The last time we wrote about this was to salute Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion restaurant and Chef Cindy Wolf and Charleston. We did also mention the ” not so good ” Fresh and Green that took over the failed Super Fresh on 40th Street off Falls Road in the Hampden area. Boy, while I would love to say I have a crystal ball or even some Tarot Cards I cannot take any credit or responsibility for the demise of the latter and celebration of the former, Chef Cindy Wolf and Charleston. The old Super Fresh turned Fresh and Green for a month or so will now be home to the Giant Food store moving out of the ailing Rotunda Mall. Many in that area, in particular the residents of Roland Park Place are sorry to see the store move, even if it is just a block away! We are creatures of habit. Seems like that Fresh and Green lost many of the loyal customers that shopped there when it was Super Fresh, yours truly included! The store, the employees, the stock on the shelves, was never the same and so, down they go! In this challenging economy, you’re either vital and growing or you’re gone!

On a more positive note, we are thrilled to announce that once again, Chef Cindy Wolf and her team at Charleston are doing more then their part to keep Baltimore from slipping off the culinary map. The world renowned Chef was nominated once again for the prestigious James Beard Award along with the first nomination for her flagship restaurant Charleston. Having dined there on several occasions I must confess, there is no finer place in Baltimore! From the time you arrive to valet your car, parking can be tough in the Harbor East area, to the time you are seated in the dining room, everything is impeccably done. The attention to the finest detail could be an Olympic sport! Never has anyone done such amazing things with a simple Red Beet, not a personal favorite but indulged at least twice at Charleston. Not certain they will ever be favorites but they must, at least I hope, be so good for you! Antioxidants, maybe?? In perhaps one of the most challenging industries there is, Cindy Wolf has found a way to not only survive but thrive, her latest venture being converting the old Roland Park Bakery into another fine, branded establishment. Can’t wait to see how much that helps boost the local economy and creates a few more desperately needed jobs.

This attention to detail is not and should not be limited to the food service industry. While the bar may be set higher for those establishments due to rules and regulations, the Golden Rule of treating others as you yourself would want to be treated, should be applied to everyone. Customers, future patrons and prospects have many, many choices were they spend their precious few disposable dollars these days. If you want that place of business to be yours, do what I have labeled, ” The Walk of Excellence.” Take stock every day of how you’re doing, from your employees down to your vendors and patrons. Solicit feedback and be a guest in your own business. Measure to be measured. Would you do business with you? If not, why not and what needs to be done to fix it. Until such time let’s salute and frequent those caught doing it right and look for other gems out there yet to be discovered, one business at a time.

Congratulations Chef Cindy Wolf and Charleston!

Bob Paff