‘GameOn Bar + Arcade’ Coming to Federal Hill

GameOn Bar + Arcade will open at 902 S. Charles St. in Federal Hill. As first reported by Baltimore Business Journal, GameOn replaces Hard Water Bar & Grill which closed in recent weeks.

GameOn is a new concept from wife and husband Casey and Eli Linthicum. They opened their first GameOn location this month in Annapolis.

Casey Linthicum is a former franchise owner and operator of a McDonald’s in Howard County and Eli Linthicum was the general manager of Urban Axes in Baltimore for the past five years.

GameOn will have mix of stand-up video arcade games and more interactive games such as skee-ball, pinball, basketball, and Feed Big Bertha. Casey Linthicum told SouthBMore.com each of the three floors of the bar will have multiple arcade games with the most being on the second level.

There are bars and dining rooms on the first and second floor, and there will be a private event space on the third floor.

The food at GameOn will be American handheld foods such as “gourmet” Hot Pockets and Pop-Tarts, Frito pies, hot dogs, and chips and dip.

The bar will have signature drinks such as Adult Capri Suns, alcoholic slushies, the Big Bertha Cocktail, and Mai Tais. It will also serve Jell-O shots and a large selection of draft beers highlighted by UNION Craft Brewing’s Cold Ass Beer.

GameOn will likely be open every day but Monday. It will open at 4pm on Tuesday to Friday and be open all day on Saturdays and Sundays.

Casey Linthicum said it will be kid-friendly during the earlier hours.

The Linthicums hope to open GameOn in May.

The post ‘GameOn Bar + Arcade’ Coming to Federal Hill first appeared on SouthBMore.com.

via https://www.southbmore.com/2022/03/30/gameon-bar-arcade-coming-to-federal-hill/

South Baltimore Crime Updates

According to the Baltimore Police Department (BPD)  Crime Map, the following crimes were from 3/20/22 to 3/26/22. (Note: With search query updates made to the crime map, SouthBMore.com is now able to resume weekly crime updates.)

Ridgely’s Delight

LARCENY FROM AUTO, 200 S FREMONT AVE, THURSDAY, 3/24/22, 19:00

Stadium Area

NONE

Barre Circle

NONE

Otterbein

BURGLARY, 700 S CHARLES ST, MONDAY, 3/21/22, 17:00

Sharp-Leadenhall

NONE

Federal Hill

LARCENY, 900 S CHARLES ST, THURSDAY, 3/24/22, 12:00

LARCENY, 900 S CHARLES ST, THURSDAY, 3/26/22, 15:00

Federal Hill South/Riverside

ROBBERY – RESIDENCE, 1100 BATTERY AVE, TUESDAY, 3/22/22, 21:00

AUTO THEFT, 200 E FORT AVE, THURESDAY, 3/24/22, 21:00

South Baltimore Neighborhood

ROBBERY – STREET, 1600 CLARKSON ST, SATURDAY, 3/26/22, 21:00

ROBBERY – STREET, 1600 CLARKSON ST, SATURDAY, 3/26/22, 21:00

ROBBERY – STREET, 1600 MARSHALL ST, SATURDAY, 3/26/22, 22:00

Key Highway/HarborView

NONE

Inner Harbor

LARCNEY, 700 E PRATT ST, THURSDAY, 3/24/22, 13:00

Port Covington

NONE

Locust Point

NONE

Pigtown

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT, 1200 WASHINGTON BLVD, 3/22/22, 17:00

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT, 1200 WASHINGTON BLVD, 3/22/22, 17:00

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT, 1200 WASHINGTON BLVD, 3/22/22, 17:00

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT, 1200 WASHINGTON BLVD, 3/22/22, 17:00

ROBBERY – COMMERCIAL, 1200 W PRATT ST, 3/24/22, 13:00

LARCENY, 700 WASHINGTON BLVD, FRIDAY, 3/25/22, 14:00

ROBBERY – STREET, 800 MANGOLD ST, SATURDAY, 3/26/22, 17:00

LARCENY, 700 WASHINGTON BLVD, SATURDAY, 3/26/22, 21:00

Carroll – Camden Industrial Area

SHOOTING, 1500 RUSSELL ST, SUNDAY, 3/20/22, 0:00

Southern District Shooting Investigation

On March 20, 2022, at approximately 12:50 a.m., Southern District patrol officers were called to a parking garage in the 1500 block of Russell Street, for a report of a shooting.

Once there, officers located a 26-year-old male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.

The victim was transported to an area hospital with a non-life-threatening injury.

Southern District detectives are asking anyone with information to contact them at 410-396-2499 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7Lockup.

LARCENY, 1500 RUSSELL ST, SUNDAY, 3/20/22, 11:00

LARCENY, 1500 RUSSELL ST, TUESDAY, 3/22/22, 1:00

LARCENY, 1800 RUSSELL ST, WEDNESDAY, 3/23/22, 6:00

AUTO THEFT, 1500 RUSSELL ST, WEDNESDAY, 3/23/22, 21:00

BURGLARY, 300 STOCKHOLM ST, FRIDAY, 3/25/22, 15:00

Hollins Market

BURGLARY, 900 W LOMBARD ST, TUESDAY, 3/22/22, 18:00

AUTO THEFT, 0 S CAREY ST, WEDNESDAY, 3/23/22, 5:00

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT, 800 W LOMBARD ST, THURSDAY, 3/24/22, 7:00

LARCENY, 0 S SCHROEDER ST, THURSDAY, 3/24/22, 14:00

ROBBERY – CARJACKING, 900 LEMMON ST, SATURDAY, 3/26/22, 21:00

Union Square

NONE

Offense definitions from the FBI

South Baltimore Peninsula Neighborhoods Map

The post South Baltimore Crime Updates first appeared on SouthBMore.com.

via https://www.southbmore.com/2022/03/29/south-baltimore-crime-updates-217/

Great Plates of Late Around South Baltimore

Lemon Ginger Cookie Milkshake at BMORE LICKS

Federal Hill’s BMORE LICKS ice cream menu has so many good looking options that it can be overwhelming. The last time I went I didn’t make up my mind until the last second, but I sure made a good choice in choosing the Lemon Ginger Cookie milkshake.

The BMORE LICKS Lemon Ginger Cookie hard ice cream is such a perfect blend of sour, sweet, and spicy with delicious bites of soft cookie in it. And, it’s amazing in a milkshake. After my first sip, I felt like breaking into a dance… I didn’t, but I thought about it.

Lamb Saag at Himalayan House 

Himalayan House is a great option for Indian and Nepalese food as it features a large menu with a lot of enticing options. As part of a recent takeout order, I got the Lamb Saag, along with chicken tikka masala, of course.

The Lamb Saag is cubes of boneless lamb in a spinach cream curry sauce. It was so good, so tender, and just right on top of Basmati rice. The chicken tikka masala was also good as always.

Spartan Omelette at Southside Diner 

Southside Diner in Locust Point has great breakfast food AND great Greek food so, instead of choosing between the two on my last visit, I got a plate that combines both.

I ordered the Spartan Omelette which has gyro meat and feta cheese in it. The lamb gyro meat was cooked just right inside of the tasty omelette and the feta took it to another level. So good!

Spinach White Pizza at Barfly’s 

On National Pizza Day last month, I was craving a pie so decided to hit Barfly’s on Fort Ave. in Riverside. Barfly’s has great fluffy (yet crispy) pan pizzas that go great with the restaurant’s large selection of beer and whiskey.

I ordered the Spinach White Pizza with spinach, fresh garlic, mushrooms, onion, and a blend of parmesan, feta, and mozzarella cheese (full disclosure: I held the mushrooms). This was a really tasty combo and a good alternative to red pizzas. (And, if mushrooms are your thing, I’m sure they go well on the pizza as well.)

Wings at Southside Burger Bar 

During the pandemic, Southside Burger Bar at Cross Street Market in Federal Hill added wings to its menu to boost carry-out sales. They are a great new option to go with a burger, hot dog, fries, or Natty Boh draft.

While there are a lot of different ways to jazz up wings (Southside Burger Bar has seven different options), sometimes you can’t beat classic buffalo. As someone who grew up working in a Buffalo-themed bar (in Maryland), I really approved.

The wings provided a great combo of juicy and crispy and the sauce was simple, but just right. Well done!

The post Great Plates of Late Around South Baltimore first appeared on SouthBMore.com.

via https://www.southbmore.com/2022/03/28/great-plates-of-late-around-south-baltimore-22/

Nashville-Inspired Music Bar ‘PALM’ Opens in Federal Hill

PALM, which stands for Pretty Awesome Live Music, opened this month at the former Social Pub at 25 E. Cross St. in Federal Hill. The building is owned by MaGerks owners Jaclyn and Paul Dolaway. Alexandra Wilde is the concept creator and general manager.

Wilde was inspired by Nashville music bars as well as New York City punk rock bar CBGB, which was featured on a Netflix documentary. PALM will eventually have a Nashville-inspired when the kitchen opens in the coming months and there is a CBGB-inspired mural on the second floor.

PALM is currently open Fridays and Saturdays from 5pm to 2am, but it will go to its regular schedule of Tuesday to Sunday from 5pm to 2am in the coming weeks.

PALM will host live bands every night it is open. Its lineup will likely be country music night on Tuesdays, open mic night on Wednesdays, Mallow Hill performing on Thursdays, and multiple musical acts on weekends.

Wilde said she is hoping to bring a bigger music scene to Federal Hill and prevent locals from having to go to Fells Point to hear live performances.

A new sound system was installed at PALM by Matt Bittman. Wilde and her team remodeled the two-story space with new murals, lighting, and a refinished bar. Wilde said she invites customers to bring stickers to place all over the bar.

The stage at PALM will be to the right as patrons enter the front door with bands’ backs facing large windows.

The menu at PALM, which will debut in the coming months, will feature Nashville favorites such as Nashville Hot Chicken, mac and cheese, and fried green tomatoes. It will utilize the wood-fired pizza oven from Social to make wood-fired wings, nachos, and corn bread. PALM will not serve pizzas.

PALM currently has partnerships with Pizza Di Joey and Dough Boy Fresh to offer food to patrons.

The bar menu has 16 draft beers, with a focus on local brews, and mixed drinks. There is also a boilermaker beer and shot menu.

Photos courtesy of PALM

The CBGB-inspired mural

The post Nashville-Inspired Music Bar ‘PALM’ Opens in Federal Hill first appeared on SouthBMore.com.

via https://www.southbmore.com/2022/03/22/nashville-inspired-music-bar-palm-opens-in-federal-hill/

South Baltimore Crime Updates

From Baltimore Police Department:

Southern District Shooting Investigation

On March 20, 2022, at approximately 12:50 a.m., Southern District patrol officers were called to a parking garage in the 1500 block of Russell Street, for a report of a shooting.

Once there, officers located a 26-year-old male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.

The victim was transported to an area hospital with a non-life-threatening injury.

Southern District detectives are asking anyone with information to contact them at 410-396-2499 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7Lockup.

According to the Baltimore Police Department (BPD)  Crime Map, the following crimes were from 3/13/22 to 3/19/22. (Note: With search query updates made to the crime map, SouthBMore.com is now able to resume weekly crime updates.)

Ridgely’s Delight

NONE

Stadium Area

NONE

Barre Circle

NONE

Otterbein

SHOOTING, 500 S CHARLES ST, FRIDAY, 3/18/22, 13:00

From Baltimore Police Department:

Southern District Shooting Investigation

On March 18, 2022, at approximately 1:59 p.m., Southern District patrol officers responded to the 500 block of South Charles Street for a report of a shooting.
Once there, officers located an 18-year-old male and an unidentified adult male, both suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.

Medics transported the victims to area hospitals for treatment.

Southern District detectives are asking anyone with information to contact them at 410-396-2499 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7Lockup.

HOMICIDE, 500 S CHARLES ST, FRIDAY, 3/18/22, 13:00

From Baltimore Police Department:

Shooting Investigation Upgraded to a Homicide

Relative to the double shooting that occurred in the 500 block of S. Charles Street earlier this afternoon, one of the victims, a 20 year-old male has died at Shock Trauma.

Homicide detectives have now assumed control of this investigation.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call detectives at (410) 396-2100 or call Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7lockup.

Sharp-Leadenhall

NONE

Federal Hill

LARCENY, 1000 S CHARLES ST, WEDNESDAY, 3/16/22, 9:00

LARCENY, 1100 S CHARLES ST, WEDNESDAY, 3/16/22, 21:00

Federal Hill South/Riverside

AUTO THEFT, 1400 RIVERSIDE AVE, WEDNESDAY, 3/16/22, 21:00

South Baltimore Neighborhood

NONE

Key Highway/HarborView

NONE

Inner Harbor

LARCENY, 200 E PRATT ST, TUESDAY, 3/15/22, 0:00

LARCEY FROM AUTO, 600 E PRATT ST, SATURDAY, 3/19/22, 10:00

Port Covington

NONE

Locust Point

NONE

Pigtown

ROBBERY – RESIDENCE, 1200 WARD ST, SUNDAY, 3/13/22, 18:00

LARCENY, 1200 W PRATT ST, MONDAY, 3/1422, 20:00

ROBBERY – RESIDENCE, 1200 CLEVELAND ST, FRIDAY, 3/18/22, 1:00

Carroll – Camden Industrial Area

LARCENY, 1500 RUSSELL ST, SUNDAY, 3/13/22, 1:00

AUTO THEFT, 1800 RUSSELL ST, WEDNESDAY, 3/16/22, 3:00

Hollins Market

NONE

Union Square

NONE

Offense definitions from the FBI

South Baltimore Peninsula Neighborhoods Map

The post South Baltimore Crime Updates first appeared on SouthBMore.com.

via https://www.southbmore.com/2022/03/22/south-baltimore-crime-updates-216/

‘The Baltimore Florist’ Opens Storefront in Federal Hill

The Baltimore Florist has opened a flower shop at 920 Light St. in Federal Hill. The Baltimore Florist takes over an approximately 1,000 sq. ft. space that was the home to Berries by Quicha before it relocated to a larger adjacent storefront.

Stephanie Brooks started her business in a Downtown storefront in 2010, relocated to subleased space within the Rooster & Hen store at Cross Street Market in late-2020, and made the move to Light St. on March 1st.

While Rooster & Hen closed in September of last year, Brooks continued to lease her section of the store month-to-month while searching for a permanent home. Brooks thought about leasing her own stall at Cross Street Market, but said the price was a bit out of her comfort zone. She also liked the idea of getting her own storefront and doing window displays.

“I was looking for a space within a block or two of the market,” said Brooks. “I gained all these really great and loyal customers in Federal Hill.”

“People who live in this neighborhood are very small business-oriented,” said Brooks.

She noted how customers tell her they will come back and they actually do. She also likes being next to Berries by Quicha, as some customers have come over for flowers after getting chocolate-covered strawberries, and being on a block with ice cream shops such as Moo Moo Cows and BMORE LICKS.

Brooks also became a Locust Point resident in the past year.

The Baltimore Florist is a full-service florist that makes flower arrangements for weddings, funerals, and parties, as well as offers bouquets for customers who want something on the spot. The store will also sell balloons, chocolates, stuffed animals, wreaths, home decor, and additional gifts.

The Baltimore Florist is a family-run operation as Brooks’ father Cliff Brooks is one of her main delivery drivers and her mother Cindy Brown helps decorate the shop.

The shop is open Monday to Saturday. Brooks said the hours are typically 9am to 5pm on weekdays and 10am to 4pm on Saturdays.

The post ‘The Baltimore Florist’ Opens Storefront in Federal Hill first appeared on SouthBMore.com.

via https://www.southbmore.com/2022/03/16/the-baltimore-florist-opens-storefront-in-federal-hill/

South Baltimore Crime Updates

According to the Baltimore Police Department (BPD)  Crime Map, the following crimes were from 3/6/22 to 3/12/22. (Note: With search query updates made to the crime map, SouthBMore.com is now able to resume weekly crime updates.)

Ridgely’s Delight

NONE

Stadium Area

NONE

Barre Circle

LARCENY FROM AUTO, 1000 W BARRE ST, THURSDAY, 3/10/22, 13:00

Otterbein

NONE

Sharp-Leadenhall

NONE

Federal Hill

LARCENY, 1100 S CHARLES ST, SUNDAY, 3/6/22, 0:00

LARCENY, 0 E WHEELING ST, SATURDAY, 3/12/22, 14:00

Federal Hill South/Riverside

LARCENY, 1400 HENRY ST, WEDNESDAY, 3/9/22, 11:00

South Baltimore Neighborhood

LARCENY, 100 W RANDALL ST, SUNDAY, 3/6/22, 11:00

Key Highway/HarborView

NONE

Inner Harbor

NONE

Port Covington

NONE

Locust Point

NONE

Pigtown

SHOOTING, 1300 W CROSS ST, MONDAY, 3/7/22, 11:00

From Baltimore Police Department:

Southern District Shooting Investigation

On March 7, 2022, at approximately 11:45 a.m., Southern District patrol officers responded to the 1100 block of Sargeant Street, for a report of a shooting.

Once there, officers located an adult male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.

The victim was transported to an area hospital where he is listed in stable condition.

Southern District detectives are asking anyone with information to contact them at 410-396-2499 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7Lockup.

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT, 1200 S CAREY ST, MONDAY, 3/7/22, 17:00

AUTO THEFT, 1200 SARGEANT ST, MONDAY, 3/7/22, 21:00

LARCENY, 700 W CROSS ST, WEDNESDAY, 3/9/33, 12:00

AUTO THEFT, 800 WOODWARD ST, THURSDAY, 3/10/22, 20:00

LARCENY FROM AUTO, 1200 S CAREY ST, FRIDAY, 3/11/22, 0:00

Carroll – Camden Industrial Area

LARCENY, 1700 RUSSELL ST, WEDNESDAY, 3/9/22, 2:00

LARCENY, 1500 RUSSELL ST, FRIDAY, 3/11/22, 17:00

AUTO THEFT, 1800 WASHINGTON BLVD, 3/12/22, 7:00

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT, RUSSELL ST, & HAINES ST, SATURDAY, 3/12/22, 12:00

Hollins Market

LARCENY FROM AUTO, 900 LEMMON ST, WEDNESDAY, 3/9/22, 7:00

Union Square

NONE

Offense definitions from the FBI

South Baltimore Peninsula Neighborhoods Map

The post South Baltimore Crime Updates first appeared on SouthBMore.com.

via https://www.southbmore.com/2022/03/15/south-baltimore-crime-updates-215/

Ashish Alfred Restaurant ‘No Way Rosé’ Opens on Cross Street in Federal Hill

Chef Ashish Alfred’s French restaurant No Way Rosé opened this week at 31 E. Cross St. in Federal Hill. No Way Rosé fills a space vacated by Bookmakers Cocktail Club in 2020.

Alfred is also the owner of the high-end “modern brasserie” Duck Duck Goose which has locations in Federal Hill, Bethesda, and Washington, D.C. Alfred said No Way Rosé is more casual than Duck Duck Goose and feels this is a better fit for the Cross Street location.

The menu at No Way Rosé has starters such as a cheese board, charcuterie board, roasted beets, salmon tartare, beef tartare, escargot, moules frites, and scallop ceviche. Entrees include a blue crab omelette, burger, duck confit, steak frites, Sockeye salmon, black truffle agnolotti, linguini with clams, and roasted chicken.

It also has a raw bar with clams, oysters, shrimp, and stone crabs.

No Way Rosé, which still has the large bar from Bookmakers, will serve a selection of signature drinks, mimosas, frosés, and mocktails.

No Way Rosé is open Wednesday to Sunday for dinner and Saturdays and Sundays for brunch.

Brunch will include “ever-changing thematic parties featuring DJs and musicians, as well as burlesque and performance artists.”

No Way Rosé is not accepting reservations. Alfred urged customers to come early and sit at the bar for a drink.

Alfred took on a full renovation of the space. This included adding new tile flooring; a new color scheme featuring pink, blue, and white; custom booth seating made by Lion’s Wood Banquet Furniture; and murals of late chefs Anthony Bourdain and Paul Bocuse. The first floor has a large bar and table seating, and the second floor has additional seating and a smaller bar. The second floor will be able to host private events in the future.

The exterior was painted white and has a mural of a rosé pour.

“We’re excited to open something truly unique – and bring our joie de vivre to a neighborhood that’s been a cornerstone of the downtown community,” Alfred said in a press release. “We’re looking forward to providing the same outstanding service that guests have come to expect at our other restaurants, and grateful for the opportunity to bring a never before seen concept to Baltimore.”

Alfred said he didn’t purposely time his restaurant opening with the ending of the mask mandate in Baltimore City, but noted the “the world is ready to go back out.”

Alfred, who grew up in Montgomery County, has been coming to Federal Hill for many years. He told SouthBMore.com in June the name No Way Rosé is a nod to the former No Way José Café. He said some of his first memories in Baltimore were visits to Fells Point and Federal Hill, and he recalls hanging out at Mother’s Purple Patio and getting memorable crab cakes from Ropewalk.

With a lot of new concepts added to Federal Hill in recent months, Alfred said in June that the neighborhood is ready for his style of restaurant. “I think the palette of Federal Hill is starting to grow up a bit, and it’s time for us to go over there,” he said.

Alfred was named Chef of the Year by the Restaurant Association of Maryland in 2019. He has competed in Food Network programs Chopped, Cutthroat Kitchen, and The Kitchen. Southern Living named Duck Duck Goose in Bethesda the Best Restaurant in Maryland in 2017 and the Baltimore location took the nod in 2018.

 

The post Ashish Alfred Restaurant ‘No Way Rosé’ Opens on Cross Street in Federal Hill first appeared on SouthBMore.com.

via https://www.southbmore.com/2022/03/11/ashish-alfred-restaurant-no-way-rose-opens-on-cross-street-in-federal-hill/

Weekend Events Around Baltimore

Photo courtesy of The Baltimore St. Patrick Parade

RAIN- A Tribute to the Beatles at The Lyric: Thursday at 730pm

Guinness Open Gate Brewery St. Patrick’s Celebrations: Thursday to Sunday

Volunteering Opp: Friday Morning Clean Ups With Green & Grounds at Federal Hill Prep: Friday from 845am-945am

St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl at Power Plant Live!: Saturday from 12pm-8pm

Whiskey & Oysters at Old Line Spirits: Saturday from 1pm-9pm

Celtic Woman: Postcards from Ireland at Hippodrome: Saturday at 730pm

Pi(e) Day at Maryland Science Center: Sunday from 12pm-4pm

Shamrock 5K Race: Sunday from 1pm-2pm

Federal Hill Irish Stroll: Saturday from 1pm-9pm

The Baltimore St. Patrick Parade: Sunday from 2pm-5pm

Free Outdoor Fitness

November Project at Patterson Park: Friday at 630am

Weekly Farmers’ Markets

32nd Street Farmers’ Market in Waverly:  Saturday from 7am-12pm

Have a GREAT weekend!

The post Weekend Events Around Baltimore first appeared on SouthBMore.com.

via https://www.southbmore.com/2022/03/10/weekend-events-around-baltimore-124/

‘Berries by Quicha’ Moves into Larger Adjacent Space in Federal Hill

Chocolate-covered berries shop Berries by Quicha has relocated into an adjacent retail space in Federal Hill. Berries by Quicha moved last month from the approximately 1,000 sq. ft. space at 920 Light St. to the approximately 3,000 sq. ft. space at 922 Light St.

Berries by Quicha’s new shop takes the place of D’Luxurious Paws, which recently closed. The Baltimore Florist has taken over Berries by Quicha’s former space at 920 Light St.

Berries by Quicha owner LaQuicha Brown said it “felt like they were moving far,” even though they were only moving a few feet south. Brown and her team rushed to get the larger space ready in just three weeks to have it open by Valentine’s Day.

She said the opportunity came to be when the landlord came to her and asked if she wanted to knock down the wall into the newly-vacant retail space. She initially said no, but thought about it more and played with the financial numbers. She ultimately decided not to take both spaces, but to move her business next door.

Brown said the new space gives Berries by Quicha more visibility and space for customers to sit down and enjoy berries or plan private parties. After six years at 920 Light St., Brown said they had outgrown the space but wanted to stay in Federal Hill.

Berries by Quicha does a lot of catering orders for corporate companies, works with restaurants, and has walk-in customers. Brown said the new larger space has increased walk-in business from about 30 percent of her business to 50 percent.

The shop sells customizable chocolate strawberries by the half dozen and dozen, chocolate covered pretzels, and candy apples. It is a family-run operation as employees include Brown’s children, cousins, and close friends.

While Berries by Quicha is keeping busy, Brown said inflation has been a struggle for her business as the price of chocolate, containers, boxes, and bags have increased significantly.

Brown said she is excited about the growing number of dessert shops that have opened in Federal Hill including Bmore Licks and Moo Moo Cows on her block. “It’s like Dessert Row in Federal Hill. It could be a tourist attraction in itself,” she said.

Berries by Quicha is open Tuesday to Saturday from 11am to 5pm. It also has a location at the Baltimore Travel Plaza in Canton.

 

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The post ‘Berries by Quicha’ Moves into Larger Adjacent Space in Federal Hill first appeared on SouthBMore.com.

via https://www.southbmore.com/2022/03/09/berries-by-quicha-moves-into-larger-adjacent-space-in-federal-hill/

South Baltimore Crime Updates

According to the Baltimore Police Department (BPD)  Crime Map, the following crimes were reported in February.

Ridgely’s Delight

ROBBERY – STREET, 300 S FREMONT AVE, THURSDAY, 2/10/22, 2:00

LARCENY, 600 S PACA ST, THURSDAY, 2/17/22, 18:00

LARCENY FROM AUTO, 600 WASHINGTON BLVD, SATURDAY, 2/19/22, 10:00

BURGLARY, 700 W PRATT ST, TUESDAY, 2/22/22, 19:00

Stadium Area

NONE

Barre Circle

LARCENY, 700 MCHENRY ST, MONDAY, 2/28/22, 10:00

Otterbein

AUTO THEFT, 100 W HENRIETTA ST, MONDAY, 2/7/22, 0:00

LARCENY, 0 W HILL ST, FRIDAY, 2/11/22, 21:00

LARCENY, 200 W HILL ST, SUNDAY, 2/13/22, 15:00

AUTO THEFT, 0 W CONWAY ST, FRIDAY, 2/25/22, 14:00

LARCENY, 0 W HILL ST, SATURDAY, 2/26/22, 13:00

LARCENY, 600 S HANOVER ST, SUNDAY, 2/27/22, 13:00

Sharp-Leadenhall

LARCENY, 1100 S HANOVER ST, SUNDAY, 2/6/22, 10:00

LARCENY, 900 S HANOVER ST, MONDAY, 2/7/22, 15:00

ROBBERY – RESIDENCE, 100 W CROSS ST, 2/10/22, 1:00

ROBBERY – COMMERCIAL, 1200 S HANOVER ST, FRIDAY, 2/11/22, 23:00

ROBBERY – COMMERCIAL, 1200 S HANOVER ST, FRIDAY, 2/11/22, 23:00

LARCENY FROM AUTO, 100 W CROSS ST, WEDNESDAY, 2/16/22, 16:00

LARCENY FROM AUTO, 100 W CROSS ST, THURSDAY, 2/17/22, 19:00

LARCENY, 100 W CROSS ST, SATURDAY, 2/26/22, 9:00

AUTO THEFT, W WEST RACE ST & RACE ST, SATURDAY, 2/26/22, 12:00

Federal Hill

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT, 1000 LIGHT ST, TUESDAY, 2/1/22, 4:00

BURGLARY, 1000 S CHARLES ST, FRIDAY, 2/4/22, 23:00

LARCENY, 0 E CROSS ST, SATURDAY, 2/5/22, 23:00

ROBBERY – STREET, 1100 S CHARLES ST, SUNDAY, 2/6/22, 1:00

LARCENY, 1200 LIGHT ST, TUESDAY, 2/8/22, 13:00

AUTO THEFT, 400 GRINDALL ST, TUESDAY, 2/8/22, 19:00

BURGLARY, 1000 S HANOVER ST, TUESDAY, 2/8/22, 23:00

BURGLARY, 1000 S HANOVER ST, TUESDAY, 2/8/22, 23:00

LARCENY, 900 S CHARLES ST, WEDNESDAY, 2/9/22, 15:00

LARCENY FROM AUTO, 200 E CROSS ST, WEDNESDAY, 2/9/22, 17:00

ROBBERY – STREET, 800 S CHARLES ST, THURSDAY, 2/10/22, 22:00

LARCENY, 1100 S CHARLES ST, FRIDAY, 2/11/22, 1:00

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT, 0 E CROSS ST, SATURDAY, 2/19/22, 1:00

AUTO THEFT, 0 E CROSS ST, THURSDY, 2/24/22, 21:00

ROBBERY – COMMERCIAL, 1000 S CHARLES ST, SATURDAY, 2/19/22, 23:00

ROBBERY – COMMERCIAL, 1000 S CHARLES ST, SATURDAY, 2/19/22, 23:00

ROBBERY – COMMERCIAL, 1000 S CHARLES ST, SATURDAY, 2/19/22, 23:00

LARCENY FROM AUTO, 1200 LIGHT ST, WEDNESDAY, 2/23/22, 18:00

AUTO THEFT, 0 E CROSS ST, THURSDAY, 2/24/22, 21:00

BURGLARY, 1000 RIVERSIDE AVE, MONDAY, 2/28/22, 18:00

LARCENY FROM AUTO, 200 E CROSS ST, MONDAY, 2/28/22, 19:00

Federal Hill South/Riverside

LARCENY, 1400 KEY HWY, MONDAY, 2/28/22, 12:00

South Baltimore Neighborhood

LARCENY, 1800 S CHARLES ST, TUESDAY, 2/1/22, 15:00

LARCENY FROM AUTO, 1600 CLARKSON ST, 2/3/22, 2:00

LARCENY FROM AUTO, 100 W RANDALL ST, 2/4/22, 15:00

Key Highway/HarborView

NONE

Inner Harbor

LARCENY, 400 E PRATT ST, WEDNESDAY, 2/9/22, 7:00

LARCENY, 400 E PRATT ST, FRIDAY, 2/11/22, 8:00

LARCENY, 400 E PRATT ST, TUESDAY, 2/15/22, 10:00

LARCENY, 300 LIGHT ST, SUNDAY, 2/27/22, 0:00

Port Covington

NONE

Locust Point

LARCENY FROM AUTO, 1500 LATROBE PARK TER, TUESDAY, 2/8/22, 13:00

LARCENY, 400 E PRATT ST, WEDNESDAY, 2/9/22, 7:00

LARCENY, 500 E PRATT ST, WEDNESDAY, 2/9/22, 23:00

LARCENY, 400 E PRATT ST, FRIDAY, 2/11/22, 8:00

LARCENY, 1400 HAUBERT ST, SUNDAY, 2/13/22, 18:00

LARCENY, 400 E PRATT ST, TUESDAY, 2/15/22, 10:00

ROBBERY – STREET, 1500 MARRIOTT ST, THURSDAY, 2/17/22, 22:00

LARCENY, 1400 LOWMAN ST, MONDAY, 2/21/22, 8:00

AUTO THEFT, 800 E FORT AVE, WEDNESDAY, 2/23/22, 10:00

LARCENY, 700 E PRATT ST, FRIDAY, 2/25/22, 20:00

Pigtown

AUTO THEFT, 1300 SARGEANT, THURSDAY, 2/3/22, 9:00

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT, 1200 W PRATT ST, THURSDAY, 2/3/22, 16:00

LARCENY, 700 WASHINGTON BLVD, SATURDAY, 2/5/22, 18:00

AUTO THEFT, 1100 WASHINGTON BLVD, SUNDAY, 2/6/22, 7:00

AUTO THEFT, 1100 SARGEANT ST, SUNDAY, 2/6/22, 12:00

LARCENY, 1100 WARD ST, SUNDAY, 2/6/22, 10:00

AUTO THEFT, 1100 SARGEANT ST, SUNDAY, 2/6/22, 12:00

ROBBERY – CARJACKING, 300 PARKIN ST, MONDAY, 2/7/22, 0:00

ROBBERY – CARJACKING, 1400 WASHINGTON BLVD, 2/7/22, 20:00

LARCENY FROM AUTO, 1100 S CAREY ST, TUESDAY, 2/8/22, 20:00

ROBBERY – STREET, 400 SCOTT ST, FRIDAY, 2/11/22, 6:00

LARCENY, 1100 STERRETT ST, FRIDAY, 2/11/22, 22:00

LARCENY, 600 WYETH ST, SATURDAY, 2/12/22, 18:00

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT, 1100 BAYARD ST, 2/13/22, 22:00

LARCENY, 1100 SCOTT ST, MONDAY, 2/14/22, 10:00

BURGLARY, 500 CALLENDAR, WEDNESDAY, 2/16/22, 14:00

AUTO THEFT, 900 WASHINGTON BLVD, TUESDAY, 2/22/22, 1:00

SHOOTING, 1100 CARROLL ST, WEDNESDAY, 2/22/22, 14:00

LARCENY, 1200 W PRATT ST, WEDNESDAY, 2/22/22, 18:00

AUTO THEFT, 1100 SARGEANT, WEDNESDAY, 2/23/22, 22:00

LARCENY FROM AUTO, 900 BAYARD ST, THURSDAY, 2/24/22, 5:00

LARCENY, 1200 W PRATT ST, FRIDAY, 2/25/22, 12:00

LARCENY, 1400 WARD ST, SUNDAY, 2/27/22, 7:00

BURGLARY, 700 WASHINGTON BLVD, MONDAY, 2/28/22, 5:00

LARCENY, 1100 DEXTER ST, MONDAY, 2/28/22, 19:00

Carroll – Camden Industrial Area

AUTO THEFT, 1700 WASHINGTON BLVD, WEDNESDAY, 2/2/22, 8:00

LARCENY, 1800 WASHINGTON BLVD, THURSDAY, 2/3/22, 1:00

LARCENY, 1500 RUSSELL ST, SATURDAY, 2/5/22, 18:00

AUTO THEFT, 1500 RUSSELL ST, THURSDAY, 2/10/22, 1:00

LARCENY, 1800 RUSSELL ST, FRIDAY, 2/11/22, 5:00

LARCENY, 1500 RUSSELL ST, SATURDAY, 2/12/22, 21:00

LARCENY, 1500 RUSSELL ST, SUNDAY, 2/13/22, 0:00

LARCENY FROM AUTO, 1500 RUSSELL ST, SUNDAY, 2/13/22, 19:00

AUTO THEFT, 1700 RIDGELY ST, AUTO THEFT, 2/14/22, 7:00

LARCENY, 1800 WASHINGTON BLVD, WEDNESDAY, 2/16/22, 0:00

ROBBERY – STREET, 1200 WICOMICO ST, THURSDAY, 2/17/22, 23:00

LARCENY, 1800 WASHINGTON BLVD, FRIDAY, 2/18/22, 0:00

ROBBERY – STREET, WASHINGTON BLVD & BUSH ST, 2/23/22, 3:00

LARCENY, 1500 RUSSELL ST, WEDNESDAY, 2/23/22, 14:00

BURGLARY, 1300 WESTERN AVE, SATURDAY, 2/26/22, 5:00

LARCENY, 1300 WESTERN AVE, SATURDAY, 2/26/22, 5:00

BURGLARY, 1700 RIDGELY ST, MONDAY, 2/28/22, 18:00

Hollins Market

ROBBERY – STREET, 800 W LOMBARD ST, FRIDAY, 2/11/22, 6:00

AUTO THEFT, 800 W LOMBARD ST, FRIDAY, 2/11/22, 19:00

ROBBERY – CARJACKING, 0 PARKIN ST, TUESDAY, 2/15/22, 19:00

Union Square

AUTO THEFT, 1300 W LOMBARD ST, TUESDAY, 2/15/22, 9:00

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT, 100 S CALHOUN ST, THURSDAY, 2/17/22, 16:00

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT, 1400 W PRATT ST, TUESDAY, 2/22/22, 8:00

Offense definitions from the FBI

South Baltimore Peninsula Neighborhoods Map

The post South Baltimore Crime Updates first appeared on SouthBMore.com.

via https://www.southbmore.com/2022/03/08/south-baltimore-crime-updates-214/

Updated Renderings Revealed for ‘Reimagine Middle Branch’ Plan

Last month, James Corner Field Operations revealed updated renderings for the “Reimagine Middle Branch” plan. The Reimagine Middle Branch plan is a partnership between the City of Baltimore, South Baltimore Gateway Partnership, Parks & People Foundation, and James Corner Field Operations to “reconnect South Baltimore to the 11-plus miles of shoreline along the Patapsco River.”

The plan looks to unite the 19 neighborhoods of South Baltimore by connecting them to one another and to the waterfront. Its three building principles are “Protect and Connect the Shoreline; Transform Barriers into Connections; and Strengthen Communities with Parks and Programs.”

James Corner Field Operations began collecting feedback last summer, put forward initial renderings last fall, and will produce a final plan in the next three to four months. James Corner Field Operations is currently collecting feedback on the latest renderings.

James Corner Field Operations is planning this project with participation from local communities, developers, and business owners. Along with James Corner Field Operations, the design team includes Mahan Rykiel Associates, Design Jones, Waldon Studio, Toole Design, Kofi Boone, Urbane Development, Assedo Consulting, The Urban Studio, Public Mechanics, Moffatt & Nichol, Biohabitats, and Durham Consulting.

The three “Priority Project Zones” are an expanded Middle Branch Park in Cherry Hill, new developments and parks in Ridgely’s Cove, and an 11-mile “Loop Trail.” The trail will link the Middle Branch along the waterfront from the under-development Reedbird Park in Cherry Hill all the way up to Ridgely’s Cove in Stadium Area.

From the plan:

An Expanded Middle Branch Park

In Cherry Hill, the plan centers on an expanded Middle Branch Park that links Middle Branch Fitness and Wellness Center in Reedbird Park with the shoreline around Medstar Harbor Hospital and reaches Smith Cove near the intersection of Waterview Avenue and Kloman Street, where it connects to a proposed waterfront development at Westport. Traffic calming measures in the Hanover/Potee Street corridor and new access points bring Reedbird Island and Brooklyn’s other shoreline spaces into the expanded park network.

In the heart of the Middle Branch Park, a range of improvements are envisioned, including a new boathouse, improved boating and fishing piers, and an expanded playground. The existing boathouse is proposed to be adapted for social space and a food hall or marketplace. An outdoor covered pavilion serves to house large gatherings, like family reunions. “Complete streets” treatments for Waterview Avenue, including a new intersection at Seamon Avenue, will enhance pedestrian safety and access between Cherry Hill and Middle Branch Park.

Work is underway to create an improved waterfront trail with separated bike and pedestrian lanes that will connect these areas. From the trail, boardwalks and overlooks would provide access to marshes and other features of a new “living shoreline.”  The Middle Branch Marina is proposed to be reconfigured and opened to a mix of public and private uses, maintaining the live-aboard community there today while adding educational and recreational programming. West of the marina in Smith Cove, the design features restored marshes and Chesapeake maritime forests, fishing piers, pavilions, and a nature-based playground.

Ridgely’s Cove

The Middle Branch’s public open space network will front new, proposed developments in Westport and Port Covington and extend north to Ridgely’s Cove, where large expanses of marsh will form a “maritime park” that also functions as green-stormwater infrastructure and creates a new natural area at the mouth of the Gwynns Falls. The proposed trail network in Ridgley’s Cove includes boardwalks and a new east-west pedestrian bridge that connects Westport with Port Covington, and links three parks: Black Sox Park to the west, Swann Park to the east and a new “Underpass Park” at Stockholm and Sharp Streets.

Named for the Negro League Baseball team that used to play there, Black Sox Park offers the opportunity for a range of activation, from a youth baseball field to a set of trails winding through woodlands and wetlands. An African American Heritage Trail connects the park to other historically and culturally significant sites. Across Ridgely’s Cove, Swann Park is reoriented to the water, with a beach, canoe and kayak launch and boat rentals. Underpass Park would provide communities to the north of the Middle Branch a new waterfront open space that includes a skate park, sports courts, and boat launch.

The Loop Trail

The Loop Trail will connect all these parks and open spaces with bike and walking trails, creating an 11-mile circuit around the Middle Branch that connects to regional trails, including Gwynns Falls Trail to the northwest and the BWI and East Coast Greenway trails to the south. In addition to providing connections and recreational opportunities, segments of trail network will tell a story about South Baltimore’s culture and history, linking significant places and offering new cultural programming.

Unlike some other ideas floated by design teams bidding for this project, James Corner Field Operations is not proposing any major changes to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Bridge. Megan Born, senior associate landscape architect and urban designer at James Corner Field Operations, told SouthBMore.com the future of the bridge depends on a structural analysis. The Reimagine Middle Branch Plan sees improvements to the bridge that would add protected bike lanes and larger sidewalks.

Other ideas floated in this process, which began with a design competition in 2019, included building a new bridge while turning the existing bridge into a park, and creating a separate bridge for pedestrians.

A two-year study that wrapped up in 2018 recommended a $50-million renovation of the 106-year-old bridge. Baltimore City Department of Transportation (DOT) has not yet secured any funding for this project.

James Corner Field Operations is proposing eliminating a section of Potee St. that splits off of S. Hanover St. just south of the bridge and expanding Middle Branch Park as a result. A small strip mall currently sits in between where the two streets split.

When asked about the elimination of this property, Born said her team would love to see mixed-used development on the land owned by MedStar in between S. Hanover St. and Potee St. just south of this strip mall.

James Corner Field Operations is also proposing turning both S. Hanover St. and Potee St. into two-way streets. The Little Hanover and Potee St. bridges that connect Cherry Hill to Brooklyn would go from “overscaled highways to neighborhood streets” with bike lanes, wide sidewalks, and fishing overlooks.

Underpass Park would take the place of a Maryland Transportation Authority-owned parking lot underneath I-395 in Stadium Area. It’s adjacent to a new Extra Space Storage and across the street from The Parker Metal Building and Checkerspot Brewing Company.

Born said Underpass Park would provide a gateway from the Middle Branch trail system into the neighborhoods north of Ridgley’s Cove such South Baltimore, Sharp-Leadenhall, Otterbein, and Federal Hill.

Born noted the plan advises a new east-west bridge from Port Covington to Westport instead of renovating the existing Springs Garden rail bridge. She said the reason is to “preserve a lot of flexibility here.”

The bridge is owned by CSX and Born said there is a question of whether CSX would want to transfer the rights. She noted the Light Rail could potentially use the rail bridge one day for a proposed spur to Port Covington. But, the plan does show a small connection between the new bridge and the rail bridge.

The east-west bridge is one of the earliest priorities in the Reimagine Middle Branch plan. Another early priority is an improved trail system that connects the boat house at Middle Branch Park to the Middle Branch Fitness and Wellness Center. This trail goes underneath the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Bridge, along the waterfront in front of MedStar Harbor Hospital, and underneath the Little Hanover and Potee St. bridges before connecting with Reedbird Park.

Born said the trail only has about six feet of headroom going under the Little Hanover and Potee St. bridges and that a new alignment would be needed to fix this connection.

Funding for this work comes from a mix of sources: Casino local impact grant funds, managed by the City of Baltimore and South Baltimore Gateway Partnership, are paying for the plan, as is a Maryland State capital grant. Casino impact grants also contribute to the $25 million total construction cost of the Fitness and Wellness Center and adjacent sports field complex. A mix of federal, state, and local grants have been secured for wetland construction and trail projects.

“Our work to ‘reimagine Middle Branch’ is a key component of our larger strategies to revamp and reinvigorate recreation opportunities and outdoor spaces throughout our city,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott in a press release. “This is about providing clean, accessible, and modern spaces that show our residents, particularly our young people, that they matter. That we care about them and are going to do everything in our power to give them the best quality-of-life possible.”

“The City of Baltimore, South Baltimore Gateway Partnership, and their community partners are boldly envisioning an area of improved parks and shorelines supported by equitable economic development throughout the neighborhoods. It’s a holistic approach,” said Born in a press release.

“The plan integrates physical planning with economic development that prioritizes job creation, entrepreneurism and increasing the future earning potential of local residents,” said Brad Rogers, executive director of South Baltimore Gateway Partnership, in a press release. “Alongside new public space amenities, we are equally focused on local workforce development and business incubation opportunities, such as green jobs involved in maintaining and monitoring the restored wetlands, and pop-up markets for local vendors.”

Renderings and captions from James Corner Field Operations (Click to enlarge)

The East-West Pedestrian Bridge will connect Westport and Mt. Winans to Port Covington over Ridgley’s Cove

New wetlands and boardwalks will transform Ridgely’s Cove into nature-based parkland

A new beach, kayak launch, and boat rental will bring new life to Swann Park and reorient the park to Ridgely’s Cove

Underpass Park will activate the space beneath I-395 and connect to Solo Gibbs Park and Sharp-Leadenhall

Middle Branch Park will oer new opportunities for boating, fishing, gatherings and events, and include high-quality pedestrian and bike connections to Cherry Hill along Waterview Avenue

Shade trees and a performance stage will improve the popular event lawn in Middle Branch Park

A new event pavilion will offer spaces for community gatherings, family reunions, cookouts and parties on the water

A new play space near the boathouse in Middle Branch Park

An expanded boathouse and new piers will oer more opportunities for rowing, kayaking and canoeing on the Middle Branch

A restored shoreline and improved trail will connect Middle Branch Park to the new Cherry Hill Fitness and Wellness Center in front of Harbor Hospital

New fishing piers and wetlands featuring native Chesapeake Bay planting in Smith Cove

The post Updated Renderings Revealed for ‘Reimagine Middle Branch’ Plan first appeared on SouthBMore.com.

via https://www.southbmore.com/2022/03/08/updated-renderings-revealed-for-reimagine-middle-branch-plan/

Milk & Honey Market Closes in Pigtown

Milk & Honey Market by Vagrant Coffee closed last week at 906 Washington Blvd. in Pigtown. The 1,700 sq. ft. coffee shop at SAA/EVI’s Bath House Square development opened in September 2020.

Vagrant Coffee still owns a coffee shop in Federal Hill (formerly known as 3 Bean Coffee), a Milk & Honey Market location in Station North, and another coffee shop in West Philadelphia. The company also has a coffee catering business.

Pigtown Main Street Executive Director Kim Lane released the following statement to SouthBMore.com:

Pigtown MS is working with the property owner to secure a new tenant. This beautiful space is an asset to any established business who wants to expand or relocate. This area of Pigtown features the new GroundWork Kitchen with popular businesses including Suspended Brewery and Mobtown Ballroom. Pigtown MS is installing art work and landscaping for traffic calming at the intersection this spring.  It would be wonderful to have another restaurant for residents and visitors to have a good meal before drinking a craft beer at Suspended and then dancing at Mobtown.

This was first reported by the Baltimore Business Journal

The post Milk & Honey Market Closes in Pigtown first appeared on SouthBMore.com.

via https://www.southbmore.com/2022/03/07/milk-honey-market-closes-in-pigtown/