For an entire week after George Floyd’s death at the hands of Minnesota police, Amanda Mack didn’t bake a thing.

The Crust by Mack owner, a lifelong baker who considers being in the kitchen part of her self-care routine, couldn’t bring herself to turn on the oven. And the grand opening of her stall inside the newly refurbished Whitehall Market in Hampden—a dream she’s had since launching the business in 2017—seemed insignificant given the weight of her grief and what was happening in the world around her.

“It’s been a very heavy time,” says the black business owner and mother of three. “Promoting stuff for people to buy was just hard for me to come up with the words to start talking about. But I had a conversation with my husband that really brought me back to life.”

Mack’s husband, Jarrod, was able to convince her that—even as protests continue and dining establishments remain closed for indoor service—she has much to be proud of.

“He just said, ‘You deserve this,’” she recalls. “I realized I should be celebrating the journey it took to get here. I should be celebrating women in business and minority-owned businesses. Even though times are hard, we still have something to celebrate.”

On the heels of that conversation, Mack took to social media to announce that she would be offering $25 “Celebration” pastry boxes filled with four full-sized treats as a way to toast the opening while giving back to the black community. She’s donating 10 percent of all proceeds from the packages, which sold out in two days, to Invisible Majority—a local incubator that provides resources for the black creative community. Mack raised more than $400 for the organization, and she’s donating 40 of the boxes to families who have lost loved ones to gun violence or police brutality.

“At the end of the day I think it’s a call on my people to show up for me,” she says. “Right now, the country is looking to support black-owned businesses and to amplify our voices. Let this be an invitation to them.”

Amanda Mack and her signature hand pies at Crust by Mack.

Meanwhile, all of the merchants in the renovated, 18th-century flour mill agreed that now is a time for the community to reflect on the current climate—which is why the market, a project more than five years in the making, opened quietly last week with little fanfare.

Currently, Crust by Mack, boutique catering and prepared foods eatery Gundalow Gourmet, local teahouse Wight Tea Co., and Western Maryland-based Firefly Farms Market are open for curbside pickup and takeout Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Satellite locations of Cocina Luchadoras and Ceremony Coffee, as well as sustainably sourced gift shop Homebody General Store and chef Rey Eugenio’s Filipino restaurant, Heritage, are expected to debut in the market in the coming weeks.

“[Because of the pandemic], we’re stretched as thin as we’ve been in a long time,” says Michael Koch, who co-founded Firefly Farms with his husband, Pablo Solanet, in 2002. “But we’re all so proud of what we’ve built together. As exhausted as we might be, the space is gorgeous.”

Inside the 18,000-square-foot property developed by Terra Nova Ventures’ David Tufaro and Jennifer Nolley, each stall reflects the spirit of the individual makers. Heritage highlights a 10-seat steel bar beneath golden light fixtures, Gundalow boasts shelves stocked with cookbooks and pantry goods, and Firefly features a walk-in cheese cave that will be used to educate visitors about the art of cheesemaking.

“There’s a real geekiness at the heart of Firefly,” Koch says. “People can engage with us and ask about what makes one cheese different from the other.”

Brittany Wight of Wight Tea Co.,which is donating 10 percent of proceeds from its first week to Colin Kaepernick’s Know Your Rights Camp.

Pablo Solanet of Firefly Farms.

Mack collaborated with designers, and fellow black business owners, Tiffanni Reidy of Reidy Creative and Phylea Carter of Design My Investment ATL to create her inviting stall that features blush tones, comfy high-top window seats, plush chairs, and lots of interior greenery.

“It was really important to create a structure that allows me to invite people to sit down so I can ask, ‘How’s your day? How’s your heart?’” Mack says. “You’d be surprised how much you can find out about a stranger over a cup of coffee and a pie.”

Creating unity with neighbors is one thing that vendors hope can be a silver lining of the market’s opening during a global pandemic and a national outcry. As Baltimore continues to place an emphasis on supporting small businesses, especially those that are black-owned, Koch hopes that Whitehall can be part of the recovery.

“Now the return to hyper-local and the need to connect with one’s community is so underscored,” he says, “not just from a food system perspective, but from a true diverse community perspective. It’s just never been more important.”

Though diners aren’t going to be able to fully experience the bakery until restaurants reopen entirely, Mack knows this period is not forever. She’s looking forward to the day when she can host her first of many social justice-focused panel discussions and events in the space. “We’re going to get through this,” she adds. “It’s hard right now, but it’s going to get better. The city is coming together.”

As for Mack getting back into the kitchen: “Once I start, I probably won’t stop,” she says. “I’m pouring everything I have into these boxes. When we talk about the whole idea of soul food, it’s more than a cultural thing. Our ancestors literally put their blood, sweat, and tears into their food. That’s why you can taste the difference. They were planting those seeds. They were harvesting the grains. It was different because their experiences were different. That’s where that flavor came from, so I’m definitely going to be putting a lot of soul into these boxes.”

Dana Sicko is no stranger to the concept of a communal market. As the CEO of Gundalow Juice, she sold her black-labeled bottles at local events and farmers’ markets for nearly five years. But after deciding to stop production to focus on her catering service, Gundalow Gourmet, last year, she says she’s missed the feeling of being surrounded by other small businesses.

“I love to be a part of a team,” she says. “I always prefer to be around people who I can learn from and bounce ideas off of.”

Naturally, Sicko jumped at the chance to set up shop alongside seven other local vendors at Whitehall Food Market in Hampden. Though the communal spot on the Jones Falls—part of the mixed-use redevelopment of the historic mill that also houses True Chesapeake Oyster Co.—isn’t slated to officially debut until after the New Year, its vendors are coming together to host four consecutive weekend pop-ups, where visitors can shop for food and gifts throughout the holidays.

Beginning Saturday, November 30 and continuing weekends until Sunday, December 22, the event, dubbed “Holiday by the Falls,” will take over the former Charm Kitty Cafe space in the green building adjacent to the actual market. Organizers are working with local designer Nicole Figliola to transform the space into a full-blown winter wonderland decorated with festive greenery, bows, and paper Christmas trees.

“The holidays are often so crazy and get so far from what they should be,” Sicko says. “Our whole mission is about simplifying life in a delicious way. So we’re really excited to be able to say, ‘You don’t have to worry about making your dip, because we have it all ready for you.’ We just want to give people that time back to do whatever they want with their holidays.”

Aside from Gundalow’s famous bourbon caramelized onion dip and Croque Monsieur breakfast casserole, the one-stop shop will feature artisanal cheeses, raw honeys, and domestic cured meats from Firefly Farms; hand pies, Old Bay chocolate chip cookies, and other sweet treats from Crust by Mack; and an array of teas from Wight Tea Co. On select weekends, there will also be Filipino fare from chef Rey Eugenio of Heritage and winter warmers from Ceremony Coffee.

All of the holiday items are meant to serve as a sneak peek of what the vendors will offer once they begin selling at Whitehall full time.

“Every single thing we will be selling at the holiday market is something that we are passionate about,” says Jesse Galdston, general manager and director of retail operations for Firefly Farms, which is based in Garrett County. “And there is an energy and excitement that you get when you see other people who are just as passionate about food as you are.”

While the food-focused spots will be offering standout dishes to bring to a potluck or highlight on a holiday table, ceramicist Annie Parker will feature a selection of local gifts at her stall, Homebody General Store. Alongside some of her own pieces, Parker will sell graphic tees, throw blankets, skincare products, jewelry, smaller stocking stuffers such as playing cards and face masks, and vases by local artist Tim McFadden of McFadden Art Glass on Eastern Avenue.

“Shopping small, especially for gift items around the holidays, is always more special,” Parker says. “Just the fact that someone was at this cool little shop that they found themselves and saw this item and thought of you. It’s just more special than going to a mall and getting a gift card or something like that.”

A lineup of activities planned throughout the pop-up includes a citrus-garland making class with Parker and Figliola—who both hail from Anthropologie—on November 30, a coffee tasting with Ceremony on December 7, and a cheese tutorial with the team from Firefly on December 14.

Collectively, the vendors are looking forward to introducing themselves to visitors, who they hope to see at the market on a regular basis once it opens. They’re also excited to work alongside one another for the first time and have the opportunity to refer shoppers to each other’s businesses.

After all, it’s certainly no coincidence that the inaugural Holiday by the Falls pop-up is scheduled for Small Business Saturday.

“We might not be the cheapest, but you’re getting our passion,” Sicko says of Baltimore’s small-business community. “You are getting the hardest working hours of our life, because this is what we’ve decided to pursue. We’re always stronger together.”

COMING SOON

Whitehall Food Market: It’s been several years since we first heard murmurs of a food hall taking shape inside Whitehall Mill—the historic property located along the Jones Falls in Hampden. Now, the lineup of Maryland producers moving in to the revamped space has officially been finalized. In addition to True Chesapeake Oyster House—an anchor restaurant from the brains behind The Local Oyster and True Chesapeake Oyster Co.—the culinary offerings will include java from Ceremony Coffee, cheese and charcuterie from Deep Creek Lake’s FireFly Farms, small-batch blends from Wight Tea Company, prepared meals from Gundalow Gourmet, and European pastries from Roggenart. In addition, look for authentic eats from Heritage, a new concept from former Ouzo Bay chef Rey Eugenio—who also operates the popular Masarap Filipino pop-up. Developers with Terra Nova Ventures are preparing for a late-fall grand opening.

Miss Shirley’s: Get ready to see some familiar food-and-drink logos while strolling through BWI this summer vacation season. Frederick’s Flying Dog Taphouse has become a favorite since it opened inside the airport two years ago, and recently, Nalley Fresh joined the pack with a salad stall inside the food court on Concourse A. The local restaurant presence will continue to expand in 2020, when Baltimore breakfast behemoth Miss Shirley’s is expected to open a 100-seat restaurant inside the global gateway. To accommodate travelers at any hour, the spot will offer dinner and late-night options, as well as its signature pancakes and Southern-style breakfast dishes.

OPEN

Dee at Thai: Mt. Vernon locals were at a loss when Stang of Siam closed abruptly last December. A sign posted to the door informed regulars that a changeover was imminent, and now, a new Thai restaurant is back in its place on North Calvert Street. Dee at Thai opened earlier this month, offering a wholesome array of soups, curries, vegetarian options, and traditional pad Thai dishes. In keeping with the holistic mission, the menu also breaks down the health benefits of cooking with Thai herbs such as lemongrass and sweet basil, which have both been known to help strengthen the immune system.

NEWS

Heavy Seas Releases “Bmore Snoball Ale”: On the list of things synonymous with Charm City, egg custard snowballs rank pretty high. So it’s no wonder Halthorpe-based Heavy Seas’ Beer decided to create a new brew inspired by the iconic summer treat. At a 5.5 percent ABV, the Egg Custard Blonde Ale uses a malt base, Strisselspalt hops, and lots of vanilla to replicate the classic snowball flavor. It will be available in cans and on draft exclusively in the brewery’s taproom starting next Friday, July 26.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

7/20: SauceScape at North Avenue Market
Throughout Artscape weekend, there will be plenty of opportunities for diners to get a sneak peek of the proposed plans for North Avenue Market. The former home of Red Emma’s in Station North is expected to house multiple food concepts in the coming months. Among them will be Secret Sauce Co., the craft ketchup brand that served its burgers and fries at an extended pop-up inside Lost City Diner a few months back. This Saturday night, Secret Sauce Co. is taking over the space to launch its new hot sauce collaboration with Jones Falls Sauce Company. Stop by to sample the concoction, enjoy tacos from Cocina Luchadoras, play some classic arcade games, dance to live funk music, and—perhaps most importantly—take advantage of the free air conditioning.

7/20: Inaugural Highlandtown Crab Feast

The recent influx of Chesapeake Bay blue crabs calls for a new Charm City crab feast. Enjoy the summer tradition at this inaugural event benefiting the Highlandtown Community Association. Captain Frank’s Seafood will provide the crabs and savory sides, such as steamed corn, tomato and cucumber salad, and hush puppies. And Highlandtown’s own Monument City Brewing will be handing out cold cans to wash down all of the eats. Following dinner, partake in dessert, games, a 50/50 raffle, and a block party from 7-9 p.m.

SHUT

Atwater’s Falls Road: Early risers on the hunt for avocado toast on Falls Road will now have to venture to one of Atwater’s other nearby locations. After seven years, the cafe recently came to the end of its lease, and management decided not to renew. The neighborhood go-to became known for its piping-hot soups, irresistible baked goods, and hearty sandwiches. Luckily, Atwater’s locations in Belvedere Square, Canton, Catonsville, Towson, and Upper Fells Point are all still going strong.

Bar Liquorice: Riverside locals enjoyed the last of the Red Vines and Good & Plenty’s at this kitschy corner bar last week. After five years of slinging cocktails and refilling the popcorn bowls at Bar Liquorice, owner Jeff Cahill has decided to move on. “Owning a bar is a 24-7 labor of love that can really kick your ass,” he wrote in a message announcing the closure. “Although I have loved my 30-plus years in Baltimore, I have decided to join my family in a new venture that will free me up to actually enjoy my life.” There’s no word yet what will become of the Fort Avenue property.

OPEN

The Brewer’s Art Tavern: A few months ago, we told you about the Howard County spinoff of Mt. Vernon’s beloved brewpub, The Brewer’s Art. Now, Howard County locals can finally enjoy the craft drafts and upscale pub grub that diners have come to know and love in Charm City. The tavern officially opened last week, offering eats like massive charcuterie boards, soft pretzels, grilled cheese with bacon-onion jam, local bratwurst with Resurrection beer mustard, and the classic Brewer’s Art rosemary-garlic fries. Of course, there’s also 13 taps (including the likes of Beazly and Birdhouse), and a lengthy wine and cocktail list. Boasting more of a rustic feel than the dimly lit flagship, the Highland hangout features stained woods, exposed stone, colorful paintings, and its own outdoor patio. 13380 Clarksville Pike, Highland. 301-854-1000

Ceremony Coffee Roasters: Revelers in Federal Hill will be happy to hear that the ultimate hangover cure has landed inside Cross Street Market. The newest Ceremony location (others are stationed in Mt. Vernon and Harbor Point) is now officially up and running inside the newly renovated property. Stop by to grab an espresso, cortado, mocha, or seasonal sip like the Tokyo Spring matcha latte with elderflower and almond milk. There’s also spicy avocado toast and plenty of pastries to quell morning cravings. The next vendor on deck to open inside Cross Street this week is Vietnamese soup-and-sub shop, Phubs. 1065 S. Charles St. 443-708-5284

Saffron Grill: Fells Point is really becoming a choose-your-own-dining-adventure destination. On the heels of Broadway Market’s debut, the waterfront locale has also welcomed this new American-Pakistani kitchen. Neighboring yet-to-open boutique Mint + Major on South Broadway, the yellow storefront is home to authentic samosas, kebabs, gyros, and tikka dishes. But there is also a bountiful burger menu that lists options like the Strogonoff Burger (sour cream, grilled onions, and Swiss cheese) and the “Cowboy” topped with grilled mushrooms and bacon. The 2,300-square-foot space is decorated with neutral tones, comfy booth seating, spiral-shaped light fixtures, and a semi-open kitchen. 616 S. Broadway. 410-558-1234

Serenity Wine Bar and Cafe: In keeping with its name, this new Locust Point cafe is ready to help neighbors feel relaxed with glasses of self-serve wine. Now open in the former home of Our House on Hull Street, the spot is equipped with 16 pour-yourself taps that guests can access using a prepaid swipe card. To pair with the vino, owner Nneka Bilial has rolled out a menu of thin-crust pizzas (think veggie, grilled chicken, and BBQ toppings), baked pastas, subs, salads, and desserts. The casual spot features exposed brick and artsy wine-bottle decor. “I wanted to highlight the city, but also make it feel really cozy,” she told us in April. “I want it to feel like a home away from home.” 1211 Hull St. 443-708-0392

COMING SOON

Landshark Bar & Grill: Get pumped, Parrotheads. Soon, locals strolling past the Light Street Pavilion at Harborplace will be enticed by a local iteration of Jimmy Buffet’s famed restaurant, which will most likely have “Margaritaville” perpetually blaring through the speakers on its outdoor patio. Landshark Bar & Grill operates locations everywhere from New Jersey to Florida, and it’s slated to open in the Inner Harbor later this year. Locals are hoping that the spot—which features island-inspired fare, tropical drinks, and plenty of hearty nods to “Cheeseburger in Paradise”—will be the first of many new tenants that help to revitalize Harborplace, which was plagued with closures last year. The development was officially put into receivership last week after its former owner defaulted on a $76 million loan. 301 Light St., Ste. 1645

NEWS

Chef David Thomas Heads to the Beard House: Our own David Thomas of Ida B’s Table is one of seven African-American chefs from across the country who have been invited to prepare a special Juneteenth celebration dinner at the hallowed James Beard House in New York City next week. “This has been a dream of mine for quite some time,” Thomas posted to Instagram. “To be doing it for an event like this is a gift that I will cherish for the rest of my life.” Alongside chefs including Chris Williams of Lucille’s in Houston and Shannon Mustipher of Glady’s in Brooklyn, Thomas will assist in cooking soul food dishes like catfish with grits and shrimp gravy, barbecued quail with smoked watermelon, and butter beans with crispy okra and pork cracklings.

Chef Jay Rohlfing Competing on Chopped: Another local chef making us proud this week is Jay Rohlfing of Cunningham’s in Towson, who announced that he will appear on an episode of Food Network’s Chopped this Tuesday, June 18 at 9 p.m. For fans who want to cheer on the chef at the restaurant, Cunningham’s will host a viewing party at its bar starting at 8 p.m. We’re feeling hopeful that we will add Rohlfing to our list of local Chopped champions, which also includes Thomas of Ida B’s and chef Johntay Bedingfield of La Food Marketa. 1 Olympic Pl., Towson. 410-339-7730

SHUT

DuClaw Brewing Co.: Earlier this week, DuClaw Brewing’s longtime restaurant inside Arundel Mills Mall announced that it would pour its final pints—and serve its last crab pretzels—on Wednesday, June 12. “Unfortunately, the mall is no longer a place we can call home,” reads a message posted to Facebook. “For a variety of circumstances, most outside of our control, this will be our last week.” Mall officials recently confirmed to the Baltimore Business Journal that the spot will be replaced by another beer bar, Yard House, later this year. 7000 Arundel Mills Circle. 410-799-1166

Noticeable changes have taken shape since Caves Valley Partners began its revitalization of the 173-year-old Cross Street Market in Federal Hill last year. Most recently, retro signage that harkens back to the market’s original rebuild—after a fire destroyed it in 1951—went up around the exterior.

While the neon logos are a reminder of its storied history, the renovated interior will bring the market into the present with a diverse lineup that reflects the breadth of Baltimore’s current dining landscape.

“As a team, it was important for us to keep it Baltimore-centric,” says Nick Alevrogiannis of Cana Development, which handles leasing for Cross Street Market. “We wanted authentic and artisan, and we’re seeing a pretty big swing of that growing here.”

By keeping an eye out for unique concepts at local pop-ups and farmers’ markets, the firm was able to bring on vendors that span multiple different cultures and cuisines, many of which are minority and female-owned and operated.

According to the Project for Public Spaces, a national nonprofit dedicated to helping communities sustain public properties, public markets are a great entryway for chefs and restaurateurs—especially minorities, immigrants, and women—to grow their businesses.

“A lot of small businesses want to be able to grow, but the capital required and the vetting process from landlords to get your own brick-and-mortar is typically really expensive, and the liability is huge,” Alevrogiannis says. “But with a market, capital requirement is significantly less to get in, which promotes small businesses from the beginning.”

When it reopens this spring, a number of veterans that operated in the market pre-construction (think Fenwick’s Choice Meats, Steve’s Lunch, and The Sweet Shoppe) will be joined by a new class of budding businesses. There will be Baltimore spinoffs including Burger Bar from the team at Southside Diner in Riverside, Annoula’s Kitchen from the owners of Sobo Cafe across the street, Cans Filling Station from the operator of Taps Filling Station at Mount Vernon Marketplace, and a new Ceremony Coffee location.

But diners will also be able to expand their knowledge of global cuisine with Hawaiian grinds from Ono Poké, Mexican eats from Taco Love Grill, Southeast Asian dishes from Rice Crook, Vietnamese fare from Phubs, and authentic Haitian cuisine from Sobeachy—a JFX farmers’ market favorite founded by husband-and-wife duo Chanel and Leo Fleurimond.

“It’s really important to have all of those different flavors,” Chanel says. “When people think of Caribbean food, they automatically think of Jamaican food. So for us, it’s great that we now have an opportunity to be there alongside every other diverse, ethnic option and bring a different Caribbean island to Baltimore.”

The owners are looking forward to introducing diners to their eclectic blend of African and French flavors, which is showcased in stewed meats, chicken wings, stuffed plantain cups, “Cod Yatti” sandwiches (deep-fried cod on a cocoa bread bun with mango sauce), and “Pati Kode,” a veggie or meat-filled turnover similar to a fried empanada. Sobeachy will also be able to serve its fresh juices and alcoholic Island drinks in its new stall.

Other new vendors are excited about the move, even if they’ve been around for a while. Take brothers Chuong and Paul Nguyen, who established their Vietnamese soup and sub shop Phubs in Hanover five years ago, but are enthusiastic about the benefits of joining a communal market.

“Vietnamese food in general is getting more popular, but it’s still not super mainstream,” says Chuong. “With the market being so diverse, it requires people to come in with an open mind. Those are the type of customers we want.”

Phubs will continue to offer its signature banh-mi sandwiches and pho with all the fixins, but the owners are adding a few new twists that cater to the market’s clientele. Specifically, the eatery will offer its bone broth in coffee-sized cups for diners in need of a hangover cure or quick energy boost.

“We simmer the bones for 24 hours because that’s how our parents did it growing up,” says Chuong, a Columbia native. “We ate pho weekly, and always felt great the next day. But it’s really all about the broth and making it the right way. We didn’t want to get away from that.”

In addition to providing that authenticity, vendors agree that the market environment fosters a more personal relationship between makers and customers. In the future, organizers hope to strengthen the community focus by activating the space with more startups (a new wave will join the scene summer 2019) and launching an outdoor farmers’ market in April.

“To me, what sets a market apart from a food court is that it’s interactive and engaged,” Alevrogiannis says. “You have to tell that story. Just having good food and good service isn’t working anymore.”

Typically, the annual Baltimore Cocktail Week kicks off with a cocktail competition. But rather than pitting local bartenders against one another, organizer Ginny Lawhorn is taking a more collaborative approach this time around.

“In the face of the heartbreaking number of restaurant closures in the last year and a half, I didn’t feel like we needed another competition,” says Lawhorn, the co-owner of Sticky Rice, who started the event in 2015. “There’s more of a desire to create a community conversation and focus on cultivating small businesses, whether it’s engaging in them as consumers or supporting the jobs that they create.”

This year, the weeklong initiative happening July 30-August 4 will launch with an across-town happy hour at five bars scattered from Hampden to Canton, including Holy Frijoles, The Red Star in Charles Village, Sticky Rice, Bartenders Pub, and The Regal Beagle. On Monday, July 30 from 4-10 p.m., each spot will create a specialty drink using a certain spirit, and a portion of the final sales will be donated to local nonprofits.

“Baltimore has so many unique communities,” Lawhorn says. “People become so comfortable exploring their own, but sometimes it’s nice to engage customers and try to get them just a neighborhood away.”

The inclusive feel of the kick-off happy hour is fitting for this year’s theme, “Better Together”—which Lawhorn says will be an undertone in all of the Baltimore Cocktail Week meetups. From a special brunch to a conversation about collective bargaining, the daily events (many of which are open to the public) will address subjects like sustainability, innovation, and wellness in the hospitality industry.

Feminism will also be a topic of discussion, as five female industry leaders gather for a “Badass Business Babes” panel at Waverly Brewing on July 31 at 7 p.m. Admission to the talk is $25 with all proceeds being donated to House of Ruth. Panelists will include Lane Harlan of Clavel and W.C. Harlan, Judy Neff of Checkerspot Brewing, Carrie Podles of Alexander’s Tavern and Papi’s Tacos, Emily Lerman of Mera Kitchen Collective, and Paige Baskauskas of Opici Wines.

“It’s going to be great to hear everyone else’s opinions about working in the hospitality industry from all sides,” says Baskauskas, a wine sales representative for Opici. “This is a great event to show everyone that we’re educated when it comes to our craft. We know what we’re doing and we want to expand on that even more.”

The week continues with a free, all-day series of wellness workshops at R. House in Remington on August 1. Led by our own local “healthtender” Amie Ward, the gathering will begin with yoga followed by a series of conversations about nutrition, sobriety, and sexual assault prevention.

Another industry trend being represented is sustainability, which will be addressed at a get-together at Foraged in Hampden on August 2. Six national brands, including Bombay Sapphire and Sierra Nevada, will present local bartenders with information about how to minimize their ecological footprints.

“It’s not a secret that we’re a wasteful industry,” Lawhorn says. “It’s a lot of packaging and food waste. But where do you start? Paper straws and compostable to-go containers are amazing. It’s all about focusing on that next step to lower your environmental impact.”

Later that day, Ceremony Coffee in Mt. Vernon will host “Punch with a Purpose,” a collaborative cocktail class that will teach consumers about the versatility of different spirits by creating a seasonal punch. “It’s super fun to dump bottles in things,” quips Lawhorn. “It’s also exciting to be able to engage a beautiful space like Ceremony in a different way for an evening conversation.”

Closing out the week will be a Baltimore Cocktail Week collaboration with the Fells Point Farmers’ Market on August 4. Attendees will be able to sample sips from eight neighborhood bartenders and vote for their favorites. The winner will be the signature cocktail at the End of Summer Soiree at the Sagamore Pendry on August 23.

In keeping with the “Better Together” theme, Lawhorn says she hopes that the weeklong initiative sparks a sense of community engagement in patrons and bartenders alike.

“There’s something so important about conversations next to your friends at a bar stool, or across the bar with a bartender,” she says, “and what that can mean to cultivation of ideas and a sense of community in a city.”

Picture 2,000 people all hopped up on caffeine eager to learn the latest trends in the coffee industry and all in search of their next cup of joe. This will be the scene at the Baltimore Convention Center March 16-18 as coffee bean connoisseurs will flock to the city for Coffee Fest.

Since 1992, this trade show has been providing education, competitions, and the ultimate networking experience to industry professionals around the country—hosting in well-known coffee towns like Seattle, Denver, and Los Angeles—but this is the first time it’s being held in Baltimore. 

“We do some coffee research to try to find the best places,” said marketing manager for Coffee Fest Holly Barrett. “We decided on Baltimore because it was an area we haven’t been to before, and the coffee scene is growing—it was a perfect fit.”

The weekend-long convention will feature more than 150 hours of educational seminars on topics ranging from customer service and leadership to coffee roasting and starting a business. The show will also include contests like America’s Best Espresso and a latte art competition, both featuring regional favorite Ceremony Coffee.

“They don’t use any other tools besides coffee and milk to create the latte art,” Barrett said. “It’s a pretty competitive arena—we get competitors from Japan and Korea.” 

Local roaster Zeke’s Coffee will also host plant tours on Saturday and Sunday of Coffee Fest for the attendees to learn how to select green coffee beans and roasting methods from experts. Brett Rhodes, the sales and special events manager of Zeke’s said they were honored to be approached by Coffee Fest organizers to exclusively host the tours.  

“Baltimore is becoming more of a coffee scene,” Rhondes said. “It’s taken a little bit longer than other places, but there is certainly a coffee culture growing. There are a lot of different coffees and roasting methods in the world, but we’re really focused on providing locally roasted coffee and being a part of the community we service.”

While the main conference is exclusively for trade industry professionals to learn and connect, there will be public events around the city for locals to join in the caffeinated-festivities.

Vent Coffee Roasters is hosting a Latte Art Showdown on March 4 at Union Craft Brewing in preparation for the Coffee Fest latte art competition. The family-friendly event is free and open to the public to watch baristas out-latte each other in a single elimination competition. The top three winners will walk away with tickets to Coffee Fest, espresso swag, and a bottle of coffee amaro donated by the Baltimore Whiskey Company.

“We wanted to do give baristas a chance to practice before competing at Coffee Fest,” said Sarah Walker, co-owner of Vent. “We also wanted to be able to offer a way to get to know us a little better. Baltimore’s coffee scene is growing, and Coffee Fest is helping to put us on the map.”

Peace and a Cup of Joe owner Themar Long is taking advantage of the unique timing of the conference—St. Patrick’s Day weekend—by hosting an Irish whiskey, cigar, and coffee pairing event. He will be partnering with Quintessential Gentleman (QG), a local men’s grooming shop, on March 17 to show locals that coffee is more versatile than just a morning fix. Long himself enjoys a nice BnB Cigar with a cup of coffee that’s been spiked with a shot of scotch, and a splash of Irish cream.

“I want to show how diverse coffee is and how often you can enjoy it,” he said. “You can also pair it with cigars and different types of liquors like Irish whiskey and scotch because it’s an after-dinner digestant.”

After being on the local coffee scene for more than a decade, Long is excited about the way the trade has evolved into more than just a typical cup of joe with cream.

“I think the awareness and appreciation of good coffee has really grown,” he said. “For Coffee Fest to actually come to Baltimore and host a conference, I think that says a lot about what we are doing here.”

Inspired by the roasting revolution that started in the Pacific Northwest, indie coffeemakers have been sprouting up all over the country and bettering their brews with high-quality beans for years. Thankfully, for those of us living in Baltimore, coffeehouses are becoming as ubiquitous as crabhouses. There are plenty of spots to get our fix in the morning, but Annapolis-based bean-pusher Ceremony Coffee might be the king of the craft coffee scene. 

Step into any of Ceremony’s five locations, including its latest, located beneath the behemoth Exelon building in Harbor Point, and you’re bound to be impressed. Denim-clad baristas exercise extreme levels of care while crafting your coffee, which is sourced from four continents and finished at Ceremony’s own Anne Arundel County roastery. Cappuccinos arrive with elaborate floral designs. Daily selections of pour-over coffees filter through Chemex beakers. Nitro cold brews settle beneath stainless steel taps. But don’t be intimidated: The staff at Ceremony delights in dazzling visitors. (Meanwhile, prepare for full lift-off, as you’ll likely leave feeling rocket fuel-infused.)

Compared to its Zen-like older sister in Mt. Vernon, with its white interior and zinc surfaces, the Harbor Point location is a bit more rustic, with deep blues, warm woods, and stone accents that complement its sweeping waterfront view. Roomy and luminous, it’s reminiscent of a shared workspace, catering to both residents and the commuting crowd. 

Ceremony’s mission states that coffee “is, above all, the heart of our craft,” so it’s not surprising that the seasonal food menu, while pretty, feels like somewhat of an afterthought. Still, we appreciate the expanded offerings, including small plates such as house-made hummus and charcuterie boards, an assortment of sandwiches, and more ambitious dishes such as baked falafel with HEX Ferments beets. But the basic toasts and bowls are still Ceremony’s strong suit. At breakfast, we savored the smoked salmon with Greek yogurt, red onion, and herbs artfully arranged on Cunningham’s bread. Another afternoon, we treated ourselves to the summery raspberry-mint toast with puffy pillows of ricotta. Bowl-wise, we enjoyed the spring macro salad, loaded with avocado, sweet potato, and goat cheese on a bed of arugula and quinoa. The granola bowls were beauties, too, with citrus-vanilla yogurt flecked with fresh fruit. 

Open until 9 p.m., the coffeehouse cafe also features our other favorite beverage: booze. Harbor Point has a full liquor license, with its mini bar stocked full of local beer, wine, cocktails, and adult frozen drinks. We welcomed the brain freeze of a Vinho Verde slushie, made with white wine and yellow Chartreuse, followed by a shot of espresso to help sober us up.

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›› CEREMONY COFFEE 1312 Point St. 410-601-3561, Mon.-Sat. 7 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

“Historically, food and music have gone hand in hand,” says Dr. Serap Bastepe-Gray, a faculty research associate at the Peabody Conservatory of The Johns Hopkins University, who studies, in part, how music relates to brain functioning.

“It started as a way to give privacy to patrons in their conversations and to cover up kitchen noise.” In more recent decades, musical backdrops have evolved. “It’s about atmosphere and ambiance,” says John Rutoskey, owner of Station North’s Lost City Diner, where the harmonies of 1950s girl groups serenade patrons from a retro jukebox as they chow down on milkshakes and cheese fries. “Good music improves business, and keeps people happy.”

In honor of the February 15 telecast of the Grammys, we’ve tracked down the hot spots with the best tunes—from a fancy steakhouse to a chic coffee shop.

Catch the tickling ivories of a jazz piano seven nights a week at this elegant Mt. Vernon staple. And on Saturdays, a bass and guitar joins in on Duke Ellington and Count Basie classics. After 50 years, this tradition isn’t going anywhere.

Indie-rock music that’s heavy on the eclectic rhythms of the Talking Heads—featuring Maryland Institute College of Art’s own David Byrne—blends well with the whimsical fare and décor at this new veggie-centric eatery.

At this sleek coffee shop, the new-wave beats of The Cure and Echo & the Bunnymen pair perfectly with poached egg-avocado toast, luscious lattes, and other bean-based drinks.

A communal decision by the staff determines the soundtracks at this wine-and-charcuterie bar. Expect to hear the velvety voice of Neko Case or the rock and soul of Hall & Oates. Whatever’s on strikes the balance between unobtrusive and enjoyable.

Come here to eat cheeseburgers and pick classic titles (The Supremes, anyone?) off a jukebox with bubbling neon lights. But offerings aren’t limited to doo-wop. Artists such as Hank Williams and Whitney Houston also are available for your listening pleasure.