Johnny's, Roland Park

Johnny's, the latest restaurant in the Foreman Wolf family, opened today in Roland Park. I crashed a meeting E was having with some of our favorite coffee friends this morning. We, of course, had to make the pilgrimage because Lindsay (@Lindsaytron9000) is the head barista or "Coffee Auteur" as the menu reads. We have followed her from Spro, to LAMILL to Johnny's and couldn't be more proud. After posting a few photos on-line I was bombarded with questions asking where it is located. It is on the northern part of the block where Petite Louis sits and where the old Roland Park Deli used to be at 4800 Roland Avenue.

The skylight over the entrance creates a wonderful welcome. The coffee bar is to the right and the restaurant & whiskey bar is to the left. Yes, my darlings, Johnny's has an incredible list of bourbon and I'm dying to get a few friends together stat to check it out for dinner. I predict this will be the place to hang out for drinks to see and be seen by all of Smalltimore.

The coffee bar is bright and airy with high ceilings and windows. Patrick Sutton strikes again with his tasteful design.

Lindsay pulling shots with her protege.

I had to try to the banana muffins.

Lindsay suggested I try a Cortado. It's an espresso shot with half and half. A macchiato is an espresso with whole milk. Have mercy. It was calorically delicious and her apprentice gave me a little heart. Aw.

It's a great, casual space with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. I saw people with laptops and assume there is free wireless. (Update, no wireless.)

The bar space has a phenomenal, Irish pub-like feel. The original stone walls add so much charm you can cut through it with a knife.

I loved the galvanized steel bar caddy.

I see some of my favorite bourbon front and center. Who is with me? 

The space is much, much bigger than I imagined. There are three rooms with banquets and tables. The front area has natural light coming through the windows near the bar area.

The next room has a front and center view of the open kitchen.

The back room is tucked away featuring a mounted deer head and wine stacked in the center buffet space. It is so cozy and begs for long dinners with great conversation.

On the way out you can put change in the piggy bank for a little sweet treat. I can spare a penny for a gum-ball. What a darling idea for Halloween.

My coffee break was a bit of a tease. I look forward to going back soon for lunch, dinner and the happening bar scene very soon. Thank you Tony and Allison for the tour and for the great coffee and tea Lindsay. The space looks and feels so fantastic. We wish you all of the best success.

Charleston

I was fortunate enough to attend a luncheon at Baltimore's beloved Charleston last weekend.

E. brought me here for my very first birthday in Baltimore in February 2008. We had a five course meal with wine pairing during truffle week. Strangely enough I don't remember the specifics of the meal, but I remember the atmosphere and impeccable service. Owners, Tony Foreman sent us champagne and Chef Cindy Wolf came and spoke to us for a generous ten minutes. I was blown away by the interior design of Patrick Sutton. Frankly, I couldn't believe such an elegant restaurant existed in Baltimore. I was so naive back then, having only been here for two months. Much did I learn about the culinary prowess of Baltimore that evening and the following months. This town has amazing restaurants. Many are owned by Tony Foreman and Cindy Wolf, or the Wolf Foreman group. I think they should have combined the names and called their company Wolfman. :)

The light during the day was brilliant and the rooms were stunning.

The blue sky reflected off of every object.

The restaurant is tucked away on a corner in the tony Harbor East neighborhood. It is across the street from another Foreman Wolf property, Cinghiale, and has a lovely view of the Inner Harbor. They are no longer opened for lunch but will open for private events.

Guests are allowed to come and view the open kitchen which is run as tight as a ship.

I covet these copper pots.

I look forward to going back with Eric and having a martini at the bar.

The dining room is magnificent. I love the simple gold and red edged china.

This is a restaurant that reminds me of our honeymoon at the Grand Hotel. You get dressed to have dinner here. You wear a cocktail dress and your diamonds. Go here for a romantic evening and just enjoy as the meticulous staff caterers to your every need. If you have a question about wine, the sommelier can nearly tell you the row from which the grapes were plucked. Tony Foreman and Robert M Parker Jr. are besties so the wine list is to die for fabulous at Charleston, Pazo, Petite Louis and Cinghaile.

The meal was light and perfect for lunch.

The bread is baked daily. We were offered corn bread, raisin fennel or a French roll.

The artichoke soup would have made David Tanis cry it was so good.

I opted for the lobster Cobb salad that was served with a quenelle of saffron mayonnaise.

Chef Wolf came and spoke to our group about the vision of the restaurant and the Foreman Wolf owned restaurants and wine shops.

I had to take a photo of the flourless chocolate cake with pistachio ice cream. Isn't it beautiful?

My fruit plate was delicious.

Back in December while shopping for last minute prizes I stumbled upon the famous restaurant interior designer Patrick Sutton's new shop Home. The floors are polished cement and the space has a great unfinished quality to it with exposed lighting fixtures and high ceilings.

There are original works on paper and anything your design hungry self would desire.

He even has a nice selection of glassware and stationery.

I am in the business of place cards and nearly picked up this box of one hundred cards, but alas they didn't take my corporate Amex. 

I'm a huge geek for Molton Brown and spotted their signature bottles on the shelves. I made sure we had Molton Brown in the powder rooms at our wedding reception site. Simply love them.

There are also lovely soaps for sale.

It's a gorgeous shop and a nice addition to Harbor East.

If you haven't been to Baltimore lately you should come and see the treasures that await you in Harbor East. I truly believe we have some of the finest restaurants in the world. Little did I know in 2008. Thank you Chef Wolf for such a gorgeous meal.