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Monday, May 21, 2012

Sweet Hearts Patisserie Opens at Clock Tower Place

The bakery promises a taste of France in Annapolis.

Macaroons, petit fours, cake pops—these are just a few of the delecatable offerings at a new Annapolis bakery. Sweet Hearts Patisserie celebrated its grand opening on Saturday morning at 1410 Forest Drive in Clock Tower Place, according to a news release. "As the name might suggest, there is a lot of love that goes into each and every pastry at Sweet Hearts," said Kristen D'Angelo, owner and pastry chef, in the release. "My philosophy is that it is always better to enjoy a small bite of something heavenly than it is to eat way too much of something that is just OK. That is the basis of all my creations, and I hope that every person who eats one my pastries enjoys it thoroughly." The French-themed pastry shop also operated as a catering …

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Kari O

10:59 am on Monday, May 21, 2012

No, thank you for featuring this yummy spot -- and so nice to see a woman-owned business featured as well!   more ›

Sunday, May 20, 2012

GUESS THE RESTAURANT: Bacon-Wrapped Fillet

How well do you know Annapolis restaurants?

Congrats to Patch readers Petra Clingenpeel and Ashley for correctly guessing that the guacamole burger from the last "Guess the Restaurant" challenge was from The Metro Diner. We had several correct answers on the Annapolis Patch Facebook page as well. The Metro Diner focuses on fast, fresh and local cuisine, according to its website. Menu items include burgers, shakes and healthy tacos. Now, can you tell me where this bacon-wrapped fillet is from? The 11-oz cut is resting atop an heirloom tomato salad seasoned with cracked black pepper and pink Himalayan salt. Share your guesses in the comments section below and I'll reveal the answer when "Guess the Restaraunt" returns for another round.

Friday, May 18, 2012

VIDEO: Preakness Hats You Won't Believe

Feathers, bows and sequins, oh my!

For some ladies attending the Preakness Stakes on Saturday, the hats are more important than the horses. Last year, Patch visited Hats in the Belfry on Main Street in Annapolis to see what was fashionable in the world of hats. This year, Marjae Hicks is busy adorning Baltimore area heads with feathers, jewels, bows, sequins, flowers and all the bling that is associated with a Preakness hat. The Preakness is one of Baltimore's historical sports events, offering tradition and excitement. And big hats. According to Marjae, owner of Hats by Marjae in Westminster, MD, Preakness-worthy hats are big and whimsical and will get people talking. "You have to wear your hat with confidence. If you don't, it will show," Marjae said. "You have to have …

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Historic Preservation Commission Approves Factors Row Property Stabilization

The building owner has one month to complete the initial phase of stabilization work.

The Annapolis Historic Preservation Committee voted to allow the owner of the Factors Row property to stabilize the historic building. During the commission's meeeting on Friday, it ruled that building owner Dana Florestano could make masonry repairs and install steel reinforced bracing on the Fleet Street walls of the property, according to a city news release. Florestano has one month to complete the first phase of stabilization on the building, which has been vacant for a number of years, the release states. He said the initial work is expected to start before June 4 and be completed no later than June 14. Long term work is expected to finished by Aug. 31. The decision came after the commission recommended to Mayor Josh Cohen on May 8 …

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Legislature Approves Tax Hike, Pension Shift

Governor calls budget package "good for all Marylanders." Republicans say burden to local governments may force county governments to increase taxes.

The Maryland House of Delegates gave final approval Wednesday to a package of three bills that increases taxes on some state residents, shifts part of teacher pensions to local governments and undoes the so-called "doomsday budget." The votes Wednesday afternoon capped the three-day special session called by Gov. Martin O'Malley in order to override more than $500 million in cuts made in a budget passed in early April. The Senate approved the same three bills Tuesday. As part of the package, legislators approved by a vote of 86-51 what amounts to a 50-50 split of teacher pension costs with local governments. The split will be phased in over the next four years beginning July 1 with the new budget year. That bill also includes a doubling of…

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Brook

9:14 am on Monday, May 21, 2012

D) ~Universal~ healthcare has been championed by many presidents, including both Roosevelts, and is not ~socialized medicine~. The only reason people equate the two is because opponents knew they could influence the ignorant masses by suggesting that universal healthcare is socialism and therefore communism (even though the two are not the same). Well, congratulations... obviously one more …   more ›

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Readers' Choice: Mother's Day Brunch in Anne Arundel County

There are plenty of options for brunch featuring buffets, seasonal selections and even champagne.

Throughout Anne Arundel County, Patch polled readers to find the best place for Mother's Day brunch in our towns and neighborhoods. Here is a list of winners for each Patch. Check out who won below and let us know what you think by leaving a comment. Annapolis: Carol's Creek Cafe Broadneck: Severn Inn Crofton, Gambrills, Odenton, Severn: Big Fish Grille (Crofton) Edgewater, Davidsonville: Wharfside Bar and Grill (Edgewater) Glen Burnie, Pasadena: The Grill at Quarterfield Station (Glen Burnie) Severna Park: Brian Boru Irish Restaurant and Pub Looking to buy flowers for mom? Check out the Readers' Choice winners for the best florists in Anne Arundel County. See more Patch Readers' Choice winners.

Friday, May 11, 2012

Annapolis Friends Start New Business Endeavor

The Cruisey, an online operation, sells cozies that can be worn around the neck.

Kate Myers and Bridget Needham have been best friends for more than 20 years. The Annapolis natives, both 26, recently took their relationship to the next level when they started a business together called The Cruisey, which is named after their innovative new product. "We're basically selling cozies that you can wear around your neck," Needham said. "So, you're cruising around hands free." Inspired by a friend who would tie a shoe string around a cozy so he would have easy access to his beverage while sailing, Myers and Needham realized this was a concept they could capitalize on. "When you think about it, it's a no-brainer," Myers said. "It seems like something that you'd think would have already existed." Despite already having …

Readers' Choice: Mother's Day Brunch at Carrol's Creek Cafe

The Annapolis restaurant beat out its next closest competitor in the Mother's Day brunch competition by just one vote.

Tradition and familiarity are what keep customers coming back to Carrol's Creek Cafe, said Richard McClure, general manager of the restaurant. "We've been around for almost 30 years," McClure said. "People know what they're going to get." The eatery, located at 410 Severn Ave., was chosen by Patch readers as the best spot for Mother's Day brunch in Annapolis. Carrol's Creek beat out Chart House, the second-place finisher, by just one vote and claimed 27 percent of the vote overall. "I'm very happy that the readers chose us," McClure said. The all-you-can-eat Sunday brunch buffet at the waterfront restaurant is a popular feature. It includes classic brunch staples but also has a weekly rotation of three or four speciality dishes such as …

Bob Lang

9:33 am on Friday, May 11, 2012

I know 8 local friends that have had food poisoning at Carroll's Creek. I am not impressed with them.   more ›

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Feist Performs at Rams Head On Stage

The singer became a national sensation in 2007 when her song "1, 2, 3, 4" was featured in an Apple iPod commercial.

A Grammy nominated artist stopped by Annapolis on Thursday. Leslie Feist, an indie singer-songwriter who goes by her last name professionally, performed at Rams Head On Stage . Feist stopped by the popular concert venue en route to a sold-out show at Strathmore in Bethesda, said Valerie Wierenga, marketing director of Rams Head. The private radio showcase was hosted by radio station WRNR. "She and the band played four songs to (approximately) 160 people and then went on their merry way," Wierenga wrote in an email. "They were very sweet people." The 36-year-old songstress burst onto the national spotlight when her song "1, 2, 3, 4" was used in a popular Apple iPod commercial that debuted in mid-September 2007. According to Reuters, the …

MusicMaverick

10:41 am on Friday, May 11, 2012

See Feist for free this summer at Pitchfork Music Fest. Details - http://t.co/yR7rbtps   more ›

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Sundresses Feature Print Created by Annapolis Artist

Say "thank you" to mom with a flattering and pretty sundress with a print made from original artwork.

Stylish sundresses that feature prints made from the original artwork of Annapolis artist Kaeli Smith are available locally, just in time for Mother's Day. Sue Gauthier, owner of The Cottage located in Park Plaza in Severna Park, said the store currently carries the sundresses and has sold Smith's paintings for several years. The Cottage now has the exclusive rights to use Smith's original colorful designs on a line of sleeveless, cotton sundresses. Gauthier said customers are so taken with Smith's designs that they are asking for them to be printed on curtains and shower curtains. The price range for the dresses is $79 to $119.

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