Way back in the summer of ‘80, Towson natives Dave and Fran DiFerdinando were walking down the boardwalk in Ocean City, enjoying the salt-air breeze and taking in all the sights and attractions. Like many locals, the Brothers DiFerdinando went to Maryland’s favorite summer resort every year and loved the legendary fries there so much they decided to bring the taste of O.C. ‘s boardwalk to the rest of the world.
They opened the first Boardwalk Fries in White Marsh Mall in 1981, and six years later they had franchises from coast to coast.
Now, the brothers have launched another location, at Mill Station in Owings Mills (10288 Mill Run Circle). Besides those world-famous fries, you can enjoy never-frozen, hand-formed, daily made burgers as well as cheesesteaks, crispy tenders, shakes and more.
Dine in or get delivery — O.C. fries are here and for the taking! (For information, visit boardwalkfries.com.)
Simply Santé
The National Kidney Foundation office serving Maryland and Delaware will host its signature event, “Santé: Giving Back for Kidney Disease,” on Wednesday, May 8, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., at the Baltimore Museum of Industry, 1415 Key Highway.
The business-casual event offers tastings from various restaurants and caterers, paired with beverages from vendors including Little Havana, Log Cabin Chocolates, the Lord Baltimore Hotel, Natasha’s Just Brittle, Sagamore Spirits, State Fare, The Beaumont, The Classic Catering People and Union Craft Brewing.
Guests can vote for their favorite vendor in the People’s Choice competition, enjoy a photo booth, raffles and a silent auction featuring sports memorabilia, dining, entertainment, local art, spa, health and fitness and vacation packages.
Event proceeds will support the foundation’s local patient emergency assistance program, providing essentials such as transportation, rent/utility relief, food as well as research efforts.
“Santé supports families affected by a major health crisis in our community,” said Pattie Dash, the local foundation office’s executive director. “This event is critical to raising the funds necessary to ensure that people impacted by chronic kidney disease receive support to live a better quality of life while fighting this debilitating disease.” (For information, click here.)
Did Someone say … Murder?!
Doozy’s Diner, a classic American eatery in Catonsville, recently launched a series of fun, interactive and tasty murder-mystery events.
Join Doozy’s for “Clue,” the murder-mystery based on the board game of the same name, and a three-course dinner. Engage in conversations, interrogations and discussions with other guests as each exchange reveals new clues, motives and potential false leads.
Located at 10 Mellor Avenue on the site of the former Duesenberg’s American Café & Grill, Doozy’s is owned by three local restaurant vets with impressive pedigrees. General manager Christopher Santiago was the driving force at Encantada in the American Visionary Art Museum, Birroteca and Baldwin’s Station in Sykesville. Under his direction, Baldwin’s Station was named the state’s best restaurant by the Restaurant Association of Maryland.
Stephanie Colegrove is Doozy’s business and marketing manager, and her husband, Executive Chef Steve Colegrove, is a graduate of the Baltimore International College. Steve has honed his skills at restaurants including Leelynn’s Dining Room and Lounge, Sauté Restaurant & Bar and Café Azafran.
Doozy’s menu offers traditional-yet-next-level diner classics and authentic New Mexican dishes, a tribute to Steve’s “Land of Enchantment” roots. (For information, visit eventbrite.com/e/murder-mystery-party-catonsville-md-tickets-469243258217 or doozysdiner.com.)
Hay There!
If you haven’t been to the Mount Washington Farmers Market yet, you’re really missing out.
Held on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the market is located at 2101 West Rogers Avenue, next to the old University of Baltimore ballfields.
The vendors offer artisan coffee, honey, farm fresh eggs, veggies and fruit, homemade pasta and great dog treats, just to name a few.
My favorites are the steaks and burgers from Hidden Waters Farm. The quality, integrity and clean flavors of their products is SO much better than any grocery store merchandise you’ll find — and they’re local!!
The market also has a great playground for the kids, live music and special activities, including a recent visit from mounted police. Also, there’s plenty of street parking. (For information, visit mwfarmersmarket.org.)
Randi Rom is president of RJ Rom & Associates. She is a freelance columnist and writer who represents some of the region’s top restaurants and food-related events. Contact her at randirom@ comcast.net.
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