COMING SOON

Ministry of Brewing: Over the summer, we gave you a sneak peek at this new beer destination that has taken shape inside St. Michael’s Church in Upper Fells Point. Though locals were keeping their fingers crossed that the brewery would officially open last weekend, final inspections were still underway. But, to give antsy beer lovers a first taste at their signature brews, Ministry has taken over three taps at Canton’s Hudson Street Stackhouse with its “Wispy” hazy pale ale, “The Point” Czech pilsner, and “Old Maude” English brown ale. As for the actual space, the team is eager to open as soon as all the loose ends are tied up—which could be any day now.

Ekiben: The rumors are true. This week, Ekiben owners Steve Chu and Ephrem Abebe gave fans of their famous steamed bun sandwiches an early holiday present by confirming what the local food scene has been speculating for weeks now. Come early 2020, the Fells Point favorite will open a second eatery on the Avenue in Hampden. In a video posted to Instagram, the owners officially announced the new location that is reportedly taking over the former TigerStyle space in the alley behind Avenue Kitchen and Bar. The beloved Asian-fusion concept, which got its start at the Fells Point farmers’ market in 2014, has made a name for itself in the local dining scene—and beyond—for its staples like the Thai chicken meatballs, Taiwanese curry fried chicken, tofu nuggets in spicy peanut sauce, and tempura broccoli. Here’s hoping all of the signature dishes, and Ekiben’s frequent food collaborations, will carry over in the new space.

Neo Pizza: Signage recently spotted above the former AJ’s Deli stall at Mount Vernon Marketplace indicates that this Maryland pizza chain—which has locations in Bel Air and Annapolis—will be opening in the space in the coming months. Neo Pizza specializes in wood-fired pies, craft beer, and worldly wines. Its current locations also offer smaller plates like meatballs and fried calamari, as well as salads, burgers, and club sandwiches. The communal market, which highlights everything from dumplings and charcuterie to Indian bowls and Greek fare, hasn’t seen a pizza spot since Cocina Al Volo closed earlier this year.

CH-CH CHANGES

Sorrento of Arbutus: For more than 50 years, this neighborhood haunt has been the place to go for a quality slice in Arbutus. Owner Ella Kostinsky recently took to Facebook to announce that, although the restaurant will be sticking around for generations to come, she is planning to retire and pass the torch. “Change is inevitable and important in order to grow, and bring innovation within our community,” Kostinsky wrote. “I am excited to begin the next chapter in my life, and just as excited for the next chapter of Sorrentos.” In her message, she thanks longtime customers for their support, and assures that the new owner—who has more than 40 years of experience in the food business—will be preserving the spot’s name and secret pizza recipe. “I feel confident the new owner will grow the restaurant,” she said. “and that it will become even bigger and better.”

EPICUREAN EVENTS

12/28: Battle of the Birdland Wing Festival

Back in its fourth year, this celebration of all things wings is taking over Delia Foley’s in Federal Hill this weekend. The price of admission includes two drink tickets, a bottomless wing buffet, live music, and cash bar specials from 12-4 p.m. But the main events are the wing-eating contests—the first of which will be a race to see who can demolish 30 wings in the shortest span of time. The following “Hellhound Challenge,” which unsurprisingly requires a waiver, will crown the first eater who finishes 10 flaming-hot wings in a sauce that clocks in at a base of 9 million Scolvill units—which are used to measure pungency.

2/23-25: The Charmery Presents Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

We know, we know—February feels like a lifetime away. But The Charmery’s full-sensory movie showings tend to sell out quickly, so this is one to have on your radar early. The ice cream factory at Union Collective has previously hosted screenings of films including The Princess Bride and Elf with accompanying themed treats, and now it’s transforming into a Hogwarts-themed wonderland. See the first movie in the Harry Potter franchise like you’ve never experienced it before with a self-served popcorn bar, special punch, and other treats that correlate with scenes in the movie. $30

While the shenanigans of New Year’s Eve are right around the corner, there are plenty of things to do this weekend. Before you pop the champagne Monday night, start the long weekend with these bar specials, glitzy performances, and cultural happenings.

EAT

Dec. 29: Wing Festival

Delia Foley’s, 1439 S. Charles St. 12-4 p.m. $25-30.

Baltimore is no stranger to outrageous food challenges (think the El Toro Grande burrito at Blue Agave or the Seafood UFO at Jimmy’s Famous Seafood), but Delia Foley’s wing-tastic festival takes it to a whole new level. Along with all-you-can-eat wings and drink specials, an entry ticket to this third annual event admits attendees into the speed-eating competition (yes, there is a trophy), a “facemelter” challenge featuring the highest sauce heat allowed per law, and a create-your-own sauce competition.

DRINK

Dec. 30: Ravens vs. Browns Watch Party

Lee’s Pint & Shell, 2844 Hudson St. 3 p.m. Free.

There’s a lot riding on a Baltimore Ravens win against the Cleveland Browns this weekend: The chance to clinch the AFC North for the first time since 2012, a postseason spot in the playoffs, and, most importantly, an open bar at Lee’s Pint & Shell. Watch the regular season-finale at this Canton corner spot, knock back a few three-dollar drafts and five-dollar Smirnoff bombs and crushes during the game, and celebrate with a one-hour open bar with Miller Lite and Smirnoff if the Ravens head to the playoffs after Sunday night’s game.

SEE

Dec. 29: Glitter Ball

Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 8 p.m. $25-28.

New Year’s Eve may be known as the most glitz and glam-filled night of the year, but thanks to hosts and local burlesque performers Betty O’Hellno and Jacqueline Boxx, this Saturday’s Glitter Ball is making a run for the coveted title. Get dressed to impress (and sparkle) and head to the Creative Alliance to experience a winter wonderland-themed affair filled with circus performers, a Sparkle Market to add even more shine to your look, and an all-out dance party. For the main event, cheer on noteworthy performers like New York City’s Perle Noire and Poison Ivy during one of the most extravagant burlesque shows of the year.

HEAR

Dec. 29: Eze Jackson’s Dirty Christmas

Metro Gallery, 1700 N. Charles St. 7 p.m. $5.

As much as we love the holiday season, the annual agenda of attending one ugly sweater party after another and listening to the same Christmas carols gets old. Luckily, veteran local rapper Eze Jackson is throwing his annual anti-Christmas party in time to break you out of your post-holiday funk. Head to Metro Gallery on Saturday night to hear performances by rising rapper Locus, singer-songwriter Omnia Azar, and, of course, Jackson with The Backwudz Band. Pro tip: Bring a coat to donate and receive a free Flying Dog Bloodline beer.

DO

Dec. 29: Kwanzaa Celebration

Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 E. Pratt St. 12-4 p.m. $5.

Whether you’re a practiced celebrator or simply want to learn more about the week-long holiday, devote the third day of Kwanzaa to this all-out celebration at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum. Visit the downtown museum to take in traditional African dance and drumming performances, learn more about the holiday’s rich history during workshops and lectures, and browse locally made goods in the African Marketplace.

French fries might be the most popular complement to a hearty burger or sandwich, but there’s something to be said for a quality order of crispy kettle chips. (Though we do also love a good bag of Utz from time to time.) Some of the area’s most addictive sliced spuds can be found at Todd Conner’s in Fells Point, where longtime cook Eric Mason fries up hundreds per day.

“Surprisingly, we get a lot of people who ask for chips as a side as opposed to French fries,” says Mason, who has been manning the kitchen for the past decade. “Actually, we have quite a few regular customers who come in to order them with their lunch and then take some with them to go. And we even have some who come in and say they just want chips.”

The process, says Mason, involves thinly slicing the crisps and deep-frying them in 350-degree oil. He cooks them until they’re golden brown, drains the excess grease, and then coats both sides in a powdered ranch seasoning to give them their signature flavor.

“People really like that we serve them warm,” he says. “But other than that, there’s really no secret ingredient. We just like to put a little extra love into them, of course.”

Aside from Todd Conner’s, there are plenty of other pubs whose house-made chips are sure to satisfy snack cravings. Here are our picks:

Abbey Burger Bistro: Though it seems like the side options are endless (think waffle fries, fried pickles, sweet potato fries, and tots), you can’t go wrong pairing one of Abbey’s massive burgers with a side of golden-brown crisps. If the salty snacks leave you with a sweet tooth craving, order one of the famed Berger Cookie shakes for dessert. Multiple locations including 1041 Marshall St., 443-453-9698

Delia Foley’s: The baskets lined with green-and-white checkered paper at this Irish staple in South Baltimore come overflowing with house-cooked kettle chips. The crisps are fried until golden brown and tossed in a signature Texas dry rub seasoning (cayenne, chili powder, onion, garlic, and salt), and served alongside all of the pub’s sandwiches, wraps, and grilled cheeses. 1439 S. Charles St., 443-682-9141.

Mt. Washington Tavern: You can’t go wrong with a crab cake or shrimp salad sandwich paired with an order of fried lattice chips at this Mt. Washington haunt, which has become a go-to for dinners with friends and cocktails in the upstairs Skybar. 5700 Newbury St., 410-367-6903

Nick’s Fish House: There’s nothing quite like a crab cake, shrimp salad, or pit beef sandwich on the patio at this waterfront dining destination in South Baltimore. But to make the meal even better, Nick’s serves all of its sandwiches with a side of crispy, house-made chips. Throw on your sunglasses and treat yourself to the perfect pairing—and be sure to order an Orange Crush for good measure.

The Velvet Chocolatier: Okay, okay. Chocolate-covered potato chips might not sound like the most conventional combo. But hear us out: The unique confections made at Ruthie Carliner’s Pikesville shop are a perfect combination of salty and sweet. A 6-oz. box of dark chocolate-dipped waffle potato chips goes for $25 and can be purchased online.

RegionAle: This Canton sandwich spot—which also operates its flagship in Ellicott City—tosses its house-fried crisps with signature salt and pepper, salt and vinegar, and Old Bay seasonings. They also fry up sweet potato chips, if that’s your preference. Stop in today to pair your hearty sandwich—think: everything from a toasty Cubano to Buffalo cauliflower on a roll—with a $1 order of chips in honor of National Potato Chip Day.

Some of the casualties of Baltimore’s recent string of restaurant closures were our traditional Irish pubs. Within the last few months, The Harp poured its last pint of Guinness in Perry Hall, Ryan’s Daughter held its final jam session in Belvedere Square, and regulars said an emotional goodbye to Butchers Hill mainstay The Life of Reilly. Some are still also feeling the loss of Patrick’s of Pratt Street, considered to be the oldest Irish pub in America, which closed for good in the summer of 2016.

Although some of the greats have gone by the wayside, a handful of the area’s most authentic Irish pubs are still going strong. But what exactly makes a great Irish pub? For Dave Niehenke, who has owned Mick O’Shea’s in Mt Vernon since 2002, it’s all about consistency.

“It’s kind of like a good pair of jeans,” Niehenke says. “They’re comfy and sturdy. You always know what you’re going to get. If I go travel to another city and I see two bars, and one of them is an Irish pub, I’m going to go there because I find it more comforting and welcoming. It’s rarely ever the shiniest thing on the block, but it’s always solid and reliable.”

Paul Sellers, manager of Claddagh Pub in Canton’s O’Donnell Square, had a similar experience while visiting New York City during the holidays this winter.

“I found myself going inside of every Irish pub I saw because I just felt more at home there,” he says. “The people are more real. I just like it better that way. And we try to make sure the people around here feel the same way.”

One way that Claddagh incorporates that Irish feel is through its interior, which highlights dark woods, strung lights, and vintage Guinness posters. Sellers continued the theme with Claddagh’s recently-debuted outdoor patio, which features decorative maps and imported furniture that pay homage to Cork—a city in Southwest Ireland.

“All of the decor is authentic to Irish culture,” Sellers says. “From the Harp and Smithwick’s signs, to all of the Ireland soccer jerseys on the walls.”

Delia Foley’s in Federal Hill boasts a similar feel, which co-owner Andrew Carter says only furthers the bar’s inviting atmosphere.

“Everything from the decor, to the Guinness Club where people can put their names up on the wall, it all just has this feel-good vibe,” Carter says. “This isn’t just some bar that you go to after midnight on a Friday or Saturday. This is that bar you go to hang out with your friends for happy hour any day of the week.”

Of course, tradition also plays a significant role in Baltimore’s Irish pubs. When Bill Mitcherling opened An Poitin Stil in Timonium in 1999, his goal was to commemorate the history of Baltimore’s Irish community.

“The whole idea was to bring a little bit of Ireland to Baltimore,” Mitcherling says. “And to honor the traditions of the Irish and the state of Maryland dating back to the time of the B&O Railroad. With the music and the aesthetics of the place, it’s typical for people to come in here and say they feel like they’re back in Ireland.”

Live music is also an integral part of any Irish bar. While Mick O’Shea’s continues to be a home for Irish and Gaelic bands, it’s also become a popular venue for local performers of other genres.

“Years ago it was Irish music on the radio 24-7, and always live Irish bands on the weekends,” Niehenke remembers. “But a lot of those bands that used to play here have since retired. We still feature the traditional Irish music, but also do more local music now, everything from reggae to rock and R&B.”

Another way to stay true to the authentic concept is through sports. Patrick Russell, owner of Sláinte Irish Pub in Fells Point, says when he was in Ireland doing research prior to opening the bar in 2004, he was inspired by the sports pubs of Galway and Belfast—where spirited fans backing different teams gathered to watch matches together.

“A lot of pubs here are trying to become either a Liverpool or a Chelsea supporter,” Russell explains. “So whenever a team scores, you’re all very happy for each other but you can’t throw it in the face of your adversary. In Ireland, what makes it such an amazing environment is the banter that goes back and forth between opposing fans. When you watch a soccer match at Sláinte, Thames Street literally erupts.”

Although authenticity remains a priority, many pub owners are also making it a point to adapt with the times. Says Russell: “You have the younger generation coming up and they’re not quite understanding what it’s all about.”

In an effort to accommodate the newest wave of bar-goers, Russell has diversified the food options at Sláinte to include more European gastropub-style dishes like poutine, Scotch eggs, and a hearty gumbo—which was featured by Guy Fieri on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives in 2014.

“When people want to go out to eat together, it’s tough when you have an isolated menu,” he says. “We started to include more eclectic offerings, so that not everyone who comes in here has to be in the mood for Shepherd’s Pie or corned beef and cabbage. And I’ve seen a lot of guys in the industry that are doing the same thing.”

At Delia Foley’s, Carter is in the process of modernizing the bar’s look with new doors that lead out to  Charles Street. But he’s hoping to do it in a way that preserves the spot’s Irish charm.

“Instead of the steel garage doors, which give it a little less of an Irish feel, we decided to do accordion-style doors,” he says. “It’s a way for us to get with the modern times and adjust accordingly.”

Even in the midst of all of the changes, local pub owners assure that a warm atmosphere and top-notch service will always remain a priority.

“The one thing that Irish pubs are known for, it’s an Irish word called the craic,” Niehenke says. “It roughly translates to good times with friends and good conversations. And that’s what we try to continue.”