OPEN

The Boiler Room: Monument City Brewing and Haven Street Ballroom have officially welcomed this new neighbor to the Highland Forge area in Highlandtown. Housed in a former boiler room that was used for the milling of large trees until the 1950s, the aptly named space from developer Dave Seibert now maintains its industrial roots with exposed red brick and an original boiler room door mounted on one of its walls. As for the food, chef Brian Szewczyk—previously of Mama’s on the Half Shell—turns out fun takes on American classics including fried Buffalo wontons, cajun chicken and dumplings, hanger steak with chimichurri butter, and a “Burger and Waffles” dish that sandwiches smashed patties between a waffle bun. Brick oven-fired pizzas in flavors ranging from wild mushroom to chicken alfredo are also highlights on the menu.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

1/17-18: Nihao Baltimore Pop-Up at Salt Tavern
Those eager for Nihao Baltimore—the authentic Chinese food concept from cult icon Peter Chang—to finally open in Canton can get a sneak peek of what’s to come at this two-night pop-up taking over Salt Tavern in Upper Fells Point, which now operates as a private events venue. Stop in on Friday or Saturday night to sample cocktails and try out a few of Nihao’s soon-to-be signature dishes. Though menu details are still under wraps, a previous collab at Artifact Coffee featured items such as tofu skin salad and Sichuan pickled baked rockfish.

1/26: Toki Underground Pop-Up at Bluebird Cocktail Room
Speaking of epic food-and-drink collabs, Washington, D.C.’s famous ramen house Toki Underground will be popping up at Bluebird Cocktail Room in Hampden next weekend. Mark your calendar for the can’t-miss tasting event that will feature a creative menu of Japanese and Taiwanese flavors inspired by Akira Kurosawa’s classic film Seven Samurai. Bluebird’s bar team has dreamed up seven new cocktails highlighting Japanese spirits for the evening, including the sake and ginger-infused “Shichirōji” and the “Kambei Shimada,” a spin on the bar’s signature Old Fashioned. Toki Underground’s chef Olivier Caillabet will be teaming up with Bluebird head chef Chance Jones to present an array of ramen, steamed buns, dumplings, and other collaborative dishes. Though reservations are suggested, walk-ins will also be welcome.

SHUT

Da Mimmo Restaurant: Earlier this week, Little Italy said goodbye to this neighborhood mainstay—which recently celebrated its 36th anniversary. In a press release announcing the closure, owner Mary Ann Cricchio thanked all of the restaurant’s regular customers, family, and friends for their “loyal support” throughout the years. The message went on to explain that, while the restaurant has officially closed, Cricchio and executive chef Masood Masoodi are moving on to devote more time to their program organizing and leading tours on the Amalfi Coast. “We will cherish our memories made in Little Italy, and look forward to making new ones with you in Big Italy,” Cricchio wrote. There’s no word yet on what will become of the South High Street building.

Coelum: After only seven months, this Canton corner spot has closed its doors indefinitely. Translating to “sky” or “heaven” in Latin, Coelum became known for its cafe and market atmosphere by day, and its evening program that emphasized craft cocktails and larger seasonal plates. A post to Instagram indicates that co-founders Corey Laub and Ryan Thacker decided to close the eatery due to “infrastructure issues,” but are working to get back on their feet soon.

EAT

Dec. 20: Creole Soul Grand Opening

R. House, 301 W. 29th St. 3:30-8:45 p.m. Free.

There’s been plenty of buzz about R. House this month as we said goodbye to two longtime staples at the Remington food hall—Arba Meditteranean and Little Baby’s Ice Cream—and prepared for the arrival of newcomers Creole Soul and Taharka Bros. Ice Cream. To kick off the New Orleans-style soul food concept’s first weekend in its new digs, stop by the stall for an on-theme grand opening party, featuring Mardi Gras-inspired face painting, a King Cake, and live jams by Rufus Roundtree. Don’t leave without indulging in some of chef Que Neal’s specialities: shrimp and grits, seafood gumbo, oyster po-boys, and “Mee Maw’s Famous” banana pudding.

DRINK

Dec. 22: Holiday Pawty

The Bluebird Cocktail Room & Pub, 3600 Hickory Ave., 3rd Floor. 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Free.

This holiday shindig combines two of everyone’s favorite pastimes—drinking artisanal cocktails and gushing over puppy photos. After grabbing one (or a few) of Bluebird’s specialty drinks from the cocktail bar, mosey over to the Christmas tree where photos of the 10 “cutest pet photo” finalists will be on display. Vote for your favorite with cash or tickets earned with each cocktail purchase, with one dollar from every drink being donated to the Maryland SPCA.

SEE

Dec. 20: The Nightmare Before Christmas Kiki

Rituals: Bar & Venue, 12 W. North Ave. 9-11 p.m. $7-10.

According to the folks at Stillpointe Theatre, this show at Rituals in Station North takes the phrase “gay happy meeting” from the song “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” to a whole new level. Pack the club for a night of lewks and performances by some of Baltimore’s best drag performers, including Venus Frastrada, Washington Heights, and Dee Dee Dereon, as well as a visit from Santa Claus himself. Bring plenty of singles to support your local drag performers this holiday season—the true gift that keeps on giving.

HEAR

Dec. 21: Eze Jackson’s Dirty Christmas

Metro Gallery, North Charles Street. 7 p.m. $10-15.

Nothing says holiday cheer quite like local rapper Eze Jackson’s anti-Christmas party, and that’s not even sarcasm. Break out of the ugly sweater party rut and spend the night jamming out at Metro Gallery with special guests including rapper DDm, 11-piece brass band Bedlam Brass, and the veteran host himself along with The Backwudz Band. Don’t worry: That Mariah Carey song will be nowhere near this show.

DO

Dec. 21: Druid Hill Winter Solstice Celebration

Rawlings Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, 3100 Swann Drive. 7-10 p.m. $10-15.

This Saturday marks the winter solstice, and to celebrate the darkest day of the year, the Rawlings Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is hosting a fun-filled night complete with hay rides, a roaring fire, and solstice-themed music. With all the proceeds benefiting the Druid Hill Farmers Market, spend the evening sipping hot cocoa and creating “winter solstice resolutions” by the bonfire or duck into the conservatory to escape the cold and admire the festive poinsettias.

Bottoms Up Bagels: New Jersey natives Michelle Bond and Joan Kanner, who have both lived in Charm City for more than a decade, certainly know a thing or two about a good bagel and schmear. Since 2016, they have been serving their hand-rolled, boiled beauties—in varieties like sesame, poppyseed, salt, pumpernickel and Old Bay—at local farmers’ markets and pop-up events. Now, the duo is getting ready to start a new chapter with a brick and mortar coming to the Greenmount corridor in 2020.

“We’ve always believed that there was interest in a simple, quality made bagel experience,” Bond tells us. “Over the last few years we’ve been able to test that, getting feedback along the way and constantly tweaking. We’ve tried to be strategic and bring folks along with us as we’ve grown, and this includes setting up on Greenmount Avenue and being at the forefront of the good things happening there.”

Though details about the space haven’t been announced yet, it will act as both a production kitchen and a retail shop for locals to get their fix of fresh bagels topped with house-cured gravlax, as well as spreads like veggie, sesame-Sriracha, sugar butter, and house-smoked jalapeño cream cheese.

BAR BULLETIN

Bluebird Cocktail Room Releases Fall/Winter Menu: It should come as no surprise that this literary-inspired Hampden hangout is taking inspiration from Grimms’ Fairy Tales for its new seasonal menu. The roster includes 18 clever drinks that are each derived from a different tale. Among them are the “Briar Rose” (housemade grapefruit kombucha infused with tequila and borage flowers), “Rapunzel” (Distillery Lane Ciderworks’ rum-finished Celebration Cider), and “Rumplestilskin,” which incorporates Ricard pastis and chocolate from Pure Chocolate by Jinji at Belvedere Square. To pair with the drinks, the bar is also releasing new noshes like fried Brussel sprouts with fermented garlic honey and a cheeseburger topped with caramelized onions.

Baltimore Spirits Company Unveils Skeleton Spirit Gin: This Union Collective-based distillery is celebrating the spooky holiday next week by debuting its new Shot Tower Skeleton Spirit Gin—the teams’ first expansion of the popular Shot Tower gin line since they began distilling in 2015. At a 45-percent ABV, Baltimore Spirits Company’s (BSC) second-ever botanical gin is made with ingredients like juniper, eucalyptus, and aloe vera. “We wouldn’t have considered releasing a new gin unless we were sure we had something really special on our hands,” BSC co-founder and CEO Max Lents said in a statement. “We wouldn’t want to compete with Shot Tower Gin, so it had to be something remarkable and different on the gin spectrum.” A dance party at Union on November 1 will celebrate the release, as well as BSC’s fourth anniversary. The celebration will feature a full cocktail bar by Sugarvale, eats by Dooby’s, a costume contest, and live music spun by DJ Cian Noteman.

Idle Hour Featured by Eater: One of the city’s most beloved corner bars—best known for its vinyl nights and walls lined with Chartreuse bottles—received national attention this week when Eater published an excerpt from author Brad Thomas Parsons’ book, Last Call, in which the author interviews bartenders across the country about what they would choose as their last drink. Of course, Idle Hour co-owner Brendan Finnerty chose Chartreuse. “Chartreuse slows you down and warms and loosens you up,” he told Parsons. “If you spend an entire evening sipping on the Green, you find yourself a little bit lighter and a little bit brighter. You tend to float.” Read our review of the South Baltimore staple, here.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

10/24: Chicken and Champagne at Chez Hugo
It might be tough to think about Champagne and fried chicken as one of the world’s greatest food combos, but Chez Hugo’s annual celebration of the two might just change your mind. Settle in at the French bistro to enjoy a special selection of bubbles by the glass or bottle alongside a feast of fried chicken drizzled with Espelette honey or house hot sauce. There will also be fitting sides such as buttermilk biscuits, twice baked potatoes, collard greens, cole slaw, and caviar if you’re feeling bougie.

10/31: Baolloween at Ekiben
Don’t be surprised to see a line of colorfully dressed patrons wrapped around the 1600 block of Eastern Avenue on Halloween next week. Ekiben’s cleverly named “Baolloween” tradition of serving discounted steamed buns and rice bowls to costumed customers will continue starting at 4:30 p.m. on October 31. Diners who show up in costume will receive $1 buns or $4 rice bowls throughout the afternoon, and the rest of the menu will be available at regular price. The tradition is one of many initiatives that Ekiben has launched to engage with the community, the most recent being a recurring pop-up series featuring visiting chefs like Carlos Raba of Clavel and Johnny Spero of Reverie in Washington, D.C.

COMING SOON

The Urban Burger Bar: It’s going to be a great year for Jasmine Norton, the local chef who you’ve most likely seen shucking shells and slinging po’ boys around town with her pop-up The Urban Oyster. Come March, Norton is expected to open a brick-and-mortar home for the concept at McHenry Row in Locust Point. But before she settles down at the seafood spot, she’s switching things up with a burger concept in R. House’s rotating pop-up stall from January 28-February 3. “I love that R. House provides this platform so that chefs don’t have to be married to one thing,” Norton says. “It allows people to see I’m not just oysters. I’m a chef who can cook lots of things.” Swing by to sample a variety of different patties, including the “Simpleton” with cheddar cheese, “Bacon Bae” with thick-cut bacon, a portobello mushroom burger with Swiss and caramelized onions, and The Urban Oyster’s smoked salmon burger—which uses fish that is smoked and flaked in house before being formed into a patty topped with Old Bay aioli. The pop-up will also offer seasoned fries and additional toppings like avocado and fried eggs. 301 W. 29th St.

OPEN

Charmed Restaurant: Just when we thought the local restaurant scene couldn’t get any more “charming,” this Mt. Vernon newbie opened its doors on the 800 block of North Calvert Street earlier this week. Not to be confused with Charmed Kitchen—which debuted in Butcher’s Hill last month—the neighborhood spot from industry veteran Danae Schrock opens bright and early at 6 a.m., offering rotating baked goods and a full menu of breakfast and lunch fare. Decorated with pops of Orioles orange and Ravens decals, the Baltimore-themed eatery features Old Bay omelets, chocolate chip pancakes, yogurt parfaits, and tater-tot waffles topped with fried eggs and avocado. Lunch specials range from a veggie wrap and champagne spinach salad to a fiesta burger with chipotle mayo. The dining destination fills a void on the block that was left by Brew House No. 16, which closed its doors just across the street last month. 824 N. Calvert St. 443-835-2803

NEWS

Garden & Gun Praises The Bluebird Cocktail Room: Hampden’s own literary-themed haven was given a serious shout-out earlier this week, when it was named one of the Best New Southern Bars by Garden & Gun magazine. Bluebird was the only Maryland bar mentioned among the 25 sipping spots scattered everywhere from Virginia and Washington, D.C. to Tennessee and Texas. “The cocktails at the Bluebird are as sturdy as a three-legged stool, served in a room with the feel of a well-funded library at a small but prestigious school,” wrote reporter Wayne Curtis, referring to the shelves stocked with vintage literature donated by The Book Thing in Waverly. Though Bluebird has gotten plenty of local love since it opened in 2017, we couldn’t be happier that the next-level spot—whose menu currently includes winter options like a house eggnog and hot toddy with whiskey and ginger—is getting some national attention. 3600 Hickory Ave. 667-303-3263

Dining Discounts for Furloughed Workers: As the government shutdown persists, more than 172,000 federal workers throughout the state are struggling to make ends meet. But the local dining scene is lending a hand by offering discounted meals for those who have been furloughed. At Pinch inside Mount Vernon Marketplace, federal employees can enjoy half-off dumpling specials with valid government ID. Ejji Ramen is also paying it forward with free rice bowls at both of its locations in Belvedere Square and in Bethesda. Local dessert pop-up Love Puddin’ is hoping to lift spirits by offering free pudding delivery(think flavors like Oreo-topped “dirt” and sweet strawberry-crunch) throughout the end of this week. And, in an effort to help families continue to dine out, Mr. Y’s Pizza n Fries in Fallston is gifting free kids meals for all children of federal employees until the end of the shutdown.

Heavy Seas Offers Twists on Uncharted Waters Series: This year, Heavy Seas is having some fun with its “Uncharted Waters” series of limited releases, which includes favorites like the Siren Note chocolate stout and Great’er Pumpkin ale. Throughout 2019, the Halethorpe brewery plans to unveil draft-only twists on some of the beers. The first will be a salted caramel version of Blackbeard’s Breakfast, a bourbon barrel-aged imperial coffee porter. The updated release is a non-coffee variant brewed in a tank with house-made caramel and imported sea salt. “It has a more pronounced vanilla aroma, along with a rich toffee, caramel flavor that is balanced nicely with the hint of salt,” said brewmaster Chris Leonard, in a statement. “There are still some coffee-like roasted notes, but they provide a much subtler layer to the flavor profile.” The beer will be available on draft in select markets starting in February. 4615 Hollins Ferry Rd., Halethorpe. 410-247-7822

EPICUREAN EVENTS

1/19: Minnow’s Bombtastic Drag Brunch
This South Baltimore hangout is kicking off its first drag brunch of 2019 in style. Settle in with a first round of bottomless Bloody Marys and mimosas before the fabulous Bombalicious starts the show with special guests Sarabesque and Betty O’Hellno. The tapas-style bottomless brunch includes plates like crispy oysters, shrimp ceviche, pastrami-cured salmon, sour cream doughnuts, French toast, and more. (If you need to brush up on your drag brunch etiquette for this weekend, we’ve got you covered.) 2 E. Wells St. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 443-759-6537. $59

1/24: Yeast Meets West Maryland Beer Dinner

Some might be familiar with Federal Hill’s Don’t Know Tavern as a go-to for day-drinking and game-watching. But next week, the bar is switching things up with a four-course prix-fixe menu paired with beers from RAR in Cambridge and Union Craft Brewing in Hampden. Be on the lookout for Chesapeake-inspired dishes like pan-fried coddies paired with RAR Bucktown Brown ale, pit beef with smoked tomato chutney alongside Union’s Dark Sour, and Smith Island Cake with candied popcorn paired with Union’s AM Gold vanilla latte. 1453 Light St. 6:30-9:30 p.m. 410-539-0231. $69

OPEN

Charmed Kitchen: Early risers in Butchers Hill are in for a treat this week as this new community cafe officially opened its doors for breakfast service starting at 6:30 a.m. The community spot from longtime neighborhood residents Lindsay and Andrew Crummey debuted with an opening menu of coffee, pastries, and breakfast sandwiches on fresh-baked breads. The plan is for executive chef Christa Bruno to roll out dinner service in the coming weeks, featuring dishes that reflect her Italian roots. (Think pasta, risotto, meats, and fish cooked with local produce.) Until then, the shop will offer a variety of coffee drinks, as well as breakfast and lunch fare, during the day. 123 S. Chester St. 443-627-8369

COMING SOON

Saffron Grill: The dining options in Fells Point are becoming increasingly diverse, with new restaurants opening along the waterfront, an array of vendors preparing to open inside Broadway Market, and now, this new Indian and Pakistani concept opening in the area. Slated to debut in February 2019, Saffron Grill will focus on Middle Eastern staples including authentic kebabs, lamb chops, and gyros. “We look forward to adding a different option to the standard American fare in Fells Point,” said owner Syed Zaidis in a statement. The spot will neighbor new women’s boutique Mint & Major in the mixed-use Marketplace at Fells Point on South Broadway. 616 S. Broadway.

NEWS

The Bluebird and Little Bird Welcome New Chefs: A new chef duo is at the helm of Hampden’s Bluebird Cocktail Room, as well as its subterranean sister-spot Little Bird Coffee Bar. Newly appointed executive chef Chance Jones and sous chef Bri White met Bluebird owners Paul and Caroline Benkert in their former roles at Woodberry Kitchen. At Bluebird, diners can expect to see more locally sourced ingredients incorporated into the dishes and drinks. Downstairs at Little Bird, Jones and White are hoping to introduce special pairing dinners that showcase seasonal ingredients from regional purveyors such as Caputo Bros. Creamery in Southern Pennsylvania. 3600 Hickory Ave. 667-303-3263

Baby’s on Fire Joins Retail Coffee Market: Be on the lookout for a new signature coffee blend at record store-cafe Baby’s on Fire in Mt. Vernon. Husband-and-wife owners David and Shirlé Koslowski recently partnered with Bryce Roszell of Open Seas Coffee Roasters on Kent Island to create their own blend, which incorporates grinds from Brazil, Sumatra, and Guatemala. Used in espresso and drip drinks, the coffee features notes of cinnamon, vanilla, almond, and earthy cedar with a hint of citrus. For every 12-oz. bag of Baby’s On Fire Blend purchased, 10 percent of the profits are invested back into sustainable coffee farming projects and communities. 1010 Morton St. 443-885-9892

The Red Star Bar & Grill Debuts New Winter Menu: If you haven’t had a chance to visit the new Red Star location in Charles Village since its grand opening last summer, stop in this season to sample eats off of a brand-new winter menu. Executive chef Francisco Lopez—formerly of Ryleigh’s Oyster in Federal Hill—debuted a selection of comforting dishes at the new location in Charles Village, as well as the Red Star flagship in Fells Point, earlier this week. Among them are a pot roast French dip with horseradish sauce and a $10 “Red Star” burger stacked with American cheese. Equipped with warm woods and dim lighting, the cozy Charles Village space also hosts beer-and-burger specials on Mondays, half-priced wine for neighborhood locals on Tuesdays, and other nightly specials. 3224 St. Paul St. 443-948-5539

EPICUREAN EVENTS

12/8: Diamondback and Order & Chaos Coffee Stout Launch Party
For the third year in a row, South Baltimore neighbors Diamondback Beer and Order & Chaos are teaming up to unveil a limited-edition coffee stout. Order & Chaos general manager Rachel Harris worked alongside Diamondback head brewer Tom Foster to dream up the beer, which is brewed with dark specialty malts and cold brew coffee. This Saturday, pair the specialty brew—which has notes of chocolate, dark fruit, and roasted almonds—with Order & Chaos’ signature Belgian waffles at an official launch party at Diamondback from 12-4 p.m. If you can’t make it to the event, the beer will be available in the taproom throughout the beginning of January. 1215 E Fort Ave. Ste. 008

SHUT (FOR NOW)

Stang of Siam: For the time being, Stang of Siam regulars are going to have to get their Thai fix elsewhere in Mt. Vernon. A sign posted to the front door of the restaurant on North Calvert Street indicates that the eatery closed, but will reopen under new management in the coming weeks. “We expect all of you will still be pleased with the quality of food and service,” the sign reads. The statement goes on to explain that the new owners operate multiple Thai restaurants in Washington, D.C., and plan to do some renovating before reopening with a new name. 1301 N. Calvert St.

We don’t always drink in the morning, but when we do, we like a good spritz. That’s why we’ve fallen head over heels for the adorable Little Bird Coffee Bar (3600 Hickory Ave., 667-303-3263), the newest project from the owners of The Bluebird Cocktail Room, located in the same building just a few floors above.

The basement café feels very Italian in flair, décor, and menu. One especially nice touch is the row of bright blue al fresco tables and chairs lining the sidewalk. Venture inside and you’ll find an authentically rustic space with exposed brick walls, hanging vintage plates, and tablecloths with a distinctive, toile-like pattern. There’s a semicircular marble-topped bar and simple black-and-white letter board that lays out the Ceremony Coffee offerings including espresso, Americano, Cortado, and cappuccino.

If it’s a different kind of buzz you’re after, Little Bird has plenty in that department, too, with a heavy focus on all things spritz, which is a fancy way to say sparkling. But there certainly isn’t anything flashy about the spritzes, which come in Aperol, Campari, Cynar, and Elderflower varieties—simply a balanced ratio of each base spirit mixed with crisp Primaterra Prosecco, club soda, and an orange twist.

We also gave the Amaretto Sour a try, since it’s something we drank a lot in our younger years. This version was the best we’ve had, thanks to fresh lemon juice and Angostura bitters. We certainly didn’t miss the artificial sugars and additives.

You can also get wine at Little Bird in European-style liters and half-liters, various types of amaro, and two options of beer (Peroni and the requisite Natty Boh). And, while we particularly love the café with morning light shining through, it also features a great “aperitivo hour” Thursdays-Saturdays, from 5-8 p.m., where spritzes are $1 off and 75-cent snacks are available.

The food menu is affordable and approachable with items such as savory and sweet buns, antipasto, baguette sandwiches, and desserts. Try anything with mozzarella (it gets pulled daily) and end your meal with a refreshing watermelon granita.

We’re sure thankful that Little Bird has opened in Hampden, because it will save us so much airfare to Italy.

EAT

July 6: Sandlot First Friday Crab Feast

Sandlot, 1000 Wills St. 4-10 p.m. $45-80.

Just when we thought Sandlot had everything we needed to get our beach fix in the city—waterfront views, a sandy shoreline, and spiked slushies—they added the one thing that was missing: steaming piles of crabs. Starting this Friday, Harbor Point’s waterfront oasis will be serving up crabs from Conrad’s Crabs & Seafood Market on the first Friday evening of the summer months along with must-have sides like potato salad and corn on the cob. Wash it all down with beers from event partner Flying Dog Brewery, including the Old Bay-infused Dead Rise brew for the perfect pairing.

DRINK

July 6-7:Bluebird Cocktail Room Anniversary

The Bluebird Cocktail Room, 3600 Hickory Ave. Fri.-Sat. 5 p.m.-2 a.m.

Somehow, it’s already been a year since Hampden’s literary-themed cocktail bar opened its doors, and this weekend, The Bluebird is celebrating its first birthday with tiki-inspired drinks, eats, and music. Starting on Thursday, the neighborhood favorite will transform into a tropical oasis as part of its weekly summer event and continue the vibes through its anniversary on Saturday. Don your best Hawaiian shirt and raise a frozen absinthe frappe to many more years of artisanal cocktails and bookish style.

SEE

July 6-28: Diaphanous Shades and Sweet Sweat

Current Space, 421 N. Howard St. Fri.-Sat. 12-4 p.m. Free.

Since coming onto the Baltimore arts scene almost 15 years ago, this small Bromo Arts District gallery has become known for hosting experimental exhibitions that push artistic boundaries. On Friday, the gallery will debut two new exhibitions: Diaphanous Shades, a collaborative work by Virginia-based artists Brian Burr and Lauren Rice that visually compresses the past, present, and future of Western civilization, and Sweet Sweat, a solo exhibition by photographer Lindsey Bottos that focuses on faded relationships. Head downtown to see these thought-provoking works, which will be on display through the end of the month.

HEAR

July 7: Jazz Odyssey: The Sun Ra Arkestra

The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. 5-9 p.m. $35-50.

Jack Whitten, whose revelatory works are now on display at The Baltimore Museum of Art, had a deep appreciation for jazz music and is the inspiration for this year’s summer concert series at the museum. This Saturday, hear outer space-inspired experimental jazz music from the renowned Sun Ra Arkestra in the BMA’s Sculpture Garden, and, before the music starts at 7 p.m., enjoy evening access to Whitten’s widely-regarded exhibition.

DO

July 7: Party in the Park

Whitelock Community Farm, 922 Whitelock St. #4. 3-7 p.m. Free-$20.

This weekend, the “Excellent Women” of Baltimore are throwing a can’t-miss picnic party in the spirit of making new friends and celebrating girl power. For this meet-up hosted by the Society of Excellent Women, head to the Whitelock Community Farm to sample eats from local women-owned businesses (think Wild Thyme Food Truck, Cocina Luchadoras, and Mrs. Married Mack’s Hand Pies), splash around in summertime-themed mini pools by Minnidip, and get to know other Charm City movers and shakers.

OPEN

Fornicolli’s: There’s a new spot to grab late-night slices after last call on weekends in Federal Hill. The team behind Das Bier Haus on Light Street has transformed the space next door into a traditional Italian eatery and carry-out. Helmed by chef Mark Dunaway—formerly of now-closed Regi’s American Bistro up the street—the menu features staples like pizza, a classic Caesar salad, chicken parmesan, baked ziti, and an Italian cold cut sub, as well as snacks like Buffalo cauliflower and fried cheese steak eggrolls. The shop is open for dinner service weekly and extends its hours until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. 1538 Light St., 443-439-5137

Checkerspot Brewing: Husband-and-wife brewers Rob and Judy Neff (who has her Ph.D in microbiology), and their business partner Steve Marsh—who founded the cask program at Heavy Seas Beer a decade ago—will finally open their South Baltimore taproom to the public on Saturday, June 30 at 12 p.m. Complete with driftwood, hanging plants, and old farm pulleys, the brewery aims to bring the outside in. “We really wanted to celebrate where beer ingredients come from,” Neff says. “We’re trying to bring nature and the city together all in one place.” Checkerspot’s beers make use of ingredients from local farms like Baugher’s in Reisterstown. There’s also a cask-conditioned Keeper’s Stout, which is fortified with crab shells from J.M. Clayton Seafood Company. Other drafts to look out for throughout opening weekend include the Juniperus juniper IPA, Southside pale ale, and Saison de Fleur. 1399 S. Sharp St.

18-8 Sushi: On the heels of The Local Fry’s grand opening, The Rotunda in Hampden also welcomed this new sushi spot last week. Diversifying the dining options in the mixed-use development, 18-8 offers bento boxes, various protein entrees, and a lengthy list of colorful rolls ranging from a classic California to a “Red Diamond” with crab, salmon, tuna, and avocado in a pink soy wrapper with mango sauce. 727 W. 40th St, Ste. 138. 410-889-1888

Button: Scott Plank’s luxe pool bar opened to the public earlier this summer, and now, the team is unveiling the pool’s accompanying restaurant. Opening on July 2, the neighborhood cafe and bar on the waterfront will feature a menu from chef Allysa Storms with salads and grain bowls, wood-fired pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, and heartier entrees like Cajun Chesapeake rockfish. The laid-back spot highlights harborside seating, as well as an elevated dining deck overlooking the marina at Lighthouse Point. 2760 Lighthouse Point, 410-675-8888

The Charmery: The new Union Collective makerspace in Medfield has been gradually introduced to the public over the past few weeks. Earth Treks’ bouldering gym opened in early June and Union’s taproom debuted soon after. Now, The Charmery is ready to unveil its third retail location in the space—which also houses an expanded production kitchen that will make ice cream for all three of the shop’s locations. Officially opening on Monday, July 2, the new space is as whimsical as The Charmery’s ice cream flavors (think egg custard and the cereal-infused “Saturday Morning Cartoons”), boasting a coin-activated ice cream cone ride, giant Rube Goldberg crank-operated machine, and ice cream truck seating booth—all created by local artists and designers. 1700 W. 41st St.

The Pizza Trust: Belvedere Square Market’s newest pizza purveyor opened to rave reviews from neighborhood locals last week. The stall owned by James Clark—who also operates Clark Burger inside the Senator Theatre up the street—offers wings, fries, salads, and quick-fired pizzas in signature varieties like the “Double Double” (red sauce, double cheese and pepperoni), “Dirty Bird” (white sauce, herbed chicken, bacon bits, and bleu cheese), and the “Funcle,” topped with truffled white sauce, wild mushrooms, caramelized shallots, and shaved parmesan. 529 E. Belvedere Ave., 443-961-8111

COMING SOON

Nori: Hampden locals might have noticed a new sign towering over the former Corner Charcuterie Bar while strolling on The Avenue recently. The space will soon debut as Nori Sushi Bar, a spinoff from the former owners of Ruby 8 Noodles and Sushi at McHenry Row in Locust Point. According to reports by Baltimore Fishbowl, the spot is aiming for a grand opening next month, complete with sushi, rice dishes, noodles, and traditional Korean rice bowls. 850 W. 36th St.

Patterson Public House: The Patterson Park community was at a loss when longtime neighborhood spot BistroRx closed its doors in the spring. But now, locals Tanya Gralto and Scott Lanphear are reopening the space as Patterson Public House—a tavern serving bar classics and locally sourced seasonal fare. Though the spot isn’t expected to debut until mid-July, the team is hosting a pop-up at R. House in Remington this week to give locals a sneak peek of what’s to come. Swing by the stall from now until July 8 to taste burgers, fries, and classic half-smokes from the restaurant’s new chefs Scott Bacon—formerly of the Brewer’s Art—and Cai Lindeman, who cut his chops at The Dabney in Washington, D.C. 301 W. 29th St.

NEWS

Gather Baltimore: This local organization that distributes its signature blue bags of surplus produce to city residents in need has officially moved from its original location on Sisson Street in Remington to 4800 Harford Road—which is also the site of Hamilton-Lauraville’s Tuesday-evening farmers’ market. Gather Baltimore founder Arthur Morgan encourages locals to follow the organization’s Facebook page for information about when to retrieve the bags, which contain everything from asparagus and potatoes to peppers and pineapple this summer. 4800 Harford Rd.

Ekiben Fried Chicken Gets Nod from Southern Living: The national praise keeps on coming for Ekiben in Fells Point, whose signature steamed buns and rice bowls have recently been lauded by the likes of The Food Network and Eater. The acclaim continued earlier this week when the Korean-fusion shop was named on Southern Living’s list of the best fried chicken in every state. “If Southern Living says we have the best fried chicken in Maryland, we know we’ve got something special,” the owners posted to Instagram. “Thanks for the love y’all.” 1622 Eastern Ave., 410-558-1914

EPICUREAN EVENTS

7/1: Crustacean Invasion at Mt. Washington Tavern
Mt. Washington’s neighborhood haunt is welcoming the summer in style by introducing a special menu of crab-inspired dishes that will run throughout the month of July. Be on the lookout for crab puffs, soft shell crab sandwiches, crab quiche, jumbo lump crab and parmesan rockfish filet, and a classic chicken Chesapeake. The menu will also be offered at the restaurant’s top-floor Skybar. 5700 Newbury St., 410-367-6903.

7/5: Tiki Thursdays at The Bluebird Cocktail Room
On Thursday evenings throughout the summer, this literary-themed cocktail bar in Hampden will be completely transformed into an island oasis. In addition, Bluebird’s regular offerings—its new summer menu features everything from a frozen absinthe frappe to a Midori sour over cotton candy—patrons can expect a special menu of tiki drinks, island music, and possibly a few Hawaiian shirts thrown in in for good measure. 3600 Hickory Ave., 667-303-3263

7/6: Sardegna Wine Dinner at Cinghiale
The team at this Northern Italian outpost in Harbor East is celebrating the island of Sardegna with a four-course wine dinner next week. Menu highlights will include grilled marinated mussels with capers and fennel, baked eggplant with ricotta and tomato, and traditional ricotta cake with honey pignoli gelato. Each course will be accompanied by a different pour inspired by the evening’s theme. 822 Lancaster St., 410-547-8282. 7 p.m. $89

Hampden’s latest addition, The Bluebird Cocktail Room (3600 Hickory Ave., 667-303-3263), brings a sophisticated cachet to Baltimore while still maintaining an approachable vibe. 

Native Marylander Paul Benkert was inspired by his time at Woodberry Kitchen and jazz bar Vie de Boheme in Portland, Oregon, when he opened Bluebird in July. He transformed the massive 3,000-square-foot space above De Kleine Duivel—formerly a sparse gallery spot—into a stylish bistro with navy blue walls, gold accents, communal tables, corner lounges, and a fireplace. In the early evening, natural light spills through the windows. At night, it’s lit only by candles. 

Starting with its cocktail program, The Bluebird does a lot right. The menu reads like an eight-page book, which is appropriate for this literary-themed bar named after a Charles Bukowski poem. Cocktails are divided into four chapters: Simple, More Complex, Long Sippers, and After-Dinner Drinks. A recent favorite in the summer heat has been the Hemingway daiquiri, made the traditional Cuban way over crushed ice (and best enjoyed on one of their outdoor porch swings).

Even ice isn’t overlooked here, as bar manager Ben Poole uses a machine that produces a 300-pound block of ice that can be carved, crushed, or cubed depending on the drink. This artistry can be seen in many of the drinks on the menu, including an Old Fashioned topped with a seamless sphere to keep it cold. 

Have no fear: Though there is care taken with the bar’s design and cocktail menu, not everything here is overly fancy. There are still $3 Natty Bohs and a Monday-Friday happy hour when draft cocktails are $5 and small plates are half-off. Not one of the bar’s food items, including cured salmon and steak frites, is over $20. 

Opening weekend—with its excellent service, impressive drinks, and neighborhood locals bellying up to the bar—was a great sign that Bluebird has already hit a sweet spot.

National Rum Day couldn’t have come at a better time. As the summer draws to a close, we can’t think of a more ideal way to savor the season than with a colorful punch or strong Dark ‘n’ Stormy. And luckily, Charm City is chock-full of industry talent getting creative with rum varieties from near and far.

One of the city’s largest rum collections can be found behind the bar at pizza palace and live music venue Joe Squared in Station North. The origins of the bar’s inventory date back to 2005, when owner Joe Edwardsen first opened the spot and noticed a need for more rum destinations in the city. Since then, the offerings have grown to include more than 35 rum options from 15 different countries.

“It’s a very versatile beverage,” says general manager Okan Arabacioglu, who has tended bar at Joe Squared for nearly a decade. “The fermentation and the way it’s barreled and aged has a huge impact on how the rum develops into its own character.”

Arabacioglu says that he enjoys introducing barflies to the different types of rum, mentioning bottles from as far as Guatemala and the West Indies. Among some of the bar’s most popular rum cocktails include a Campari punch, a spin on a traditional rum runner, and a ginger-basil mojito muddled with lime juice, basil leaves, and evaporated cane sugar.

“There are a lot of rums that need to be explored,” Arabacioglu says. “Like whiskey, there are many varieties that are so smooth and beautiful, but not a lot of people know about. It’s very underappreciated.”

Along with Joe Squared, there are plenty of other local spots that boast stellar rum collections. Here are our picks for the best places to celebrate the spirit:

Alma Cocina Latina: The colorful cocktails at this Venezuelan restaurant in the Canton Can Company pair nicely with the dishes that come out of the kitchen looking like works of art. Making use of both foreign (think Papa’s Pilar and Brugal) and local Old Line Spirits rum, the bar menu lists many different coladas and island cocktails including the “Playa Desnuda,” with pineapple-infused rum, house pineapple kombucha, orange juice, and cardamom bitters. 2400 Boston St., 667-212-4273

Bar Vasquez: This Argentinian spot in Harbor East offers its own spin on a rum and coke featuring Myer’s dark rum, fernet branca, Luxardo maraschino liqueur, lime, and cola. Stop by during weekday happy hour to enjoy the sip alongside $5 snacks from 5-7 p.m. 1425 Aliceanna St., 410-534-7296

Blackwater Distilling: Just in time for National Rum Day, this Kent Island-based distillery has finally debuted its new solera-aged rum—an interval process that involves mixing ages in barrels. Plenty of local bars offer Blackwater products, including the fan-favorite Picaroon rum. Among them are Bookmakers, Blue Pit BBQ, and The Oceanaire Seafood Room. 184 Log Canoe Circle, Stevensville, 443-249-3123

Bluebird Cocktail Room: Head to this literary-themed Hampden hangout to sip craft cocktails while browsing classic books. The new summer menu features a frozen pina colada, “Don’s Banana Hammock” with rum and bananas, and the “Expression of the Divine,” which highlights peach rum. 3600 Hickory Ave., 667-303-3263

Gunther & Co.: Along with a list of house libations, this Brewers Hill bar features a few cocktails spotlighting Gosling’s dark rum. Head outside to its picturesque patio to sample the cleverly named “Rye’n Gosling,” with Rittenhouse rye, Gosling’s dark rum, caffo amaro, agave, and flamed lemon. There is also the “The Ibis,” which mixes the dark rum with campari, velvet falernum, pineapple, and lime juice. 3650 Toone St., 443-869-6874

Lobo: Spend happy hour sipping the fan-favorite Mai Tai at this Fells Point watering hole. The signature cocktail ($9) mixes Kraken rum, Appleton white rum, Grand Marnier, fresh-squeezed orange juice, housemade grenadine, and housemade almond syrup. 1900 Aliceanna St., 410-327-0303

Little Havana: This South Baltimore staple stays true to its Cuban inspiration by featuring authentic eats and plenty of rum drinks at the bar. Aside from a traditional mojito, Dark ‘n’ Stormy, and rum runner, the spot also features a “Goombay Smash” with coconut rum, peach schnapps, pineapple, and orange juice. 1325 Key Highway, 410-837-9903

R. Bar: The centerpiece bar inside Remington food hall R. House will be celebrating Rum Day in style with drinks off of its summer camp-inspired seasonal menu. The rum-focused “This One Time, At Band Camp” (a nod to cult classic American Pie) features Charanda Uruapan Mexican rum, Shrub District strawberry dill shrub, White Envelope spiced syrup, lemon, and mint. 301 W. 29th St., 443-347-3570