Super Bowl Style

Valley Inn was the site of a combined Super Bowl/Birthday party for local attorney Michael Heyse,, who hosted the party with girlfriend Katherine Pinkard. Michael has a side business— State Your Gear– an apparel company specializing in Maryland flag-themed fashions. The birthday boy made a statement in his snappy flag-themed graphic pants

Guest Jacqueline Easley made her own fashionable statement in this printed Michael Kors open-shoulder top, black pants and tan leather Kors clutch bag. {Valley Inn, 10501 Falls Road, Brooklandville}

Groundhog Day was celebrated by Locust Point resident Cindy Plackmeyer and her 30+ guests for the second straight year at In Like Flynn Tavern. The Western Pennsylvania native sported a black lace top and black slim-cut pants to greet her guests.

Spots at the bar and high-top tables for partygoers were marked with Punxsutawney Phil placemats. {In Like Flynn Tavern, 1371 Andre Street, Locust Point}

Popular South Baltimore restaurant/bar Hersh’s is well-known for its gourmet pizzas – like this Fumo e Fuoco wood-fired pie – and friendly atmosphere. I was a guest at a media dinner there one evening last week to sample some new items that have been added to the menu.

Wood-fired crispy lamb breast with chevre polenta and arugula

Broccolini with prosciutto broth and Marcona almonds

Double-fried Calabrian wings with housemade yogurt drizzle

Tagliolini pasta with Gulf shrimp, garlic and lemon
We all know Hersh’s has some of the best pizza in town; next time you’re in, give some of their other expanded menu items a try. {Hersh’s, 1843 Light Street, Federal Hill}

Local lore says that Eastern Shore native mystery novelist Dashiell Hammett derived his idea for the titular falcon in his 1929 book “The Maltese Falcon” right here in Baltimore. Hammett spent time here as an employee of the Pinkerton Detective Agency, which had its offices in the Continental Trust Co. Building downtown. The regal birds are still there, perched above the main entrance of this handsome building. Driving past it the other day, I was reminded of the story, and the exquisite 1941 film adaptation starring Bogey and the incredible Mary Astor as the duplicitous femme fatale, Brigid O’Shaughnessy. {Continental Trust Co. Building, 1 South Calvert Street, downtown}

I know that some of our more strict, militaristic local farm-to-table chefs frown on offering citruses of any sort, as they are not locally sourceable. (An admirable aim, but more problematic when it comes to mixing certain classic cocktails, among other things.) On a damp, gray mid-winter’s day in February, this simple bowl of citrus fruits on the bar at r-bar in R House brought a smile to my face. {R House, 301 W. 29th Street, Remington}