The project—brought to life by development partners Coppin Heights Community Development Corporation, Timonium’s Osprey Property Co., and the nonprofit Neighborhood Housing Services—has been in the works for nearly four years and is meant to serve what has been called a long-underinvested section of the western end of North Avenue. The food hall will also conveniently cater to students and staff at neighboring Coppin State University.

Developers were intentional about making this a space by the community, for the community. All seven vendors have a connection to the neighborhood, and the interior features a vibrant mural by self-taught Baltimore artist Reginald Lewis. (Yes, that’s really his name.) 

“I’m looking forward to not just offering our food, but being part of something to improve the economic state of the community,” D&B Deli co-founder Tony Randall told Baltimore back in 2022. “This project offers that, and we’re just blessed to be a part of it.”

Cafè Luli: Speaking of highly anticipated spots—neighbors surrounding the Stevenson Village Shopping Center were excited to finally welcome this new European cafe last month. Still operating in soft open mode Tuesdays through Saturdays, the space—previously home to Stone Mill Bakery’s second location—is now a one-stop-shop for coffees, teas, and scratch-made treats with an Argentinian slant, paying homage to owner Sarah Miller’s maternal heritage. (Think: flaky medialunas, turkey and cheese croissants, banana bread, and chocolate chip cookies.)

“Thank you for your patience, excitement, and your belief in what we’re buiding,” Miller posted to social after the grand opening on April 19. “Cafè Luli isn’t just about coffee and medialunas, it’s about heart, heritage, and the sweet little rituals that make life feel beautiful.”

Owl’s Corner Café: After announcing its temporary closure in January, Owl’s Corner Cafe has relocated to 824 N. Calvert St. in Mt. Vernon. The Puerto Rican eatery had been a member of the Dundalk North Point Plaza flea market since 2021, but the new location now offers a larger footprint for serving up the eatery’s signature dishes, from mofongo to empanadas.

“For three years we heard you guys wishing we were in a bigger space with more hours, and we listened,” the cafe wrote on social media. “We never stopped looking for what, today, is our new home.”  

According to The Baltimore Banner, part of the decision to relocate stemmed from the Key Bridge collapse. Owner Lilly Ordoñez told the outlet that the bridge was a major thoroughfare for people commuting from Anne Arundel County to Dundalk, and without it, sales dropped. The Banner also reports that one of the cafe’s employees is the wife of José Mynor López, who tragically passed away on that fateful day last March.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

5/16-5/17: Baltimore Fermentation Festival
This month, HEX Superette in Govans will host what it’s billing as Baltimore’s first-ever Fermentation Festival. On May 16, patrons can join renowned fermentation expert, author, and educator Sandor Katz for a Q&A complete with (of course) fermented cocktails and snacks. The second day will feature a marketplace with an array of vendors showcasing kimchi, mead, cider, sourdough, and more. Attendees browsing the market will also enjoy tastings, workshops, and a special demonstration from Katz. Get tickets here.

SHUT

Nana: Last week, James Beard-nominated chef Carlos Raba—best known as the chef and co-owner of Clavel in Remington—broke the news that his first solo restaurant, Nana, had closed in Towson. “This past year has been trying as a business and we’ve been pushing so hard through rotating menu items, restaurant collabs/partnerships, and promotions to be able to stay afloat and spread joy through Mexican cuisine for you all,” Raba wrote on social media. “We can no longer sustain Nana and have made the extremely heart-wrenching decision to shut Nana’s doors.”

Raba opened Nana, a concept honoring his great-grandmother, in January 2024. During its short-but-sweet run, the restaurant was known for its tacos, tortas, quesadillas, and dogos—Sinaloa-style, bacon-wrapped hot dogs with caramelized onions and avocado sauce. There’s no word yet on what will become of the historic, circa 1924 stone building on York Road, which originally housed a pharmacy.

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Luna Oaxaca: The longtime home of Donna’s Cafe in the Village of Cross Keys—which has sat vacant since the neighborhood spot closed in 2018—finally has new life. Last weekend, the expanded space officially debuted as Luna Oaxaca, a Mexican spinoff from the owners of Sol Oaxaca Cocina Moderna in Bel Air. Now outfitted with desert murals, interior greenery, and custom rattan light fixtures, the restaurant fires up dishes like classic elote, beef empanadas, street tacos, a cochinita pibil platter, and a stuffed steak burrito topped with salsa and queso fresco. Adding to the now vast array of eateries at Cross Keys, Luna Oaxaca also presents a new option for locals to catch up over margs (tequila or mezcal), with the requisite tortilla chips and scratch-made guac.

NEWS

Cafe Campli Closing as Owners Head to Italy: Bittersweet news out of Hamilton-Lauraville. Paul and Sam Mincarelli have announced they will close their Harford Road haunt this summer to pursue their dream of running a restaurant in Italy. It seems only fitting, as they opened Cafe Campli in 2022 as a love letter to the Italian cafe model and to the restaurant’s namesake, a small hilltop town in Italy’s Abruzzo region. 

In a statement posted to social media earlier this week, the couple shared that they’ve finalized a contract to reopen a historic restaurant in the center of Penne, also in Abruzzo, which has been closed for three years. “It was one of our favorites,” they wrote. “We even joked about reopening it when it first closed, eventually deciding that would be ‘crazy.’”

But eventually, a “too-good-to-be-true deal” proved hard to pass up. “We are in awe that we get to do this, since moving to Italy has been a life-long dream, but saying goodbye and leaving behind something that was good—dare we say pretty great—weighs heavy on our hearts,” they continued. 

The post concludes by sharing that the restaurant space is available for either a new concept or for anyone who is “so upset that we’re leaving that might consider taking over the reins of Cafe Campli.” (Any takers?) Until those details are ironed out, be sure to stop in for one last plate of pasta in the weeks to come. 

Oleum Expanding to Fells Point: Fells Point diners were shocked to see buzzy eatery Bondhouse, and its adjacent speakeasy, close in January. But the space at the corner of Bond and Aliceanna won’t be vacant for long. In the coming months, vegan concept Oleum, which originally opened inside Harborplace, will take over after outgrowing its downtown digs. “We tried to make it work [in Harborplace], but unfortunately you all kept us too busy that we now have to move into a bigger location this summer,” chef and owner Alisha Adkins-Adibe wrote on Instagram. 

Even though it only opened last year, Oleum is already making a splash for its innovative vegan and vegetarian dishes. Favorites include a miso mushroom bucatini pasta and a wide variety of plant-based pizzas, including the “Firestarter” with spicy calabrian marinara, vegan pepperoni, Italian sausage, and fresno chilis. Diners who have made the Harborplace location a part of their routine will be happy to hear that the Oleum team plans to continue operating their flagship cafe, in addition to unveiling the new space. 

ICYMI

Pink Flamingo: Brendan Dorr and Eric Fooy—the owners behind Dutch Courage in Old Goucher—have officially opened their new rum bar and restaurant inside the storied Remington corner spot most famously home to Dizzy Issie’s and The Dizz. We got a firsthand look at Pink Flamingo earlier this month, and while it’s a rum-focused bar, it’s not a cocktail bar a la Dutch Courage. Instead, it’s meant to feel more like a neighborhood tavern. Expect a bar menu featuring 10 signature cocktails, including The Dizzy Flamingo, a daiquiri with two rums, lime, and sugar. A food menu isn’t available yet but will be soon, offering up classic American pub fare like wings and burgers, with a twist.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

4/26: Mr. Trash Wheel’s Earth Day Birthday
Charm City’s favorite floating garbage interceptor turns 11 this year. On April 26, celebrate Mr. Trash Wheel and Earth Day all in one with an event at the Public Works Experience on Eastern Avenue. Along with art-centric activities—including painting a real-life Trash Wheel dumpster with local artist Bryan Robinson and an upcycled terrarium station—expect treats like snowballs from Ice Queens and Peabody Heights beer. Tickets are $40; get them here.

5/4: Fiesta de Clavel
Tickets are going fast for Fiesta de Clavel, an event celebrating the Mexican restaurant’s 10th anniversary—and perfect for those looking to kick off Cinco de Mayo revelry early. In honor of a decade in business, Clavel will host an outdoor festival in the parking lot across the street, bringing together vendor friends like South Philly Barbacoa, Blacksauce Kitchen, Ekiben, and Galatea Oysters. Clavel will also run a pop-up outdoor bar. Tickets run $25. Splurge for VIP for $200, which gets you access to Clavel indoors for unlimited food and a margarita bar. 

SHUT

The Tilted Row: Bolton Hill gathering spot The Tilted Row closed its doors on April 5 after six years in business. Current co-owner Ziad Maalouf plans to sell the business to new owners and focus on expanding his other concept, Café Filí. “We will miss our loyal customers, who have become good friends over the years. We also wish to thank the many team members who were part of the Tilted Row family throughout the years. Their loyalty and hard work enabled the success of our restaurant,” Maalouf said in a statement.

The announcement comes after recent changes for the gastropub, including the departure of chef Amy Hessel last summer and its temporary closure in August 2024 that brought an updated menu and look. Before its closure, our dining editors named The Tilted Row a 2025 Best Restaurant, shouting out the open kitchen and most recent chef de cuisine Derrick Reed’s Southern specialties. 

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The William Fell Tavern: The Admiral Fell Inn has a new name—and a new restaurant. The historic Fells Point hotel on the cobblestoned corner of South Broadway and Thames has been rebranded by Hilton and is now dubbed The William Fell Inn, after the founder of our beloved waterfront locale. The property’s restaurant space, formerly Duck Duck Goose, is now home to The William Fell Tavern, which has begun accepting reservations for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The new ownership team with Connecticut-based Meyer Jabara Hotels has tapped chef Tom Collins to head up the kitchen, which offers Baltimore spins on classic American dishes. (Think: crab cake Benedicts and Orange Crushes.) 

The group also now owns, and plans to soon reopen, the property’s subterranean Anchor Tavern, which was known as the Tavern at the Admiral for decades before it was taken over by Duck Duck Goose chef Ashish Alfred in 2022. There’s also a possibility we will see a transformation in the former home of Osteria Pirata around the corner, “if the William Fell Tavern does well,” as MJH food and beverage director Guy Reinbold recently told the BBJ. 

For those who need a refresher, Alfred closed all three of the property’s concepts—Duck Duck Goose, Anchor Bar, and Osteria Pirata—last summer, citing safety concerns. He has since filed for bankruptcy.

NEWS 

Camden Yards Launches a Value Menu: Camden Yards has finally introduced ballpark bites for us O’s fans who are ballin’ on a budget. New for 2025, the stadium will offer a menu of eats and drinks that are priced at $5 or less. This season, swing by various carts and Birdland Market stands to get your hands $2.50 peanuts; $3.50 popcorn; and $4 hot dogs, pretzel bites, nachos, and sodas. Plus, select beers, seltzers, and NA drinks will only run you $5-6. If you’re looking for something more filling, both Ekiben and Attman’s Deli will have permanent stalls at the ballpark this season. Or you could go for one of the new signature dishes, including a footlong pretzel dog smothered in crab dip and topped with sweet corn and fried green tomatoes.

Restaurants Unite for the First-Ever Chesapeake Oyster Week: Ten days celebrating oysters? It only makes sense here in the DMV. The inaugural Chesapeake Oyster Week is currently underway at more than 50 eateries throughout the area. Think of it like a typical Restaurant Week, with dining promotions specifically highlighting oysters. Organized by the Oyster Recovery Partnership and the Maryland Department of Agriculture, the event features nearby specials like Southern Maryland Oyster stew and baked wild Chesapeake oysters at Gertrude’s; $1 oysters on the half shell and fried oyster brunch tacos at Gunther & Co.; buck-a-shucks and 20 percent off select oyster menu items at Mama’s on the Half Shell; mini oyster pot pies at Thames Street Oyster House; and $2 raw and roasted oysters at True Chesapeake.

See the full list of offerings here, and pick out a spot to get a great meal while also supporting ORP’s Shell Recycling Alliance. The program collects donated shells from the restaurants, uses them to rebuild reefs for juvenile oysters, and, in turn, helps to clean the Chesapeake Bay for other seafood to thrive.

EPICUREAN EVENTS 

4/2: Ekiben x Rooted Rotisserie Pop-Up
There’s another intriguing Ekiben collab on the calendar. This time the team is popping up at the cozy and comforting Rooted Rotisserie in Hollins Market to serve a collaborative menu on April 2. Admission includes a multi-course, family-style meal and a complimentary welcome cocktail. Look out for featured dishes like a blackened tuna rice bowl, grilled duck breast skewers, and a variety of dumplings with fillings like edamame and ricotta. Grab tickets before they’re gone, here.

4/5: Remington Brunch Club
Now that the weather is warming up (sort of?), Remington Brunch Club is back. The weekly gathering will return April 5, inviting neighbors to congregate outside of Mount Royal Soaps and Café Los Sueños for food purveyors and local wares. This year’s anchor vendor will be Nana from chef Carlos Raba, who will be joined by rotating chefs and makers every Saturday from 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

4/6: Bizkit (Vegan) Brunch at The Royal Blue
Calling all Fred Durst fans. Chef Anna Kent of Tom Cat’s Kitchen is hosting a vegan brunch takeover at The Royal Blue next weekend inspired by, you guessed it, Limp Bizkit. Creative odes to the legendary nu metal band will include The Bizkit Biscuits—Blacksauce Kitchen biscuits topped with mushroom gravy, braised red cabbage, and microgreens—and Do It All for the Gnocchi,  potato dumpling pasta with mushrooms, wilted garlicky kale, and Hollandaise sauce. Service is first come, first served from noon-4 p.m. on April 6. While eating your way through the menu, expect a playlist of hits on repeat, as well as “Hot Dog Water” Bloody Marys flowing from the bar.

4/12: Feastival
This annual all-you-can-eat food fest benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation returns to the Inner Harbor with an all-star lineup of local restaurants this month. On April 12 from 1-4 p.m., food and bevvie vendors will descend on West Shore Park for a day of bites, sips, and tastings. Expect local favorites like Marta, The Food Market, Golden West Cafe, Cindy Lou’s Fish House, The Urban Oyster, and more. Get tickets here.

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Mother’s in Federal Hill to Become Liv’s Tavern: We now officially know the fate of Mother’s in Federal Hill. At the end of 2024, owner Dave Rather announced that the neighborhood fixture—famous for its pub grub and Purple Patio ragers during Ravens home games—had been sold to a new owner who would take the reins in 2025. That new owner is White Oak Hospitality, the restaurant group behind surrounding South Charles Street concepts Wayward and Ditos (more on that later).

This summer, the group will transform Mother’s into Liv’s Tavern, named after White Oak co-owner Sean White’s daughter, who has been battling a rare form of leukemia since she was 15 months old.

“Through treatments, pain, and uncertainty, she dances, she smiles, and she reminds everyone around her that life is meant to be lived,” the group shared on social media. “It is her spirit that will be the foundation of this tavern—a place where community comes together, where resilience is celebrated, and joy will always be found.”

Renderings of the new space highlight major renovations including an upgraded Purple Patio—a beloved tradition the new owners plan to preserve. 

“For the community [Mother’s] was more than just a bar, it was a second home,” the post reads. “The traditions built in this building will carry on in the years ahead…”

Clavel to Begin Booking Private Events: Looking for a new space to host a birthday gathering or rehearsal dinner? Mexican eatery and mezcal bar Clavel is now booking private events on Sundays only. “You will have access to our meticulously curated list of vendors to make your event festive and ethereal,” the restaurant shared on social media. Those interested can email clavelmezcal@gmail.com.

CH-CH-CHANGES

Rize + Rest Announces New Hours, Talks Expansion: This should hopefully clear up some confusion. Last month, neighbors in the Patterson Park area expressed concern for modern cafe concept Rize + Rest. Observant patrons noticed the business and liquor license were up for sale. But, fear not, this doesn’t spell the end for the buzzy newbie.

Chef/owner Randall Matthews recently provided some clarity in a video shared to Instagram: “We’ve outgrown this establishment and this location,” he said. “We will begin conversations of expansion—not relocating, but expanding this brand.”

Matthews added that when conversations first began about expanding, he didn’t realize the impact the concept has already had in the neighborhood since it opened in late 2023. So that means, “Rize + Rest isn’t going anywhere,” he confirmed.

Instead, expect new hours. The eatery will only be open Friday 8 a.m.-3 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. for brunch. Matthews said to stay tuned for a forthcoming cocktail experience on Friday and Saturday evenings. 

The Wine Source Unveils New Parking Lot: Good news for those who love a quick pop-in to this one-stop-shop on The Avenue. The Wine Source in Hampden has unveiled a new 10-space parking lot, a project years in the making that has sparked plenty of debate. The diagonal spaces for customers are located behind the building at 3618-3620 Elm Ave., according to Baltimore Fishbowl, and join the half a dozen that the shop offers out front. Just last year, the local wine, liquor, and specialty food store announced it would become a worker-owned cooperative, after former owner David Wells put the business up for sale. 

COMING SOON

The Bullpen: Opening Day is just around the corner (March 31), and good news is in store for O’s fans. The famed stretch of Washington Boulevard sports bars across from Camden Yards in Ridgley’s Delight—home to Pickles Pub and Section 771—will welcome back a familiar face this season. According to reporting by SouthBmore.com, The Bullpen will reopen March 31 after taking a year off to undergo extensive renovations. The watering hole is now owned by Tony Arce and will be run by his son, Danny Arce, who is behind another nearby, new spot…

OPEN

El Bar: Danny Arce also recently opened El Bar in Pigtown. Set in the former home of Friends Grille at 737 Carroll St., which closed in 2023, the new sports bar offers chicken wings, tacos, nachos, quesadillas, and a cheeseburger. Wine and beer are on hand, of course, as are classic game-day cocktails like mules and Crushes, plus margs and a Long Island iced tea. 

EPICUREAN EVENTS

3/17: Ekiben x Alma Cocina Latina Dumpling Pop-Up
The Ekiben team is heading into the kitchen at Alma Cocina Latina yet again for another collaborative pop-up in Station North. A $115 ticket includes a welcome cocktail and a multi-course, family-style meal that will feature dumplings. Cocktails, wine, and beer will also be available for purchase at happy hour pricing. One of the most fun parts (we think, at least, after attending the first collab) is the seating: Parties will be placed together at communal tables, making it easy to connect with fellow Charm City foodies and neighbors. 

SHUT

Charm City Chocolate: The Avenue in Hampden lost a touch of sweetness earlier this week, when owners Todd Zimmerman and Michelle Deal-Zimmerman announced that they would be closing the Charm City Chocolate storefront, with plans to transition to a smaller production space. The candy shop was a go-to for classics like truffles, caramels, and barks, as well as specialties like crab-shaped confections and the viral Dubai chocolate bar.

The owners told The Baltimore Banner that rising cacao costs, plus rent and packaging prices, contributed to the tough decision. “It was our joy to have been the sweetest spot on The Avenue since 2016,” Todd and Michelle posted to Instagram, adding that they will continue to offer online sales, “and we thank each and every one of you for including us in your family celebrations, holidays and sweet tooth cravings!”

Ditos Fed Hill: You know the old adage. “When one door opens…” In conjunction with the official announcement of Liv’s Tavern, White Oak Hospitality shared that Ditos—OGs know it as Banditos—will close up shop in Fed Hill after service this Sunday, March 16. Open since 2012, the tacos-and-tequila bar spawned six other DMV-area locations that now operate everywhere from Columbia to White Marsh. Regulars will remember the Taco Tuesdays, bottomless brunches, monster margaritas, and weekend DJ dance parties. “We are beyond grateful and forever indebted to everyone who has crossed through our doors and become a part of our Banditos family,” White Oak shared on Instagram.

But the building won’t sit vacant for long. GameOn bar+arcade’s Federal Hill location will move into the old Ditos space on March 29, after its last day at its current home down the street on March 22. The barcade will carry on Ditos’ legacy as a South Charles Street social spot with its retro games, array of bar food, and adult Capri Suns. 

The Grill at Harryman House: It’s the end of an era for Reisterstown and Glyndon regulars who have long frequented this Main Street spot. After 39 years, Harryman House has closed. Proprietor John Worthington—who dodged a prison sentence after being charged with tax evasion in 2023—told The Baltimore Banner that he simply couldn’t keep the business afloat any longer. Built around a bona fide log cabin dating back to 1791, the historic space was once a grocery store, a saddlery, and a drug store. Centuries later, it opened as a restaurant in 1987. In 2008, it tacked on The Grill to its name to attract a more casual crowd. 

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Midlina & Poe’s Tower: This vibey restaurant and speakeasy has landed on Boston Street in Canton. Midlina comes from Atlas Restaurant Group alum Karim Kiriakos, who tapped veteran chef Cy Keefer to serve up dishes with a transcontinental spin, including tandori octopus, Dutch meatballs, pork belly ramen, fish and chips, and lobster chicken pot pie. What might draw keen interest, though, is the upstairs Edgar Allan Poe-themed speakeasy, Poe’s Tower, complete with an entrance located behind a bookcase and a blue neon “nevermore” sign. Cocktails play a starring role at both concepts, with libations like the Empress gin fizz, strawberry Aperol spritz, and smoked Old Fashioned. 

Asian Court: Fans of the beloved Asian Court in Ellicott City now have a second location to savor its famous Hong Kong-style dim sum. Asian Court is now open at Metro Centre in Owings Mills, serving up Cantonese cuisine and the aforementioned dim sum, which is available every day during lunch, plus on weekends and holidays with an added bonus of roaming carts. Favorite small bites include chive cakes, fried shrimp rolls, and pork dumplings. The original Howard County location opened in 2011 from owners Luu Quoc Hung and Kay Chen, then relocated seven years later to its current home in Turf Valley Towne Square.

Chicken Salad Chick: This Atlanta-based chain, which you might recognize from TikTok, just cut the ribbon at its first location in Maryland. The fast-casual concept, known for its dozen-plus varieties of chicken salad, is now open at 255 Baltimore Boulevard in Carroll County’s Westminster Station shopping center. Franchise owner Paul Weitz brings a menu of scratch-made chicken salad flavors—from classic to hickory-smoked barbecue and a spicy iteration with jalapeños—scooped atop a salad or on a sandwich. Other offerings include soups, salads, and pimento cheeses. 

Equitea: The proverbial revolving door at the old JBGB’s building on North Howard Street—most recently the temporary home of Doppio Pasticceria, before it moved to its permanent new spot on 29th Street—has quickly spun around yet again. Now it’s a pop-up headquarters for Black-owned tea company Equitea, which specializes in high-quality matcha-based drinks. One year after its founding by owners Quentin and Erin Vennie in Baltimore in 2022, Equitea moved to Los Angeles, where the Vennies attracted the attention of actress Gwyneth Paltrow, who is now an advisor. The brand currently sells its blends in more than 600 stores across 28 states.

The pop-up in Baltimore (open Tuesday through Sunday from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. through March 22, “to start”) is meant to be a homecoming: “The plan was always to come home,” Quentin told The Baltimore Banner. “Matcha, for me, is one of the healthiest ingredients you can consume. Taken in moderation, it’s a great alternative to coffee.”

Beverages on the menu include matcha lattes, flights, sodas, and wellness shots, plus dirty matchas and golden milk lattes. The tea company is even partnering with former tenant Doppio to offer fresh pastries and baked goods. On the weekends, patrons can also expect small bites and food pairings from local chefs. 

EPICUREAN EVENTS

2/22-3/2: Black-Owned Restaurant Tour 2025
The CIAA basketball tournament is back in town, which means so is the Black-Owned Restaurant Tour. Nearly 20 Black-owned restaurants surrounding CFG Bank Arena have united to offer specials for spectators looking to get a taste of Charm City’s food scene. Participating concepts this weekend include Papi Cuisine, Slutty Vegan, Unity, Crust By Mack, and Jerk at Nite. The tour offers one or two featured spots daily—each going all out with food and drink specials, live music, and more fun. See the full itinerary, here.

2/24-3/1: The Dive Does The Olive Garden
As the famous slogan for the internet’s favorite chain restaurant goes, “When you’re here, you’re family.” This week, The Dive in Canton is channeling that familial spirit by transforming into an Olive Garden-inspired pop-up through Saturday. Of course, expect salad and breadsticks (but not unlimited because, as the owners wrote on social media, “we aren’t billionaires”), plus other familiar menu items like eggplant parmesan, meatballs, and a riff on the chain’s famous “Tour of Italy” entree. Here, it’s the “Tour of Canton,” featuring a sampling of favorite Italian dishes like chicken parmesan, beef lasagna, and fettuccine Alfredo. Other fun treats available include frozen bellinis, tiramisu with lady fingers, soft serve ice cream, and Andes mints to grab on your way out. 

2/28-3/30: Maryland Vegan Restaurant Month
Started in 2017 by Baltimore restaurant owners Samantha Claassen of Golden West Café and Naijha Wright-Brown of The Land of Kush, the ever-popular Maryland Vegan Restaurant Month returns to the DMV area starting tomorrow. The month-long dining promotion doesn’t provide the traditional prix-fixe menus of other Restaurant Weeks. Instead, participating restaurants are encouraged to create a selection of affordable plant-based items to be offered throughout the month. Along with Golden West Café and The Land of Kush, participating Baltimore restaurants include Toki Underground, Catalog Coffee, Nana, Ekiben, Cafe Fili, and The Charmery. Firm up your plant-based dining plans by checking out the full list of participating spots, here. 

SHUT

Paulie Gee’s: This Hampden pizza palace—a franchise of the small national chain that started in Brooklyn, N.Y.—has officially closed up shop. Owner Kelly Beckham cited lingering effects from the COVID-19 pandemic and the location’s size as reasons for the closure. “Operating in such a huge space, particularly post-pandemic, created too many headwinds to navigate,” he wrote in a message posted to social media last week. “At the end of the day, I wasn’t up to the task.” But this doesn’t necessarily spell the end for Beckham. He added in his post that “another potential future for Paulie Gee’s in Baltimore is being worked on. A pie or slice might be available from this space or from another location in Hampden sometime relatively soon.” Here’s hoping the revival includes the OG “Stinger Bell” pie. 

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Rumhouse: Annapolis will soon be home to this new Caribbean restaurant with—as its name signifies—an extensive rum collection. Rumhouse opens Feb. 19 in the Eastport neighborhood on Sixth Street. The concept comes from owners Coryse Brathwaite Zebovitz and Edward Zebowitz, Anne Arundel County residents who have appointed their son, Jonathan Dean, as director of hospitality and Natasha de Bourg (of Bravo’s Below Deck fame) as executive chef.

De Bourg plans to bring her native Trinidadian palate to a menu of small plates and entrees including oxtail-stuffed pasta, jerk lamb, ceviche, gumbo, and lump crab dumplings. Island-inspired cocktails will be on offer, as well, including a variety of mojitos and classics like a daiquiri and a caipirinha. “We aim to be a destination hub, a place to feel the spirit of the Caribbean,” de Bourg said in a press release.

Patrons can also expect a $150, six-course tasting menu from de Bourg, which will change weekly and be available by reservation only during Friday and Saturday service. She’ll also soon debut an afternoon tea experience on Saturdays, where she’ll pair sweet and savory Caribbean-inspired dishes with specialty teas.

The Admiral’s Cup: Atlas Restaurant Group is bringing The Admiral’s Cup to Annapolis this summer inside the historic Stevens Hardware building in downtown’s City Dock. This will be the storied Fells Point tavern’s second location. “We believe The Admiral’s Cup will fit in perfectly with the surrounding bars in downtown Annapolis,” said Atlas founder and president Alex Smith, in a press release. “With its waterfront location, live music, and vibrant energy, it will be a great addition to City Dock and a place where both locals and visitors can come together to enjoy great entertainment and food.”

OPEN

Forno: No, this (sadly) isn’t the resurrection of the late Forno in the theater district downtown. It’s actually a new Italian speakeasy located in the former home of Di Pasquale’s in Highlandtown. The Di Pasquale family is behind the concept, which serves up pizza, wine, beer, small plates like meatballs with herb-whipped ricotta, and cocktails like espresso martinis. The speakeasy comes four years after the Di Pasquales moved their famous, longstanding Italian market to a larger space in Brewers Hill. (The market also has a second location in Harborview.) Forno is currently open Thursday to Sunday from 4-11 p.m.

Nostalgia Diner: The owners of H3irloom Food Group are testing a new concept at Harborplace. A new pop-up from David and Tonya Thomas, Nostalgia Diner is now open in the old home of Johnny Rockets at the Light Street Pavilion on Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. until it debuts there permanently in the near future. The small menu—also available for delivery via DoorDash—will change each week, including items like pit lamb sandwiches, spicy turkey sausage, a curry chicken biscuit pot-pie, and sliced pound cake.

“A lot of people don’t realize there are things going on down here in the harbor,” Tonya said in a video posted to Instagram, citing other businesses like Vinyl and Pages and vegan restaurant Oleum. “If you’re looking for the food of H3irloom, the food of chef David and myself, we’re down here at the Light Street Pavilion.”

The Wren: Fells Point is now home to a new pub from the team behind Le Comptoir du Vin. The Wren quietly opened this month inside the longtime home of Birds of a Feather on Aliceanna Street. (We reported last year that the scotch bar’s owner, Alicia Horn Merritt, retired and sold the bar to Le Comptoir owners Will Mester and Rosemary Liss.) Expect a rotating chalkboard menu of dishes including cassoulet; a cabbage, bacon, and potato soup; and farmhouse cheeses, as well as beer, wine, and, of course, scotch. More details in our preview, here. 

COMING SOON

Doppio Pasticceria: Mark your calendars for Feb. 18. That’s when Doppio Pasticceria will finally debut inside its permanent home in Remington—the former Cahoots Brothers building adjacent to Greedy Reads on W. 29th Street. Most recently, it had been operating out of the former home of JBGB’s on North Howard Street, and inside R. House before that. Thanks to its pizza, pastries, and housemade grocery items, the Sicilian-style bakery has grown a solid fan base in the neighborhood. Suffice it to say, locals are glad it’s staying close by. 

“We started this project in January 2023,” the shop wrote on social media. “The amount of work that has gone into dragging this project to the finish line is immense and far reaching from many different parties. We can’t wait to share it with you.”

CH-CH-CHANGES

New Owner at SoBo Café: This Federal Hill fixture made a big announcement this month—a new owner will soon be at the helm. “After an extensive search, we will be transitioning to a new owner (and chef) who plans to continue operations with the same care and love of food, service, and community,” SoBo Café shared on social media. “More details to come soon on the transition timeline. In the meantime, we will continue normal operations, offering dine-in, carry out, and catering.” 

This is the latest change in SoBo’s long history. The restaurant originally opened in the ‘90s. While many of its cohorts are long gone, it survived due to the dedication of its most recent owner, Anna Leventis, who bought the place in 2011 and sparked a genuine revival of the neighborhood mainstay.

Charm City Meadworks Moves to Peabody Heights: Change is also afoot on the other side of the harbor. Charm City Meadworks’ Mt. Vernon taproom is now closed. But fear not—the meadery, which has operated out of its location on E. Biddle Street for eight years, announced it is moving to Peabody Heights Brewery in Waverly. “This partnership has been in the works for some time, and we’re so excited,” the team wrote on social media. “Once up and running, our products will be available on tap and to-go at [Peabody] and will continue to be available at your local liquor store and watering hole.”

EPICUREAN EVENTS

2/14: Valentine’s Day Recs
Still in need of Valentine’s Day plans? Baltimore has you covered. We recently rounded up local restaurant recommendations that will fill both your stomach and your soul—whether you’re planning to celebrate the holiday with your partner, BFF, family members, or a group (be sure to check out our Galentine’s guide, here).

SHUT

Lost Ark Distilling: Last call is approaching for this rum-focused Howard County distillery after eight years. Lost Ark announced on social media that its final day of service will be Feb. 15. “It is with heavy hearts that we have to announce the closure of Lost Ark Distilling as we know it,” the owners wrote. “Our mission has always been to strive to provide the best products and service—and even more importantly be a positive influence in the community…We believe that we accomplished that and oh so much more.” Lost Ark shared space inside a Columbia office park with Hysteria Brewing, which also seems to have closed, (but without an official announcement).

Eat.Drink.Relax: This Mt. Vernon eatery, also known as EDR, quietly closed up shop on its corner of Eager and Cathedral streets, according to the Baltimore Business Journal. EDR debuted in 2021 after taking over what was once the home of City Cafe for more than 25 years. The restaurant, from the team behind The Civil (which closed in 2023), served up craft cocktails, oysters, lobster tails, and eye-catching desserts.

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Baltimore Spots Named James Beard Award Semifinalists: Just like that, it’s award season again for the national culinary scene. The nominees are in for the 2025 James Beard Awards, and, as in previous years, Baltimore industry pros have been named as semifinalists for the the so-called “Oscars of the food world.” Among them is veteran honoree, Charleston, in the category of Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program. Additionally, Clavel was once again honored, but in a new category this year, Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service, which named bar director Dre Levon. Finally, Charm City is proud to have yet another chef represented in the Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic category this year, which has awarded chef Jasmine Norton of The Urban Oyster her first nomination.

“We are deeply honored to celebrate our 25th nomination in 2025!” the Charleston team, whose chef Cindy Wolf has been nominated for Best Chef countless times but has never brought home the trophy, wrote on Instagram. “Thank you to the @beardfoundation for this incredible recognition. To our cherished patrons who journey from near and far to dine with us, and to our extraordinary team whose passion and dedication continue to elevate Charleston, we extend our heartfelt gratitude.”

The finalists will be announced on April 2, with winners awarded at the annual ceremony in Chicago on June 16.

Kitsch Cafe Expands Hours at R. House: Fans of Kitsch (especially those who aren’t the early-rising kind) will be pumped to hear that the community-forward egg sammy spot, which originated in Tuscany-Canterbury, has announced that its newish stall inside Remington food hall R. House will expand its hours—complete with new menu items. The R. House location is now open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week, rolling out new lunch and dinner bites like soup, salads, taco dip, deviled eggs, and mini corn dogs.

COMING SOON 

Union Hill Kitchen & Craft Bar: A new neighborhood concept is taking over the former home of Blue Hill Tavern, which closed last spring after 15 years in Brewers Hill. Union Hill Kitchen & Craft Bar will soft-open next week at 938 S. Conkling St., serving up small plates, flatbreads, and other modern American dishes. Owner and Montgomery County native Matt Largent has tapped chef Donnie Mygan to lead the kitchen, where he’ll put Peruvian and Spanish spins on some of the items. 

“We want to be a neighborhood restaurant,” Largent says. “We don’t want to pigeonhole ourselves into being just fine dining. We want to be elevated, but approachable.”

Expect an expansive list of small plates such as crispy short ribs and octopus with pimentón aioli, plus flatbreads, a charcuterie program, a pretzel-bun burger, steak frites, and a few vegan options. On the beverage side, bar manager Nico McElhone will serve up craft cocktails (with zero-proof options) made with fresh juices and some scratch-made syrups. An espresso machine will adorn the bar for coffee drinks and espresso martinis. Patrons can also expect a wine list and 12 draft beers.

Although Largent is from Montgomery County, he says he was familiar with Baltimore and fell in love with the Canton/Brewers Hill neighborhoods. He knew of Blue Hill and was excited to get the space up and running again, especially with its location next to the (also up and running again) Mr. Boh sign. He looks forward to utilizing the restaurant’s second floor, outfitted as more of a lounge, for extra space and for private events. Parking is an added bonus, as well. Largent says he’s paying for a lot behind the Canton Self Storage building for patrons, not even a half a block away.

“We’re super excited,” Largent says, adding: “We just look forward to everybody coming in and giving it a shot.”

There will also be a brunch menu on the weekends (served all day on Sunday, along with dinner items after 3 p.m.) and some late-night bites after 9 p.m. The restaurant will be open until 11 p.m. during the week and midnight on the weekends.

Blü Cā: The dining options continue to grow at the Baltimore Peninsula—which welcomed the city’s very-first Ben & Jerry’s last week. This month, developers announced Blü Cā (pronounced blue kay) is set to open in 2026. The restaurant is a new Jamaican concept from One Love Restaurant Group, which is behind Island Spice in Harford County and KŌNŌKŌ in Baltimore County. Diners can expect an “immersive island experience” with, of course, a focus on Jamaican cuisine, plus vibrant designs and live music. The eatery aims to celebrate Jamaican heritage through “reggae fusion” small plates.

OPEN

Lao Sze Chuan: A new spot for Chinese cuisine and dim sum is now open in Charles Village. Lao Sze Chuan debuted this month at 3224 St. Paul St., the former home of Busboys and Poets, specializing in Szechuan dishes like dan dan noodles and mapo tofu. Expect a large, moderately designed dining room with pendant lights, tufted booths, and plenty of natural light. Online orders for carryout and delivery are available, as well. Along with bold and spicy items (what Szechuan cuisine is known for), the menu also comprises familiar favorites like pork soup dumplings, chicken wonton soup, and braised pork belly. 

EPICUREN EVENTS

1/24-2/2: Baltimore Restaurant Week
Baltimore Restaurant Week is back for its winter run, hoping to get diners out and about (despite the frigid temps) for deals at some of Charm City’s best eateries. For $35, $45, or $55, get a prix-fixe dinner at spots like BLK Swan, Bunny’s, Costiera, Foraged, Mera Kitchen Collective, Miss Shirley’s Cafe, The Urban Oyster, and Verde. Some Atlas Restaurant concepts are participating, as well, and, through Jan. 26, they are donating a portion of proceeds to TasteWise Kids, a Baltimore-based nonprofit that works with local children to teach them about food and developing healthy eating habits.

2/4: The Duchess Benefit for Women’s Law Center of Maryland
New Hampden restaurant The Duchess will host a special happy hour on Tuesday, Feb. 4 from 5-7 p.m. to benefit the work of the Women’s Law Center of Maryland, which provides free legal services and advocates for legislative remedies to ensure the physical safety, economic security, and autonomy of women throughout the state. The happy hour will feature specialties of chef/co-owner Kiko Fejarang and music by local singer/songwriter Katie Callaha.

2/19-3/1: Alma Cocina’s Black Heritage Month Menu
Alma Cocina Latina in Station North is launching an exciting partnership for the month of February. Chef Héctor Romero is collaborating with Catina Smith, aka Chef Cat, of Our Time Kitchen on a special Black Heritage Month menu titled, Africa in the Americas: Diasporas at the Table. “This innovative pairing of Black and Latinx chefs celebrates the shared ethos of food, flavor, and history that these communities each cultivate and cherish,” the restaurant shared on social media. Reservations are recommended to try out the menu, which will run Feb. 19 through March 1.

SHUT

Bondhouse Kitchen: Much to the community’s surprise, this buzzy Fells Point restaurant officially closed on Jan. 13. Bondhouse Kitchen, which recently opened its adjacent speakeasy GoatBar, announced the news abruptly the day of its closure on social media, and did not reveal any details behind the decision. The spot—which was named among our 50 Best Restaurants in 2023—opened in 2020 and was known for its comfort-food favorites and a killer happy hour, which featured the popular Bartender’s Choice bar program. In its closure announcement, Bondhouse said that GoatBar “will remain open for a few more weeks” and to follow its Instagram account (@goatbarfellspoint) for updates. The Aliceanna Room, the owners’ dance venue and private events space, also shuttered on Jan. 13. 

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Bar Vegan: On the heels of the long-awaited ribbon cutting of Slutty Vegan at the Baltimore Peninsula just before Christmas, owner and Baltimore native Pinky Cole’s sister-concept, Bar Vegan, will officially debut adjacent to the burger bar on Friday, Jan. 10. Compared to Slutty Vegan’s fast-casual service, Bar Vegan offers a sit-down model with plant-based lunch, brunch, and dinner offerings, plus its own cocktail program. Popular dishes at the Atlanta flagship have included a Buffalo “chick’n” sandwich served with steak fries; a tater tot brunch bowl with eggs, peppers, and a garlic cream sauce; and the White Spaghetti, a spin on chicken alfredo. 

Kneads Bakeshop & Cafe: A new location of H&S Bakery’s restaurant concept—which currently operates in Harbor East and at Canton Crossing—will open this week at The Village of Cross Keys. Beginning Friday, Jan. 10, Kneads’ smaller, grab-and-go style bakery and coffee shop—the 20-seat interior is decorated with a boho design that pays homage to the owners’ Greek heritage—will open its doors next to Always Ice Cream Company inside the development’s newly constructed “jewel box building.”

“The centerpiece of the bakery is the visually stunning and intimate six-top ‘jewel box’ coffee bar,” Kneads co-owner Kira Paterakis said in a press release, “which is visible from the street and entices passersby to step inside and enjoy a drink or a decadent treat.”

Another standout design feature here is the “Chamber of Kneads,” a walk-up window inspired by the historic Florentine wine windows of Italy that date back 400 years when the windows were used to serve wine during an epidemic. Here, patrons can approach the window, ring a bell, and order wine to enjoy as they peruse the shops.

For now, expect a menu of Kneads’ favorite breakfast, lunch, and freshly baked goods, plus coffee and tea. Initial hours are 7 a.m.-3 p.m. 

NEWS

Cocina Luchadoras Lunch Residency at Saunter Corner Bar: There was some back and forth about the fate of Cocina Luchadoras in 2024, but last week, the beloved Mexican eatery officially, officially announced the closure of its longtime home on Broadway in Upper Fells Point.

“This has been an incredibly difficult and emotional decision, and after eight beautiful years, I am sad to say goodbye to a location that has given so much to the Upper Fells community,” owner Rosalyn Vera wrote on social media. “Regrettably, I could not manage the rising costs of operating the restaurant.”

But, luckily for all of us, the concept lives on. The next day, Vera announced that Cocina Luchadoras would remain operational inside Saunter Corner Bar at 1801 E. Lombard St. Vera and her crew will be on site Monday through Friday during lunch hours (11 a.m.-3 p.m.), serving up Luchadoras’ authentic tacos, tortas, and burritos, plus a few “surprises along the way.” The residency here will run through the month of January. “Stay tuned—this is just the beginning of a new journey, and we can’t wait to share it with you,” Vera wrote.

Baltimore Spirits Co. Earns Prestigious Whiskey Recognition: Baltimore Spirits Co. continues to make waves in the world of whiskey production. The local distiller was recently included on a prestigious list of the Top 100 Whiskeys of 2024, with its Epoch Reserve Maryland Straight Rye clocking in at No. 62. The list is curated by Frank Minnick, a renowned spirits writer and critic known for his in-depth reviews that often focus on bourbon and American whiskey. “We are ecstatic and humbled to have Epoch Reserve added to Fred Minnick’s top 100 American whiskeys list this year,” the team wrote on Instagram. “Cheers to having a Maryland rye back on the board.”

EPICUREAN EVENTS

1/12: Nacho Mama’s Last Day
This weekend is your last chance to celebrate the 30-year legacy of Nacho Mama’s—and maybe even take home a piece of it. The quirky Bawlmer classic, famous for its hubcap margs, Tex-Mex fare, and Elvis decor, will close its doors for good after service on Jan. 12. Both locations in Towson and Canton have been commemorating this final week by offering up memorabilia and collectibles like those famous hubcaps and commemorative bottles and cans available for purchase. Patrons can also get their hands on special farewell T-shirts. Thankfully, sister-restaurant Mama’s on the Half Shell will remain in operation in Canton and Owings Mills, and all Nacho Mama’s gift cards will be honored there after the 12th. 

1/19: Dry January Classic
Taking part in Dry January? Or just curious about nonalcoholic beverages in general? Tickets are available now for Dutch Courage and Fadensonnen’s upcoming Dry January Classic, which the Old Goucher neighbors are billing as “Baltimore’s first spirit-free cocktail competition.” Taking place at both bars throughout the afternoon, the friendly bartending competition will unite 12 local hospitality experts who will compete for a grand prize of travel, hotel stay, and tickets to Bar Convent Brooklyn (a big industry trade event.) The bartender’s drinks will be judged by Steve Chu of Ekiben, chef John Shields of Gertrude’s, and Baltimore Bartenders’ Guild vice president AMac on their creativity, execution, and flavors. Along with samples of NA beer, wine, and cocktails from the competition, spectators will enjoy complimentary oysters and live music at both venues. They can also vote on their favorites to crown a People’s Choice winner. 

SHUT

Kenwood Tavern: This one is hitting Canton locals hard. A cozy place appreciated for its high-quality cocktails and unpretentious atmosphere, Kenwood Tavern shuttered its doors last month. The original owners of the concept, Matt and Molly Steinberg, announced recently that they were no longer involved with the business after irreconcilable differences with the space’s landlord and liquor license holder. (After they announced their departure, a new Instagram page was made for Kenwood Tavern promoting its holiday-themed cocktails, presumably under new ownership. That page for the business no longer exists.)

Thankfully, the Steinbergs can be found at the aforementioned Saunter Corner Bar, where they are partners alongside Martha Robichaud and No Land Beyond owner Michael Cohn. Aside from the Cocina Luchadoras residency, bar-goers can also look forward to Feb. 1, when Saunter will launch its art bar concept Meander on site. That means patrons can enjoy art kits and mini workshops while they sip and savor. (Read more, here.)

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Wye Oak Tavern: When we last wrote about celeb chef Bryan Voltaggio in July, he had announced the closure of his Frederick fine-dining destination Thacher & Rye. He shared that the space had become The Ordinary Hen with new ownership at the helm, and that he was helping the restaurant transition while simultaneously working on a new project. Now, that new project, Wye Oak Tavern, has come to fruition. 

Billed as a modern tavern and seasonal steakhouse, Wye Oak is now open inside the new Visitation Hotel Frederick—the first hotel in downtown Frederick in 50 years. The concept comes from Bryan and his brother Michael Voltaggio (both Top Chef alums), marking their first joint project in their hometown. Expect a menu featuring Mid-Atlantic flavors and ingredients that focuses on steaks (including dry-aged cuts), pastas, seafood, and local game. 

Although the food is certainly the star at Wye Oak, the interior design is not far behind. Originally an 1800s convent and Catholic school for girls, the building that houses the hotel has been transformed by real estate developers into a 65-room property. There are, of course, updates to the structure, but the goal was to preserve its grandeur.

That’s easy to see at Wye Oak, which features soaring ceilings, stained glass windows, and a decades-old church organ on the balcony. The design also showcases pewter accents, tree-ring details, and nature-inspired paintings from local artist Jenny Wilson that serve as a nod to the name. (Wye Oak derives from what was once the country’s largest white oak in Talbot County.)

“When we started seeing people come from different parts of the country to dine in the restaurant [Volt, which became Thacher & Rye], the one thing that was underserved was the full experience—like a place to stay,” Bryan recently told The Washington Post.

And yes, he confirmed to the paper that Volt/Thacher & Rye’s signature golden sage ravioli made the journey to the Wye Oak menu. Whew!

GoatBar: ICYMI—social media recently sent this new(ish) speakeasy into local virality. GoatBar opened in September and comes from the minds behind Bondhouse Kitchen in Fells Point. The new bar is even located adjacent to Bondhouse on Aliceanna Street. Expect a menu of curated cocktails inspired by the 1920s, including a vanilla vodka espresso martini; a spicy paloma; and a Harbor Mule with vodka, velvet falernum, lime, and ginger beer. There’s an extensive list of mocktails,  too.

The bar has two specials starting today running until Dec. 28: the Spiced Pear Delight with spiced rum, pear nectar, lemon juice, and cinnamon simple syrup; and the Cozy Citrus with fresh grapefruit juice, rosemary honey syrup, and tonic water.

COMING SOON

Slutty Vegan: The time has almost come. Popular vegan burger bar Slutty Vegan is set to hold its grand opening at Baltimore Peninsula in South Baltimore on Saturday, Dec. 21. The concept will anchor Rye Street Market, the mixed-use office, retail, and food vendor space located in the center of the 235-acre community. For years, owner Aisha “Pinky” Cole has blessed diners throughout New York, Georgia, and Alabama with her wildly popular plant-based burgers, which have been lauded by the likes of Snoop Dogg and Tyler Perry. But for the East Baltimore native, this new location serves as a special homecoming. It will also feature Slutty Vegan’s Bar Vegan concept, which offers a sit-down model (compared to Slutty Vegan’s classic fast-casual service) and serves up vegan lunch, brunch, and dinner. Stay tuned for more details. 

NEWS

Dave Portnoy Visits Baltimore Pizza Spots: We love nothing more than when the local food scene gets some well-deserved attention. On the heels of Keith Lee’s TikTok-amplified tour of Baltimore restaurants (which gave lots of love to Rooted Rotisserie in Hollins Market) in September, Barstool Sports‘ Dave Portnoy—famous for his viral one-bite pizza critiques—came through town last week. He was spotted pulling slices at favorites like Angeli’s Pizzeria in Little Italy, Pizza John’s in Essex, Franks Pizza and Pasta on Belair Road, and Matthew’s Pizza in Patterson Park. Although his reviews haven’t dropped just yet, owners of the local pie joints were grateful for the visits, sharing photos with Portnoy on their social pages.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

12/23: Schola’s Feast of the Seven Fishes
This popular holiday cooking class returns to Schola’s educational kitchen in Canton next week, and it still has a few spots left. Join in on the Sicilian tradition of cooking seven different fish dishes, including roasted oysters, whipped baccala and garlic toasts, fried calamari, cioppino, linguine with white clam sauce, and shrimp in salsa verde. Italian cookies are on deck for dessert. Tickets run $103. Classes are BYOB.

(SOON TO BE) SHUT

Nacho Mama’s: It’s safe to say many Baltimoreans were blindsided when news dropped last week that Nacho Mama’s would close both its Canton and Towson locations after 30 years in business. January 12 will be the last day of service at the quirky Bawlmer classic—famous for its hubcap margs, Tex-Mex fare, and Elvis decor.

“Although this decision has not been easy for us, our family is grateful to our community that we have been blessed to serve for over three decades,” owners Jackie, Darby, and Finn McCusker said in a statement. Despite the closure, they say they still plan to grow their Mama’s Restaurant Group, which also operates Mama’s On the Half Shell—whose two locations in Canton and Owings Mills will remain open. “We hope that you will visit us one last time for our famous hubcap margarita or a Natty Boh or to share a meal from our special Maryland-Mex menu,” the owners said. 

Perennial: Atlas Restaurant Group will close one of its restaurants for the first time by the end of this year, according to The Baltimore Banner. Perennial will shutter in Towson after service on Dec. 28. Company co-founder Alex Smith told the paper that weak sales led to the decision. Perennial, serving up farm-to-fork fare, opened in 2021 after taking over the space once home to Cunningham’s. There’s no word yet on what will replace it. 

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Patterson Pins: Residents in and around Patterson Park mourned the loss of the longstanding Patterson Bowling Center back in 2022, but there had always been talk of keeping the space on Eastern Avenue a haven for duckpin. Now, a reboot is finally ready to roll. On Thursday, Dec. 12, Patterson Pins will open as a bar and entertainment lounge where locals can still enjoy the Charm City pastime. Expect two lanes, a rotating selection of arcades, and a video game-inspired cocktail menu (along with classics) from beverage director Shaun Stewart—an alum of Hampden Yards and The Bluebird Cocktail Room. 

“We see people grabbing our cocktail menu off the welcome wall, ordering from the bar, and then heading downstairs to hang out in our arcade, maybe grabbing a bite from across the street at Johnny Rads and bringing it in to enjoy downstairs,” Stewart said in a statement. “With the innovative cocktails, well-selected beer menu, and thoughtful nonalcoholic menu, we are trying to put together a space that feels comfortable, fun, and innovative.”

Aside from the partnership encouraging patrons to grab a bite from Johnny Rads, Patterson Pins will offer daily bar snacks and organize routine collabs with food trucks and pop-ups. 

NEWS

Mother’s Federal Hill Grille: It’s the end of an era for Baltimoreans who have made this Federal Hill fixture a part of their routine for game days, pajama brunches, and community fundraisers throughout the past 27 years. This week, the beloved sports bar—perhaps best known for its Purple Patio ragers—announced that its final day of service will be Jan. 19, 2025. The team wrote on social media that the business at 1113 S Charles St. has been sold to a new owner who will take over in the New Year, although there’s no word yet on what will become of the concept. The other two Mother’s locations in Timonium and Arnold will remain open and unchanged. 

“While this chapter is closing, we are excited to look ahead to the next phase in Mother’s history, with the younger generation continuing to grow and expand the brand,” the post reads. Owner Dave Rather told The Baltimore Banner that competition for staff in Fed Hill and the challenges of off-site catering were factors in the decision to sell. “Baltimore City will always hold a special place in our hearts, and this location has been the flagship of our brand,” Rather wrote in the post. “While it is difficult to turn the page, we know it is the right decision for our family as we look ahead to the future.”

OPEN

Bubbakoo’s Burritos: This Mexican-fusion chain just opened its eighth Maryland location at Putty Hill Plaza in Nottingham. Expect its customizable burritos and bowls, plus other fun items like loaded birria fries, jalapeño poppers, Southwest eggrolls, and Boardwalk Cookies (aka fried Oreos.) “We’re thrilled to continue to introduce our flavorful menu to the Baltimore area,” said owner Parth Patel in a press release. “The brand has built a strong reputation both locally and across the East Coast, and I’m proud to play a role in its growth here in Maryland.” 

The Duchess: Tony Foreman’s highly anticipated new concept, The Duchess, continues its grand debut with a ticketed fundraiser supporting B’More Healthy Babies tonight in Hampden. Serving the bold flavors of the tropics, the authentic public house is perched on The Avenue in the former home of Café Hon. Foreman tapped executive chef/partner Kiko Fejarang to helm the menu, which will feature the cuisine of the Mariana Islands, including Fejarang’s birthplace of Guam.

“The Duchess is an homage to where I grew up with a lot of Asian influence,” Fejarang told Baltimore last week. “Guam is similar to Hawaii in that it’s a tropical island with a melting pot of Asian flavors, including Filipino, Japanese, Korean, and even some Spanish cuisine.” 

Fejarang said to expect offerings like different versions of fried rice, tuna poke bowls, tempura-battered fish and chips, Spam musubi with furikake rice, pork belly skewers with miso-barbecue glaze, and duck donburi (a Japanese rice bowl of sorts). Foreman added that the beverage menu will include beers on tap and wine, plus tropical-inspired, rum-based cocktails. 

Regular service begins this weekend with reservations available via Resy. Read our full preview, here.

MONUMENT LIGHTING EVENTS (TONIGHT!)

Hotel Revival’s Viewing Party: There might be no better way to officially ring in the holiday season in Baltimore than with the annual Mt. Vernon Monument Lighting—and nearby businesses are once again capitalizing on the extra foot traffic. Hotel Revival’s rooftop restaurant Topside, which boasts a prime view of the monument, is hosting an all-inclusive viewing party with light fare, drinks, and a live holiday jazz ensemble from the Peabody Institute. Tickets can be purchased here. Other festivities open to the public for free will take place throughout the hotel’s public spaces like the lobby and its speakeasy lounge, B-Side. Everything kicks off at 6 p.m.

Bloom’s After Party: If you’re looking for a spot to warm up after the fireworks, head to Bloom’s, the cocktail lounge at the Ulysses hotel. Holiday revelers can enjoy special cocktails named after the streets guests will pass while walking to the bar from Mount Vernon Place. This includes the “Washington Place,” an orange and spice rye Old Fashioned; the “Branch Lane” hibiscus spritz; and “The Charles,” a Baltimore iced tea.

OTHER EPICUREAN EVENTS

12/6-12/8: HEX Superette’s Tasting Weekend
Get a taste of local food and beverage creations this weekend at HEX Superette, the hybrid bar and small supermarket in Govans. The shop will host ongoing tastings Friday through Sunday, highlighting more than 15 local makers like Baltimore Spirits Company, Taharka Bros. Ice Cream, Barkada Bread, and Chacho’s Aguardiente. “During the hectic holiday shopping season, we wanted to offer a chance for shoppers to unwind and taste the best of what Baltimore and the region has to offer,” co-founder and owner Shane Carpenter said in a press release. “from adult beverages to mouthwatering indulgent sweets, artisanal cheeses, tea, baked goods and more.” See the full schedule here.

SHUT

Bark Social: This bar-meets-dog-park chain abruptly closed all of its locations at the end of November. Bark Social locations in Canton and a newly opened park in Columbia chained their gates, much to the chagrin of Charm City dog owners. The company shared on social media that financing fell through and it has entered bankruptcy. 

Sizka: Canton also just lost a sushi hangout. Sizka, located on O’Donnell Square, shuttered its doors at the end of November. Known for its Japanese fusion and Korean dishes, plus a hidden gem of an omakase counter, Sizka has resided at the intersection of O’Donnell Street and South Linwood Avenue since 2019. Owner and chef Jung Kim told the Baltimore Business Journal that the restaurant couldn’t quite recover from the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. He also said the restaurant’s lease was ending.

Uncle’s Hawaiian Grindz: Though this nearly decade-old favorite—which gave diners a taste of Hawaii by way of Harford County—will close beginning January 1, the business has plans to live on as a catering company. “It has been our privilege to share Hawaiian food and culture with Harford County and beyond over the last eight years,” reads a social media announcement. “We have met so many amazing people along the way…that have contributed their time and efforts to making Uncle’s an Ohana.” The post goes on to invite patrons in for one last “Spam Musubi, Uncle’s Mix Plate [smoked chicken, garlic shrimp, teriyaki ribeye, and mac salad] and laugh with our staff” before the end of the year.

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Mystique Barrel Brewing and Lager House: When Suspended Brewing announced it was leaving Pigtown and relocating to a smaller space in North Baltimore last year, residents mourned a solid spot for tipping back local brews. But happy days are ahead. Mystique Barrel Brewing and Lager House debuted in the old Suspended space this month, and will hold its official grand opening on Saturday.

The concept comes from Thomas Pagano, a longtime brewer who happens to be a Suspended alum. He’s also worked at Checkerspot Brewing and Mobtown Brewing.

“It’s been 10 months since we took over the lease,” says Pagano, whose renovation effort followed in Suspended’s sustainable footsteps, making use of clean energy and highlighting furniture made with reclaimed materials. “We’ve done a lot of upgrades to an already beautiful taproom. We built out a small kitchen, and we pretty much touched every surface besides the taproom floor and one other wall.”

Mystique’s offerings span from easy-drinking lagers and ciders to IPAs and seltzers. There are currently 10 brews on tap, including a pre-Prohibition corn lager. “It goes back to that old style where German brewers came here and only had American malt and hops,” Pagano explains. “So we embraced that by using some of the malt to go with corn, and by using New World hops up to this current day and age.”

If you’re looking for a unique pour, Mystique’s Quartet Saison uses four different yeasts/microbes. “There’s a lot of complexity going on,” Pagano says, “that one took a while to develop.”

To pair with all of the experimental brews, expect small bites like pulled pork sliders, potato pierogies, paninis, and pretzel bites. Right now, Mystique is open Thursdays through Sundays. Stop by the grand opening this Saturday for an official ribbon cutting, $5 beers from 12-3 p.m., and giveaways every hour from 4-8 p.m.

NEWS

Cajou Creamery Receives Outpouring of Support: After sharing on social media that it was in danger of closing, Cajou Creamery received  overwhelming support from the community this past weekend. The Black-owned, plant-based creamery—which we’ve named among the best in the city—saw lines down its block on Howard Street for multiple days. “Thank you for standing with us, for waiting in those long lines, and for proving that this community is unstoppable,” owners Dwight Campbell and Nicole Foster wrote on Instagram. “Let’s keep showing up for each other and building a future we can all be proud of.” 

The flurry of patronage was spurred by Cajou’s announcement that last weekend might have been its last. The owners cited low pedestrian traffic, other closed businesses nearby, power and water outages, and “BGE explosions that have impacted our freezer” as challenges that put the shop on the brink of closure. After this encouraging weekend, the owners revealed that they’re looking for a new location. “We need your help to keep going,” they said. “We hope you keep showing up for us and other local businesses like you did this weekend.”

Crust by Mack Ends Retail Operations at Harborplace: Amanda Mack’s beloved bakery Crust by Mack made a big announcement earlier this month. The pastry chef revealed on social media that her shop at Harborplace will end its retail operations. That means that although the business will remain in the space, it will not be open to customers. This is in an effort to expand Crust by Mack’s catering operations (Thanksgiving pie orders are open now) and provide more opportunity for special events and community collaborations. “This shift supports serving you in a wider capacity and brings us even closer together through specially curated events like supper clubs and brunch balls,” she wrote. “Harborplace is our home; we haven’t gone anywhere and don’t plan to.”

Baltimore Spirits Co. Celebrates Ninth Anniversary with Special Bottling: This award-winning local distillery has officially been on the scene for nine years. In keeping with tradition, Baltimore Spirits Co. is releasing a special birthday bottle—a five-year-old single barrel rye whiskey, bottled at cask strength after spending more than two years in the toasted barrel to finish its aging process. Available at the Union Collective distillery starting Nov. 28 (Black Friday) at noon, the special release marks BSC’s first cask-strength toasted finish and only its second five-year cask-strength bottle.

A toasted barrel is different from a traditional charred barrel. Many whiskey barrels are charred on their interior for 40-60 seconds. Toasted barrels, on the other hand, are subjected to less extreme temperatures for longer durations to bring out different flavors. As a result, expect a “deeply fruity flavor profile and an exquisitely creamy mouthfeel” when sampling the new release. 

EPICUREAN EVENTS

11/24: Ekiben Pizza Party at Southpaw
Only a few spots remain for this special pop-up with Ekiben and nearby Fells Point watering hole Southpaw. The two businesses are teaming up to help diners “relive their childhood Pizza Hut buffet memories,” according to a social post. Expect checkered tablecloths and an all-you-can-eat/all-you-can-drink experience at Southpaw. Details on the pizza menu are mum, but Ekiben says to look out for nduja and birria in the mix. The pop-up is running two sessions; the early session at 5:30 p.m. is already sold out, and few tickets remain for the second seating at 7:30 p.m.

SHUT

Noona’s: Midtown-Belvedere pizza joint Noona’s shuttered this month, according to reporting by The Baltimore Business Journal. The Mt. Royal Avenue eatery from Phil Han of Dooby’s opened in 2018 (it later changed hands), offering a menu of signature sourdough-crust pies topped with ingredients like pancetta and shallots, potatoes and leeks, and classic pepperoni and mozzarella. The space won’t be without pizza for long, though. The paper also reports that Angeli’s Pizzeria will open its fifth location there in December. “In essence, we purchased the operations of Noona’s and view this as the chance to provide a new and well-established restaurant option to the local community, rather than terming this a restaurant closure,” Angeli’s co-owner Juniet Ozturk clarified in a statement to the BBJ.

Source

Swap Out the Swine: A Baltimore couple that found success on Shark Tank earlier this year has opened a vegan carryout in the former home of Full Tilt Brewing in Govans. Owners Marvin and Aleah Rae Montague specialize in vegan products under their company Meet the Mushroom, and wowed the sharks with their faux bacon made from mushrooms, olive oil, smoke flavor, salt, and pepper. 

To try the famous Shroomacon, visitors at the new vegan barbecue restaurant—cleverly dubbed Swap Out the Swine—should go for the BLT sammie or salad. Patrons can also choose from mushroom-based platters like pulled shrooms and “chicken” shrooms that are mesquite smoked and dry rubbed. Scratch-made sides include vegan potato salad, baked beans, ginger-glazed green beans, and coleslaw.

Eight years ago, Marvin went vegan after battling various health issues. When they improved, he and his wife wanted to get the word out about the health benefits of a plant-based diet. “Initially, I thought I’d start a vegan restaurant in my neighborhood,” he told us in July. “A lot of people in the Black community suffer from heart disease and diabetes and I wanted to help others follow a healthy lifestyle.”

They switched to a grocery-based product when they realized it could have more of an impact (you can find Shroomacon in more than 150 grocery stores around the country.) But now, the restaurant allows Marvin to “be more creative” and test new recipes faster, as he told the Baltimore Business Journal recently. He hopes the two businesses will complement each other nicely.

COMING SOON

All Good Things Cafe: The good news continues for Baltimore vegans. The minds behind Vegan Juiceology (previously on Howard Row) recently announced that they’re expanding their offerings with a new eatery in Reservoir Hill—specifically, inside the old Dovecote Cafe space. “We have moved everything from Vegan Juiceology to this location,” owner Dominique J. Allen shared in a video showing off the soon-to-be-updated space. The goal is to transform it into “something special,” with interior design helmed by Kenneth Watson of TheRichUnkle. Inside the community space—previously a neighborhood pharmacy—expect the fan-favorite cold-pressed juices, in addition to new items like plant-based burgers and fries and other meatless and pescatarian dishes. All Good Things will also serve coffee, tea, and baked goods. Stay tuned for more.   

ICYMI

Fall Cocktail Menu at Golden West Cafe: Fall menus around Charm City are in full swing. Among the most creative we’ve seen this season is Golden West’s fall 2024 “Femininomenon” cocktail list. As its Chappell Roan-inspired name suggests, the lineup is “an ode to strong female anthems.” The new concoctions include a dirty chai espresso martini titled I’m Working Late—a nod to the catchiest line in Sabrina Carpenter’s earworm “Espresso”—and the spiced carrot colada, Good as Hell, named after Lizzo’s chart-topper. Grab your pals and head to the Hampden cafe to try the sips—and enjoy the pop music they’re inspired by.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

11/1-11/30: Maryland Spirits Month
This November, spirits enthusiasts across the state are encouraged to join the Maryland Distillers Guild in celebrating Maryland Spirits Month. Throughout the month, the organization will spotlight Maryland’s craft distilling industry, from its historic roots (hello, Maryland rye) to the innovative spirits produced today. The guild simply encourages anyone who is interested to visit a state-grown distillery—there are nearly 40 licensed in the Old Line State, according to the guild—or to order a Maryland-made spirit next time you’re out at your favorite bar or restaurant. If you’re looking for a place to show your support in Charm City, check out the likes of Sagamore Spirit at the Baltimore Peninsula, Baltimore Spirits Co. in Hampden, and Old Line Spirits in Highlandtown. 

11/3: CookHouse Bar Takeover at Bunny’s Buckets & Bubbles 
Fans of CookHouse—Baltimore’s cover model for our March 2024 Best Restaurants issue—will be happy to hear that the bar team is planning a special takeover at Bunny’s in Fells Point on Sunday. Starting at 5 p.m., grab a seat to sip specialty drinks that pair with Bunny’s regular menu of fried chicken and other Southern-inspired staples. In keeping with the Champagne and fried chicken concept, we can only expect that bubbly will make its way onto the pop-up menu in some form.

11/9: Scrapple Fest
Our love-it-or-hate-it Mid-Atlantic delicacy—a pressed loaf of pig bits, cornmeal, buckwheat or wheat flour, spices, and salt—now has an entire festival dedicated to it. Next Saturday, head to the Creative Alliance for a full day of celebrating scrapple, from a screening of the documentary Scrapple Road by filmmaker Kurt Kolaja to a scrumptious breakfast-for-dinner menu featuring scrapple prepared various ways by Jon Carroll of Carroll & Son Fine Foods. Tickets run $15-$40. 

SHUT

The Crazy Tuna Bar & Grill: This Essex waterfront eatery and live music venue closed its doors this month. Known for its island vibes and buzzy tiki bar, The Crazy Tuna was a prime place to sip a Mai Tai and people watch as the yachts docked on Hopkins Creek. Owners wrote in a Facebook post that “there is never just one reason when these decisions are made, but please know that Hopkins Creek, Middleborough, Essex, and all the surrounding community is just full of amazing residents and patrons.”

Pavan Foods: Parkville recently said goodbye to Pavan Foods, a longstanding grocery store and Indian restaurant in the area. Owner Janki Patel told the Baltimore Banner that the decision to close was made for personal reasons, including wanting to spend more time with her grandkids and care for her mother-in-law. “We are beyond grateful for the love and support you’ve shown us over the years. It’s been an honor to share our passion with all of you, and we will cherish the memories forever,” the restaurant shared on social media.

Source

Hampden Restaurant to Host Fundraiser for Keswick Road Fire Victims: Earlier this week, North Baltimore was rocked by a five-alarm fire that claimed two lives and damaged at least eight rowhomes. Unsurprisingly, the Hampden restaurant community is stepping up to help neighbors in need. Blue Pit BBQ & Whiskey Bar will host a fundraiser on Sunday, Oct. 20 from 3-9 p.m., donating 100 percent of sales to the victims. The event will also include a silent auction with gift cards and gift baskets donated by Hampden Merchants and other small businesses throughout the city. 

Additionally, a handful of neighborhood eateries—including The Local Fry, The Charmery, Chuck’s Trading Post, Golden West Cafe, The Urban Oyster, and Catalog Coffee—will be donating a portion of sales on Saturday, Oct. 19 to the fire fund. See the full list of participating small businesses, here. 

If you aren’t in the area this weekend but are looking to send support, the Hampden Community Council is accepting donations via Venmo and dividing them amongst all neighbors affected. 

OPEN

Aveley Farms + Diamondback Brewing Co.: Locust Point’s Diamondback Brewing Co. and Towson’s Aveley Farms Coffee Roasters have unveiled their anticipated “all day and all night” concept off of Deereco Road in Timonium. Here, the craft beverage businesses combine coffee, beer, and pizza in a space that spans 4,800 square feet. 

“Getting this location open is a big deal for both of our businesses as we expand our manufacturing and retail footprints,” Aveley Farms owner Corey Voelkel said in a statement. “We’re excited to serve many new and repeat Baltimore County customers here on Deereco.”

Expect a coffee bar; wrap-around beer bar with a 10-tap system; and booth, table, and high-top seating indoors. Aveley operates all of its roasting and green coffee operations out of this space, while Diamondback will add a 3.5-barrel brew system for lagers and experimental beers that will only be available at the Baltimore County location. With architecture by AEC Concepts, the new digs also feature a large outdoor patio that’s connected to the interior by roll-up garage doors.

In the mornings, the menu features pastries, breakfast burritos, and Aveley coffee, while the evening offerings transition to Diamondback draft beer and seasonally rotating Neapolitan-style pizzas. Look out for classics like a margherita, as well as a vegan pie with vegan mozzarella, fresh basil, and olive oil.

Bark Social Columbia: Dog bar concept Bark Social opened its fifth location on Merriweather Row in Columbia earlier this month. The indoor/outdoor venue features 14,000 square feet of yard space and an additional 2,500 square feet of patio space that includes an off-leash dog park, beer garden, full bar, coffee bar, cafe, and a retail store. The food and beverage lineup includes breakfast burritos and coffee in the morning, then beer and shareables like Italian meatballs, pretzel bites, tacos, and flatbreads in the evening. This is the third Bark Social location in Maryland, joining existing outposts in Bethesda and Canton, with the latter opening in 2022. 

COMING SOON

Nine Tailed Fox: It’s been over a year since Atlas Restaurant Group announced plans to open a Chinese concept at The Village of Cross Keys, and as the opening gets closer, new details have emerged. Slated to debut spring 2025, the kitchen at Nine Tailed Fox will be helmed by executive chef Jeffrey Mei, who has nearly three decades of restaurant experience at places like Benny Chows and ONE Dim Sum in Houston, Texas, as well as the Sheraton Hotel in Flushing, New York.

Although details are mum on the menu, diners can expect a 200-seat space designed by longtime Atlas collaborator Patrick Sutton, featuring traditional Chinese design elements and a rooftop terrace that wraps around a second-floor bar. The name is inspired by a powerful figure in Chinese mythology. Also called huli jing, the nine tailed fox is often portrayed as a fox with the ability to grow additional tails as it ages. Stay tuned for a grand opening date in 2025. 

Root City Kava Bar & Lounge: A new bar in Mt. Vernon is getting ready to open its doors this month—and it’ll specialize in a nonalcoholic beverage that you may have never heard of. The menu will emphasize kava, a spirit-free drink popular in the South Pacific Islands. The roots of kava plants are rich with compounds known as kavalactones, which are known to have calming effects. The drink has been consumed for thousands of years for social, ceremonial, and ritualistic purposes.

The Baltimore Business Journal reports that founder Nicholas Patrick plans to open the concept at 917 Cathedral St. and feature three stories—a cafe, a bar and lounge, and a retro arcade and gaming area. “We’ll have football, we’ll have an open mic night, we’ll have poetry night,” he told the paper. “All the different things you would expect from a really good bar.” 

Tatte Bakery & Café: Annapolis Town Center will soon welcome the area’s first Tatte Bakery & Café, a Washington, D.C. go-to that has more than 40 locations. Taking over the space last occupied by Brio Tuscan Grille, Tatte will serve up its artisanal pastries, breads, and a scratch-driven menu of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Diners can expect salads, sandwiches, shakshuka, and other seasonal offerings, alongside a selection of craft coffee, tea, and sodas. 

EPICUREAN EVENTS

10/28-11/2: Bunny’s Turned Upside Down
Stranger Things fans, this one’s for you. Bunny’s in Fells Point will take a trip through the “Upside Down” (the mysterious alternate dimension from the popular Netflix show) for a series of back-to-back Halloween collabs. The week will feature pop-ups from other Baltimore restaurants and chefs including Nana/Clavel, Toki Underground, Ggoma Supper Club, Old Westminster Winery, Peabody Heights, chef Jonah Kim, and more. Follow Bunny’s on Instagram for updates and menu details.

(SOON TO BE) SHUT

The Arthouse: At the end of the month, this pizza bar and gallery in Hampden will close its doors after 11 years in business. Owner Joan Dolina added food and drink to an existing art gallery in 2013, and the result was “a welcoming, slightly funky bar that’s neither as fancy as some of its newer neighbors nor as divey as some of its older ones,” we wrote in a review from 2019.

The Arthouse wrote on social media that the closure was due to lease negotiations that fell through. “We have been unable to come up with a long term win-win solution for both us and the landlord,” the post reads. “We are now required to vacate the building by the end of October. We’d like to thank all the great patrons, amazing staff members, talented artists, musicians, and comedians that made The Arthouse a very special place.” The bar will host a “Going Out of Business” party on Oct. 26.

England Eatery: Soul food restaurant England Eatery, known for its hearty platters and crabby biscuits, will also close its doors at the end of the month. Its last day will be Oct. 27. Owner Aisha England told the BBJ that high food costs, city roadwork, and avoiding debt were all factors in deciding to close. “We are a small business,” she said. “Every penny literally counts.” While this chapter for the restaurant coming to a close, England assured followers on social media that it’s “not goodbye, it’s see you later.” Luckily, the restaurant will still have a presence at Melba’s Place on Greenmount Avenue. 

Source

Kneads Canton: Kneads Bakeshop & Café is widening its footprint yet again. Set to open in the coming weeks at The Shops at Canton Crossing, a new location will take over the 2,000-square-foot space formerly home to Atwater’s—which closed over the summer. The menu will include most of the breakfast, lunch, and scratch-made baked goods found at Kneads’ flagship in Harbor East. There are also plans to secure a liquor license to serve brunch cocktails and other libations, which will be added post-opening.

This will be the fourth location for Kneads, which also has a cafe in Locust Point and a shop coming to Cross Keys this winter. Before the grand opening in Canton this fall, the space will undergo “minor improvements,” according to a press release, including new paint, marble tile flooring, boho light fixtures, and fresh furniture and equipment. 

“When we heard the space was available, we jumped right on it,” co-owner Kira Paterakis said in a statement. “We can’t wait to meet our Canton customers and be the new daytime ‘hang out’ spot. After COVID, we find that people are sick of working from home. We encourage those with remote jobs to bring their laptops and stay a while.”

OPEN

Steak N’ Bone: Adding to the area’s Korean barbecue options, Steak N’ Bone debuted less than one month ago on O’Donnell Street in Canton—serving marinated proteins like pork, beef, and chicken that diners cook on personal grills at each table. The restaurant also offers small Korean side dishes called banchan, as well as appetizers like seafood pancakes, pork shumai, and fried pork dumplings with a signature soy garlic sauce.

The concept partly comes from Young Lee, one of the restaurant’s partners, who says Steak N’ Bone has been nearly two years in the making. 

“We’ve gotten a great response from the neighborhood,” he says. “There are a lot of people new to Korean barbecue, but there are some who have been going outside Baltimore and are happy to have Korean barbecue within the city—and even within walking distance in their neighborhood.”

Steak N’ Bone is still in the process of obtaining its liquor license, but when it does, Lee says it plans to offer a variety of Asian-themed cocktails, plus Asian beers and a selection of whiskeys and bourbons. For the time being, it’s BYOB.

“We have really great, trained servers, so you don’t need to know Korean barbecue to come and try it,” Lee says. “We want to make sure everyone enjoys it and is able to try something new.”

NEWS

The Wine Source to Become Worker-Owned Cooperative: This week, Hampden wine, liquor, and specialty food store The Wine Source announced that it is transitioning to a cooperative business model, after former owner David Wells put the business up for sale earlier this year. The goal is for the shop to become fully employee-owned. “This change is not just a shift in how we operate—it’s a revolutionary step toward creating a company that truly reflects the values of community, collaboration, and shared success,” the shop wrote on social media. “To do this, we’re going to need your help.”

To that end, The Wine Source has launched a GoFundMe with the goal of raising $100,000, “to help with the costs associated with converting to a cooperative and to support the first phase of our community-focused initiatives.” The shop joins other Baltimore worker co-ops like Hampden neighbors Common Ground and Red Emma’s in Waverly. 

ICYMI

Ammoora Makes NYT’s Top Restaurants List: Baltimoreans were buzzing last week when Ammoora, the high-end Syrian restaurant set inside the Ritz-Carlton Residences, earned a coveted spot on the New York Times’ list of America’s Best Restaurants 2024. The paper calls the Federal Hill restaurant a “revelation.” “Even a familiar hummus or baklava can make you feel as if your eyes have been opened, revealing vivid new colors,” writes NYT food and wine critic Eric Asimov. 

“What makes this especially meaningful is that every accolade we’ve received has been organic and rooted in how well the community and diners across the country, and around the world, have embraced us,” Ammoora wrote on social media after the list went live. “We never expected to land on such an esteemed list, but we’re excited to keep sharing the authentic flavors of Syria with you all! Here’s to the next chapter!”

Read our July 2023 review of Ammoora, here. 

EPICUREAN EVENTS

Saturdays: Remington Brunch Club
There’s a new weekly brunch spot in Remington—well, sort of. Every Saturday, neighbors and visitors alike can now congregate every outside of Mount Royal Soaps and Café Los Sueños for Remington Brunch Club, which will bring “a rotating collection of your favorite Baltimore food entrepreneurs” to the corner each week from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. This weekend, for example, you’ll find an ice cream and pancake collab between Big Softy and The Charmery; pit beef sandwiches from Illegal Tender Pit Beef; and breakfast tacos, sammies, and smash burgers from Royal Sauce food truck.

10/13: Rooted Rotisserie’s At the Family Table
Fresh off an invaluable shout-out from food TikToker Keith Lee, Rooted Rotisserie in Southwest Baltimore is hosting At the Family Table, a special dinner put on in collaboration with ELA Eventz and Simple Girl. The meal on Sunday, Oct. 13 will feature five courses curated by Rooted Rotisserie chef and co-owner Joe Burton, plus wine pairings and take-home custom gift bags. Expect dishes like a crab and swordfish stew, bone-in short rib, shrimp Beaufort, rotisserie porchetta, and pineapple shortcake for dessert. Tickets are available now.

10/19 & 10/26: Eddie’s 80th Anniversary Celebration
Eddie’s of Roland Park is going big for its 80th birthday later this month. The local grocer will host two major celebrations, one on Oct. 19 at its Charles Street location and another on Oct. 26 at Roland Avenue. Both events will feature vendor tastings, snowballs from The Peggy, and the Taharka ice cream truck. But expect other curated experiences, too. On Oct. 19, programming will include the BARCS BFF wagon, live music from Tom Starr Trio, and tastings from Kirchmayr Chocolatier. On Oct. 26, shoppers can grab samples from Victor’s Meat Market and Michele’s Granola while enjoying tunes from Kevin Koa Trio and decorating pumpkins from 12-1 p.m.

SHUT

Medium Rare: Steak and frites chain Medium Rare has closed at The Rotunda in Hampden after less than a year in business. Founder Mark Bucher told The Baltimore Banner that “losses were massive.” The concept—which also has locations in Bethesda and Washington, D.C.—offers a prix-fixe service of salad, bread, and a Coulotte steak with hand-cut fries for $28.95. Bucher told the Banner that he hopes the closure is temporary, citing low foot traffic in the development: “I would love nothing more than to reopen…but we need to be subsidized,” he said. “We can’t ride the losses until the crowds come back to Baltimore.”

Source

Saunter Corner Bar: A new neighborhood watering hole has opened inside the former home of Bar 1801 in Upper Fells Point. Saunter Corner Bar is coming up on its third weekend of serving customizable smashburgers and classic cocktails with a focus on local products. The concept comes from Martha Robichaud and business partners Michael Cohn (of board game bar No Land Beyond) and Matthew and Molly Steinberg—the co-owners of Kenwood Tavern who also formerly co-owned Bar 1801.

Robichaud says Saunter is a “prelude” to what will eventually become an arts bar, Meander, in early 2025. But that isn’t to say Saunter is without a proclivity for art. Right now, guests can expect art club meetups, workshops, meet-the-artist sessions, and other art-related events. 

“It will be a pretty seamless transition,” Robichaud says. “We had a fairly quick turnover. We wanted to get open, but we didn’t have time to do the full concept immediately. So we’ve started with our food and beverages, and then over the next few months, you’ll see more and more of the art aspect being added. We already have several art workshops coming up.” (Think: painting with pastels and dried flower bouquets for fall decorations.)

When it becomes Meander, patrons can expect to find a list of rentable arts and crafts kits alongside their cocktail and food menus—which will be expanded, as well. This means they can pair their negronis or daiquiris with a beading experience, air-dry clay, acrylic paint, or even Legos. 

“I’m really passionate about creating spaces where people can explore their creative sides without feeling pressure,” says Robichaud, a lifelong artist who attended Baltimore School for the Arts. “As someone who has trained in the arts, I know that a lot of people can feel intimidated, but I also know that the arts are really healing and a wonderful way to connect with yourself and others.”

With her art background, paired with the hospitality expertise brought by Cohn and the Steinbergs, Robichaud is excited to bring life back into the Lombard Street space. Follow the bar on Instagram for both Saunter—open Thursday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to midnight—and Meander updates.

COMING SOON

Morning Mugs Coffee: This Otterbein java joint is widening its footprint to Locust Point. Morning Mugs Coffee will officially debut its second location at 1642 Beason St. on Saturday, Sept. 21. The new cafe will offer the same coffee, cold brew, matcha, chai, espresso, and pastries patrons have come to love, but you can also expect new food offerings—namely breakfast burritos, a “French toast crunch wrap,” and breakfast taquitos, according to SouthBmore.com. 

NEWS

Hollins Market Reopens After Renovation: Phase two of this Southwest Baltimore public market’s redevelopment project is set to debut with a grand opening celebration this weekend—bringing much-needed fresh produce to an area once considered a food desert. After the reconstruction of seven stalls in the market shed, new vendors now include Nafasi Catering, Freshly Seafood, K’s Chicken, Lauman’s Quality Meats, and dessert shop MikksKakes. Another major addition: a new grocery stall that offers dry goods, pantry staples, everyday grocery items, packaged prepared foods, and basic household items. Neighbors can also expect a pop-up stall for startup food entrepreneurs to test their concepts, as well as new signage, seating, public restrooms, and public Wi-Fi. 

Old Westminster Winery Honors Blood Cancer Awareness Month: In honor of Blood Cancer Awareness Month in September, Old Westminster Winery is once again raising funds to find a cure. Ever since co-founder Drew Baker was diagnosed with leukemia in 2022, the winery has become a dedicated advocate for organizations fighting the disease. Throughout the month of September, Old Westminster will donate one dollar from every bottle of wine sold in its tasting room and online to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and it will match each donation up to $10,000. (If you can’t make it out to the winery this month, there’s a link to donate, here.) 

EPICUREAN EVENTS

9/21: The Stoop’s Grand Opening
We gave readers a sneak peek of this new Pigtown coffee shop in August, and now it’s officially time for the owners to cut the ribbon. Stop by The Stoop—which took over the Washington Boulevard space once home to Zeke’s Coffee—this weekend for a grand opening celebration featuring coffee service out on the sidewalk and the shop’s pastry provider, Bluebird Bakery, on site. “It’s one week before the Pigtown festival, so this will be a great way for us to test our abilities,” owner Paige Stamerro told us last month. 

9/16-9/22: Negroni Week at Dutch Courage
Are you a negroni fan? If so, plan a visit to Dutch Courage this weekend. The Old Goucher gin bar is hosting Negroni Week now through Sunday as part of the Slow Food Foundation’s national campaign “to foster a more sustainable and equitable world of food and drink.” For the occasion, Dutch Courage bartenders will whip up daily riffs on the classic cocktail (bartender Nick Scott’s “Rumble-oni In The Jungle-groni” featured gin, rum, Velvet Falernum, Campari, and cardamom bitters, for example) all weekend long. 

Source

The Corner Pantry Undergoes Expansion: Mt. Washington dwellers—as well as residents of other parts of the city—have made The Corner Pantry a part of their regular routine for more than a decade now. And as of earlier this summer, the breakfast-and-lunch spot is adding even more to love.

An expansion two-and-a-half years in the making is currently underway at the Falls Road fixture, best known for its rotating pastries, breakfast toasts and sandwiches, and heartier plates that reflect chef Neill Howell’s British heritage. Taking over the adjacent storefront formerly home to boutique Mason-Mayes in Lake Falls Village, the project is planned to take place in three phases—the first of which (gutting Mason-Mayes and fireproofing the ceiling) is now complete.

Now in phase two, The Corner Pantry is currently operating in a carryout-only model. There’s limited seating outside, but no available seating inside. When the expansion is complete in November, expect a menu of brunch and lunch fare on offer simultaneously throughout the day. Patrons can also get excited about increased indoor seating and an open-kitchen concept to see the pastry team in action. 

“Look forward to a freshly renovated, beautiful dining room—something Baltimore hasn’t seen before,” teases Rachel Maw, The Corner Pantry’s director of operations. 

TikTok Star Visits Local Restaurants: It’s not hard to prove the influencing power of TikTok these days. Case in point: Keith Lee’s recent visit to Baltimore. The TikTok-famous food critic, who has 16.5 million followers on the social media app, is known for visiting under-the-radar and family-owned businesses, where he invariably creates the “Keith Lee Effect.” Just ask Rooted Rotisserie—the Southwest Baltimore restaurant, located near historic Hollins Market, that is “overwhelmed with gratitude and thrilled by” Lee’s positive review from Aug. 25. (He also left the restaurant a $4,000 tip.)

After his visit—where he sampled the truffle fries and preserved lemon-brushed rotisserie chicken, among other menu items—Rooted Rotisserie had to limit its hours for to-go orders, “to ensure we continue providing top-quality service to all of our guests.” And it seems as if reservations are completely booked for the month of September. (Trust us, we tried!)

According to the Baltimore Business Journal, Lee also visited nearby Oh Honey, On The Bay to try their fish sandwiches, as well Berries By Quicha in Federal Hill. 

Nick’s Fish House Plans for Expansion and Upgrades: The Baltimore Peninsula announced this week that the longtime operators of the area’s popular waterfront restaurant Nick’s Fish House have purchased the property. Jim Weisgerber, Eric Sugrue, and Steve Montgomery have been with Nick’s since Sagamore Ventures tapped them in 2015, and their further involvement means the restaurant will undergo an expansion and upgrades, as Peninsula development grows. “We’re thrilled to be handing the reins over to the folks that have been integral in making Nick’s the iconic, beloved spot it is today,” Sagamore Ventures CFO Greg Resh said in a statement. “As Baltimore Peninsula continues to evolve, it’s an honor to be a part of the continued success of the neighborhood’s very first tenant.” Stay tuned for more.

OPEN

Fogo de Chão Towson: Those red and green-sided coasters are ready for action in Towson. Brazilian steakhouse chain Fogo de Chão—which famously carves meats tableside for diners whose coasters are flipped green, indicating that they’re ready to feast—officially opened its doors at Towson Town Center on Sept. 2, taking over the old P.F. Chang’s space. Joining the longtime outpost in the Inner Harbor, this marks the Baltimore area’s second location and the fourth in Maryland. 

“After being a part of the Baltimore community for nearly 17 years, we look forward to bringing the culinary art of churrasco to Towson,” Fogo de Chão CEO Barry McGowan said in a press release.

The concept’s expansive dining room is centered around an open churrasco grill, offering guests a 360-degree view of gaucho chefs butchering, hand-carving, and grilling quality cuts of protein. The Towson restaurant will also offer the chain’s signature “Market Table” buffet for building hearty salads to accompany the entrees, plus dry-aged meat lockers for in-house aging, an indoor bar, and private dining spaces.

Mug Shots: The former No Way Rosé space in Fed Hill—once filled with cascading flower walls, French bistro furniture, and pops of pink—is now home to a much different concept. Sports bar and restaurant Mug Shots has officially taken over the two-story space at 31 E. Cross St. (Although the concept debuted back in June, with the NFL’s 2024 season debut tonight, the news felt especially relevant this week.) Along with mugs of beer and shots of alcohol, expect literal graffiti mug shots of the Orioles and Ravens mascots inside, along with Baltimore icon Edgar Allan Poe. 

The menu features typical bar fare like loaded fries, smashburgers, chicken wings, and different varieties of egg rolls. Specialty cocktails include a spiked strawberry lemonade and the Shark Attack, made with coconut rum, pineapple juice, blue curacao, and grenadine. Entertainment like drag brunch and karaoke nights are also on offer. Looking for a place to watch the Ravens take on the Chiefs tonight? Reserve a table.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

9/6: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Passion for Food & Wine
This annual foodie fundraiser gala returns tomorrow to the Four Seasons Baltimore. Each year, the Maryland chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation throws the big bash with dozens of local chefs and bartenders (think: talents from Foreman Wolf Restaurant Group, Atlas Restaurant Group, La Cuchara, and Gunther & Co., to name a few) to offer guests a cocktail reception, hors d’oeuvres, a five-course dinner, and a silent auction—all in an effort to raise money (to date, the Maryland chapter has raised nearly $4 million from the annual event) for the foundation’s fight against cystic fibrosis. 

9/7: The Charmery’s 11th Anniversary Celebration
Our beloved homegrown ice cream chain is celebrating 11 years in business on Saturday at all six of its locations. The Charmery’s co-owner and master creamer David Alima wanted to channel ‘80s mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap for the 11th anniversary—specifically the famous “these [amps] go to 11” scene. So expect special rock-and-roll-themed flavors inspired by famous rock songs, including the dark chocolate Whole Lotta Fudge, the guava and cream cheese-flavored I Guava Be Sedated, and Wish You Were Beer—a caramel flavor made with Union Craft Brewing’s Divine IPA.

Other perks for Saturday include a free “baby scoop” with every purchase, a “sound check sampler” with five baby scoops, free limited edition color-changing bowls and stickers while supplies last, and a chance to win a “backstage pass” aka a tour of The Charmery’s Ice Cream Factory at Union Collective.

9/13-9/15: Fells Point Oyster Fest
Next weekend, this annual oyster festival—put on by Thames Street cornerstones Kooper’s Tavern and Sláinte—will set up shop on Broadway Square in Fells Point. Expect 10 varieties of oysters shucked, fried, and grilled, plus local brews, cocktails, kids’ activities, and live music all three days. 

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The Stoop: The former home of Zeke’s Coffee in Pigtown is now once again a destination for neighbors to get their caffeine fix. The Stoop soft launched earlier this month at 784 Washington Blvd., serving up coffees, teas, and local Bluebird Bakery pastries. Owner Paige Stamerro is a resident of the neighborhood and named the shop after a classic Baltimore pastime: hanging out on the front stoop. 

“Part of the charm of Charm City is that, any night of the week, you can walk through a handful of neighborhoods, and you’ll find people out with their dog or sitting with their kids,” she says. “Stoop life is absolutely the inspiration behind what we’re doing here.”

Conveniently, the menu features Zeke’s coffee blends and many of the same beverages, but with tweaks, including different syrups and creamier milks. Patrons can also expect a variety of lattes like matcha, chai, and cereal milk. Stamerro says Italian sodas will be on the menu soon, after the team has “perfectly executed” the coffee and tea program.

She’s working with Bluebird—which also supplies the baked goods for Zeke’s in Lauraville—to provide savory and sweet pastries that pair well with the beverages. “I call him a punk-rock baker because there is no challenge he doesn’t accept,” she says with a laugh. “We’re really working as partners, more so than vendor-client.”

Stamerro adds that Zeke’s owner Thomas Rhodes was a big help in getting The Stoop started, and she’s proud that the shop is “fueled by Zeke’s.” Earlier this year, Pigtown Main Street cited “reorganization and downsizing” as the reason for Zeke’s closure.

“Zeke’s didn’t leave because this neighborhood can’t support a coffee shop,” Stamerro says. “This neighborhood, I can tell you in the last two weeks, has been starving for coffee and pastries.”

The Stoop will hold its official grand opening on Sept. 21.

COMING SOON

Ema’s Corner: After sitting vacant for the past eight months, the North Avenue building that previously housed Joe Squared will soon see a new tenant. The Baltimore Business Journal reports that Ema’s Corner will take over the Station North space in the coming weeks, serving pizza, salads, and eventually pastas. Joe Squared was an anchor in the neighborhood for two decades before it closed at the end of 2023. The beloved dive was best known for its signature square pizza, risottos, rum drinks, and live music lineup in its “Downsquares” performance space. So, will the concerts be revived at Ema’s Corner? Owner Mehmet Guclu tells the BBJ he “is open to hearing what the community wants.”

Kitschenette by Kitsch Cafe: Kitsch Cafe is on a roll. After debuting its second location inside R. House earlier this summer, the small-but-mighty egg sammy spot announced it will open an abbreviated version of its shop, called Kitschenette, inside Gilman Hall on the Johns Hopkins University undergrad campus in Charles Village. The 200-square-foot “micro stall” will serve up a “super simple sandwich menu with our full beverage program,” Kitsch shared on social media. Thankfully, the cafe is no stranger to small spaces. Its original location in Tuscany-Canterbury clocks in at less than 400 square feet. “Don’t let our size fool you,” the shop shared on Instagram. “What we lack in space, we make up for in service and smiles.”

Pono Taco: Belvedere Square will soon officially welcome this stall for tacos, nachos, open-faced quesadillas, and more Mexican fusion plates. Co-owner Scott Donnelly and his team have been hard at work transforming the former Ejji Ramen stall into the new concept, highlighting a refinished wood bar top, colorful light fixtures, and fresh coats of color on the walls. A soft opening is slated for this month.

NEWS

Community Rallies Behind Claddagh Pub After Owner’s Passing: The Canton neighborhood has been mourning the loss of Michael Clarke, the owner of Claddagh Pub on O’Donnell Square who sadly passed away on July 28 from a heart attack. A funeral mass was held Aug. 3 at Our Lady of Pompei Catholic Church. Clarke’s sister, Lori Pirisino, recently told The Baltimore Banner, “we’re just trying to put back the pieces. We’re going to keep this running for him.”

The Tilted Row Announces New Chef de Cuisine: Ahead of revealing upgrades and a fresh menu next month (the restaurant remains closed for service while the changes take place), this Bolton Hill favorite has added new blood to its kitchen staff. Culinary director Jacques Van Staden has appointed Derrick Reed as the restaurant’s new chef de cuisine. A Stratford University for the Culinary Arts grad, the native Baltimorean has recently returned home after spending a few years working in kitchens on the West Coast. He’s looking forward to fine-tuning the new Southern-inspired dishes and getting the kitchen ready for the grand reopening. “We’re thrilled to have Chef Reed on board and can’t wait for everyone to experience a whole new Tilted Row,” co-owner Ziad Maalouf said in a press release.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

8/24: Ekiben Night Market
Today might be your last chance to snag tickets to Ekiben’s epic food festival. For the first time, the Asian fusion restaurant is bringing together an incredible lineup of local restos for one evening, with participants including Blacksauce Kitchen, Nana, The Local Fry, Cafe Dear Leon, Pho Bac, Miss Carters Kitchen, Chef Rey Eugenio, and more. The event will set up in the parking lot across from Ekiben’s Hampden location. VIP tickets are sold out and general admission tickets (which include a free drink) are running low. Already planning to attend? Parking will be limited, so Ekiben is asking eventgoers to bike, walk, or use rideshare services. 

8/22-8/25, 8/29-9/2, 9/5-9/8: Maryland State Fair
Big eats are in store at the Maryland State Fair, which opens for its first weekend today at 5 p.m. Every year, the Timonium Fairgrounds transform into the state’s annual country fair, featuring Midway rides, live animals, and (of course) fair food. Expect traditional faves like funnel cakes, candy apples, and cotton candy, plus new food vendors like Althea’s Almost Famous and the Get BAKED food trolley. The fair’s food competition, The Mallet, will take place Aug. 25 and award vendor dishes the title of Best Sweet, Best Savory, and Most Creative.

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Mama Koko’s: A new coffee and cocktail room has landed in Old Goucher. Located inside the historic James E. Hooper House, Mama Koko’s soft opened this month, serving breakfast and lunch to start, with expanded evening hours coming soon. Expect dishes like breakfast sandwiches on cro’gels (a mix between a croissant and a bagel), acai bowls, a shrimp po’boy, and a BALT sammie. Vegan options are plentiful, too. 

The concept comes from general manager Angola Selassie, who named the cafe after his mother. “One day I’m inside her kitchen, and I take a look around and see Star Wars collectibles, vintage coffee posters, references to New Orleans, stacks of books, an ancestral shrine, a bar cart—and I thought, we should theme [Mama Koko’s] after our house and the hospitality my mother gives,” he says.

His mother’s influence will also translate into the food program, which will incorporate flavors from the Caribbean, New Orleans, West African street food, and French cuisine. When evening hours start, the menu will feature rum cocktails and tapas bites. The goal is for the space to to be inclusive and community-focused.

“We aspire to be so much more than just a transactional place,” Selassie says. “We’re a spot where you can take it a little slower and exchange with people, talk, and interact.”

Arepi: This Fells Point Farmers Market favorite has officially debuted its own brick-and-mortar in the neighborhood. Fans can now get their hands on the signature arepas—stuffed with everything from shredded chicken and mozzarella to plantains and black beans— Thursday through Sunday in the former home of Luna Garden, adjacent to The Sound Garden, on Thames Street. Aside from the famous corn-based pockets, the spot offers Venezuelan-style street food like cachapas and cheese tequenos. 

COMING SOON

OneDo at Rash Field Park: A new location of OneDo Coffee Roasters is headed to the south side of the Inner Harbor. Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore announced this week that the coffee shop out of Canton—best known for its pretty pour-overs, seasonal specials, and light fare—will open another outpost next spring at Rash Field Park’s cafe space. When it arrives, expect a menu of coffees, teas, sandwiches, and salads to grab and enjoy while walking the waterfront promenade. 

The park itself, known as a hotspot for beach volleyball, has been undergoing significant redevelopment, with the second and final phase set to begin construction later this year. Amenities on hand already include children’s play areas, wildlife gardens, and the popular Jake’s Skatepark. “​​With the significant increase in Rash Field Park’s daily visitors, this partnership is essential in enriching the waterfront experience,” said Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore president Laurie Schwartz, in a press release.

NEWS

Jumbo Fresh Supermarket Opens in Sowebo: A new grocery store will officially cut the ribbon tomorrow at 1205 W. Pratt St. in Southwest Baltimore—marking a huge win for a community known as one of the city’s largest food deserts after the 2022 closure of Price Rite. At Jumbo Fresh, expect a wide array of produce, a seafood section, a butcher counter, and a forthcoming deli counter. Councilwoman Phylicia Porter helped bring the grocer to the neighborhood. “After more than one year, four grocer groups turning us down, and raising more than $1.4 million of city and state funds, we did it,” she wrote on social media. 

Pete’s Grille Is Up for Sale: Owners of beloved Waverly breakfast spot Pete’s Grille have announced that they’re putting the business up for sale. A staple on Greenmount Avenue since the ‘80s, Pete’s has long been known for its all-day breakfast menu and annual pancake-eating contest. “It’s time we pass the torch to someone with a love for community and a passion for the restaurant industry,” the owners wrote on social media. As of publication time, they say there are no plans to close, “so stop in and see us when you can.”

Plate It, Baltimore! Season Two Coming Soon: Local cooking competition show Plate It, Baltimore! will debut its second season next week on the Very Local streaming app, with new episodes available weekly beginning Aug. 14. Each episode pits two chefs against one another to see who can create the top city-inspired meal with locally sourced ingredients. This season, keep your eyes peeled for contestants such as Sumayyah Bilal of Codetta Bake Shop, Tre’von Clark of The Tre’von Clark Experience, Craig Falk of The Lunchbox Lady and Bmore Big Softy, Laurie Boucher of Cafe Campli, Jimmy Longoria of Mexican On The Run, and many more. 

“To not only be nominated for an Emmy for our work on the first season but also to return for another season, it just means the world,” the show’s host Chyno (@thebaltimorefoodie) said in a press release. “I’m just so excited to show off this next cast of Baltimore’s culinary talents.” 

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Pink Flamingo: It’s about time we had a restaurant concept named after the ubiquitous lawn ornament (and a Charm City symbol in its own right, thanks to John Waters). Come fall, Brendan Dorr and Eric Fooy—the owners behind Dutch Courage in Old Goucher—are set to open this new rum bar and restaurant inside the storied Remington corner spot most famously home to Dizzy Issie’s and The Dizz.

Expect a smaller cocktail menu than the selection at Dutch Courage, but one that is surely made with the same care and intention. It will feature simple rum classics like daiquiris, piña coladas, Zombies, and Jungle Birds, as well as other spirits, beer, and wine. Although a search for a chef is still underway, Dorr aims to offer pub favorites like burgers and wings, but “with twists that will complement the beverage program,” he says.

The goal is to keep everything approachable. “We’re aiming for a tavern, neighborhood feel,” Dorr says. “We want to make it feel accessible every day—not like coming into Dutch Courage or somewhere that feels more special, which we never wanted for Dutch Courage, but that’s sort of the nature of cocktail bars. A lot of people don’t treat them as their everyday spot, so we’re trying to find a way to bridge that gap.”

Dorr and Fooy have purchased the building, and buildout is currently underway. With seating for 80, the completed space will feature tropical tiles, a colorful flamingo mural by Artstar Custom Paintworks, and vintage Japanese Pachinko machines on the walls. 

“I know the neighborhood is excited for us to come in,” Dorr says. “I hope they like what we do.” 

ICYMI

The Duchess: Speaking of flamingos—after years of murmurs regarding the fate of the former Cafe Hon space on the Avenue in Hampden, which famously featured an exterior flamingo sculpture until it was taken over by Foreman Wolf Restaurant Group in 2022, details have finally emerged. Foreman Wolf CEO and president Tony Foreman announced earlier this week that the concept, set to open in October, will be an “authentically styled English pub” featuring cuisine of the Mariana Islands, which includes Guam. Executive chef Kiko Fejarang has family roots there, and plans to highlight those flavors into the menu. Read our full report here, and stay tuned for an exclusive first look.

NEWS

Kneads at Night: H&S Bakery’s retail concept in Harbor East is revamping its dinner offerings. Kneads’ dinner service is temporarily halted while the bakery and restaurant works to develop Kneads at Night, a concept that will offer a brand new dinner menu, fresh desserts, dessert cocktails, a kids menu, gelato, shakes, and more. Meanwhile, daytime service is still very much up and running—with new lunch items including cream of crab and corn soups. 

Cocina Luchadoras: This week, Cocina Luchadoras announced that, after seven years, it had served its final tacos and tortas on Broadway. In a message posted to social media, owner Rosalyn Vera added that she was unable to renew her lease in the restaurant’s current home, but, luckily, she’s staying in the area. The beloved Mexican spot is moving into the former home of Bar 1801 at 1801 E. Lombard St. in Upper Fells Point. Beginning tomorrow, it will reopen in the new space for to-go orders only. Vera expects to open the space for full service next month.  “We are positive that this is a good change for Luchadoras,” Vera wrote in the post, “and we hope we have your support.”

The Avenue Kitchen & Bar Raising Money for Cancer Research: Hampden mainstay The Avenue Kitchen & Bar will soon launch a fundraiser series to support colon cancer research and Johns Hopkins’ Kimmel Cancer Center. Beginning Aug. 7, the restaurant will host events to raise funds and awareness for the cause, featuring special menus, entertainment, and opportunities for patrons to contribute. The initiative is in honor of The Avenue’s owner, Patrick Dahlgren, who was recently diagnosed with colon cancer and began chemotherapy treatment last week at Johns Hopkins.

“We are committed to turning this challenging time into an opportunity to make a positive impact,” said The Avenue spokesperson Todd Yuhanick, in a press release. “Patrick’s unwavering dedication to helping others inspires us all to rally the community and direct our efforts toward colon cancer research.” Follow The Avenue Kitchen’s social platforms to keep an eye out for the fundraisers. 

EPICUREAN EVENTS

7/27: Nana’s Breakfast Burrito Pop-Up
Chef Carlos Raba’s Towson taquería is launching a monthly breakfast burrito pop-up that will take place every fourth Saturday of the month in front of Café Los Sueños and Mount Royal Soaps in Remington. Catch the first one this Saturday, where you’ll find burritos stuffed with refried beans, potatoes, and chorizo, as well as a vegetarian option with beans, eggs, and cheese. The pop-up runs 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Raba tells us this is all in an effort to get the word out about Nana’s scratch-made flour tortillas, which he’s hoping to commercialize. 

8/24: Ekiben Night Market
Although this event is still a month away, it was just announced this week—and we predict tickets will go fast. Ekiben is bringing together an incredible lineup of local restos for one evening, with participants including Blacksauce Kitchen, Clavel/Nana, The Local Fry, Cafe Dear Leon, Pho Bac, Miss Carters Kitchen, Chef Rey Eugenio, and more. The “decade-in-the-making” food fest will set up in the parking lot across from Ekiben’s Hampden location from 4-10 p.m. Patrons can choose between limited VIP tickets—which run $71 and include a T-shirt and early entry to beat the lines—and general admission tickets for $20.

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The concept will be an “authentically styled English pub” featuring cuisine of the Mariana Islands, which includes Guam. Executive chef Kiko Fejarang has family roots there, and plans to infuse those flavors into the menu.

“Guam, or Chamorro, cuisine is a melting pot of Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Filipino, and Hawaiian flavors and traditions,” she said in a press release. “It’s food that reflects the best of the seasons and is intended to share. It’s never pretentious, but always honest, surprising, and memorable.”

Though details about the transformation of the old Cafe Hon space haven’t yet been released (stay tuned for an exclusive first look), the design will be a collaboration between Katie DeStefano of Katie DeStefano Design and Brian Thim of Hall & Co., who have both worked on previous creative projects for Foreman Wolf. 

The changeover was first announced in 2022, just before the homey neighborhood go-to—long marked by its famous exterior flamingo sculpture—officially closed its doors after 30 years in business.

“It’s the best location in Hampden, because of the corner it’s on and the history of the building,” former Cafe Hon owner Denise Whiting told us at the time. “I just feel [Foreman Wolf co-owners Tony Foreman and Cindy Wolf] will be really excellent people to love and nurture the location the way I did. You go into Petit Louis and Charleston and it feels really comfortable. It just made good sense.”

Since then, neighbors have heard murmurs about the concept, but nothing ever solidified. Despite the delays, Foreman Wolf president and CEO Tony Foreman always kept the building’s community significance top of mind. 

“As one of Baltimore’s most iconic neighborhoods, Hampden requires something very unique and special,” Foreman said in a press release. “This wonderfully eclectic community, that I’ve had an affection for my whole life, has an irresistible personality that inspired us to develop something equally unique and memorable. The combination of a classic British public house with a Western Pacific-inspired menu reflecting Chef Kiko’s rich family traditions is our gift to Hampden and Baltimore.”

Fejarang is a Foreman Wolf alum, having previously worked in kitchens at Johnny’s in Roland Park and Pazo in Harbor East, which closed in 2016. In 2021 she became sous chef at The Milton Inn in Sparks, and currently lends her culinary talents at various Foreman Wolf restaurants while also training new staff.

“Executive chef Kiko is not only extraordinarily talented in her ability to successfully combine a diversity and complexity of flavors, but she knows and loves Baltimore as much as I do,” Foreman said. “She’s eager to share the experiences that influenced and inspired her passion to cook for others.”

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Rye Street Tavern: A grand opening date for the reimagined Rye Street Tavern has been set for Monday, July 15. The massive waterfront restaurant and event venue on Baltimore Peninsula’s Sagamore Spirit Distillery Campus is now owned by Clyde’s Restaurant Group, which operates 12 other properties throughout the DMV. It will be open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.

Since closing to the public in May 2021, the tavern has been used solely as a private events venue.  But now, under executive chef John Navarria, the New American restaurant will offer a Southern-influenced menu featuring dishes like bluegrass-spiced salmon, a house fried chicken sandwich, jumbo lump crab cakes, smashburger sliders, steak frites, and a “Sea-Cuterie” board with Oysters Rockefeller, jumbo shrimp, and butter-poached crab. The cocktail menu will, of course, prominently feature Sagamore Spirit Rye.

“As a Baltimore native, [Navarria] is as excited as we are to open our doors to the city’s local community and visitors,” said Clyde’s CFO and head of development Jeff Owens, in a press release.

Spanning two stories and 12,000 square feet, the space has undergone significant renovations—now boasting five dining areas, three bars, small and large private event spaces, and a 75-seat outdoor bar with a glass green roof and panoramic views of the Patapsco. 

Kitsch Cafe: This popular egg sammy spot in Tuscany-Canterbury—located in a humble, 400-square-foot space near the Johns Hopkins University campus—will open a second location inside R. House later this month. Taking over what has historically been the Remington food hall’s breakfast and coffee stall (first Ground & Griddled, then Doppio Pasticceria) Kitsch will be open every day from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering a menu similar to its original location.

That includes egg sammies, overnight oats, fresh pastries, and avocado toast for breakfast, as well as chicken salad sandwiches, BLTs, grilled cheeses, mac and cheese, and potato salad for lunch. Coffee, smoothies, lemonades, and teas will always be available. Kitsch also plans to introduce an all-day cafe menu with added happy hour and dinner offerings in the fall.

Owner Jacqueline Mearman first debuted the concept in 2020, and it has since developed a loyal following for its quality—and at-times nontraditional—breakfast and lunch dishes. “We’re excited to spread the love through sandwiches and smiles,” Mearman said in a statement. “This larger-format venue will help us spread our wings and grow our offerings.”

Playa Bowl Harbor East: This national acai bowl chain, with more than 200 locations, will add another to the Baltimore area this fall. Playa Bowl, which already has outposts in Quarry Lake and Ellicott City, will soon open on the 600 block of South Exeter Street in Harbor East. Patrons can build a bowl with predominantly plant-based ingredients, including acai, pitaya, mango, greens, coconut, and banana blends. Toppings include fresh fruit, blueberry flax granola, hemp and chia seeds, and almond or peanut butter.

OPEN

Benny’s: Hearts were broken all over Baltimore when Joe Benny’s—the famous Little Italy focacceria specializing in Sicilian-style pizza and meatballs—closed last summer after more than nine years in business. When owner Joseph Gardella shared an emotional video about the closure, he said “this is not goodbye for good, I hope.” Lucky for us, his instinct was right.

As of late June, the concept is back, now located just a few doors down from its old digs in the former home of Germano’s Piattini at 300 S. High St. Despite the new name (now just Benny’s, a nod to the old spot and Gardella’s new business partner, Ben Sudano of Sudano’s Produce) and an updated menu, you’ll still find focaccia-style pizzas and the famous meatballs. But also expect Southern Italian pastas, salads, appetizers, main entrees, and a bar slinging cocktails. “We’re growing up just a little bit,” Gardella shared on social media. Benny’s is open every day except Mondays. 

CH-CH CHANGES

Doppio Pasticceria: Speaking of Italy, this Sicilian-style bakery inside R. House is moving out on its own. While Kitsch Cafe takes over its stall inside the communal food hall, Doppio Pasticceria has opened a pop-up at 2600 N. Howard St., the former home of JBGB’s in Remington. 

“We will be offering everything previously available at R. House, and the new, larger space will allow us to expand our menu, including soft serve ice cream, pizza, and housemade grocery items,” Doppio wrote on Instagram. Look out for items like cinnamon date rolls, lemon cream maritozzi, apricot danishes, fresh fruit tarts, tiramisu with housemade mascarpone, and hot or iced coffee. 

The old JBGB’s space will be a temporary summer home for the bakery, while owners Luke Ilardo and Megan Cowman continue to put finishing touches on their permanent home—the former Cahoots Brothers space on 29th Street, just across the street from R. House. The staff hopes the debut full-time service there by September. 

The Tilted Row: Change is afoot at Bolton Hill’s Middle Eastern-influenced community spot. After three years, executive chef Amy Hessel has left the restaurant for a new gig in Mt. Vernon (more on that below). Jacques Van Staden—chef and culinary director of The Tilted Row and its sister-spot Cafe Fili—will be brought on as a partner to lead the culinary side of both restaurants in Hessel’s stead. Additionally, The Tilted Row will be closed for the month of August and reopen in early September with an updated look and menu. “We love this city and are excited to continue to grow our culinary concepts here,” The Tilted Row co-owner Ziad Maalouf said in a press release.

Hotel Revival: Hessel can now be found heading up the kitchens at Hotel Revival—overseeing culinary operations for Topside, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant; ‘Dashery, the hotel’s on-site cafe; and B-Side, the property’s speakeasy and karaoke bar. “Culinary excellence is a journey of creativity and storytelling,” Hessel said in a statement. “Baltimore’s vibrant food culture inspires me to craft dishes that not only excite the taste buds, but also share meaningful narratives.”

Thacher & Rye: Chef Bryan Voltaggio’s fine-dining destination in downtown Frederick closed at the end of June, and has since been replaced with The Ordinary Hen, “a celebration of Appalachian cuisine” headed up by chef Bradley Butts. Voltaggio announced the closure on social media: “This decision marks the end of a significant chapter for me,” he wrote. The Top Chef alum will help transition the restaurant in a mentorship role, while simultaneously working on a new project at the forthcoming Visitation Hotel Frederick, which is set to open in the fall. Stay tuned for more details. 

(SOON TO BE) SHUT

Atwater’s Canton Crossing: By the end of this month, Atwater’s will shutter its longstanding location at Canton Crossing. Co-owner Ned Atwater told the Baltimore Business Journal that the closure comes after “lease negotiations broke down.” The local chain’s lease is up this month after 10 years, and Atwater wanted to re-sign for three years instead five, according to the paper. Though Canton locals will miss their neighborhood go-to—known for its homemade seasonal soups, farm-fresh salads, and inventive sandwiches—Atwater’s still has locations in Belvedere Square, Catonsville, and Towson.

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Smashing Grapes Kitchen + Wine Bar: After closing its location in Gambrills earlier this year, Smashing Grapes has reopened in a new county. The kitchen and wine bar now resides in Columbia’s Merriweather District, highlighting globally inspired dishes paired with an expansive vino list representing places like Spain, Argentina, Germany, and California. At this location, expect new offerings like wine flights and two charcuterie boards, as well as pastas and pizzas. The 7,000-square-foot space—which has been “updated with a brighter, more modern look,” according to a press release—offers both indoor and outdoor dining, plus event spaces, monthly all-inclusive wine dinners, Sunday brunch, and live music on select nights. 

Cece’s Roland Park: This new dining destination in The Village of Cross Keys opened its doors last week. Michelin-starred chef Nick Sharp—who has worked in restaurants in Washington, D.C. and Las Vegas—helms the kitchen, serving a European menu with coastal influences, plus a wide selection of tequila and French and Italian wines. The menu lists dishes like ricotta gnocchi, artichoke cassoulet, and prime cuts of beef. (Think along the lines of an 8-oz. filet and 32-oz. tomahawk.) Its adjacent, more casual pizza-and-pasta spot, Cece’s Kitchen, opened on Sunday, slinging pies like a pepperoni-Bolognese with hot honey and a mezze rigatoni with vodka sauce. Reservations are available but aren’t required. 

NEWS

Jerk at Nite: After a few false starts, it seems this D.C.-based jerk chicken concept is ready to try again in Baltimore. Owner Denville Myrie first debuted the concept here in 2021 in West Baltimore’s Rosemont neighborhood, but it shuttered a year later. There were then plans to open the concept in Pigtown (a fire put them on hold indefinitely) and murmurs that it might reopen where No Way Rose once resided in Fed Hill.

Now, the Baltimore Business Journal reports that Jerk at Nite is taking over the former home of Alewife, which has sat vacant downtown for years now. The plan is for Myrie to operate the Jamaican concept on the ground-floor, and offer a fine dining option called The Nest upstairs. Located between the Hippodrome and Everyman theaters, it’s a building that could surely use some local restaurant love for pre- and post-show dining, especially after Forno closed last year. Stay tuned for more details.

Maryland Zoo and Peabody Heights Launch New Beer: Cute collaboration alert. The Maryland Zoo is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its Penguin Coast habitat with a new limited-edition pale ale, “Sweet Pea’s Promise,” by Peabody Heights Brewery. The name was inspired by one of the zoo’s African penguin chicks, officially named Peabody, but known affectionately by her keepers as “Sweet Pea.” Proceeds from the sale of each beer will support the conservation of African penguins, which are an endangered species.

Another fun detail: Sweet Pea’s Promise is made from a new hop blend called Anchovy Hops—a nod to a penguin’s favorite food, fish—which infuses the brew with subtle hints of melon, hard candy, and pine. You can sample it on draft and in six-packs to-go in the Peabody Heights taproom.

“African Penguins are a crowd favorite, but their numbers are plummeting in their native range,” Maryland Zoo president and CEO Kirby Fowler said in a statement. “The partnership with Peabody Heights Brewery helps us breed new chicks in Maryland and support their cousins’ survival in the wild.” 

EPICUREAN EVENTS

7/18: Voyages at the National Aquarium
The National Aquarium’s adults-only, after-hours event series returns next month with a stellar local food lineup that will highlight eats from The Empanada Lady, Neopol Smokery, Taharka Brothers Ice Cream, and Crust by Mack, as well as drinks curated by Charm City Meadworks. Voyages offers visitors multi-sensory experiences that are meant to bond them with nature, and with Baltimore, through themes of art and science. This upcoming edition’s featured artist is Schaun Champion, who will incorporate photography, projection, floral installation, and a curated soundscape throughout the Aquarium’s galleries. 

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Duck Duck Goose, Osteria Pirata, and Anchor Bar: In what is surely the buzziest restaurant news this week (so far), Baltimore restaurateur Ashish Alfred announced that he has indefinitely closed his Fells Point businesses, which include French-forward brasserie Duck Duck Goose, neighboring Italian eatery Osteria Pirata (which debuted just last year), and subterranean cocktail hangout Anchor Bar.

In a statement posted to social media Monday, Alfred cited “safety concerns” in the neighborhood as the reason for the closures. “Given the recent events in Fells Point, I feel it’s in the best interest of my business, my clients, and the incredibly hardworking people on my team for us to simply press pause briefly while the city works to remedy the safety concerns of Baltimore,” the post reads. According to the Baltimore Banner, Alfred’s businesses, Alfred Restaurant Group and Alfred Hospitality, are currently facing multiple lawsuits.   

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Josefina: A taste of Spain is headed to Baltimore. James Beard semifinalist David Zamudio—the local chef who previously helmed the kitchen at Station North’s Alma Cocina Latina—will open his first solo spot, Josefina, at Harbor Point this fall. The concept aims to transport guests to the south of Spain, where small and large plates will be served family style. Expect a menu of mainly tapas, plus entrees like aged steak and fried fish, an expansive wine selection, and craft cocktails.

“This will not be your typical Spanish restaurant that focuses solely on the traditions and classics of the past, but rather a reimagination of Spanish flavors and ingredients with a consideration of the future,” Zamudio said in a press release. 

Josefina will span nearly 4,000 square feet on the street level of the 1405 Point residential building. The space will feature “vibrant décor and lively traditional music,” as well as “waiters in crisp white shirts and red neckerchiefs.” The name is a nod to the women in Zamudio’s family.

“Josefina was chosen to honor the matriarchs of my family—a long line of women, all named Josefina—who led to my creation, and each in her own way helped to shape me into who I am,” he shared in the press release.

For those keeping track, this is the latest of many foodie announcements from Harbor Point’s developers, who are also working to unveil Sartori, an Italian concept from the owner of Verde in Canton. Josefina will neighbor other newly opened concepts including Attman’s Delicatessen and Charm City Poke & Mochi.

Cafè Luli: Owner Sarah Miller is putting the finishing touches on this new bakery and cafe in the Stevenson Village Shopping Center. The space, previously home to Stone Mill Bakery’s second location, will highlight breakfast and lunch fare with a few Argentinian delicacies (think: flaky medialunas and dulce de leche cookies) that pay homage to Miller’s maternal heritage. “I grew up going to Argentina, learning about and enjoying the beautiful culture, where my mother is from,” Miller wrote on Instagram. “Because of her I grew up with all the flavors of Argentina at home, and now I am able to bring a little piece of that to you.”

Easy Like Sunday: The second Charm City location of this wildly popular breakfast and lunch concept is opening at McHenry Row in Locust Point on Monday, June 10. Diners familiar with the Cross Keys flagship can expect the same mouthwatering brunch dishes (ricotta-stuffed French toast, fried chicken and cornmeal pancakes, and classic steak and eggs topped with a fresno chimichurri are all among highlights) expansive coffee menu, and cocktail service in the new, greenery-filled space. Stay tuned for our exclusive sneak peek.

NEWS

Costiera Starts Costi Club: Brian Lavin and Sam White—the minds behind Highlandtown fave Gnocco, which closed in 2019—debuted coastal Mediterranean eatery Costiera earlier this year near Little Italy, where you’ll find fresh pastas, seafood dishes, and an amaro-driven cocktail menu. Now, the restaurant is ready to welcome members to its newly established Costi Club. Described as a “members-only dining experience,” Costi Club will host dinners on the first Sunday of every month under a community-supported agriculture (CSA) model—meaning members will pay monthly for benefits “as a way to invest in the long-term sustainability of the restaurant.” 

Lavin tells us that he and his team are excited use the dinners to build a sense of community. “We’ve already gained so many loyal regulars, and we think this will be a fun way to show our appreciation for them,” he says. “We were inspired by a dinner that Sam and I had in Tuscany when we studied abroad together. It was communal-style, everyone was sharing and talking—we were sandwiched between a bachelor party and a first date. We would love to bring that same energy to Costiera.”

For $79 per month, Costi Club members will receive a welcome bottle of Costiera private label wine, three-month access to the invite-only Sunday dinners with up to two guests, one take-home meal for two for pickup, 10 percent off wine dinner tickets, and 25 percent off bottles of wine to-go. The first Sunday dinner will take place July 7, and the deadline to sign up is June 21.

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Amour d’La Crêpe: If you’re excited for that aforementioned taste of Spain headed to Harbor Point, what about a taste of France in Fells Point? Amour d’La Crêpe is now open at 626 S. Broadway, serving up handcrafted crêpes and smoothies. Crêpes come sweet or savory with signature creations like The Elvis, filled with bananas, peanut butter, peanuts, and topped with powdered sugar and whipped cream. If you don’t have a sweet tooth, go for something like the Mediterranean Veg, filled with hummus, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and chickpeas. There’s a build-your-own-crêpe option, as well. Smoothies are also on offer, including the Mean Green with spinach, mango, pineapple, and apple juice. The space is decked out with homey touches, including a window seat with pillows, large floral arrangements, and a small bookshelf. 

EPICUREAN EVENTS

6/6-6/9: St. Nicholas Greek Folk Festival
Dating back more than 60 years, this annual fest offers the best that traditional Greek food, drink, music, and dance has to offer. The St. Nicholas Greek Folk Festival returns today through Sunday at the Greektown Square & Events Center. This year, expect Greek delicacies like fire-roasted lamb, homemade baklava, loukoumades, and souvlaki, plus Greek beers and wines. Entertainment will include a kids’ zone with arts and crafts and regional Greek dance troupe performances. Admission is free.

6/6: WTMD’s First Thursday Festival
And just like that, First Thursdays are back! Every summer, local radio station WTMD hosts the monthly free music festival at Canton Waterfront park filled with live bands, food trucks, drinks, and craft vendors. The first iteration of 2024 takes place tonight with headliners DEHD, Snacktime, and Giji. Before you find a spot to camp out for the music, head to the parking lot where you’ll find a bevy of fan-favorite local food and beverage vendors, including Ekiben, Fuzzies Burgers, Jimmy’s Seafood, Zeke’s Coffee, Don’s Dogs, and Mother’s.

6/8-9: Smoke at The Point
Longtime locals remember chef Josh White, the pit master who blessed the masses with his barbecue bites at Smoke when it was open in Cockeysville from 2015-2019. He’s been teasing a comeback on social media for a while now, and this weekend, you can find him slinging some of his greatest hits at The Point in Towson. Show up on Saturday or Sunday to get your hands on massive sandwiches like the Pig Vicious (pulled pork, slaw, and Carolina vinegar sauce), Nashville Charm (fried chicken, Old Bay Nashville hot sauce, pickles, and ranch), and The Sosa, which stacks pulled pork with pork belly and Swiss cheese. You can also look out for smoked wings, gooey mac and cheese, and an entire lineup of summery cocktail specials. The two-day event will serve as a teaser for a more longstanding brand collab between Smoke and The Point, which will be officially unveiled in the coming weeks.

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Cece’s Roland Park: A Michelin-starred chef who has worked in kitchens in Washington, D.C. and Las Vegas will help open this new spot in The Village of Cross Keys. When it debuts on June 13, Nick Sharpe will helm the kitchen at Cece’s Roland Park, offering a European menu with coastal influences, plus a a wide selection of tequila and French and Italian wines. The 7,000-square-foot space will also boast an expansive open-air courtyard, main dining room, and the adjacent Cece’s Kitchen for more casual dining with pizzas and pastas. The restaurant will be under the umbrella of The Cordish Companies.

“It’s an honor to be able to come back to my home state of Maryland to join Cece’s Roland Park as executive chef,” Sharpe said in a press release. “I’m excited to bring my experiences from working with some of the country’s most renowned chefs to Baltimore with a very special menu being curated especially for Cece’s.”

This is the latest in a slew of forthcoming additions to Cross Keys, which is also expected to welcome ZaVino Italian Marketplace, Kneads Bakeshop, and a Chinese concept from Atlas Restaurant Group in the coming months. 

Rye Street Market Announces Two New Tenants: Last fall, the developers behind the Baltimore Peninsula in South Baltimore announced that popular vegan burger bar Slutty Vegan would anchor Rye Street Market—the mixed-use office, retail, and food vendor space located in the center of the 235-acre community. Now, two more building tenants have been added into the mix. The first is Virginia-based Tex-Mex restaurant Urbano, which will serve up a menu of tacos, ceviches, and heartier plates like ancho-grilled pork belly and spicy crab cakes. Additionally, the market will welcome futuristic karaoke bar Live-K (think: massive LED screens, flashy lights, and private party rooms), which has seen success with its first location at The Wharf in D.C. Though opening dates for the new concepts haven’t been firm up yet, Slutty Vegan is slated to debut fall 2024.

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Vacation: The hospitality group behind The Food Market has opened a new Columbia concept that’s perfect for summer. It’s all there in the name—Vacation is meant to feel like an oasis in the middle of Merriweather Row, serving up out-of-office-inspired drinks and food. Complete with couches, hanging plants, and blankets for chillier evenings, the new eatery is located on the grounds of The Food Market’s location in Columbia and offers 4,000 square feet of all outdoor seating. There’s a retractable roof, too, for when the weather doesn’t quite cooperate.

Owner Chad Gauss and his team have created a menu of fun shareables, including birria tacos, crab dip egg rolls, and a plate of pepperoni (yes, an entire plate of the fan-favorite pizza topping with hot honey and garlic bread “for absorption.”) You’ll also find skewers, salads, and baskets of fried goodies like shrimp, lobster fingers, and chicken tenders. Expect a cocktail menu worthy of any swim-up bar, including classics like piña coladas, margaritas, and mojitos, plus originals like the Woah-Se with rosé, vodka, lemon juice, agave, ginger, and watermelon puree. There’s also draft beer, wine, and nonalcoholic beverages. 

It’s open every day from 4 p.m. to midnight, perfect for a pre- or post-concert hangout if you’re headed to Merriweather Post Pavilion this summer. But there are plans to better winterize Vacation so it can be open year round.

Wine Village in Baltimore: As of today, this vino-loving pop-up has once again taken over the Inner Harbor’s West Shore Park for a short stint. From the organizers of the Inner Harbor Christmas Village, the Wine Village will be open from Mother’s Day weekend through Memorial Day weekend. Expect wine gardens with European bites and wine selections that can be enjoyed on family-friendly tables, picnic blankets, and even VIP areas. Special programming throughout its run includes outdoor movie nights, local makers selling their handmade wares, a historic carousel, performances by area bands and DJs, and group games like cornhole. There’s no charge for admission. Food, drinks, and gifts are pay as you go.

NEWS

Magdalena Welcomes New Chef: The Ivy Hotel’s restaurant in Mt. Vernon has tapped Ülfet Ralph to be its new executive chef. And she’s starting off strong with a fresh spring menu featuring gazpacho, risotto with ramps, and a whole branzino. Ralph is no stranger to properties under the Relais & Château banner, having headed up the kitchen at Brush Creek Ranch’s Magee Homestead in Wyoming. She most recently worked as executive chef at Canoe Place Inn in The Hamptons. 

“I am so excited to join the deeply talented team at The Ivy Hotel and Magdalena,” Ralph said in a statement. “I have long appreciated the unmatched quality of Relais & Châteaux properties and have brought my approach to a number of them, focusing on the integrity of the ingredients at their core in a healthy, vegetable-forward way. I look forward to bringing my cuisines and experiences to Baltimore.”

EPICUREAN EVENTS

5/12: Crust by Mack’s Mother’s Day Event
Chef Amanda Mack, the brains behind beloved bakery Crust by Mack, is serving up something special for Mother’s Day. Together with the Alpha Female Festival, Mack will host “Taste & Turntables: My Mother’s Recipe” at her Harborplace bakeshop on Sunday. The event is part of a series that combines food by local chefs and music by local artists to “evoke a sensory journey merging sound and taste.” The Mother’s Day edition will feature three courses focusing dishes that have been passed down throughout generations, plus a complimentary glass of Champagne or a mocktail. Expect music from DJ Huxtable, DJ Sun, and The Olucination Band. Tickets are $50 for a single attendee or $80 for two. 

5/12-5/13: Fennec at Artifact
Catch former Magdalena chef Scott Bacon’s roving restaurant Fennec at Artifact Coffee in Hampden on Sunday and Monday. The coffee shop, located inside Union Mill, will host Bacon for two nights (5-9 p.m.) offering a special al la carte menu of shareable, vegetable-forward plates. Look out for dishes like charcoal-roasted carrots with chives and dill, wood-grilled asparagus with duck yolk and a green ramp curry, and grilled oyster mushrooms with a caramelized sunchoke hummus. Joey Wight of Wight Tea will serve cocktails and nonalcoholic beverages to pair with all of the eats. No reservations are needed.

(SOON TO BE) SHUT

RYMKS Bar & Grille: After two years in business, this Little Italy soul food spot and sports bar—known for its drink specials, pool tables, and DJ dance parties—will close its doors on May 19. “It’s been a pleasure serving Baltimore over the past few years and meeting so many extraordinary Baltimoreans,” the restaurant wrote on Instagram, adding: “We invite you to join us over the next two weeks to savor your favorite dishes.”

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La Cuchara Takes Over Former Five & Dime Ale House: Ben Lefenfeld, co-owner/executive chef of Meadow Mill’s La Cuchara, announced this week that he and his business partners—wife, Amy, and brother, Jake—purchased the Five and Dime Ale House property on the Avenue in Hampden a few weeks back. Built in 1926, the three-level, 11,4000-square-foot corner spot—historically the site of G.C. Murphy’s five-and-dime store—will get a gut renovation from SMP Architects. Though there’s no word yet on the concept, the team’s new restaurant—which sits just about a mile away from La Cuchara—is projected to open in April 2025.

“The goal for any business owner is to own a building,” Lefenfeld says. “It provides advantages in the marketplace and long-term security. It’s very expensive to rent. Though we don’t plan on leaving La Cuchara, this was just a great opportunity and we can drive back and forth between the properties in about five minutes.”

Land of Kush: A second home for the beloved downtown vegan destination has been in the works since 2018, when husband-and-wife owners Gregory Brown and Naijha Wright-Brown told us that expansion is “something we’ve wanted to do from the beginning.” Construction delays and COVID-19 caused a hiatus, but the Baltimore Business Journal reports that the long-awaited debut of a new Land of Kush outpost at 801 N. Chester St., near Johns Hopkins Hospital, is finally on the horizon this summer. The owners will convert what was once a Chinese food carryout and a connected vacant rowhome into the restaurant. In 2018, Gregory estimated that the new location will be around 600 square feet larger than the original, offering nearly 75 seats. “We’ll be able to do a lot more,” he said then.

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The 3rd Floor Cocktail Club: Here’s a tip if you’re in Ellicott City or are planning to venture there soon: Main Street watering hole Judge’s Bench recently opened The 3rd Floor Cocktail Club on its rooftop. The concept is described as a speakeasy serving cocktails, premium spirits, and small plates, and it officially debuted during Ellicott City SpringFest last weekend. “That was great for our launch, because the deck has a great view out onto the street, so you can see across to the Wine Bin, where they had a stage during all of the events,” says bar manager Elena Johnson, the daughter of owners Mike and Jane Johnson. “You could see and hear live music and get out of the crowd a bit.”

She adds that Judge’s Bench saw a desire for more outdoor space at the pub, especially after the success of the temporary outdoor seating that was in place during the pandemic. But they wanted to offer something different than their selection of single-malt whiskeys and craft beer.

“We also realized that when we’d get limited-edition, really premium spirits, they can get lost in the shuffle with how much is happening downstairs,” Johnson says, adding that a hand-crafted cocktail bar “is something that we don’t see a lot of happening yet in Ellicott City. I think it’s coming, but there’s definitely an opportunity to offer cocktails executed at a really high level.”

Expect a list of signature cocktails and rotating seasonal sips, with fun names taken from one artist’s music catalog (right now you’ll see names from George Michael and Wham! songs.) Small plates are on offer as well—including charcuterie, tinned fish, and a few desserts—as are non-alcoholic cocktails. One of the most popular libations right now is the Freedom, a riff on a gin and tonic with Bayab Gin’s burnt orange variety, lemon tonic, and an herbal liqueur.

3rd Floor is open Friday and Saturdays. With limited seating (about 15-20 seats on the outside deck), reservations are strongly encouraged.

Yebo Kitchen: Chef Sammy Davis, a Food Network Chopped champion, has taken over the space once home to Church Bar in Station North. His new concept, Yebo Kitchen, offers Asian-American fusion dishes with a Southern influence. Plates at Yebo, which is Zulu for “yes,” include lobster rigatoni, teriyaki duck breast served with Asian sweet potatoes and bok choy, shrimp and crab leg fried rice, and misoyaki butterfish. The weekend brunch menu highlights hot cakes, twice-baked challah French toast, and avocado shrimp toast. 

EPICUREAN EVENTS

4/27-4/28: Tortuga Deli Spiedie Pop-Ups
This weekend, Davon Pulliam’s Tortuga Deli will pop up along Greenmount Avenue. Catch his sammies on Saturday at the Waverly Commons lot (1-7 p.m.) and Sunday at Jinji Chocolate (noon-4 p.m.) Pulliam will char-grill chicken, beef, and veggie skewers and serve them on hoagie rolls with aromatic sauces and garnishes—also called a spiedie. Expect sides like pickles, chips, and an olive oil herb potato salad. He’ll also offer his Tortuga Kombucha. “My friend from culinary school, chef Matt Collins, will be collaborating with me, so it’s gonna be fun,” Pulliam says. 

4/28: Rey Eugenio Pop-Up at Ekiben
Ekiben is back with another can’t-miss pop-up. This time, the eatery is welcoming local chef Rey Eugenio and his top-notch Filipino fare. Eugenio, most recently of Heritage Kitchen, also popped up for an event at Clavel in March. He’ll stop by Ekiben in South Baltimore this Sunday for a Filipino-meets-Taiwanese collab “of epic proportions.” Stop by from 2-6 p.m. to see what Eugenio and the folks at Ekiben are cookin’ up.

SHUT

Pariah Brewing Co.: This California-born brewery near Hampden abruptly closed its doors on April 12. “It has been a more than difficult road, and we fought as hard as anyone could,” Pariah founder, co-owner, and brewmaster Brian Mitchell wrote on Instagram. “We honestly should have closed a year ago.” The brewery originally opened in 2017 in San Diego. When it was looking to expand, owners chose Baltimore to strengthen their bi-coastal operation—and because Mitchell hails from Prince George’s County. The Baltimore outpost debuted in 2022 inside the former home of Union Craft Brewing on Union Avenue. Mitchell did not share specific details on the reason for the closure (which includes both California and Maryland operations) in his post, but The Baltimore Banner confirmed that the brewery received a rent-related eviction at its Baltimore space.

Zander’s: Late last year, the team behind Allora in Mt. Vernon took over the historic Alex Brown & Sons investment bank building downtown to revive the restaurant space as Zander’s, a concept that focused on classic cocktails, starters, pastas, and prime cuts of meat. It was short lived. Zander’s debuted in late 2023 and closed this month. This latest closure from Liliahna Hospitality Group—which shuttered its Cross Street Market concept, Velleggia’s, last year—comes as the group faces allegations from ex-employees and vendors that they’ve not been paid.

Additional reporting by Jane Marion

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Aveley Farms + Diamondback Brewing Co.: The two local beverage businesses are teaming up to launch a collaborative concept that fuses the best of both. Earlier this month, Locust Point’s Diamondback Brewing Co. and Towson’s Aveley Farms Coffee Roasters announced that they’re building an “all day and all night” venue at 9490 Deereco Road in Timonium. Guests will be able to enjoy a roastery and cafe by Aveley, as well as a brewery, taproom, and pizza kitchen by Diamondback. The new venture—which will serve as a second location for both establishments—was born out of the businesses’ shared need for more production space, as well as Diamondback’s desire to serve a Baltimore County crowd, according to a press release.

“[Diamondback owner] Tom [Foster] and I started kicking this around about a year and half ago, as we were both looking to expand our manufacturing and retail footprints,” reads a statement by Aveley Farms owner Corey Voelkel, whose friendship with Diamondback owners Foster, Colin Marshall, and Francis Smith dates back to when they were high school classmates at Loyola Blakefield. 

Construction on the new spot will begin this spring, with a grand opening slated for later this year. Need a fix in the meantime?Diamondback is commemorating its 10-year anniversary at its annual Greenerfest on April 20, which will feature special beer releases, live music, and local vendors.

Kneads Bakeshop & Cafe: Late last year, we were sad to say goodbye to The Local Oyster’s brick-and-mortar locations, including one in  Locust Point. But the space at 838 E. Fort Ave. won’t be vacant for much longer. Kneads Bakeshop—the retail and cafe concept from H&S Bakery that debuted in Harbor East in 2022—will open a pop-up location in the former shucking spot next month. “As we expand our roots within Baltimore, we cherish the opportunity to become a part of the vibrant Locust Point neighborhood, offering the same beloved baked goods, coffee, and light fare that have made us a local favorite,” Kneads wrote on Instagram. The team added in a comment that although it’s a temporary gig, “things could possibly change. [You] never know.”

This news comes just a few weeks after Kneads announced that it will debut a smaller, grab-and-go style bakery and coffee shop at The Village of Cross Keys later this year. (Interestingly, it’s soon-to-be Cross Keys neighbor Easy Like Sunday is also opening a cafe in Locust Point, at the McHenry Row development, this summer.)

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Love, Pomelo: This Italian eatery from Min Kim and Cheolsoo “Charles” Lee, the-co owners of Canton’s beloved Café Dear Leon, debuted last week in a space just two doors down from their bakeshop on O’Donnell Square. Love, Pomelo opened with a minimalist menu, highlighting dishes like a whipped ricotta spread with honey and pistachio, rigatoni with a white bolognese sauce, mussels, strip steak, and grilled romanesco cauliflower. But its aperitivo, or pre-dinner drinks, deserve just as much attention. When we dined here earlier this week, nary a table didn’t hold a Love, Pomelo Spritz, made with L’Aperitivo Nonino, elderflower liqueur, grapefruit juice, and tonic. The negroni selection—a house negroni and a negroni bianco—is noteworthy, too. 

Roggenart Mt. Vernon: The eclipse wasn’t the only noteworthy thing to happen for Mt. Vernon locals on Monday. The neighborhood also officially welcomed this European cafe chain—which has rapidly expanded throughout the years with locations everywhere from Towson and Ellicott City to Arlington and Chicago—on North Charles Street. Situated on the ground floor of the City House Charles office and retail complex (formerly the hallowed Grand Central Nightclub), the shop offers a menu of scratch-made pastries, breakfast sandwiches, paninis, and a robust coffee and espresso program.

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Le Comptoir du Vin Taking Over Birds of a Feather: Decades-old Fells Point scotch bar Birds of a Feather has sadly closed, but the gears are turning to reactivate the space soon. Owner Alicia Horn Merritt is retiring and will sell the bar to Will Mester and Rosemary Liss, the owners of Station North star Le Comptoir du Vin. Mester tells us that he met Merritt when he previously stopped by for a drink, and learned she intended to retire. “I called her a couple of weeks later and asked her what she was planning to do with the space, and we worked it out from there,” he says. “We’ve been looking at doing it for about a year and a half.”

Plans for the space are still mostly under wraps, but Mester shares that it will be a pub with a dining room upstairs for dinner service a few times per week. “We want to do a pub without food flying around everywhere,” he says. The hope is to open sometime before the end of the year.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

4/12: Moveable Feast’s Rebel Keg Party at Gertrude’s
The Rebels are back at it. Tomorrow, local cycling team Rebels with a Cause will throw its annual fundraiser for Moveable Feast at Gertrude’s inside the Baltimore Museum of Art. With proceeds directly benefiting the organization that provides meals to Marylanders living with HIV/AIDs, cancer, and other life-threatening diseases, the “refined keg party” will feature live music, local beer, and food from area restos like True Chesapeake Oyster Co., Marta, Foraged, and Blue Pit BBQ & Whiskey Bar. Expect pours from greats like Mobtown Brewing, Union Craft Brewing, Guilford Hall, Pariah Brewing, Brewer’s Art, Checkerspot Brewing, and Charm City Meadworks. Tickets range from $35-$75.

4/13: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Feastival at West Shore Park
Speaking of events for a great cause—this weekend, Baltimoreans can join in this annual “food adventure for a cure.” The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s celebrated tasting event returns this Saturday, but at a new venue. This year, the foodie fundraiser will take place at West Shore Park in the Inner Harbor. Tickets ($125 for singles, $200 for two) include all-you-can-eat bites from local restaurants like Sally O’s, Osteria Pirata, and Alma Cocina Latina. 

5/19: Gin Fling at Dutch Courage
Old Goucher gin bar Dutch Courage announced this week that it will host a Gin Fling for those who want to taste, drink, and learn more about its spirit of choice. On Sunday, May 19, the ticketed event at the bar will offer 14 different gins to sample, plus cocktail tastings, oysters, and live music from The Flying Faders. Full-sized cocktails and other food will be available to purchase. Tickets run $50 and can be bought via OpenTable. 

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Dinner in the Mourning Culinary Disaster Relief Fund: In the wake of the Francis Scott Key Bridge tragedy—which has presumably taken the lives of six workers who were conducting maintenance on the bridge when it fell—Crust by Mack owner and chef Amanda Mack has once again activated her culinary disaster relief fund, which she launched in 2023 after the mass shooting in Brooklyn Park. Long known for her community-driven spirit, Mack is using the group, Dinner in the Mourning, to provide meals to victims’ families, as well as first responders. “We know that food serves people, and that we use it during a time of communion to come together to heal, to nurture,” Mack said in an Instagram video. “That is the point of this group.” Donations can be made via GoFundMe.

In true Baltimore hospitality fashion, other restaurants are following Mack’s lead to lend a hand in the aftermath of the collapse. The Ekiben team went out to the bridge site with Baltimore City councilman Zeke Cohen to deliver meals to rescue workers yesterday. In Fells Point, Max’s Taphouse has pledged to donate 100 percent of all Key Brewing sales to impacted families for the next month, and The Point is offering half-off dinners to first responders daily.

All of the efforts are shining examples of Charm City’s resilient spirit, a sentiment which Cohen amplified to CNN earlier this week: “Here’s the thing people don’t always know about Baltimore—we are built tough,” he said. “For as many times as my city gets knocked down, we always find a way back up. Resilience is built into our DNA. And while the national media sees our pain, the thing I wish you could see is also the love people have for each other here.”

Alma Cocina Latina Launches Crowdfunding for New Arepa Bar: Fans of Alma Cocina Latina likely know that the team behind the Station North eatery has long wanted to open up a sister arepa bar, spurred by the Venezuelan staple’s popularity on the Alma menu. Plans for that bar, Candela, to open just around the corner at 10 E. Lanvale St. are just about set—the focus now is on funding. Alma owner and founder Irena Stein (who released her own arepa cookbook last year) and manager and co-owner Mark Demshak have launched a Crowd Fund Baltimore program for Candela, which invites diners from near and far to not only support the new concept, but invest in it. 

Stein says discovering Crowd Fund Baltimore “led to a whole new way of building a business, and the community around us.” She adds, “I thought that was an absolutely brilliant, contemporary way to relate to the community—that they don’t just come and eat, then pay and go, but that they can have a sense of belonging within a space and a small business. That is so important to every city, but particularly in the city of Baltimore.”

Demshak says it also lowers the barrier to entry for people to invest, as the minimum investment is $100. “Crowdfunding started as a way to donate money to causes, so people sometimes confuse this with they’re just giving us money,” he adds. “It’s actually an investment—we give the money back, plus interest.”

For those curious about what an investment would go toward: Candela plans to offer 12 arepas filled with seafood, meat, chicken, vegetarian, and vegan varieties. The menu from executive chef Fernando Bertelsen will also feature empanadas, cachapas, a few desserts, natural house-made beverages like lemonade and agua fresca, and canned beer and wine. Expect a design sporting a tropical, non-commercial look with plenty of plants and greenery, similar to Alma. Candela also aims to be zero-waste.

“The goal is to be the most beautiful arepa bar in the world—I’m not exaggerating,” Stein says with a laugh. “That’s the dream.” She adds, “We’re done, we’re prepared, we’re ready to go—we just have to finish the funding.”

Once funding is complete, Demshak says it will be a three-month buildout. The aim is to open this summer.

O’S OPENING DAY DEETS

Maryland Yards: The birds are officially back in town, and there’s a new pre-game spot to check out before heading into the ballpark this year. Maryland Yards will soft launch with a tailgate full of Crushes, beer, and pit beef today at 511 W. Pratt St., the former home of Frank and Nic’s West End Grille. A grand opening is scheduled for next month, when you can expect a full menu of Maryland delicacies like crab soup, raw oysters, crab pretzels, crab cakes, and wild rockfish. Beverages will include craft cocktails and local craft beer on tap. 

Monument City Releases Simply AJ IPA: Looking for a new brew to celebrate the upcoming season? Monument City’s got you covered. In honor of Opening Day, the Highlandtown brewery has released Simply AJ IPA, made in collaboration with former Orioles center fielder Adam Jones. The beer is described as an easy-drinking, 6 percent IPA crafted with Mosaic, Cashmere, and El Dorado hops—giving it notes of melon, pineapple, and citrus. “Over Adam’s 11 seasons with the Orioles, he gave us so many fantastic memories,” Monument City founder Kennith Praay said in a statement. “We wanted to celebrate his contribution to Baltimore sports, and we’re thrilled that he has partnered with us on this project.” Simply AJ IPA is available through September, with distribution throughout Maryland.

COFFEE CORNER

Matriarch Coffee: A new Black-owned coffee shop debuted at Harborplace yesterday. Matriarch Coffee has roasted and sold beans online for years, so this brick-and-mortar space—located at 201 E Pratt St. directly across from the USS Constellation—has been a long time coming. “We’re thrilled that this moment is here, and that we’ll be open to share the joy of Matriarch with everyone in Baltimore,” said co-founder and director of marketing Michael Saunders, in a press release. Expect a menu of classic coffee drinks made with Rwandan beans, plus local fare like pastries from Crust By Mack and sandwiches and wraps from H3irloom Food Group. 

Mr. Trash Wheel Gets a Coffee Blend: One of Baltimore’s favorite mascots now has its own coffee. In honor of Mr. Trash Wheel’s 10th anniversary, the Charm City icon has partnered with Zeke’s Coffee to release the Mr. Trash Wheel Coffee Blend, a combination of dark-roasted Mexican and lightly roasted Ugandan beans that produce a full-bodied cup with notes of almond, cocoa, and nutmeg. Mr. Trash Wheel’s foray into double digits is officially April 20, which is when the blend will be released online. It will also be available at an anniversary party taking place at the Public Works Experience, where attendees will be among the first to enjoy a taste—in a Mr. Trash Wheel “Wheely Wired” coffee mug, to boot. The blend will also be available at Zeke’s retail and farmers market locations.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

4/5: The Club Car’s Grand Opening
Though this new queer cocktail bar and performance venue in Station North has been open for more than two months now as a pop-up, it’s planning an official debut next Friday, April 5. Doors open at 8 p.m. for live music and performances throughout the evening, and a drag show will begin at 10 p.m. The Club Car’s bar menu includes classics like martinis, gimlets, and Manhattans, plus a mezcal Old Fashioned and beer and wine.

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The Local Fry: Big plans are in store for Baltimore’s specialty French-fry bar, best known for its wings, Banh Mis, and, of course, its hefty orders of crispy fries covered in worldly toppings. The spud-centric concept at the Rotunda in Hampden, from owners Kevin and Liz Irish, is slated to open its first franchise in the Northwood Commons development near Morgan State University this year. Kevin tells us that the New Jersey-based franchisee—who is also looking to expand beyond Baltimore with possible locations in Atlanta, Northern Virginia, and New Jersey—aims to open it by the time the new school year begins in August.

So, was franchising always the game plan? Kevin says no, but at the time that the couple debuted The Local Fry at The Rotunda in 2018, they were also operating their now-closed flagship in Federal Hill, along with running their sister-concept, Toki Tako, next door in Hampden. Kevin admits that it was difficult being in multiple places at once.

“It’s very challenging to go between all the different stores, but we know The Local Fry is such a good concept and brand, that we wanted to have it everywhere,” he says. Sometime last year, they seriously considered the franchise route. “Essentially, those partners are also small businesses that believe in our concept, product, menu, and recipes. We just want to have this part of Baltimore everywhere.” 

Speaking of expanding their reach—after successful pop-ups at Camden Yards last year, The Local Fry will also open two permanent locations inside the ballpark for the 2024 season. “We couldn’t say no,” Irish says with a laugh.

He points out that all this news isn’t just a result of one busy year: “It’s been happening since 2014, when we started the original location, so seeing it go into different spots in Maryland or even other states, it just shows us that the hard work is paying off.”

Fuzzies Burgers: As if you need any more Opening Day excitement (we’re officially two weeks out, people!) there’s going to be more “burgers in Birdland” this year. Popular food truck and pop-up Fuzzies Burgers recently announced that it’s signed a multi-year deal with Levy, the hospitality arm at Camden Yards. Starting this season, Fuzzies will operate a stall in Section 67 on the ground floor, in the newly branded City Connect Corner, where fans can chow down on those famous smashburgers and salty fries. 

But that’s not the only Fuzzies news. After chef and owner Josh Vecchiolla announced last year that Fuzzies would have a permanent residency at Mobtown Brewing, he recently switched gears, saying that the business “had to make some changes.” Now, the permanent location will reside at Peabody Heights Brewery, where Fuzzies’ newer truck (named Elektra) has been parked for a while. “This is a great fit for us,” Vecchiolla says, “especially with the recent grand opening of their new additional bar and arcade, The Dugout, being cohesively on-brand with our retro vibes.”

COMING SOON

B&O Café: In this neat new partnership, The Franciscan Center in Old Goucher—the largest soup kitchen in Central Maryland, which has provided Baltimoreans in need with hot meals, clothing, health screenings, and counseling services for decades—has teamed up with the B&O Railroad Museum to open a cafe on the museum’s campus. With a ribbon-cutting slated for next week, the B&O Café will offer a weekend lunch menu of burgers, chicken sandwiches, chicken wings, deli sandwiches, salads, and soups, plus desserts and drinks. But perhaps the best part is that the new eatery will act as a way to further the center’s mission. Chefs who will be operating, managing, and working at the cafe are graduates and/or students of the Franciscan Center Dignity Plates Culinary Training Academy, and all proceeds from sales will directly benefit the program. Featuring indoor and outdoor seating, the cafe will operate Sunday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

3/1-3/31: Maryland Vegan Restaurant Month
The month-long celebration of plant-based food, hosted by Maryland Vegan Eats, has returned for its 13th edition. For the entire month of March, participating restaurants around Baltimore (and now Washington, D.C.) are whipping up specialty vegan dishes to celebrate. As always, the semi-annual event is organized by Samantha Claassen of Golden West Café and Naijha Wright-Brown of The Land of Kush. “We started it because we wanted a way to highlight all of the veg-friendly restaurants in our area, and it’s since grown to incorporate omni restaurants, who are now seeing that there’s a huge demand for plant-based dishes on their menu,” the duo said in a press release. See a full list of participating restaurants here.

3/17: Field Notes: The Chocolate Edition
The Farm Alliance of Baltimore will host its first Field Notes dinner of 2024, dubbed “The Chocolate Edition,” at Hampden cafe Good Neighbor this weekend. Expect a chocolate-themed cocktail hour featuring drinks from a Clavel mixologist and music from DJ Sterling Warren; a dinner by Cocina Luchadoras; and a dialogue during dinner between Jinji Fraser of Jinji Chocolate, historian Deb Freeman, and local artist and alchemist Kenya Miles. The evening will also include a silent auction. These Field Note fundraising dinners aim to celebrate food, art, music, and history while supporting the alliance’s agricultural community work in Baltimore. Tickets are $50-$175.

3/17: Ekiben x Tabachoy Pop-Up
Like clockwork, Ekiben has added another impressive pop-up to its chef collab calendar. This time, the eatery is partnering with lauded Philadelphia Filipino restaurant Tabachoy, whose chef, Chance Anies, will be on site at the South Baltimore location on March 17 for what they’re calling “St. Fatty’s Day.” (Tabachoy is a Tagalog nickname lovingly bestowed to friends or family members that means “chubby” or “fat.”) Expect “banger after banger” on the menu, as Ekiben cheekily puts it, including a spin on Anies’ famous Filipino hot dog. The pop-up will run from 2-6 p.m.

3/20: Masarap Pop-Up at Clavel
Speaking of pop-ups, local chef Rey Eugenio’s top-notch Filipino fare is headed to Clavel next week. His famed Masarap concept will make an appearance at the Remington taqueria to serve up lumpia, Inihaw na Manok (barbecue chicken) tacos, Lechon Liempo (roasted pork belly), and a Halo-Halo ice cream bar. To pair with the eats, the bar will be pouring a special Filipino rum punch, a house version of Tuba (fermented coconut wine), and Kalamansi-Banana vinegar Micheladas. Just like any dinner service at Clavel, be sure to arrive early. You’ll want first dibs on all of the a la carte eats, plus desserts by Mama Lola.

SHUT

Café Poupon: ICYMI—beloved downtown eatery Café Poupon abruptly shut its doors at the end of February, just before reaching its tenth anniversary. “Everything happened so fast, and sadly we were not even given a chance to properly say goodbye to all of you,” the cafe wrote on Instagram. “Just like other small businesses, we were given the short end of the stick and not enough time to negotiate our lease, so we had no choice.” The original Patisserie Poupon on Baltimore Street remains open.

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