Month: May 2014

Viniq Liqueur Launch

categories: EVENTS

There’s a new shimmering liqueur in town. It comes in a variety of colors but my favorite is the purple, it’s perfect for my hometown residents because it’s the official color of our beloved Baltimore Ravens.

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Viniq is a shimmering purple liqueur hybrid of vodka and wine.  It was named “Viniq” because it’s such a unique vino (wine) – a first of its kind that shimmers and sparkles when shaken.

I was invited to the first Baltimore launch hosted by 92Q radio personality Konan.  The Viniq launch was held at The Get Down (701 S. Bond St) nightclub in Fells Point, Baltimore.

I was very impressed with the purple-themed party decor. The hostesses were dressed in matching purple dresses and all the other liquor brands was removed from the bar and replaced with purple back lighting and Viniq Liqueur.

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Signature cocktails were created specifically for the launch and of course I sampled each one.  My favorite was the “Voila” made with Viniq, Peach Vodka, Cranberry and Lime.  Moscato is the wine used in making Viniq and everyone knows Moscato is a sweet desert wine and it compliments perfectly the natural fruit flavors in Viniq. 

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Guests were given a bottle of Viniq and a souvenir Viniq glass.

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This is the perfect liqueur for a game day cocktail during the Baltimore Ravens football season or a purple themed party.   These photos don’t do a very good job of showing the shimmering liqueur in action.  Check out this YouTube video  and see for yourself  Viniq Liqueur in all its glory.

Have you sampled Viniq Liqueur?  Did you enjoy it?

 

Beauty Bar: Sascha’s

categories: BEAUTY BARS

Sascha’s (527 N. Charles, Baltimore, MD)

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Veuve Clicquot Champagne Sip and Tasting

categories: EVENTS

The exclusive Veuve Clicquot event was the perfect start to my Spring sipping season.  On Saturday, May 3rd I attended an event hosted by Sonje Productions, GeorgeRay Agency and Moses INC. The event was a champagne tasting of Veuve Clicquot and an introduction to the newly branded Inn at The Black Olive (803 South Caroline Street). CT The Inn at The Black Olive has been in the local news recently with talk of slow business and the announcement of  Actor Woody Harrelson becoming an investor.  Before this event I’d never been in this boutique hotel, I would just admire it from afar whenever I’d park my car on Caroline Street en route to RA Sushi.  I didn’t get a chance to see the actual hotel rooms because when I walked in I was whisked onto the elevator and to the rooftop restaurant…and who knew this place had a rooftop restaurant.  The restaurant space was very open and airy.  The bar area sits in the corner of the restaurant and on the other end is the semi-open kitchen area.  The space looks as if it could fit about 10 table inside and six on the outside patio.  The patio  overlooks parts of Harbor East and wraps around the restaurant space. CT3 Guests sipped and sampled the Veuve Clicquot Demi-Sec and the Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label.  The Demi-Sec is a champagne blend made from the same grapes used to make white wine.  This blend is also considered a sparkling wine.  The Demi-Sec flavor was sweet like a white wine with the fizz of champagne.  The Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label is a high-end luxury label champagne with a dry brut flavor. The Yellow Label is often used in celebrating and special occasions. CT2 Inn at The Black Olive is now serving Sunday brunch from 10:00-3:00 pm.  Sounds like the perfect relaxing Sunday on a cool Spring day.

Cinco ways to Celebrate Cinco De Mayo in Baltimore

categories: FYI, Holidays

It’s estimated that more Americans than Mexicans celebrate Cinco De Mayo every year.  The Mexican holiday commemorating freedom is famous for Margaritas and Tequila shots.  This year Cinco De Mayo falls on a Monday, but celebrations will begin on Friday and continue on Saturday and Sunday.  While celebrations are happening all across the United States, Baltimore has something for everyone with a variety of events to chose from.

Power Plant Live (34 Market Place) – Saturday May 3rd 9pm-12am Power Plant Live is having their annual Cinco De Mayo bash with all-inclusive packages available.

General Admission – $25 – Access to nine (9) bars and clubs in Power Plant with Open Bar from 9-12 with domestic beers, rail cocktails, and El Jimador Margaritas.

VIP Ticket – $35.00 –  Access to nine (9) bars and clubs in Power Plant  with Open Bar Premium Spirits, beers, and El Jimador Margaritas.

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Cinco De Mayo Party at Talara (615 President Street) – Monday May 5th starting at 2:00 pm.   In addition to having their weekly Salsa Party with Free Salsa lessons from 8:00pm-1:00am, Talara is also celebrating their 5 Year Anniversary.  You can expect live performances by Mexican Folklore Dancers, $5.00 Food Specials, $3.00 Mexican Beer, $4.00 Sangria and $5.00 Margarita Specials.  This event is free.  Check out my review on Talara’s Saturday Night Happy Hour.

Federal Hill Fiesta (East Cross Street between Light and Charles) – Sunday May 4th 11am-9pm Join the Federal Hill neighborhood for their 2nd annual Mexican Festival “Sunday De Mayo”.  This outdoor festival includes a taco eating contest, four live bands, and two DJ’s providing entertainment throughout the day.  Mexican food and drink specials will also be available, $6.00 Margaritas, $6.00 Taco Pairs, $4.00 and $5.00 beers.  This festival is brought to you by Federal Hill hot spots Blue Agave, No Way Jose, and Bandito’s.  Tickets for this event are $10.00.

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Nacho Mama’s (2907 O’Donnell Street) – This Canton staple has always been a popular destination for Marylanders looking to celebrate Cinco De Mayo.  I’ve been going there for the last four years on Cinco De Mayo and I have a blast every time.  This Elvis themed restaurant serves Mexican favorites such as Quesadillas, Fajitas, Tacos, and Nachos.  But it’s their most popular menu item that keeps us coming back for more – the Hubcap Margarita. These Margaritas are meant to be shared.  Served in a hubcap bowl, they are made in a variety of flavors and served with several straws. This drink is not only tasty but also strong, so strong Nacho Mama’s does not serve them after 12 midnight…you’ll need time to sober up.  Make sure you get there early because it’s always a long wait, but well worth it.

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Throwback Pic (2010) with friends on Cinco De Mayo at Nacho Mama’s

EBLO Cinco  De Mayo Block Party (500 Block South Broadway at Fleet and Eastern Ave) – Saturday May 3rd and Sunday May 4th 10:00am-9:00pm . EBLO (Education Based Latino Outreach) is hosting their annual  Cinco De Mayo Festival.  Admission to this outdoor festival is FREE and guests enjoy authentic Mexican food, crafts, live music, latin dancing and more.  The festival is conveniently located on the same block as Latin Palace Nightclub (509 South Broadway), so be sure to drop-in the popular Latin hangout for drink specials and giveaways on Friday and Saturday night.  Ladies FREE before 10:00pm.

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