OPEN
Call Your Mother: The love for this Washington, D.C.-born bagel chain has spread far and wide since its first location opened on Georgia Avenue in 2018. Since then, husband-and-wife owners Andrew Dana and Daniela Moreira have expanded to more than 20 shops throughout the D.C. area and in Colorado, with more expected to come. There’s no word on a Baltimore location, but last week, we got our closest one yet with the debut of a brightly colored shop in Annapolis—aptly decorated with crab murals on the wall, of course.
Described as a “Jew-ish deli” (hence the name), Call Your Mother is best known for its hybrid bagels that fuse the Montreal-style sweetness with the fluffy texture of a New York classic. Their most popular sandwiches include the “Thunderbird”—a sausage, egg, and cheese on a maple salt and pepper bagel—as well as the “Royal Palm,” the deli’s version of a smoked salmon on lox piled high with cucumber, tomato, red onion, and capers on an everything bagel. Regulars round out their order with a drink from the expansive coffee and espresso menu, plus a sweet treat like a chocolate babka muffin or a classic Black & White cookie.
COMING SOON
Cafe Fili: The sunny Mt. Vernon café, beloved for its beautifully plated Mediterranean fare, is widening its footprint in the city. Owner Ziad Maalouf recently announced that a new location will take over the former home of Amber inside Anthem House in Locust Point. Slated to open this spring, the South Baltimore spot will offer the cafe’s signature shawarma bowls, salads, pastries, and espresso during the day, while also debuting an evening mezze program. The elevated dinner menu will highlight shareable small plates, a boutique wine list, and craft cocktails that lean into regional flavors. Stay tuned for more, as Maalouf has further plans for expansion in the Baltimore area in 2027.
Rosewater: If you’re into exclusive experiences, Atlas Restaurant Group is bringing a members-only social club to Harbor East this summer. Located inside the historic E.J. Codd Co. building on Aliceanna Street (which will also house the group’s forthcoming Japanese izayaka, Kannon), the club will span 7,500 square feet and feature two bars, full-service dining, co-working and lounge areas, a billiards room, and even a high-end golf simulator.
Named as a nod to a tradition in the family business—Atlas founder Alex Smith’s grandfather, the late H&S Bakery chief John Paterakis Sr., would add a few drops of rosewater to freshly baked loaves for a signature aromatic finish—the club’s vibe will be Parisian nouveau, blending “the romance of French colonial heritage with contemporary elegance.” Membership includes an upfront initiation fee and a continued monthly payment.
NEWS
Maggie’s Farm Hosts Free Community Meal on Nov. 24: In the spirit of true kindness and hospitality, Maggie’s Farm in Hamilton-Lauraville is giving away more than 600 free meals to neighbors in need in advance of Thanksgiving this Monday, Nov. 24. Owners Dana and Abdul Saeed have long believed in taking care of the community that has taken care of them for the past eight years. So they put out a call for locals to register for a hot meal—no questions asked—via social media last week, and the response was overwhelming. Though registration is technically now closed, “We’re rolling with it,” the couple wrote in a recent post. “If the community needs over 600 meals, then over 600 meals is exactly what we’re going to cook.”
This effort isn’t tied to a promotion or charity campaign—it’s simply, as Dana told us via email, “neighbors feeding neighbors.” While the owners dish out the plates on the patio, the restaurant will be offering drinks and treats inside for purchase, if you’re hoping to stop by to show support.
Speaking of Thanksgiving, if you’re still prepping your plans, you can check out our list of restaurants open, here, and eateries offering takeout, here. If you’re on dessert duty, but don’t want to bake—trust us, we get it—you can pre-order pies from the bakeries listed, here.
Le Comptoir du Vin Offers Wine Club: Oenophiles will be happy to hear that this nationally acclaimed bistro in Station North is reviving its monthly wine club. Curated by their resident “Wine Guy” Ann Marie in collaboration with Zack Genin of Baltimore-based distributor Genin Selections, the club will offer two thoughtfully paired bottles—one from Genin’s portfolio and a complementary pick from another standout importer—with three tiers to choose from.
Based on your preferences, you can choose from packages including Chicklette ($50), easy-drinking, everyday bottles; Silkies ($80), mid-tier wines suited for the cellar or a special occasion; and Mother Hen ($125), higher-end selections. Members will also receive a $5-off corkage fee when dining in at Le Comptoir du Vin, as well as free tastings at pickup. The first pickup is slated for this Sunday, Nov. 23. To join, email: [email protected].
Guilford Hall Launches Beer Inspired by Inviting Light: In collaboration with Central Baltimore Partnership, Guilford Hall Brewery has released the Inviting Light Baltimore Pilsner, a limited-edition brew inspired by Station North’s ongoing Inviting Light public art initiative. The can, designed to reflect the project’s themes of creativity, inclusion, and community, first dropped last week during the unveiling of “Soft Gym,” the series’ newest installation by artist duo Wickerham & Lomax.
Brewed in the heart of Station North, the 5.1 percent ABV Czech-style pilsner blends subtle malt with German and Czech hop character, aligning the “art of brewing” with the neighborhood’s growing public-art landscape. A portion of all sales—available at select bars and venues citywide, including Station North spots like Metro Baltimore, The Club Car, and Foraged—will support future Station North arts programming.
EPICUREAN EVENTS
11/20: Bin 604 Free Beaujolais Nouveau Tasting
Those in the wine world know that the third Thursday of November marks Beaujolais Nouveau day. Made from the Gamay grape and bottled weeks after harvest, the wine is a playful red with bright cherry and berry tasting notes. Head to Bin 604 in Harbor East for a free tasting of the limited-release Beaujolais Nouveau, which just landed from France. At sister-spot Petit Louis Bistro in Roland Park, sommelier Marc Dettori will also be uncorking the bottles and pairing them with specialty dishes all evening long.