Review: R. House - Baltimore's Newest Food Hall

R. House (301 W 29th St, Baltimore, MD 21211), the second food hall to open in Baltimore recently, is a former auto body shop that has been totally renovated into a modern, industrial space. There are eight (8) food stalls, each serving a different type of cuisine.

Ambiance

The vibe in R. House was that of a gourmet cafeteria. That may sound a little drab, but it's everything but. Whether you're on a date, out with family (including small children) or friends, R. House literally has something for everyone. Because it's such an open space, don't go expecting a quiet romantic evening for two, but a fun, lively atmosphere.

Cocktails

What I loved most about R. House was that there was a 40-seat bar at the far end serving handcrafted cocktails. (A great way to remind you that it wasn't your school's cafeteria.) I absolutely adored their cocktail menu. It's an "unofficial and mostly useless but hopefully somewhat entertaining guide to finding your next libation." You can go through a series of choices and depending on what you're in the mood for, you'll end up with a signature cocktail, beer or wine. It's genius! 

I ended up trying the Lady Remington and Hearts + Daggers, both of which were well-made and potent. Cocktails were reasonably priced ranging from $10-$15.

Food

Here's the rundown of R. House's food options:

• Coffee and breakfast (Ground & Griddled)
• Traditional tacos (Amano Taco)
• Fried chicken sandwiches (BRD)
• Handmade arepas (White Envelope)
• Vegetarian fare (Stall 11)
• Mediterranean street food (ARBA)
• Korean BBQ (BeBim),
• Poke bowls (Hilo)

I had the (pork) tacos ($3 a pop) and they were delicious. My friend had food from BeBim and she also enjoyed her nice-sized portioned meal. Next time, I want to try BeBim or the handmade arepas!

Things to Note:

• Parking was a bit limited. There's a small parking lot next to R. House and street parking is also available. Just be sure to read the street signs before parking first.
• I went on a Friday night and it was very crowded. Be prepared to stand until a table becomes available.
• Seriously, stalk tables until you find one.

I absolutely adored R. House and look forward to going again!

Will Drink For Travel Turns Three!

Can you believe it's been three years since the launch of Will Drink For Travel? It's been such an amazing adventure. I wanted to take a moment to highlight all of the amazing things I've done this past year.

Appearing on Great Day Washington

Last January, I was featured on Great Day Washington to talk about all things Martinique. It was my first television appearance for the site, so I was super nervous but excited to share my drinking and traveling knowledge of Martinique with the Washington D.C. metro area. I hear I did a great job too! :)

Paragliding in Cape Town, South Africa

Shortly thereafter, I left for what turned into almost a year of travel in Zambia and South Africa. It was an amazing, life-changing experience. From Lusaka and Victoria Falls to Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg (not to mention a safari in Botswana and an afternoon in Zimbabwe), I fell more in love with Africa than ever before. (Seriously, everyone needs to visit a country in Africa at some point in their lives...trust me!)

Relaxing in Cartagena, Colombia

In between my trips to Zambia and South Africa, I traveled to Finger Lakes, New York, Cartagena, Colombia, Curacao, and road tripped from San Francisco to Los Angeles. 

I appeared on Great Day Washington again, this time discussing my experience at Zambia's Devil's Pool in Livingstone. (Be sure to watch the episode on Will Drink For Travel TV!) 

Of course, I can't forget hosting the Women of Color Travel Event in New York City, which brought together women of color in travel to discuss how the industry impacts us as travel professionals. This was our second annual event and it has turned into one of my favorite travel events of the year.

Hosting #WomenofColorTravel with Metanoya of Globetrotting Stiletto

Finally, one of my favorite blog posts was republished on Matador Network, which I think is a huge accomplishment as a travel blogger. 

This past year of Will Drink For Travel has been the biggest yet! As I embark on year four, I look forward to more giveaways, sponsorships and brand partnerships. As such, I am giving away $50 in drink credits to one of my favorite restaurants in D.C., Pinea at the W Hotel, to thank my loyal readers! To enter:

1. Follow @willdrinkfortravel on Instagram or Facebook. Already follow? Leave a comment and let me know you entered!
2. Follow @PineaDC on Instagram or Facebook and leave a comment letting us know you did!

It's that simple! With a menu inspired by Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, Pinea is one of the most elegant restaurants in D.C. Once you've enjoyed your cocktails, head upstairs to my favorite bar in the whole city, the P.O.V. Lounge, to take in one of D.C.'s best views!

The winner will be announced next Monday, January 30th at 12 pm EST. Good luck and may the odds be ever in your favor!

*Giveaway Closed* Thank you to all who participated!