EAT
April 16-May 2: Baltimore County Restaurant Week
Various locations
We’re loyal to our tried-and-true neighborhood favorites, but sometimes it’s nice to get a change of scenery and try out something new. Starting today, score dine-in, takeout, and curbside pickup deals from more than 60 county eateries in honor of Baltimore County Restaurant Week. Swing by La Food Marketa in Pikesville’s Quarry Lake to slurp on a bowl of birria broth soup brimming with pork carnitas, turmeric rice, herbs, pickled peppers, and tortilla chips. At Kooper’s in Jacksonville, chow down on cavatappi pasta tossed in creamy, lemon parmesan cream sauce. Or opt for lamb lollipops—which come served alongside tangy goat cheese and cilantro aioli. You can also schedule a date night to enjoy the three-course, prix-fixe feast from Lib’s Grill in Perry Hall, which includes delectable dinner bites like cajun cream shrimp and grits with andouille sausage. Browse more specials—everywhere from Cafe Troia and CVP in Towson to 818 Market and Catonsville Gourmet in Catonsville—here.
DRINK
April 17: Spring Fling at Old Line Spirits
Old Line Spirits. 4201 E Pratt St. 12-10 p.m.
Old Line is ringing in spring—and its fourth anniversary—with some fun in the sun this weekend. Throw on a mask for the grand opening of the Highlandtown distillery’s Flight Deck Courtyard Bar, and be sure to call dibs on a limited, barrel-finished bottle of American Double Malt Whiskey. Soak up some rays as you sample a series of refreshing, spring cocktails from a brand new menu. Plus, fulfill all of your comfort food cravings with a foil-wrapped burger and fries from the folks at Fuzzies.
SEE
April 15-18, 22-25: #ASLONGASITSDOPE Interactive Selfie Exhibit at Flatform Studios
Flatform Studios. 2123 N. Charles St. 5-9 p.m. $25-35
Sisters Kaya Gordon Levi and Ayana Gordon teamed up to curate this six-part selfie installation immersed in nostalgia and unyielding color, which debuts at Flatform Studios this weekend. Purchase tickets to the view the exhibit via Eventbrite before heading out the North Charles Street studio. Then, wander through each whimsical space to find fun-filled photo-ops and various creative reflection prompts. (P.S. doodling on the walls is encouraged!)
HEAR
April 17: Miles Gannett Album Release and Virtual Front Row at Creative Alliance
Creativealliance.org. 8 p.m. $12-20.
With the release of his debut solo album, Meridian, Louisiana-born Miles Gannett brings a little bit of everything with him to the virtual stage. Score tickets to the Fractal Cat frontman’s not-so-live-set via Creative Alliance’s website. Then tune in on Saturday and listen closely as Gannett—accompanied by a lineup of well-known locals, including Alex Berman of The Dirty Grass Players—marries the jagged-edged and soulful complexities of lyricists like John Prine and Jason Isbell.
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April 17: Braglio Farms Spring Fling Market
Braglio Farms. 10519 Marriottsville Road. 12-5 p.m.
Springtime fun is in full swing at Braglio Farms, which means it’s time for a road trip. Hop in the car and head to the family-run establishment in Randallstown to find goodies, gifts, and grub from more than 30 locally curated vendors. Score eye-catching jewelry from the makers at In Jeen Yus, Off The Grid, and Expressivo. You can also take your pick of handmade home goods and candles by Wanderlust and Evie & Park. Don’t forget to stock up on salsa by Chalsa and seasonings courtesy of Cowboy Al. Then plop down on one of the farm’s spaced-out campfire areas to enjoy a delicious bite (think mouthwatering baked goods by Mondelbroad Bakery and fresh, local oysters by Buckhead Meats) and snag an adult sip or two from the folks at Twin Valley Distillers and Sapwood Cellars.
WEEKEND LINEUP: April 9-11
EAT
April 10: Corazón Helado Grand Opening
Corazón Helado. 3222 Eastern Ave. 12 p.m.
Cocina Luchadoras owner Rosalyn Vera always dreamed of opening a Mexican ice cream shop. Then she met Michoacán native Paul Plascencia—who previously owned a paleta (popsicle) shop in California—and his wife, Joe Álvarez, and things started to fall into place. This Saturday, the Highlandtown ice cream spot is making its debut in the former Roll Bmore space on Eastern Ave. Swing by the grand opening to sample helados (ice cream flavors) including coconut with chile and Gansito, an ode to a chocolate-covered Mexican snack cake. And take your pick from an array of fruit-forward paletas—available in flavors such as strawberry-peppermint, mango-chamoy, and tequila with salt and lemon—to start your spring weekend off right.
DRINK
April 10: Amber’s Third Anniversary in Locust Point
Amber. 900 E. Fort Ave, Suite 109. 12-6 p.m.
This community cafe is celebrating three years of coffee and craft brews. Stop by this Saturday to celebrate the big birthday with live music, custom sips, and bar bites galore. Specifically for the occasion, the Locust Point spot—located on the ground floor of the Anthem House apartment complex—is highlighting $6 Pilsners, Tito’s cocktails, and Redemption Bourbon drinks all afternoon long. Grab a $10 flatbread to soak up the suds (the “Duck Flat” arrives topped with sun-dried tomato pesto, mozzarella, spiced apples, and duck confit) and be sure to stick around for a set by pop singer/songwriter Jamie Kaye.
SEE
April 10: Asia North Festival Virtual Kickoff
Station North Arts District. Virtual. Eventbrite. 4 p.m.
Presented by Towson University’s Asian Arts & Culture Center (AACC), the third-annual Asia North celebration and exhibit will kick off this Saturday with a virtual spin. Snag free tickets to the event online (you can also make a donation here to help support the AACC’s work), then tune in starting at 4 p.m. for a video tour of this year’s Station North exhibit. Browse powerful pieces curated by 25 regional, AAPI artists—including Reed Bmore, Cheng Cao, Molli Chang, Seongyoon Choi, Anu Das, and Gloria Tseng Fischer—while learning more about the rich history and treasured Korean landmarks throughout the neighborhood. Afterwards, enjoy a traditional Samulnori (percussion) performance by the The Korean Performing Arts Academy of America. Then follow along as Brown Rice owner Heather Chung demonstrates how to make Yachaejeon—a fried Korean pancake made with vegetables.
HEAR
April 9: Climby Desk Concert for Pigtown Climbs
Virtual. Eventbrite. 7-9 p.m.
Tonight, join Pigtown Climbs for an evening of live, local music—done Tiny Desk-style. Purchase tickets to the virtual concert online. Then grab your pod, crack a can or two, and get ready to bust some moves. The show will feature local dancer Aaliyah Caldwell, as well as musicians Ari and the Buffalo Kings, Brittanie Thomas, and Danielle Williams. Donations to Pigtown Climbs—which can be made here—will help the rock climbing organization put down permanent roots in Sowebo.
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April 11: Black Girl Market at The BMI
Baltimore Museum of Industry. 1415 Key Highway. 3-7 p.m.
Codetta Bakeshop’s second-ever Black Girl Market, featuring more than 20 Black women-owned vendors, is headed to the Baltimore Museum of Industry this Sunday from 3 to 7 p.m. Browse bath soaks and soothing skin treatments by Hol-Body, sweet sips by Lemontopia, spring-ready soy candles courtesy of K. Chante’ Aromas, and more. Then, fill up on cupcakes in classic Codetta varieties like birthday cake and cookies and cream—and be on the lookout for featured flavors like Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Lemon Blueberry Lavender. After you’re all shopped out, stick around to catch a panel discussion, live performances, and a set by DJ Tiara LaNiece.
WEEKEND LINEUP: April 2-4
EAT
April 4: Easter Specials
Various locations.
If you ask us, a downsized Easter celebration calls for keeping things simple—including the menu—and nothing says manageable like a feast made fresh by one of our favorite local eateries. This Sunday, shop small (and skip the mealtime hassle) when you score Easter Sunday staples such as a rack of lamb and scratch-made chicken pot pie from The Manor Tavern in Monkton; wood-grilled lamb chops in a saffron lemon butter sauce from Bar Vasquez in Harbor East; or a spring salad topped with duck prosciutto, shaved asparagus, and slow egg from the new Bondhouse Kitchen in Fells Point. If you’re in search of sweet treats to round out your holiday meal, go for the limoncello olive oil cake at Cosima or the Nutella French toast a la Duck Duck Goose. There are also plenty of takeout options to choose from if you’re celebrating from home, including a bottomless brunch box from Eddie’s of Roland Park (think ham and gruyere strata, a roasted vegetable quiche, and yogurt parfaits with honey-pistachio granola) or a prix-fixe package from Johnny’s, which is offering coffee cake, pancakes, housemade bread, fresh fruit, and more.
DRINK
April 2-4: Triple Can Release at Peabody Heights Brewery
Peabody Heights Brewery. 401 E 30th St. 4/2: 4-10 p.m., 4/3: 12-8 p.m., 4/4: 12-6 p.m.
We’re ready to raise a sudsy glass to the start of baseball season, and, unsurprisingly, so are the folks at Peabody Heights Brewery—which just so happens to be located at the former site of Old Oriole Park. The team is celebrating the return of the O’s with the release of three new ballpark-inspired cans. Visit the Abell brewery’s online shop to score an exclusive Opening Day Hazy IPA mixed six pack. Cans include the Bat Flip (a dry, hazy IPA made with Vic Secret, Galaxy, and Mosaic hops), the Double Header (a hazy double IPA blend of Mosaic, Citra, and El Dorado hops) and the Hot Corner (a dry triple IPA brewed with Citra, Galaxy, and Idaho hops). Then, throw on your orange and head to the taproom to pick yours up—or have it delivered to your door if you live within city limits.
SEE
April 2: Matt Muirhead Opening Reception
Baltimore Art Gallery. 855 W 36th St. 5-8 p.m.
This Friday, the whimsical screen prints and colorful pet portraits of multimedia artist Matt Muirhead will make their debut at the Baltimore Art Gallery. Throw on a mask and head to the Hampden venue to view Muirhead’s latest exhibition—which includes a series of paintings, prints, and signature painted LPs. Then grab a drink and be sure to stick around for a chat with the artist himself.
HEAR
April 3: Benito Gonzales Trio at Keystone Korner
Keystone Korner. Instantseats.com. 7:30 p.m. $10
Throughout his life, the late, great jazz pianist McCoy Tyner received five Grammy Awards for his solo work. But the acoustic instrumentalist—who passed away last year at the age of 81—is perhaps best known as a member of John Coltrane’s first live performance quartet. This Saturday, renowned pianist Benito Gonzales, accompanied by Essiet Okon Essiet on bass and Billy Hart on drums, will take to the Keystone Korner stage to honor Tyner’s life and work. Grab a streaming pass online via Instant Seats and enjoy access to the jazzy, live-streamed set of tunes all weekend long.
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April 3: Cosmic Egg Portrait and Art Kit at AVAM
American Visionary Art Museum. 840 Key Hwy. 1-3 p.m. Free-$18
Few things say Easter like a handmade craft, and, thankfully, the crew at the AVAM has us covered. In addition to artsy, instant photos in front of their sparkling Cosmic Egg sculpture, the team at the Federal Hill fixture is offering up all the tools you need to make a DIY frame. To get in on Saturday’s festive fun, RSVP via the Museum’s website. Grab a photo-only ticket for free (limit one per person, masks and social distancing required) or add in an egg-shaped frame and decorating kit—complete with accessories—for $18. Each comes with instructions, a pair of gloves, three feathers, and your choice of Apoxie sculpt color.