The Pimlico Hotel, the Cavalier Lounge – closed

First thing I found when typing in the search was “farewell.”

Sigh.

Let’s see what’s taken over the space from google maps – it’s a Simply Self Storage.

According to an article, the Pimlico served its last November 1991:

For roughly four decades, Baltimoreans, horse-racing fans and celebrities flocked to the Pimlico Restaurant -- a.k.a the Pimlico Hotel at Park Heights Avenue -- for fine food and fine service. Known for its fat egg rolls, custard-layered cakes and thick menu, the Pimlico was a celebrated eatery, a place where you could rub shoulders with local politicians, chow down on good food and catch up with old friends. Thousands of people -- famous, notorious, ordinary -- flocked to the restaurant throughout the years. Actress Mitzi Gaynor, rock star Robert Palmer, musician Doc Severinson, actress Angela Lansbury and actor Don Ameche, the more famous ones, came and left autographed photographs for prosperity.

Melvin and Ruth Kabik sat in a cozy corner booth, watching people pass by. Ruth ate a slice of the famous Pimlico cake and took some home for the freezer. "Whenever there was a special occasion there was a Pimlico cake," she said. "If my friends were throwing me a surprise birthday party, they'd know to come here to get a Pimlico cake."

For you, Melvin and Ruth, a link to Pimlico cake recipe. And a little something to wash it down.

Preakness

• 1 oz. white rum
• ½ oz. coffee liqueur
• ½ oz. canned cream of coconut
• 1 orange slice
• 1 maraschino cherry

Pour all but the fruit in blender with ½ cup ice. Blend until creamy. Pour into brandy snifter and garnish with the fruit.