OPEN

Prime Corner Baltimore: Hampden locals have been witnessing the gradual transformation of this shop on the corner of 34th Street and Chestnut Avenue. The former home of Play Cafe now boasts a colorful, hand-painted exterior, and an interior filled with unique grocery items, deli fare, coffee, candies, and flowers. The New York-inspired bodega from Hampden local Tess Russell will officially open to the public this Saturday, September 22. “I want to honor the neighborhood and have this be a grocery store that people can use in that way,” Russell told us. “But I’m also very interested in food and beverage, and have tastes for odd items. The fun balance will be making it so that you can get milk and eggs, but also so you can discover new things like wild drinks, snacks, and other local products.” 3400 Chestnut Ave.

COMING SOON

Alexander Brown Restaurant: This new dining den set inside the historic Alexander Brown investment bank building downtown is nearing its debut in the next few months. Under the helm of brother-and-sister duo Blake Casper and Allison Adams—who operate a sister-restaurant inside a similar historic property in Tampa, Florida—the 170-seat spot will pay homage to Brown, the iconic mercantile who most notably funded the B&O Railroad and Baltimore’s first public water system. The space, which is partially owned by descendants of Brown, will preserve architectural details while offering a menu of New American fare. According to liquor board documents, executive chef Richard Anderson is planning to serve dishes such as Hickory-smoked salmon crostini, seasonal chopped salads, tomato and prosciutto flatbreads, and a chicken burger topped with feta and cumin aioli. 135 E. Baltimore St.

Blackwall Hitch: This Annapolis favorite—which also has locations in Alexandria, Virginia and Rehoboth Beach, Delaware—is bringing its seafood specialties and upscale decor to the Inner Harbor this fall. Located on the first floor of the former Candler building on East Pratt Street, the 10,000-square-foot restaurant will feature multiple bars, outdoor seating, and a mezzanine level. Be on the lookout for dishes including sauteed shrimp in a Creole butter, herb-marinated whole branzino, fried oyster po’boy with cherry pepper remoulade, and classic steak frites. 700 E. Pratt St.

CH-CH CHANGES

Das Bier Haus: Earlier this month, owners of this German-inspired beer hall in Federal Hill officially unveiled a new second-floor dining room. The grand opening party, which was attended by former Ravens Dennis Pitta and Todd Heap, debuted the top-level space featuring communal tables, exposed brick, and multiple flat screens. The expansion comes on the heels of the opening of Fornicolli’s, an Italian eatery that Das Bier Haus owner Nate McKinney debuted next door to the bar in June. 1542 Light St. 443-708-8854

Frazier’s on the Avenue: Whether you’re in search of a quick bite, open pool table, or a cold can of Boh, this Hampden dive is always there when you need it. Though regulars have grown fond of the spot’s classics (including the crispy tots and crab dip with warm pita), Frazier’s updated its menu this week with some fresh options. Aside from the fan-favorite wings and club sandwiches, the new menu now lists additions like Southwest egg rolls with Sriracha ranch and the vegan “Impossible Burger” topped with avocado and red onion. 917 W. 36th St. 410-662-4914

NEWS

Expedia Gives Love to Baltimore’s Bread Aroma: This week Expedia.com rounded up the top cities whose smells invoke a sense of nostalgia, and the iconic aroma of fresh-baked breads in Fells Point earned Charm City a spot on the list. “The smell of freshly baked bread drifts from Baltimore’s Schmidt Baking Company and H&S Bakery, wrapping you in a warm hug,” writes Expedia staff writer Chloe Mulliner. “Smelling like home sweet home, Baltimore will have you salivating as a trail of sugary and floury aromas hits your senses.” Baltimore was named alongside other cities like Chicago, Buffalo, and Miami on the quirky, yet totally accurate, list.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

9/20-10/14: Burnt-Coat Haenyo Pop-Up at Stalking Horse
Stalking Horse in Federal Hill will be hosting this epic pop-up collaboration on weekends throughout October. Swing by Thursday-Sunday to sample eats from local pop-up Haenyo, which specializes in Korean-fusion fare, and Burnt Coat, an American concept from local chef Cai Lindeman. Pair the bar’s signature boozy slushies with special menu items including panko-dipped corn dogs with hot mustard, Korean fried chicken, Gochujang pulled pork nachos, and a burger topped with cheddar and dijonaise. 26 E. Cross St. 6 p.m.-12 a.m.

9/24: Farm to Chef Maryland
Now in its ninth year, this foodie fundraiser is uniting 30 area chefs with local farmers to benefit TasteWise Kids, an organization offering interactive programs that teach elementary school students about the importance of urban agriculture and healthy eating. Gather at The Assembly Room to taste dishes and sip spirits from the likes of Foraged, Chez Hugo Bistro, The Outpost American Tavern, R. Bar, The Elk Room, and Ida B’s Table. Each dish and cocktail recipe will feature the bounty of a specific local producer, including the Baltimore Orchard Project, Moon Valley Farm, and Prigel Family Creamery. The Assembly Room, 316 Guilford Ave. 6:30 p.m. $115-150.

SHUT

Cafe Zen: Diners in the Belvedere Square area are mourning the loss of the kung pao chicken and vegetable fried rice at this longtime Chinese food purveyor, which has officially closed its doors. Earlier this month, the North Baltimore eatery transformed into a new Asian concept, A1 Sushi. Featuring new furniture and interior upgrades, the spot offers a sizeable sushi menu, as well as classic Chinese pork, chicken, and beef dishes. 438 E. Belvedere Ave. 410-532-0022

OPEN

La Calle: Chef Valentino Sandoval unveiled his modern Mexican cantina in the 10 South Street building downtown earlier this week. The menu reflects the chef’s Mexican roots, while also fusing the global techniques—from French and American to Italian and seafood—that he learned while working under the likes of Marc Vetri and Michelin-rated chef Walter Abrams in Philadelphia before moving to Charm City. Reserve one of the dark wood tables to enjoy dishes like Tijuana Caesar salad, crab empanadas with corn and Oaxaca cheese, oyster mushroom quesadillas, barbacoa tacos with guacamole, and pan-seared salmon with fava beans and huitlacoche (Mexican truffle) aioli. 10 South St. 667-312-2964

Suya Spot: This Randallstown favorite is bringing its authentic Nigerian fare to the burgeoning dining scene in Owings Mills. Suya Spot will cut the ribbon at its second location in the mixed-use Metro Centre development on Friday, July 27. Expect to see chef/owner Fola Jinadu whipping up delicacies including catfish pepper soup, spicy flamed goat, peppered snail, and, of course, the namesake suya (meat skewers) in varieties like shrimp, chicken, fish, and beef. 10309 Grand Central Ave. Ste. 104

COMING SOON

Le Comptoir du Vin: Ever since the baby-sized Bottega relocated to larger digs down the street last year, Station North locals have missed feasting on Tuscan specialties in the cozy dining room. But now, two former Bottega employees are reopening the original Maryland Avenue space—this time as a French wine bar. This fall, chef Will Mester (formerly of Woodberry Kitchen) and his partner Rosemary Liss plan to open Le Comptoir du Vin, which is French for “the wine counter.” The duo recently told the Baltimore Business Journal that they will focus on pairing staples like pâté, roast duck, steak, and chicken with worldly wines from “lesser known regions.” 1709 Maryland Ave.

Tiki Lee’s: In the two years, since rebranding from its former concept Saute, Lee’s Pint and Shell has become one of Canton’s favorite corner bars. (Locals have come to love the famous 50-cent oysters during happy hour, $15 lobster dinners on Sundays, and massive Shuckin’ in the Street block parties.) Now, boaters will be happy to hear that the seafood concept is expanding with a sister spot along the water in Sparrows Point. Located at North Point Cove off of Morse Lane, the dock bar is expected to open this fall, highlighting spinoffs of the grub offered at Lee’s in Canton and—judging by its name—plenty of tiki drinks to go around. 4309 Shore Drive, Sparrows Point.

CH-CH CHANGES

Cafe Mezzanotte: A massive makeover is in the works at this Italian outpost in Severna Park. The restaurant, which dates back to the ’70s, will close for renovations on July 30. Come September, it will be completely revamped to feature an expanded floor plan with new furniture, color schemes, lighting, and interior decor. Along with the new look, the restaurant will debut more than 20 new menu items and an updated beverage lineup at the grand reopening. 760 Ritchie Highway, Severna Park. 410-647-1100

EPICUREAN EVENTS

7/28: Trifecta Food Truck & Music Festival

This Saturday, the Trifecta festival returns to the Timonium Fairgrounds offering local eats, drinks, and live music all in one place. Chow down on grub from more than 35 local food trucks (think the likes of Gypsy Queen, Kommie Pig, and Farm to Charm) while jamming to a rockin’ lineup featuring The Herd of Main Street, Kelly Bell Band, and Steal Your Peach—an Allman Brothers and Grateful Dead tribute band. Plus, there will be more than 40 craft vendors, inflatable attractions for the kiddos, and the annual pie-eating contest with Rodney Henry of Dangerously Delicious Pies. 2200 York Rd. 12-9 p.m. $15.

7/28: Beat the Clock Happy Hour at Parts & Labor
Arrive at this Remington hangout early to take advantage of discounted Old Oriole Park beers from Peabody Heights Brewing. Cans will start at 25 cents at 11 a.m., and the cost will double every hour until it reaches regular price. If you’re not a beer person, enjoy boozy snowballs, Jell-O shots, and bourbon specials until 4 p.m. Of course, there will also be specialty eats like Sloppy Joes and Italian sausages on the grill outside. 2600 N. Howard St. 11 a.m.- 4p.m. 443-873-8887

SHARK WEEK SPECIALS

Frazier’s on the Avenue: Tune into the Discovery Channel shenanigans from this Hampden dive, which is celebrating accordingly with aqua-themed food and drink deals all week long. Sip $4 Heavy Seas Loose Cannon and Union Skipjack drafts while enjoying $10 food specials including fish tacos with avocado sour cream, salmon cake sliders with lemon-dill tartar, and beer-battered ahi tuna bites with fries. 919 W. 36th St. 410-662-4914

Shark Week Party at Jailbreak Brewing: On Friday, July 27, head to the Jailbreak taproom in Laurel to catch up on the “Shark Week” specials before a special screening of Jaws at 7 p.m. Fittingly, the party will also feature beer-and-bite deals like the brewery’s cherry cream ale paired with shark tacos. 9445 Washington Blvd. Ste. F. Laurel. 7-11 p.m. 443-435-9699

Nacho Mama’s: The Towson location of this Tex-Mex cantina is getting in on the fun with a special hubcap margarita. Grab a group and sip on the blue “Shark Bite Hubcap,” complete with a gummy shark, plastic swimmer figurines, and a splash of grenadine—for a scene straight out of Amity. 2 W. Pennsylvania Ave. Towson. 443-673-0069