This delightful spring menu was shared with us by chef Loïc Jaffres of Leonardtown’s Café des Artistes. He and his wife Karleen, along with their original staff, have been running the elegant “country French” restaurant for the past 11 years. Their devotion to its success has paid off - readers of Maryland Life magazine recently voted it “Best Restaurant” in the central region of Maryland.

A plein air artist’s plight might be compared to the postal worker’s unofficial motto: “Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night stays these couriers [artists] from the swift completion of their appointed rounds [paintings].” Painting “en plein air,” a French term meaning “in the open air,” is a tradition still popular and practiced today in Southern Maryland, but it’s not for the weak of heart.

Local musician Benjamin Connelly arrived for the interview at Solomons Pier on a wet, fog-shrouded afternoon, but inside the popular restaurant, the warmth of friendship overpowered the gloom outside. The bar was packed with friends sipping drinks, munching on appetizers and preparing for the Baltimore Ravens game.

What does Southern Maryland have in common with Northern Italy? St. Mary’s College of Maryland (SMCM) and its campus in Alba, Italy, share Jeffrey Silberschlag, world-renowned trumpeter and conductor.

While Therese Thiedeman is always running in numerous directions, she has a one-track mind. And that track always leads back to a stage of some sort.  “I like being busy all the time,” said Thiedeman. “I love the arts and I love meeting people - creative people even more!

Dana Spicuzza is no stranger to the restaurant business. The co-owner of DB McMillan’s, an Irish pub and grill located in California, Md., comes from a family well-entrenched in the St. Mary’s County dining scene.

Nothing compares to the feeling of pride when hearing the words, “Where did you get that!?” A comment of admiration on a carefully selected accessory or piece of clothing that reflects your personal sense of style is a true compliment, indeed. And, if you’re willing to share your source with your admirer, imagine her delight when you tell her you bought your treasure at a boutique right here in Southern Maryland.

One of the first crafts I learned when my husband and I moved to Okinawa, Japan, was making washi paper eggs. The Japanese use washi to do origami, and the ornate paper is perfect for decorating eggs.

There is little that can compare to the taste of a just-picked, vine-ripened tomato still warm from the sun. Growing your own vegetables is not only economical, it also provides you the utmost in nutrition. Whether organic, heirloom or just the newest variety offered, growing your own vegetables is sure to guarantee you and your taste buds satisfaction.

Animals have a profound effect on our wellbeing. Studies have shown that snuggling with a furry friend, gazing into an aquarium, or communing with a variety of creatures benefits our overall health. Interaction with animals can help lower blood pressure, increase exercise, alleviate loneliness and even lessen depression.