FHFF 2

Cowboys & Rednecks (C&R)

1117 S Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21230

www.cnrpub.com

Located in the heart of Federal Hill, C&R boasts an authentic country atmosphere, from the decor and the down-home menu, to the country music playing. They have a smokehouse from which they serve an amazing BBQ menu. "Our pulled pork is smoked all day before we hand pull it and cover it with our Signature house made BBQ sauce." And oh boy, it was the best pulled pork sandwich I've ever tasted (see below). They also offer comfort food with a southern country twist, talk about yumm. This authentic country flare is also present in their specialty bar drinks.

The pulled pork sandwich is served on a classic bun with fries and a pickle. Now, words cannot do these fries, nor the sandwich really, justice. The fries were cooked in some amazing oil, and seasoned to perfection with what seems to be the ideal balance of spices including Old Bay. If you go to C&R Pub, GET THE FRIES.

Their Chop Chop Salad with grilled chicken is the embodiment of what you would imagine as a perfect western salad. All the ingredient are fresh and topped with a creamy black peppercorn bacon ranch dressing. The best thing about food is that it can take you to different places through your taste buds. This salad feels like a light and healthy lunch on the ranch, just try it and see what I mean.

Overall, the portions as C&R Pub are large, for that Cowboy in all of us. But the food was so good we couldn't stop eating, we stuffed ourselves so full we felt sick. But gee-wilikers if it weren't the best darn grub outside of nana's cookin' down-home.

Wife Me Material

Pork Tenderloin & Roast Vegetables

At your local supermarket you can get a Smithfield pork tenderloin anywhere from $4.50-7.50 already pre-spiced! They come in a variety of marinades and spices, however  my favorite is the Peppercorn & Garlic flavor. It has that little bit of kick that my boyfriend loves.

I grease my baking dish, plop in the tenderloin, while preheating the oven to the recommended heat on the packaging. I've taken to chopping up whatever fresh vegetables I have in the fridge at the time, and adding them around the meat. We are big big big on cilantro here, so of course I top it off with that to taste. For those whole love spicy food, add a jalapeno zest for that extra fire. Then, top the whole thing off with a honey glaze. Bake.

Watch it wow your significant other. Of course you don't have to tell him/her that the whole thing cost less than $10 and took less than an hour from start to plate.

Fed Hill For Foodies (FHFF)

Abbey Burger Bistro

1041 Marshall St, Baltimore, MD 21230

www.abbeyburgerbistro.com

If you live in Baltimore and haven't yet made your way to Abbey Burger Bistro by Cross Street Market in Federal Hill, you are missing out. If you are looking for the best burger in town, here it is.  Their appetizers, such as the deep fried pickles, are mouth-watering in themselves; however the burgers here are so large and filling, that I often find I wish I hadn't gorged on the appetizer beforehand. Abbey Burger Bistro is a great stop for sports fans of all kinds; you are guaranteed to find whatever game you're looking for on one of their many many TVs specifically for your sports-viewing fanatic. With two expansive bars, the whole restaurant has a cozy pub feel, and many options for your local beer connoisseur. They offer a diverse menu of chef created favorites, and an expansive build-your-own burger menu which I've posted below.

Yeah, you read that right, kangaroo burgers (my personal favorite). They also offer diverse and exciting meat of the month options for your burger, just ask your server. The food, especially the burgers, are ALWAYS cooked to perfection. It is not uncommon for a Abbey Burger virgin to actually moan in pleasure as their eyes widen or flutter at their first bite of one these delectable burgers.

Here is what we got last time we went.

 This was my kangaroo burger on a classic bun, with Guinness cheddar cheese, grilled pineapple, an egg, mayo, and lettuce. This is pretty much my go-to here at the bistro, but I like to mix up my bun every now and then.

Below, Sam opted for a Wild Boar burger, which was one of the meats of the month. I believe he chose a whole wheat bun, pepper jack cheese, chipotle mayo, avocado, and BBQ sauce on the side. All burgers come with the chips you see above, but he shelled out for the fries for the American burger and fries experience.

Abbey Burger Bistro is redefining the burger. If you are looking to blow your taste buds away, and try something new and exotic, this is your new favorite restaurant. It sure is mine.

Stew on a Dime

Homemade Stew

Our favorite homemade meal is my famous stew-on-a-dime. Almost all of the ingredients can be bought at Dollar Tree, where everything is a dollar or less. The only thing you have to go to your local supermarket for is your choice of meat, and any fresh veggies you may want to add.

1. At my local supermarket I was able to get 5 lean strips of pork for just $2.15. After salt and peppering the meat, and using a meat tenderizer (if you have one), I plopped it in my crockpot. Optional is some fresh cilantro and basil that I got for $1.50.

2. At the dollar store, and sometimes at your local supermarket, you can get one can of mixed vegetables for $.79! Just drain and add on top of the meat!

3. I've also sliced and diced 1/4 of a fresh pepper to toss in.

4. If you're lucky, the local Dollar Tree often has $1 gnocci! Gnocci makes a great addition to any stew in the place of potatoes. Mix into the crockpot.

 5. Here, I have laid out my favorite spices for this stew, as well as the broth I got at Dollar Tree. You can use Beef or Chicken broth, however I prefer the heartier taste of the beef for this. Those specific spices laid out are an Italian Blend, Backyard Brick Oven, and Jamaican Jerk. I also add Old Bay to taste, because here in Baltimore we put that sh*t on everything. 

Pour in the whole box of broth, stir up the ingredients, and add the spices to taste.

Cook in crockpot on high for at least 1hr 45min. However the longer you cook, the more the meat will melt in your mouth when you eat it, and the flavor seeps into the broth. Cook no more than 4 hours.

This whole stew feeds four, or 2 people for multiple meals for less than $8!

For the best taste, use venison.