Published by the Students of Johns Hopkins since 1896
May 28, 2023

Leisure

Leisure is the section where we highlight the intriguing, exciting and all-around fun events and activities happening in Baltimore over the weekend.



COURTESY OF JESSE WU
Masarap’s menu, served in front of Fadensonnen during the pop-up event.

Learning about food at Masarap Filipino pop-up

For the first time since November’s pop-up Night Market at Baltimore Center Stage, Masarap hosted a pop-up event. On the evenings of Jan. 25 and 26, they were slinging Filipino fare in a food truck outside of Fadensonnen. Chef Rey Eugenio, who has worked many years in the culinary industry as a managing and consulting chef, is the head of the operation.


COURTESY OF KIM ROBINS
Robins drinking a soy cappuccino at Baby’s On Fire in Mount Vernon.

One overcaffeinated student, 36 coffee shops

During my first few months at Hopkins, I tried — and harshly judged — every coffee-serving establishment on campus. As freshman year went on, my political beliefs became more radical and my caffeine tolerance higher, so I spent many hours and dollars at Bird in Hand. I began hearing about other locations that are known for coffee, and I wanted to investigate my options. 




COURTESY OF JESSE WU
Ekiben’s stall at the Baltimore Farmers Market & Bazaar draws crowds.

An interview with Ekiben executive chef Steve Chu

We all have seen the massive lines for Ekiben’s prized steamed bun sandwiches and rice bowls at Spring Fair. Or perhaps you’ve seen the crowds surrounding their stall at the JFX Farmers’ Market & Bazaar. But who are the masterminds behind the craft? The answer: a couple of University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) graduates with creativity and a love for food.


Events in Baltimore this weekend: November 29 - December 2

Thursday Antero Pietila presents “The Ghosts of Johns Hopkins” Red Emma’s 7 - 9 p.m. Pietila discusses his new book, which explores Johns Hopkins (the man) and his enduring influence on Baltimore. RSVP recommended. No cover.


COURTESY OF BOB HOSIER
A house on 34th street displays Utz and National Bohemian mascots.

Miracle on 34th Street: behind a beloved tradition

For lifetime Baltimore resident Bob Hosier, the holiday spirit has been in the air since the summer. He began taking out his holiday decorations around the Fourth of July, put up his Halloween decorations in October and started preparing his Christmas decorations not long after. Even now that his house is decked out, he’s not sure that’s he done.


COURTESY OF NATALIE WU
Wu praises the crabcakes from Faidley Seafood at Lexington Market.

The best locations for Baltimore’s seafood offerings

The Chesapeake Bay: Maryland’s natural crown jewel and its top source of delicious crabs and oysters. I’ve always been a seafood fan, and I’ve made it a personal goal to explore all Baltimore has to offer in terms of its classic shellfish. Thanks to its prime location by the bay, Baltimore is full of amazing seafood joints of varying prices and aesthetics. Stand and slurp $1 oysters off of a plastic plate outside Slainte Irish Pub in Fell’s Point, or splurge on an exotic dinner at the dimly lit Thames Street Oyster House.



COURTESY OF TRISHA PARAYIL
Antonio Simpson cooking vegan grilled cheese for the demo ‘Vegan Food Kids Will Love!’

Great food and community at Vegan Cooking Demo

On Nov. 10 I had the opportunity to attend a Vegan Cooking Demo Extravaganza. The event was co-hosted by Thrive Baltimore and the Afro-Vegan Society. Thrive Baltimore is a community center entirely operated by a group of food, environmental and social justice activists and volunteers.


COURTESY OF JESSE WU
Lumpia, a Filipino dish served by Chef Rey Eugenio at his new pop-up.

Pop-Up Night Market’s Asian-American celebration

Less than two months after the smashing success that was Charm City Night Market, the Chinatown Collective, an Asian-American based organizing group in Baltimore City, hosted a Pop-Up Night Market at the Center Stage theater.



 
COURTESY OF ARIELLA SHUA
Mt. Vernon Marketplace’s wall art by smoothie vendor Fresh Monday’s. 

Endless deliciousness at Mount Vernon Marketplace

It was a Tuesday, and I was hungry.  I had eaten lunch a few hours before, but what can I say? I knew that I wouldn’t have time for my typical meal plan dinner that night, since I had a late class at the Peabody Library. And if I was going to be in Mt. Vernon (where the library is located), I wanted to have a meal that was more unique than one I can grab from the FFC.


 SEPARATUS/CC0 CREATIVE COMMONS
Pecan pie is one of Wooden’s favorite dishes during the fall season.

Comfort your mind with homemade comfort foods

Amid the vicious cycle of midterms, papers, presentations and projects, I like to distract myself from impending despair by eating. During the long, cold, late-autumn nights, food provides nourishment, warmth and a sense of security. While I love to experiment in the kitchen, there are a few recipes I turn to time and time again — recipes I can whip up with no thought and that never fail to satisfy my cravings.


Events in Baltimore this weekend: November 1-4

Thursday Open Mic: Stand-Up in Lenny’s Lobby The BIG Theater 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. Ready to give stand-up comedy a try? Here’s the perfect chance — perform in an open mic with five minutes or less of material. No experience necessary. Registration preferred. No cover.


MDGovpics/C.C. BY 2.0
A performance at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall from 2015.

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra offers musical escape

Tired of listening to the same four songs off your playlist? Or perhaps C-level of the Milton S. Eisenhower Library and its quiet expanse is beginning to feel too familiar for your taste? You’re in luck: The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) brings exciting entertainment for all people who enjoy concert music. The fall season will bring several concerts, including many that are holiday-themed.


Mauro Cateb/CC BY-SA3.0
Kibbeh, a Middle Eastern dish, was one of the foods discussed at the event.

Mera Kitchen Collective serves stories and dishes

This past weekend, the Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) hosted Mera Kitchen Collective for a special seminar titled “The Stories of Mera Kitchen: Chef Iman in Conversation with Alia Malek.” Mera Kitchen Collective is a worker-owned cooperative that seeks to empower immigrant women through food.


Events in Baltimore this weekend: October 25-28

Thursday Pratt Street Market 100 Light Street 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Load up on fruits, veggies, prepared meals and baked goods at the final Pratt Street Market of the year! Free.


COURTESY OF KATHERINE LOGAN
Sipping a warm drink from Dooby’s at Peabody is a perfect way to relax.

Take a study break: How to enjoy fall in Baltimore

At this point in the semester, you’re probably settling into the classic Hopkins hibernation cycle: moving exclusively from Brody to your dorm room as the essays, problem sets and cold weather set in.