THE DUCHESS

Whilst in Baltimore this weekend we made a quick pitstop on the way back home to say hi to some boys I know who own a delicious home accents shop, which hit the wallet hard I might add, and we dined at a stop I enjoy, The Duchess. You may be thinking it's Duchess Deedles's house. I wish! But she is on the other coastline! But every time I see this place I think of our Duchess Deedles and think the place is named in her honor. The Duchess is a corner pub, but don't expect shepherd's pie or Yorkshire pudding here. Rather than serve traditional pub grub, the Duchesss  is the ultimate hangout in Hampden brought to life by owner Tony Foreman and Chef KiKo Fejarang, with a sometime weekly rotating menu I hear. With a vibe inspired by the friendly spirit of a English pub, it's a place where great food and good time come together for sure. The food and even drinks infuse the Chef's vibrant Chamorro heritage and rich with culinary roots from Western Pacific, Guam. She has a melting pot of taste on the menu from Filipino, Japanese, Korean and even some Spanish cuisine. It's definitely a friendly place, with welcoming staff and attentiveness...the place is a true original fitting right into this quirky town of Hampden. I have always loved the vibe of the place. By time we left from an early dinner, the place was packed and we caught just enough of a live performance from a singer on stage, which I hear is a new weekly addition. And we made pigs of ourselves!

I already can't wait to go back!

I came across this video from a year ago of the place for more info. I just adore Chef. And yes, she does a lot with Spam! And it was delish!

SEEN IN BALTIMORE

Seen this weekend with the clan. Not sure what took me so long to go see this museum. Over 100 years old, this museum was founded on the belief that access to art and ideas and culture is integral to a vibrant and healthy civic life and I couldn't agree more. It's important to go and see and support these places before it's too late and the billionaires get their greedy mitts on them, and start charging Disneyland admissions!!! Art should be able to be viewed by all. The museum had a great exhibit called the Cone Collection, with over 1, 200 works by Matisse, Picasso, Cezanne, Degas, Gauguin, Van Gogh and Renoir. The George A Lucas Collection was very impressive, with over 18,000 French mid-19th century works, and one of the greatest single holdings of French art in the US. I also enjoyed the African and Native American art as well, not to mention there was a pretty impressive sculpture collection in the gardens surrounding the museum. I have been going to Baltimore for years. Shame on me for not going to this place sooner.

Is there anything better then art and music for the soul?

Except maybe gin?

PRIDE INTERLUDE

Take a Tuesday break with Chicago's Queen on the Year, Allura the Doll with her new dance song just releasing in time for Pride month! Along with Kara Mel Ville and Anya K Thundrkat at the iconic Roscoe's Tavern! 

Did anyone notice if Sixpence was in there dancing???

Happy Pride!

MOOD BOARD

 

Could it have been another glorious weekend? Hell yes! Time away on another get-away, glorious weather, good friends, art, libations and good food. But all good things come to an end as we face the dreaded thing...called...going back to work! Needless to say...as the gay anthem goes, We Will Survive! And made just a tad easier as it is the gay Christmas time!!!!! Pride Month!

Let us all have a fabulously gay month!!!