Socially Speaking
A JEWEL OF A LADY LAID TO REST
Charm City lost a precious stone out of their crown last week with the passing of Clarisse Mechanic. I was lucky enough to enjoy a personal relationship with her due to her longtime bond with my mother, Sylvia Badger. Clarisse’s contributions to this town are immeasurable not only to the arts but countless charity organizations. Heaven just got one of the classiest, sweetest angels ever.
JAMMIN FOR CASEY CARES FOUNDATION
The venue may have been Rams Head Live at the Power Plant Live, in Baltimore but inside it was a “New York State of Mind” according to Pam Goode, Communication Director for the Casey Cares Foundation. The seventh annual Rock N’ Roll Bash did not disappoint this year with musicians from bands such as the Billy Joel Band, Bon Jovi, Kiss, Avril Lavigne, Survivor, and others jamming together to benefit the children’s programs of the Casey Cares Foundation. The packed house got to meet the musicians up close and personal and view the gorgeous body painted models from the nationally renowned artist, Jen Seidel, a local gal. In addition to the great music, supporters enjoyed fabulous food and drink and a fantastic auction. Proceeds from all this fun will help the Casey Cares Foundation continue to provide uplifting programs, with a special touch for critically ill children and their families.
For more information on this wonderful organization go to http://www.CaseyCaresFoundation.org or call 443-568-0064.
SPOTTED
Our Olympic gold fish-man, Michael Phelps, sporting his new 70’s style mustache, was seen getting his sushi on at RA Sushi, Baltimore. Phelps and a school of his friends are frequenters, which leads one to believe the food is so good it brings him back-stroke for more.
Aldo’s Restaurant, in Little Italy had a visit recently from actor Mike Farrell and his wife Shelley Fabres. (She is the niece of Nannette Fabres) Aldo’s owner, Sergio Vitale was thrilled to have them dine in his restaurant. Farrell was in Baltimore for a book signing of his new release, “Just Call Me Mike: A Journey to Actor and Activist”
TOWSON ON A ROLL
Many a moon ago, my friends and I bar- toured a good bit of the watering holes in Towson. The former, I almost said old but quickly edited myself, Poor Richards and Spirits were frequent happy hour and late night favorite hot spots. But I digress… Recently, a group of media types, including the Sun’s foodie Rob Casper, Downtown Diane, Towson University student and editor for the campus newspaper, the Towerlight, Tyler Waldman to name a few were invited by the Director of Conference and Tourism Department of Economic Development, Jill Feinberg to a “Sushi Tour” of Towson. First stop was the Orient located at 319 York Road, which for you youngins used to be the aforementioned Spirits. There we met owner David Huang who has been in his family business for over 22 years. “We fly our fish in daily for freshness” Huang told us and by the taste of the “Surprise Roll” and sashimi there was no doubt about that!
Next stop was Kyodai located at 1W Pennsylvania Avenue, well known for being the only rotating sushi bar in Maryland. Tony Yan, the vivacious proprietor educated us on proper rotating bar etiquette and was very proud to inform us that this October will be Kyodai’s 5 year anniversary. No doubt the novelty of the establishment will bring curiosity seekers in but as Yan said “Our goal is to make sure people come back because of our great sushi and they do.”
A quick dart across the street to San Sushi Too, where manager, Bruce Sesum greeted us and gave us the tour of this very interesting place. This restaurant shares space with Thai One On and, together, they offer Japanese and Thai food. However we were there for sushi, and they did not disappoint by serving us the “Terp Roll” and the “Sarah Roll” named after a former bartender with a spicy side according to Sesum. What’s pretty neat here is they make there own homemade teriyaki and bar-b-que sauces that are terrific.
Last, but far from least was Sushi Hana, on the other side of Pennsylvania Avenue, 6 east, formerly aforementioned “Poor Richards”. We were told that Hana means flower in Japanese and the chefs here truly take that to heart in their beautiful presentation. Owners, Po and Gina Chan, are hands on making sure customers not only enjoy their food, but the experience of dining there. I would highly recommend the Rainbow Naroto which was gorgeous to look at but even better to taste.
There is plenty to choose from in Towson with over 60 restaurants and these sushi spots are a must visit.
****On a side note, our condolences to the Orient’s David Huang on the loss of his father just a few days prior to our visit.
HAPPY 40th to O.J. BRIGANCE
O.J. Brigance spent twelve years playing football and is one of the only guys in town who sports two championship rings. He was apart of our 2000 Raven Super Bowl team and the Baltimore Stallions 1995 Grey Cup team. In 2007, he was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS-Lou Gehrig’s disease) and this debilitating illness has left Brigance unable to move his limbs. But what he can still move is our hearts. In an effort to bring awareness and raise money for research, O.J formed Brigance Brigade Foundation and recently many of his friends, fans and former teammates gathered to celebrate his 40th birthday and raise money for his foundation. Some from the Super Bowl team included Kyle Richardson, Ray Lewis, Edwin Mulitalo, Brad Jackson, Spencer Falou (who is the nicest person ever) and Mike Flynn. Present day Ravens also showed support, Joe Flacco and T “Sizzle” Suggs were spotted along with one of my favorite people in the world, Art Modell. ESPN’s Sage Steele did a marvelous job as the night’s emcee and there was not a dry eye in the Club Level of M&T Bank Stadium when a video of O.J.’s journey was shown. His wife of 15 years, Chanda thanked the crowd and led us in a group happy birthday song for O.J. which was awesome. Some that I spotted or chatted with were Keith Mills, Bruce Cunningham, Kai Jackson, Brent Harris, Kenny Abrams, Vince Fiduccia and the gang from WBAL, Jordan Wertlieb, Claudia Grimm and Nora Koontz.
Special thanks to Rick Bowlus, (a.k.a. Poetic Justice-Ultimate Ravens Fan) who provided Socially Speaking with this fabulous picture of Sage and O.J. from the event.
GRIDIRON HALLOWEEN RAVEN STYLE
Dave & Buster’s in Arundel Mills was the location this week for the 10th annual Halloween party for Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake. Hosts Mark Clayton, dressed as a Redneck, and Todd Heap, with his family dressed as Scooby Doo gang, welcomed other players and fans. A great time was had by all and, even better, over 100,000 was raised for the charity.
ANNE’S PARTY OF THE WEEK
What: Chef’s Expressions and Baltimore Eats Magazine present HALLOWINE.
When: Saturday, October 31, 2009 9p.m. (VIP Champagne Tasting 8p.m.)
Where: 1840’s City Lights (2nd floor of City Life Museum) 29 S. Front St., Baltimore.
Why: This event will benefit The Living Classrooms.
Info: $80pp, VIP $100pp- Tickets include a haunted wine bar and never ending top shelf cocktails, midnight costume contest, dancing with music by DJ WHO & Knowledge featuring live percussion by Keith Meyer. Call Katie 410-561-2433 for tickets.
MEET me there!!!
Have a safe weekend and GO RAVENS !!!!
** Catch me every Monday morning from 8am-noon on Fox Sports Am-1370 “Rob Long Show” or listen live on http://www.roblongshow.com.
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