Entertaining Friday: Keeping Busy in Baltimore

Fall has arrived and with it, about a million and one things to do every weekend (and weeknight, if you're young enough and have that kind of energy). My inbox has been stuffed full of announcements and notices about fun things going on in and around the city over the next few weeks - and I'd be remiss if I didn't mention some of them here:

Saturday, October 3rd: This weekend is Fells Point Festival, that annual 48-hour stretch of debauchery and hilarity. If you're there (and coherent), stop by the new Fells location of Nectar Boutique (1628 Thames) - it's just moved from O'Donnell Street in Canton.

This is going to sound a little convoluted, but Nectar's owner, Christine, is Mike's cousin Jeff's girlfriend. I've known Jeff forever, since he was a bartender at Claddagh's back in my younger, crazier days (and now he's the proprietor of Elliott's Pour House, a very nice, very neighborhoody bar in Canton). Christine is great and, most importantly, has awesome style that is totally reflected in her boutique.

Sunday, October 4th: As I've already mentioned, Dixon and Cooper and I will be saddling up to local chefs at the JFX Farmers' Market, where the Toyota Hybrid Farm-to-Table Tour will be making a stop.

Unfortunately, we already have plans in the afternoon, otherwise I would be all over the Chesapeake Oyster Festival at Woodberry Kitchen. From 3 to 5 p.m. on the patio, guests can enjoy four types of oysters on the half shell for $1 each, or oysters grilled on the half shell, four for $5. Plus, wine for $5 a glass, which is enough reason as any to head over. Also, cheese + music. Sounds amazing. Call 410-464-8000 for more details.

Thursday, October 8th: Plastic surgeon Dr. Dean Kane will spend the evening channeling his inner House (who did some outrageous cooking this week, btw) when, under the guidance of executive chef Bill Krouse, he takes over the kitchen at Sotto Sopra, serving a five-course meal that sounds amazing (lobster ravioli? lamb with mint caponata, pumpkin souffle? yes please!), alongside wine selections from The Wine Merchant.

Dinner is $70 per person and Dr. Kane will also be selling his pop art, with 100% of the proceeds going to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Dinner, plus a good cause! Call 410-625-0534 for reservations or more information.

And that's just in the next week. There's a lot more to come later this fall...