OPEN

Tersiguel’s French Country Restaurant: We’re constantly inspired by the resilience of this French fine-dining den on Main Street in Ellicott City—which has endured a fire and three floods since opening in 1975. This week, the restaurant persevered yet again. After three months of rebuilding since the tragic flood on Memorial Day Weekend, husband-and-wife owners Michel and Angie Tersiguel officially reopened their restaurant earlier this week. “Nothing can stop us,” the owners posted to Facebook after the flood. “Our hearts are heavy, the road ahead is paved with blood, sweat, and tears, but it’s familiar territory, one we have traveled many times. And we will continue to do so.” Tersiguel’s reopening comes on the heels of Howard County executive Allan Kittleman’s announcement of a $50 million five-year flood mitigation plan—which will demolish 10 properties on the lower half of Main Street. See more recent reopening updates here. 8293 Main St., Ellicott City. 410-465-4004

COMING SOON

The Greener Kitchen: Pigtown will welcome this vegan worker-owned collective to its dining scene next month. Formerly known as PEP Foods Inc., The Greener Kitchen fulfills its wholesome mission by providing catering services and distributing its plant-based products to vegan restaurants in the area. In addition to boasting plenty of commercial kitchen space for other dairy-free purveyors, the new headquarters off of Washington Boulevard will also operate as a one-stop-shop for vegan groceries. Be on the lookout for dairy-free cheeses, marinated proteins, seitan and deli slices, sauces and dips, and an array of prepared foods to grab on the go. 803 Washington Blvd. 443-929-3706

Indigma: Mt. Vernon locals were saddened when this neighborhood mainstay—known for its classic Indian dishes and filling lunch buffet—shuttered its doors suddenly last year. But now, there is a possibility that Indigma could be making a comeback in the neighborhood. A sign posted to door of the old Tavern on the Hill space at 900 Cathedral Street indicates that Indigma owners Christina Martija and Tony Chemmanoor are requesting to obtain a liquor license for the space. Though nothing has been set in stone as of yet, diners are holding out hope that Indigma’s samosas, curries, chutneys, and gulab jamun (deep-fried honey balls) will return very soon. 900 Cathedral St.

Milk & Honey Market: Speaking of comebacks, this former Mt. Vernon staple is returning with two locations in Station North and Pigtown in the coming months. Owners Ernst and Dana Valery closed their beloved market on Cathedral Street in 2016, and have since been working on a new cafe on the bottom floor of the Nelson Kohr apartment building in Station North. The duo recently told The Baltimore Sun that the store is expected to be finished this fall, and a second Milk & Honey location in Pigtown will follow soon after. The Pigtown iteration will be housed in the new Bath House Square project that the owners are developing on Washington Boulevard. Both locations are expected to offer the market’s signature breakfast sandwiches, paninis, soups, charcuterie boards, and coffees. 20 E. Lanvale St. and 906 Washington Blvd.

UNION COLLECTIVE UPDATES

Vent Coffee Roasters: Locals have enjoyed getting acquainted with Union Collective in Medfield this summer. The massive makerspace which you can spot from I-83, opened in June—debuting Union Craft Brewing’s new taproom and production facility, a state-of-the-art Earth Treks bouldering gym, and an ice cream factory from The Charmery. The latest tenant to join the pack is Vent Coffee Roasters, which opened in the space last weekend. Featuring sleek wood picnic tables and a roll-up garage door, the bright shop offers a full coffee and espresso bar from longtime barista Sarah Walker. Other highlights include nitro cold brews, Chemex and Aeropress offerings, teas, chocolate chip cookies, and other locally sourced pastries. Vent will be open from 7 a.m.-6 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m.-6 p.m. on weekends. 1700 W. 41 St.

Baltimore Spirits Company: On deck to open at Union Collective next month is this homegrown distillery, which was formerly headquartered in Remington. In conjunction with the grand opening of its production facility and tasting room at the Collective on September 15, Baltimore Whiskey Company has officially changed its name to Baltimore Spirits Company. The team hopes that the new name will better reflect the diversity of their products, which include gin, brandy, and amaro in addition to whiskey. Aside from providing more room to breathe, the new production space will use a custom geothermal system to sustainably distill award-winning spirits like Epoch Rye and Shot Tower Gin. “We can’t wait to show everyone what we’ve built over here,” co-founder Max Lents said in a statement. “We will certainly miss our old location on Sisson Street. It had a lot of character, but when people see our new space, they will understand how we’ve carried that character forward.” 1700 W. 41 St.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

8/31: Food Truck Rally at the Baltimore Museum of Industry
Kick off your long weekend with this foodie get-together to benefit There Goes My Hero, a nonprofit that works to improve the lives of blood cancer patients and their families. More than 15 local food trucks will be parked against the waterfront backdrop at the Baltimore Museum of Industry, serving everything from burgers and barbecue to tacos and ice cream. (Be on the lookout for favorites including Farm to Charm, Kommie Pig, The Smoking Swine, and Bistro Lunch Box.) Plus, enjoy family-friendly activities, sip beers from Heavy Seas, and dance to live tunes spun by DJ Neil Paul. Baltimore Museum of Industry, 5-9 p.m. Free admission.

9/4: Brewer’s Dinner with Dogfish Head at Rye Street Tavern
Rye Street Tavern in Port Covington is continuing its monthly Brewer’s Dinner series with a four-course meal that will pair each dish with a different Dogfish Head beer. Snag a seat on the restaurant’s lawn overlooking the Patapsco River to dig in to a bay scallop crudo with SeaQuench ale, smoked ricotta cappelletti paired with Punkin’ Ale (yes, it’s almost that time of year), a duo of beef with the Bitches Brew imperial stout, and a Hawaiian chocolate trifle with the Luau-luau IPA. 225 E. Cromwell St. 7-10 p.m. $85. 443-662-8000.

Five things to eat, drink, see, hear, and do with your Charm City weekend.

 EAT

March 17: St. Paddy’s Day Block Party at Parts & Labor

Parts & Labor, 2600 N. Howard St. 11 a.m. Free. 443-873-8887. 

From the takeoff of new businesses and foodie spots (think R. House and Clavel) to the announcement of the first-ever Remfest in May, Remington continues to blend its rich neighborhood history with its bold plans for the future. This weekend, two of the area’s mainstays are teaming up to celebrate the greenest day of the year with Irish classics like corned beef and Shepherd’s Pie from beloved butcher shop Parts & Labor and Old Oriole Park suds from Peabody Heights Brewery. Get to the shop early for beat-the-clock beer specials (beers start at 25 cents at 11 a.m., then increase to 50 cents at noon, and so on until 4 p.m.) and spend the afternoon devouring happy hour-priced snack specials around the fire pit.

 DRINK

March 17: Official Rye Whiskey Release Party

The Baltimore Whiskey Company, 2800 Sisson St. 1-5 p.m. Free. 443-687-9099. 

Since opening its doors in 2015, The Baltimore Whiskey Company has been preparing for the official return of rye whiskey distilling to Baltimore. And now, after three years of aging, the Remington-based company will release its first batch of Epoch Straight Rye to commemorate the first rye whiskey made in Baltimore in more than 50 years. With feature notes of clove, vanilla, honey, cinnamon, and tropical fruit, try this 100-proof spirit at its release party on Saturday, accompanied by eats from Well Crafted Pizza and Sugarvale.

 SEE

March 17: Torrey Smith Family Fund Charity Basketball Game

Royal Farms Arena, 201W. Baltimore St. 6:30 p.m. $15-100. 410-347-2006. 

NFL wide receiver Torrey Smith will wear a Carolina Panthers jersey next season, but after being drafted from the University of Maryland in 2011 and helping The Baltimore Ravens win a Super Bowl title in 2012, we’ll always claim him as one of our own. This Saturday, Smith and a group of his former and current teammates will return to Baltimore for the eighth annual charity basketball game to support his foundation, The Torrey Smith Family Fund, which benefits local after-school and teen mentoring programs. Watch these pro-football stars show off their basketball skills and enjoy giveaways and live entertainment during halftime.

 

 HEAR

March 17: Zip Into The Yellow Light

The Motor House, 120 W. North Ave. 8 p.m. $7-12. (410) 637-8300. 

Since his early years on the Baltimore club scene, Abdu Ali has hustled to create spaces—like live performances and DIY collectives—for marginalized members of the music community. This weekend, following the release of “DaWon” from his upcoming FIYA!!! mixtape, Ali will headline “Zip Into The Yellow Light,” a performance dedicated to using music as a transportation device into a metaphysical abyss where othered people can access every entity needed to fully live as themselves. International DJ BEARCAT, instrumental rock quartet Horse Lords, and legendary local voguer Marquis Revlon will open the show before Ali debuts new music on The Motor House stage.

 DO

March 16: TRÖEG-A Toga Party

American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy. 8-11 p.m. $25-30. 410-244-1900.

It’s like that party from the movie Animal House, but with Tröegs beer, better snacks, and handmade crafts. This Friday, don your best bedsheet and head to the AVAM for a night of toga-filled fun to benefit the upcoming Kinetic Sculpture Race. After hitting the dance floor and sampling snacks from local restaurants like Encantada and Handlebar Café, make a keepsake craft using Tröegs Independent Brewing’s bottle caps, labels, and packaging. Don’t forget to enter to win killer raffle prizes like a behind-the-scenes tour of Oriole Park at Camden Yards and gift cards to places like Thames Street Oyster House and Race Pace Bicycles.

Anyone who has driven on 83 these past several months has seen a giant black-and-white sign sprawled across the former Sears Roebuck warehouse that reads “Future Home of Union Craft Brewing and the Union Collective.” Now that future is looking much more present.
 

With beer tanks in, climbing walls erected, and nearly all eight vendors confirmed, the 138,000-square-foot makerspace and brewery home of Union Craft is becoming a reality.  

“It’s been amazing to see the level of hard work, passion, and creativity it has taken from all involved to get to this point,” says Union co-owner Adam Benesch. “We are excited to see the impact the project is going to make on our community and businesses that make up the collective.”

The collective is made up of Union Craft Brewing and eight other local vendors, some using the space as their main headquarters, others as a manufacturing location, and almost all as a storefront. There are still two open slots left and owners are excited to complete the roster. 

“We continue to search for the best and brightest growing Baltimore-based businesses,” Benesch says. “We look forward to finding the perfect fit for the last of the available space.”
 

Until then, though, these confirmed vendors have plenty in store for tenants as they gradually begin to open throughout the spring and summer.
 

Well-Crafted Pizza: The mobile pizza business, which was started by two couples, is known for its kitchen built on the back of a 1949 Dodge truck. Coinciding with the brewery’s opening this summer, Well Crafted will have a new 920-square-foot kitchen in the taproom itself serving its signature wood-fired pizzas, as well as kabobs, sausages, stuffed potatoes, and soft pretzels.  

Earth Treks: Most likely the first to open in the space, this rock-climbing mecca will be the first of its kind in the city include an exclusive space for bouldering, and also have a yoga studio for patrons.
 

The Charmery: This beloved Hampden corner ice cream spot (with a location in Anneslie on the way) will have its 5,500-square-foot factory headquartered inside Union Collective. The additional room will allow for more production, as well as themed events and famous “guest scoopers.”
 

Baltimore Whiskey Company: On the heels of releasing its 100-proof Epoch rye whiskey, which has been aging in oak barrels for three years, the BWC will be moving into Union Collective this spring. The facility will use a sustainable, geothermal system to cool its pipes using ground water, the first of its kind in the region.  

Huckle’s: Also opening this spring will be a test kitchen and storefront for beloved local hot sauce company Huckle’s. Besides making its signature spicy sauces like Fire-Roasted Habanero and Original Honion, the company will be co-packaging with other small-batch businesses in town.  

Vent Coffee Roasters: With her first brick and mortar location opening at Union Collective in early spring, longtime barista Sarah Walker is eager to have a permanent home. Vent will feature a small-batch roaster and espresso bar with seating for up to 45 people to enjoy espresso drinks, nitro cold brew on tap, coffee mocktails, and options for Aeropress and Chemax. Look out for homemade pastries and other drinks from local Wight Tea Co.  
 

Union Craft Brewing: Of course, the pièce de résistance of the collective will be Union Craft Brewing, which is looking to triple the capacity of its current Woodberry home. There will also be a 7,500-square-foot taproom with a stage for live music, a private event space, and a glass wall that looks through to the brewing equipment. There will also be an outdoor beer garden with a living wall, modular walls to reconfigure the space, and games like bocce.  
 
 
 

OPEN

Roggenart: Mt. Washington locals are raving about this new cafe on Falls Road, which prides itself on fresh-baked baguettes, rolls, pastries, and pretzels. The shop opened late last month, rolling out a menu that spotlights sandwiches (think everything from ham and cheese to smoked salmon tartines), charcuterie platters, and classic pastries including a traditional pain au chocolat. Roggenart—a German term meaning “the art of rye”—also serves cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and an array of coffees and teas. 5722 Falls Road, 443-835-4443

COMING SOON

Baltimore Whiskey Company at Union Collective: In a witty video announcement released on social media earlier this week, Remington’s Baltimore Whiskey Company (BWC) publicized its plans to move into Union Craft Brewing’s new Medfield makerspace Union Collective in 2018. The distillery—which has become known for its lauded Shot Tower gin and Charles Street apple brandy—will transition into a 10,000-square-foot space with a second still, expanded fermentation equipment, and a larger tasting area. The expansion comes at an exciting time for BWC, as it prepares to unveil a new barrel-aged rye whiskey that will be the first on the market distilled in Baltimore in more than 50 years. 1700 W. 41st St.

The Bygone: A few months back, Atlas Restaurant Group announced that it would be opening a rooftop concept at the Four Seasons Baltimore. New details have recently surfaced about the bar, which will be named The Bygone and is slated to open this winter. Aside from 360-degree views of the city skyline, the 10,000-square-foot restaurant will highlight 325 seats, three outdoor terraces, a dining room, and a full bar and lounge with a mezzanine-level whiskey library and suspended catwalk leading to a DJ booth.

As its name signifies, the spot will project a Gatsby-era vibe with plenty of plush banquettes and custom woodwork. “Our goal has always been to operate first-class restaurant concepts in Baltimore and to be the driving force behind the culinary revolution going on in our city,” said Atlas owner Alex Smith, in a statement provided to Baltimore. “The Bygone will be a showcase to the entire country that Baltimore is ready to become a top culinary destination.” 200 International Circle.  

Sunset Raw Juice Bar: Acai bowls continue to be all the rage, and this new Foundry Row spot will soon bring the trendy treat to Owings Mills. The brainchild of former Ravens wide receiver—and Owings Mills native—Gerrard Sheppard, Sunset Raw Juice Bar debuts to the public on July 1, featuring cold-pressed juices, protein shakes and snacks, wellness shots, and acai bowls topped with bananas, berries, nuts, and granola. 10160 Reisterstown Road, 410-929-2013

Plantbar: Speaking of juice bars, this Belvedere Square staple was an early pioneer of the trend locally. Come fall, Plantbar will unveil a second location inside the Exelon Building at Harbor Point—peddling its pressed-to-order juices alongside an array of wellness elixirs, smoothie bowls, and paleo, vegan, and gluten-free snacks. “We’ve had a crush on Harbor Point for a while,” said Plantbar founder Daniela Troia, in a statement. “We really feel the community speaks our language.” 1308 Point St.

Rye Street Tavern: This new restaurant on the Sagamore Spirit Distillery campus in Port Covington will join the scene in September. The tavern will mark the second local concept from New York-based all-star chef Andrew Carmellini, who debuted the Rec Pier Chop House inside the Sagamore Pendry Hotel in March. Unlike the Italian-inspired chop house, Rye Street Tavern will focus on American fare with southern and Mid-Atlantic influences. 301 E. Cromwell St.

NEWS

Boathouse Canton: In an emotional message posted to Facebook earlier this week, the management team behind this beloved Canton waterfront establishment announced that more than 30 of its employees had quit unexpectedly after they were informed that the Immigration Division of Homeland Security instituted a review of the restaurant’s immigration records. “Based on our government’s current practices of targeting the Hispanic Community, properly documented, and those potentially less than properly documented, are all fearful of being separated from their families, many with small children,” said co-owner Gene Singleton, in the statement. “Many went home to pack up and leave. This was a sad, emotional, tragic event. It has been confirmed that the Boathouse’s policies and records are in compliance.”

In the days since, Boathouse has established a fund to raise money for the displaced families during their transition. The restaurant will be offering a limited menu (think favorites like crab cakes, wings, chopped salads, and seafood mac and cheese) until further notice as it continues to rebuild its staff. 2809 Boston St., 410-773-9795

EPICUREAN EVENTS

La Tavola Fundraiser for The Baltimore Station: This Little Italy stalwart is celebrating the Fourth of July a few days early with a patriotic fundraiser to benefit local veterans on Thursday, June 29. A portion of all proceeds from lunch, dinner, and extended happy hour service from 5-9 p.m. (featuring $5 beer, wine, sangria, and small plates) will be donated to The Baltimore Station—a residential treatment program in Federal Hill that supports veterans who are struggling with poverty, addiction, and homelessness. La Tavola, 248 Albemarle St., 410-685-1859

Haenyo: Chase Street Chillin: Local industry veterans Collin Morstein and Irvin Seo debuted this new Korean street food pop-up a few weeks ago at Holy Crepe Cafe in Canton. Next month, Haenyo is back at it with another one-night-only dinner on July 10 from 4-9 p.m., this time at Mt. Vernon’s Cafe Andamiro. Inspired by the cafe’s owner Keumran Yun, the locally sourced menu for Haenyo’s second event will feature two traditional Korean chilled soups, as well as gimbap (Korean sushi rolls) and bossam—pork lettuce wraps with fermented condiments. 241 W. Chase St.

Makan Makan Malaysian: R. House’s designated pop-up stall has been taking diners’ palates on a trip around the world lately, featuring local purveyors that specialize in everything from Korean to Jamaican cuisine. This week, the communal food hall welcomed a Malaysian-inspired concept from the team behind Ejji Ramen in Belvedere Square. Running until July 2, the pop-up will serve spins on classic Malay favorites including chicken satay, flatbread with curried lentils, and traditional gado-gado—a delicacy that tops mixed vegetables with a savory peanut sauce. 301 W. 29th St.

CH-CH CHANGES

The Corner Pantry: To coincide with the start of summer, British born chef Neill Howell is switching things up at his dining destination in Mt. Washington. This week, The Corner Pantry debuted a menu of lighter fare including a flatbread topped with roasted ham, lobster fritters with saffron and garlic aioli, and a tuna ceviche with lime, jalapeño, cilantro, avocado, and pickled watermelon rind. The spot’s breakfast and lunch offerings have also been updated with dishes like a muesli with overnight oats, and a caramel-drizzled French toast made with gluten-free brioche. 6080 Falls Road, 667-308-2331

CineBistro: Matinee movie lovers can now enjoy lunch offerings at this hybrid cinema and restaurant at The Rotunda in Hampden. CineBistro’s new mid-day menu will be offered from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays, featuring items such as steak sandwiches, classic Caesar salads, and Old Bay-seasoned wings. 727 W. 40th St., 667-219-2430

Fork & Wrench: Co-owners Andy Gruver and Jason Sanchez recently appointed Corey Laub as executive chef of this fan-favorite New American spot in Canton. Laub—a Columbia native who most recently managed the kitchen at Chicago gastropub Novo—has already enhanced the Fork & Wrench menu with new creations including cucumber-tequila gazpacho, seared scallops with cashew pureé, and corn risotto with scallion, roasted tomato, and queso fresco. With Laub under the helm, Fork & Wrench plans to rotate its menu on a monthly basis. 2322 Boston St., 443-759-9360

SHUT

Cilantro Owings Mills: Falafel fans took to social media earlier this week to lament the loss of this Middle Eastern mecca in Owings Mills, which closed its doors on June 26. Fortunately, Cilantro’s brand new Light Street location downtown is officially open and going strong. “With the unexpected, immense support at our downtown Baltimore branch, we have realized that city and foot-traffic locations are most suitable for our brand,” reads a message that management posted to Cilantro’s Facebook page earlier this week. Aside from focusing on the city location, the owners hope to expand with an additional D.C. shop in the coming months. 30 Light St., 410-244-7020

Five things to eat, drink, see, hear, and do with your Charm City weekend.

 EAT

May 5-6: FlowerMart

Mount Vernon Place, 699 Washington Pl. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Free.

For the 106th year, the square around the Washington Monument will bloom with flowers, festivities, and hordes of festival food, like Maryland crab cakes and the Baltimore classic lemon peppermint stick. Rain or shine, dig into spring eats, join in the Maypole dance, follow the floral pet parade, and purchase some petunias to brighten up your home in this time-honored festival. April showers really do bring May flowers. Hopefully May showers will make for a pleasant June.

 DRINK

May 7: Baltimore Whiskey Company Sunday Funday

Baltimore Whiskey Company, 2800 Sisson St. 3-9 p.m. Free.

This weekend, the BWC is hosting the ultimate Sunday Funday at their Remington space to kick start the drinking season of spring. Enjoy fresh cocktails from Sugarvale, Korean-inspired fare from their sister restaurant Dooby’s, and try your hand at lawn games. With music by DJ Jack Denning from All Mighty Senators and endless amounts of award-winning Shot Tower Gin, it’s sure to be good vibes all around. 

 SEE

May 3-7: Maryland Film Festival

Parkway Theatre, 5 W. North Ave. Times vary. $10-400. 410-752-8083.

Cinephiles rejoice—the 19th annual Maryland Film Festival is back with a five-day silver screen soiree. The newly renovated Parkway Theatre campus in the Station North Arts & Entertainment district will boast 6-screens and 125 feature and short-length shows full of drama and stunning visuals. Don’t miss the post-film Q&A sessions with filmmakers, as well as workshops and expert panel discussions.

 HEAR

May 3-7: Bumper Jacksons

Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 8 p.m. $17-23. 

This Saturday, the Creative Alliance is going to transform into a rowdy dance party, but not one you might expect. Instead, as D.C.’s beloved Bumper Jacksons return to Highlandtown for the fifth time to promote their new album, I’ve Never Met A Stranger, the band’s blend of jazz, swing, blues, and old-time country will make the eclectic art space less like a booty-shaking get-down and more like “an old-time barn dance in downtown New Orleans.” 

 DO

May 6: Kinetic Sculpture Race

American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy. 10 a.m. Free. 410-244-1900. 

The American Visionary Art Museum’s wonderfully wacky Kinetic Sculpture Race returns for the 19th time this month. Across 14 miles from Federal Hill to Canton and back, contestants compete on handmade, human-powered works of art that navigate over land, mud, and water to win awards such as “Worst Honorable Mention” and “Next to Last.” Whatever the weather, watch the awesomely awkward spectacle from sidewalks across the city.