I first attended “Pinbaltimore” in 2019 which is a pinball party held semi-regularly at Holy Frijoles, in Baltimore, MD attracting people from across the country. This year it was held the weekend of April 20th and is a highly enjoyable event.
The organizers/staff were highly adamant that ALL people were welcome and should any problems arise they’d be dealt with swiftly and as harshly as necessary. Although much of my time was spent focusing on tournaments, I didn’t witness any problems aside from machine issues.
One of the tournaments I entered had 190 competitors (the events I attend rarely have more than 50). A lot of effort was spent trying to make oneself as small as possible without interfering with another player.
One of the highlights of my time there, was playing a homebrewed Pokémon pinball machine. Yes, some people made it themselves. It played as well as one made by Stern, Pinball Brothers, or any other pinball company.
When I wasn’t playing pinball, I went on a self-directed food tour of Baltimore. I discovered a few places I’ll definitely revisit ASAP.
First up, Catalog Coffee. 914 W 36th st
One thing that mystified me about this city is that most coffee joints close in the early afternoon. I guess unless obtained at home or 7-11 nobody in Baltimore drinks coffee after 3pm? I ate breakfast here twice. I heartily recommend the “smoked duck joint” sandwich. Comprised of Smoked Duck Sausage, Paprika Fried Egg, Cheddar, Spinach, Lemon Aioli on ciabatta for $13.00, was a pretty good deal. Their iced mocha was decent, but I felt more chocolate could improve it.
King’s Pizza and Subs 907 w 36th st.
I ate here twice too. First time, was a couple slices of pepperoni pizza, which had great crust w/ a good ratio of sauce/cheese. The sauce wasn’t overly sweet like other Maryland pizza (looking at you Ledo). It had a nice balance of acidity with a hint of oregano. 8/10
Mona’s Super Noodle 850 W 36th st
Very friendly staff, quick service exceptional portions. Had a roasted eggplant bahn mi (not listed on their website for some reason). perfect amount of mayo, and they more than delivered on my request for extra pickled veggies, cilantro and jalapenos. Would I return to try their curries? in a heartbeat, my friend. Definitely one of the best bahn mi sandwiches i’ve eaten. 10/10
Baltimore In A Box Ice Cream 1004 W 36th st
It was a hot day and what better than a snack of ice cream? I thought they had some interesting flavors and settled on an eclair flavor milkshake. for those who enjoy Old Bay, they have two ice creams featuring Old Bay. Was the ice cream good? hell yes, and I think it’s much better than Charmery and less expensive too. 10/10
Blue Pit Bbq & Whiskey Bar. 1601 Union Ave
i like BBQ, and I like whiskey. Didn’t have any whiskey here, however I did have a couple pints of Neapolitan Stout. I don’t recall who made it. It went perfectly with a pulled pork sandwich, four cheese mac, and baked beans with brisket. I added their house made hot sauce and smoky bbq sauce to my sandwich (they also have mustard based bbq sauce, and a sweet hot bbq sauce), and it was perfect. The baked beans were delicious, with thick hearty sauce, nice hint of molasses. Would I return? Yes. 10/10
Exsk8pnk 