Published by the Students of Johns Hopkins since 1896
November 21, 2024

Leisure

Leisure is the section where we highlight the intriguing, exciting and all-around fun events and activities happening in Baltimore over the weekend.



COURTESY OF JESSE WU
Wu was unsatisfied with his unadventurous weekend, including his meal at Pizza Boli’s.

On productivity and an unadventurous weekend

Those of you that know me personally know that I don’t like breaks. This past weekend, though, I was exhausted. As a result I’m going to take a small break from my usual food-related content and share with you what I did over my weekend. It didn’t involve going into the city and meeting new people as usual but more on that later.


JAMI/CC BY-SA 4.0
Some of the thousands of attendees at the 2016 AAAS Annual Meeting.

DC’s radical departure from STEM apathy culture

STEM apathy culture at Hopkins is the butt of countless jokes and memes. After all, how many times have you avoided eye contact with a student group tabling on the Breezeway on your way to math class? But as funny as it is to make fun of your friend who never leaves Brody for long enough to see the protests on the terrace, STEM students and professors’ relative lack of engagement in social and political activism is a serious problem.


Planning your ideal date night in Baltimore

First Date: Happy hour at Clavel With its unmatched plants-and-fairy-lights aesthetic, you’re sure to woo your love interest on a first date at Clavel. Their happy hour special is Monday through Friday, and you can split chips and queso for $8 and sip on some margaritas for $6. Make sure you get in line right at 5 p.m. though because it fills up fast with Baltimore residents who head right to Clavel after getting off work. For those who aren’t of age, they also have tasty non-alcoholic mixed drinks. Pro-tip: If there’s a wait at Clavel, you can always pop on over for a drink at W.C. Harlan, a small speakeasy bar that’s tucked away on the same block.


Events in Baltimore this weekend: February 14 - 17

Thursday Anti-Valentine’s Day The Owl Bar 4 - 11 p.m. Screw romance with Anti-Love Potion cocktails, single/taken glowsticks and a free shot if you bring a picture of your ex. No cover.


Md. Vegan Restaurant Week expands beyond the city

“What do you identify yourself as?” When I saw the question in the survey, I wasn’t sure what kind of answer I was supposed to provide. I hadn’t expected to find that question in a simple survey about food. I was just checking out the voting form for Maryland Vegan Restaurant Week.


COURTESY OF TRISHA PARAYIL
Vendors set up shop in the R. House Garage for the Nevermore Market.

Unique Valentine’s shopping at Nevermore Market

I spent my Sunday afternoon browsing the stalls at the Nevermore: A Baltimore Inspired Valentine’s Market at the R. House Garage on Feb. 10. The vendors were mostly all based in Baltimore. Part of the proceeds of the event went to the Women’s Advocacy Coalition: Baltimore. 


Events in Baltimore this weekend: February 7 - 10

The Peeps Show The BIG Theater 8:30 - 9:30 p.m. Baltimore Improv Group features a female artist explaining the inspiration behind her work. Female improvisers then perform a set based on the artist’s piece. Reservations required. Free.





COURTESY OF JESSE WU
Masarap’s menu, served in front of Fadensonnen during the pop-up event.

Learning about food at Masarap Filipino pop-up

For the first time since November’s pop-up Night Market at Baltimore Center Stage, Masarap hosted a pop-up event. On the evenings of Jan. 25 and 26, they were slinging Filipino fare in a food truck outside of Fadensonnen. Chef Rey Eugenio, who has worked many years in the culinary industry as a managing and consulting chef, is the head of the operation.


COURTESY OF KIM ROBINS
Robins drinking a soy cappuccino at Baby’s On Fire in Mount Vernon.

One overcaffeinated student, 36 coffee shops

During my first few months at Hopkins, I tried — and harshly judged — every coffee-serving establishment on campus. As freshman year went on, my political beliefs became more radical and my caffeine tolerance higher, so I spent many hours and dollars at Bird in Hand. I began hearing about other locations that are known for coffee, and I wanted to investigate my options. 




COURTESY OF JESSE WU
Ekiben’s stall at the Baltimore Farmers Market & Bazaar draws crowds.

An interview with Ekiben executive chef Steve Chu

We all have seen the massive lines for Ekiben’s prized steamed bun sandwiches and rice bowls at Spring Fair. Or perhaps you’ve seen the crowds surrounding their stall at the JFX Farmers’ Market & Bazaar. But who are the masterminds behind the craft? The answer: a couple of University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) graduates with creativity and a love for food.


Events in Baltimore this weekend: November 29 - December 2

Thursday Antero Pietila presents “The Ghosts of Johns Hopkins” Red Emma’s 7 - 9 p.m. Pietila discusses his new book, which explores Johns Hopkins (the man) and his enduring influence on Baltimore. RSVP recommended. No cover.


COURTESY OF BOB HOSIER
A house on 34th street displays Utz and National Bohemian mascots.

Miracle on 34th Street: behind a beloved tradition

For lifetime Baltimore resident Bob Hosier, the holiday spirit has been in the air since the summer. He began taking out his holiday decorations around the Fourth of July, put up his Halloween decorations in October and started preparing his Christmas decorations not long after. Even now that his house is decked out, he’s not sure that’s he done.


COURTESY OF NATALIE WU
Wu praises the crabcakes from Faidley Seafood at Lexington Market.

The best locations for Baltimore’s seafood offerings

The Chesapeake Bay: Maryland’s natural crown jewel and its top source of delicious crabs and oysters. I’ve always been a seafood fan, and I’ve made it a personal goal to explore all Baltimore has to offer in terms of its classic shellfish. Thanks to its prime location by the bay, Baltimore is full of amazing seafood joints of varying prices and aesthetics. Stand and slurp $1 oysters off of a plastic plate outside Slainte Irish Pub in Fell’s Point, or splurge on an exotic dinner at the dimly lit Thames Street Oyster House.



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