Events in Baltimore this weekend: February 14 - 17

Thursday Anti-Valentine’s Day The Owl Bar 4 - 11 p.m. Screw romance with Anti-Love Potion cocktails, single/taken glowsticks and a free shot if you bring a picture of your ex. No cover.

Md. Vegan Restaurant Week expands beyond the city

“What do you identify yourself as?” When I saw the question in the survey, I wasn’t sure what kind of answer I was supposed to provide. I hadn’t expected to find that question in a simple survey about food. I was just checking out the voting form for Maryland Vegan Restaurant Week.

Unique Valentine’s shopping at Nevermore Market

I spent my Sunday afternoon browsing the stalls at the Nevermore: A Baltimore Inspired Valentine’s Market at the R. House Garage on Feb. 10. The vendors were mostly all based in Baltimore. Part of the proceeds of the event went to the Women’s Advocacy Coalition: Baltimore. 

Events in Baltimore this weekend: February 7 - 10

The Peeps Show The BIG Theater 8:30 - 9:30 p.m. Baltimore Improv Group features a female artist explaining the inspiration behind her work. Female improvisers then perform a set based on the artist’s piece. Reservations required. Free.

Devour authentic Mediterranean cuisine at Cypriana

Want to impress your date? Are your parents in town? Or do you just want to splurge and enjoy a meal that’s a level above the restaurants on St. Paul Street?

A colorful interview with Papermoon’s designer

“Just a cool place to come in, have some great food, look around and see some cool stuff.”

Events in Baltimore this weekend: January 31 - February 3

Thursday Art Activism: The Workbook Edition Red Emma’s 7 - 9 p.m. Former NFL player turned artist Aaron Maybin presents his artwork and discusses his philanthropic efforts. Free.

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.

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. 

Events in Baltimore this weekend: December 6 - 9

Make the most of holiday season in Baltimore

The holidays are a wonderful time of the year. Lights are everywhere, the days are getting shorter and colder, and the end of the semester is approaching.

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.

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.

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.

Events in Baltimore this weekend: November 15-18

Thursday All That Jazz! Poets Modern Cocktails & Eats 6 - 9 p.m. Relax before break with a delicious dinner, drinks, and a jazz performance. No cover.

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.

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.

Events in Baltimore this weekend: November 8 - 11

Thursday Unnatural Patterns Metro Gallery 7 p.m. A presentation of artist Jacob Hennessy’s paintings, inspired by the natural world. Tickets required. No cover.