I Beg To Differ (2 of 2)
I am shocked Sweet Sin is being singled out as a restaurant that will contribute to a negative neighborhood experience, when they have so far been anything but. When I visit as I often do, I see health-conscious people enjoying a pleasant atmosphere. Many of us have wondered why they do not sell alcohol... Well, not anymore, after reading the article in the Baltimore Sun entitled, Gluten-free Restaurant Bumps Up Against Obstacles.
I think it’s time to pull the plug on some of the other establishments in my community and those of sister neighborhoods. I think it’s time to beef up the police presence to crack down on the offenders who are making it bad for those of us who are looking for a quality neighborhood experience in our few favorite bakery/restaurants like Sweet Sin.
Liquor board chairman Stephan Fogleman, according to a Baltimore Sun article on June 24, 2010 said, "There is no immediate need for this business." How clueless are you, Mr. Fogleman? I imagine very! Let’s not forget in a troubled economy we need more businesses like Sweet Sin who are not just looking to improve the status quo of a community, but grow the economy, too. Here we have a company that is looking to hire employees, putting tax money in the city repositories, not too mention filling a vital niche for those who suffer from an uncomfortable disease, which the only cure is an avoidance of gluten. Walk in my shoes, Mr. Fogleman, or that of another Celiac and tell me we don’t deserve an exclusive restaurant. Tell me there is not an immediate need.
I am not a bitter Celiac, and I don’t live my life in a bubble. I support many of the restaurants in my community. I have also paid a price on some days because an employee didn’t know what gluten was or a restaurant was unwilling to substitute fruit for bread when I ordered a cheese plate. There are many more examples to my challenged life, but I make it work. Why should I have to do that when I know there could be a place where I can eat without any pretense or question? I should be able to enjoy a good meal and an adult beverage that is guaranteed not to make me bleed, all in my own backyard.
I shared the Baltimore Sun article with my friend Brian (not a Celiac), who knows my journey all to well. He was eager to respond to your ridiculous statement (see below):
How sad and shortsighted. This area needs more eateries (and good businesses in general) to make it a thriving community that people not only want to live in, but also to visit and tell others about. Compared to the other bars and restaurants that could bring in an unknown clientele, Mr. D'Souza's gluten-free establishment caters to socially-responsible, health-conscious adults who are willing to pay more for quality, gluten-free food... not the questionable young mobs who can often be seen nearby at Paper Moon or the freaked out vagrants who piece their dimes together to buy overpriced junk food at 7-11. I am a frequent visitor of Mr. D'Souza's current eatery, as I have a friend who suffers from Celiac disease. There are few places for people with this disease to eat and socialize. This neighborhood needs some life and culture beyond beer-can Christmas trees on front lawns, half-naked bums drinking on steps, and too many methadone clinics. (I bet if another methadone clinic, with their drugged out, loud and annoying clientele wanted the space, they would get it, just like the others that dot the area! Is this smart business development that really helps the neighborhood!?! Anyone, ride the No. 11 bus down Maryland Avenue, and you'll know what I mean.) Mr. D'Souza offers a respectable local business that could rival the One World Cafe to the north. I have lived in the area most of the past 20 years, and many of us were leery of the One World Cafe coming to University Parkway, but now it is a destination sought out by young and old alike. I hope this issue is revisited with some serious thought. A city that prefers drug clinics to businesses is not the Baltimore I thought I knew and loved.
I think Brian is right. We need to revisit this decision and soon. We are the true Baltimoreans who are out and about on any given day utilizing public transportation, supporting retail businesses, restaurants and often walking, hiking and cycling through the city. We see the injustices, the disillusionment and the possibilities in all of Baltimore’s great neighborhoods.
I want to see Mr. Fogleman, members of the Baltimore City council and others spending less time in their cars and more time on buses and on the streets because only then will you know what Baltimore really needs. I think many of you are clueless. Care to talk about real disillusionment?
As a Celiac I am accustomed to setbacks, but I also believe in the ultimate outcome. With the right conversation we can properly educate all residents on why Sweet Sin obtaining a liquor license is the right choice. Sweet Sin is not the negative, but the positive here. I challenge any community member to walk with me on any given day and I’ll show you why your community is impoverished and suffocating.
As for Mr. Fogleman, get your head out of the sand and look at the big picture. "Not a need at this time?" I beg to differ. – paerki
I think it’s time to pull the plug on some of the other establishments in my community and those of sister neighborhoods. I think it’s time to beef up the police presence to crack down on the offenders who are making it bad for those of us who are looking for a quality neighborhood experience in our few favorite bakery/restaurants like Sweet Sin.
Liquor board chairman Stephan Fogleman, according to a Baltimore Sun article on June 24, 2010 said, "There is no immediate need for this business." How clueless are you, Mr. Fogleman? I imagine very! Let’s not forget in a troubled economy we need more businesses like Sweet Sin who are not just looking to improve the status quo of a community, but grow the economy, too. Here we have a company that is looking to hire employees, putting tax money in the city repositories, not too mention filling a vital niche for those who suffer from an uncomfortable disease, which the only cure is an avoidance of gluten. Walk in my shoes, Mr. Fogleman, or that of another Celiac and tell me we don’t deserve an exclusive restaurant. Tell me there is not an immediate need.
I am not a bitter Celiac, and I don’t live my life in a bubble. I support many of the restaurants in my community. I have also paid a price on some days because an employee didn’t know what gluten was or a restaurant was unwilling to substitute fruit for bread when I ordered a cheese plate. There are many more examples to my challenged life, but I make it work. Why should I have to do that when I know there could be a place where I can eat without any pretense or question? I should be able to enjoy a good meal and an adult beverage that is guaranteed not to make me bleed, all in my own backyard.
I shared the Baltimore Sun article with my friend Brian (not a Celiac), who knows my journey all to well. He was eager to respond to your ridiculous statement (see below):
How sad and shortsighted. This area needs more eateries (and good businesses in general) to make it a thriving community that people not only want to live in, but also to visit and tell others about. Compared to the other bars and restaurants that could bring in an unknown clientele, Mr. D'Souza's gluten-free establishment caters to socially-responsible, health-conscious adults who are willing to pay more for quality, gluten-free food... not the questionable young mobs who can often be seen nearby at Paper Moon or the freaked out vagrants who piece their dimes together to buy overpriced junk food at 7-11. I am a frequent visitor of Mr. D'Souza's current eatery, as I have a friend who suffers from Celiac disease. There are few places for people with this disease to eat and socialize. This neighborhood needs some life and culture beyond beer-can Christmas trees on front lawns, half-naked bums drinking on steps, and too many methadone clinics. (I bet if another methadone clinic, with their drugged out, loud and annoying clientele wanted the space, they would get it, just like the others that dot the area! Is this smart business development that really helps the neighborhood!?! Anyone, ride the No. 11 bus down Maryland Avenue, and you'll know what I mean.) Mr. D'Souza offers a respectable local business that could rival the One World Cafe to the north. I have lived in the area most of the past 20 years, and many of us were leery of the One World Cafe coming to University Parkway, but now it is a destination sought out by young and old alike. I hope this issue is revisited with some serious thought. A city that prefers drug clinics to businesses is not the Baltimore I thought I knew and loved.
I think Brian is right. We need to revisit this decision and soon. We are the true Baltimoreans who are out and about on any given day utilizing public transportation, supporting retail businesses, restaurants and often walking, hiking and cycling through the city. We see the injustices, the disillusionment and the possibilities in all of Baltimore’s great neighborhoods.
I want to see Mr. Fogleman, members of the Baltimore City council and others spending less time in their cars and more time on buses and on the streets because only then will you know what Baltimore really needs. I think many of you are clueless. Care to talk about real disillusionment?
As a Celiac I am accustomed to setbacks, but I also believe in the ultimate outcome. With the right conversation we can properly educate all residents on why Sweet Sin obtaining a liquor license is the right choice. Sweet Sin is not the negative, but the positive here. I challenge any community member to walk with me on any given day and I’ll show you why your community is impoverished and suffocating.
As for Mr. Fogleman, get your head out of the sand and look at the big picture. "Not a need at this time?" I beg to differ. – paerki
