Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in baltimore, MD

Around the World in 8,000 Calories

July 07, 2009

You know what I'd do if I suddenly fell into a big, heaping pile of money?  Why, I'd embark upon a worldwide tour tomorrow, so that I could share the planet's many amazing sights and cultures with my husband and children.  But . . . as I have this sinking suspicion that no pile of money is awaiting my clumsy tumble, and as the economy is, you know, what it is right now, I'm thinking that our worldwide tour--which still sounds pretty awesome--may need to be embarked upon in a non-traditional, slightly less expensive fashion.  And how better to sample a few of the world's cultures, without leaving the Baltimore area, than by visiting five of our area's excellent restaurants?  I can think of few more perfect solutions, and frankly, I'm salivating at the thought of beginning our journey.  Yum!

Now let's start our tour by exploring some cultures that me might find in countries that are relatively close to home.

Arcos Restaurante
Mexican culture, which has, in the last 15 years or so, really begun flourish in the Baltimore area, has left its mark on many great restaurants, including Arcos Restaurante.  If you're looking for real, honest-to-goodness Mexican food, not to mention a beautiful Mexican-reminiscent interior and occasional mariachi bands, then this is the place for you.  Savor all kinds of Mexican specialties, from nopales rellenos to tacos al pastor, and bask in the restaurant's warm, happy ambiance.

El Salvador - 207 S. Broadway, Baltimore, 410-522-3250
Also on Broadway is El Salvador, a traditional Salvadoran restaurant that serves up delicious tamales, papusas and plantains, among other succulent offerings.  You won't find a more authentic Salvadoran joint in Baltimore, or almost anywhere, and El Salvador is a perfect second stop on our hometown world tour.

And now, despite full bellies, we will travel on, next to more-distant Ethopia.

Dukem Restaurant
Oh, how excited the children will be, because we get to eat with our hands!  If your kids can handle a little spice, get things started with some tasty sambusas, which are pastry shells filled with onions, jalapenos and your choice of veggies or ground meat.  Then move on to one of Dukem's numerous entrees, including plenty of vegetarian and meat options.  Chances are that you'll be treated to some Ethiopian music, but don't count on any Ethiopian desserts; sample offerings are Napoleons and Baklava.

Ready for Afghanistan?

The Helmand
Not every city is lucky enough to boast a fantastic Afghan restaurant, but it just so happens that we are pretty darn lucky.  If you've never been to The Helmand, the superb restaurant owned by Qayum Karzai, the brother of the current president of Afghanistan, then you are in for a major treat.  Absolutely everything, from the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth kaddo borawni (pan-fried baby pumpkin) to the savory leak-filled aushak (Afghan ravioli), is nothing short of amazing. 

And now, for the last stop on our dizzying, scale-tipping, worldwide tour, let's visit The People's Republic of China.

Szechaun House- 1427 York Road, Lutherville, 410-825-8181
Don't let the suburban address deter you:  Szechuan House is home to some of the most authentic Chinese food this side of the Yangtze.  Skip the shrimp toast and the pork-fried rice and go straight for the more "real-deal" entrees, including--if you really want the straight-outta-China Chinese experience--specialties from the "Country Side Taste" menu.  Here, you'll find beef tendon, yuba (made from soy), sauteed snail and countless other delicacies (even intestines!) that you won't find on just any Chinese menu.  Totally worth the trip to the suburbs.

Whew!  Aren't you stuffed?  And exhausted?  Don't you feel, in some way, as if you actually have just traveled the world?

As always, I welcome your input:  What other stops should we add to our worldwide, without-leaving-Baltimore tour? 

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Eating Out: Five Great Baltimore Picnic Spots

April 28, 2009

There's nothing much better than a picnic in the sunshine, with cold drinks and munchies and a few good friends.  And while I'd hardly call myself a picnic expert, I do make frequent use of my insulated bag and gingham blanket, and I do know some great picnic spots around town.  Following are five picnic areas that never fail us, places where we can relax, take in a nice view, and enjoy a tasty meal.

Go Organic!

April 13, 2009

While I love the deliciousness and wholesomeness of the many organic foods that I buy, I don't especially love how much more I must pay for organic than for non-organically grown.  I don't blame the organic farmers--it's not their fault that responsible stewardship of the land is so much more costly than the alternative--but sometimes, particularly in this economy, it's hard for me to pay organic prices.  Anyway, the bottom line is that I buy organic whenever I can, because I really do believe that organic farming is better for the earth and better for my children.  Plus, in my opinion, organic tastes better.  (Seriously, compare an organically grown tomato to one grown on a big corporate farm or in a hothouse.  Which one is sweeter?  And more juicy?)   Read more...

Family Date Night: Matthew's Pizza

March 16, 2009

Though I've lived in Baltimore for most of my life, somehow, until several weeks ago, I'd managed to miss out on Matthew's Pizza.  How I achieved this I'm not entirely certain, as the place, in all seriousness, is a Baltimore institution, with so many "best pizza" awards to their credit that I feel as if I must have been under a rock.  I mean, sure, I had heard of Matthew's, but I'd foolishly thought that pizza was pizza, and that a decent pie here or a decent pie there didn't really make that much of a difference.  But oh, I'm here to tell you, it does make a difference; Matthew's, no matter where you live, is absolutely worth the trip.  It's cheap, it's friendly, and it's super, super yummy, and if you still need confirmation that this place is worth visiting, consider the fact that they've been cheesin' up dough at this same Eastern Avenue location since 1943. 

Family Date Night: Amer's Cafe

by Laura Stallard Petza

December 01, 2008

Had it up to your gizzard with turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes? Then why not head over to Amer's Cafe in Fullerton, where you can get some hummus, a kabob, a salad or a pizza, without blowing through your whole wad of holiday cash? And best of all? Amer's is ridiculously family-friendly, to the point that, after dinner, you might have to drag the kids out. Think I'm kidding? Let me  Read more...