Beauty is pain, no more. Thanks to recent trends highlighting the power of facial-massage techniques and the ever-evolving science behind anti-aging serums, getting a short-lasting, non-surgical facelift might actually be a relaxing experience. We talked with Shae Jackson, the spa director at the Four Seasons Hotel, to get her take on a luxurious, result-driven facial technique—think of it as Botox without the needles—that she says leaves you walking out of the spa looking younger than you when you arrived.

Are there really treatments that provide a face lift effect without injections?
Our spa’s Inhibit Face Lift treatment is a cosmetic complement and alternative to micro-injections and other medical aesthetic procedures. This anti-aging treatment tightens the skin, smooths wrinkles, and reforms the appearance of the skin. With its powerful revitalizing action and effective filling [process], this lifting service diminishes expression lines while it firms and hydrates.

How is this different from a basic facial?
This is not your average facial. This treatment provides an immediate lifting impact from a single session. Our aestheticians apply the product with stimulating maneuvers that activate microcirculation to produce dramatically firmer skin. This specific treatment uses products formulated with Natura Bisse’s Skinform Molecular Technology; the high concentration of ingredients is designed to address the signs of aging by inhibiting facial contractions while smoothing wrinkles and intensely hydrating the skin.

What are the benefits?
The treatment helps skin look more toned, supple, and more flexible while tightening to visibly diminish the appearance of lines and wrinkles. The lifting effect beautifies the jawline and helps skin look rejuvenated. At the same time, complexions are brightened, and skin is left rehydrated. There are no side effects or downtime with this facial.

What can we expect during the appointment?
Treatments last 50 to 80 minutes. After cleansing and toning the neck and décolleté, a powerful but gentle peel is applied to address skin pigmentation and luminosity. The aesthetician will then target specific facial expression lines with a concentrated serum containing relaxing neuropeptides that minimize the facial muscle contractions that cause wrinkles and includes a growth factor that can reform skin structure from within. Wrinkles are further softened with an advanced lifting massage technique. The facial concludes with a gel mask that helps plump and firm the skin. Clients leave with a customized skin care regime to continue the experience at home, which extends the life of the treatment, as the results only last for up to 48 hours.

WHAT YOU NEED

TIME: Perfect for a relaxing self-care morning or evening, this facial can take up to one-and-half hours.

REGIMEN: Results may last longer with an at-home aesthetician-approved skincare routine.

MONEY: This treatment ranges from $290 to $435, depending on how long your appointment lasts.

COMING SOON

Maximón: As its name suggests, the Atlas Restaurant Group has a passion for exploring global cuisine. The team has already graced us with Harbor East hotspots such as Greek-focused Ouzo Bay, Italian-influenced Tagliata, and Japanese fine-dining den Azumi. And this summer, it’s conquering Latin America with a new concept opening in the former home of Wit & Wisdom inside the Four Seasons Baltimore—which also houses Atlas’ Loch Bar, Azumi, and Bygone. Named after a Mayan deity who was a protector of his people, Maximón will draw inspiration from the diversity and romance of Latin American culture. The theme will permeate into the cuisine, cocktails, private tequila tasting room, and 175-seat interior designed by Baltimore’s own Patrick Sutton.

Highlighting stone architecture, wood and marble furniture, and plenty of lush greenery, the 8,000-square-foot dining room will boast a large bar and a stage for Latin American performances. French doors will open up to the 125-seat exterior featuring a Spanish-style courtyard, fountains, and an outdoor bar. Construction on the new restaurant is expected to begin this month, with a slated grand opening date of late summer. 200 International Drive

El Salto: When Glen Burnie residents are in need of a filling tamale or strong margarita, they typically flock to this Ritchie Highway staple that has been around since 1995. Soon after, El Salto opened a second location in Parkville, and now, it’s spreading the Tex-Mex love even further to Perry Hall. Expected to open in time for Cinco de Mayo this spring, the cantina will occupy a 5,000-square-foot space in the Perry Hall Shopping Center off of Ebenezer Road, which has sat vacant since 2006. Diners can expect to sample all of the restaurant’s specialties at the new spot, including its mix-and-match combo platters featuring burritos, enchiladas, tostadas, and chile relleno. 4313 Ebenezer Rd., Perry Hall

CH-CH CHANGES

101 Baltimore: Since opening as 101 Deli Bar in 2017, this Federal Hill hangout has taken the time to find its own identity in a neighborhood full of sports bars and late-night party spots. Last year, 101 dropped the “Deli Bar” from its name in an effort to focus more on its sophisticated snacks, approachable wines, and next-level cocktail program. And now, an interior refresh and new roster of eats and drinks have solidified its reputation as an inclusive spot for neighbors of all ages and backgrounds.

“We listened to the neighborhood and analyzed what was working and what wasn’t,” co-owner Sean White said in a statement. “We just weren’t capturing the full spectrum of the market here, so we wanted to shift the atmosphere and cuisine to meet everyone’s expectations.” A recent interior revamp evokes a more inviting feel with a brick wall behind the bar, more high-top tables, and darker walls to replace the previously stark aesthetic. To go along with the design changes, the bar is also debuting a new menu of playful twists on American classics, including a sunken French bread pizza, tuna burger, and hoagie-inspired salad topped with cold cuts. Though some new bar options have been added, regulars will be happy to hear that the hibiscus mules, 40-oz. rosé bottles, and two-for-one Chambongs will remain staples. 1118 S. Charles St. 443-683-9480

EPICUREAN EVENTS

ONGOING: Broadway Market Pop-Ups Continue

Ahead of the debut of the renovated Broadway Market this spring, vendors are getting to know the neighborhood by popping up at surrounding Fells Point restaurants. You might have noticed Vikki’s Fells Point Deli operating out of Kooper’s Chowhound on Broadway Square last month, and now, a host of other vendors are stopping by The Red Star on Wednesday nights from 5-10 p.m. The Verandah and Thai Street served up their specialties earlier this month, and the next eatery popping up at the restaurant will be Connie’s Chicken & Waffles on Wednesday, February 20. Mark your calendar for the last Wednesday of the month, when Old Boy—a new Korean concept from Dooby’s owner Phil Han—will be giving diners a taste of what’s to come at its new stall inside Broadway Market. 906 S. Wolfe St. 410-675-0212

2/20: Sip & Saute

Local chefs Catina Smith, Heather Smith, and Denzel Mitchell (also of Strength to Love II Farms) are teaming up with the No Boundaries Coalition to host this intimate cooking class at the historic Avenue Market on Pennsylvania Avenue. Throw on an apron and cook three courses with wine pairings provided by Off the Rox, a new shop on Eastern Avenue. The inaugural class will celebrate the three-year anniversary of Fresh at the Avenue, a weekly community-powered produce market that provides fresh food access to residents of the Sandtown community. Proceeds will help to fund Fresh’s SNAP match programs, expand its inventory, and make improvements that will decrease checkout times. 1700 Pennsylvania Ave. 5:30-9 p.m. $75

Typically, New Year’s Eve goes one of two ways. Either you keep it casual and watch the ball drop from the comfort of someone’s living room or you dress to the nines and head out for an extravagant evening on the town. But part of the beauty of being in Baltimore on December 31 is that there are plenty of opportunities to do something that falls somewhere in between.

If you want to go out without getting too fancy, you can hit up a neighborhood bar or head to a concert at an intimate venue. Or, if the goal is to do something outside of the box, there’s even a dog-themed dance party and a Divine-inspired fête.

From dinners and dance parties to open-bar bashes and big she-bangs, here are our picks for the best ways to ring in 2019.

PUB PARTIES

One Star Country Club

This Federal Hill favorite is known to get rowdy after an Orioles or Ravens win, and we can only imagine the energy will be exactly the same when the clock strikes twelve. One Star is inviting revelers to pregame for the big moment with a premium open bar from 9-10 p.m. for $10. Afterwords, enjoy a complimentary champagne toast at midnight and cash bar until 2 a.m. 38 E. Cross St. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $5-15

Sir Duke Bar & Liquor Store

The drinks will be flowing at this artsy Fells Point hangout, which is opening all three bars for a two-floor dance party with DJs spinning all night. Attendees who buy tickets early will be able to roll up and skip the line when they arrive. 701 S. Bond St. 9 p.m.-4 a.m. $10

The Chasseur

Head up to the third-floor skybar at this Canton corner spot to ring in 2019 with friends and neighbors. Admission to The Chassuer’s annual party includes passed hors d’oeuvres, party favors (who doesn’t love a shiny headband?), and plenty of bubbly at midnight. 3328 Foster Ave. 10 p.m.-1 a.m. $40

Hair of the Dog

South Baltimore watering hole Hair of the Dog is pulling an all-nighter with festivities running until 8 a.m. on New Year’s Day. The main event begins at 9 p.m. with $40 open-bar access that includes live music spun by DJ Eden, and a full-blown buffet by chef Kenya Butler. The spot will open to the public at 1 a.m., and keep the party going until sunrise. 1649 S. Hanover St. 9 p.m.-8 a.m. $40

Alexander’s Tavern

Alexander’s in Fells Point is going all out with bottomless eats and drinks from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Line your stomach with buffet fare like crab dip, soft pretzels, gourmet pizzas, signature tots, and mac and cheese while indulging in open bar access all night. 710 S. Broadway. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. $65

MIDNIGHT MUSIC

Big Vibe NYE 2018 at The Crown
Mr. 14th, D.K. the Punisher, and other surprise guest performers will be providing the soundtrack for this New Year’s Eve rager. Take advantage of the positive energy and start your year on a high note at The Crown, which is offering pay-what-you-want tickets until the night of the event. The Crown. 1910 N. Charles St. 9 p.m.-3 a.m. $5-10 at the door.

New Queer’s Eve at the Windup Space
Say goodbye to 2018 at this all-night show spotlighting bands from the local LGBTQ community. The lineup features favorites like experimental rockers Joseph & The Beasts, Manners Manners, Sybling, and Dreambush. The Windup Space. 12 W. North Ave. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. $10

A Mobtown New Year’s Eve
The annual soiree at Mobtown Ballroom in Pigtown will begin with cocktails and live jazz before guests make their way to the dance floor for Sarah Sullivan and the Honey Guzzlers. Other live entertainment throughout the evening will include burlesque performances and post-midnight DJ music. 861 Washington Blvd. 7 p.m. $50

2 K9 TEEN: BROS New Year’s Eve Bash
A group of Baltimore greats—including Outcalls, DJ Pancakes, and Joe Keyes and the Late Bloomer Band—are set to take the stage at this dog-themed dance party hosted by the Baltimore Rock Opera Society (BROS). In between the tail-wagging sets, BROS members will be performing their best tricks for (human) treats. Ottobar. 2549 N. Howard St. 9 p.m. $20

NYE Soul Train ’69 at the Creative Alliance
It might be 2019 at midnight, but the Creative Alliance is hosting this funk-fueled bash for anyone who wants to travel back in time 50 years. Get down to Motown jams by DJ Landis Expandis, DJ Rob Macy, and The Jonathan Gilmore Experience, who will be covering James Brown, The Supremes, and everything in between. Creative Alliance. 3134 Eastern Ave. 8:30 p.m.-3 a.m. $30-35

Better Off Dead New Year’s Eve Bash

Rock out to familiar Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia anthems with local tribute band Better Off Dead at The 8 x 10. An opening set by progressive funk collective Squaring the Circle will get the party started off right. The 8 x 10. 10 E. Cross St. 8 p.m.-1:30 a.m. $30

FIREWORKS FESTIVITIES

Baltimore’s New Year’s Eve Spectacular
Gather around the Inner Harbor Amphitheater for live music and dance performances before the annual fireworks display at midnight. The nearby Pandora Ice Rink will be open until 12:30 a.m. for those hoping to catch the show while practicing their triple axel tricks. Inner Harbor. 9 p.m.- 12:30 a.m. Free

Wit & Wisdom

It’s going to be a bittersweet evening at this seven-year-old staple inside the Four Seasons Baltimore in Harbor East. New Year’s Eve marks the restaurant’s final night of service as it prepares to transition into a new concept, but it’s going out with a bang. Enjoy light bites and a ringside seat to the fireworks show while toasting Wit’s run. 200 International Drive. 8:30 p.m. $250

Minnow
Not only is this Riverside seafood spot offering a Mediterranean-inspired prix-fixe menu on New Year’s Eve, but it’s also hosting a rooftop soiree for guests who have other dinner plans. The party starts with hors d’oeuvres, beer, and wine in the bar at 10 p.m., followed by a trip up to the roof just before midnight to watch the fireworks light up the sky. 2 E. Wells St. 10 p.m.-12:30 a.m. $60

Vida Taco Bar

Vida is celebrating its first-ever New Year’s Eve in Harbor Point accordingly with all-you-can-eat street tacos, oysters, shrimp, ceviche, crudite, and more. There will also be an open bar (with plenty of tequila) and live music by DJ Rolo. The best part? The spot is surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows with killer views of the Inner Harbor fireworks. 1401 Point St. 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m. $100-125

Constellation Deck Party

Climb aboard the Inner Harbor’s USS Constellation for unlimited gourmet eats, picture-perfect views of the fireworks, and, of course, plenty of bubbly to go around at midnight. Pier 1, E. Pratt St. $25-85

BAR-HOPPING BASHES

Barcocina and Bond Street Social
Hop back and forth between these sister spots overlooking the water in Fells Point. A $40 ticket includes admission to both bars, passed bites, noisemakers, and a champagne toast at midnight. 1629 Thames St. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $40

NYE: Charles Street Block Party
South Charles Street neighbors Bandito’s, Wayward, and 101 Baltimore are hosting this joint celebration in Federal Hill. Dance your way into the New Year at all three bars, which will offer three-hour open bar access and plenty of light fare to keep you going well past midnight. “Fast Pass” ticket options are available for those who want to jump the lines. 1117-1118 S. Charles St. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. $79

New Year’s Eve at Tagliata, The Elk Room, and Italian Disco
The cluster of Atlas Restaurant Group concepts on Fleet Street in Harbor East are coming together to throw one massive party. Wander around to enjoy piano music at Tagliata, a full jazz band at The Elk Room, and live DJ entertainment at Italian Disco—which will also air the Times Square ball drop on its big screens. All of the eateries will offer bottomless eats and drinks. 1012 Fleet St. 7 p.m.-3 a.m. $175

NYE: Live 2019
Make your way around 10 different bars inside Power Plant Live to take advantage of all-inclusive eats and drinks with live music at each venue. The downtown nightlife district is also hosting an epic countdown with lasers, confetti, and tons of balloons. 34 Market Place. 9 p.m. $95

FANCY FOOD

A Divine Pretty in Pink New Year’s Eve at Encantada
The whimsical restaurant inside the American Visionary Art Museum is dedicating its New Year’s bash to the legendary Divine with pops of pink, a themed buffet, and open bar access. There will also be a live DJ, photo booth, and Divine impersonator to make it a New Year’s Eve for the books. 800 Key Highway. 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m. $130

Charleston

Treat yourself to an elegant, prix-fixe meal prepared by chef Cindy Wolf at this waterfront destination in Harbor East. The restaurant is offering two seatings, both including four savory courses and dessert. 1000 Lancaster St. 5:30 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. $149-319

La Cuchara

Chef Ben Lefenfeld is whipping up a four-course, Basque-inspired meal with dishes such as bluefin tuna crudo, duck magret with huckleberry jus, rockfish with heirloom carrots, and banana rum cake with coconut buttercream. 3600 Clipper Mill Rd, Ste. 125. 5 p.m.-12 a.m. $99

Cosima
Before those New Year’s resolutions go into effect, spend your final meal of 2018 eating Italian comfort foods at this Woodberry restaurant. Chef Donna Crivello’s special menu highlights roasted butternut squash bisque with duck confit, stuffed branzino with lobster couscous, porcini-crusted tenderloin, and a chocolate chestnut cake with sweet mascarpone. 3000 Falls Rd. $100-135

Chez Hugo
A seven-course menu of innovative French fare is in store for diners at this downtown bistro. The meal will begin with crab cakes and sunchoke hummus before chef Steve Monnier moves on to serve carrot tartare with radishes and sorrel, halibut in gremolata butter, and duck breast with persimmon jam. 206 E. Redwood St. 5-11 p.m. $85

Gertrude’s Chesapeake Kitchen
Chef John Shields’ 20-year-old favorite at the Baltimore Museum of Art is taking on a supper club vibe for the big night, offering two seatings at 5:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Both will include vegan and vegetarian options, and live jazz and guitar music. Dishes to look out for include lobster bisque, baked wild oysters, rockfish imperial, seafood linguine, and chocolate toffee crunch pie. 10 Art Museum Drive, 5 p.m.-12 a.m. $49-95

Rye Street Tavern
Foodies will flock to this Port Covington party featuring buffet fare around every corner. Spend the final hours of 2018 indulging in endless passed canapes, fried chicken, carved meats, and raw bar favorites. Rye Street is even devoting an entire room to desserts. Other highlights will include live music and a champagne toast overlooking the water at midnight. 13 Rye St. 7 p.m.-1:30 p.m. $140

BIG BLOWOUTS

New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball at the Sagamore Pendry

Throw on a vintage mask and head to the luxury hotel on Broadway Pier in Fells Point for a Venetian-themed evening. Sip unlimited drinks, snack on light bites, and dance in the historic ballroom before watching the fireworks blast over the water. 1715 Thames St. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $139

New Year’s Eve Party and 90th Birthday Bash at the Lord Baltimore
To celebrate its 90th birthday, the Lord Baltimore Hotel is paying homage to its roots with a live swing band in the historic Calvert Ballroom. The combined birthday and New Year’s Eve celebration will also feature a spread of oysters and hors d’oeuvres, as well as holiday cocktails and French sparkling wine at midnight. A portion of all ticket proceeds will benefit the Baltimore National Heritage Area. 20 W. Baltimore St. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $75

The Bygone Ball
There’s nothing quite like the panoramic views from the 29th floor of the Four Seasons Baltimore. Bygone will be celebrating in style with a black-tie ball offering premium open bar service, and a standing buffet with caviar, raw bar staples, and a meat-carving station. 400 International Drive, 29th floor. 7 p.m.-3 a.m. $375

Charm City Countdown: Midnight in Hollywood
Pose for cameras on the red carpet before entering this massive affair at the Hilton Baltimore in Linthicum. Equipped with 12 different party areas—including its own silent disco—the Los Angeles-inspired blowout will feature unlimited eats and drinks, five regional DJs, and a festive balloon drop at midnight. A portion of proceeds will benefit local charities CityFam and Caring Communities. Hilton Baltimore BWI. 1739 W. Nursery Rd. Linthicum Heights. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. $109

It’s going to be a bittersweet New Year’s Eve at Wit & Wisdom in Harbor East. As the fireworks fall over the Inner Harbor on December 31, Michael Mina’s waterfront tavern inside the Four Seasons Baltimore will serve its final Chesapeake fare.

Beginning January 1, Atlas Restaurant Group will transform the space into a new dining destination that is expected to open mid-2019. The yet-to-be-announced concept will be Atlas’ fourth inside the hotel, which also houses Azumi, Loch Bar, and the scenic Bygone on the top floor.

“We are honored to operate a fourth concept in the hotel,” said Alex Smith, founder and president of Atlas Restaurant Group in a statement. “The addition of another unique restaurant will make the hotel a dining and entertainment destination unlike any other in the region.”

Former executive chef Zack Mills joined the Wit & Wisdom team six months after it opened in 2011, and quickly stepped into the role as executive chef months later. Though he left the restaurant in June to open True Chesapeake Oyster House, Mills is quick to point out that his years at Wit & Wisdom were essential to his growth, especially as he prepares to open his own spot.

“I owe my career to that restaurant,” he tells us. “It’s hard to put into words how much it’s meant to me over the years and what it will continue to mean to me in the future.”

Aside from its stellar wine program, the tavern was best known for its dishes that showcased Eastern Shore seafood—a philosophy that Mills, an Anne Arundel County native, was happy to continue.

“It was always our goal to showcase the Chesapeake to the best of our ability and simply do Maryland cuisine justice,” Mills says. “And if our story resonated with just a couple of people, then I think we did our job properly.”

Throughout his five-year stint in the kitchen, Mills recalls the special wine dinners, charity events benefitting No Kid Hungry, and cooking alongside Mina himself—whom Mills describes as being one of his greatest mentors.

Above all, he says he will miss the tight-knit team of cooks, sous chefs, and managers—many of whom he still keeps in contact with.

“I see restaurants as living beings,” he says. “And the lifeblood, bones, and the heart of the restaurants are the people in them. Those people will definitely be in my heart for the rest of my life.”

Imagine walking on the same heated bathroom floor that Oprah once stepped on. Or sleeping in same bed as rapper Drake. The Ivy Hotel and the Four Seasons Baltimore are known to house high-profile visitors, but other high-end hotels around the world have secret rooms that most guests don’t even know about. These types of unlisted rooms are starting to get revealed, and Maryland has a few of its own.

After doing a bit of digging (and having many pangs of envy), we’ve found some of the most luxurious hotel suites in Maryland that are exclusive to VIPs with hefty purses and high-class tastes.

Kimpton Hotel Monaco
Located right Downtown and housed in the former B&O Railroad headquarters, this boutique hotel combines contemporary style with historic architecture. Each suite features color schemes of warm golds, vibrant blues, brilliant red lacquer, and touches of royal purple and green with beds dressed in lavish linens. But there is one suite that locals won’t be able to book without knowing who to contact.

For $600 a night, the 1,400-square-foot Majestic Suite is complete with a separate living and dining room and connects to a King Premier room and Monte Carlo Queen room. It boasts 8-foot windows and 12-foot ceilings that showcase sweeping skyline views. It comfortably sleeps eight people and can accommodate a party of up to 20 people.

Lord Baltimore Hotel
This 23-story, 440-room hotel has four penthouses on its top floors. They range from 2,100-square-feet one-bedrooms to 2,600-square-foot two-bedrooms. Each unit features a full kitchen, living room, dining space, and two full baths. Guests who opt to splurge on the two-bedroom penthouse can enjoy specialty room with a Jacuzzi in the suite. Penthouses are available for monthly rental for $3,600 and can be reserved nightly for as low as $750.

Inn at Perry Cabin
If you want to take your stay to the next level, head to St. Michael’s for a “secret room” on a 55-foot Talaria Flybridge yacht. Guests may spend the night in the swanky captain’s quarters, boarding from the inn’s private dock on the Miles River. Cap the evening with sunset cocktails and wake up to a full breakfast on the yacht’s roof deck.

Gaylord National Resort
This luxury resort and conference center is unique in several ways—it features an indoor rainforest, boutiques, and a spa. But guests won’t be able to find the hotel’s Presidential or Concept suites online—unless of course you’re a VIP.

“For travelers looking to stay in a room unlike any other in the world, we have developed eight suites that are themed by color,” said Rachel Dinbowkowitz, communications manager for the hotel. “In addition to the color, each room evokes a unique design style from exotic to elegant to contemporary and nature-inspiring.”

For a 1,700 square-foot Presidential suite, be prepared to spend a minimum of $2,500 per night to enjoy breathtaking views, ornate furnishings, and marble or hardwood-floor foyers.

The Atlas Restaurant Group‘s new Bygone at the top of the Four Seasons Baltimore is certainly staying true to its title. With silver-plated platters of caviar, gold-rimmed Lenox plates, hand-blown Austrian crystal stemware, Champagne, flambé and cigar guéridons, and the state’s largest whiskey bar, the opulent new space on the luxury hotel’s 29th floor, evokes what co-owner Alex Smith calls a “Gatsby-era grill” that’s something straight out of a period piece by designer Baz Luhrmann.

“We were looking for a use of Harbor East that the neighborhood doesn’t already have,” says Smith. “We thought high-end, classic American grill, not quite a steakhouse or a seafood house, but something to offer the best of both worlds. We wanted to go upscale because it’s the rooftop of the Four Seasons, and we thought it would be cool to have this classic space on top of a modern hotel.”

The space certainly evokes the luxury Gatsby-esque aspect, as well as offers panoramic views of the city—looking east to the Key Bridge and north to Towson. There’s a certain nostalgia here, like you’ve stepped back into Windows to the World in New York City or SkyCity at the top of Seattle’s space needle. But the Domino Sugars sign and Camden Yards reminds us where are, indeed, in Baltimore.

The menu itself, developed by Atlas corporate chef and Bygone executive chef Matthew Oetting, also harkens back to an earlier time, with dishes such as Lobster Newburg, duck flambé, Beef Wellington, and Dover Sole Meuniere front and center on the menu. A rotisserie oven for cooking ring-necked pheasant, ham porcelet, and hand-carved rib roast is a centerpiece of the open kitchen. Desserts are equally impressive and rich, crafted by pastry chef Cynthia Ruane. 

As Oetting proudly shows off an inspiration binder of menus from classic restaurants such as The Empire Room in Beverly Hills and The Golden Lion in Seattle, Oetting explains that his menu and recipe development were many months in the making. 

“We’re not trying to make a French restaurant here,” says the chef,  “but in the research I did most of the prestigious restaurants in America at that time were manned by French chefs and there was a lot of French influence on their menus.”

For the classically trained, award-winning chef, a “continental” menu presented a unique opportunity. Although Oetting has always had a love for classic French cuisine, his culinary training at Le Cordon Bleu was at odds with what was actually happening in restaurant kitchens. 

“Cuisine had become more modern with molecular gastronomy and sharing plates,” he says, “but I had a love for what was traditional French technique and cuisine and put that on the back-burner as I made my way through my culinary career.” 

Now that’s finally able to exercise his passion, the challenge for Oetting has been to blend the old with the new. “The question becomes, ‘How can we make that a little bit better and still preserve the era of the late ’40 early ’50s,’ but still make the food modernist enough for the modern palate?” he says. 

The bar program also echoes retro stylings with a contemporary and luxurious twist. Bar manager Will Escalante moved over from Ouzo Bay to head up the cocktail program at Bygone, which consists of a horseshoe-shaped bar with incredible waterfront views and a mezzanine bar above it that boasts dark woods, a library ladder, and an unprecedented whiskey selection. 

In fact, Bygone will have the largest whiskey selection in the state with 775 total bottles including some rare finds like more than a dozen varieties of Armagnac brandy, an Absinthe fountain for four, and two tableside cocktails inspired by vintage recipes. There will be a menu of 18 classic cocktails, with history and anecdotes for each. 

“I studied recipes in the Savoy Cocktail Book and guides by [bartender] Jerry Thomas,” Escalante says. “Some of these cocktails people might not be familiar with at first, but they each have a unique story to tell.”

With 450 reds and 250 whites, the wine selection is mostly French—pairing well with the cuisine—and is poured in hand-blown Zalto glasses. Smith says the champagne collection is the “largest in the state,” which will be on full display at Bygone’s New Year’s Eve bash, a sort of grand opening for the restaurant itself.

Bygone is the Atlas Restaurant Group’s eighth venture, including Habor East hotspots Ouzo Bay, Azumi, Loch Bar, Tagliata, The Elk Room, Harbor East Deli, and Ouzo Bay in Boca Raton, Florida. Smith says that Atlas plans to open three more properties “within a two-mile radius” of Harbor East in 2018. 

“Our restaurant group is my love letter to Baltimore, because I love the town so much,” Smith says. “We are trying to raise the bar by creating unique experiences for the people of Baltimore that they can only get in other cities.”