JULIE ANDERSON
THE SINCLAIR
Award-winning chef David Thomas and his wife Tonya , known for their initial involvement with soul food restaurant Ida B ’ s Table , have a new project with The Sinclair , which they opened in conjunction with Black investors Floyd and Linda Taliaferro . The building offers multiple large spaces to accommodate different needs and vibes , and Thomas ' s catering business , H3irloom Food Group , acts as the exclusive caterer . H3irloom ’ s dishes are great ( think gumbo
chicken pasta with a spicy Creole sauce and seafood bouillabaisse ), but its mission is even better : to “ uplift the Black food narrative and provide a multidimensional approach to the Black food experience ” through exceptional culinary experiences that honor the environment , community and history .
THE IVY HOTEL
THE IVY HOTEL
Once an opulent mansion for a prominent banker , this spectacular space was constructed in the late 1800s by the same architect who built former Masonic headquarters The Grand and Mount Vernon Square ’ s Methodist Church . In later years , it became a city-run inn that housed visiting dignitaries . Now , the hotel is owned by philanthropists Sylvia and Eddie Brown , whose foundation is devoted to supporting Baltimore ’ s African American community in the areas of health , the arts and education . The couple ushered the space through an $ 18-million restoration to create a luxurious boutique hotel , retaining many of the former home ’ s original features , including leaded glass windows , carved wood wainscoting , green marble , stained glass and a grand central staircase that spans three stories . The elegant rental spaces include a seasonal outdoor courtyard , private wine cellar and meeting rooms .
KATIE STOOPS
VERNON S . DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY
BALTIMORE . ORG 15