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EAT

July 24: Black Business Friday

Center Plaza. 110 W Fayette St. 5-8 p.m. Free.

Downtown Partnership of Baltimore is hosting this open air celebration of African American culture featuring live music, shopping, and lots of food. While browsing items from Bushelers of Baltimore and Pandora’s Box Boutique, enjoy catfish, bayou pasta, and Maryland crab cakes from Next Phaze cafe, as well as authentic Haitian cuisine from Cross Street Market’s Sobeachy. Registration for the event is required, and the first 100 guests will receive a free cocktail from the expert bartenders of Cane Collective.

DRINK

July 24: National Tequila Day at La Palapa

La Palapa Grill & Cantina. 8307 Main St., Ellicott City. 12-9 p.m.

Friday marks National Tequila Day, and La Palapa is standing by to make sure you celebrate accordingly. The Ellicott City cantina will be dishing out deals on their signature house and Cadillac margaritas, as well as offering 1800 Silver tequila shots for $7. While enjoying the boozy beverages, you can also chow down on special pork carnitas tacos topped with grilled pineapple, red onions, and cilantro. All of the specials are available for indoor and outdoor dining, pickup, and curbside carryout.

SEE

July 26: Not Just a Game Virtual Screening

3-4:15 p.m. Free.

Although most Baltimoreans tend to focus on our beloved Orioles and Ravens, many don’t know about ice hockey’s influence on Charm City youth. This weekend, the Peale Center is hosting the virtual premiere of the documentary, Not Just A Game: The Story of a Savage. The film tells the story of an East Baltimore hockey team, The Banners, and follows one player as he navigates his first season on and off the ice. After the viewing, producers with Just Stunt Productions will hold a panel to discuss the film with those that tune in. Make sure to RSVP on the Peale Center’s website to receive access to the screening the morning of the event.

HEAR

July 25: Live from the Patio: Riverside Shakedown

Diamondback Brewing. 1215 E Fort Ave. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Free.

On top of their seasonal brews and experimental ales, Diamondback Brewing Company is adding something new to their lineup—a socially distanced summer concert series. This Saturday, the Locust Point brewery will kick off the live patio performances with Riverside Shakedown, a Charm City cover band focused on indie-rock, smooth blues, and alternative music. Tables are first come, first served and outdoor seating is limited, so be sure to get there early to grab your spot.

DO

July 25: Open Works 2nd Annual Community Yard Sale

Open Works. 1400 Greenmount Ave. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free.

COVID-19 has given Baltimore’s prime makerspace some time to do some deep cleaning and purging, and this weekend, Open Works will be selling its gently-used goods at a community yard sale in its parking lot so visitors can get their shopping done safely. All of the products available for purchase are already posted online, so head to their Facebook page to check out which finds you’ve got to have.

EAT

Jan. 3: Water Song Pop-Up at R. House

R. House, 301 W. 29th St. 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Free.

As the weather turns chilly this weekend, curl up with a bowl of authentic rice noodles to get a taste of Yunnan, China. During its final weekend in the R. House pop-up stall, Water Song will be serving up its signature combination of Mixian rice noodles, a tasty broth, a touch of meat, and tons of chili oil, along with fan favorites like spicy wonton soup and crispy pork chunks. If you still need a bit of convincing, check out Water Song’s drool-worthy Instagram photos to seal the deal.

DRINK

Jan. 3: Foam Fridays

Diamondback Beer, 1215 E. Fort Ave. 12-11 p.m. Free.

If your New Year’s resolution was to make 2020 the year of beer, this lager-loving night at Diamondback Brewing is the perfect way to kick it off. Every Friday, the South Baltimore brewery celebrates its growing selection of crisp lager beers with half-liter pours at only $4.50. Belly up to the bar to try this week’s featured brew: A 4.0 percent Czech pilsner with, of course, a healthy layer of foam on top.

SEE

Jan. 3-5: Baltimore Crankie Fest

Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. Times vary. $18.

Rediscover the art of storytelling through crankies—scrolls that are hand-cranked to show one illustrated scene at a time—during the seventh annual Baltimore Crankie Fest. Head to Creative Alliance for this celebration of the niche visual medium, featuring four performances with handmade crankies accompanied by musical guests. Watch as these hand-drawn stories unfurl before your eyes and participate in workshops on how to make your own crankie.

HEAR

Jan. 3: Letitia VanSant and Arty Hill

True Chesapeake Oyster Co., 3300 Clipper Mill Rd. 9-11 p.m. Free.

There’s been plenty of buzz going around about True Chesapeake Oyster Co., the new farm-to-table concept inside Whitehall Mill in Hampden. This Friday, in between slurps of half-shell oysters, hear local songstress Letitia VanSant and country singer Arty Hill serenade the late-night crowd with original tunes and classic covers. Or, as Hill puts it, it’ll be a night of he and VanSant “singing harmony and making fun of each other near delicious seafood.”

DO

Jan. 3-12: Pajama Party Palooza

Port Discovery Children’s Museum, 35 Market Pl. Times vary. Free-$17.95.

Let’s face it: We all get a little stir crazy during the holidays. Luckily, Port Discovery Children’s Museum is hosting the perfect opportunity to get the kiddos out of the house with this daytime pajama party, featuring pillowcase races, sock “skates,” and oversized games. Your little ones will spend the final days of winter break making jammies, watching movies with new friends, and participating in tons of indoor activities at the downtown museum.

COMING SOON

Tire Shop Pop-Ups at Parts & Labor: We’ve been keeping tabs on this former car-and tire-repair-shop-turned-Remington restaurant since Parts & Labor served its last cuts of meat in the space last summer. A new pop-up series is preparing to reactivate the space with public food events featuring local purveyors. The first of many such events is scheduled for August 10 from 12-5 p.m., when the barbecue buffs with Bark BBQ will serve up their Texas-style smoked meats with signature sides like pickled cucumbers and corn on the cob. Joining them for the inaugural celebration will be Locust Point’s Diamondback Brewing and R. House’s R. Bar. Hopefully we’ll see a more permanent revival soon, but, for now, it will be nice to see (and smell) meats being smoked in the space again.

Koba BBQ: It’s been quite some time since we’ve seen a restaurant operate inside the standalone building at Belvedere Square—which has become notorious for its turnaround rate throughout the years. North Baltimore locals might remember as far back as 2004, when it operated as Taste. Concepts that followed included Crush, Demi, Spike Gjerde’s Shoo-Fly, and, most recently, Starlite Diner. Now, the space is straying from its previous life as a cocktail bar and diner with an entirely new on-trend theme. Koba BBQ, a locally owned Korean barbecue concept is slated to open in the space by the end of this year. The spot adds to the development’s diverse lineup of food offerings, which include Ejji Ramen, Atwater’s, Grand Cru, and Neopol Smokery.

Brazil Gourmet Marketplace, Cafe, and Coffee Bar: Baltimore’s Brazilian food offerings will expand in the coming weeks with the arrival of this multi-use concept on Eastern Avenue. The Fells Point shop will be home to a market featuring authentic Brazilian grocery items like coffee, yucca and tapioca flours, smoked and dried meats, and mango and guava fruit juices. After stocking up on the comestibles, patrons are invited to stay for a meal in the cafe, which will highlight delicacies like classic empanadas, açai bowls, cachaça-infused caipirinha cocktails, and Pão de Queijo (Brazilian cheese bread).

EPICUREAN EVENTS

TO 8/11: Baltimore Restaurant Week
The city’s annual dining-out promotion is officially in full swing with an array of participating places to choose from. Treat yourself to two-course lunch and brunch menus ranging from $12-20, or a three-course dinner for $20-35. Newbies including Blackwall Hitch, Noona’s, The Tilted Row, and Orto are all participating for the first time this year if you’re hoping to try something new. But it’s also a great opportunity to revisit old standbys like Tio Pepe’s or Annabel Lee Tavern. (You can find our globally inspired suggestions here.)

8/3: Vegan SoulFest

This plant-based party returns to Clifton Park for its sixth year with a jam-packed lineup of speakers, cooking demonstrations, live DJ entertainment, shopping, and, of course, plenty of vegan eats to go around. Local vendors to look out for include L’Eau de Vie Organic Brasserie, The Greener Kitchen, Refocused, and The Land of Kush—whose co-owner Naijha Wright-Brown organizes the event each year.

SHUT

TigerStyle: Earlier this week, diners devoured the last of the steamed buns and stir-frys at Chad Gauss’ wok-inspired outpost in Hampden. The chef and Food Market owner recently confirmed to us that the restaurant has closed for good. Gauss says the closing is not for lack of business. The space was simply sold to another buyer who expressed interest in taking over the former commissary kitchen. “It was a fun place and exactly what we wanted it to be,” he tells us. “We have a few bigger projects coming our way, and it just made sense to let this one go since we had someone that was interested in the location.” There’s no word yet on who, exactly, will be taking over the carryout—which Gauss opened only six months ago and named after the lyrics of a popular Wu Tang Clan song.

COMING SOON

Papi Cuisine: Take one scroll through this caterer and private chef’s Instagram, and you’ll soon be salivating over the honey-glazed stuffed salmon, gooey mac-and-cheese, and baseball-sized crab cakes. The account has amassed nearly 140,000 followers, and soon, all of the acolytes will be able to stop into its new brick-and-mortar to sample the fare without having to pre order. Papi Cuisine—not to be confused with fellow Fells Point eatery Papi’s Tacos—is expected to open in the former home of Bad Decisions and Baltimore Built Bistro on Fleet Street later this summer. Chef Alex Perez, who currently operates out of Bmore Kitchen in Govans, and business partner Berry Clark plan to offer their signature Carribbean-fusion dishes like honey jerk turkey wings, seafood alfredo penne pasta, and Buffalo chicken burgers. Adding to the excitement, Perez also recently released an e-cookbook featuring some of his signature recipes.

Nalley Fresh: Workers surrounding the Court Towers office building in Towson will soon be able to add Nalley Fresh to their list of accessible dining options. Earlier this week, the local salad chain announced that it has signed a 10-year lease for a 2,300-square-foot cafe inside the Pennsylvania Avenue property. Come September, diners will be able to enjoy Nalley’s signature DIY salads and wraps, as well as a full breakfast menu—something unprecedented for the brand. The new spot marks the chain’s eleventh location in the Baltimore area.

Lew Gambino’s: The name of this refreshed concept taking shape in the former home of Ciao Bella in Little Italy is a nod to its operators—Ciao Bella brother-and-sister team Tony and Lisa Gambino, and former Raven Ray Lewis. Lewis has been a regular at the restaurant for more than a decade and was recently brought on as a partner as it starts a new chapter. While the restaurant remains open throughout the renovation process, a grand opening for Lew Gambino’s, which will emphasize Italian staples using local ingredients, is slated for August 26. Stay tuned for more details.

OPEN:

Atelier Culinaire: Speaking of Little Italy, this fine-dining destination staffed by culinary students at Stratford University reopened earlier this month. The spot took a hiatus throughout the spring and early summer, but is back up and running Wednesday through Friday nights with a new menu of seasonal dishes. Throughout the summer, the white-tablecloth spot, which is known as a launchpad for rising chefs, will feature options like fried green tomatoes with Sambal aioli, mango-roasted chicken, filet mignon, and pan-seared scallops with butternut squash purée.

Royal Farms Chicken: Although it’s not the full Royal Farms experience without a bustling convenience store or gas station attached, Cross Street Market is giving locals a taste of our favorite fried chicken with a new stall that debuted inside the renovated Federal Hill space last week. Of course, the menu features RoFo’s “World Famous” chicken boxes that come with western fries and a warm roll. But the spot also features crispy chicken tenders, sandwiches, and sliders. Royal Farms is the latest vendor to open inside Cross Street, which is also expected to debut Annoula’s Kitchen, Burger Bar, Pizza di Joey, and Sobeachy Haitian Cuisine by the end of the summer.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

7/25: Common Grounds
Head to Aveley Farms Coffee Roasters in Harbor East for the inaugural installment of this speaker series about where our food comes from. In the first discussion, Keffa Coffee founder Sam Demisse, Ceremony Coffee buyer Ashley Whelan, Paisa Coffee founder Yolima Toborda Rojas, and Aveley’s own Corey Voelkel will address coffee sourcing and sustainability. Voelkel has teamed up with the owners of Diamondback Brewing in Locust Point to co-host the event, which will offer attendees one free beer or coffee and plenty of snacks to munch on during the talk.

7/31: Breakfast for Dinner at Foraged
Sometimes the most important meal of the day, aka breakfast, can be eaten for dinner. That’s why next week, chef Chris Amendola is welcoming The Corner Pantry’s Neill Howell to Foraged in Hampden for an epic “brinner” mashup. Expect dishes like complimentary scones, a tomato tart, fried Sapidus oysters, cream chipped pork tongue, and offerings drizzled with Amendola’s house-made maple and black walnut syrups.

SHUT

Poké World/Utepia Tea: It appears that this downtown poké and bubble tea destination at Power Plant Live has closed for good. A sign taped to the front door earlier this week indicated that it had closed, and the phone line for the restaurant is currently disconnected. Luckily for poke lovers, Charm City has plenty of raw fish to go around—with other Hawaiian hotspots including Hilo inside R. House, Poké Bowl in Federal Hill, and Fod Poke Bar on Calvert Street.

EAT

June 1: Taste of 3 Cities

Patterson Park, 2800 Eastern Ave. 12-9 p.m. $10-65.

Named one of the top 10 festivals in the Old Line State, this all-day food truck frenzy at Patterson Park is guaranteed to leave you stuffed and satisfied. Now in its eighth year, this fan-favorite fest will have all sorts of local eats—from tzatziki to tacos to ice cream—as well as live music from regional bands like Squaring the Circle and Muskrat Lighting, special activities for the kiddos, and even hot air balloon rides.

DRINK

June 1: TC40 Summerfest

Diamondback Beer, 1215 E. Fort Ave. 12-7 p.m. Free.

Since the city has already been hit with sweltering heat and almost-daily rain showers, we’re ready to declare summer’s arrival a few weeks early. To kick off the season, Diamondback Beer is throwing a mini music festival on its outdoor patio, with sets from locals like acoustic singer-songwriter Ray Wroten, funky-folk act Gene & Friends, and blues and reggae band Ray Wroten & The Revolvers. But the real star of the afternoon festivities is the Locust Point brewery’s latest beer: Marty Says, a lightly hopped cream ale brewed with German pilsner malt. Pair the new brew with onsite eats from Dooby’s, The Urban Oyster, and Hull Street Blues Café.

SEE

May 31-June 2: The Monument Quilt on the National Lawn

The National Mall, Washington D.C. Fri. 1-9 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Free.

For the past five years, survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence from across the country have created more than 3,000 quilt squares that, when displayed together, spell out “NOT ALONE” and “NO ESTAS SOLX” over the length of four football fields. Known as the Monument Quilt, this project from Baltimore-based nonprofit FORCE: Upsetting Rape Culture is the largest monument ever dedicated to survivors of sexual and domestic violence and will blanket the National Lawn starting Friday afternoon. Make the quick trip to Washington, D.C. for this momentous weekend dedicated to sharing survivors’ stories on the national stage, and participate in workshops, listen to speakers, and attend a self-defense workshop while you’re in town.

HEAR

May 31: Rocketman: Elton John Karaoke

The Parkway Theatre, 5 W. North Ave. 8:30-10:30 p.m. Free-$11.

With plenty of buzz already circulating about the musical biopic on the fantastical life of Sir Elton John, it’s no wonder the SNF Parkway is celebrating the movie’s debut with an all-out karaoke party. Whether you’re attending the 7 or 9:45 p.m. screening, stop by the Parkway Lounge to join in on a rendition of “Tiny Dancer” or “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” with other fans decked out in The Rocket Man’s signature funky glasses and glittery jackets. Before heading into the theater, read our review of this surefire hit.

DO

June 1-2: Feast of St. Anthony

Saint Leo’s Catholic Church, 227 S. Exeter St. Sat. 12-8 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. $1.

This outdoor festival marks the start of summer in Little Italy, as its streets are packed with neighbors and visitors delighting in a weekend filled with enough carbs and wine to last the year. Indulge in authentic Italian food, participate in the bocce tournament or cannoli-filling contest, and walk in Sunday’s neighborhood parade to celebrate the roots of this historic community.

Usually when the weather gets chilly (or, in this case, becomes a sopping mess), craft breweries get ready to release stronger, more robust beers. We love imperial stouts and flavored porters as much as the next person, but this fall we’re seeing a trend towards more session beers—aka lower octane, lighter, more crisp varieties. Lagers, in particular, have become more popular on a national level.

“The world is so saturated with IPAs and hazy beers, which have their place and definitely sell the best, but there’s something to be said for lagers,” says Colin Marshall, co-owner of Diamondback Brewing Company in Locust Point. “They are crisp and refreshing and you can drink two of them without your head buzzing. You’re in it to enjoy the full 16 ounces.”

Throughout the fall, Diamondback will be releasing three beers characterized by the style starting this week with Everything All The Time, a pale Helles lager, followed by a Kolsch called Atmospheric Changes, and a Märzen with the appropriately German name Pretzel Logic. Aside from the clean flavor profile, lagers are appealing to Marshall because of their fascinating brewing process.

“We love the maturation time, watching the beer change in the tank, and really learning how the yeast is interacting—how it cleans up from week to week,” Marshall explains. “The process really teaches you patience with beer, which is usually very ‘go, go, go.'”

All that patience will pay off when Diamondback hosts Stein Day on September 29, a festival where guest will get a 10-ounce glass and three pours with admission. The event will feature all three beers (as well as a pilsner), a traditional polka band, glass blowing from McFadden Art Glass, and German fare from 101 Baltimore.

“The season turn from this triple-digit heat into more of the flannel-sweater weather kind of excites people,” Marshall says. “They feel like they can indulge a little more—especially in beer.”

No matter what style you favor, light lagers or heavy stouts and everything in between, these local breweries have some exciting new releases (and welcome re-releases) sure to make the transition to fall that much easier.

Flying Dog Brewery: Sunday Best
Brewed especially for the Baltimore Ravens, this light lager clocks in at only 5-percent ABV. The camo-clad can premiered at M&T Bank Stadium this past Sunday and will be available all season long.

Waverly Brewing Company: Batty Noh
Yes, you read that right. This fun-loving brewery located in Waverly is releasing its take on the historically Baltimore beer, but their bohemian-style, lower ABV brew is made with real Maryland corn.

Independent Brewing Company: Your Move Paulie!
As the gold medal winner in the 2018 World Beer Cup German Märzen category, this seasonal beer is one not to miss. The light-bodied lager, with a 6-percent ABV, just got tapped at the Bel Air brewery.

Union Craft Brewing: Balt
This German-style amber ale has become a fall go-to for its clean, dry flavor profile and, new this year, debuted in a 16-ounce tall boy can. (While you’re picking up a sixer at the brewery, don’t forget about Foxy Red IPA, which has a lighter body and extra wallop of hops this year.)

Monument City Brewing: Roadways
As a part of the brewery’s Haven series, to benefit Trash Free Maryland and Blue Water Baltimore, this October release is a double rye IPA inspired by Monument’s citrusy and spicy flagship 51 Rye, but clocking in at 8.5-percent ABV.

Black Flag Brewing: Oktoberfest
This Columbia brewery returns with its Oktoberfest party featuring its titular beer that, this year, has a new lager yeast strain but still maintains its crisp, malty flavor profile. Other beers to look out for include pumpkin beer Basic Bee and Crimson Clouds, an upcoming Thanksgiving-themed Sour IPA.

Peabody Heights: Astrodon
This co-op brewery just released a hazy IPA with notes of guava and passionfruit, which is going to be a year-round core beer. The 7-percent ABV is named the Maryland state dinosaur (who knew?) and is available at local bars in the brewery’s taproom.

Checkerspot Brewing
Though they haven’t picked out a name for this beer quite yet, this newly opened South Baltimore brewery continues on its path of wild ingredients and daring brewing techniques with a Belgian quad they are aging on bourbon-soaked dates and releasing in October. Look out for parties at Barfly’s and Wiley Gunter’s.

Heavy Seas Beer: Great’er Pumpkin
One of our very favorite pumpkin beers nationwide, this imperial ale is aged in bourbon barrels and clocks in at 10-percent ABV. With notes of cinnamon, allspice, ginger, clove, brown sugar, and vanilla, this very autumnal ale is available now.

 EAT

April 20: Taste of the Marketplace

Mt. Vernon Marketplace, 520 Park Ave. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Free. 443-796-7393.

This communal food hall is one of our favorite places to grab grub in Mt. Vernon, but with a wide range of tasty offerings, it can be hard to choose between options like sandwiches from Cultured and homemade soup from Prescription Chicken. Thankfully, their $5-vendor deal returns this Friday with one-day specials like chicken souvlaki with pita and tzatziki from Mr. Souvlaki, Nutella crepes from Crepes by Mina, shucked oysters from The Local Oyster, and black bean burgers from Big Bean Theory. Even Taps Fill Station, their zero-waste bar, is pouring out glasses of beer and wine for only a fiver each.

 DRINK

April 21: Monument City Brewing Company One Year Anniversary

Monument City Brewing Company, 1 N. Haven St. 12-7 p.m. Free. 443-529-8131.

It’s officially been a year since brothers Ken and Matt Praay opened the doors to their Highlandtown brewery, and they’re celebrating its first birthday with local bands, food, and even anniversary T-shirts and glassware. On Saturday, swing by the taproom to raise a glass to the beer that started it all—the Maryland-inspired 51 Rye—and drink your way through the more than 20 beers on tap. Stick around to hear live music by local artists Nate McCormick, Bryan Ewald, and Americana darlings Haint Blue, and soak up the suds with snacks from local eateries Snake Hill, Cocina Luchadoras, and The Local Fry.

 SEE

April 22: Odyssey: Jack Whitten Sculpture

The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. 1-5 p.m. Free. 443-573-1700.

Beginning this Sunday, The Baltimore Museum of Art will display the first exhibition dedicated to sculptures by the late Jack Whitten, a renowned contemporary artist who has become a major influencer of emerging African-American artists. Though he’s largely known for his powerful paintings and mixed-media work, this collection uncovers 40 of his sculptures inspired by African, Minoan, and Cycladic art and carved from materials like wood, marble, copper, and bone. At this opening celebration, enjoy an afternoon of wood assemblages and marble-carving demos, musical performances by saxophonist Sarah Hughes and Sypros Koliavasalis and his trio, as well as discussions led by Odyssey curator Katy Siegel and associate curator of African Art Kevin Tervala.

 HEAR

April 21: WTMD’s 4th Annual Brews & Bands

WTMD, 1 Olympic Pl., Towson. 12-4 p.m. Free-$25. 410-704-8938.

We can hardly wait for the return of WTMD’s First Thursdays concert series in two weeks, but until then, their annual Brews & Bands event will have enough homegrown talent and all-you-can-taste beers to keep us at bay. This Saturday, head to the Towson studio to hear Arty Hill and the Long Gone Daddys’ twangy tunes along with the Hall Williams Band’s uplifting roots-funk-jazz combo. Get a solid day-buzz on this sunny afternoon with unlimited tastings from 16 local brewers including Heavy Seas, The Brewers Art, and Peabody Heights, plus afternoon eats from Cunningham’s and The Local Oyster. 

 DO

April 21: Greener Fest  

Diamondback Brewing Company, 1215 E. Fort Ave. 12-11 p.m. Free. 443-388-9626.

Since taking over the former factory on Fort Avenue two years ago, Diamondback Brewing Company has filled thousands of glasses and growlers with its best-selling Green Machine IPA. This Saturday, during the brewery’s “greenest” event of the year, they’ll release the Greener Machine, an imperial version of the original, and Cold Taxi, a zwickelbier inspired by old-world lagers, while relishing in some spring fest fun. Spend the day in Locust Point noshing on El Gringo’s tacos and Smoke’s BBQ, listening to live music by The High and Wides and Ampersand Stringband, and—if you’re feeling brave—gulping down two tacos, one Choco Taco, and 16 ounces of Cold Taxi beer in an eating competition.

COMING SOON

Emma’s Tea Spot: The former Green Onion Market space located along Harford Road in Hamilton is now home to this British tea parlor from husband-and-wife owners Benjamin and Emma Canoles. Expected to debut on November 25, the eatery will focus on soups, salads, and sandwiches dreamed up by Emma—a British-born chef who helmed a farm-to-table pub in London before moving stateside. The redesigned space now boasts kitschy touches like reclaimed furniture, a rustic Union Jack flag, and, of course, vintage china to be used for sipping its array of authentic teas. 5500 Harford Road, 410-444-1718

R&R Taqueria: This Elkridge-based Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives favorite is making moves to the city in early 2018. The traditional taqueria, which also operates a location in Perry Hall, is expected to open its third restaurant at the 30 Light Street property downtown next year. The spot will neighbor Mediterranean outpost Cilantro—which also migrated from Baltimore County earlier this year—and serve its signature tacos, quesadillas, burritos, and other Mexican fare. 30 Light St.

OPEN

16 on the Park: Last month’s grand opening of the Residence Inn at the Johns Hopkins Medical Campus also debuted this new rooftop destination. The modern hotel bar features sweeping skyline views, as well as local beer, worldly wines, and craft cocktails like the “Spirit of Bmore,” combining reposado, fruit juice, and ancho reyes. The food menu features burgers, tacos, crab cakes, wings, charcuterie, and a full raw bar. 800 N. Wolfe St., 443-524-8400

Baltimore Food Hub: Last year, we let you know that a cluster of dilapidated masonry buildings in East Baltimore was set to undergo a multi million-dollar renovation. Now, the long-awaited Baltimore Food Hub—a socially conscious culinary center to foster budding food businesses—has officially debuted its first building. City Seeds, the culinary arm of local nonprofit Humanim, has launched a 7,500-square-foot commercial kitchen and teaching center on the 3.5 acre-site. The space will not only further the program’s job training initiatives, but it will also provide local food entrepreneurs with the office and kitchen space needed to get their startups off of the ground. Other tenants are expected to settle in the property’s remaining five buildings within the coming months. 1801 E. Oliver St.

NEWS

Eddie’s of Mt. Vernon: It might be the end of an era for this decades-old bodega in Mt. Vernon. Earlier this week, the Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation (CHAP) approved local developer Dennis Richter’s plans to raze Eddie’s and its neighboring buildings to make way for a mixed-use development combining retail space with 100 apartments. Local residents have taken to Facebook to voice their concern about losing the neighborhood’s only grocer.

Though the plans were officially approved in a 9-2 vote, CHAP executive director Eric Holcomb says there is still a ways to go before demolition can begin. “The ball is in the developer’s court,” Holcomb says, mentioning that Richter now needs to present concept drawings for approval. “It’s going to be a long project, and the CHAP commission will most likely need to hold two more hearings.” Although it’s unclear whether Richter’s plans call for a revamped Eddie’s or a new grocery entirely, Holcomb says that Richter has worked alongside Eddie’s owner Dennis Zorn while developing the proposal. Zorn testified in favor of the demolition at Tuesday’s hearing, reportedly stating that the current Eddie’s building is “tired and old.” Stay tuned for updates. 7 W. Eager St., 410-727-0154

EPICUREAN EVENTS

TO 11/19: Haenyo Pop-Up at R. House
Local industry vets Collin Morstein and Irvin Seo have returned to R. House to host a weeklong pop-up of their Korean-fusion concept Haenyo. This time around, the partners are modeling the stall design after the pajeon (green onion pancake) houses of Seoul that specialize in plate-sized pancakes and affordable soju (a Korean cousin to vodka). Dishes to look out for include an array of crispy pancakes alongside sides like radish kimchi, marinated tofu, sesame beets, sweet carrot salad, and Korean collards. Mark your calendar for another Haenyo pop-up at Cafe Andamiro in Mt. Vernon November 20-27. 301 W. 29th St.

11/17: Beaujolais Nouveau Day at Woodberry Kitchen
Woodberry Kitchen and Old Westminster Winery are teaming up to put their own spin on the French tradition of Beaujolais Nouveau Day—the third Thursday in November which debuts a special red wine made with Gamay grapes in the Beaujolais region of France. This Friday, gather around the fireplace at Woodberry Kitchen to sip Old Westminster’s brand new cabernet franc made in a style that mirrors a traditional Beaujolais. Plus, there will be food pairings like baguette sandwiches and mugs of leek and potato soup to help everyone keep warm. 2010 Clipper Park Drive, 410-464-8000, 5:15 p.m.

11/17: Diamondback Brewing Releases Order & Chaos Coffee Stout
South Baltimore spots Diamondback Brewing and Order & Chaos Coffee have partnered again this year to release a seasonal coffee stout. The beer, which boasts a “robust cold-brew flavor,” will relaunch at the Diamondback taproom this Friday. Pair the stout with Order and Chaos’ signature handheld Belgian waffles and eats from Dinosaur BBQ at the official release party from 4-7 p.m. 1215 E.  Fort Ave., 4-7 p.m. 443-388-9626

11/28: National French Toast Day at Blue Moon Cafe
In honor of National French Toast Day on November 28, chef Sarah Simington is rolling out 16 new French toast recipes at both locations of her renowned breakfast spot Blue Moon Cafe. Joining the signature Cap’n Crunch French Toast on the menu will be sweet and savory flavors including strawberry shortcake, churro, dark caramel chocolate, smoked salmon, Monte Cristo, and Frito Pie. Multiple locations including 1621 Aliceanna St., 410-522-3940

The brewery’s 8.5 barrel brewhouse includes 17 barrel fermenters and a pilot system to test out small-batch releases. Diamondback is hoping to produce 2,000 barrels within its first year, starting with their brand new Green Machine IPA and Azacca Blonde Ale.

Heading up the production will be Tim Heath, a former space engineer at Northrup Grumman and brewer at Fairhope Brewing Company in Alabama, who recently moved back to Baltimore.

“Tim was able to make a real name for Fairhope while he was there,” Marshall explained. “He’s not as concerned with all the marketing bells and whistles, he’s really interested in the science and focused on making a damn good beer.”

A big draw for Diamondback is the rustic taproom, filled with reclaimed wood accents from local artisan Nick Modha at Monkey in the Metal custom furniture company. A 15-seat semi circular bar surrounds a giant original smokestack, which features eight beer taps, chalkboard menus, and some brewery merch. The taproom will be open on weekends through November and, after that, the plan is to go seven days a week.

One unique element is that on the same campus as Diamondback, Mindgrub Technologies has been constructing a commissary kitchen, which will be a shared space for building occupants and outside chefs to prep, cook, and host events. Marshall said that the Locust Point location—and all of its surrounding commercial and residential development—is a particularly exciting place to open up.

“We really want this to be a community atmosphere that feels different from a bar,” he said. “Sure, you’re drinking and having a good time, but this isn’t the place to order bombs and get crazy. This will be the place to have good beer and connect with the people who make it.”

Recently, Diamondback underwent a rebranding thanks in part to a logo redesign by local firm Gilah Press. The new graphic ditches the original turtle shell (a nod to University of Maryland) for a more sophisticated badge. But, rest assured, Marshall said they are more committed to the local market than ever.

“Being in South Baltimore really fits our brand,” he says. “We are so grateful that places like Union [Craft Brewing] paved the way for a brewery like this to open up in the city. How cool would it be one day for every neighborhood to have its own go-to brewery?”