Mid-May events

May 9-12
On Wed, May 9, Style Magazine partnered with the new LOFT store in the Festival at Woodholme to host an Opening Party & Shopping Night. Style staffers, including publisher Kristen Cooper and I, mingled with the shoppers, who enjoyed cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, an in-store DJ and 25% discounts throughout the store. The turnout was huge and the atmosphere was festive, even for a rainy night. The next evening, I was at the Heavy Seas Alehouse for a book party to celebrate the release of “Baltimore Beer,” the new book on the history of beer brewing in Charm City. Author Rob Kasper was on hand to greet people and sign books. A large contingent of his colleagues from The Sun (past and present) were there to wish him well. The crowd included writer (and Style columnist) Chris Corbett, “Turkey Joe” Trabert, writer Neil Grauer, Linnell Smith & Tom Hall, and Bmag food scribe Suzanne Loudermilk. On Saturday, I attended the 3rd annual Foodie Experience at the Hippodrome. The afternoon tasting portion of the program included an outdoor portion this year, where the block of Eutaw Street in front of the theatre was blocked off and featured food trucks and tents. I enjoyed talking with foodies Dara & Tom Bunjon, Celeste Corsaro, Allison & Jim Abromitis, Reagan & Sara Warfield, and actor Vincent DePaul, who was in town for a shoot. The evening featured an entertaining talk by Travel Channel host Andrew Zimmern and, judging by the massive crowds that turned out for the event, looked to be a huge success.