Gilberto's blog

 Petit Louis Bistro: A Spontaneous Taste of France near Loyola The best nights are sometimes the ones unplanned. That's how, on one night, I found myself at Petit Louis Bistro, a quaint French eatery just a stone's throw from Loyola. A friend asked me along on a last-minute double date, and before I knew it, I was sitting at an adorably quaint table under the warm lighting, immersed in the charm of a classic Parisian bistro. It was spur-of-the-moment, very unexpected, and one of the better meals I have had in Baltimore. First Impressions Upon entering Petit Louis, it was as though I was in France. It had all of the accoutrements of a classic French bistro. It felt inside at once so elegant yet unpretentious with dark wood and crisp white tablecloths. The restaurant was quiet and intimate with murmurings of a lot of conversations, yet alive--it is a great place to take your loved one out to dinner or some type of special occasion. The staff greeted us warmly and seated us in a w...

  Baltimore’s' Holocaust Memorial: An Unexpected Encounter with History Driving through downtown Baltimore, I wasn't looking anywhere in particular. It became one of those days when the town takes you where it wants. I saw it: A starkly arresting black, granite structure rising against its urban backdrop. Which, somehow, it called. I did not know what it was till now, but it called my curiosity, and so I want to pull over and take a proper look. What I found was the Baltimore Holocaust Memorial, and though my stop was completely random, the experience turned out to be one of the most profound moments of reflection I've had in this city. A Haunting First Impression Approaching the memorial, it was at once the solemnity of the structure that struck me. Intertwined and anguished human forms in the central sculpture made an abrupt stop for me; and the weight of a message-one does not quite know in detail-can definitely not be avoided. The contorted bodies seem to leap i...

 Alma Cocina Latina: A Culinary Jewel near Penn Station, Baltimore Sometimes, the best things in life are discovered by pure coincidence. This is the way that I first came upon Alma Cocina Latina: a vibrant Venezuelan restaurant mere blocks away from Baltimore's Penn Station. Upon one evening leaving the train, I walked by Alma and was immediately taken into its warm, welcoming space. Little did I know, Alma would become not only one of my favorite places to eat but would come full circle in personal life for me at Loyola. A Taste of Venezuela in Baltimore But Alma Cocina Latina isn't just a restaurant, OK? It's an experience. Smack-dab in the middle of downtown Station North, the space near Penn Station acts as a transporting introduction to bold flavors from the owners' home country: Venezuela. And this place Executive Chef Enrique Limardo behind it-a highly-recognized culinary king in his field. His innovative take on such staples has positioned it well among t...

 Baltimore Penn Station:  The Gateway to Charm City Baltimore Penn Station is far more than a point of transportation; it is an iconic landmark, connecting this city with the rest of the country, while at the same time allowing a glimpse into its history, culture, and vibrant character. Whether you're taking a train to New York or D.C., or just passing through, Penn Station holds more than meets the eye. It is the place where modern convenience meets historical charm and literally and symbolically serves as a gateway to Baltimore. A Landmark of History Located in the Mount Vernon neighborhood, Penn Station opened in 1911 to replace an earlier station on the same location. Designed in the Beaux-Arts architectural style, the station is an imposing structure with its grand columns, decorative details, and classic clock tower. No surprise it has been named as one of the most beautiful train stations in the country. One of the most iconic features is the sculpture Male/Female...

  Fells Point: Historic Charm and Nightlife Escape While Federal Hill may own Baltimore's Saturday night scene, Fridays belong to Fells Point: a waterfront neighborhood that melds historic appeal with raucous nightlife. It is known for its cobblestone streets, picturesque harbor views, and vibrant atmosphere, making it just the place for those desiring a night out that's just a little classier-but no less fun. Beyond that it is nothing more than a hotbed of drinks and dancing, Fell's Point combines history, culture, and entertainment in a method that should not be avoided by anyone traveling through Baltimore. Fells Point by Day: History Meets Waterfront Views One of the oldest neighborhoods in Baltimore, Fell's Point harks back to the 1700s; from a busy port and shipbuilding area to a quaint neighborhood, it retains most of its historical charm. Walking through its cobblestone streets, you might feel like you've stepped back in time, surrounded by historic ro...

 Exploring Federal Hill: Baltimore's Daytime Charm and Nightlife Hotspot If you're a Loyola student-or soon to be-you'll undeniably hear about Federal Hill, which is affectionately nicknamed "Fed." It's where Saturdays come alive for students: a buzzing nightlife hub packed with bars, music, and memories waiting to be made. But Federal Hill isn't just about the nightlife-to which we will get to in a minute-but also by day, it is a vibrant, charming neighborhood brimming with history, scenic views, and plenty to do. Let's dive deep into what makes Fed an extraordinary place from morning till late night. Federal Hill by Day: History and Scenic Beauty By day, Federal Hill is a more low-key and introspective quarter of the city. The historic neighborhood takes its name from the hilltop park at its center-Federal Hill Park-offering stunning panoramic views of the Inner Harbor and downtown skyline. It is an excellent place to clear your head, take a wa...