Baltimore, Maryland: Michelle's Gourmet Hot Sauce

Michelle's Gourmet Hot Sauce came about when Michelle Osteria worked at a small restaurant and she had to create a hot sauce to accompany the signature dish.

Michelle created a hot sauce that used ingredients which offered texture and but also created the "heat". Customer reviews came back overwhelmingly in favor of the hot sauce. Patrons were asking where they could find bottles of the sauce.

Michelle's Gourmet Hot Sauce

In 2011, after reading an article in Bon Appetit Magazine about how a woman used a fundraising website called "Kickstarter" to help her raise money for a vegan food truck,  Michelle thought she could use the same approach to raise funds to bottle her hot sauce.

Michelle is half way there in raising enough funds through "Kickstarter".  The video shown on the "Kickstarter" site clearly displays Michelle's passion for food.

If you like gourmet style sauces and interested in learning more about Michelle's Gourmet Hot Sauce or the "Kickstarter" program, please see attached link to Michelle's project: Kickstarter: Michelle's Gourmet Hot Sauce  and or her website:  Michelle's Gourmet Hot Sauce.

For further questions, Michelle Osteria can also be reached at mrichie2002@yahoo.com. Bring on the heat!

Monkton, Maryland: Ladew Topiary Gardens

While traveling up Jarrettsville Pike you feel like life is moving back in time.  Many of the wide open pastures are dotted with horses grazing on lush green grass.  Driving to Ladew Topiary Gardens you'll also see signs for upcoming steeple chases.  Maryland's history for organized horse events is very apparent in this area of Harford County.

The first of April was opening day at Ladew Topiary Gardens.  Harvey S. Ladew (1887-1976) designed and created topiary and flower gardens after purchasing Pleasant Valley Farm from the Scarff family in 1929.  Both the house and gardens are on the National Register of Historic Places. 

What you notice immediately upon entering the grounds at Ladew are the topiaries and the manor house.  I recommend purchasing the combined garden and house tour ticket.  

Horse and Hounds Hunt Scene at Ladew Topiary Gardens

While walking through the 45 - minute guided tour our group happened upon a reporter from the Washington Post.  Look to the third weekend in April to read more about Ladew Topiary Gardens in the Post.

Harvey S. Ladew's Manor Home, Monkton, Maryland

After touring the home we wandered through the following gardens: Woodland, Victorian, Berry, Croquet Court, Pink, Rose, and Garden of Eden.

Pink Garden, Ladew Topiary Gardens

Our manor house tour guide told us about the surprise that statue Adam held in his hand behind his back.

Adam and Eve

Three Apples found in Adam's Hand

Beyond the statues of Adam and Eve you will encounter the Keyhole, Water Lily, Yellow, and White Gardens.

Yellow Garden, Ladew Topiary Gardens

 Throughout the gardens you will see arches framing natural and man-made landscapes.

Along the garden tour guests of the grounds will also come across The Temple of Venus, Sculpture Garden, The Great Bowl, Iris, Terrace and Portico Gardens.

Ladew Topiary Gardens

The Great Bowl

Look to find summer concert series "Groovin' In The Grass" held on Sunday nights at the Great Bowl from 6pm to 8pm during the months of June through August.

Also remember to also visit the Herb Garden, Wildflower Meadow and explore the Nature Walk.

For More Information: Go to Ladew Topiary Gardens

Ladew Topiary Gardens
3535 Jarrettsville Pike
Monkton, Maryland 21111
Tel#: (410) 557-9466 

Hours: Open late March through October 31st
Weekdays: 10:00am to 4:00pm
Weekends: 10:30am to 5:00pm

Happy Easter 2012

Wishing Julie's Journeys blog readers a very Happy Easter!

Spring Tulips