OPEN
Docks on the Harbor: There’s some new blood in the heart of the Inner Harbor near Phillips Seafood and Hard Rock Cafe. Docks on the Harbor will hold a ticketed grand opening celebration tonight, featuring complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres from 7-10 p.m. Complete with chandeliers, velvet banquettes, neon signs, and a 17-foot tree in the middle of the dining room, the modern restaurant spotlights comfort dishes like lobster mac and cheese, Wagyu sliders, and an Old Bay fried chicken sandwich. There are also a number of island-inspired entrees like a soy-garlic marinated ribeye and a vegetarian barbecued watermelon steak. Instagram-friendly cocktails (many are served with a floating rubber duckie) are on offer, along with a signature dessert platter that serves sweets like macaroons and chocolate-covered strawberries in a mini Ferris Wheel.
Icepop: Just in time for peak summer temps, this new popsicle parlor has opened at 421 N. Charles St. in Mt. Vernon. Owner Alicia Brown wanted to bring a fun, Coldstone-like spin to the sweet treat with all-natural fruit flavors (think: strawberry, mango, and kiwi—the current flavor of the month) that can be customized with toppings like Oreo crumbles, sprinkles, pistachios, Frosted Flakes, and milk or white chocolate for dipping. Brown says she hopes that customers will stop in to try Icepop’s rotating flavors of the month, which will be shared on Instagram, then vote on whether they’re worthy of a spot on the permanent roster.
The space itself has tables for dining in and floor-to-ceiling windows for people watching. “People can chill, relax, enjoy the atmosphere, and take pictures—we have tons of props,” Brown says, adding: “I’ve met so many other business owners right on this strip of Charles Street. I wanted to make sure we were in an area where there were a lot of other thriving businesses.”
MARKET MOVES
Dragon Bowl: Earlier this month, Lexington Market welcomed this new eatery from owner Richard Wong. The concept serves up Asian-fusion fare that combines Thai, Singapore, Chinese, Japanese, and a touch of Cajun flavors. At stall 54, market-goers will find dishes like chargrilled Bourbon chicken, crispy general glazed chicken, and shrimp foo young.
Dashi Ramen: Speaking of new market purveyors, Dashi is now open inside Cross Street Market, offering Japanese ramen and other dishes inspired by the owners’ “first trip to Japan in 2020,” according to its Instagram page. Ramen varieties include the a tonkatsu bowl featuring the stall’s house-smoked soy sauce, a shrimp tempura curry ramen, and a (perfect for summer) chilled Japanese ramen mixed with cucumber, carrots, ham, and egg crepe.
NEWS
Plate It! Baltimore Debuts on the Very Local App: Food Network fans, take note. Charm City now has its very own cooking competition show, Plate It! Baltimore, which aims to amplify our burgeoning chefs, restaurants, and markets. In each episode, judges—including Chyno of The Baltimore Foodie, Nick Schauman of The Local Oyster, and local cookbook author Jessica Formicola—challenge two local chefs to source themed ingredients for a city-inspired meal. Then, in the kitchen, the chefs race against the clock to prepare their unique dishes. Familiar faces include Jason Hisley of Cake By Jason, Nancy Longo of Pierpoint Restaurant, Tyler Johnson of JBGB’s, Catina Smith of Our Time Kitchen, and Sean Guy of Water For Chocolate. The first episode premiered on June 27 and more will drop every Tuesday throughout the summer. Catch it live on WBAL or stream it on the Very Local app.
Cajou Creamery Launches Brunch: Last weekend, the DMV’s first Black-owned, plant-based creamery, located on Howard Row, rolled out a savory option for customers to pair with their frozen treats. Marking the official launch of its new brunch offerings, Cajou served a sourdough toast topped with hummus, avocado, and pickled veggies. It’s available again this weekend from noon to 3 p.m., and depending on demand, it could become a more regular menu addition, according to co-owner Nicole Foster.
“We started [brunch] because we always envisioned that we would add a plant-based café,” Foster says. “People already know us for our cashew milk ice cream in culturally curious flavors—and know that it’s the only ice cream that actually loves you back. We want to do the same with food, and offer options for when you want something healthy and scrumptious.”
SHUT
Eddie’s of Mt. Vernon: After 24 years in business, staple grocer Eddie’s of Mt. Vernon is closing its doors on June 30. “We have truly enjoyed being a part of the Mt. Vernon community and will miss all the employees and customers we have grown to know and love over the years,” owner Dennis Zorn wrote on Facebook. “It is tough to put in to words the gratitude we have for all the customers that have shopped with us over the years and kept us open this long.” The neighborhood market was a go-to for deli favorites and gourmet goods by local makers, including the likes of Baugher’s apples, Hex Ferments krauts, and Michele’s Granola. With the closure imminent, all of the store’s inventory is currently 50 percent off.
No Way Rosé: Earlier this month, Baltimore learned that chef Ashish Alfred’s French-inspired restaurant, bar, and lounge in Federal Hill had closed. The East Cross Street spot was around for just over a year, serving European-inspired fare, raw bar offerings, creative cocktails, and rosé on tap to diners seated at bistro tables surrounded by pops of pink. But, as one door has closed, another has opened for Alfred—who recently launched his newest concept, Osteria Pirata, in Fells Point.