The "Dine'tastic 13" Summer 2018

The Charm'tastic Mile of Baltimore is the honorary name for the 1.3 mile corridor that runs from MLK Jr. Blvd & Pratt Street to Harbor East. The Charm'tastic Mile or more simply "The Mile" that it's referred to is seeking to become one of the Top 15-20 most famous streets in America. The Charm'tastic Mile was inspired by The Magnificent Mile (Chicago) the iconic 13 blocks of Michigan Avenue that remains one of the Top 10-15 most famous streets in the world. The Charm'tastic Mile is the bridge that connects Downtown West, the Inner Harbor & Harbor East.

The City of Baltimore has a sensational reputation when it comes to food with an array of top flight restaurants that are on or near the 1.3 mile corridor. Here is the "Dine'tastic 13". Thirteen great spots to dine in Baltimore that are simply "Charm'tastic".

The number 13 or combination of #8 & #5 have historical significance to the Orioles and Ravens. O's legends and Hall of Fame players Brooks Robinson (#5) and Cal Ripken (#8) jersey numbers combined equal the number 13. Trent Dilfer (#8) and Joe Flacco (#5) are the jersey numbers for the two starting quarterbacks to lead the Ravens to a Super Bowl (35 & 47) victory. Numbers 8 & 5 again equal the number 13.

The 25th Anniversary of the 1993 (July 13th) MLB All-Star Game played at Oriole Park Camden Yards will be July 13, 2018.

The Dine'tastic 13 - Summer 2018:

1. Charleston (Harbor East) - The French & Southern style cuisine by Chef Cindy Wolf and the wine expertise of Tony Foreman make this one of the "Top 3" restaurants in the entire State of Maryland. The food, service & overall experience is second to none. When someone says I want the best dining experience in the city and on "The Mile" mention Charleston. World of Fine Wine Best Wine Lists 2015 & 2016. Chef Wolf has been featured in Food Arts, Bon Appetit,  New York Times and Forbes Magazine. http://www.charlestonrestaurant.com


2. The Capital Grille (Pratt Street/The Charm'tastic Mile) - The clubby & sophisticated steakhouse is indeed a dining delight for meat & seafood lovers. They offer sensational steaks cooked to perfection with a splendid wine list & signature cocktails to business executives and romantic couples. The staff delivers 5-star service from the time you pull up to the front door. James Kinney has been managing-partner for over a decade. He runs a well-oiled dining
machine. https://www.thecapitalgrille.com/locations/md/baltimore/baltimore/8023

3. Thames Street Oyster House (Fell's Point) - When it comes to fresh seafood with an authentic Maryland flare it's Thames Street Oyster House. Chef Eric Houseknecht offers a mouth watering menu that combines the Mid-Atlantic & New England regions. They offer an extensive draft beer & cocktail list. A very laid back & professional atmosphere with a view of the water. Take me to "Charm City" & take me to Thames Street. http://thamesstreetoysterhouse.com

4. The Bygone (29th Floor Four Seasons Hotel) - With a majestic view that is a sight to behold The Bygone has emerged as a showpiece for the city and The Charm'tastic Mile. The Atlas Group opened The Bygone in December 2017. The menu takes you back to the glamour days of years past. They offer a spectacular selection of wines & signature cocktails. The menu by Executive Chef Matthew Oetting is fabulous. The 5-star menu & service makes The Bygone a destination for residence and tourists to Charm City.  http://www.thebygonerestaurant.com

5. The Prime Rib (Mt. Vernon) - Since 1965 The Prime Rib has been an institution to the dining culture of Baltimore. They are minutes away from The Charmtastic Mile. The nightly piano bar, old-school steakhouse feel & top notch service make this a true classic. If you like novelty then this is the place for you. Their cocktails & wine selections are superb. Complimentary valet parking nightly is nice perk for a fun night at "The Rib".  http://www.theprimerib.com/baltimore-md/

6. Sotto Sopra (Mt. Vernon) - Chef/Owner Riccardo Bosio has operated Sotto Sopra since 1996 delivering his Northern Italian cuisine with a Mediterranean twist. The home-made pastas, delightful seafood, urban wall mural & cathedral high ceilings add to the New York/Milan feel of the restaurant. Fantastic wines, signature cocktails & personable service make Sotto Sopra a go-to place for the romantic & business diners. https://www.sottosoprainc.com

7. Ouzo Bay (Harbor East) - With authentic Greek cuisine and fresh fish flown in daily from around the world; great wines & cocktails Ouzo Bay is sexy cool with a Miami South Beach feel. The bar/lounge & patio create a vibe that makes Ouzo Bay one of those sophisticated hot spots that add "Style to The Mile". Chef Alex Morris oversees a wonderful kitchen that blends well with a 5 -star service staff. http://www.ouzobay.com/baltimore/

8. Roy's Hawaiian Fusion (Harbor East) - Roy's Baltimore has been in "Charm City" for 17-years serving its Hawaiian inspired cuisine with a mix of European sauce influx & Asian flavors. Roy's is a fabulous place to dine in an upscale setting. Chef Matthew Ellis, managing partner Ryan Jones &  their friendly staff serve a great menu with nice wines and signature Hawaiian themed cocktails. https://www.roysrestaurant.com/locations/md/baltimore

9. Bar Vasquez (Harbor East) - A New World Argentine bar with an extensive menu that features flavors from Buenos Aires. With exceptional cocktails, a sophisticated vibe and cool music Bar Vasquez brings an international feel to The Charm'tastic Mile & Harbor East. Chef Mario Cano Catala'n has been with the Foreman/Wolf  Group for over 15-years. A very attentive and professional staff are the gold standard to the Foreman/Wolf brand.  https://barvasquez.com

10. Tagliata (Harbor East) - The Italian Chop House with magnificent steaks, home-made pastas & incredible wines. Tagliata has the biggest wine library in the city. Chef Julian Marucci & the entire staff deliver a first-class experience of Italian themed cuisine. They also have live-music nightly to add to the ambiance of the restaurant. http://www.tagliatarestaurant.com

11. Lebanese Taverna (Harbor East) - Since 1979 Lebanese Taverna has thrilled diners with its authentic Mediterranean cuisine from Lebanon. They offer humus like no other with ingredients that feature beef, chicken, lamb, garlic, tomatoes & vegetables. Excellent craft cocktails and wines from Lebanon. The management and staff are always friendly & professional. https://lebanesetaverna.com

12. Magdalena (Mt. Vernon/Ivy Hotel) - This fine-dining bistro is a new culinary jewel that is wowing its guest with superb cuisine from France (Foie Gras, Branzino, Duck Breast & Filet of Stone Bass). Executive Chef Mark Levy has traveled the world and delivers a 5-star menu. With its European setting, ambiance & its seclusion in the boutique Ivy Hotel this is a fantastic destination spot located only a few minutes from "The Mile". https://www.theivybaltimore.com/dine/restaurant/

13. La Tavola ( Little Italy) - Chef Carlo Vignotto brings his passion for food, family & culture to this authentic Italian restaurant nestled in famous Little Italy. The La Tavola menu features home-made soups, pastas & desserts. They also make incredible chicken, seafood & veal dishes to the delight of local & tourists guest. Dave Olson & his staff make you feel like "Family". http://la-tavola.com

The Charm'tastic Mile would like to thank all of the restaurants listed on The "Dine'tastic 13". They are contributing to the image & profile of the city in helping to make The Charm'tastic Mile one of the Top 15 most famous streets in America.

The Orioles of 1988 & 2018 Can Make History Together

June 16, 2018- The Baltimore Orioles of 1988 began the season losing 21 straight games. The 0-21 start is a MLB record that will live as long as Cal Ripken's consecutive game streak of 2,632 games played. Those Orioles were led by Ripken & Eddie Murray. They had some fantastic years together and only 5-years earlier won the 1983 World Series. After the dust was settled the two of them would be enshrined in Cooperstown and remain Oriole legends.

30-years ago after starting out at 0-21 the Orioles would have an 19-50 record after 69 games played in 1988. They would have a 19-29 record for the next 48-game stretch. For a team that was that bad to start the season at 0-21 a 19-29 record showed that they were making an effort.

Eddie Murray was the highest paid player on that 1988 team (4th highest in MLB) with an annual salary of 2.1 million per year. Ozzie Smith of the St. Louis Cardinals was the games highest paid player that year at 2.34 million.

The Miami Marlins defeated the O's 2-0 last night. They were shut out for the 8th time this season.This group of O's are now standing with a 19-49 record. They also have lost 10-straight home games . Their last win at home was on May 13th. That was 1-month and 3-days ago. The Charm'tastic Mile & Cal Ripken Way are both 1.3 miles in length. That's a nice stretch to walk and that's a long stretch of games not to win in your own ball park.

The game this afternoon vs the Marlins will go down in history if the Orioles lose. They will tie the 1988 O's record 69-games into the season with an identical 19-50 record. The Marlins are 27-43 to start 2018. Who would've thought that a Saturday game one-day before Father's Day between 2 teams playing under .500 ball could have historical relevance.

Chris Davis the man known as "Crush" just a couple of years ago is the teams highest paid player with an annual salary a staggering $21,118,782.00 US dollars. He accounts for 14.4% of the team payroll. Davis has sat out the last 3 games. He makes $130,362.85 per game (based on 162 game season). That equates to $32,590.71 per at bat (4). Will Chris be on the field today and be part of history if the O's lose.

The Orioles total payroll this season is $150,384,375.00. That includes active payroll, disabled list, retained salary & buried minor league salaries. With a payroll of over 150K this O's team is worse than the 1988 club. If they lose vs. the Marlins all of the players will be part of history that they will try to forget, but will linger with fans and historians long after they hang up their cleats.

The Charm'tastic & Magnificent "Number 13" for Baltimore & Chicago

June 13, 2018 - In the world of sports it's all about the numbers. The amount of points scored by home runs, buckets in the hoop, touchdowns & goals at the net. The Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will feature two great linebackers Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens & Brian Urlacher of the Chicago Bears. Lewis made the #52 almost as legendary as the #56 worn by Lawrence Taylor.
Brian Urlacher's #54 will join two other iconic linebackers in the long history of the Bears #51 Dick Butkus and #50 Mike Singletary.

The Charm'astic Mile of Baltimore is the new honorary name for the 1.3 mile corridor in the heart of Charm City. The Magnificent Mile is the famous 13 blocks of Michigan Avenue that has global status as one of the most well-known streets in the world. The number 13  has been a popular number in sports so far this year.

Ray Lewis will represent The Charm'tastic Mile and it's 1.3 & Brian Urlacher will do the same for The Magnificent Mile and its number 13. Here is a listing of the number 13 impact on sports during 2018.

This past Saturday (6-10-18) at the Belmont Stakes Justify became the 13th race horse to win the "Triple Crown".

The NBA Draft Lottery was held in Chicago on May 15, 2018. The Phoenix Suns have the #1 overall first pick and will more than likely select Arizona Wildcats center Deandre Ayton with the pick. Ayton wears the number 13. Steve Nash the future Hall of Fame guard of the Suns wore the number 13 during his career in Phoenix.

James Harden of the Houston Rockets who wears the number 13 led his team to the best record (65-17) in the NBA during the regular-season. Harden is the favorite to win the 2018 NBA MVP Award.

The Charm'tastic & Magnificent "Number 13" in Baltimore & Chicago Sports:

7-13-2018 will mark the 25th Anniversary (July 13th) of the 1993 MLB All-Star Game played in Baltimore's Camden Yards. The American League defeated the National League 9-3.

The Baltimore Orioles played their first game as the Orioles on April 13, 1954 vs the Detroit Tigers. The O's first home game in Memorial Stadium was April 15, 1954 vs the Chicago White Sox. Baltimore defeated Chicago 3-1.

Ray Lewis was selected to 13 Pro Bowls during his spectacular career. The 2-time Super Bowl Champion won two Defensive Player of the Year Awards.

Ravens legend Ed Reed scored 13 touchdowns during his soon to be Hall of Fame career. Reed has the NFL record (1,590) for most interception return yards.

The Ravens defeated the New England Patriots 28-13 in the 2012 AFC Championship Game. It was the teams 13th win of the season as Baltimore advanced to Super Bowl XLVII and beat the San Francisco 49ers 34-31.

Brian Urlacher played 13 seasons for the Chicago Bears from 2000-12. He was the 2000 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year & 2005 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

Walter Payton played 13 seasons for the Bears. Payton is arguably the "Greatest" running back in NFL history retiring in 1987 as the leagues all-time leading rusher.

In 2013 Ernie Banks received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama. Banks played his entire career with the Chicago Cubs from 1953-71.

Ray Lewis & Brian Urlacher both players who played their entire career for one franchise will be enshrined on August 4, 2018 in Canton, Ohio. They will celebrated by the cities of Baltimore & Chicago and its fans. With The Charm'tastic & Magnificent Mile who says the number 13 or 1.3 is unlucky.