07/02/2020
Dear Baltimore,
We have so loved the opportunity to serve you the past six years. It is with deep sadness that we announce our last service will be tomorrow Friday July 3, 2020. Back in 2014 we were sitting in an airport bar in San Francisco on our way back to Baltimore, struggling to come up with a name for the restaurant we were opening in the former space of the famed Chesapeake Restaurant. Nothing seemed to fit. The space held so much history and lived in the hearts and minds of so many Baltimore folks. Eventually, we settled on ‘Pen & Quill’ which had been the name of the Chesapeake’s piano lounge, named to honor Baltimore’s literary legacy. At first, Naomi wasn’t on board. She hated the idea of another ampersand joint 😂 But I sold her when I told her we could call it P&Q for short - mind your P’s & Q’s. Naomi has always subscribed to the idea that manners are the easiest form of kindness and generosity - of hospitality. Over these six years we have been lucky enough to host your engagements, wedding receptions, baby showers, fundraisers, late-night friend catch ups, post-movie reviews, pre-show cocktails, waiting on a train snacks, and all the bits in between. We have celebrated and commiserated right along side you. We hope, that in some small way, our being here has helped to make your day a bit brighter. We love you, Baltimore! Mind your P’s & Q’s 💕
Excelsior!
Helmand & Naomi @ Pen & Quill
