A Proustian Travel Guide: Roswell Encina

Name: Roswell Encina
Profession: Communications/PR Director, Enoch Pratt Free Library (Baltimore City’s Public Library and first public library system in the nation)
Age: 45
Location: Baltimore, MD

"Public relations professional in Baltimore enjoying life like a Super Bowl Half Time Show with an affinity for great food, books and style."

What are three things you wish people knew about you? 
Fluent in Tagalog, certified barbeque judge and I want to be a Macy’s Thanksgiving Day’s balloon handler.

What is your most cherished possession?
My 11 year-old mutt, Olivia a.k.a. “Miss Crazy.” She’s like the Miss America of dogs. Of course, I’m being a little biased.

When traveling, what do you never leave home without?
A good book. I work at a library, what do you expect?

Describe the perfect weekend in Baltimore.
I believe it’s important to have a “date” with your city regularly. It’s an opportunity to fall in love with it all over again. A perfect weekend for me kicks off Friday afternoon with a sunset cruise in the Inner Harbor on my friends’ boat, named “Bay–yoncé.” Saturday starts with a run by the harbor or in Patterson Park followed by an outdoor lunch in one of the restaurants or bars in Fells Point. Saturday afternoon should be a visit to see new exhibits at either the Baltimore Museum of Art, Visionary Art Museum or Walters Art Museum followed by a nice relaxing stop at a local coffee shop like Dooby’s or Artifact Coffee. Dinner on Saturday night should be at the hottest new restaurant in town or at one of my favorites like Charleston (if it’s a special occasion), Woodberry Kitchen, or Birroteca. Sunday morning should be quiet and relaxing, which means enjoying coffee on my roof top deck followed by brunch with friends or a matinee at locally-owned movie theater like The Senator or The Charles. The perfect weekend wraps up with Sunday supper at home where I cook dinner for close friends.

What is your favorite neighborhood? And why? 
Fells Point – It’s in the quintessential Baltimore neighborhood by the harbor.  It’s the first neighborhood I lived in when I moved to Baltimore nearly ten years ago. I easily fell in love with it: the cobblestone streets,  the row of restaurants and bars, Saturday morning farmers market and the harbor view.

Tell us about your favorite restaurant, café or bar. 
Rye. A small bar in Fells Point where bartenders enjoy showing off their skills. It feels like chemistry class for each drink.

Where is the most unique shopping experience?
Hampden. It’s the most “Baltimore” of all neighborhoods. It puts the charm in Charm City. The variety of businesses range from gift shops to sex stores and from antiques to collectible books.  

Alive, dead or fictional – who is your favorite local?
John Waters.