Glass

More than a few East Coast buildings contain a Tiffany stained-glass window or two. But one structure in Baltimore can boast much more - a complete interior created by the famed designer, Louis Comfort Tiffany. St. Mark's Lutheran Church on St. Paul Street is considered such an exceptional example of Tiffany's work that it has been recommended for designation as a Baltimore landmark. Only one other city building - the Senator Theatre - has an interior that was singled out for landmark status.

With many bars around town featuring vast stretches -- libraries, it would seem -- of flavored vodkas like whipped cream birthday cake flavor this, cinnamon whiskey that, less sophisticated boozes are dominating the scenery. Therefore it's good to note every so often that a bar, no matter the size, can create excellent cocktails if the selection of liquor is of a higher caliber. Howard's of Mount Vernon fits the bill. Having opened a small bar about a year and a half ago amidst a huge amount of space and an outdoor patio, Howard's might seem ill equipped to sling some delicious drinks without a dedicated mixologist on staff or a bevvy of random artisanal ingredients.

You don't just order a drink at B&O American Brasserie - you explore it. Sure the bartenders at the chic downtown restaurant can make you whatever you desire. But do yourself a favor: In the spirit of good spirits, accept the challenge presented by the new seasonal menu of cocktails, Flips, Cups, and Fixes. It's well worth the adventure. As head bartender Brendan Dorr explains, the menu is a nod to the richness and bounty of fall, playing upon the eggnogs, fruitful garnishes and lush classic cocktails that traditionally mark the season.

The folks at Gordon Biersch Brewery have a passion. Surprisingly, despite the name, it's not just for beer (though their German lagers will keep aficionados busy). Instead, their brand is defined by craft: From brew to food to cocktail and anywhere in between, the newly opened Harbor East restaurant believes in made-from-scratch, small-batch meals and beverages that customers can get excited about. Though handcrafted beer is their first love, Gordon Biersch brewery aims to "up the ante" with their drink program as well, elevating it to craft-level by infusing quality brands, fresh flavors, and sustainable products into their cocktails.

Fall cocktail season is in full swing, and if you're like me your mind is laserlike focused on all things apple cider, cider donuts and pumpkin, pumpkin, pumpkin. Most bars in the Baltimore area have debuted their fall cocktail lines to reflect dedication to the nice, warm flavors of autumn, and Rye in Fells Point has done just that as well. Cue the apple brandy heavy October Buck. It was supposed to be called the September Buck as a tribute to the Orioles, but as owner Doug Atwell put it, "We didn't think the O's would make it to the playoffs.

Will consumers pay $20 for a reusable glass drinking bottle? Walt Himelstein thinks so. The Owings Mills environmental chemist and entrepreneur invented the Pure reusable glass drinking bottle, which features a shock-absorbing plastic sleeve that holds the glass together if it breaks. Himelstein, 59, hopes to tap a surging interest among environmentally conscious consumers who want their own reusable bottles, rather than buying beverages in single-use glass, metal or plastic containers.

Apples are fall's fruit to most. But there's another forgotten fruit that's in season -- one that is, in my opinion, a better flavor to infuse into cocktails: the pomegranate. This seedy little wonder is tangier than an apple, sweeter than a cranberry - basically, the perfect taste for richer, darker autumnal drinks. Pomegranates are also associated with ancient Middle Eastern cultures, which use the harvest in a variety of salads, sauces, oils, and drinks. Lebanese Taverna in Harbor East pays homage to the fruit and their own heritage with the Beirut, a potent cocktail of traditional arak.

Salt is a solid destination for new American cuisine in the heart of Upper Fells Point, boasting a clean, stylish interior awaiting your dinner or happy hour needs with bright solid color motifs and independent art on virtually every wall. Whether you're there for some lavish entrees like foie gras stuffed grilled quail or something simple like their coveted duck fat fries, chances are fairly high there's a cocktail to match. Bartender Harry Philavanh, an Eastern Shore native, explained that, "The list is seasonally rotating, we like to change it up to reflect the changes in the menu every few months.

Editor:  The recent plan of the Abingdon Walmart to close and move to Bel Air as a 24 hour Super Walmart has sparked a very loud debate among community residents and Harford County Government officials. I would like to take the time to explain my current position.  Abingdon is part of my district and I absolutely oppose this plan. It is very inconvenient for my constituents to have to drive to Bel Air to shop at Walmart especially when the current location is conveniently located off of I-95 and Route 24. Having made the drive myself, I can verify the rigors that they would encounter.

Oh hey, it's International Sake Week! You know what that means … wait, do you really? Admit it: Your knowledge of sake - and mine - revolves around what sushi joint serves up Sake Bombs or that it usually comes hot or cold and always quite potent. Could I tell you about the different styles of the popular Japanese spirit? Note a higher or lower grade by taste? Explain its production? Not a chance. But Tiffany Dawn Soto, beverage manager at the Four Seasons Harbor East, can - and then some.