What does the state of Louisiana have in common with Italy? Both are sort of shaped like boots. That's why Phil Hartman decided to name his Italian-Cajun restaurant
Two Boots.
Started 23 years ago in New York, Two Boots will open a store at the University of Baltimore campus in Bolton Hill by early December. It recently opened its 10th restaurant at downtown's
Power Plant Live. Two Boots serves up its pizza and po' boys in Bridgeport, Conn., Los Angeles and seven New York City stores.
Dishes include jambalaya, blackened catfish po'boy and baked ziti. Pizzas pay homage to pop culture, thanks to Hartman's other career as a filmmaker and screenwriter. One pizza with marinated chicken and plum tomatoes is named Mr. Pink, after a character played by Steve Buscemi in "Reservoir Dogs."
Hartman expanded his business to Baltimore because of what he describes as a "lifelong crush" on the city where he lived and wrote for one year in 1982.
The 2,300-square-foot restaurant at University of Baltimore will be located in the Fitzgerald building, developed by the Bozzuto Group. The $77 million Fitzgerald houses a Barnes & Noble, which opened in June, and 275 apartments.
Hartman says he likes the Bolton Hill area because the location should attract students from University of Baltimore and the Maryland Institute College of Art. It's also in the middle of an arts community, with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra nearby. And traditionally, Too Boots has attracted a lot of artists by featuring local artwork on the walls.
The restaurant owner also likes the downtown Baltimore location because it attracts the business community.
Hartman declined to say how much he is spending to open the new restaurants.
Source: Phil Hartman, Two Boots
Writer: Julekha Dash