<![CDATA[ McTear Realtors & Company

<![CDATA[ McTear Realtors & Company - "Hon" Fun |]]>Sat, 25 May 2013 01:03:35 -0800Weebly<![CDATA[Te Amo TacoLove! My new favorite Mexican Joint]]>Sun, 24 Mar 2013 16:39:27 GMThttp://mctearrealtors.com/2/post/2013/03/te-amo-tacolove-my-new-favorite-mexican-joint.html

Tom and I work from home and once in a while -- after staring at each other from across our shared desk for too long -- we just have to get out for lunch. Then the discussion begins about where to go. Tom whips out his handy dandy iPhone and checks the UrbanSpoon App (which is great by the way). Up pops local TacoLove Grill with a whopping 94% approval rating with rave reviews. Well, let's go!

Lucky for us, it's right up Philadelphia Road, in White Marsh, located in the newer "L" shaped shopping center just south of Allender Road. It's kind of a sleepy spot and so we were a bit apprehensive. But that all changed once we entered and were greeted by the genuinely friendly waiter, the warm red painted walls and the huge chalkboard over the counter. So cute and clean. Perfect!

But looks aren't everything, it's really the food that counts. So would TacoLove impress us? I ordered the 3 tacos with a sampling of marinated pork, chicken and fish. Tom got a burrito stuffed with huge shrimp. Delish! The waiter also gave us a trio of condiments -- a mild salsa verde, a spicier salsa and this amazing corn salsa loaded with fresh cilantro, chopped tomato and sliced green onions. I'll tell you not a smidgen of food was left!

Next was dessert. I tried so hard to be good and not to order it, but the moment the waiter suggested their homemade Chocolate Flan -- and Tom gave me that look of his that says "Oh, come on!" -- I succumbed. Wow, it was so good. The flan sat atop a spongy chocolate cake soaked with some sort of subtly sweet liquid and little drizzles of a raspberry sauce. Ummmmhhhhh....

That afternoon we casually mentioned it to our oh so jealous kids and so the next night I ordered more food over the phone and they delivered!! Jackpot! No more pizza for this family (well, maybe not so much). Then, come to find out a bunch of my friends and neighbors have told me they also love it! One friend in particular is a real foodie, so that's a good endorsement. To make it all the much better, it's BYOB. And for delivery you can even order online.

So come on, show some love to TacoLove. They really deserve the all the business they can get.

TacoLove Grill
11550 Philadelphia Road Suite 120
White Marsh MD 21162.
410-256-0406
http://www.tacolovegrill.com/

Hours:
Monday thru Thursday 11:00am to 9:00pm
Friday 11:00am to 10:00pm
Saturday 11:00am to 9:00pm
Sunday CLOSED

]]><![CDATA[The Little Train Garden that Could at Richardson Farms Market]]>Sun, 09 Dec 2012 20:10:25 GMThttp://mctearrealtors.com/2/post/2012/12/the-little-train-garden-that-could-at-richardson-farms-market.html

See more photos below!

As if Richardson Farms Farm Market in White Marsh wasn't cool enough, they have a free holiday Train Garden this year. It's been set up by Harrison Trains and any donations collected go to the John Hopkins Children's Center.

I've written about this unique farm store before ("Fresh Local Produce and Luscious Plants at Richardson Farms"). Not only can you get great produce, it's become a community destination for meeting for lunch or attending one of their fun events (the spring Easter Egg hunt was so well done).

The train garden is housed in their giant greenhouse filled with a large selection of wonderfully smelly XMas trees for sale. It just oozes Christmas! The highlight of the set up is the Walt Disney World Castle with the iconic monorail making it's rounds every few minutes. Other personal favorites were the 1950s Diner and the band of Hobos camping out next to a box car. Not sure how, but their little pot boiling over the fire jiggled back and forth. The steam engine puffed out real steam and see if you can find Snoopy canoeing with his peeps....

SPECIAL TIP: My Mom and I took my youngest during the week so it wasn't crowded at all. In fact Eamon was able to madly chase the trains around without bothering anyone. We got to chat with the train master who showed us how to switch out the engines and divulged some inside scoop about how often they need to change the batteries in the monorail - 45 mins to be exact.

While you're there you can pick up some fresh farm produce, locally made goodies and of course your Christmas tree! Have fun and Merry Christmas from my family to yours!

]]><![CDATA[Oh Perry Hall Y: How Do I Love Thee?]]>Fri, 31 Aug 2012 18:08:25 GMThttp://mctearrealtors.com/2/post/2012/08/oh-perry-hall-y-how-do-i-love-thee.html

Me with my best "Y" friend, Beth.

I'm hoping by now most college students have gone back to school. I can't wait for fall weather so the newbies disappear under jeans and baggy sweaters and the regulars migrate outside so the Perry Hall Y is mine, all MINE!! (evil, maniacal laugh). But, alas I must share. I love this Y so much I can't help writing about it, therefore sabotaging my desire to have it all to myself. Sigh....

The Y of my fantasies....all mine!!

Truthfully, it's quite a challenge committing to exercise, so I respect every single person that manages to get their butts (and other body parts) in here.
My love affair began 3 years ago shortly after the Y opened. We couldn't afford to join any of the local gyms so I stopped working out and gained a bunch of weight.

We survived Anita's Body Pump Class!

When the Perry Hall Y opened up I was the happiest chunky lady alive. Exercise is my therapy and a Y membership is the cheapest therapy out there! Even if everything else is a disaster and out of control, at least I can go to the gym and work out. When I'm unmotivated, I tell myself, "Just go, even if you just stand in the lobby, just go!" Once I'm there I get started (I realize I'd look pretty stupid idly standing there).

You Spin Me Right Round Baby...

Let Me Count the Ways Why I Go...

1. FRIENDLY
Upon swiping in you are greeted by a computerized "Greetings My Friend!" So even if you never speak to a single soul, you'll at least have one friend! Seriously, it's a bit like "Cheers" where everyone literally knows your name and you quickly feel a part of a community. The staff and members are super personable and some have become my real life friends.

"Stay & Play" Stars, Rachel & Carol

2. MOM MENTAL HEALTH BREAK
For parents with small children, this place is a haven! I can leave my son in the free child watch and have 1 1/2 hours of peace!! And no need to make an appointment, just drop in. There's always some one fun to play with and all the care givers are so sweet!

3. MINDLESS TV TIME
I'm shallow, I admit it! I like to arrive in time to watch "The View" while I work out on one of the cardio machines. The juicy gossip helps makes the painful time go by. If that's not your cup of tea, there's also The History Channel, CNN, Fox, ESPN, NFL Channel, Disney. Or drape a towel over it!!

Body Pump Squat Track

4. SQUEAKY CLEAN
It's so clean! I truly believe members feel so at home here, they help clean up the bathroom -- I do! I've yet to have a soggy piece of toilet paper stick to my sneaker. The equipment is dust free and everyone wipes down their machines afterwards. If you don't, watch out you might get tackled by one of the older members!

The torture equipment

5. TORTURE CHAMBER, AHEM, I MEAN CLASSES!
Sorry if I scared you... Whether you Spin, Step, Yoga or Zumba they're all good. I'm a Body Pump fanatic. It's a killer work out for butts and legs! First time I took this class I crawled up and down my steps for 2 days (I am scaring you aren't I?)

My Favorite Personal Trainer, Susan

6. INSTRUCTORS AND TRAINERS
What I love about them is they are down to earth - except for the fact they are totally fit! Anita and Lori are my faves. Anita is extremely personable, motivated and funny. She's made me laugh so hard a few times, I had to stop exercising, lest I have an accident! Lori is a bit more serious, but I love how she gets a huge smile on her face as soon as she starts her challenging Circuit Training class (turns me into a sweaty mess!). Susan is my "no fluff" personal trainer / adopted big sister. I can't tell you how available she is to help you improve your work outs and take the time to discuss family, children and sneakers - I love her!

The Fitlinxx Machines

7. EQUIPMENT & FREE WEIGHTS
It's all good. The cardio equipment and the machines are separated by half-walls which makes the environment more private -- I like that. The machines are linked to the Fitlinxx server that keeps track of your work outs and the Top 30 Men and Women are honored each month. So far, over 3 years, I've

The free weight area

lifted over 438 Elephants! Isn't that crazy? The free-weight area is in the back and you have to be over 16 to use it. At a towering 5' 2", I overcame my fear of the big dudes and just go and do my thing. I've observed the adults are quiet and independent while the younger guys hang in packs of 2-4 and gab a lot! Bring headphones....

Some Insider Tips:
1. Monday evenings are super busy - everyone is working off their weekend binge - so avoid if possible.
2. The Y is the least busy from 1pm - 4pm on week days and fairly slow on Sunday evenings
3. Arrive early for the popular classes (Spin, Bodypump) because you'll need to grab a spot and a free entrance ticket.
4. Bring headphones to plug into the cardio machines TVs. There's also close captioning if you need it.
5. Free Wi-Fi!

So, now that you have read this, step away from your computer. This blog post will self destruct in 30 seconds. You are to forget you ever read this and no matter what, do not join my Y.....!

Perry Hall Family Center Y
4375 Ebenezer Road
Perry Hall, MD 21236
(p) 410-529-1999
(f) 443-384-3814

Amenities Fitness Center

15,000 square feet
Cardio equipment (with personal TV monitors)
Cybex strength equipment
Plate-loaded and free weights
Fitlinxx® system

Follow @HonFunBaltimore

Aerobics Studio
Cycling Studio
Multipurpose Program Room

Community Meeting Space
Stay-n-Play
Men's/Women's Locker Rooms

Properties for Sale in the Perry Hall Area
Contact Tom McTear for info tommctear@verizon.net

9803 BALLYMAHON CT, PERRY HALL, MD 21128

Chatham model shown
4 BD 2 FB 1 HB
Save $1,000 per month vs. renting
Save $80,000 over 7 years in Payments!
Only $2,500 Month at $502K
Also Make $300K if market goes back to the $678K where it was at the Peak and the loan goes down to $328K in 7 years

MLS#: BC7886191 Listing Provided Courtesy of: Michael Keelty, James Keelty & Co., Inc.

4104 CHARDEL ROAD, APT 3C NOTTINGHAM, MD 21236

2 BD 2 FB
Only $830 Month to buy!
Save $500 Month off of renting!

MLS# BC7895464 Listing courtesy Century 21 Action Realty

]]><![CDATA[Get Me to the "Greek Town Grill"]]>Thu, 07 Jun 2012 17:34:17 GMThttp://mctearrealtors.com/2/post/2012/06/get-me-to-the-greek-town-grill.html

There’s a reason most take out joints only have a seat or two, it’s cause the food's so bad they want to get you out of there ASAP before you taste it! But then there’s the select few where the food blows you away and rises far above the take out realm. It’s food that deserves to be served in a finer restaurant. These finds, that serve awesome food at such reasonable prices, are gems.

"Ta da", the Greek Town Grill on Eastern Avenue in Greektown is it! It's garnered a whopping 98% approval rating on Urban Spoon.

Tom had first gone by himself, raved about the tender marinated grilled chicken in their Chicken Gyro, and practically begged me to go back with him! Of course I did....The warm wooden facade with bright French Doors stands out amidst the older traditional store fronts and the newer hispanic bodegas. The inside is pleasantly renovated with trendy lighting and the ordering counter is adorned with funky little tiles. Tom again ordered the Chicken Gyro and I opted for a large Garden Salad with the marinated chicken on top with the house dressing.

Yuuuuummmmm! Tender, delicious chicken. Tom was right, do delicious.

While we quietly devoured our meals, a steady steam of happy customers came in. The owners seemed to know them all and spoke to the older gentlemen in Greek. This really renewed my faith in Greek Town!

We wanted Baklava for desert, but they were sold out. Suddenly I hear in a thick Greek accent, "Pssst, try the Karidopita". Surprised, I look over to the source of the suggestion and make eye contact with a friendly old timer winking at me! Figuring he knew what he was talking about we did and it was delicious - actually better than Baklava!

Unfortunately, the shy owners, Bill and Dimitri, wouldn't let me take their picture - which is silly cause they looked pretty cute in their blue shirts - but for all I know they could be in the witness protection program so I didn't push.
It's lunch time as I write this and it's making me so hungry it's painful. If you're cheap and you like Greek, go!

Also, don't forget the famed Greek Festival this weekend
Friday June 8 - Sunday June 10
St. Nicholoas Greek Orthodox Church
520 Ponca Street

]]><![CDATA[Gunpowder Lodge: A Hungry Hiker's Haven]]>Mon, 14 May 2012 15:05:24 GMThttp://mctearrealtors.com/2/post/2012/05/gunpowder-lodge-a-hungry-hikers-heaven.html

Yesterday afternoon, Tom and I broke one of our golden rules: "Never Eat in an Empty Restaurant!". We learned from experience it's usually a bad sign..... However, after hiking for two hours in Rocks State Park we were so hungry we would have eaten anything, anywhere!
"How about the Gunpowder Lodge?" I suggested. We had been wanting to visit anyway, but kept

putting it off at the request of our wimpy kids -- who swore it was a biker bar! So silly. Pulling up we noticed two older women leaving the restaurant and no they did not drive off on their Harleys! So, we figured our kids must be a little mistaken. Oh yes they were, it's not a biker bar, it's more of a ski lodge with warmly painted walls adorned with snow

shoes, big wooden canoes and ski bindings cleverly fastened to the booths for hanging your jacket.
Entering through the rustic bar we were greeted by a friendly waitress and led to a comfy booth. A soccer match was playing on the huge flat screen TV hanging on a stone fireplace flanked by sunny windows and one other group of "safe" looking diners were happily eating in the other corner. "Whew,

I think we're gonna be OK in here!" One thing that's so great about this place is it's location across from the Big Gunpowder Falls parking area. Belair Road is too dangerous to cross so it's best to drive. I suppose you could swim across the river and climb up the embankment, however the hostess might be a bit upset. There is plenty of outdoor seating on the deck and grassy picnic area below. Perhaps she'd let

you sit there? Oh and there's a fun wooden jungle gym for the kids! Being it was mid-afternoon (no man's land between lunch and dinner) we were a little skeptical about what to order. We decided to share the Ahi Tuna Wrap Sandwich and a large house salad. I let Tom splurge by ordering Potato Salad as our side. Yum! The wrap was delicious! And as you can see in the photo, the salad wasn't

too shabby either. We had asked for the tuna to be medium rare and it really was -- Kudos to the chef. I swear some restaurants cook everything to the same temperature no matter what you order. We happily ate every single bite and it wasn't just because we were famished. Our only complaint was they were playing different music in the bar and the dining area. We were sitting on the

borderline of the two sounds and so we listened to mixed up music the entire time. Perhaps they might consider playing the same music or reworking the speakers a little. Stuffed, we skipped dessert and asked for the bill. I handed the waitress my "Hon Fun" business card and explained what I do. She immediately disappeared and returned with an oval bumper sticker. Cute!

Then she excitedly told me the owners had bought a second location in Essex, "The Old Duck Inn." she said as I earnestly wrote this down. "No," she laughed. "It used to be the Duck Inn!" Embarrassed, I quickly crossed that out. "They renamed it 'Sunset Cove'". Apparently it's on (or close to) the water and if it's as good at the Lodge, it'll be another nice place to eat. That evening we

told our kids all about it, assuring them it's a wholesome environment and no need to worry about 'bikers', which by the way, I want you to know I have no prejudice against. So, the next time we go, they're coming too!

Gunpowder Lodge
10092 Belair Road
Kingsville, MD 21087
(410) 256-2626

Local Homes for Sale

6 Shoreham Court, Nottingham
$1,350/month to buy!

9407 Seven Courts Drive, Perry Hall
$1,215/month to buy!

9307 Carlisle Avenue, Perry Hall
$1,150/month to buy!

124 Milton Avenue, Fallston
$1,705/month to buy!

9501 Kingscroft Terrace, Apt D, Perry Hall
$1,100/month to buy

Local Homes for Rent

5054 Cameo Terrace, Perry Hall
$2,200/month to rent

]]><![CDATA[Zeke's Coffee Shop: Fabulously Frugal French Press!]]>Thu, 26 Apr 2012 17:36:39 GMThttp://mctearrealtors.com/2/post/2012/04/zekes-coffee-shop-fabulously-frugal-french-press.html

Happy, after two cups of joe....

They say food is the way to a man's heart. I say a great cup of coffee (followed by a wicked sense of humor) is the way to mine and Tom knew where to find it.... Zeke's Coffee shop on Harford Road in the up and coming city neighbohood called Lauraville.

"Founded in 2005, Zeke’s Coffee is a family owned and operated company. Fresh-roasting each pound with a small fluid bed roaster, and using only the finest available beans, Zeke’s boasts high quality, locally roasted coffee." -- www.zekescoffee.com

I've had Zeke's coffee before at Hamilton Bakery and bought from his roasting facility but this was my virgin visit to the cool new digs.

The quaint shop looks like it was transported from some charming town's main street -- which is an aesthetic treat in an otherwise ugly strip of buildings. The bright white interior looks like an old fashioned general store. There's a huge go cart hanging next to the vast front window

Looks like a general store

and the walls are adorned with funky posters and rusty car hoods re-purposed into pieces of art.

The pastry case was stuffed with amazing looking goodies from Hamilton Bakery (see my review). I salivated over the Almond Dipped and Poppy Seed Hamantashens - whatever they heck they are?

The vertical thing is a go cart

Actually I just googled them, so now I know.....

I noticed on the chalkboard menu they serve "Make Your Own" custom sandwiches, but more importantly
Peanut Butter and Nutella sandwiches! Perfect if you have kids or in my case just happen to love them as well. Plus they'll customize the temp of the hot chocolate so it won't scold your little ones.

Stuffed with Hamilton Bakery yummies

Tom knew just what to get, a 32oz pot of French Press coffee for -- drum roll here -- $5!!! Five dollars? What a great deal and thank God
I'm a cheap date and didn't get offended by his frugality. At the Barista's recommendation he chose the Panama Boquette, one of the Conventional Coffe blends.

$5 Fresh French Press!

The press came with two cups and a cute little timer set for five minutes. I anxiously sat in anticipation watching the time count down while Tom prepared our cups with cream and sweetener (Splenda is my dirty habit). Beep beep! Aha, time to plunge.... You need to understand where I'm coming from. Tom makes an amazing cup of coffee. So delicious I

Tom, my own Barrista!

find myself drinking 3-4 cups of it a day. I'm a tough critic, but I was very much satisfied. We managed to eek out five whole cups, really enough to fuel four normal people (but we are hard core).

I spoke with Jo, the sprightly barrista, about the shop. There isn't a paper menu yet but she's working on that. So in the mean time here's a photo of their drink menu. Hopefully you can read it and please, give Zeke's a shot (pun intended)!

The drink menu -- hope you can read it!

Zekes Coffee Shop
4607 Harford Rd
Baltimore, Maryland 21214
(410) 254-0122
http://www.zekescoffee.com/

Hours:
Mon - Sat, 7am-6pm
Sunday, 7am-4pm

]]><![CDATA[Perry Hall Animal Hospital: The Tail of 2 Cats]]>Sat, 21 Apr 2012 20:24:05 GMThttp://mctearrealtors.com/2/post/2012/04/perry-hall-animal-hospital-the-tail-of-2-cats.html

Mugsy, the vet's live-in cat

Last week we brought our tabby cat, Colleen, for her manicure/ pedicure at Perry Hall Animal Hospital. Actually they clip her claws and apply Soft Claws so she can't scratch our furniture and especially our 5 year old - who she mistakes for a scratching post from time to time. We do this in lieu of removing her claws. We adopted

"I am not amused"

Colleen two years ago from the Maryland SPCA on Falls Road. She was already six and the vet discouraged us from declawing her at such a mature age. We reluctantly tried the Soft Claws, but they have been great. The vet clips her claws and then applies the rubber tips with a special glue. They come in lots of fun colors. FYI, the sparkly pink ones stayed on the longest.

"Meow, how may I help you?"

Anyway, on this trip to the vet we were greeted by a huge black and white cat named "Mugsy", who happily resides there (even has his own web page!) I laughed and said "I guess you can't complain about my cat being overweight anymore!" The tech whisked Colleen away and Eamon immediately got fidgety. He was

Ooooh, look Mom!

amused by the funny dog poster on the ceiling, illuminated by a fluorescent light, for about 30 seconds. Scrambling to come up with the next diversion (as all parents do!) I remembered we had just bought Colleen a new toy called the "Cat Dancer". It's a springy wire with little rolls of cardboard attached at the end. As soon as we took it out of the plastic bag, Mugsy was all over us. And it wasn't the toy he liked, it was the stupid plastic bag! Eamon and I laughed so hard. I tried to pull it away but he climbed on top of me to get it so I gave up

Look up while you're waiting

and let him lay on it. Eventually he noticed the toy and Eamon had a blast playing with him. Out came Colleen looking rather perturbed in her cat carrier. The tech placed her on the floor while Mugsy loomed over her from the waiting bench. I imagined him asking her in this deep, funny voice (like Patrick from Sponge Bob) "Hi, my name's

"Oooh, a bag, a bag!"

Mugsy, what's yours?" to which Colleen looked up at him and replied "Hissssssss....." Haha! He wasn't fazed, hopped down and nonchalantly sauntered off, probably to go have a snack.

In all seriousness, we like this vet and haven't had any issues. It's under new management and

they've made some cool changes to the waiting area. Colleen's vet, Dr. Tara Klimovitz, is super sweet (I like the little voice she uses to talk to the animals) and takes our entire family situation into account when treating Colleen.
Dr. Amy Brazil is originally from our very own Perry Hall. Several people came in to purchase

"When can we come back Mom?"

specialty pet food and I signed up for "Pet Portals" –- a free secure, private pet health website that gives you direct access to manage your pet's health.

Well, it was time to go. Eamon didn't want to leave while Mugsy and Colleen completely ignored each other. Not the best first date! But by the look on Eamon's face I think you can see it was a pretty good visit.

Perry Hall Animal Hospital
9022 Belair Road,
Baltimore MD 21236
410-256-4888

]]><![CDATA[Everybody Goes to Ginos: A Behind the Scenes Look at the Perry Hall Location]]>Sat, 03 Mar 2012 16:36:07 GMThttp://mctearrealtors.com/2/post/2012/03/everybody-goes-to-ginos-a-behind-the-scenes-look-at-the-perry-hall-location.html

Gino's is back in town and primed to open it's second store on Monday the 5th in our very own Perry Hall! My daughter was lucky enough to land a job with Marchetti's famed franchise and has been busy training for the past week with her fun co-workers.

Yesterday, she admitted she'd forgotten to get her work permit signed and so - as teenagers often do - begged me to get it all worked out. Ugh, grumble, grumble... but the upshot was I met her awesome manager, Debbie, and scored an invite to come to a trial run for a

free meal for me and my family! Ok, so all was forgiven.

We eagerly arrived at 5 not really sure what to expect. No paparazzi, but there was a guest list and "whew" we were on it! Still a little unsure and overwhelmed by the group of amazingly cute greeters we inched ourselves up to the well-manned counter three deep with helpers (During training they have 3 times as many workers as will be there during a normal shift).

We ordered a variety of burgers - including the Perry Hall Burger - a chicken sandwich and a huge basket of onion rings and fries! Drinks are self serve, but unlike Five Guys we were given a number (similar to Noodles & Company) and so sat down and waited while we watched old time Ginos ads play on TVs hanging on the brightly painted red walls. Did you know Soupy Sales, Dom Deluise (aka The Gino Genie) and Muhamad Ali all starred in ads?

Ahhh, here comes our food delivered by the cutest server in the world (my daughter)! Wow, she's good. Look at her balancing all those baskets! OK, now that I've thoroughly embarrassed her I'll move on to the food.... All I can say is I over heard my two teens exclaiming it was "much better

than Five-Guys or Z Burger", my four year old devoured his adult size burger and not one single fry or onion ring was left in that basket! The deliciously spiced onion rings are long and stringy and my youngest got a kick out of pretending he was eating long worms!

Something special about Gino's is the friendly wait staff who make sure everyone is ok, getting free refills and taking away your trash - yes, no need to bus your own mess! Debbie and the restaurant's owner, Sophie, have hired a wonderful, enthusiastic team - mostly local

teens from Perry Hall and Dundalk. My daughter said everyone's really nice and super funny. There's a genuine desire to include and benefit the local community and the restaurant is sure to increase the traffic to the shopping center. Debbie came and encouraged my teen to come work there when he's old enough. A real ego booster!

Before we left we checked out the well-stocked condiment counter/display case filled with Ginos t-shirts, caps and mini Colts helmets. My littlest of course couldn't care less about the A1 Steak Sauce but thought the helmets were super cool!

Couldn't leave without taking a picture of my daughter with Debbie while her co-workers flirted with my youngest. I'm sure my teen thought all the girls were equally as cute - but he'd NEVER admit it. My guess is he and his friends will be there a lot! For that matter I think we will too......

Ginos is located at:

Honeygo Village Shopping Center 5001 Honeygo Center Drive
Perry Hall, Maryland 21128
410-870-2746

Hours are 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily

]]><![CDATA[Lunch at Alexanders Tavern in Historic Fells Point]]>Sat, 04 Feb 2012 19:06:42 GMThttp://mctearrealtors.com/2/post/2012/02/lunch-at-alexanders-tavern-in-fells-point.html

A few weeks ago I nabbed an amazing deal from Restaurant.com via The Today Show. $500 worth of dining certificates for only $30! Wow! We made our maiden voyage to Alexander's Tavern in the historic waterfront area of Baltimore called Fell's Point. Tom checked the tavern's score on UrbanSpoon and it was rated 93% so we figured it was a pretty good bet.

It's located on Broadway across from the Broadway Market and next to CapitolMac (looks really cool in there). When the weather's nice you can sit out front under a bright red umbrella. It was chilly so we went inside. The interior is rustic with exposed brick walls, wood floors and black & white photos of Baltimore as it was years ago. Tom sat next to the little toasty fireplace.

We immediately liked our waiter, Brian (who was skillfully manning the entire dining room). He patiently recited their on tap beer list (twice) and when Tom wasn't sure if he'd like the Old Chub Scotch Ale, Brian quickly went and got a little sample. Turns out he really liked this brew made by Oskar Blues in Colorado. I ordered a Blue Moon on tap with an orange slice and that tasted nice as well.

Our appetizers were excellent. The Tuna Takati (Seared Ahi tuna slices served with cucumber salad, thai chili sauce and wasabi mayo) was absolutely delicious and substantial. This, with a little side salad, would be a perfectly light meal. I forgot to mention our $25 certificate stipulated we needed to order $50

of food (alcohol not included), so we didn't stop there. Our table quickly filled up with a bowl full of Sweet Potato Tots (yum), a Falafel Pita Sandwich and a plate of Fish and Chips. I wish I could say our entrees were as successful as the appetizers. In hind sight I wished I had ordered the Veggie Burger or the Cubano Panini as recommended by other satisfied diners on Urban Spoon.

Overall it was a nice lunch. James Brown was playing in the back ground, plenty of fun people watching, the bathroom was clean and Brian was great. I think he noticed we were taking pics and I was writing notes. Not sure if that prompted this kind gesture, but he gave us a free Dale's Pale Ale beer glass.

A little tip: rather than paying to park on the street we landed a free 2-hour parking spot on a nearby side street. After lunch we walked around a bit. Broadway Market is a great place to get fresh seafood, grab a slice of pizza or a fresh pastry.

"Established in 1786, Broadway Market was the first of three markets built to accommodate the dispersed population of Baltimore’s boom years. The market,

of Baltimore’s boom years. The market, which at one time was four long sheds reaching down to the harbor, served immigrants and sailors who inhabited Fells Point. Farmers came by wagon, boat and ferryboat loaded with fruits and vegetables." -- Courtesy Broadway Market Web Site

On the other side of the market I discovered a Goodwill Retail Store!
I walked in with a fiver and came

out with $3 and a glass bowl I really needed to complete a broken set!

I love Fell's Point with it's cobblestone streets, funky stores and tug boats. There are plenty of fantastic restaurants and bars spewing live music out onto the sidewalks. Unlike New Orleans, you can't walk around with alcohol, but it's the

closest thing we have. For those who don't know, this neighborhood was home to the acclaimed TV show, Homicide: Life on the Streets. The faux police station door and lamp posts still exist on the monolithic building and an official plaque immortalizes the location as if it was part of the civil war or something. I hope this and the gritty drama, The Wire, won't deter you from visiting Fells Point and Alexander's Tavern...

Favorite Properties in Fells Point

MLS# BA7761397

Waterfront Condo only $2,085/month* to Buy
1000 Fell Street, Apt 642
2 Beds / 2 Baths / Garage Parking
$700 less/month than renting
Saves you $8,400/year and $58,800 in 7 years!
*At 4% Financing and 4.128 APR
Assumes $106K income + $78K total cash to get in
Listed by Alex Cooper Auctioneers, Inc.

MLS# BA7715710

High-end 2 Suite Condo: $3,000/month to Rent
1400 Lancaster Street, Apt 505
2 Bedroom suites with private baths + half-bath
1 car garage parking and storage space incl.
$3,000 depost / No pets
Walk to Ra Sushi, Whole Foods, MAC, Roys...
Secure building with desk clerk
Listed by Prudential Pen Fed Realty

]]><![CDATA[Shave and a Haircut... 3 Thumbs Up for Brian Bunce Barbers in Perry Hall]]>Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:05:46 GMThttp://mctearrealtors.com/2/post/2012/02/shave-and-a-haircut-3-thumbs-up-for-brian-bunce-barbers-in-perry-hall.html

I have a confession. Up until about 6 months ago I had never stepped foot into a barber shop. For years I had brought my two sons to my salon (which is terrific by the way) only to be subjected to pinched cheeks and ladies gossip about J lo's derriere -- you get the point.

Now that Thomas is taller than me I thought it time to switch to a more manly environment. Lucky for us Brian Bunce Barbers is in our very own Perry Hall, hon! (Located next to Outback Steakhouse)

Brian's shop is a mixture of modern amenities with plenty of barbershop nostalgia. Inside you'll be welcomed by warm wooden architecture and a shiny tin ceiling. A flat screen TV tuned to a sports station (what else, right?) hangs on the wall above 100 year-old opera chairs. Eamon loves the candy machine. Being a bad mom, I failed to warn him the

red candies were spicy! Truthfully I was just distracted...

Bunce welcomes walk-ins, but I recommend making an appointment. Last Halloween I brought my boys and my mom (who is a combination of Martha Stewart and Shirley McLean) in on an extremely busy Saturday. Talk about culture shock! I don't think my Mom had ever been around

so many crew cuts and testosterone in her life and first-come-first-serve was so foreign to her, poor thing.

Luckily I'd made an appointment, so Brian took us quickly. He and all his staff were dressed as the oldest barber in the shop with wrinkly face make up and gray wigs. Pretty funny. Next to Brian was a large, creepy sound-activated spider hanging on a web. Every time I went over to talk to him a kid would scream or a cupboard would slam and the insect would drop on me. Of course my family thought it was hilarious!

Brian's always so kind to my kids, tuning the private TV to their favorite stations and patiently helping my little one into his chair.

He skillfully cuts their hair exactly how they like it. Thomas, not the most conservative kid, looks so handsome with a cut that's edgy enough for him, but not too Justin Bieberish. Believe me, I'd know if he wasn't happy....

The shop caters to men and women and all kinds of cuts and shaves. A hot lather neck shave is included with every man's haircut. I don't have a beard, but that sounds nice! Legs maybe? :-)

Men can get a Straight Razor Shave (head or face) and of course any one can choose the Super Close Clipper.

The prices are so affordable. Seniors and kids get a discount and "Babies First Hair Cut" is absolutely free. The first time we went, Eamon sat in the vintage 50’s era fire-truck for his hair cut - how cool! If your kids have been good, treat them to one of the free lolli-pops (which I'm embarased to say my kids help them selves to

the moment we walk in....).

I need to mention, the barber shop is cash only, so come prepared, or in a pinch use the ATM in the waiting area. My boys truly love this place. If they're happy so am I... 3 thumbs up Brian!

Brian Bunce Barbers
8911 Belair Rd Perry Hall, MD 21236
410-248-0370

Properties for Sale in the Perry Hall Area

MLS# BC7666060

5050 Strawbridge Terrace , Perry Hall
Only $1,450 month*
3 Beds / 2.5 Baths / 3+ Parking
$700 less month than rent
Saves you $8,400 year
$4,520 to get in - not that bad
Settle in March, no payments til May
* At fixed 4% CDA Financing & 4.65 APR
*Assumes $76K - $122K inc and deds
Listed by Home Selling Assistance

MLS# BC7693524

11513 Lipscomb Way, White Marsh
Only $1,800/month*
4 Beds / 2.5 Baths / Garage + Driveway
$700 less/month than rent
Saves you $8,400/year
$8,800 to get in - not that bad
Settle in March, no payments til May
* At fixed 4% CDA Financing & 4.65 APR
*Assumes $100K - $122K inc and deds
Listed by ReMax American Dream

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Properties for Sale in the Perry Hall AreaContact Tom McTear for info tommctear@verizon.net

Favorite Properties in Fells Point

Properties for Sale in the Perry Hall Area
Contact Tom McTear for info tommctear@verizon.net