If you usually eat at the dining hall, you’ve probably stumbled upon one of Chartwell’s events. Each semester, they put together themed programs that encourage people to come eat and enjoy the festivities. They have a calendar of their events posted inside the dining hall and some events are advertised on posters in the Commons and the UC near their restaurants. Many of them fall on holidays but this month, however, there are oodles of special occasions and give-a-ways to attend!
Every Friday at Mondo’s Subs, you can get a Footlong for $5! This is comparable to Subway’s deal, but is conveniently located right inside the Commons. Be sure to check that out if you don’t have a meal plan and want to save some cash.
This Sunday, February 7th, True Grit’s will be hosting a Superbowl party. No need to trek through the snow to the supermarket for chips and salsa, get your sports attire on and head over to the dining hall between 4:30 pm and 10:00 pm. Watch the Big Game on their big screens and have all the food prepared and kept warm for you – plus, no dirty dishes to wash!
On Tuesday, February 9th, stop by True Grit’s during their lunch hours, 10:45 am – 2:00 pm, for the Black History Celebration. Chef Steve Pierce will be serving Pan-fried Cod with Parm-Mashed Potatoes.
Starbucks will be hosting a Grand Opening Ceremony on Wednesday, February 10th. Every 100th customer will receive their order for free! A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 2:00 pm. Other specials will be announced on location. If you love coffee, be sure to stop by!
On Valentine’s Day; Sunday, February 14th; a Chocolate-Lovers Dessert promotion will be served during dinner hours, 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm. Enjoy the best chocolates that True Grit’s has to offer!
Salsarita’s will be promoting a Free Flip Tuesday on February 16th between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm. “Any cash, credit, flex or retriever dollar paying customer gets a chance to win a FREE side of chips and salsa or a fountain beverage.” – taken from Chartwell’s website.
That night (Tuesday, February 16th), A Mardi Gras celebration will occur in True Grit’s at dinner time, between 4:30 pm and 7:30 pm. Be sure to check out some of those Cajun flavors that will be served.
February 17th and 18th will consist of a Spin-the-Wheel promotion held at Famous Famiglia Pizzeria in the Commons between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm. Not too many details are released about this event, but it sounds like it could save you some money or provide you with free pizza or some of the other menu items offered. Stop by to see what that is all about!
Stay on the lookout for other Chartwell’s events on campus. Many giveaways and chances to win free or cheap eats are almost always present. The themed dinners in the dining hall provide an interesting new alternative to the usual menu.
Happy Eating!
- Evan
Although this is a food blog for current students, here’s some information for any alums who may stumble on our site:
If you wouldn’t even know where to begin in the kitchen, join the UMBC Chapter of Young Alumni on January 21st for a cooking class at For the Love of Food located at 20 Clarks Lane, Reisterstown, MD 21136.
The menu selected to be prepared, "Small Plates, Big Tastes," includes Sage Grilled Chicken Souvlakia and Olives, Tortilla de Berenjenas (Eggplant and Tomato Tortilla Sandwich), Caramelized Onion, Wild Mushroom & Goat Cheese Tartlets and Avocado Spring Rolls.
For more information or directions to the facility please click here.
SAVE THE DATE!
CYA Cooking Class 
For the Love of Food, Reisterstown, MD
January 21, 2010
7:00 p.m.
As we enter a new year, that being 2010, I would like to take a moment to reflect upon some of, what I consider to be, the most memorable moments of 2009. With this, I also dedicate my final blog post to the people who have given us the memories that will stay with us as we forge ahead into the future. Since my goal in writing this blog is to address food across our fine UMBC campus, I’ve decided that, as a result of these memories, I might be able to contribute some suggestions that might be added to menus at eating spots throughout the campus.
On a scale from 1-5, with 5 being my least favorite (but still desirable and worthy of recognition) and 1 being my most favorite, creation, I submit the following recommendations:
5) Farrah Fawcett “Angel” Hair Pasta- This menu item is dedicated to my favorite of Charlie’s original Angels, Farrah Fawcett. Although I wasn’t old enough to appreciate Ms. Fawcett during her prime, since my mom was a huge “Charlie’s Angels” fan, I have watched most, if not all, of the reruns of this show on TV Land and WGN. Beauty like that simply cannot be ignored. This entre is a gently tossed angel hair pasta, seasoned with a light cheese sauce and fresh vegetables. This dish’s creation is especially targeted toward the many lovely ladies who make UMBC such a beautiful place to be. Almost “heavenly.” Darling Farrah- may she rest in peace…
4) “Sugar” Ray Rice-A-Roni- This next dish is dedicated to a member of the Baltimore Ravens (and next Super Bowl Champion-my favorite running back in the NFL), Ray Rice. This tasty new flavored brown rice is accented with the finest chipotle peppers, and is fast and easy to make. I would recommend that this be eaten with a nice, big, juicy rack of beef barbeque ribs, completely fat free and “bad to the bone.” HE-COULD-GO-ALL-THE-WAY!!! See ya at the Pro Bowl, Sugar Ray!
3) King of “Pop-” Corn Chicken- This dish is dedicated to one of the greatest musical icons of all time, Michael Jackson. Since chicken is one of my favorite foods, and Michael Jackson is (and forever will be) one of my favorite artists in the music industry, I would serve this without a side item. Either way, you’ll be completely satisfied. Gone too soon- may you rest in peace, MJ…
2) The Tiger Woods “Weiner” DOG- This menu item comes with no bun, no “condiments” and is made of leftover chicken products. Bottom line… it’s just nasty!!! I think that, as a result of the recent allegations made against Tiger Woods, this dish speaks for itself. This dish can only be served up with one of the corniest jokes that I’ve heard in 2010! Q: What do you call a tiger that gets caught with a golf club: A CHEETAH!
1) My personal favorite (DRUMROLL PLEASE):
The Barack Obama “Cool-As-A-Cucumber” Salad- This dish is dedicated to one of my heroes- the first African-American President of the United States, Barack Obama. This salad is tossed with a spicy, low-fat, red-wine vinaigrette dressing. This salad can stand alone and be just as fulfilling as if it were accompanied by a prime-cut of quality meat. No, it’s not perfect… but it is pretty dang close in my book!
It has been my pleasure participating in this project. I wish each of you a safe, happy, prosperous new year! Hopefully I’ll see ya around and we can “chew the fat!”
- Ricky
A week or so before the culmination of finals this semester, a friend of mine sent me a text asking if I’d like to join her and her friends at a neat little Mediterranean restaurant in Federal Hill. She told me that it was safe for a vegetarian and that the food was really great so I took her up on the offer. We ventured to Baba’s Mediterranean Kitchen located at 745 E. Fort Avenue. Located on a quaint street corner, Baba’s is a very cozy place with a lot of character. The hand drawn menus and the hospitable owners and chefs really distinguish it from other eateries of the sort.
But let’s not forget about the food! I really love going to eat at places where I get to choose a dish that allows me to sample a variety of different foods. This is what this place is great for; there are so many different combination platters so you can easily pair up pita pockets filled with meat or delicious falafel with hummus, dolmas (mmm, my favorite!), spanokopita, salads, or Baba’s special “Pit(z)as.” They also serve their own coffee brew, which is very distinct but delightfully good, and their own desserts, including baklava.
Growing up in a Greek family, I can definitely vouch for the authenticity of Baba’s. And if you’re new to this type of food or just can’t make up your mind, the staff will be more than happy to help you! P.S. – bring a new friend to try Baba’s and get an order of free hummus!
Clearly, campus isn’t up to speed with all of the changes that meat-free and vegan students wish to see, but don’t get down! Help join in to improve food services and options available to students on campus and use it as an excuse to explore the diversity of Baltimore!
- Stefanie
Say hello to Sana Waheed ‘11, a new blogger to UMBC Eats who will cover healthy living. Sana grew up in an Indian household where food was always a major part of her life. She’s now figuring out that moderation is the key to a healthy life. In addition to writing her own food blog, Sana also teaches fitness classes at the RAC. You can check out Sana’s full bio here, along with the other UMBC Eats bloggers’ bios.
Near the beginning of the semester, I saw a sign next to the Mondo Subs that read “Flat Breads Now Available” and below the title there were 4 options: Asian Thai Beef, Southwest Chicken, Chicken Pesto Club, and a Turkey and Ham Melt – all for a low price of $4.99. The one that stuck out the most was the Asian Thai Beef, so when I got up to order, I asked for it and she said that they have the flat breads but they A) haven’t been trained to make them and B) don’t have the ingredients to make them. So for the next couple of trials, I started every order with, “Do you have the Asian Thai Beef Flat Bread?” And after the rejection, I would sorrowfully order what I normally get: a Classy Italian on Herb Parmesan. A couple days ago, I unconsciously asked the question again, and they started making it! Hooray! Now for the review of Mondo Sub’s Asian Thai Beef Flat Bread that I have been dying to review.
So on the description it says that the Thai Beef Flat Bread has: peanut sauce, cucumbers, peppers, beef, red onions, and shredded cabbage. I chose Pepper Jack Cheese as my cheese of choice. One thing I didn’t like was how they claimed there was going to be peanut sauce, which I love, but they instead put creamy peanut butter! They give you the option to toast it, which I chose because I feel that toasting a sub, or flat bread in this case, brings out the flavor and aroma of it. After the flat bread was toasted, I asked for the following: Green Peppers, Pickles, Olives, Onions, Jalapeños, Crushed Red Peppers, Mayo, and Salt-n-Pepper.
Now I must say, the initial taste of peanut butter with flat bread was very foreign to my taste buds, but I soon acclimated to it after the second bite. The wrap was full of favor and quite savory. It really does fill you up, but it can get a little messy, so watch out!
Until next time,
Do you like inventing new recipes? Do you like telling stories with food? If so, you should join the UMBC Eats Food Blog team!
We’re looking for a blogger who can focus specifically on recipes. You don’t have to be a master chef. All recipes are welcome.
If interested, please send an e-mail to brhuber@umbc.edu. Thanks!
Thanksgiving is one of those holidays many of us look forward to celebrating. Usually, families and friends of various generations come together to have food and fun while relaxing and spending some quality time together. It’s also that time of year those relatives we’ve been keeping at a distance, come a callin’- you know the ones we’ve spent the rest of the year avoiding! I believe that every family has at least one of the following in order to make this holiday truly special. First, there’s the uncle who has the same flashbacks about the war, only each year they tend to be a bit more embellished with bravery than the year. This guy also can’t eat turkey unless he gets the drumstick, so you do what you can to keep him quiet (give him both of them)! Then there’s the aunt who always insist on making the stuffing with fruit of some sort (which everybody hates), but since she’s seeing a therapist and trying the newest anti-depressant on the market, no one wants to hurt her feelings by asking her to please stop. Let’s not forget mom-she offers to have Thanksgiving dinner at our house every year and then proceeds to slam dishes and throw pots and pans around the stove because the man of the house-we’ll call him “Pops,” began his day watching NFL coverage on The NFL Network and of course, with football comes that necessary log of holiday sausage, beer, big burps and constant complaints about having to wear “big boy” pants! Perhaps you have the sister who insist on singing her latest library of karaoke hits- all 63 of them because any audience beats no audience at all! And let’s not forget the cousins- there’s the professional student (he’s been “going to school” for something since the 90’s yet with each passing year, he’s only been able to produce more “baby-momma drama” and more hungry children than he has fingers), and she shows up looking like she’s auditioning for a Victoria’s Secret runway show. She can’t eat much “cause she’s goin’ to the club,” yet her plate ends up looking like she’s eating for two, heck three! Nonetheless, we all manage to be civil (almost happy) long enough to share a meal at least once a year.
With that said, the Thanksgiving meal-which I like to refer to as “The Main Event” always manages to take my mind off of the craziness that surrounds it. Unfortunately, on Thanksgiving I have no personal favorites- I love it all- from the turkey to the overindulgence of carbs, including but certainly not limited to homemade mac & cheese, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes AND sweet-potato rolls! I like to prepare for the meal by not eating anything that morning. I just take in some juice, usually orange, to keep my sugar level up and avoid slipping into that dreaded “turkey coma” early on in the event! I have discovered over the years, that moving through Thanksgiving more like the tortoise, rather than the hare, is the secret to “maximum holiday meal consumption!”
I never rush in for dessert- I let dessert come to me (probably because by that point of the evening I can hardly move and my words have started to slur as a result of shear exhaustion). However, I always, I repeat ALWAYS manage to muddle through, making my way from the assortment of cobblers and pies, straight to the “Cou-De-Gra” (the fat-lady angels begin to sing here), my momma’s cherry cheesecake! Once I’ve had that, game over! Check-mate! My Thanksgiving is complete!
This year, I ended the day, curled up in the fetal position, watching DVDs with my mom. To be honest, I did have grander plans when the day started out, but I’m starting to realize that my stamina for the unknown tends to dwindle away when I’m faced with an eating marathon, of sorts! I’m not as young as I used to be, so I don’t beat myself up too much about it! I have learned to let Thanksgiving Day have its way with me- and it works, for both me, and the family… Happy Holidays! Love, Peace and all that other warm, fuzzy stuff- from my family to yours!
- Ricky
As you all know, one activity that is quite popular during the holiday season is baking. So, for those of you who get an irresistible urge for some “EXTREME,” or should I say “MONSTER,” cookie baking and eating, here’s a recipe that a friend of mine, and fellow UMBC Retriever, Michelle Cristion (who’s a total bake-a-holic, by the way), wanted me to share with the UMBCeats family:
Monster Cookies:
12 eggs
2 lb. brown sugar
4 c. white sugar
1 tbsp. Karo syrup
8 tbsp. soda
1 tbsp. vanilla
1 lb. butter
3 lb. peanut butter
18 c. oatmeal
1 lb. chocolate chips
1 lb. M&M’S (plain)
*Mix in bowl in order given. Drop by large tablespoon or ice cream scoop and flatten. Do not use flour. Bake for 12 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not over bake.*
Monster Cookies- Small Batch:
1 stick of butter
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. white sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 tsp. soda
1 ¾ c. flour
3 eggs
1 ½ c. peanut butter
3 c. quick oatmeal
¼ lb. chocolate chips
¼ lb. M&M’S (plain)
*Mix in bowl in order given. Drop by large tablespoon or ice cream scoop and flatten. Bake for 12 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not over bake.*
ENJOY!!! This sounds quite appetizing!!! I may have to try this 
- Ricky
Baltimore has a ton of culture and a diverse population, definitely something you should explore if you’re new to the area. One of the best places to explore is Mt. Vernon, one of the most age, ethnically, and politically diverse regions of the city. Local coffee shops and cafés line the streets, amidst monuments and local landmarks. One of my favorite spots to visit is Red Emma’s Bookstore and Coffeehouse, a collectively owned space that not only serves yummy vegan meals and drinks, but also hosts a number of political and cultural events.
One side of the store houses selves of all different types of books, many of which you can’t find in libraries or in mainstream bookstores.
Located at 800 St. Paul Street, Red Emma’s offers both a relaxing study space and a bustling forum for conversation. It’s unlikely that you’d not meet anyone during your stay. There’s WiFi, tons of handmade zines, lots of alternative publications, and a multitude of books that you can’t find anywhere else! Beyond this, there are vegan doughnuts that are to-die-for and vegan Tofurky melts that are hard to resist. They always have seasonal desserts that are great compliments to their fair-trade coffee or yerba mate. My friend Victoria and I love to get the naturally-sweetened root beer whenever we stop by the cafe.
It’s not unusual to see children and older people enjoying what the shop has to offer throughout the day.
Their website is a really great resource to learn more. You can even volunteer at the shop and learn more about the community. Regardless, it’s a really welcoming place with great food and treats.
- Stefanie
