it is insanely crowded. I realize it is next to BWI airport - but, c'mon - authentic? I am remembering my horrible experience with the bland, watery gummy-cheese crap served to me and my friends in El Salto's - a place that is apparently all the rage and the "best" and most authentic...yada yada yada. I live minutes from this place and would never consider going there again.
In the meanwhile, I wander into the Mexican joint in the Shell station where I have been getting my car repaired for years (Russell and Mike - all-American and 25 million years experience - people are towed from miles away to have their work done - excellent!) BTW - the station is owned by Indian people (very nice) but their mechanics are apple-pie American and they rent space to a Mexican family that barely speaks English...lol... I love the whole melting-pottiness of it all - BUT especially the part about my mechanic speaking "perfect-honest-I-will-never-rip-you-off" English!
Anyhoo - I see authentic Mexican - something clicks and I can't resist exploring. So while Mike is busy coaxing my car to stop behaving badly I tried to peruse the menu - and wow! Totally different from the extravagent menu at Los Portales and it's sister Plaza Garabaldi. Tongue? yikes! Tripe soup? double yikes!! But - I did recognize a few things that reminded me of Fiesta Mexicana in Rosedale.
A limited menu with a variety of protein offerings, mexican cheese, fresh and handmade - in other words "authentic".
So - I am confused. To make matters worse, I was exploring Highlandtown today looking for a small house my aunt lived in centuries ago and I have fond memories as a child visiting and I cruised past a rather cool little place on a neat little corner called "Los Catroches"....or close to that...lol....and just when I thought I could not be more baffled - it said "a Spanish restaurant"....lol!
So - what exactly is "authentic" Mexican cuisine?
~Ravyne~
Roseloe Motel - Country Comfort
There aren't any bad things I can really say about this low-key locally-managed 50's style motel. There is actually a resident manager on premises and this lovely lady's name is Thelma Curtis. She will instantly remind you of a favorite aunt, or concerned grandma - she embodies all that is good about home-style comfort.
The home-like comfort description is very fitting - the room I stayed in was number 26 also known as the “Sam Snead” room. Indeed, his pictures adorned the walls painted a serene and calming washed-out blue. The room was exactly as I expected - a little faded and a little worn around the edges, but in that home-y comfortable sort of way that will instantly steal your heart. There are no fancy bells and whistles, but what you will find is an extraordinary understanding of a weary traveler and her needs. There were a few amenities included in the very budget-friendly price that were immediately appreciated. FREE basic cable with HBO on a 27” TV, plus all the things you would want away from home - coffee maker, fridge, microwave, phone (Free local calls).
There were thoughtful conveniences like real paper towels on a holder along with a cooking guide for the microwave. The motel binder included not only the menus of all the area's eateries and a channel listing, but the names and phone numbers of the area's B & B's including the insanely expensive Homestead. I appreciate any place that includes listings of their competitors! I found that interesting and extremely endearing, considering that this little modest motel can be easily missed because of the popularity and historic status of the hulking Homestead and the enchanting web sites of the area B & B's offering idyllic stays in their gorgeous Victorians.
The bathroom was impeccably clean, as was the sink vanity area that was separate from the tub and toilet which is very convenient when there is more than one guest. Who wants to put on their makeup over a toilet in a steamy bathroom?
This is a great place to stay if you wish to enjoy the magnificent natural springs at Jefferson Pools and/or hike and relax in the many varied natural areas nearby. You can spend an entire day at Lake Moomaw or the Goshen Pass gorge area or enjoy a leisurely and scenic drive up Route 220 towards Monterey in Highland County - a gorgeous mountainous area and quaint little town known as Virginia's “Little Switzerland”.
http://discoverbath.com/what-to-do/spas/
http://www.highlandcounty.org/
https://www.virginia.org/listings/outdoorsandsports/lakemoomawandgathrightdam/
http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural-heritage/natural-area-preserves/goshen
For the most affordable dining experience, check out the Country Café. They offer breakfast, lunch and dinner. Their homemade pies are amazing.
https://www.facebook.com/countrycaferestaurant1994/
The area B & B's do offer fabulous stays but if you appreciate the privacy of your own room and convenient parking right outside your doorstep and cannot, or like me, will not pay the exorbitant prices at The Homestead, this charming little motel will fit the bill.
This motel is truly a throwback - there are no internet reservations or confirmation numbers - just call and advise Mrs. Curtis when you want to visit. Almost like visiting Grandma's house!
540-839-5373
Rt 1 Box 590
Hot Springs, VA 24445
http://www.roseloe.netfirms.com
https://www.facebook.com/RoseLoe-Motel-747608861941016/
~Ravyne~
The home-like comfort description is very fitting - the room I stayed in was number 26 also known as the “Sam Snead” room. Indeed, his pictures adorned the walls painted a serene and calming washed-out blue. The room was exactly as I expected - a little faded and a little worn around the edges, but in that home-y comfortable sort of way that will instantly steal your heart. There are no fancy bells and whistles, but what you will find is an extraordinary understanding of a weary traveler and her needs. There were a few amenities included in the very budget-friendly price that were immediately appreciated. FREE basic cable with HBO on a 27” TV, plus all the things you would want away from home - coffee maker, fridge, microwave, phone (Free local calls).
There were thoughtful conveniences like real paper towels on a holder along with a cooking guide for the microwave. The motel binder included not only the menus of all the area's eateries and a channel listing, but the names and phone numbers of the area's B & B's including the insanely expensive Homestead. I appreciate any place that includes listings of their competitors! I found that interesting and extremely endearing, considering that this little modest motel can be easily missed because of the popularity and historic status of the hulking Homestead and the enchanting web sites of the area B & B's offering idyllic stays in their gorgeous Victorians.
The bathroom was impeccably clean, as was the sink vanity area that was separate from the tub and toilet which is very convenient when there is more than one guest. Who wants to put on their makeup over a toilet in a steamy bathroom?
This is a great place to stay if you wish to enjoy the magnificent natural springs at Jefferson Pools and/or hike and relax in the many varied natural areas nearby. You can spend an entire day at Lake Moomaw or the Goshen Pass gorge area or enjoy a leisurely and scenic drive up Route 220 towards Monterey in Highland County - a gorgeous mountainous area and quaint little town known as Virginia's “Little Switzerland”.
http://discoverbath.com/what-to-do/spas/
http://www.highlandcounty.org/
https://www.virginia.org/listings/outdoorsandsports/lakemoomawandgathrightdam/
http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural-heritage/natural-area-preserves/goshen
For the most affordable dining experience, check out the Country Café. They offer breakfast, lunch and dinner. Their homemade pies are amazing.
https://www.facebook.com/countrycaferestaurant1994/
The area B & B's do offer fabulous stays but if you appreciate the privacy of your own room and convenient parking right outside your doorstep and cannot, or like me, will not pay the exorbitant prices at The Homestead, this charming little motel will fit the bill.
This motel is truly a throwback - there are no internet reservations or confirmation numbers - just call and advise Mrs. Curtis when you want to visit. Almost like visiting Grandma's house!
540-839-5373
Rt 1 Box 590
Hot Springs, VA 24445
http://www.roseloe.netfirms.com
https://www.facebook.com/RoseLoe-Motel-747608861941016/
~Ravyne~
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Another great giveaway!
Check out this great giveaway from LuxChroma on the Mint Green with Envy blog--->
http://www.mintgreenwithenvy.com/2011/06/giveaway-luxchroma-fun-size-glowing.html?showComment=1308860823196#c3956608060860797959
http://www.mintgreenwithenvy.com/2011/06/giveaway-luxchroma-fun-size-glowing.html?showComment=1308860823196#c3956608060860797959
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Pissed on/Pissed off Former Democrat
I was sooooo pissed a few years ago that I switched my affiliation from Dem to Independent - yesterday I mailed in my papework to switch to....GASP! dare I say it - Republican!!!....yes...not all repubs are right wing extremists - just like all dems are not left wing bleeding liberals....there are many many many more like me who are somewhere between crazy and strict libertarians. See - I don't really give a rat's ass who someone marries and shrug....if it's for you, Pro-Choice is ok with me. Because I believe that government should not really delve into personal and private issues that in the BIG scheme of things - won't mean anything anyway when our country is going in the toilet. In other words, I don't believe that we should elect a leader based solely on such dividing and emotional issues such as these. We need to come together in the middle and focus on China, oil, economy, jobs and security - as in let's make a plan and do it - let's hunker down and find that one single little tiny teeny shred of commonality that we all possess - all million colors of us - we ALL possess it - and that is personal freedom. Isn't that what sets us apart - to be able to be pro-choice or not, to worship God or the Goddess, to live and breathe alongside each other no matter what the differences we may have? Isn't that what freedom is all about? Isn't that what our forefathers imagined - at the cost of many many indigenous peoples - who sacrificed their land and their lives to us so that we could live freely??? If not, what is the whole point - to cower under people in faraway lands who hate me just because I am American? When did being American become a bad and evil thing? I am proudly American, proudly Spiritual, proudly tax-paying and charitable to those who need it, seeking to become a part of the solution...and not to add to the problem. If I can encourage one person to think like this...and they can encourage 1 more person...and on and on and on...I live and let live. I respect all and any. I judge no one. I protect self and family and harm no one. No one - not even those who hate.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Seriously?
OK - I was a good little sheep and mailed back my census form on time. Now I am being contacted by them - my first thought - scam...and I deleted the message.
Anyway - today I decide to investigate - at any rate - there does appear to be a "survey" which asks for very personal information, being conducted.
They advise to call a number to verify if I am in a "survey".
Are they kidding? It's bad enough that I am monitored everytime I use the internet or a credit card, but do they think that I am actually going to physically and willingly volunteer this info??
Please.....I don't care if it IS legitimate - I am not going to participate.
If the government really really really needs to know how much I make and what I spend it on - then do the research and find out on your own.
I will be double-damned if I will allow anyone from the government to know anything about me by actually telling them!!!!!
I'm done with government. They are in my pockets, they try to get into my private bedroom, and now they want to get inside my head.
Piss off!
Anyway - today I decide to investigate - at any rate - there does appear to be a "survey" which asks for very personal information, being conducted.
They advise to call a number to verify if I am in a "survey".
Are they kidding? It's bad enough that I am monitored everytime I use the internet or a credit card, but do they think that I am actually going to physically and willingly volunteer this info??
Please.....I don't care if it IS legitimate - I am not going to participate.
If the government really really really needs to know how much I make and what I spend it on - then do the research and find out on your own.
I will be double-damned if I will allow anyone from the government to know anything about me by actually telling them!!!!!
I'm done with government. They are in my pockets, they try to get into my private bedroom, and now they want to get inside my head.
Piss off!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Bling, Bling!
A gorgeous African-American lady came into our office this morning - and she was so gracious and so beautifully accessorized that I could not help but comment and she gave me one of her brochures.
I was so impressed by her that I wanted to pass this on - here is her website, it shows a few examples of what is available----->
www.uhhweeaccessories.com
She is available for parties and events and there are also wholesale opportunities.
Let's support our local entrepreneurs!
I was so impressed by her that I wanted to pass this on - here is her website, it shows a few examples of what is available----->
www.uhhweeaccessories.com
She is available for parties and events and there are also wholesale opportunities.
Let's support our local entrepreneurs!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Cedar Light Grove Fundraiser
This message is from the Senior Druid, Crystal, from the Grove at Cedar Light Center on Edna Avenue in Baltimore, MD----->>>
Greetings all,
We have successfully launched our 50/50 raffle to support CedarLight
Grove, ADF. We've already started selling tickets, so if you would like
to participate, please stop by to purchase or visit our website:
http://www.cedarlightgrove.org/cedarlight-grove-holds-a-3-month-long-5050-raffle
to purchase via paypal. We will be sending fliers out to local shops
and such as well with more information.
Winner will receive half of the earnings from this raffle. If we raise
$1000, you will get $500, and so on. Please consider buying a ticket or
three and take a chance at support CedarLight as well as winning a nice
nest egg for yourself!
--
Donadagohvi,
Crystal Groves
Senior Druid of CedarLight Grove, ADF
Registrar for the Naturalists Guild, ADF
Web Helper forhttp://www.adf.org
http://www.cedarlightgrove.org
Find me around:
http://acousticdryad.livejournal.com
http://myspace.com/acousticdryad
http://www.facebook.com/crystalgroves
http://twitter.com/acousticdryad
http://a-place-by-the-fire-adf.ning.com/profile/CrystalGroves
Greetings all,
We have successfully launched our 50/50 raffle to support CedarLight
Grove, ADF. We've already started selling tickets, so if you would like
to participate, please stop by to purchase or visit our website:
http://www.cedarlightgrove.org/cedarlight-grove-holds-a-3-month-long-5050-raffle
to purchase via paypal. We will be sending fliers out to local shops
and such as well with more information.
Winner will receive half of the earnings from this raffle. If we raise
$1000, you will get $500, and so on. Please consider buying a ticket or
three and take a chance at support CedarLight as well as winning a nice
nest egg for yourself!
--
Donadagohvi,
Crystal Groves
Senior Druid of CedarLight Grove, ADF
Registrar for the Naturalists Guild, ADF
Web Helper forhttp://www.adf.org
http://www.cedarlightgrove.org
Find me around:
http://acousticdryad.livejournal.com
http://myspace.com/acousticdryad
http://www.facebook.com/crystalgroves
http://twitter.com/acousticdryad
http://a-place-by-the-fire-adf.ning.com/profile/CrystalGroves
Thursday, April 15, 2010
I wanted to love it.......
but I was surprisingly disappointed! On a particularly rainy, cold-ish day I was craving some warm comfort and thought I could get it from Atwater's in Belvedere Square. I have never been able to go there during lunch because it is always packed with other hungry office workers. So after work I cruised on up through the city and was able to find a parking spot.....surprise!.....and I was happy when I went though the doors and it was barely crowded, instead of the usual sardine-packed jam at the door.
Since I have never been inside, I decided to look around to see what my options were.....I found Sushi (big pass on that...yuk!)which appeared to be fresh and popular with the few patrons that were there. There is also a counter for Neopol Savory Smokery which features smoked delacacies---->
http://www.belvederesquare.com/index.cfm?page=market&id=23&pg=1
I eventually wandered back where there was a fresh fruit and veggie stand and I saw several people grabbing quarts of what looked like red orange juice. I discovered it was fresh-squeezed blood orange juice. I grabbed up one for myself and also decided to try some of the premium tomatoes on the counter - from Canada called "Kumato"...kinda strange looking brownish thing.....very shiny and pretty though. $8 for the juice and $5 for 5 smallish "Kumatos".
Since my time was limited, I glanced around and saw beautiful meats and any kind of candy you may want offered, but Atwater's was my destination and I really needed some comfortable hotness in my belly.
So back to where I started and I ordered their chicken noodle soup that the girl assured me was "very good". I also picked up a berry crostada which looked amazing under the glass. $6.95 for a "bowl" of soup and $3.95 for the dessert. A little pricey, but I was confident based on all the favorable reviews that it was worth it.
So I schlepped my goods all the way home and was anxious for some culinary comfort.
The soup was in a tiny container, and when I poured it into my soup bowl, it barely filled it at all.....still, I was looking forward to my first taste. Well, it was lukewarm and very bland...so I microwaved it for a few seconds and tasted it. It tasted as bland as it looked - dishwater-looking broth, a few long, stringy, hard-to use-the-spoon-with noodles and two pieces of chicken. It was sad....the most positive thing was it was loaded with what looked like fresh sliced mushrooms - I was grateful for that. I added a pinch of salt and some McCormick's "Hot Shot" (black and red pepper) and that lent at least some flavor to the soup.
There was little resemblance to the steaming chicken-y broth goodness that provided such comfort to me over the years - this broth appeared to be nothing but water - there was no hint of any chicken stock at all. The few pieces of chicken were large and tasty, but was really more of a "tease" than actual sustenance. It was supposed to have rosemary, thyme and sage, but I detected none of these flavors.
There was a tiny butt-end piece of bread included.....and it was quite hard. I soaked it in the broth as best as I could, so it was edible...and actually not too bad.
Maybe I got the bottom of the barrel with the soup because it was pretty sad and I can't believe this is the norm here for 7 bucks.
I was still hungry after the tiny bowl of soup and rock-hard bread, so I was anxious to dig into the crostada. Usually, I cannot eat dessert right after a meal, but I was really craving more food.
The crostada was good...a little stale...but good. Worth $4.00?....not really. But at least it satisfied some of my remaining hunger pangs. I thought of the less-pricey pastries at Xia Xia's, Panera or Fenwick Bakery and this did not compare.
So....for almost $12 I was left wanting. Wanting more food for sure. But also, wanting more of a "wow" factor....like, "OMG, how could I have not been here yet?" kinda moment...but instead, it is more like - OK, I did it and probably won't do it again. Cross Atwater's off my bucket list, for sure.
I have heard that some people are OK with the pricing because they use local products...however, I go to farmer's markets every week and I get huge baskets of tomatoes, potatoes, etc for very cheap. I would think that basic ingredients that go into a soup like chicken noodle would render at least a larger portion, let alone a better-tasting and veggie-laden soup. The prices are borderline offensive. While I was waiting for my soup, I heard another patron order a "whole" so I thought it was a sub-type deal. NOT! They actually sell sandwiches - about $5 bucks for a half and around $9 or $10 for a whole.
Are they kidding? If the bread was huge, I could understand it, but they were so tiny. The chicken salad which is raved about was very thinly spread between the bread. That sandwich was definitely not packing a punch.
So, be warned - you will not get much of a bang for your buck here, but I think the people who patronize this place are OK with it. For every person like me who can find other cheaper and tastier options, this place will be enjoyed by the individuals who like the ambiance and attraction of an "up-scale" market-type experience as well as tourists who don't know any better.
I happen to know too many other places that are more budget-friendly for me and I would be reluctant to travel out of my way again.
I am regretting that I did not skip Atwater's and buy the roasted chicken that was on sale for only $4.99 and a big container of some luscious looking tomato and dill salad that was being offered from one of the meat counters. For less than $10, I would have had a couple good meals.
Sigh.
The best thing I did get? Definitely the fresh orange juice and the high-priced Kumatos.....did not mind spending the money cause both of these were phenomenal.
So, while I would not go back to Atwater's I would go back for the juice!
http://www.atwaters.biz/todaysmenu_belvedere.php
Since I have never been inside, I decided to look around to see what my options were.....I found Sushi (big pass on that...yuk!)which appeared to be fresh and popular with the few patrons that were there. There is also a counter for Neopol Savory Smokery which features smoked delacacies---->
http://www.belvederesquare.com/index.cfm?page=market&id=23&pg=1
I eventually wandered back where there was a fresh fruit and veggie stand and I saw several people grabbing quarts of what looked like red orange juice. I discovered it was fresh-squeezed blood orange juice. I grabbed up one for myself and also decided to try some of the premium tomatoes on the counter - from Canada called "Kumato"...kinda strange looking brownish thing.....very shiny and pretty though. $8 for the juice and $5 for 5 smallish "Kumatos".
Since my time was limited, I glanced around and saw beautiful meats and any kind of candy you may want offered, but Atwater's was my destination and I really needed some comfortable hotness in my belly.
So back to where I started and I ordered their chicken noodle soup that the girl assured me was "very good". I also picked up a berry crostada which looked amazing under the glass. $6.95 for a "bowl" of soup and $3.95 for the dessert. A little pricey, but I was confident based on all the favorable reviews that it was worth it.
So I schlepped my goods all the way home and was anxious for some culinary comfort.
The soup was in a tiny container, and when I poured it into my soup bowl, it barely filled it at all.....still, I was looking forward to my first taste. Well, it was lukewarm and very bland...so I microwaved it for a few seconds and tasted it. It tasted as bland as it looked - dishwater-looking broth, a few long, stringy, hard-to use-the-spoon-with noodles and two pieces of chicken. It was sad....the most positive thing was it was loaded with what looked like fresh sliced mushrooms - I was grateful for that. I added a pinch of salt and some McCormick's "Hot Shot" (black and red pepper) and that lent at least some flavor to the soup.
There was little resemblance to the steaming chicken-y broth goodness that provided such comfort to me over the years - this broth appeared to be nothing but water - there was no hint of any chicken stock at all. The few pieces of chicken were large and tasty, but was really more of a "tease" than actual sustenance. It was supposed to have rosemary, thyme and sage, but I detected none of these flavors.
There was a tiny butt-end piece of bread included.....and it was quite hard. I soaked it in the broth as best as I could, so it was edible...and actually not too bad.
Maybe I got the bottom of the barrel with the soup because it was pretty sad and I can't believe this is the norm here for 7 bucks.
I was still hungry after the tiny bowl of soup and rock-hard bread, so I was anxious to dig into the crostada. Usually, I cannot eat dessert right after a meal, but I was really craving more food.
The crostada was good...a little stale...but good. Worth $4.00?....not really. But at least it satisfied some of my remaining hunger pangs. I thought of the less-pricey pastries at Xia Xia's, Panera or Fenwick Bakery and this did not compare.
So....for almost $12 I was left wanting. Wanting more food for sure. But also, wanting more of a "wow" factor....like, "OMG, how could I have not been here yet?" kinda moment...but instead, it is more like - OK, I did it and probably won't do it again. Cross Atwater's off my bucket list, for sure.
I have heard that some people are OK with the pricing because they use local products...however, I go to farmer's markets every week and I get huge baskets of tomatoes, potatoes, etc for very cheap. I would think that basic ingredients that go into a soup like chicken noodle would render at least a larger portion, let alone a better-tasting and veggie-laden soup. The prices are borderline offensive. While I was waiting for my soup, I heard another patron order a "whole" so I thought it was a sub-type deal. NOT! They actually sell sandwiches - about $5 bucks for a half and around $9 or $10 for a whole.
Are they kidding? If the bread was huge, I could understand it, but they were so tiny. The chicken salad which is raved about was very thinly spread between the bread. That sandwich was definitely not packing a punch.
So, be warned - you will not get much of a bang for your buck here, but I think the people who patronize this place are OK with it. For every person like me who can find other cheaper and tastier options, this place will be enjoyed by the individuals who like the ambiance and attraction of an "up-scale" market-type experience as well as tourists who don't know any better.
I happen to know too many other places that are more budget-friendly for me and I would be reluctant to travel out of my way again.
I am regretting that I did not skip Atwater's and buy the roasted chicken that was on sale for only $4.99 and a big container of some luscious looking tomato and dill salad that was being offered from one of the meat counters. For less than $10, I would have had a couple good meals.
Sigh.
The best thing I did get? Definitely the fresh orange juice and the high-priced Kumatos.....did not mind spending the money cause both of these were phenomenal.
So, while I would not go back to Atwater's I would go back for the juice!
http://www.atwaters.biz/todaysmenu_belvedere.php
Monday, March 8, 2010
Just in time for St. Patty's Day!
Yay! An Irish pub and restaurant that does not require traveling to downtown Baltimore/Annapolis/DC. Of course, there is Brian Boru on Ritchie Hwy in Severna Park, but it has not become my favorite.
The Twisted Harp just might become that - so far, the feedback has been amazing from folks who have visited and I can't wait to check it out myself.
In the meantime, here is their Facebook link----->
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Perry-Hall-MD/The-Twisted-Harp/131155473445
Many Irish blessings to all!
The Twisted Harp just might become that - so far, the feedback has been amazing from folks who have visited and I can't wait to check it out myself.
In the meantime, here is their Facebook link----->
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Perry-Hall-MD/The-Twisted-Harp/131155473445
Many Irish blessings to all!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Ahhh.....the Monks and their divine fudge!
The Brigittine Monks Gourmet Confections is giving a 10% discount to our special online customers from January 26 to February 28. Go to our website www.brigittine.org and enter the code VAL10 in the Discount Code field on the check out page and click on the Discount Code button next to it to get an automatic 10% off from your order of fudge and truffles.Valentine's Day is just around the corner. Give that someone special a Heavenly treat this Valentine's Day.We are now introducing our newest gourmet fudge Chocolate Hazelnut Fudge for the price of $9.95 per pound (no code required). It will normally sell for $12.95 per pound. This special will run until the end of March.We are now offering the flat rate postage of $4.95 for all single items sent by US Mail to addresses within the United States. Order of Two items or more going to one address will be shipped via UPS at their current rates.Please watch for our monthly specials.Please contact us if you have any questions or suggestions.THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORTGod bless you!The Brigittine MonksPlease note: if our website does not give you the advertised discounts, we will automatically give them to you, or if you wish to place your order by phone we will honor these offers. 503-835-8080 ext 1WE DO NOT SELL OR RENT OUR MAILING LIST .
Friday, January 22, 2010
Cannella's - Nirvana on a Roll
Apparently, Cannella's has been around for some time. I have only just discovered this little gem about 9 or 10 months ago. Since then, I have made the trek from my office on the-always-fun-to-navigate Belair Rd to it's rather unassuming location (looks like a former 7-11) in Perry Hall.
The fact that whatever I buy has to be transported to my home that can take either 30 minutes or an hour depending on traffic..lol..has a lot to do with what I order.
So I started safe and ordered a cold sub for my first go-round - the "Baggio" and a medium size container of potato salad.
I was pleasantly surprised when I arrived home about 40 minutes later and unwrapped the sub - not only was it perfectly wrapped - but looked as if it had been prepared only minutes before. I actually could not believe how good and fresh it really was!
The potato salad was very creative - huge chucks of garlicky pickles intermingled with the cooked-just-right potatoes. Very seldom can I order deli potato salad with any hopes of not receiving half-raw potatoes. It was most appreciated.
So, to be sure that I did not have "beginner's luck", I have gone back again....and again.....and again....lol!
I have tried several other subs - The "Porketta" is one of my faves - lean pork roast cooked tender-perfect, with onions and provolone and their signature dressing...my goddess, it sent me into blissful nirvana!
I have also tried the meatball sub and their Italian - both very, very good.
If you are looking for a entree - try the homemade ravioli. Delicious. Tender pillows of cheese with an awesome sauce bursting with flavors....a real treat for anyone craving authentic Italian cooking.
You can also purchase their breads - OR, like me, you can buy a frozen loaf to take home and bake fresh from the oven.
There is a nice small dining area - and they recently installed a self-service soda fountain machine for those who like to drink from cups with ice.
This place is very out-of-my-way, yet I make the time to go-out-of-my-way whenever I can!
Location: 9611 Belair Road • Perry Hall, Maryland 21236 Phone: 410-248-3288
The fact that whatever I buy has to be transported to my home that can take either 30 minutes or an hour depending on traffic..lol..has a lot to do with what I order.
So I started safe and ordered a cold sub for my first go-round - the "Baggio" and a medium size container of potato salad.
I was pleasantly surprised when I arrived home about 40 minutes later and unwrapped the sub - not only was it perfectly wrapped - but looked as if it had been prepared only minutes before. I actually could not believe how good and fresh it really was!
The potato salad was very creative - huge chucks of garlicky pickles intermingled with the cooked-just-right potatoes. Very seldom can I order deli potato salad with any hopes of not receiving half-raw potatoes. It was most appreciated.
So, to be sure that I did not have "beginner's luck", I have gone back again....and again.....and again....lol!
I have tried several other subs - The "Porketta" is one of my faves - lean pork roast cooked tender-perfect, with onions and provolone and their signature dressing...my goddess, it sent me into blissful nirvana!
I have also tried the meatball sub and their Italian - both very, very good.
If you are looking for a entree - try the homemade ravioli. Delicious. Tender pillows of cheese with an awesome sauce bursting with flavors....a real treat for anyone craving authentic Italian cooking.
You can also purchase their breads - OR, like me, you can buy a frozen loaf to take home and bake fresh from the oven.
There is a nice small dining area - and they recently installed a self-service soda fountain machine for those who like to drink from cups with ice.
This place is very out-of-my-way, yet I make the time to go-out-of-my-way whenever I can!
Location: 9611 Belair Road • Perry Hall, Maryland 21236 Phone: 410-248-3288
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