Geppi’s is Good – But Only as Pre-Game Entertainment.

Last weekend was Collegetown Night at the O’s! And the weather was so nice, we wanted to make a whole night out of it. So we headed out early to venture to Geppi’s Entertainment Museum that is located right next door to Camden Yards. This museum is touted as a pop-culture museum, featuring everything media and “fun” related from decades back. It was a great museum for a pre-game warm-up, but after our tour, we knew that if we had come for the museum exclusively, it would not have been as satisfying.

The museum is located on the second floor of the Camden Station building, right above the Sports Legend Museum. As you make your way up the stairs, you are instantly prepared for what lies ahead as the walls are covered in old-time and modern movie posters and comic strips. The museum lobby is dark (a common theme we could have used less of) but the attendants were there to instantly greet us and tell us about the lay-out of the museum, and the interactive scavenger hunt that you can participate in as you walk through the museum. (This involves placing a little card under a computer reader and answering some trivia questions. You get a prize at the end, but it’s just a little something to count as a souvenir.) The great thing about going on a game day, was that ticket prices were just $1. This is true for all Ravens and Orioles games – a definite bonus for an attendee with a college student budget.

We had intentionally traveled to Geppi’s to see the featured “Barbie: Celebrating 50 Years” exhibit. We started out of order to make sure we had time to see this exhibit first, since the museum closes at 6 on game days. (They suggest going through the museum in chronological order, which is how the displays are set-up.) While there were some cool old-school Barbies from the 50’s, we were kind of disappointed with the “featured” exhibit. Sure, there were lots of cool Barbies to look at, but they were all “Collector’s Editions”, and no more than 5 were from any decade before the 1990’s. Our group consisted of individuals who had owned an original Barbie and clothes for the doll from the 50’s and 60’s. Needless to say, they were disappointed that we saw more things we recognized from the Barbie of our childhood than theirs.

We then proceeded to go through the rest of the museum. As you enter each room of the museum, a voice overhead tells you the details about the era you are walking in to. The first two rooms looked at newspapers, and the advertisements and toys that came with early American print-media. This was probably the most historical aspect of the museum, where we were actually more inclined to read about the significance of the comics and toys then to just stare in amusement and awe at all the “cool old toys and games.”

The rest of the museum was filled with old games, toys, and an entire room full of old comics. It was really interesting to see the kinds of toys and games our parents had played with when they were younger, and to see what the original characters we know and love now looked like when they were born. (Both Mickey and Donald look totally different today than they did 30 years ago. Plus, make sure you check out the Snap, Crackle, Pop guys from Rice Krispies – you’ll find something strange about the originals.) Though we have to say there was a heavier presence of “boy” toys than “girl” toys, we were still really excited to see all the old stuff. Plus, you can even find some of the toys you played with as a child yourself. (We got a little nostalgic when we found a Shrinky-Dinks set – ahh those were the days!)

And while we enjoyed looking at all of the cool old school pop culture stuff, we did have a few complaints. One, the entire museum was poorly lit. Now we know they probably have to keep the lights low to preserve the artifacts, but it was so dark that it was hard to read the captions and find out what everything even was. Also, the walls are covered in movie posters and other fun things – but they are piled way too high. We had to crane our necks back to try and see the stuff on the walls, and even then we felt like we were missing stuff. And we’d have to say that if we had paid the full price ($10) we would have been disappointed. There just wasn’t as much stuff as we thought there was going to be – and since most of the items were things we had never heard of, without being able to read the captions we were left guessing and skipping over some of the items.

But, overall, we’d recommend checking out this museum if you’re already going to a ball game. You can get in for cheap, check out some cool toys, and then head over to the ball game for a bite to eat before warm-ups. (Plus, if you go right before game time, you’ll see less of a crowd as everyone is making their way to the stadium.) We enjoyed out pre-game stroll through Geppi’s and we think you will too. So if you’re on your way over to cheer on the O’s and down some hot dogs, make sure you stop in to see some cool old toys and games for only a buck. If you’re not a baseball fan, or can’t make it out on a game day, then we’d skip this attraction for now, and check out some other Baltimore hotspots first.

Annapolis – A Great Day-Trip Locale

If you’re looking for a great place to get away for the day, look no further than Annapolis. We recently ventured to our waterfront neighbor in Southern Maryland on the first seemingly warm day of spring and thoroughly enjoyed our visit. If you’re looking for quirky shops and eateries and food shops located at enough frequency to break anyone’s diet, then Annapolis is the place to go.

 

With its cobblestone brick streets, and brick buildings lined with grandiose white columns, Annapolis is a picturesque city on its waterfront location. Seriously any building or street makes for a great photo op. After parking near the Visitor Center and taking a scenic walk around to see the State House and its many corresponding buildings, we headed down Main Street Annapolis to take in a great afternoon of sunshine.

 

If you walk the entire length of Main Street you can actually walk right up to the water’s edge. This little inlet welcomes boaters who bring their boats right up to the sidewalk and land-lubbers can talk to these sea-faring folks. There is a large patio-like feel to the water’s edge as well, as there is plenty of room to walk around and sit by the water and relax.

 

What’s great about Main Street Annapolis is that it is like a more posh version of the beach’s Boardwalk. The streets are lined with quirky shops, and little boutiques, featuring the unusual to the trendy. You’ll also find dozens of restaurants and eateries, each with their own unique flare. From sushi, to Italian, to American, and all with a heavy dose of seafood, you won’t go hungry no matter what kind of food you’re craving. Plus, many of these restaurants included bar areas that lit up once the sun started to dip, making this a great place to spend not only a great sunny afternoon, but a nightcap as well. (Not to mention Annapolis features its very own Ram’s Head complete with a Ram’s Head On Stage that features live music and draws celebrity performers.) One of the things we loved about Main Street was all the home-made food shops. There were ice cream parlors and fudge shops, and a chocolate store featuring every kind of snack you could imagine dipped in chocolate.

 

Overall, our day in Annapolis was great. The outdoor stroll along the waterfront, the quick stops at the ice cream store and trendy boutique, dining along the waterfront while enjoying delicious seafood – it was all wonderful. We highly recommend checking out our neighbors to the Southeast on the next Spring-like day. We’re sure you’re bound to find this your new favorite getaway locale.

Meet and Greet the Active Way!

Hello my fellow Baltimoreans!

At the begining of the year, I did a something little different – I actually set a new year’s resolution!  Aside from the typical, maintain a healthy lifestyle line item that people put on their resolutions, I added something a little different:  Be less afraid to try new things and meet new people.  I definitely have a core group of close buds that I hang out with, but I’ve noticed lately, to my detriment, that I don’t really branch out and mix with other people.  I started dissecting why this was and I arrived at some conclusions about it.  I finally decided to do something about it, so I thought I’d sign up for Baltimore Sports and Social Club, herein known as BSSC.   I’ve always thought about signing up before, but I was a little self-conscious about my lackluster athletic skills.  That coupled with laziness to find a team just deterred from being a part of the organization.  This time around, I was recruited by one of my friends at MICA.  I was a little apprehensive at first, but I decided to overcome my skepticism and go for the gold! 

BSSC was founded by Mike Cray, former construction contractor, back in 1996.  The purpose/mission of BSSC is to create year-round opportunities for people to engage in athletic activities and at the same time build social connections that go beyond the playing field.  BSSC has lots of partnership with local bars and venues, so participants are able to take advantage of different specials – it’s great!  The BSSC caters to people with all athletic abilities – in fact, they have three different leagues:  Social, Super Social, and Super Extra Social.  You can play Volleyball, Broomball, Softball, Football, and so much  more!  

I’ve been playing volleyball for about three weeks now (and I actually have a game tonight GO CRAY”S ANATOMY!), and I’m so glad I joined.  Instead of watching TV on a Wednesday night and goofing off on the Internet, I’m playing a sport that I truly enjoy, I’m interacting with different types of  people, and staying active!  I’m pretty pro BSSC, but at the same time, I like to offer our readers various options.  If you don’t find BSSC fits you, then try Play Baltimore. 

Whatever is your cup of tea, get out there and try something new Baltimore!  Click on the links below and hopefully you find something you like!

www.baltssc.com
www.playbaltimore.com

For now, this is Ankur…

Signing off…

Cirque du Soleil Pitches a Nearly Perfect Tent in Baltimore!

From the first strum of music, the awe-inspiring theatrical and acrobatic production that is Cirque du Soleil’s KOOZA, captivates the audience and transports them into a magical world unlike any that’s ever hit Baltimore before.

As has been advertised for weeks now, the International power house that is Cirque du Soleil, has brought its KOOZA production to Baltimore. Known for producing shows full of acrobatic feats, and visually stunning performances, Cirque du Soleil has a reputation for being one of those things to put on your “Bucket List.” So this Thursday, when the Grand Chapiteau (their version of a Big Top tent) opened its curtains, we were there to see if it really lived up to the hype. The final verdict from both our veteran Cirque-viewers and rookies was a unanimous YES!

When you arrive at the tent you are greeted by stilt-walkers, jugglers, photographers, and balloon-makers, all painted in clown make-up (which for the Cirque shows look more like mimes than the big red-lipped clowns you see at the regular circus.) You are instantly overwhelmed with the atmosphere of the Cirque world. Once inside the lobby area of the tent the festivities continue. The gift shop takes over the whole front of the lobby, and though the merchandise might be too pricey for most college students, everything is so beautiful to look at, that you find yourself perusing all the aisles just to get a closer look. The lobby also has an area where you can view the souvenir photos that were just taken of your party outside the tent. Plus, there are multiple concession stands where everything from popcorn and pretzels, to paninis and chocolate mousse are served. (Trust us – the food is amazing!) Plus, you can bring your food and drink inside the main tent area to enjoy while you watch the show. There are high-def screens everywhere previewing the show and the music from the night plays overhead.

Once it reached a half hour before show time we were ushered inside the main tent to where the performance would be seen. As you walk up the stairs to get to your seat, you can’t see the stage. But once at the top, you realize that this venue is unlike any you’ve ever seen before. The stage comes out into the audience in a circle, meaning there truly is no bad seat in the house as everyone is facing the “front.” The seating is somewhat like ball-game seating, but there are cushions and so you are more comfortable then you would be watching the O’s. The tent, while claiming to be heated, was a bit too cold for our liking, so bring a sweater, but it’s nothing like being outside.

The show starts with some entertaining clown routines. This allows stragglers time to get to their seats before the real action begins. (The clown routines are disbursed throughout the show – and they really are funny. Not stupid gag humor that you would find at many other circuses, but actually laugh out loud humor. Though we do caution that it can get raunchy at times so just be aware.) Then the real show gets started. With a brief introduction to the story behind KOOZA, you are then transported into a different world.

Once the music starts, you know you are in for a good show. And don’t let the simple scenery at the beginning fool you – pretty soon the stage transforms itself, literally, as pieces move out towards the audience and flaps of the tent that once hid the entire set-up are peeled away. (This stage transformation was truly one of the most surprising and visually awesome moments of the entire night.) Then one by one, acts take to the stage, performing feats of acrobatic marvel that will literally have you saying things like “oh my god,” “wow,” and “no way” in your seats. From contortionists who bend their bodies in ways they were never meant to, to high-wire artists who are so high in the sky you have to bend your neck back to take it all in, to a unicycle act that revolves around a love story (something you have to see to understand). And that’s just the first half! After a 30-minute intermission (bring some extra tissues because the bathrooms run out of paper fast) where you can enjoy some dessert or refill your drinks, you are thrust back into the magical world of KOOZA. The second-half opens with a much darker routine, and if you don’t like drumming, then this part might not be for you. But then once again you are entertained by routine after routine of gymnastic skill, and technical superiority. Now, we have to admit that the second half of KOOZA is not quite as good as the first half. Though the acts are equally adept at their talents, and no one can question the amazing visual and daring routines they perform, the routines did not pack the same punch as those in the first half.

With both Cirque veterans (those who have seen more a Cirque show before – in this case a party member had seen two other versions of Cirque productions) and rookies amongst our group, we were able to get a sense of what everyone thought about the production. Our Cirque veteran was impressed with the show, though noting that some of the routines were very similar to the ones at the other tent Cirque shows they had seen. They also noted that there is a limit to how “daring” the acts can be because of the nature that the “Grand Chapiteau” is a temporary structure. But, our veteran spent the whole time with mouth ajar and uttering “wow” through the show, so you can see that they were still very impressed. Our Cirque rookies were even more impressed and were amazed at the acrobatic tricks they saw. They could not stop chatting about how “crazy” or how “amazing” the show was at intermission and after the show. The rookies kept saying that they were “so glad they came” and were overwhelmed by how the entire “tent” transports you into the Cirque world, noting that the ambience of the event is almost equally as impressive as the show itself.

Overall, we have to agree with all the hype and call Cirque du Soleil’s KOOZA a definite “not-to-miss” show! If you’re lucky enough to be able to go see a Cirque show, you should definitely take advantage of it, because it’s one of those shows that everyone talks about, and keeps talking about, for months. And let’s face it – not everyone can get to the permanent Cirque shows in Orlando, New York, or Vegas. So with this amazing acrobatic production right here in Baltimore, it is an opportunity that can’t be missed!

* And on a special note – we at Collegetown are also excited to add that we can offer students a great discounted price to this show at http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/CirqueDuSoleil/en/special/koozapromo/BaltimoreStudents.htm

Thai Landing – big mistake!

Last Friday was definitely a productive day off.  I started off my morning with the basic errands, hit the gym, did a little baking, and then I drove into the city for a lunch with a friend.  Unfortunately, this friend cancelled on me two minutes before our scheduled time.   We were supposed to go Thai Landing, obviously a Thai restaurant, located off Charles St near University of Baltimore.  I was going to back out on the Thai and go to Soups On! which I’ve been meaning to try for the longest time.  I walked into Soups On! and I was like nah, I’m kind of a Thai mood.  Looking back on the experience, I wish I stayed at Soups on!

When I first walked into the restaurant, I got a really good vibe from it.  The decor and ambiance were pretty authentic, old-fashioned, featuring basic dining furniture.  When I saw three people in the restaurant, I started getting a little skeptical…I was like Oh lordy!  I tried to give them the benefit of the doubt and say ehh it’s the economy.  Now I realize the economy has nothing to do with the performance of the restaurant, it’s really just the food!

After browsing through the various selections, I tried something simple – Pad Thai Tofu.  The food came out rather quickly, probably because no one was really there.  I was a little amazed at the small portion size, but it turned out to be the perfect amount.  I ordered this particular entree because I wanted some Steamed Rice with the entree.  I didn’t get my steamed rice so I told the person in charge that I didn’t receive the rice.  Her response “It doesn’t come with it.”  Clearly on the menu it stated entrees come with steamed rice.  The manager responded back, “Oh, that is a mistake, but I will give it to you.”  Yeah, eventually I got my rice but that’ s a pretty big mistake to make on a menu and I doubt I’m the only one who’s ever pointed it out. 

Anyways, back to the food.  When I’ve had Thai food in the past, I’ve experienced rich, bold, vibrant flavors that tickled my palate.  That was definitely not the case this time.  Tofu is pretty bland in its uncooked state and you have to add some garnish, sauce, marinade to elevate the dish.  At Thai Landing, all they did was pan fry the tofu without adding a thing!  The noodles were dry and lacked any texture or flavor.  I was pretty heated during lunch and I gobbled my food up.  As soon as I got the check, I paid and stormed out.

Next time, I will trust my instincts.  Normally, I’m pretty open to going back to a restaurant if I didn’t have a positive experience the first time around, but there’s always an exception to the rule!  If you want quality Thai, make the trip down to Bank st and go to Lemongrass or Thai One An in Towson.

For now, this is Ankur…

Signing off…

Delighted by Indigma

Last year when I celebrated my birthday with my Collegetown colleagues, I ventured out into Harbor East and ate at Taco Fiesta.  This year, I wanted another solid experience but in a different part of town.  I’ve really enjoyed my culinary experiences in Mt. Vernon, so I selected something in that area:  Indigma.  I was actually going to have dinne there with my friends, but I was a little hesitant since I read some mixed reviews. 

I decided to not listen to other reviews and make my own.  We ventured out on a cold Wednesday afternoon to Indigma and I must say it was worth the trip.  Indigma is locataed in the same building as Donna’s and Thairish.  For those of you who are familiar with that area, Indigma used to be known as Saffron.  I was instantly impressed with the decor of the restaurant.  The decor stayed true to the Indian culture with its rich, vibrant colors, but at the same time, infused contemporary Western influences. 

Indigma, which sounds damn cool to begin with, offers a table side lunch buffet.  You have the option of going the vegetarian route, non-veg, or combo.  While we were waiting for our buffet to arrive , we were encouraged to check out the appetzier table.  The appetizer table featured a leafy green salad, a garbanzo bean salad, pickled onion relish, a spicy coriander chutney, a sweet tamarind chutney, and papad. 

As we were slurping down the last bit of our salads, our entrees arrived.  The tableside buffet was brought out in this long rectangular plate with six adequate samplings of each the dishes they offered.  I truly got a well-rounded experience:  daal, cashew chicken, chicken masala, aloo gobi (cauliflower and potatoes), rice, and an eggplant curry.  Now of course, this delectable meal came with piping hot plain naan with a glaze of butter for taste. 

At first I was a little skeptical of the conept of a tableside buffet – I mean what if you don’t like the kind of things they have.  When I picture a buffet, I picture this big table with trays of food and people standing in a line waiting to get their share.  This concept is better because it allows you to really try everything, stay in your seat, and converse with whoever you’re eating with.  There was also a nice balance to the food – dry vs. curried vegetables, light vs heavy texture, and savory/spicy vs. sweet. 

I was most impressed with the chicken dishes, which I would absolutely get if I went there for dinner.  I wasn’t the only one who left with a smile on their face and their appetites fulfilled – my coworkers had a pleasant time as well.  So, if you’re in the neighborhood next time, I highly encourage you to check out this place.  Don’t listen to other reviews – I’m Indian…I know good Indian food when  I taste it!

For now, this is Ankur…

Signing off….

Bateman’s was somewhat of a Birthday bust :(

I’ve heard from one my acquaintances that Bateman’s is a great fun place for happy hour.  The appetizers are half off and rail drinks are 2 for 1, and of course cheap beer!  I turned 25 on Tuesday (happy birthday to me…) so I decided to kick off the festivities with a happy hour at Bateman’s in Towson.  I’ve been to Bateman’s a couple of times for dinner and wasn’t super impressed, but I thought let’s try something different.

The place was packed, which is always a plus.  Sometimes it is nice to go out to a bar and there’s not a whole lot of people, so you can really unwind from the work day, but in this situation the more the merrier!  In addition to the environment, I would say the biggest plus was that it was cheap.  Rail drinks were 2 for 1 and my friend got a Sam Adams for$2.25…holla!

The two  negatives:  service and my crab-less crab pretzel.  The waitress we had was kinda crass and not very attentive.  I understand it was somewhat packed, but she kind of looked like her dog just died or something.  I was told by people for years that their crab pretzel is really good, yeah….not really.  Normally, I go to Greene Turtle and get crab dip, which is great, but this hardly had any dip.  If I wanted a pretzel, I could have gone to Taste of Philly up the street. 

Would I give Bateman’s another try?  Sure….cheap drinks and there are plenty of other starters I could get for half price.  However, if there’s a pattern with the service and food I might stop. 

For now, this is Ankur….

Signing off…

Dinner at Lemongrass Surprises with Delights and Disappointments

We love birthdays around here, so when one of our co-workers hit the quarter-century mark, we decided to celebrate the right way – with a trio of happy hour, dinner, and a lunch outing. (What can we say? We think treating ourselves to a meal we didn’t have to make is the best way to celebrate.) For our dinner selection our birthday companion wanted to try some Thai cuisine and had heard of the restaurant Lemongrass in Little Italy.

When you first drive by Lemongrass, you might actually miss it. The entrance is well hidden within the flat fronts of the backs of buildings, parking garages, and loading docks. At first glance, you might even be skeptical of what you might find inside, simply because of its locale. But, be brave – because you might just like what you find once you step inside.

The décor and atmosphere of Lemongrass is amazing. We loved the swanky vibe you felt just walking in the door, and you felt transported into a posh lounge not befitting of the restaurant’s locale. With open couches under a flower wall facing an extensively long and clean hardwood bar, and a wall full of pictures featuring Thai culture, Lemongrass provides diners with a great ambience. But perhaps what Lemongrass will most be remembered for in your mind is the stunning 20-foot statue of a Thai princess that separates the bar area from the dining room. With a rock garden and water underneath her, she stands from floor to ceiling and greets visitors as they make their way to their seats to enjoy their meals. (We tried to take some pictures of this masterpiece, but none could do her justice, or fit her in a frame.) The open feel of the restaurant and the dining area itself also made this restaurant feel upscale and modern.

The food and drinks at Lemongrass were hit and miss. The martinis were a bigger hit then the cocktails (we recommend the Sticky Mango Martini). The appetizers, while small in portions, seemed to be well-received by everyone who ate them. The group’s entrees however, provided the most disagreement in whether Lemongrass was a hit or not. Some diners thoroughly enjoyed their meals – the Pad Pak (a chicken stir-fry dish in garlic sauce) was perfectly seasoned and not drowned in sauce, and the chicken was cooked so it was tender and sliced so that there was no fat to be found. The Lad Na (a soup dish that has huge chunks of vegetables and meat) was also pleasantly received, and the entire contents were eaten even though the diner had claimed not to be that hungry. Both dishes were served with steamed rice, and while the soy sauce that the diners added lacked some salt, the rice was a perfect compliment to the meals. Those diners who ordered sushi from the extensive sushi menu that rests on all the tables at Lemongrass, were also pleased with their selections, but would have liked a wider set of spices to dress up their choices. Other diners, however, were less then pleased with their dishes. Many vegetarian options seemed to be more soup than entrée, and since it was not what the diners had expected, it was hard for them to enjoy it. Also, some of our group members were well-versed in Thai cuisine, and felt the meals not traditional enough for their liking.

We ended the night with a special fried ice cream treat for our birthday companion. While not the most delicious version we’ve ever had, the portion size was large enough that it allowed everyone at the table to get a taste and have a sweet ending to their meal. After dessert came the bill, and with the posh feel of the restaurant we knew we were in for a tough crunch on our wallets. The price was a little steep, especially considering the food was hit or miss, but you are paying for the atmosphere and overall dining experience, which are definitely worth a few extra dollars.

Overall we give Lemongrass a B. We think we’d give it another try and see if other dishes on their menu fare better. And we definitely approve of having a swank night out every once in a while, and Lemongrass provides this in spades.

Lunch at Mex is a Mixed Bag

We were tired of sitting in the cold offices looking out at the snow last week, so we decided to head out for a hot lunch at one of the downtown restaurants we are always hearing about. Craving some good Mexican food, we headed over to Mex, a restaurant in PowerPlant Live! that converts into a happening late night spot once the sun goes down.

We’ll forgive Mex the fact that parking around PowerPlant Live! can be difficult. There is some street parking available, but more often than not (and which was the case with us) you’ll end up parking in a garage. This can get pricey, but if you load up a car full of people and then split the bill, it will be manageable. The lunch time crowd at PowerPlant Live! was overly quiet the day we ventured out, but we’re sure it was just because of the snow and ice.

As you walk in Mex, you realize just how much space the restaurant has. Divided into two sections, each one as big as the next, there is plenty of dining space, and an extremely long bar, which we imagine makes the late night crowds happy as it seems there would always be space to access the bartender for drinks. We were ushered off to the left – the “bar” side (we call it this only because it was filled with higher tables for two and fewer booths than the other side), and were seated at a huge booth that could’ve fit three times as many people as our small group of two made up. We were quickly presented with chips and salsa to enjoy while we read our menus to decide what we wanted. We were a fan of the salsa provided, because it wasn’t overly powerful – just spicy enough to get you ready for a good Mexican meal, but not overly spicy that those who don’t like super hot sauce wouldn’t have been able to enjoy it.

The hostess quickly asked us what we wanted to drink, and we were really craving some margaritas. And while we had reviewed the drink options before we had left, we couldn’t remember all the different margarita options they had (and they have a lot), but Mex couldn’t provided us with drink menus. That disappointed us a little, because we could only select from what we could remember. We ordered a Raspberry Rita and a Peach Rita. And while disappointed at the lack of drink menu, we were definitely not disappointed with our drinks. Yumm! Usually you get watered down margaritas, especially at lunch, but these were not watered down at all and provided a definite punch. The Peach margarita had just enough peach flavoring to leave a nice after-taste, but it still tasted like a margarita, and the Raspberry Rita was perfectly flavored as well.

For our meals, one of us ordered a half-size of the fajita salad and a cup of their chicken tortilla soup, while our fellow diner ordered the burrito grande entrée. The first thing you noticed about the food was the gigantic size of the dishes. Remember how we ordered a half-size salad? Well this half-size salad was big enough to be an entire entrée itself, and we couldn’t possibly have finished it all. (Our advice here, is never go with a full-sized salad – the half-size is definitely big enough to fill even the heartiest of appetites.) The burrito entrée was just as enormous, and the burrito alone without the fixings took up almost the entire plate. While the food portions were huge, their taste left a little something to be desired. The chicken tortilla soup was way thicker than any we’d ever had, and it felt more like we were eating tomato sauce than any kind of soup. The salad was too drenched in their “spicy ranch” dressing (which we suggest ordering on the side), and didn’t provide us the Mexican flavoring we were really looking for. The corn and “Mexican” cheeses just weren’t enough to make this salad anything more than the imitation kind of Mexican salad you get at some other chain type restaurants. Our diner had a little better luck with their burrito entrée, but also complained that it didn’t have enough of a “kick” to it, and that it also wasn’t quite Mexican-y enough for them. However, though the meal wasn’t exactly what we were looking for or had been expecting, the food still tasted good, just not what our taste buds had been craving.

Next came the dessert round. And while we usually don’t have room for dessert (and we didn’t this time either), we decided that with a few margaritas in us, it couldn’t hurt to have a little dessert. We went with the fried ice cream and boy are we glad we did! This is seriously an amazing dessert. A heaping scoop of ice cream is covered (somehow) with a fried coconut coating, and though we’re not huge fans of coconut, it was thin enough that you could barely taste the coconut, and it provided more of a crunchy texture than any real flavor. Then the ice cream is placed on top of a tortilla that has been (fried or crisped – something to make it crunchy and puffy) and covered in cinnamon sugar. Then the whole thing is drizzled with chocolate sauce. Mmmmm! Just one bite of this dessert and you will be hooked. We guarantee it. Now, obviously, this is not the healthiest thing on their menu, so dieters beware. But everyone needs a good indulgence every once in a while – and we think this dessert should be it.

The prices were okay, probably a little higher than a restaurant chain, but definitely affordable. The service was good too, though the waitress kept asking us if we wanted more drinks before we were even half-way done the ones we were working on. (A ploy we think to get us loose enough that we would just keep ordering more and more.) We were also a little confused as to why there was country music playing in a Mexican restaurant, but this could just be what the lunch-time manager likes to listen to. Overall our Mex experience was mixed. The drinks and desserts were awesome, but the main course left us wanting more. The pros were enough that we’d definitely visit again, but this time we might just go for an afternoon visit, and stick to what we liked best on the menu.

Your Name, Your Ride Contest

Over the past year and a half that I’ve worked for Collegetown, I’ve learned a lot about the various transit issues Baltimore faces and what’s being done to remedy them.  With much support from Mayor Dixon’s office, the Downtown Partnership, and Veolia Transportation, starting in July 2009, we will have a free downtown shuttle that will allow Baltimoreans and tourists to get around from point A to point B.  The new shuttle is expected to connect the downtown area with the Charles Street corridor and Harbor East with the biotech parks on the east and west sides.  

Previous versions of the downtown circulator shuttle have gone *poof* because of one big issue:  funding.  Funding has always been the concern.  This particular service is funded by the increase in parking taxes – that probably explains why you’re possibly paying $2 or even up to $10 more at parking garages.  To fund this shuttle service, the city raised parking taxes by 15.5% to hourly and monthly servers. 

The service is expected to constantly run in a loop and should be at each stop every 10 minutes.  Soon enough you’ll be seeing these hybrid buses going around town and ferrying tourists, Baltimore residents, business professsionals and even college students.  Why did this come about you might ask?  Well, it’s very simple – it stems from Mayor Sheila’s Dixon sustainability plan and her desire for Baltimore to be a cleaner, greener city. 

This  is definitely a step in the right direction for Baltimore in terms of different organizations coming together to launch this immense service and to fill this transit need, but some may be skeptical about the longevity about this service.  The new shuttle’s predecessor, DASH, fizzled out in 2004, because $8 million in federal and state grants expired.  Not to mention those who are commuting from outside the city might not be so happy with paying more money for their parking pass, especially when people are tightening their belts. 

Now, what is this service called?  Well, that’s where you come in.  A naming campaign was launched not too long ago and there’s still time for you to share your voice.  In the spirit of CHANGE, put your two cents in and offer a suggestion to what this new service could be called.  Of course since this is a naming campaign, there is a prize involved.  How do you contribute?  Simple!  Visit http://www.yournameyourride.com/.  Contest ends on February 6, 2009 so don’t delay.  While you’re at it, check out the shuttle route and see if you can take advantage of this service. 

For now, this is Ankur….

Signing off…