Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Taharka Brothers Opens Ice Cream Stall at Cross Street Market

Taharka Brothers has opened an ice cream stall at Cross Street Market in Federal Hill. It completed a light renovation of its stall which was previously the home to The Sweet Shoppe.

Taharka Brothers was started in 2008 and sells ice cream to more than 150 Baltimore-area restaurants, grocery stores, and ice cream shops. The Sweet Shoppe previously sold Taharka Brothers.

Along with ice cream, the Taharka Brothers team is passionate about workforce development and social change.

“We’re excited to continue our growth into the retail space, and present our product within Cross Street Market in a stall that represents our company and what we stand for,” said Chris Barry, director of retail operations for Taharka Brothers, in a press release in July.

A variety of the ice cream flavors previously sold at The Sweet Shoppe, including local favorites Honey Graham and Key Lime Pie, will be available for purchase as well as pints of ice cream, milkshakes, and more. Taharka Brothers’ hand-crafted, small batch confections have been named Best Ice Cream by Baltimore Magazine and The Baltimore Sun.

Cross Street Market is the third brick-and-mortar location for Taharka Brothers. The company also has a location in Fells Point Broadway Market and at R. House in Hampden.

Taharka Brothers adds to a growing ice cream scene in Federal Hill as The Charmery and Moo Moo Cows opened this summer. BMORE LICKS is also under construction on a new ice cream shop.

Taharka Brothers is the nineteenth business to open in the recently-renovated Cross Street Market. There will be a total of 23 food businesses in the market. There are currently two stalls available for lease.

Read SouthBMore.com’s articles detailing the different aspects of the Cross Street Market redevelopment here.

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Tuesday, September 29, 2020

Milk & Honey Market by Vagrant Coffee Opens in Pigtown

Milk & Honey Market by Vagrant Coffee opened last week at 906 Washington Blvd. in Pigtown. The 1,700 sq. ft. cafe is part of the Bath House Square development by SAA/EVI.

This new Pigtown cafe is the third location for Vagrant Coffee which also operates a Milk & Honey Market in Station North and 3 Bean Coffee in Federal Hill, which will change its sign to Vagrant Coffee in the next couple of weeks. Vagrant Coffee co-owner Josh Dew told SouthBMore.com the new Pigtown location has been an immediate success and has outperformed the other two cafes in its first week open.

Milk & Honey Market’s Pigtown location is in a former Baltimore City Fire Station. It has 14 ft. ceilings, exposed brick walls, a concrete floor, and a glass garage door on the front facade that opens up to Washington Blvd. The cafe features string lighting and furniture from the former Penn & Quill in Station North. Vagrant Coffee co-owner Jared Cate’s motorcycle is also a design piece in the cafe.

Vagrant Coffee roasts its own beans at another coffee shop in Canton, but is currently under construction to build a roaster in Station North/Greenmount West.  Dew says Vagrant sources its beans from all over the world and looks to create a medium blend.

Milk & Honey Market serves drip coffee drinks and lattes, along with nitro cold brew, kombucha from Baltimore’s Wild Kombucha, smoothies, and tea from Baltimore’s Wight Tea Company. The food menu is the same at all three cafes and features croissants, banana bread, yogurt and granola, croissant breakfast sandwiches, smoked salmon on a bagel, and avocado and hummus on toast. Lunch sandwiches include ham and cheese as well as turkey, apple, and brie. It also offers a Caesar salad and a cobb salad.

Milk & Honey Market sells take-home bags of coffee and 32oz bottles of iced coffee.

Milk & Honey Market is open Monday to Friday from 7am to 5pm and Saturday and Sunday from 8am t0 6pm. Dew said they may be interested in adding dinner hours in the future and have interest in acquiring a liquor license. He said they are also interested in adding live music for weekend brunch.

Milk & Honey Market was first proposed four years ago, and Vagrant Coffee got involved in the project in January. Dew and Cate were hoping to open in June, but COVID-19-related delays pushed it back to September.

Dew said the neighborhood has given Milk & Honey Market’s a “very warm welcome” so far. He said many of the other businesses owners have come by and they’ve had many customers from Pigtown, as well as from neighboring communities of Barre Circle, Hollins Market, and Ridgely’s Delight.

Vagrant Coffee started as a traveling pop-up and catering coffee business in 2017. Dew and Cate met when they both worked at Ceremony Coffee Roasters and decided to team up after learning that a lot of people were requesting baristas for special events. They started a mobile cafe out of a Mini Cooper and started attending events and farmers markets. The mobile cafe remains an important part of their business as they have added brick-and-mortar locations.

Vagrant Coffee’s beans have also been distributed to different coffee shops around the country including a recent three-month rotation at a shop in Seattle, a city well known for its coffee industry.

Dew and Cate have formed a great partnership with SAA/EVI principal Ernst Valery who started the Milk & Honey brand with his wife Dane Valery before Vagrant Coffee took it over. They are opening Vagrant Coffee locations at two of Valery’s developments in Philadelphia in West Philadelphia and Brewerytown.

Photo of Jared Cate and Josh Dew from Vagrant Coffee’s Facebook page

Josh Dew at Milk & Honey Market in Pigtown

Photos of Milk & Honey Market in Pigtown

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‘Miss Twist’ Ice Cream Truck Destroyed by a Fire Last Week in Locust Point

Last Wednesday, one of the Miss Twist ice cream trucks caught fire on E. McComas St. between Locust Point and Port Covington. While the truck was destroyed, there were no injuries.

Miss Twist posted the following to its Facebook page after it happened:

THANK GOD NOBODY WAS HURT!!

Unfortunately one of our trucks caught on fire today. We are still processing what has happened and appreciate everyone reaching out to us with all the love and concern. We love you all and will keep you updated (heart emojis)

Miss Twist, which can often be spotted driving through South Baltimore, has two other trucks and a storefront in Essex. It is owned by Don and Tommy Radtke.

The Radtke’s children started a GoFundMe to help raise funds to replace the truck. From the description:

We would like to thank everyone who has reached out and commented with so much love and support. This means the world to us.

On September 23rd, while on the way to the route in Locus Point, one of the Miss Twist Ice Cream trucks caught on fire and was destroyed.

My brother, sister, and I, with the help and support of longtime customers, started this Go Fund Me page for our parents, Tammy and Don, owners of Miss Twist Ice Cream. Over the years, we have watched our parents work hard and create something wonderful and then, in a matter of minutes, watched part of it go up in flames.

Over 25 years ago, they started with one truck working in one neighborhood. They grew to serve more neighborhoods, attend community events, and opened a store front location. They have put their heart into Miss Twist, turning it into so much more than an ice cream cone. For many, Miss Twist is a family friend. Her favorite part of the job is the joy that she can give her customers with every order. This October will be 26 years of serving the families and businesses in the Locus Point and Federal Hill area, where it all began.

So many of you have reached out to our parents, asking to fundraise, to set up a go fund me page, offering help and more. Our parents have only ever worked for everything they have. Even in a time of great loss, it is not in their character to ask for help. We are starting this page for them because this is a huge loss, because 2020 has been a hard year even without the fire, and because if anyone deserves a lending hand, it is them.

This truck accounts for over 50% of their income. If you want to help, your support is beyond appreciated. You can also support by visiting the store location and the 2nd truck at upcoming public events.

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Monday, September 28, 2020

SoBo Spotlight Podcast: How Are Casino Local Impact Grants Being Spent in South Baltimore?

On this episode of SoBo Spotlight, we speak with South Baltimore Gateway Partnership (SBGP) Executive Director Brad Rogers about the millions of dollars of Casino Local Impact Grants his organization manages. SBGP is behind projects such as a new master plan for the Middle Branch,  a bold vision for the Hanover Street Bridge, a redeveloped park in Cherry Hill, a walking bridge in Port Covington, enhanced maintenance at Federal Hill Park, and more. It also helps boost local main streets and community organizations and awards grants to local nonprofits.

Brad Rogers photo courtesy of SBGP

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Thursday, September 24, 2020

The Latin Spot Grill Opens in Federal Hill

The Latin Spot Grill has opened at the former home at Zuzu’s at 1136 S. Charles St. in Federal Hill. The restaurant is a concept from Arnoldo Ulloa who has owned a catering business called Don Julio’s Kitchen for 12 years. He also owns food trucks and has a restaurant construction company called CA Restaurant Services.

Ulloa, who lives in Arlington, VA, was in Federal Hill in recent months working on the build-out of bakery Dulceology at 1138 S. Charles St. During this time, he fell in love with Federal Hill and decided to open his own restaurant next-door after the landlord met him and showed him the property.

“I had no clue about Federal Hill [before taking on the contracting job at Dulceology],” said Ulloa. “It’s booming, I really like it. There are all kinds of things opening and I saw so much potential.”

The menu at The Latin Spot Grill is modeled after his catering menu. It is a mix of American items, as well as Latin American dishes from many different countries. The menu will include cheesesteaks, chicken salad sandwiches, chicken tender subs, cheeseburger subs, chicken wings, and Latin fries, as well as quesadillas and tacos with steak, chicken, and vegetables. Two “heavy plates” will be carne asada or grilled chicken served with yellow rice, black beans, and pico de gallo. Ulloa will have daily specials featuring items like pupusas and different Latin American favorites and fusions. Desserts include churros and soft serve ice cream. The Latin Spot Grill has a variety of sodas and drinks including Jarritos.

The Latin Spot Grill offers carryout, indoor bar seating, and delivery options. It also offers catering for local offices, events, and construction sites.

Ulloa took on a cosmetic renovation of the space which has exposed brick, the bar seating, a wood and metal ordering counter, and a Latin American-themed mural. The wood-trimmed storefront now has a gray and black color scheme.

The Latin Spot is open Sunday to Thursday from 11am to 9pm and Fridays and Saturdays from 11am to 2am.

Ulloa said he is excited to open and hopes the community enjoys the different types of fusion. He looks forward to handing out samples on the sidewalk in the early days of business.

Arnoldo Ulloa pictured

Photos below courtesy of The Latin Spot Grill 

 

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Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Mid-Week Five: Listings in South Baltimore with a Private Garage

erie2

This Mid-Week Listing is brought to you by Federal Hill’s Upper Chesapeake Insurance Agency:

Upper Chesapeake Insurance, your local Erie Insurance Agency, is located on S. Charles Street in Federal Hill. We are a full service agency providing home, auto, business and life insurance since 1996.  Our agents have lived and worked in the neighborhood are very familiar with the unique aspects of city row homes and city living. Contact us today to speak with a local agent with local knowledge – we know 21230! Erie offers the protection you need and the service you expect all at a great price.

Welcome to Mid-Week Five, a SouthBMore.com feature showcasing five homes in a certain category in South Baltimore.

Below are five homes in South Baltimore with private garages.

1318 Race Street
Federal Hill

Price: $649,000
Tax: $10,856
2,900 sq. ft.
-3 BD/3.5 BA
Off Street Parking: Yes – two-car garage and one-car parking pad

17 East Churchill Street
Federal Hill 

Price: $400,000
Tax: $7,298.08
2,106 sq. ft.
-3 BD/3 BA
Off Street Parking: Yes – one-car garage

217 West Hill Street
Otterbein

Price: $395,000
Tax: $8,661
1,700 sq. ft.
-2 BD/4 BA
Off Street Parking: Yes – two-car garage

813 McHenry Street
Camden Crossing – Pigtown 

Price: $305,000
Tax: $6,976
1,692 sq. ft.
-4 BD/3.5 BA
Off Street Parking: Yes – two-car garage and two-car parking pad

1423 Benjamin Street
Locust Point

Price: $465,000
Tax: $10,688
2,252 sq. ft.
-3 BD/4 BA
Off Street Parking: Yes – two-car garage

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Latin American Bakery ‘Dulceology’ Opens in Federal Hill

Dulceology, a bakery inspired by El Salvadoran and Latin American desserts, has opened at 1138 S. Charles St. in Federal Hill. The first-floor retail space was previously a real estate office and mental health services business in recent years. Dulceology owners and sisters Alejandra and Nicole Leiva spent recent months transforming the space into the retail and commercial bakery.

The Leivas were born in El Salvador, grew up in the Washington, D.C. area after immigrating to the United States, and graduated from Towson University. They said they have a lot of fond memories of trips to Baltimore growing up and immediately fell in love with Federal Hill after taking a walk through the neighborhood.

One of the specialties of Dulceology is Alfajores, which are a popular cookie in Latin America, especially in Argentina, Chile, and Peru. The shortbread-style cookie sandwiches are filled with a rich dulce de leche filling, and can be dusted with powdered sugar or covered in chocolate. The origin of Alfajores dates back to Northern Africa before the cookies were introduced to Spain and then made their way to Latin America. Alfajor translates to luxury in Arabic.

The Leivas grew up around food as their father manufactured restaurant equipment and their mother was a chef. They came across a recipe from their mother and grandmother for Alfajores and challenged themselves to make them. They immediately fell in love with them and soon started giving them as gifts to friends. They then started selling them on Etsy in 2015 and have now shipped them to every state and to Puerto Rico.

When Alejandra Leiva was a graduate student at George Washington University, the sisters entered the school’s 2019 New Venture Competition and were selected as one of the winners. They received a $20,000 grant and were invited into a business accelerator program.

In the accelerator they learned that customers are looking for places to connect with them. Since Dulceology was mostly an online business, they knew they needed a storefront in a supportive neighborhood. “We immediately picked out the community and vibe that fits our brand,” said Alejandra Leiva.

In reference to Federal Hill she said, “we couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.”

Many of Dulceology’s returning clients are businesses and real estate agents who were giving the cookies as gifts or bringing them to office parties. The Alfajores can be personalized with logos, and the Leivas noted the cookies are more personal than just giving a bottle of wine. Dulceology uses 3D printing technologies for molding and personalizing the cookies.

Customers at Dulceology can get many different flavors of Alfajores which will change with the season. They also offer gluten-free and vegan options. Alfajores are $2 each or six for $11.

Dulceology also sells tres leches, sweet empanadas, eclairs, meringues, El Salvadoran quesadillas, and  fruit-topped pavlovas. It will also be rolling out a selection of daily cakes, which will include red velvet and vanilla caramel, and pies. Dulceology offers wedding cakes and can produce large orders of all of its products for events and catering. Dulceology plans to start offering savory items like fresh baked breads in the future.

Drinks at Dulceology include sparkling waters and coffee.

Dulceology will also be a “mini flower shop” with different bouquets and additional gift items. The Leivas hope it will be a popular stop for holidays like Valentine’s Day, Christmas, and anniversaries.

The interior of Dulceology is filled with light with its large windows facing Light St. and West St. The interior features a large display counter and four tables for dining in. The Leivas worked with a contractor to transform the space but also put together a lot of the design touches that include green walls and pink accents.

The Leivas moved into their space, which is now the home to all of their production and new retail offerings, last week. The COVID-19 pandemic slowed down the opening of Dulceology due to delays in the permitting process.

The Leivas are happy to finally open and have enjoyed their conversations with Federal Hill locals.  The sisters have noticed the vibrant business scene in Federal Hill and are looking to connect with as many residents and businesses as possible.

The shop is open every Sunday to Friday from 11am to 7pm.

Photo courtesy of Dulceology. Nicole and Alejandra Leiva

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Tuesday, September 22, 2020

Fulton Bank to Open in Federal Hill at the Former Unleashed by Petco Space

Lancaster, Pennsylvania-based Fulton Bank will open at the former Unleased by Petco space at 1100 Light St. in Federal Hill. The prominent 3,600 sq. ft. retail space, which is at the corner of Light St. and E. Cross St., is adjacent to Cross Street Market. It has been vacant since October 2018.

From Baltimore Business Journal:

Lou Giustini, executive vice president and regional consumer executive for Fulton Bank, said in an email Federal Hill is an “excellent fit” for the bank’s expanding footprint in Baltimore because it is a neighborhood that “continues to grow and revitalize.”

“We have existing clients in that market and feel our relationship banking model will be well received,” Giustini said. “We chose this particular location because it is next to Cross Street Market, is highly visible and situated in an area where it can service consumer, commercial, and small business clients. It can also serve as an additional location to support our Fulton Forward community engagement initiative.”

Fulton Bank’s new retail suite is in a 5,750 sq. ft. building that was once a Rite Aid. Dunkin’ Donuts occupies the remaining 2,150 sq. ft. of space. 28 Walker sold the building in 2014 for $2.54 million to Federal Hill Shops LLC. Prior to Unleashed by Petco, the space was shared by Quiznos and Sign-A-Rama.

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Monday, September 21, 2020

American Visionary Art Museum to Reopen on Friday

American Visionary Art Museum press release: 

After temporarily closing its doors in March in observance of government guidelines for the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Visionary Art Museum enthusiastically reopens its doors to public visitors on Friday, September 25, 2020 with new hours of Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm for both the museum and museum store, Sideshow. The latter remains free to visit. The museum will welcome visitors up to its 50% capacity limit, which translates to 400 visitors per day.

“I couldn’t imagine a better birthday present this year,” exclaims museum founder and director Rebecca Hoffberger, whose birthday coincides with the reopening. “Six whole months away from our fantastic visitors and fans in our 25th silver anniversary year has been just too much to bear, let alone all the frantic calls for our Sideshow museum store to reopen (‘We need our new eyeglasses—now!’) to cries from educators and scientists saying, ‘Boy o boy, is AVAM’s Earth and climate change show ever right on the mark!’ We have all sorely missed hearing all our visionary visitors’ oohs and ahhs.”

What Can Visitors See
All galleries will be open, though some of the museum’s interactive exhibits will be closed to limit contact. School and group visits remain virtual at this time. The museum’s third floor gallery in its Zanvyl Krieger Main Building will also be closed, though in preparation to open its newest exhibition “The Science and Mystery of Sleep” on Saturday, October 10.

New Measures for Visitors and Staff
The museum has implemented several new protocols towards safeguarding public health that are informed by local, state and federal best practices, recommendations, and guidelines. Those include:

For Visitors

  • Advanced, online purchase of a timed ticket, face coverings for visitors over age 2, and social distancing are required.
  • Coat check and use of water fountains are temporarily suspended.
  • Restrooms and high-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs, are frequently cleaned throughout the day.
  • Hand sanitizer stations will be available throughout the museum.
  • Signage will remind visitors of the guidelines.
  • The museum has installed purifying UV lights in its air handling units.
  • For a full list of new visitor guidelines and enhanced measures, visit avam.org.
For Staff

In addition to the protocols above, staff will take the below measures:

  • All staff are required to have their temperature checked before entering the building.
  • Staff time on site is coordinated to limit the number of people in the office areas.
  • Remote work and virtual meetings, when possible, are encouraged.
  • For a full list of new staff guidelines, visit avam.org.

Climate Change Exhibition Extended to January 2021
The museum’s main exhibition, “The Secret Life of Earth” has been extended to January 2021 to allow visitors extra time to view it. The popular exhibition of Holocaust embroideries, juxtaposed with first-person survivor accounts from Rwanda and apartheid South Africa, “Esther and the Dream of One Loving Human Family,” continues through 2024, underscoring the message of dignity and justice for all.

New Exhibition Opens Saturday, October 10
Premiering Saturday, October 10 in the third floor gallery of the museum’s Zanvyl Krieger Main Building is “The Science & Mystery of Sleep.” Anchored by fantastical, handmade bedrooms created by three visionary artists as personal refuge, the exihibition explores the latest scientific research behind sleep as both force majeur to our total wellbeing and hypnagogic portal, enabling fresh revelations in science, art, and creative innovation of all sort.

About the American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM) is a Congressionally-designated national museum and education center that champions the role intuition plays in creative invention and innovation of all sorts — be it art, science, engineering, humor or philosophy, and especially in compassionate acts of social justice. For more information, visit avam.org.

Photo: ErinSha Photography

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Friday, September 18, 2020

Pizza di Joey Named One of the Top 101 Best Pizzas in America

Last week, The Daily Meal published an article titled “The 101 Best Pizzas in America” and Federal Hill’s Pizza di Joey came in at #80. This is the second honor for the Cross Street Market pizza shop this year as it also won best pizza in The Baltimore Sun’s Readers’ Choice poll.

The new accolade came as a surprise to owner Joey Vanoni who said he found out about it from a direct message. He didn’t know about the list but was excited to be on it.

“It feels amazing,” he said. “We have a great team and a great product and I’m glad others feel that way too.”

The article says:

Pizza di Joey is a Baltimore Sun’s Best 2020 Readers’ Choice winner. The spot serves authentic New York-style pizza to diners in Baltimore using fresh, seasonal ingredients from local farms and markets. This veteran-owned shop is known for its 12-inch “monster” slices, and from what we hear, Buffalo chicken is the move.

He also said winning The Baltimore Sun award earlier this year was “a shocker” and that he was excited to receive the honor going up against some mainstays in Baltimore that have won the award multiple times.

Pizza di Joey, which started out as a food truck in 2014, just celebrated the one-year anniversary of its Cross Street Market location on Wednesday.

Vanoni and his team have kept busy during the COVID-19 pandemic. They launched their own delivery service and created an outdoor seating area called the Pizza Patio. Pizza di Joey rolled out new menu items and specials such as grandma pies, which are a popular thin square pizza from New York; Sicilian pizzas; doughnolis, which are a savory dough cannoli; pizza kits; and pizza dough balls.

Vanoni said Pizza di Joey has been very busy since The Daily Meal article was posted. He said people have been driving in from outside of Baltimore and they are getting calls from outside of Maryland. He’s anticipating a big weekend of business and recommends people order online to secure their order.

Pizza di Joey’s hours varied during the pandemic, but it is returning to full speed next week. It will be open Monday to Thursday from 1130am to 830pm, Friday and Saturday from 1130am to 230am, and Sunday from 12pm to 8pm.

Pizza di Joey currently has a team of eight and has been adding to it.

Vanoni is a veteran of the United States Navy and has used his business to help fellow veterans. He’s a board member of The Baltimore Station, which helps veterans struggling with homelessness and addiction, and has a machine on his counter where patrons can make credit card donations directly to The Baltimore Station.

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Thursday, September 17, 2020

Great Plates of Late Around South Baltimore

Looking for some great dishes to get around South Baltimore? Here are a few recent favorites:

Pepperoni Pizza at Barfly’s 

As a huge fan of pizza and all the different styles, I always like to get a pepperoni pizza to see how a place really stacks up. Barfly’s has a unique style of pizza featuring a thick and fluffy crust like a Sicilian pizza. It is cooked inside of a circular pan with a parmesan-style cheese baked into the crust.

The pepperoni pizza had a great crust, great sauce, great cheese, and great pepperonis. It was delicious.

Carbonara and Margherita Pizza at Hersh’s 

Hersh’s serves a much different style of pizza with its wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas. Its margherita pizza has a really great smoky flavor with good charred spotting on the crust,and a nice blend of homemade fresh mozzarella, Italian tomatoes, and basil. Another outstanding pizza.

Hersh’s carbonara, which is a popular Roman dish with fresh spaghetti, egg, pecorino romano, parmigiano, and black pepper with guanciale, was also ordered alongside the pizza. It was very simple, but so good.

Fried Chicken Sammie at The Outpost 

The Outpost American Tavern’s fried chicken sandwich is a real standout. This buttermilk-brined chicken thigh is fried to perfection and topped on top of a brioche bun with pickles, white barbecue sauce, and shredded lettuce. The french fries were great, too.

Pit Beef Sandwich at Bullhead 

Pit beef and potato rolls go together like Baltimore and Maryland. Bullhead Pit Beef has opened at Cross Street Market serving Baltimore classics like pit beef, pit turkey, smoked pulled pork, and more. Bullhead’s pit beef sandwich definitely lives up to the standard expected in Baltimore (…make sure to always add some horsey sauce and raw onions!)

Snowball at Ice Queens 

Snowballs are another Baltimore favorite, but Ice Queens in Locust Point is doing it a bit differently with its New Orleans-style shaved ice. The ice is crushed very fine making it almost taste like a great sorbet.

On a recent visit, I had my mind set on a mango snowball, but co-owner Dasia Kabia recommended it mixed with papaya. She was right – it was a terrific combo.

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Wednesday, September 16, 2020

St. Mary Star of The Sea Raises Money to Reinstall its Star-Cross

In April, a hail and wind store knocked down the iconic symbol at St. Mary Star of The Sea Catholic Church in Federal Hill – the steeple’s cross with a lighted star in the middle. The Catholic Community of South Baltimore was able to immediately get a crane contractor to remove the star while it figured out the next steps to get it reinstalled.

While removing the cross, the contractors found two bags filled with envelopes inside the base of the cross. On the envelopes were the names of everyone who had contributed to a restoration project in the 1960s.

Pastor Josh Laws of the Catholic Community of South Baltimore provided the following update on the project to get the star reinstalled:

Church Family,

Great news— the Star-Cross is coming back to St. Mary’s! Thanks to your generous support of this project we were able to raise over $35,000 to help with some much needed repairs on our steeple so that the Star-Cross will stand on a solid foundation for many generations to come.

As you may remember, we discovered two bags filled with envelops from everyone who contributed to the last restoration project in 1965. We’re going to do something similar. We are inviting everyone in the parish and in the neighborhood too to send a picture of your family to our office at 110 E. West Street by October 1st. Feel free to write a note on the back saying who you are, what you like most about our church, or your favorite part about being here in South Baltimore. Feel free to email your pictures if that’s easier to Joshua.Laws@archbalt.org

Again, thank you very much for your generous support and for everything that you do to keep the light of our faith shining brightly here in South Baltimore.
Peace,

Fr. Josh

St. Mary Star of The Sea opened in 1868. In the late 1800s, the cross with the star was erected and served as a beacon for ship traffic in the Inner Harbor and was an official landmark on mariners maps of the Port Baltimore. It was originally lit by candles and later using electric power.

Photos courtesy of Catholic Community of South Baltimore 

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