For the Organized Yet Chaotic Pioneering Foodies |
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LANE HARLAN |
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Lane Harlan has long been familiar with the service hustle. In her 20s, she made her way through Baltimore’ s restaurant scene, working as a server, busser and basement butter maker( yes, really). She finally found her niche bartending at a mom-and-pop restaurant, where she had the freedom to concoct new drinks.“ I loved bartending more than anything because it was so intimate,” says Harlan.“ I could read what [ guests ] wanted and what their mood was.”
Her first business, lowkey Remington speakeasy W. C. Harlan, was born out of her and husband Matthew Pierce’ s desire for an equally adventurous, creative and lucrative lifestyle. They have continued to open new and beloved establishments ever since, including Clavel, a restaurant and mezcaleria; Angels Ate Lemons, a natural wine shop; Fadensonnen, a beer garden; and The Coral Wig, a cocktail bar.
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JUSTIN TSUCALAS |
W. C. HARLAN
∙∙∙ Perfect Day
IN BALTIMORE
For Harlan, coffee comes first, so she likes to grab a cup at Sophomore Coffee in Remington, where the“ incredibly talented” Chris Bolton sources and roasts his own beans. From there, Harlan heads to the Walters Art Museum in Mount Vernon to see the 17th-century Dutch Cabinet Rooms.“ You can open a drawer and all of a sudden you’ ll see butterflies and seashells,” she says.“ It’ s
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magical.” She spends the afternoon reading or having a picnic in Sherwood Gardens in North Baltimore, her vote for the most beautiful park in the city.
For dinner, Harlan’ s go-to place is Peter’ s Inn for martinis, garlic bread and salad, interesting specials, and good music in an intimate setting.“ It’ s a good-vibes place,” she says. Another Fell’ s Point rec is The Wren, a new casual Irish pub where owner Will Mester cooks“ some of the most exquisite food that [ Lane’ s ] ever tasted.”
If you’ re a drinker, Harlan recommends staying at Hotel Ulysses. The funky Mount Vernon spot boasts great views and is within walking distance of many local establishments, including cocktail bar Sugarvale and Lane’ s The Coral Wig. She suggests you order the Banana Hammock, a margarita made with banana, lime and a touch of MSG.
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