Audrey Hoffman, VoteAudrey

I was over at my family's home, and my stepfather was running to the grocery store and asked if I wanted anything. I thought that making a lunch with light feta cheese, 2 bartlett pairs and spot of honey would be divine. So, listing light feta and the 2 bartletts (honey in house), he went on his way. He started feeling ill from a new medicine he is taking, so he shortened his trip at the store. I got the pear pair, but no feta! Well, now this couture lunch had become cockamamy. I decided to see what cheese was in the fridge. My mother had bags with crude names like "Taco Cheese," and "Mexican Cheese." Perfect for an easy addition to fajitas, but not a good match for my pear. Then I found a bag of shredded aged parmesan. Oui oui! It wasn't the norm, but why not try heating some parmesan over the well-chopped pear? What a delightful surprise! Yes, I'd still prefer the feta, but the parmesan added a different kick and was really enjoyable. I'd make it again!

What does this have to do with anything, you ask? Sometimes we clamor for the perfect accompaniment. In business, perhaps you think, "If I could add this person to my team, sales would soar," or "Getting XYZ Brand to Co-sponsor my fundraiser would add the right level of cache to escalate how consumers' view our company." With community it may read, "Sara knows so many people in our area, she would be so influential of ABC Charity's board of directors," or "Mitch is so handsome and charismatic, if we could convince him to speak at our fundraiser meeting, I know more people would be on board." With family our thoughts may say, "I know Angie wants to study violin but her chances for getting a scholarship are better if she sticks with volleyball," or "My husband has lost his mind! Why does he think it's a good idea to invite those neighbors over for dinner? Do you know what Mrs. Cravitz said she saw them doing last week?"

Does it sound silly or ring true? Come on, at some point or another you fancied something as one way and it turned out completely different. My pastor has shared stories about applying for law school but changing his mind and pursuing further education to go into ministry. The skill set he he saw fit for persuading jurors, is now used to disciple. What if that top candidate doesn't accept the job offer? Maybe your B-pick has two years less experience but desires to prove themselves capable and thus excels.

Sound like apples to oranges? Nah. There's relevance. We all envision something as "just right" and sometimes it just doesn't happen. Maybe your date cancelled last minute but while you were at home, you get a phone call from the person who later is your spouse. What if so-and-so couldn't care less about your fundraiser but you learn that your co-chairs' aunt is a local reporter and would love to help. Perhaps your daughter does insist on taking violin, and later a college review board finds her to be the kind of well-rounded student they need and offer her a merit scholarship. Things don't always happen as our "perfect pairing," but turn out to be just right. Is there something you had your sights on that turned out differently? Put aside your initial disappointment and consider the possibilities.

If you don't live in Baltimore's Charles Village, you may be missing out on some great eats.

City Paper just released a dining guide yesterday, so I suggest you grab a copy of the free paper (located on just about every Baltimore block it seems) before the week is out.

Okay, here's where Staging Girl goes to grub:

THAI RESTAURANT
3316 Greenmount Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21218
(410) 889-6003

This establishment really needs no introduction, as it's got Zagat raters and a slew of local press drooling already. This namesake (literally) Thai eatery is really in the Waverly neighborhood if you ask me, but it was featured in the dining guides Charles Village listing, so it's getting dropped in this review! (Although their online review says it's in Waverly...but I'll just chalk it up to the fact Baltimore has such a multitude neighborhoods). Yummy curry, relaxing jasmine tea, chicken satay, all served up in a bright space with just as much Thai art as reviews and awards adorning the walls. Impeccable service and food make this a save staple for your dining-out arsenal.

JOES SQUARED PIZZA AND BAR
133 W. North Ave. Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 545 0444
Website

Well, this would have gotten a gold star but the last time I dined there I had an unpleasant experience. Typically a good time, their staple is flavorful pizzas like the BBQ Chicken or Chicken, Corn and Apple. The reason this is getting a bad mark is because when a girlfriend and I went last, there was a hair embedded in a slice. These things happen, so I wasn't ready to write them off just yet (although my appetite disappeared). I alerted our server who instead of apologizing proceeded to tell us how no one in the kitchen had that color hair and how it just wasn't possible! Sure, my girlfriend and I both have black hair, but the texture of this hair was scruffy and it was UNDER the layer of cheese. Plus, the guy brought us our food had a long, unruly scruffy black beard! The server took a measly $5 off our ticket and continued to tell us how it just wasn't possible. They do have live music most nights and a full bar (if that's your bag), so maybe if you're not eating, you'll have a better time. Note to Joes2: Customer service is as imperative as taste.

PAPER MOON DINER
227 W 29th St
Baltimore, MD 21211
(410) 889-4444
Website

Truly a fun place to be, with walls and ceilings adorned with toys and comic heroes. Diverse menu includes breakfast, sandwiches, blue plates and what a staffer called "yummy goodness" - a to-die-for dessert menu. Everything I've sampled receives the Staging Girl seal of approval. Best thing about Paper Moon is it's 24 hour status. Real food, all the time.

TAMBERS
3327 Saint Paul St
Baltimore, MD 21218
(410) 243-5777
Website

Probably one of the most unique concepts I've seen in a restaurant in all my worldly travels: A 50's style diner with both Americana and Indian fare! I'm a sucker for the turkey Reuben and apple pie. Friends who are Indian (or just Indian food aficionados) echo that the Indian food is milder than most, so if you're looking for the mouth-burn, it may not be for you. Try the onion naan (ask for the 3 dipping sauces) and lamb shahi korma with it's special mild savory sauce.

Looking for a Baltimore/DC Stager? Staging Girl to the rescue! Visit SimplyStage and get ready to take down that "For Sale" sign.