Best No-Travel Vacation:The Tiki Barge! If you work a lot like I do and can’t always find time to get to the Caribbean—or even the Shore—take a day and hit this little oasis located right on the water in Federal Hill. Drinks, pool, sunshine, and lots of half-naked people. What more could you want?
Best Cocktail Creation: The Crouching Tiger at TATU Baltimore (where, full disclosure, I used to work). A clever combination of cucumber, St. Germain, Riesling, and Prosecco, this drink is dangerously drinkable and equally addictive. (P.S. It also happens to be off-menu, so, you’re welcome.)
Best Drunk Text: “What’s up?” Simple as it may seem, this little two-word expression is the perfect balance of interest and subtlety. It can mean, “Hey, I’ve had a few drinks and would like to see you” but can also be later played off as, “Oh, I ran into some mutual friends, and they asked if I had seen you so I thought I’d send you a quick text.” Diabolical, yes?
Best Place Where One of My Exes Works: The Prime Rib. With its black walls, leopard carpeting, sexy piano music, and outstanding food, it’s the classiest place in Baltimore. So, despite the romantic history between one of the employees and me, I can’t stay away. And ladies, if you are looking to meet upstanding, successful men with some class, this is the perfect bar to frequent.
Best Return to Popularity: Going to Orioles games! Since the birth of the Baltimore Ravens, Orioles attendance had dropped off considerably. Of course, our poor record wasn’t helping the cause. But with a winning season in progress and great new changes to the stadium, O’s games are now, once again, a favorite place to go any night of the week.
Best Date Place: The National Aquarium. Think about it. There are a ton of conversation starters, and it’s not overflowing with romance. But if you are enjoying the company of your date, you can definitely spin things in that direction. (Are jellyfish supposed to be sexy or is that just me?)
Best Eye-Candy Bartender: Mark Whipple from Mosaic Nightclub and Lounge. Okay, yes, I realize that I selected this same person last year, too. But you know what? There is no one who has dethroned him yet! This guy is not only gorgeous but dispels the myth that all hot guys are tools.
Well, there you have it! I look forward to celebrating all Baltimore’s bests with you at the annual party August 16!
