Diane's Connections

Caricatures By Rick
Famed Caricature artist, Rick Wright is available for private parties and business functions. He is the Orioles and Ravens Caricature artist and has an extensive list of other impressive clients. Rick's caricatures are so life-like that his customers return again and again! Visit his site at www.cartoonsbyrick.com for samples and info on booking Rick for your next gig.

Talking Bags? Want a Fun Giveaway for your Grand Opening, Corporate Gifts, Incentives or Special Event? I love the Talking Bags at www.talkingbags.com! Open the bag, record a message, it talks, plays music, records your voice..fill the bag with a giveaways, prizes or a special gift. great for company giveaways, a unique new product that comes in assorted styles, sizes and can be custom ordered with your logo..check them out! Make your message a memorable one.

Visiting Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, OC, Delaware or DC or need more Maryland info?
Head to http://www.citypeek.com restaurants, real estate, events, attractions, shopping and more!

A Chocolate Fountain For Any Event
Visit http://www.maryland-chocolate-fountains.com : this company delivers a gorgeous chocolate fountain for any event, from weddings to company parties. Always a huge hit!

Need a limo?
Excalibur is my choice...these are showstoppers...looking for attention? Looking to impress? Excalibur Limo is the only way to go. Call Tim and tell him Downtown Diane sent you!
410-442-1251

Best Downtown Date Night
Head to Ruth's Chris latest location at the Pier 5 Hotel (410-230-0033) and order up a martini at the stylish bar. Then head into the dining room and enjoy an amazing dinner while watching the Chef prepare your food in the open kitchen. Don't miss the Ahi tuna appetizer and whatever you order, add a side of mashed potatoes! If you want to dance off your calories, head over to Power Plant Live and dance the night away at Babalu Grill.

Best Hidden Italian Gem

Pasta Blitz in Timonium.. Anna from Italy creates some delectable Italian delicacies..Mangia!

Her pastas, homemade breads and assorted pizzas will have you going back again and again.

Located in the Superfresh Shopping Center across from Timonium Fairgrounds.

Best Place to Take Out-of-Towners

Head to Camden Yards, next door is The Sports Legends Museum and Geppi's Entertainment Museum..both in one location and both feature activities and fun for the entire family!

Then drive over to Fells Point, stroll the cobblestone streets, peruse the hip shops and stop off for lunch or dinner followed up by a gelato at Pitango Gelato..yummy!

Shrimp Salad..Delicious and Cheap!
The best and cheapest Shrimp Salad around is found at Mary Mervis Deli (410-752-1397) in Lexington Market. Worth the trip and while there say hello to owner, Elliot Bodner, for me!

Planning A Wedding?
Request a copy of The Perfect Wedding Guide, highlighting anything you need to know around Baltimore for planning your wedding. Jay and Karen Buck are the owners, 410-329-6564.

Need A Band? Parrots? Dancers?
Call Vickie Preston, Sounds Perfect, for anything you need for your party from wacky to serious, she can usually find it! 410-828-0305

Chefs Expressions Catering
Chef Jerry Edwards offers first class catering for your event. He also offers monthly cooking classes and wine dinners. Call him for more info 410-561-CHEF. Tell him Downtown Diane sent you!

Best Indian Buffet
India Palace in Cockeysville has an amazing Indian Lunch Buffet daily...the perfect way to give Indian food a try..you can sample delicacies such as Chicken Tikka Masala, Tandoori Chicken and Many Vegetarian selections. Also...another favorite for outdoor Indian dining that is delectable and simply beautiful, enjoy the Ambassdor Room's Indian fare..they also have a lunch buffet.