Talk about a can?t-miss combination. For the past few months Morton?s The Steakhouse and the American Red Cross have been working together to salute community women who excel in their commitment to volunteerism. As Morton?s Web site says, “we?re looking for women who reflect similar values and principles as the American Red Cross.”
The program ? called “Women of Spirit” ? picked one woman from each of Morton?s market areas and treated her to an “exclusive” Morton?s wine dinner, “pairing amazing women and amazing wine with a four-course dinner to remember.”
In Baltimore, the honoree was Monyka Berrecosa, who is well-known both as the founder and principal of Grape Ventures LLC and for her work with the Women?s Wine and Dine ? a women?s-only dinner event series that raises money for area charities.
A sellout crowd showed up at Morton?s The Steakhouse on Charles Street last Thursday to raise a glass to Monyka. The lucky diners were treated to seafood hors d?oeuvres, wonderful veggies and, of course, filet mignon. Wine expert Odila Galer Noel (VP at Frederick Wildman & Sons Importers) guided guests through the wine pairings chosen to complement the menu. Almost as sweet as the chocolate-covered strawberries was the live auction, which raised almost $3,000 for The American Red Cross. And that brought a smile to the face of Executive Director Frank Miller.
Seen enjoying the evening were Charles Aud (president of Gemini Design Build Inc.), David Nevins (president of Nevins & Associates) and Linnea Anderson (director of public relations and marketing for the American Red Cross).
Speaking of Morton?s, a little Oriole birdie told me that our own All-Star second basemen, Brian Roberts, had a pregame power meal at the San Francisco location just prior to taking the field for last week?s All-Star Game. Roberts made Baltimore proud with his fantastic play. It must have been the beef.
FOODSCAPE: THE PLACE TO BE
Art and food lovers have packed the Mount Royal Tavern in Baltimore for the past 23 years for the annual Foodscape ? called “Artscape?s irreverent cousin” by participant Michael Hamilton.
Started by a group of local talents who were more than a little upset that Artscape was drifting away from the works of local artists, Foodscape picked a spot to highlight its show that was smack in the middle of Artscape country ? Mount Royal Avenue. It has been a hit ever since, and this past Sunday the tavern, located at 1204 Mount Royal Ave., was packed for this year?s celebration.
Artists included Lania D?Agostino, Terrance Haney, Jim Burger, Sydney Hopkins, Richard Roth, Micah Russell and Mount Royal proprietors Ron Carback and Chris Kozack. “We?re not as radical these days, but the art, with a food theme, is still very interesting,” Hamilton said .
So stop into the Tavern this weekend during Artscape, grab a cold one and see what all the buzz is about.
SPOTTED
Former Oakland Raiders defensive end Howie Long, more familiar to many fans as the NFL?s flat-topped Fox analyst, was analyzing his son?s lacrosse game recently at Boys? Latin. Jumping on the sighting, Maryland coach Dave Cottle gave a quick call to some adoring lacrosse moms, who quickly made the drive over.
PICKS OF THE WEEK
» What: “Sizzling for a Cure” raffle to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Maryland.
» The prize: 2007 Lexus GS 450 Hybrid.
» Where: The Havana Club, 600 Water St. in Baltimore.
» When: Wednesday, at the conclusion of the 10th annual Celebrity Golf Classic.
» Raffle tickets: $300 (only 325 available).
» Info: 410-653-2133.
» What: Oriole Brian Roberts? “Baseball Bash” to benefit the University of Maryland Hospital for Children.
» Where: ESPN Zone, 601 East Pratt St. at the Inner Harbor.
» When: 6 to 9 p.m., Aug. 26
» Tickets: $200 adults; $150 for children, 12 and under.
» Info: Becky Ceraul at 410-706-7590.
Society Spotters
The Examiner needs you to be the eyes and ears of Crabtown, and not just B?more. We?re calling on Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard counties, too. If you spot a celeb, let me know at [email protected].
Share photos of your charity event with the community. E-mail high-resolution .jpg attachments to [email protected]. Images must include full names and information about the event, including the organization name, date, place and cause supported.
Anne Boone-Simanski is the society columnist for The Examiner and can be reached at [email protected] or 410-878-6131.
