The Black and White Party, The Pratt Contemporaries and The Enoch Pratt Free Library

TLDR:

The Pratt Contemporaries started as a junior board of the Enoch Pratt Free Library in 2007. Its signature event is the Black and White Party held on the last Saturday in January at the Central Branch (add that to your calendar). Who doesn't love to dress up like a literary character to support reading.

What was this theme?

My Story:
My first knowledge of the Black and White Party was in 2017 as a coworker (now dear friend) was receiving very interesting items at the office from Amazon. She told me it was for the Pratt Contemporaries, Black and White Party. This group hosts a fundraiser at the Central Library every year. In 2017 the theme was Alice and Wonderland. And then when I saw the pictures I knew I had to go. In 2018, the Central Library was undergoing a major renovation. Check out the amazing renovation here.

Look at that ceiling!!!

The party moved to another location. As I do, I had completely forgotten about this event. What I didn't know was the event sells out almost immediately. Most people become members of the Pratt Contemporaries to guarantee they get a ticket. The theme was Havana Nights. My coworker (now dear friend), gets very upset when the theme is not a book. More on that later. I will be honest, I don't remember any pictures from that theme.

In 2019, I forgot again. I hadn't become a member of the Pratt Contemporaries. The tickets sold out. The Central Library was still undergoing renovations and the theme was Studio 54 (not a book). But at the last minute, I was able to buy a ticket from someone who couldn't go.

Missing in this picture are the Elton John like glasses I wore most of the night.

The Pratt Contemporaries:

I'm going to leave my story and talk a little bit about The Pratt Contemporaries. This group was started in 2007 to attract young donors to the library. An initial group of twelve people now boast a membership of hundreds and have raised over a million dollars for the library. When you join The Pratt Contemporaries, you attend events for free or discounted and you get access to the member pre-sale for the Black and White Party. There are multiple levels of membership and some give you a free ticket. And of course, the most important thing is you support programing at the library.

The Enoch Pratt Free Library System:

In 1882, Baltimore businessman, Enoch Pratt offered a central library, four branch libraries and over a million dollar endowment to the city of Baltimore. The former Executive Director of the Pratt shared that the Enoch Pratt Libraries are on ground level because everyone should have access to knowledge. Picture the New York Library. It is built that you have to ascend to knowledge and not that knowledge is for all.

“My library shall be for all, rich and poor without distinction of race or color, who, when properly accredited, can take out the books if they will handle them carefully and return them.” Enoch Pratt

Now back to the party:

After my Studio 54 experience, I made sure to become a member. I also really wanted to experience the Black and White Party at the Central Library. I enjoyed some great events with the Contemporaries, including the reveal of the 2020 theme. The theme was the Wizard of Oz. Finally back to books and a book you can do so much with. Sadly, I had just enjoyed that theme at another party. I wore a poppy dress so that doesn't go with the black and white theme. Etsy has been my friend for theme outfits and I think I did pretty good. 

As we followed the yellow-brick road, we had no idea that somewhere over the rainbow was Covid-19. It would be three years before we were back in the library. The 2023 theme was Dr Jekyll/Mr. Hyde. Yes a book. 

In the stacks again

In 2024, the theme was New Orleans, Mon Amour. Now it is time to talk about the non-book theme. I had a conversation about the themes and I was told that when the events were not in the library, they weren't a book. I was fine with this until this New Orleans theme. There are so many books in existence. So.Many.Books!!! If next year is not a book, I'm going to have to join this board and ensure book themes forever!!

I had this mask and resisted with all my might to not buy a white one.

Please comment and let me know what book should be a theme for the next Black and White Party?

Water for Chocolate- Sexy Comfort Food

TLDR

This small neighborhood restaurant hidden in Upper Fells Point has been important to me and my family. You should come and enjoy some of the best food you will ever have. BBQ Shrimp and Grits, Jalapeno Cornbread, and Duck Confit oh my. 

My Story

House hunting is hard work. I decided it would be better to eat first. I was still trying to get my bearings in the area. I was looking to live in the Patterson Park neighborhood, but there were many distinct neighborhoods that surround the park. One of the neighborhoods in Butchers Hill to the west of the park. Many Baltimore restaurants are converted rowhomes, so they can be very small and sometimes you don’t even know it is a restaurant. I found a small one on the corner of Wolfe and Lombard called Water for Chocolate. I ordered shrimp salad and a brownie for carryout and headed to the park. 

I didn’t take any pictures because I didn’t know how good the food would be and it was 2008 and I didn’t let the camera eat first like I do now. At first I thought the shrimp salad was going to be too creamy but the seasoning and the soft croissant balanced it all out. Now the brownie is still to this day one of my favorite brownies. It is thick, chocolaty and has a hint of cinnamon. 

Water for Chocolate has become an important neighborhood spot. One of the things that I love about Baltimore is the concept of Smaltimore. If there are six degrees of separation in the world, there are at most three in Baltimore. Everyone is very interconnected. I have gotten to know the owner of Water for Chocolate, Chef Sean Guy. I have watched his children, who often work with him in the restaurant or festivals, grow up. In 2015 there was a fire that closed the restaurant. The neighborhood rallied around Water for Chocolate with fundraisers and it eventually reopened and expanded to the building next door. 

Me and Chef Sean Guy in the new bathroom. If you ever went to the old one you understand why this is picture worthy. IYKYK

Water for Chocolate also got a beer and wine license and created a sangria he calls Dope Juice. I also make sangria and I gave a great hint early on that makes Dope Juice a winner in my opinion. It is one of the few places I will order sangria. What is this hint? Don't leave your citrus rinds in the sangria because it will become bitter.

Dope Juice. The rosemary wasn't my idea, but like I said, this drink is a winner.

In addition to seeing Water for Chocolate grow, it has been a spot of milestones for my family. We would often go there for birthdays because my parents love to support a black owned business and the food is so good. I was having lunch with my family when I found out I got my job at Live Baltimore. My brother went on a first date and later proposed to his now wife at Water for Chocolate. Places like this is one of the reasons I love Baltimore.

The happy couple and it all started at Water for Chocolate

Now let me talk about the food. Sean Guy calls it sexy comfort food and when you see it and taste it, you know what he means. One of his signature dishes is BBQ Shrimp and Grits. I didn’t think it would be my jam because it is not what I’m used to with shrimp and grits, but I was wrong. The sauce is not Memphis, KC or Carolina, it is Chef Guy’s own creation and just the right amount. Alongside a big piece of jalapeno cornbread, you will have to go back to sleep after this brunch.

BBQ Shrimp and Grits

One of my go to brunch items is the Hangover Special. I’m just going to say there is goat cheese mac under that bacon!!!

Hangover Special

Some other brunch items are jerk duck confit over a cornbread waffle and don’t worry about all the meat. The Sweet Potato Polenta has all the veggies.

Jerk Duck Confit over a Cornbread Waffle

Sweet Potato Polenta

Brunch is my favorite meal, but I don’t want to leave out the dinner at Water for Chocolate. You can sign up for the Chef’s Table for an exclusive multi-course meal. Last time I stopped by for dinner, I enjoyed the night's Blue Plate Special-Lobster, shrimp, scallops, and salmon belly in lemongrass coconut curry. It was even better than it sounds if that is possible. The Blue Plate Special changes so I'm sorry if this one is not available, but whatever it is, it will be good.

Blue Plate Special

What are you going to get when you go? Please let me know in the comments.

Amicci's Pane Rotundo is Little Italy’s best appetizer

 TLDR

This restaurant has a special place in my heart and belly with a creamy shrimp appetizer. It is located in a historically ethnic neighborhood that still has plenty of good food and fun events for me to blog about in the future.

My Story

I have since explored many of the restaurants in Little Italy, but Amicci’s was the first one I visited while I was searching for a home in Baltimore. I had a day of house hunting. I was looking for a rowhome with a parking pad and an open floor plan. That didn’t sound like a lot. But listings that said “parking pad” was really concrete in the back of a home that had no turn radius to actually accommodate a car. I would have to drop my car from the sky to get onto the parking pad. 

I was starving and really needed some comfort food and Italian food fit the bill. My brother, who had lived in the city for a few years, suggested Amicci’s. He was born when I was six and it seemed very unnecessary to me, but he has shown his value now that we are adults.

The Wiggins kids. I'm glad we kept him.

Amicci’s looked simple from the outside so I had no idea what awaited me on the inside. I sat at the bar so I could get some advice from the bartender on what I should try. The bartender said I had to have the Pane Rotundo, their signature appetizer. She had me at shrimp and cream sauce. The fact that it is served in a toasted sourdough bread bowl was an added bonus. The combination of the crusty sourdough and the succulent shrimp, bathed in a creamy sauce, made me forget about nonexistent parking pads. It was so good, I don’t remember what else I got that day. 

Pane Rotundo at Amicci's

I have gone back to Amicci’s several times since that first day. I have never had a bad meal. I love the tortellini peas and ham, but I’m a fool for stuffed pasta. There is an awesome daily carryout special. I find Amicci’s to be one of the more affordable places in Little Italy. Don’t let the price fool you. The food is quality. Amicci’s is a cozy spot perfect for a family meal or a romantic date. Now they even have a smaller version of the Pane Rotundo called the Panino in case you feel some kind of way about eating a whole sourdough bowl. I’m fine with it.

History

Amicci’s is a family owned restaurant established in 1991 in Baltimore’s Little Italy neighborhood. In the mid to late 1800’s, Italians migrated to Baltimore. A main entry point was President Street Station on the Baltimore waterfront. Immigrants from many different European countries settled in the area. By the early 1900’s, most of the residents were Italian and many family owned businesses were established in the neighborhood. Today the population is different, but there are still many places to eat (they will be in future posts). There are several regular events in Little Italy like the Italian Heritage Day and the Madonnari Arts Festival (more future posts)

Tastiest Week of the Year

TLDR

Winter Baltimore Restaurant Week is from January 26-February 4. It is one of the best opportunities to try a variety of Baltimore restaurants. I couldn't talk about all the restaurants I love that are on the list, because there are so many. You just have to get out there. Try some new food or go back to a spot that you haven't been to in a while. Feel free to invite me to join.

My Story

Winter is a slow time for restaurants. Now sponsored by Visit Baltimore and Downtown Baltimore Partnership, Restaurant Week was first offered in 2006 and gives diners 10 days (I know that isn't a “week”) of dining deals. Participation restaurants offer specially curated prix-fixe lunch, brunch and dinner menus, allowing patrons to savor multi-course meals at affordable prices. There is usually a Summer Restaurant Week that happens in July.

In the past, I have taken off the whole week from work. I like to call it a staycation. One time I was able to fit in 13 different restaurants. It is the perfect foodie vacation to really checkout Baltimore's truly exceptional dining scene. And I don't have to pay for lodging. I have a newish job and I haven't accumulated enough time off yet. Hopefully next year I can resume my staycation.

One of the standout features of Baltimore Restaurant Week is the diverse range of dining options. From upscale fine dining establishments to cozy neighborhood eateries, the participating restaurants span the culinary spectrum. This inclusivity ensures that there's something for every taste and preference. It really is the perfect opportunity for both seasoned foodies and casual diners to explore new culinary experiences.

Baltimore Restaurant Week is also a chance for diners to enjoy popular restaurants at a fraction of the regular cost. The prix-fixe menus offer a fantastic value, allowing diners to relish high-quality dishes without breaking the bank. It's an opportunity to treat oneself to a culinary adventure without the guilt of overspending.

Porchetta at Cosima

Discovering Hidden Gems

For those who are eager to explore Baltimore's culinary scene, Restaurant Week serves as a treasure trove of hidden gems. With many establishments participating for the first time or featuring exclusive dishes, diners can unearth new favorites and support local businesses in the process. It's a chance to step outside one's culinary comfort zone and embrace the unexpected.

Bolognese at new comer, Zander's

Tips for Maximizing the Experience

Plan Ahead: With a multitude of participating restaurants, it's wise to plan your dining itinerary in advance. Check out the official Baltimore Restaurant Week website for the list of participating establishments and their menus. Some of the menus aren't up yet, but that shouldn't stop you from deciding to go. Some menus may be on the restaurant's website, so be sure to check that out too.

Take advantage of lunch and brunch options. Some of them really have great value. I'm going to have to have a lunch meeting at Zander's. Not only is the location in the old Alexander Brown building stunning, $25 for a meal there is unbelievable. The Empanada Lady looks like a good value for brunch. It is definitely on my list.

The Alexander Brown building

Try Something New: Use this opportunity to try cuisines and dishes you might not have considered before. Baltimore's food scene is diverse, and Restaurant Week is the perfect time to expand your culinary horizons. Try some Mediterranean food at Ammoora a new restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton Residences. Also Nepenthe Brewing Co. has the best kitchen of all the breweries in the city. They also have cocktails if you are not a beer drinker. Dang, now I need to add them to my list.

Ashta Bil Asal at Ammoora

Reservations Recommended: Some places are popular like Petit Louis Bistro and Tio Pepe, Baltimore institutions. Some are small like Sobo Cafe and Forged (2023 James Beard Semi-Finalist) and can fill up quickly during this event, so making reservations is highly recommended. Ensure you secure your spot at your chosen dining destination.

Tio Pepe is famous for their sangria.

Share the Experience: Dining is often a social affair, so why not make it a group outing? Gather friends or family and share the joy of discovering new flavors together. Who is going out with me? Remember, the camera gets to eat first.

Al fresco in and alley at Sobo Market. So Baltimore.

I know I said each thing would have its own post when I started the blog. But I feel like Restaurant Week is like Baltimore is the restaurant. It's also my blog so I can change the rules. I'm also going to calm down soon and not post every other day. But thank you for joining me so far. Please continue to share.