Arts & Culture

Winter Hot List

35 best bets to heat up the season.

By Edited by Max Weiss, with Ron Cassie, Hilary Geisbert, John Lewis, Jane Marion, Jess Mayhugh, and Lydia Woolever. Lettering and illustrations by Lauren Hom. | December 2014

Yes, summer has its charms. But there’s just something about winter: the roaring fires, the piping-hot beverages, the time spent with family. Whether you want to hit the great outdoors, stay home and snuggle on the couch, or catch up on the latest trends and hotspots, let our guide help you make sure that this winter truly is the most wonderful time of the year.

Hot

Band

SILK RHODES

Like this Baltimore duo’s evocative single, “Pains,” the Clavinet intro on their self-titled debut, out this month on L.A.-based Stones Throw Records, summons the spirit of Sly Stone. His iconic presence hovers wisp-like over the minimalist funk that follows, as producer Michael Collins conjures hints of analog soul, and Sasha Desree fills the spaces with sublime singing. On “Face 2 Face,” the duo delves so deeply into the groove that they, a la Daft Punk, find a way forward.

Hot

Speaker Series

Creative Mornings

Like to be inspired first thing in the morning? Then have we got a speaker series for you. Since the fall of 2013, Creative Mornings, hosted by the charming Katie Boyts and sponsored by some of the most creative cats in town (think Shine Creative, Strangers With Style, and Dooby’s), has offered free lectures at 8:30 a.m. in a rotating venue. This year, speakers included The Contemporary’s Deana Haggag, MICA’s Ellen Lupton, and Mission Film founder Eric Blair. Afterward, there’s a group discussion and, better still, a complimentary breakfast. creativemornings.com/cities/bal.

Hot

Exhibit

AVAM’S THE VISIONARY EXPERIENCE: SAINT FRANCIS TO FINSTER

The American Visionary Art Museum’s current mega-show gathers work from a far-ranging variety of artists, philosophers, and scientists to explore notions of discovery and transcendence. Co-curated by AVAM founder Rebecca Hoffberger and documentarian Jodi Wille (her film The Source Family streams on Netflix), the “aha” moments range from personal epiphanies to visions of utopian societies. The dazzling exhibition also includes surprises from the likes of cartoonist R. Crumb, actor Terrence Howard, and rock legend Jimi Hendrix.

Hot

Hike

First Day Hikes

Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources offers “First Day Hikes” on January 1 at state parks from the Eastern Shore to Rocky Gap. But for the best winter walk in the woods, there’s nothing like Harford County’s Rocks State Park — never more beautiful than when snow is underfoot and icicles hang from the cliffs. The view from the King and Queen Seat, a 190-foot rock formation and outcropping above Deer Creek Valley, is always spectacular, and, with the leaves gone, you can actually see more of the natural terrain. 3318 Rocks Chrome Hill Rd., Jarrettsville, 410-557-7994.

Hot

Penguin Coast

Creative Mornings

Love penguins? Of course you do. You’re a person with feelings and an ability to recognize awesome things, aren’t you? Then you’re going to love the Maryland Zoo’s new African penguin exhibit. Opened this September, it’s one of the largest exhibits of its kind in the world, with as many as a 100 birds in a “highly dynamic” setting that largely replicates the endangered birds’ natural habitat. The exhibit has 360-degree access, meaning you can observe the penguins from any angle, including underwater.

Hot

Party

Pratt Contemporaries Black & White Party

How often do you get to doll yourself up and go dancing at the Enoch Pratt Free Library? Once a year, to be exact, at the annual Pratt Contemporaries Black & White Party. This year’s bash, on January 24, features a “A Brave New World” theme — think Daft Punk techno dance party, bites from Copper Kitchen, signature cocktails, and The Brewer’s Art beer. 400 Cathedral St., 410-396-5430.

Hot

Plunge

Maryland Polar Bear Plunge

Throwing your near-naked body into the ice-cold waters of the Chesapeake Bay might not sound like a lot of fun, especially on January 24. But being one of the thousand brave souls who sprint into the surf at Sandy Point State Park to help raise $2.5 million for a worthy cause — the Special Olympics of Maryland? Well, that’s sounds pretty darn cool to us!

Hot

Festival

Symphony of Lights

Every winter, Symphony Woods in Columbia is transformed into an illuminated, festive forest with a mile-plus stretch of holiday lights. From late November to early January, you can explore them on evening walks, sunset bike rides, and nighttime drives. It’s incredibly beautiful, and with months ahead of us to be stuck indoors, you should grab a sweater, get out of the city, and go wander the woods.

Hot

Craft Show

Holiday Heap

Want to dazzle your friends with thoughtful, local, and creative gifts? Then check out Charm City Mafia’s Holiday Heap. The annual event, held at St. John’s Church on December 6, features affordable local crafts — jewelry, stenciled T-shirts, pottery, candles, and the like — in a fun, bazaar-like setting. Think of it as the funky kid sister to the American Craft Council’s bigger show, which comes to the Baltimore Convention Center February 20 through 22. charmcitymafia.com.

Hot

Ski Resort

WHITETAIL

Whitetail wins us over by investing tons of dough in its snow ($10 million in recent renovations to be precise). Since 2010, the Pennsylvania resort — about 92 miles from Baltimore — has boasted state-of-the art snowmaking equipment, plus expanded child-care services, extra lighting for nighttime schussing, and a bulked up rental fleet with a new influx of snowboards and helmets. That, in combination with two terrain parks and 23 separate trails, has us dreaming of a white winter. 13805 Blairs Valley Rd., Mercersburg, PA, 717-328-9400.

Hot

Rink

WATERFRONT PARTNERSHIP ICE RINK

What better place for an ice-skating rink than beneath the twinkling lights of Charm City? Just steps from the water with a clear shot of the “Domino Sugars” sign, the newly reopened Inner Harbor rink is our version of Rockefeller Center’s famous loop. Take a date or the whole family, or just go by yourself. Try out some twirls. Fall over. (Don’t worry, only thousands of tourists are watching!) Feel like a kid again. McKeldin Plaza, 101 Pratt St.

Hot

Fitness Instructor

CARLOS DORSEY

There are tons of trainers out there who can put you through the motions, but getting results is what it’s all about. Personal trainer Carlos Dorsey (a total ringer for actor Taye Diggs), who specializes in bodybuilding, weight-training, and core-development, will be by your side whether you want to lose weight, build biceps, or get tips on eating right. Dorsey, a former mailman — and computer scientist — has a reputation for really delivering when it comes to helping you reach your fitness goals. 110 W. Timonium Rd., Timonium, 410-453-9111.

Hot

Concert

BSO PLAYS THE RITe OF SPRING

Smack dab in the middle of winter—on January 8 and 10—Marin Alsop and crew will summon spring’s tumultuous, and welcome, sense of renewal with performances of Stravinsky’s classic modernist work. At the latter date, a BSO “Off the Cuff” concert, Alsop will discuss why Stravinsky’s Rite is considered one of the last century’s most important pieces of music. The intriguing program also includes works by Samuel Barber and Osvaldo Golijov and guest appearances by klezmer master David Krakauer and Iranian musician Kayhan Kalhor. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St., 410-783-8100.

Hot

The Celtic Solstice Run

WATERFRONT PARTNERSHIP ICE RINK

The 15th annual five-miler at Druid Hill Park celebrates the changing cycle of the year with bagpipes, kilts, and a gorgeous morning jog that gently winds around the zoo, Cylburn Arboretum, Druid Lake, the Mansion House, and Moorish Tower. Scheduled for Dec. 13, the can’t-miss winter run was a go even during the blizzard of 2009—but sign-up early, registration caps at 3,000.

Hot

Weekend Getaway

charleston, sc

When you consider its Southern hospitality, world-class dining (head to Husk to experience James Beard-nomination worthy cuisine), temperate temps (60-plus degrees in December), and font of Civil War history, Charleston, SC, can’t be beat. Plan ahead and put the “low” in Low Country with fares as inexpensive as $84 one way.

HOT - Mules
Anything served in a copper cup with whiskey!

COLD - Cosmopolitans
These fruity drinks are finally a thing of the past.

HOT - Pho
This Vietnamese soup really uses its noodle.

COLD - Wonton Soup
This Vietnamese soup really uses its noodle.

HOT - Slip-on Sneakers
Easy on and off! Laces are so overrated.

COLD - Wedge Sneakers
Let’s face it. It was never really a good look.

HOT - Headbands
Live out all your Blair Waldorf fantasies.

COLD - Floral Headpieces
Really only appropriate if you’re a bride.

HOT - Street Art
A (legal) way to beautify the streets.

COLD - Graffiti
All the cool kids have gone legit these days.

HOT - Infinity Scarves
Time is a flat circle. Just like these scarves!

COLD - Regular Scarves
So much work to wrap around your neck.

Hot

Food Trend

burrata

Move over house-made ricotta. Burrata is the new big cheese in town. This rich, pillow-soft Italian cheese (made from mozzarella and cream), is cropping up all over area menus from Pazo (where it’s tossed with figs, walnuts, and saba) to Chazz: A Bronx Original (in the Caprese salad with campari tomatoes, pesto, extra-virgin olive oil, and balsamic syrup) to Salt (where it appears with heirloom tomatoes and olive over grilled bread). Here’s hoping this hot trend never cools off.

Hot

Charcuterie

DOOBY'S COFFEE

While the conventional three-course dinner is on the wane, the charcuterie board is trending stronger than ever. At Dooby’s, they have this delicacy down, with a formidable plate of mouth-watering meats (including Surryano-cured ham, a rustic soppressata, spicy pork pâté, and brûléed chicken-liver mousse), and spreads (the coffee-bacon jam is the bomb). We hear that the kitchen is currently working on a soy-cured bresaola and a Peking duck pâté. Trust us—executive chef Timothy Dyson truly qualifies as “board certified.” 802 N. Charles St., 410-702-5144.

Hot

Server

JILL NETTO MARZILLI AT CINGHIALE

Don’t hate Jill Netto Marzilli because she’s beautiful. The 5-foot, 7-inch, blonde-haired, blue-eyed Cinghiale waitress, who also works as a Dundalk Elementary School guidance counselor, may be the epitome of “hot” (Derek Jeter flirted with her when he sat at her table), but she’s also happy to use her looks to benefit the greater good. “We pool the tips,” says Netto Marzilli. “So if I get tipped well because of my looks that means there’s more for all of us — and that’s fine with me.” 822 Lancaster St., 410-547-8282.

Hot

DINING RESERVATION

BOTTEGA

Ever since its opening last fall, the postage-stamp-sized Bottega has been one of the most coveted reservations in town. The homey BYOB is a so-called “micro-restaurant” that creates the feeling of eating in, while eating out. An ever-changing menu includes creative preparations of duck pappardelle and pork cheeks with fresh corn polenta, for instance, but there’s no such thing as a bad choice. Well, except for waiting until the last minute to make a reservation, that is. 1729 Maryland Ave., 443-708-5709.

Hot

Cocktail

THE SUGARWOOD AT RYE

When Old Man Winter blows, there’s nothing better than a warm, amber-hued Sugarwood—90-proof bourbon, muddled brown sugar, maple liqueur, bitters, and orange peel—to make us feel warm and fuzzy. Rye’s iteration, served in a glass mug, is the epitome of a craft cocktail. 807 S. Broadway, 443-438-3296

Hot

Dessert

HOT MILK CAKE AT WOODBERRY KITCHEN

Even the best restaurants in town tend to fall short on dessert. And we have a theory as to why: Restaurants recognize that once the stomach is sated, dessert preparations can slip by as an afterthought. Not so at Woodberry Kitchen where new pastry chef Sarah Malphrus makes us consider ordering dessert first. Her take on a nostalgic hot milk cake (so named for its use of scalded milk as a component), is enhanced by house-made cinnamon ice cream. Simple, yes, but, also sublime. 2010 Clipper Park Rd., 410-464-8000.

Hot

Comfort Food

LOBSTER POT PIE AT WIT & WISDOM

Lobster mac and cheese is so 2014. The newest simple food to be elevated by shellfish is the lobster pot pie at Wit & Wisdom — and boy are we fans of it. They start with the traditional baby carrots, oyster mushrooms, peewee potatoes, and celery. From there, it’s next level stuff: a flaky pie crust that takes 24 hours to make, two-pounds of Maine lobster, and a tantalizing tableside preparation that involves the artful plating of the crust and spooning out of the ingredients. There’s nothing simple about it. 200 International Dr., 410-576-5800.

Hot

COFFEE DRINK

THE CORTADO AT JOHNNY’S

Some like it hot, and others like it cold, but we like all the java at Johnny’s. The upscale diner offers plenty of tempting, trendy creations involving house-made vanilla beans, Valrhona chocolate syrup, and micro-foams, but the real litmus test of the perfect cup is the“Cortado”—a straight-up, double ristretto shot of espresso with steamed half-and-half. It’s bold, but never bitter, and not just good, but great to the last drop. 4800 Roland Ave., 410-773-0777.

Hot

Table

ANANDA

For 18 years now, Keir and Binda Singh have been wowing us with classic Indian fare at the elegant Ambassador Dining Room in Baltimore’s Tuscany-Canterbury neighborhood. So the news that the brothers were opening a second spot near Columbia was a reason to rejoice. It didn’t disappoint. Open since July, Ananda is the go-to place for exquisitely prepared lamb saag or chicken vindaloo. The whole restaurant is stunning, with stained glass reclaimed from a Bolton Hill mansion built into the walls. But there’s one spot in particular that calls out to us: Park yourself on the veranda at the table for eight adjacent to the roaring fireplace. We promise, you’ll feel warm all over. 7421 Maple Lawn Blvd., Fulton, 301-725-4800.

Hot

PLATE

CHARRED OCTOPUS AT AGGIO

Though there are plenty of fish (or in this case cephalopod molluscs) in the sea, all hail the charred octopus appetizer at Aggio. Fork tender, topped with hazelnuts, and glistening with agrumato (lemon olive oil), then arranged artfully over a bed of fregola (a couscous-like Sardinian pasta), you’ve been warned: multiple orders are a must. 614 Water St., 410-528-0200.

Hot

Designer

TREASON TOTING COMPANY

Starting out just a year ago with only one style of bag, Treason Toting Company now creates high-quality canvas bags, wallets, and other accessories that all have a simple, cool quality to them. Created by two Baltimore natives — Aaron Jones (SCAD fashion design graduate) and Jason Bass (current UB MBA student) — the company is hoping to expand nationally. For now, you can find their gear in Hampden’s Sixteen Tons. treasontotingco.com.

Hot

DOG

BASSET HOUND

Let us state for the record that the hottest dog is, and always will be, the mutt that you just adopted from the pound. But if we were forced to choose a purebred (you can get lots of those at the pound, too, by the way!), we’d have to go with the basset hound. Is it because their droopy ears, short legs, endearingly laid-back personalities, and super-elongated torsos make them a source of constant entertainment? Or is it because O’s manager Buck Showalter—a man of clearly discerning tastes—likes bassets so much he has four of them? All of the above, obvs.

Hot

TV PERSONALITY

AMY SCHUMER

The beauty of Comedy Central’s Inside Amy Schumer is this: Schumer is so darn funny—whether riffing on sex, relationships, or sexism in pop culture—you don’t realize how incredibly smart she really is. Although she’s not a Baltimore girl, she’s always repping her alma mater, Towson University, like the surprisingly sweet interview she did with 106-year-old “Mrs. Downing,” a fellow alum. (She’s also good friends with native son Josh Charles; he’s a regular on her show.) Next summer, she’ll play the lead in the Judd Apatow comedy, Trainwreck, which she also cowrote. Clearly she’s on a roll. No wonder Vulture.com just named her one of nine actors “on the verge of a major breakout.”

Hot

Artist

AMANDA BURNHAM

Burnham builds cities out of paper. The Towson University professor’s sprawling installations — teetering cityscapes of paint, ink, and paper — have been exhibited locally at Maryland Art Place, the Creative Alliance, and even the Towson Town Center mall. Burnham is currently working on RFP (i.e., request for proposal) a collaborative, community-based piece that addresses questions like, “What should the future hold for Baltimore?” Described by the artist as “a living artwork, in a constant state of flux,” the ambitious piece will be unveiled at EMP Collective (307 W. Baltimore Street) in January.

Hot

SINGER

JOSEPHINE OLIVIA HERBST

We first heard Herbst at the Ottobar with Softeyes, an unpretentious indie band that makes excellent use of her captivating vocal presence. But Blacksage, which pairs the singer with keyboardist Drew Scott, is even better. Herbst, backed by Scott’s elastic bass and beats, shades Blacksage’s dream-pop with noir-ish allure. She exudes mystery and suggests mayhem, a torch singer threatening combustion with each passing verse. You can catch Herbst at venues like The Crown and Metro Gallery and pick up Blacksage’s EP, Sixtape, at The Sound Garden.

Hot

GEAR

CASTELLI

There’s no more stylish mix of form and function than a classic wool cycling sweater from the Italian-based Castelli apparel company. The washable, 100-percent wool, fitted sweaters are perfect layered over a wicking, long-sleeve T-shirt, whether cycling Northern Baltimore County’s hilly roads, hiking, or trail running. Check out Castelli’s line of Mare W headbands, too, to keep those ears warm. Available at Performance Bicycle, two locations including 1991 E. Joppa Rd., Parkville, 410-882-7770.

Hot

Boots

PLATFORM STACKED HEEL

We love when we fall in love with that perfect boot (or bootie in this case) for the season that’s fresh, stylish, and comfortable. With its super sleek design and detailing (like the slight dip at the front seam) and shock-absorbing cork platform, the Ramona bootie by Kork-Ease (a company known for retro-chic styles) just might be “the one.” Kork-Ease Ramona boot ($234) at Poppy and Stella, 728 S. Broadway, 410-522-1970.

Hot

INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT

@PATRICKSMITHPHOTOS

We love the Instagram account of photographer Patrick Smith (who has contributed to Baltimore) because it combines all of our favorite things in life. There’s his award-winning photojournalistic eye — we can’t believe he shoots all of these with an iPhone! — in addition to his behind-the-scenes access to Orioles and Ravens games while he’s on assignment for Getty. There’s the fact that his account features tons of only-in-Baltimore moments like the toilet bowl races in Hampden or crabbing on the Chesapeake. And how could we forget his dog Pickles? She must be as tolerant as she is adorable.

Hot

Gadget

APPLE WATCH

First, Apple helped eliminate the watch. (Who needs a watch when your phone tells time?) And now they’re bringing it back—in a big way. Apple’s new smartwatch is more than just a way to keep you on schedule; it basically runs your life, with features like GPS, messaging, e-mail, phone, and fitness tracker. It comes in two sizes (42 or 38 mm) and a variety of bands (like a bright sports band or a stainless-steel link bracelet). It was announced in September, but isn’t due to come out until early 2015. Is it just us, or has time never crept by so slowly? apple.com/watch.

Hot

JEWELRY

FLASH TATTOOS

A temporary tattoo that’s actually stylish? We were skeptics at first, too. But we’re sold. On the scene since the summer (when more skin is exposed), shimmery flash tattoos have became this year’s statement piece. For the winter months, we suggest putting them in smaller, exposed spots (think wrists or fingers). Not a fan of the look? That’s the beauty of temporary. Dakota Flash Tattoos ($22) at South Moon Under, several locations, including 815 Aliceanna St., 410-685-7820.

Five Ways To Become a Pro on The Ice!

Enjoy this modern twist on classic eggnog.

Five Ways To Suit Up For the Season.

Hot

Band

SILK RHODES

Hot

Speaker Series

Creative Mornings

Hot

Exhibit

AVAM’S THE VISIONARY EXPERIENCE: SAINT FRANCIS TO FINSTER

Hot

Hike

First Day Hikes

Hot

Penguin Coast

Creative Mornings

Hot

Party

Pratt Contemporaries Black & White Party

Hot

Plunge

Maryland Polar Bear Plunge

Hot

Festival

Symphony of Lights

Hot

Craft Show

Holiday Heap

Hot

Ski Resort

WHITETAIL

Hot

Rink

WATERFRONT PARTNERSHIP ICE RINK

Hot

Fitness Instructor

CARLOS DORSEY

Hot

Concert

BSO PLAYS THE RITe OF SPRING

Hot

The Celtic Solstice Run

WATERFRONT PARTNERSHIP ICE RINK

Hot

Weekend Getaway

charleston, sc

Hot

Food Trend

burrata

Hot

Charcuterie

DOOBY'S COFFEE

Hot

Server

JILL NETTO MARZILLI AT CINGHIALE

Hot

DINING RESERVATION

BOTTEGA

Hot

Cocktail

THE SUGARWOOD AT RYE

Hot

Dessert

HOT MILK CAKE AT WOODBERRY KITCHEN

Hot

Comfort Food

LOBSTER POT PIE AT WIT & WISDOM

Hot

COFFEE DRINK

THE CORTADO AT JOHNNY’S

Hot

Table

ANANDA

Hot

PLATE

CHARRED OCTOPUS AT AGGIO

Hot

Designer