Published by the Students of Johns Hopkins since 1896
January 16, 2021

Leisure

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

Mobtown Ballroom hosts quarantine telethon to support artists

By EMMA SHANNON | May 2, 2020

The coronavirus’ (COVID-19) impact on the world and Baltimore has been far-reaching and all-encompassing. For artists and venues who rely on audiences and crowds to make ends meet, its impacts can be particularly drastic. However, venue Mobtown Ballroom, located in the downtown neighborhood Pigtown, has sought to help artists support themselves in a time where performance might otherwise be difficult to participate in.

COURTESY OF SABRINA ABRAMS The ricotta crostino with tapenade and parmesan was the highlight of Abrams’ meal.

Orto offers pricey carry out Italian fare during pandemic

By SABRINA ABRAMS | April 10, 2020

Given the current Maryland stay-at-home order, my housemate and I have been primarily at home with each other since she returned to our off-campus house in Charles Village early last week. Our search for activities has left us on increasingly long walks, which this Wednesday included picking up Orto in Station North. 

COURTESY OF JESSE WU Pasta aglio e olio is just one of the many dishes that Wu has made while social distancing.

What to do while social distancing

By JESSE WU | April 4, 2020

  The coronavirus (COVID-19) has led to many public health edicts, including social distancing and shutting down non-essential business. Many report an increased sense of social isolation amid the current crisis. So, what better than a list of suggestions for things to do to relieve cabin fever?

COURTESY OF JESSE WU Restaurants across Maryland have been forced to shut down due to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 strikes the local food and beverage industry

By JESSE WU | March 26, 2020

The current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has caused some of the most widespread business shutdown orders we have ever seen. On Monday, March 24, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan announced the closure of all non-essential businesses. The  food and drink industry has been hit particularly hard, due to its inherent challenges like low margins and large amounts of required labor.

COURTESY OF JESSE WU Hip Hop Fish and Chicken provides one of Baltimore’s iconic staples.

The chicken box is the ideal Baltimore indulgence

By JESSE WU | March 12, 2020

Everyone who visits Baltimore always wants to try the seafood. My parents always want to have a Maryland crab feast when they visit town, and they always ask for the crabcakes and the Old Bay everything. But anyone on a budget who wants an equally iconic taste of Baltimore should go for a chicken box.

COURTESY OF JESSE WU The fried chicken platter and the pork rib platter are shown with sides.

Taste This serves up Southern food without the frills

By JESSE WU | February 27, 2020

The first time I encountered the term “soul food,” I was in the sixth grade. Our Spanish class was on the way to a Salvadorian restaurant to practice ordering in Spanish, and the storefront next to our destination read “SOUL FOOD” in all caps.

COURTESY OF FRANK GUERRIERO The tamales and tacos are just two of the reasons to visit Cocina Luchadoras.

Craving Mexican food? Try Cocina Luchadoras.

By FRANK GUERRIERO | February 27, 2020

I’ve long lamented my struggle to find a solid Mexican food fix in Baltimore. I know it’s not a matter of whether there are good tacos and tortas in Charm City, but instead whether I take the time to burst my personal Hopkins bubble and seek these spots out.

COURTESY OF JESSE WU Suspended Brewing uses food and drink to push ecological sustainability.

Suspended Brewing Company hosts Atchara Pop-Up

By FRANK GUERRIERO | February 20, 2020

What happens when a bunch of vegans, a crew of baseball cap–sporting Filipino cooks and a few dozen beer fanatics walk into a bar? Nope, this isn’t my most recent atrocious food-themed bar joke, but instead a pretty apt description of Atchara’s pop-up this past Sunday at Suspended Brewing.

COURTESY OF SOFIA VERHEYEN The second location of Ekiben features new starters and a new mural. SOFIA VERHEYEN

Ekiben opens up a second location in Hampden

By SOFIA VERHEYEN | February 20, 2020

Down an alley behind The Avenue in Hampden is not where you would expect to find one of the newest and most popular restaurants among Hopkins students. But the path less travelled is exactly where you will find the second location of Ekiben, a Fells Point Asian fusion restaurant most known for its baos.

PUBLIC DOMAIN WC Harlan offers a wide variety of drinks close to campus on W 23rd St.

WC Harlan impresses with unique cocktail creations

By FRANK GUERRIERO | February 13, 2020

Baltimore isn’t exactly teeming with craft cocktail bars. There are a few overpriced hotel-adjacent spots with decent execution down near the Inner Harbor, but if we’re being honest, they usually aren’t worth the trip out of shuttle range.

COURTESY OF JESSE WU The large amount of New York flop in the Ribaldi’s cheese slice isn’t great. JESSE WU

A nice slice of Baltimore’s pizzeria scene: Part 1

By JESSE WU | February 13, 2020

I have been searching for a nice slice of pizza ever since my brother brought it up over the dozen egg omelettes we ate during the holiday season. Everyone has been talking about One Bite, and I wanted to watch “Davey Pageviews” review Baltimore pizzerias, but he has never done a review in this city. I didn’t get any closer to having insight on the pizza joints near me, so I decided it was time to take action. 

COURTESY OF CHRIS H. PARK Andrés has opened a new taco stall in Levering Kitchens at Hopkins.

Butterfly Tacos y Tortas is a welcome dining addition

By FRANK GUERRIERO | February 6, 2020

José Andrés has plenty to be proud of. The Spanish-born chef’s restaurant empire, ThinkFoodGroup, includes 31 concepts, which span from the group’s home base in Washington, D.C., across the country to Los Angeles and way down to the Bahamas. Those spots — with offerings ranging from the haute plates at D.C.’s Minibar to open-fire paellas at New York’s Mercado Little Spain — have garnered a pair of Michelin stars and heaps of critical praise for the celebrated culinary entrepreneur.

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