Best of Baltimore Party

Baltimore Magazine’s “Best of Baltimore Party” 2013

 **This post was originally written by me for The Fab Empire, check out The Fab Empire for all things Fabulous in Baltimore, DC, New York and Boston

Baltimore Magazine celebrated their 25th annual “Best of Baltimore” party  last Thursday at The Hippodrome Theatre (12 N. Eutaw St).  The theme of this year’s party was Speakeasy, which included lots of feathers and fringe.

It seems that everyone in Baltimore loves a themed party because about 80% of guests were dressed in their best 1920’s prohibition garb.  Over 35 restaurant vendors were in attendance and also participated in the festivities with a “Best-Dressed Booth” contest.

As in previous years, guests enjoyed specialty cocktails from numerous bar stations setup around the venue.  The Vodka bar featured cocktails made with Prairie Vodka, the Tequila bar featured Milagro brand tequila, and the shots bar featured Jägermeister . The tequila bar seemed to be the popular choice among guests as they kept the four bartenders busy all night mixing a variety specialty drinks made with Milagro Silver, Milagro Anejo, and Milagro Reposado.

Not to be outdone by the cocktails, the food vendors in attendance did not disappoint.  Some of Baltimore’s favorite restaurants such as, The Rusty Scupper, TenTen, Sobo, and Bond Street Social –  just to name a few,  cooked up their “best” dishes voted by the readers of Baltimore Magazine.

In the Covergirl VIP Lounge, guests enjoyed a live music from the Bumper Jacksons, catered food from The Oregon Grille, and portraits from caricature artist Laura MyersCovergirl cosmetics were also on-hand for mini makeup consultations as well as eye shadow and lipstick giveaways.

In the main ballroom guests enjoyed a photo booth fun, music by DJ Kopec, and aerial burlesque performances by Cirque Oya.

A portion of the proceeds were donated to The Family Tree, a local organization on a mission to prevent child abuse and neglect.

For more information on who made the cut for “Baltimore’s Best” pick up a copy of Baltimore Magazine’s “Best Of” August issue on magazine stands now.

 

 

 

Baltimore Magazine’s “Best of Baltimore Party” 2012

 **This post was originally written by me for The Fab Empire, check out The Fab Empire for all things Fabulous in Baltimore, DC, New York and Boston **

The Fab Empire had the privilege of attending Baltimore Magazine’s “Best of Baltimore 2012” Super Party at the Hippodrome Theatre (12 N Eutaw Street). For those that are not familiar with this event, it combines gourmet tastings from Baltimore’s “Best Restaurants” and multiple bar sampling the best cocktails that Baltimore has to offer.

This year there were a total of six bars scattered throughout the building – Vodka Bar, Gin Bar, Tequila Bar, a General Bar, and two beer/wine bars. Each bar included signature cocktails made with the newest liquors such as Prairie Vodka, Milagro Tequila, and Bulldog Gin.  Of course we sampled them all and my favorite was the Pineapple Cinnamon Margarita, it sounds not so appealing, but the flavors mixed well together.

Over 30 restaurants were in attendance and cooked up their favorite and most popular dishes; restaurants such as City Café, Blue Hill Tavern, Mother’s Federal Hill Grille, and Talara – just to name a few.  We nibbled on Sushi, Pulled Pork, Mini Cheeseburgers, and much, much more.

There were also dessert options and one of our favorite’s of the night was definitely the “Baltimore Custard” of chocolate moose and peanut butter served by Wit & Wisdom Tavern at the Four Seasons Hotel.

The main ballroom played the sounds of DJ Kopec and live music from the Rollerblades- a 90’s cover band.  There was also a photo booth, caricature artists, and a swanky Perona Italy Lounge area. Covergirl Cosmetics were also on hand consulting with the ladies and giving away lipstick, eyeshadows, and mascara. This year’s event was presented by LivingSocial and benefits The Family Tree child abuse charity.  Living Social and Baltimore Magazine’s partnership proved to be a great one because just like last year the festivities did not disappoint.

Baltimore Magazine’s “Best of Baltimore Party” 2011

**This post was originally written by me for The Fab Empire, check out The Fab Empire for all things Fabulous in Baltimore, DC, New York and Boston **

The aroma of fine cuisine was in the air as Baltimore Magazine rolled out the red carpet and celebrated their annual “Best of Baltimore” party at the Hippodrome Theatre (12 North Eutaw Street). Every year Baltimore Magazine opens a poll for its readers to vote on the best food and cocktails in Baltimore. The winning restaurants were in attendance Thursday night as guests sampled the appetizers, entrees and cocktails that put them at the top of the list.

Many of our favorite restaurants were there, Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion, City Café, Blue Hill Tavern, RA Sushi, and many more.The selections of cocktails were endless as the event featured a Vodka Bar, Tequila Bar, Rum Bar, Wine Bar and Beer Bar.

The CoverGirl VIP Lounge was my personal favorite because I got the chance to fill up my makeup bag with free mascara, lipstick and lipgloss. Baltimore Magazine is now featured on the Apple IPAD and they were giving away chances to win a free IPAD 2. Guests also enjoyed a live band and DJ in the main ballroom, as well as a photo booth to capture those silly and special memories of the night.

My personal sampled favorites were:  Corn Pudding Crab Cakes from Gertrude’s,  Lambchops from Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse,  Mandarin Chicken from Trader Joe’s,  Bacardi Banana  Ice Cream from Jack & Jill, and the Pomegranate Margarita.

Congrats to all the winners of Baltimore’s Best!

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