The Baltimore Sun has compiled a list of Baltimore’s 50 Best Restaurants. I’m actually excited that I’ve visited about 20 of them, but not so excited that it was before my blogging days so I’ve actually only written a review for one … le sigh. But never fear, this just gives me something to work on in 2014.
Check out the full list of Baltimore’s 50 Best Restaurants
Today is April 15, 2014 also known as “Tax Day” or the last day to file your taxes. Taxes are serious business and we all know how stern Uncle Sam can be. If you’ve already filed…Congrats! But if you haven’t, we have a few tax day freebies that may cheer you up and put a little pep in your step. Cinnabon April 15th 6:00-8:00 pm Cinnabon is offering two free Cinnabon bites to all customers *Valid at Participating Locations Great Cookie April 15th – Great American Cookie locations in Columbia Mall and Harborplace are offering free chocolate chip cookies to customers all day. One cookie per customer. Boston Market April 15th offer is valid all day – Boston Market customers get two individual meals, including a half-rotisserie chicken and two sides, for $10.40. *No coupon required. Hard Rock Cafe
Olive Garden April 15- April 20 – Olive Garden is offering $10 off $30 or more purchase with valid coupon. AMC Theaters April 15th offer is valid all day – AMC is offering a free small popcorn at participating locations with this coupon.
Not to be outdone by Baltimore [City] Restaurant Week, Baltimore County begins their Restaurant Week January 10th – 26th 2014. Maybe you’ve always wanted to visit the restaurant that you drive by everyday on your way to work or maybe you want to try that restaurant your friend is always talking about, well now is the perfect time to sample 3-courses of deliciousness while sticking to your budget and not breaking the bank.
For two weeks to be exact, Baltimore County features over 50 restaurants offering 3-course lunch for $20.14 and 3-course dinner for $35.14.
The participating restaurant list can be overwhelming, so here are a few things to consider before venturing out.
1. Make Reservations – You are not the only one who wants a crab cake this weekend from Ruth Chris’s Steakhouse. Everybody has the same date-night ideas during Restaurant Week, so it’s better to be safe and make a reservation than to be sorry and turned away because of limited space and availability.
2. Check The Menu – The link above has access to the menu at each participating restaurant so take a gander, look at your options beforehand and decide exactly where and what you would like to eat.
3. Read Reviews – I have been to most of the restaurants on the list, but sadly I haven’t written any reviews on them…yet. While you’re waiting for my fabulous reviews, be sure to Google search or check YELP for reviews on atmosphere, location, service, and quality, this will help you manage your time and money more efficiently during restaurant week.
Happy Restaurant Week!!!
I remember my first hangover like it was yesterday — New Year’s Day 1998. I was sure that was the day I would die. Vomiting profusely, curled in the fetal position, making promises to God declaring I would never sip another drop of alcohol again. We’ve all been there and will probably be there again, some of us sooner than later.
Just in case you happen to drink too much this New Year’s, here are five tips to help you knockout that New Year Nausea.
Drink Gatorade
…or any other sports drink of your choice. “Holy Water” (as I like to call it) works wonders at combating a hangover. All that talk about electrolytes is real. We lose electrolytes when we consume massive amounts of alcohol and we become dehydrated. Sports drinks replenish the electrolytes in our body and help it stay calm and centered. I suggest you buy a large Gatorade next time you are at the market and keep it in the back of your fridge just in case.
Drink Water
Gatorade is good at combating dehydrationbut water is always great for flushing out all the toxins in your body. Gatorade and Water work best together in replenishing what you lost and getting rid of what you don’t need. We should already be drinking 8 glasses a day anyway, so drink up!
Eat Carbs
Toast, crackers, or pasta are all good foods to help restore the blood sugar levels that dropped while you were taking back those shots. Low blood sugar levels cause you to be tired and irritable all day, making your liver work overtime to metabolize that alcohol. Give your liver a break and eat small portions of carbs in moderation to help calm that churning in your tummy.
Take Alka-Seltzer
Alka-Seltzer has been around for over 80 years, so they must be doing something right. To some the taste may not appeal to your pallet, but little bubbles are good for you. Alka-Seltzer contains sodium bicarbonate and this ingredient helps to neutralize the stomach acid and calm the bad bubbles in your belly.
Shower. Shock. Sleep.
As hard as it may be to get out of the bed during a hangover, it’s best to shower and wake that body up. Get those juices flowing. If you alternate the water temperature between hot and cold this helps shock your body into shape and jump starts the blood circulation that will help with dehydration. After your shower, get some sleep. Let your body rest and naturally work on getting back to its natural state.
Don’t Drink More Alcohol
The worst thing you can do in the midst of a hangover is drink more alcohol. The “Hair of the Dog that Bit You” myth has been around a long time, but it has not been proven that drinking more alcohol is helpful to a hangover. It may lessen the effects of a hangover…temporarily, but it will extend your symptoms in the long run. If you must drink the morning after skip the Bloody Mary and go for a Virgin Mary (Mary minus the Vodka) the tomato juice and celery have restorative vitamins that will restore balance and flush out the toxins in your body.