COMING SOON

Quality Snowballs: The Food Market chef/owner Chad Gauss is bringing the city’s token treats to the Avenue in Hampden just in time for snowball season. Expected to debut on May 1, the 10-foot shipping container muraled by local artist Paige Orpin sits in the small parking lot on the side of the church building at 1014 West 36th Street—which is just across the street from The Food Market. “It’s nice to be able to control what’s going on from directly across the street,” Gauss says. In keeping with his playful style, the stand will offer the classic egg custard with marshmallow, while also featuring fun flavors with unique toppings.

Look out for banana-Oreo, strawberry shortcake, dirt-cup, coconut cream pie, crème brûlée, and even s’mores flavored ice with torched marshmallow on top. The team also has ideas to create açaí snowballs and incorporate fresh herbs and fruits “so that it’s not just the sugary syrup juice and that’s it,” Gauss adds. On the heels of opening DIY stir fry spot TigerStyle behind the Avenue, the chef says he’s looking forward to introducing another concept in the neighborhood. “It’s kind of like our playground,” he says. “We’re just looking to have fun and to find more ways to enjoy what we do.” 1014 W. 36th St.

Blackwall Hitch: After much anticipation, this Annapolis favorite—which also operates locations in Alexandria, Virginia and Rehoboth Beach, Delaware—is finally bringing its massive menu of fine-dining fare to the Inner Harbor next month. Opening on the first floor of the Candler building on East Pratt street, the 10,000-square-foot restaurant will feature worldly dishes by executive chef David Montanz. The menu is expected to mirror the restaurant’s other locations, which highlight staples like filet mignon, shrimp and grits, scallops with saffron risotto, pulled short rib carbonara, and classic jumbo lump crab cakes with roasted corn salsa. 700 E. Pratt St.

The Tilted Row: Cafe Fili loyalists will be happy to hear that owner Ziad Maalouf, along with his partners Jim Campbell and Nancy Hooff, are opening a sister-spot in Bolton Hill the week of May 20. Located on the bottom floor of the brand new Jordan apartment building, the neighborhood spot will have an inviting feel with warm woods and soft colors. Chef Andrew Thomas, previously of Donna’s and The Elephant, will oversee kitchen operations, while the bar program will be headed up by former Woodberry Kitchen bartender Hannah Baker. The team will source ingredients from local farms and its own herb garden, and craft global dishes like cedar salmon tagine, pretzel pork schnitzel, lamb ragu pappardelle, and buttermilk biscuits with bourbon-chili glaze. To pair with the elevated pub fare, Baker will feature creative cocktails, 10 beers on tap, a boutique wine list, and an impressive collection of more than 120 single malts and bourbons. 305 McMechen St.

NEWS

Atlas Expands to Cross Street Market: This week, the team behind Harbor East behemoth Atlas Restaurant Group announced plans to expand their reach across the harbor next year. Amid rumors of a deal to open a concept inside the renovated Cross Street Market in Federal Hill, Atlas released a statement confirming that the group is currently in lease negotiations to debut an anchor crab house and seafood market inside the space. “The concepts will be two new brands and interior designs that will be unique to the city,” the statement reads. “We look forward to being a part of the Federal Hill community.” If all goes well with leasing, both are expected to debut in April of 2020.

In the meantime, three of the veteran vendors at Cross Street will be the first to reopen inside the new space next month. Market regulars will be able to get reacquainted with Henry Reisinger of Fenwick’s Choice Meats, John Nichols of Steve’s Lunch, and Pete Pittas of The Sweet Shoppe. A roster of nine newbies—including SoBeachy, Phubs, and Rice Crook— are expected to follow suit this spring, and additional pizza, wine bar, vegan, fried chicken, and grocery concepts will be announced in the coming weeks. 1065 S. Charles St.

Petit Louis Bistro Launches Fundraiser for Notre Dame Cathedral: In true Baltimore spirit, this beloved French bistro in Roland Park is lending a hand in the wake of the tragic fire that tore through the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris earlier this week. For two weeks starting on Monday, April 22, the restaurant will be offering a special $59 lunch and dinner menu that will benefit reconstruction efforts. A portion of all proceeds from every multi-course meal served will be donated to Friends of Notre-Dame de Paris, which is dedicated to rebuilding the landmark. All guests who visit the bistro will also have the option to donate additional funds. 4800 Roland Ave. 410-366-9393

OUTDOOR OPENINGS

LB Skybar: It’s been a big week for the historic Lord Baltimore Hotel downtown. On the heels of welcoming new executive chef Beth Dinice, the property is preparing to open its 19th-floor Skybar for the season on Friday, April 26. This year, guests can expect new furniture, additional areas for private events, and a revamped menu of shareable plates. Take in the killer views while sipping cocktails and snacking on Old Bay chips with onion dip, pit beef bao buns, or shrimp kebabs with cilantro aioli. Additionally, the hotel’s new partnership with Mera Kitchen Collective will bring a special takeover menu to the bar every Wednesday evening. 20 W. Baltimore St. 410-539-8400

Noona’s: Speaking of al fresco fare, this Midtown pizza spot recently unveiled its new 12-seat patio overlooking MICA’s Mount Royal Station. Simultaneously, chef Cai Lindeman launched weekend brunch service. Snag a seat outside on a sunny Saturday or Sunday to enjoy Italian-inspired dishes including ricotta pancakes, pancetta omelets, maple-glazed bacon, and crispy confit potatoes. To wash down all of the mid-morning eats, Noona’s also offers $5 prosecco on tap, $6 mimosas, and $6 micheladas made with Old Oriole Park Boh from Peabody Heights. 1203 W. Mt. Royal Ave. 410-424-0857

EPICUREAN EVENTS

4/19: Beach Party at Peko Peko Ramen
In celebration of its newly acquired liquor license, the team at this Charles Village ramen shop is throwing an all-day beach bash with plenty of themed cocktails to go around. Stop by for an early summer kickoff featuring free merch and giveaways like complimentary ramen bowls and buckets of beer. 7 E. 33rd St. 11:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m.

TO 4/21: Maryland Food Truck Week
There’s still time to support your favorite kitchens-on-wheels during this annual event, which closes out on Sunday, April 21. Throughout the week, local food trucks have been hosting festivities all over town to benefit Meals on Wheels, and there are still rallies planned everywhere from Elkridge to Bowleys Quarters this Friday. Aside from the official events, it’s also a great time to track down your favorite trucks. Among the many mobile kitchens participating include 410 Empanadas, Goganics, Crossroads Bistro, Kuya’s Kitchen, Shareef’s Grill, Miss Twist Ice Cream, and Dizzy Cow Pizzeria.

SHUT

Mustang Alley’s: Throughout its 12-year run, this hybrid bar-and-bowling alley has been home to many fun-filled nights spent sipping local beers while chowing down on classic bowling snacks. Unfortunately, next month will be the last for the staple destination near Little Italy. Co-owner Mary Koch recently told the Baltimore Business Journal that, while business is good, Mustang Alley’s came to the end of its lease term and was unable to negotiate a new one, so it will be closing in June. Here’s hoping new owners come in to revive the bowling alley, but, in the meantime, stop by to bowl one last game while enjoying pub grub like Old Bay wings, cheeseburger sliders, and cheesy pizzas. 1300 Bank St. 410-522-2695

OPEN

Prime Corner Baltimore: Hampden locals have been witnessing the gradual transformation of this shop on the corner of 34th Street and Chestnut Avenue. The former home of Play Cafe now boasts a colorful, hand-painted exterior, and an interior filled with unique grocery items, deli fare, coffee, candies, and flowers. The New York-inspired bodega from Hampden local Tess Russell will officially open to the public this Saturday, September 22. “I want to honor the neighborhood and have this be a grocery store that people can use in that way,” Russell told us. “But I’m also very interested in food and beverage, and have tastes for odd items. The fun balance will be making it so that you can get milk and eggs, but also so you can discover new things like wild drinks, snacks, and other local products.” 3400 Chestnut Ave.

COMING SOON

Alexander Brown Restaurant: This new dining den set inside the historic Alexander Brown investment bank building downtown is nearing its debut in the next few months. Under the helm of brother-and-sister duo Blake Casper and Allison Adams—who operate a sister-restaurant inside a similar historic property in Tampa, Florida—the 170-seat spot will pay homage to Brown, the iconic mercantile who most notably funded the B&O Railroad and Baltimore’s first public water system. The space, which is partially owned by descendants of Brown, will preserve architectural details while offering a menu of New American fare. According to liquor board documents, executive chef Richard Anderson is planning to serve dishes such as Hickory-smoked salmon crostini, seasonal chopped salads, tomato and prosciutto flatbreads, and a chicken burger topped with feta and cumin aioli. 135 E. Baltimore St.

Blackwall Hitch: This Annapolis favorite—which also has locations in Alexandria, Virginia and Rehoboth Beach, Delaware—is bringing its seafood specialties and upscale decor to the Inner Harbor this fall. Located on the first floor of the former Candler building on East Pratt Street, the 10,000-square-foot restaurant will feature multiple bars, outdoor seating, and a mezzanine level. Be on the lookout for dishes including sauteed shrimp in a Creole butter, herb-marinated whole branzino, fried oyster po’boy with cherry pepper remoulade, and classic steak frites. 700 E. Pratt St.

CH-CH CHANGES

Das Bier Haus: Earlier this month, owners of this German-inspired beer hall in Federal Hill officially unveiled a new second-floor dining room. The grand opening party, which was attended by former Ravens Dennis Pitta and Todd Heap, debuted the top-level space featuring communal tables, exposed brick, and multiple flat screens. The expansion comes on the heels of the opening of Fornicolli’s, an Italian eatery that Das Bier Haus owner Nate McKinney debuted next door to the bar in June. 1542 Light St. 443-708-8854

Frazier’s on the Avenue: Whether you’re in search of a quick bite, open pool table, or a cold can of Boh, this Hampden dive is always there when you need it. Though regulars have grown fond of the spot’s classics (including the crispy tots and crab dip with warm pita), Frazier’s updated its menu this week with some fresh options. Aside from the fan-favorite wings and club sandwiches, the new menu now lists additions like Southwest egg rolls with Sriracha ranch and the vegan “Impossible Burger” topped with avocado and red onion. 917 W. 36th St. 410-662-4914

NEWS

Expedia Gives Love to Baltimore’s Bread Aroma: This week Expedia.com rounded up the top cities whose smells invoke a sense of nostalgia, and the iconic aroma of fresh-baked breads in Fells Point earned Charm City a spot on the list. “The smell of freshly baked bread drifts from Baltimore’s Schmidt Baking Company and H&S Bakery, wrapping you in a warm hug,” writes Expedia staff writer Chloe Mulliner. “Smelling like home sweet home, Baltimore will have you salivating as a trail of sugary and floury aromas hits your senses.” Baltimore was named alongside other cities like Chicago, Buffalo, and Miami on the quirky, yet totally accurate, list.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

9/20-10/14: Burnt-Coat Haenyo Pop-Up at Stalking Horse
Stalking Horse in Federal Hill will be hosting this epic pop-up collaboration on weekends throughout October. Swing by Thursday-Sunday to sample eats from local pop-up Haenyo, which specializes in Korean-fusion fare, and Burnt Coat, an American concept from local chef Cai Lindeman. Pair the bar’s signature boozy slushies with special menu items including panko-dipped corn dogs with hot mustard, Korean fried chicken, Gochujang pulled pork nachos, and a burger topped with cheddar and dijonaise. 26 E. Cross St. 6 p.m.-12 a.m.

9/24: Farm to Chef Maryland
Now in its ninth year, this foodie fundraiser is uniting 30 area chefs with local farmers to benefit TasteWise Kids, an organization offering interactive programs that teach elementary school students about the importance of urban agriculture and healthy eating. Gather at The Assembly Room to taste dishes and sip spirits from the likes of Foraged, Chez Hugo Bistro, The Outpost American Tavern, R. Bar, The Elk Room, and Ida B’s Table. Each dish and cocktail recipe will feature the bounty of a specific local producer, including the Baltimore Orchard Project, Moon Valley Farm, and Prigel Family Creamery. The Assembly Room, 316 Guilford Ave. 6:30 p.m. $115-150.

SHUT

Cafe Zen: Diners in the Belvedere Square area are mourning the loss of the kung pao chicken and vegetable fried rice at this longtime Chinese food purveyor, which has officially closed its doors. Earlier this month, the North Baltimore eatery transformed into a new Asian concept, A1 Sushi. Featuring new furniture and interior upgrades, the spot offers a sizeable sushi menu, as well as classic Chinese pork, chicken, and beef dishes. 438 E. Belvedere Ave. 410-532-0022