COMING SOON

The Remington Bottle: Many know Jayce Flickinger as the newest owner of Grand Cru—the beloved Belvedere Square bar-and-bottle shop that has been around since 2003. Now, he’s expanding his knowledge of wine and spirits by opening a new store in the former home of Remington Wine Co. on West 29th Street. Expected to debut by the end of March, The Remington Bottle will offer a wide range of local and domestic beer, canned seltzer drinks, worldly wines, and craft spirits. Flickinger, a former Remington resident who was the opening general manager at Parts & Labor, is also looking forward to hosting frequent tasting events as a way to connect with the community.

“Remington is this very in-flux neighborhood,” he says. “It’s a very diverse place where you have people who are moving in, and people who have been there their whole lives. So the goal to make it a successful neighborhood shop is to be able to offer something for everyone.” Ahead of the grand opening this spring, the team is making slight upgrades including adding more coolers for craft beer, and sprucing up the interior with new logos and fresh coats of paint. Though he wants the new shop to have the same inviting feel as Grand Cru, Flickinger says he’s looking forward to opening a space that he can build from the ground up.

“I’m excited about the differences between the two businesses,” he says. “Grand Cru is 15 years old and it’s established, so you can’t shake the nest too much because the bees get upset. But with this, we get to start from scratch.” 329 W. 29th St.

Growler USA: The team from this yet-to-open craft beer bar—the first Maryland location of an Oregon-based chain—has been visiting local breweries across the city in anticipation of its grand opening in Hampden in the next few weeks. Sandwiched between MOD Pizza and CinéBistro at The Rotunda, Growler USA will feature 100 American-made craft drafts, including many local options from the likes of DuClaw, Checkerspot, and Raven Beer. Complete with flat screens, exposed brick, and custom beer-logo artwork, the modern-industrial taproom will also serve a full pub grub menu highlighting burgers and sandwiches. 711 W. 40th St.

Pure Raw Juice: Since opening in 2015, this Federal Hill-based juice bar has expanded with a second location in Towson and a yet-to-open shop at the Rotunda in Hampden. Now, the fuel-up fixture announced that it is returning to its South Baltimore roots with a fourth location at A2—a retail-and-residential community adjacent to Anthem House in Locust Point. Locals can expect to see the bar’s signature smoothies, acai bowls, and juice blends including the beet-infused “True Blood” and the lemon “Ginger-Aid.” Although a grand opening date still hasn’t been set, construction on the 1,300-square-foot space is expected to begin later this year. 900 E. Fort Ave.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

2/22: Big Softy Pop-Up at Ground & Griddled
Close out the workweek by treating yourself to breakfast at this special R. House pop-up. Craig Falk of The Lunchbox Lady is taking over service at Ground & Griddled starting at 9 a.m. to serve up another one-time-only menu with his migrating pop-up Big Softy. This time, be on the lookout for dishes such as fluffy pancakes, crab quiche, and homemade brioche rolls with raspberry jam. 301 W. 29th St. 9 a.m.

2/24: CSA Fair at Union Collective
For newbies thinking about joining a local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, there are typically a lot of questions that come to mind. What are the benefits? How much does it cost? What even is a CSA? Well Crafted Kitchen inside Union Collective has organized this community get-together to educate the masses about the benefits of getting produce and protein straight from local purveyors. Swing by Union from 1-4 p.m. to meet with many different farmers and producers—including Calvert’s Gift Farm, Moon Valley Farms, Loaf Bakehouse, and Liberty Delight Farms—offering everything from fruits and veggies to fresh bread and all-natural dog treats. Attendees who sign up for a CSA during the fair will receive 50 percent-off all Well Crafted pizzas. 1700 W. 41st St. 1-4 p.m.

SHUT

Hungry Andy’s: For years, Fells Point locals have satisfied hunger pangs with the loaded pit beef sandwiches at this South Broadway staple—which was taken over by Damon Chapman and his wife, Rashawn, last year. But, sadly, this month will be the last to fill up on the Hungry Andy’s grub. The owners recently announced that they would be closing the restaurant on February 28 in order to focus on the catering and special events side of their business. “While the decision was not easy, it was best suited for our family,” reads a message posted to Instagram last week. “We appreciate all of the love and support.” The owners also plan to continue their community outreach efforts (a recent fundraiser collected more than $1,000 to feed neighbors in need) in the next chapter. Swing by for one last pit turkey wrap, Buffalo burger, or crab cake combo with Old Bay fries before the doors close for good next week. 629 S. Broadway

COMING SOON

Peter Chang Restaurant: Get pumped, “Changians.” Though details have yet to be announced, devoted fans of cult icon Peter Chang will be happy to hear that the chef’s family plans to open an Asian restaurant in the space that was previously Fork & Wrench in Canton. A former chef at the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., Chang started his empire by opening strip-mall restaurants in towns throughout Virginia that weren’t particularly known for their Asian cuisine. While Baltimore boasts some stellar global eats, locals have long been waiting for an authentic Chinese food spot to open within city limits. Here’s hoping we’re next on Chang’s list of places to introduce to his Sichuan specialties—which include dry-fried eggplant, crispy pork belly, and Peking duck. 2322 Boston St.

OPEN

Lyfe Cafe: Experts say that late-January is typically the time when New Year’s resolutions start to go off course. But this new Towson eatery is making it easy for diners to prioritize healthy eating. Local nutritionist and personal trainer Penny Seabolt opened Lyfe Cafe inside The Shops at Kenilworth earlier this week, offering everything from protein shakes and wellness shots to vegan fare and meal-prep services. In addition to the lengthy list of breakfast, lunch, and dinner dishes, the daily menu features a “Food for Mood” section with suggestions for specific health concerns. Need a B-12 boost? Try the veggie omelet with egg whites, spinach, and red pepper. For a healthy heart, Seabolt recommends the Summer Salad with grilled chicken, strawberries, and balsamic. The new eatery joins old standbys Atwater’s and Italian Gardens at the shopping destination, which also plans to welcome Felipe’s Mexican Taqueria next year. 800 Kenilworth Drive. Ste. 800, Towson. 410-842-1050

NEWS

The Elephant Building for Sale: Although co-owners Steven and Linda Rivelis and Mallory Staley assure that this fine-dining destination is in it for the long haul, they recently decided to put the historic building that houses the restaurant up for sale. In an open letter sent to diners via email earlier this week, the owners explained their struggles to secure a bank loan to pay back investors who helped fund the multi-million dollar renovation of the Mt. Vernon mansion. “Without even looking at our financials, nine banks told us that they will not make a loan for a restaurant, especially in Baltimore City,” the owners write. “Unfortunately, we have run out of time. After two years, our friends and family who loaned us the gap funds deserve to be paid back.” The iconic North Charles Street property is currently listed at $2.9 million. Although it will soon have a new landlord, The Elephant’s elegant dining rooms, craft cocktails, and worldly cuisine are here to stay. 924 N. Charles St. 443-447-7878

So Long, Esskay Hot Dogs: Don’t be surprised if you can’t find orange-and-black packages of Esskay hot dogs on your next trip to the grocery store. Virginia-based Smithfield Foods recently made the tough decision to discontinue the fan-favorite franks in an effort to reduce expenses and competition with its other products. As a result, Esskay will also soon disappear from Camden Yards. “The Orioles have always offered a variety of hot dogs, including Kosher options, at Camden Yards, and there are many brands that are expressing strong interest in bringing their product to the ballpark,” Orioles spokesman Greg Bader told The Sun this week. Though summertime cookouts will never taste quite the same, we’re confident that the team will soon find a new brand to spark the same kind of hometown pride. Perhaps the only good news to come of the Esskay loss is that officials say it will not have any effect on the famous Hot Dog Races at Camden Yards.

Baltimore Spirits Company Releases Limited Liquor Line: In the very first collaboration between Baltimore Spirits Company and its Union Collective neighbors Union Craft Brewing, the distillery has created a malty, chocolatey liqueur using fermented wort (extracted liquid) from the brewery’s seasonal Snow Pants Stout. Singularity #1 is the inaugural release in Baltimore Spirits Company’s new “E.B. Smith’s Singularities” line, which is named after co-founder Eli Breitburg-Smith. The liqueur will be available in the tasting room starting this weekend. Other Singularity releases, including a pear brandy, are expected to debut in the coming months. 1700 W. 41st St. Ste. 430. 443-687-9099

EPICUREAN EVENTS

1/25-26: Masarap Filipino Pop-Up at Fadensonnen
If you still haven’t gotten a chance to stop by Fadensonnen—the Old Goucher beer garden from husband-and-wife owners Lane Harlan and Matthew Pierce—this weekend is an ideal opportunity. Not only will the spot offer its local beers, wild ciders, and natural wines, but it will also host chef Rey Eugenio in the food truck out front. Authentic Filipino dishes on deck include a braised pork noodle bowl with fried garlic chips, grilled veggie skewers with Jasmine rice and kimchi cabbage, and a beef-and-potato bowl topped with fermented chili paste ketchup. 3 W. 23rd St. 5-9 p.m.

1/25-26: Harry Potter Pop-Up at Order & Chaos
Key Highway coffee spot Order & Chaos is collaborating with Hampden’s Full Circle Artisan Palace to host a Hogwarts-themed pop-up party this weekend. Fans can enjoy butterbeer lattes while sampling a selection of magical sweets crafted by Full Circle. Among them include doughnuts like the chocolate-glazed “Deathly Hallows,” espresso-sugar covered “Floo Powder,” and cinnamon dusted “Potter Spice.” 1410 Key Highway. 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

1/29: Johntay Bedingfield on Chopped
Head to La Food Marketa in Pikesville to watch the restaurant’s own chef Johntay Bedingfield compete on an episode of Food Network’s Chopped. The kitchen will be closing at 8:30 p.m., at which point diners and staff will gather at the bar for drinks and light snacks while cheering on the chef during the episode. 2620 Quarry Lake Drive, Pikesville. 8-10 p.m. 410-415-0606

SHUT

Cafe Andamiro: MICA students were saddened to hear that this cozy Midtown-Belvedere cafe will be shutting its doors for good this weekend. “We appreciate your business and support,” mother-and-daughter owners Ran Yun and Bomin Jeon posted to Facebook earlier this week. “Being able to share food, drinks, and moments with you was special to us.” Since opening in 2016, Cafe Andamiro—meaning “overflow in abundance” in Korean—has been known for its espressos and pastries, as well as Seoul-inspired specialties including noodle bowls, seasonal salads, avocado toasts, and pressed paninis. 241 W. Chase St. 443-453-9314

POP-UP PRESS

Rheb’s Candies: Get ready to stock up on Christmas confections while visiting the annual holiday train garden at The Shops at Kenilworth this season. Rheb’s Candies, the venerable Catonsville shop which recently celebrated its 100th birthday, is running a pop-up inside the mall throughout the holidays. The Rheb’s team has chosen a variety of its favorite sweets—including truffles, chocolates, fudges, and jellied fruit slices—to showcase at the new stall, which sits in between South Moon Under and Italian Gardens Restaurant on the first floor. The Shops at Kenilworth, 800 Kenilworth Drive, 410-321-1909

The Verandah: R. House has seen a lot of firsts this year. On the heels of celebrating its first birthday, the Remington food hall is hosting its inaugural Indian food vendor. Hampden hotspot The Verandah will set up shop in the market’s designated pop-up stall until Sunday, December 17. Be on the lookout for authentic street fare including samosas and traditional dosas—savory rice and lentil crepes served with fresh chutneys. 301 W. 29th St., 443-347-3570

OPEN

Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls: This Annapolis-based seafood spot recently made moves North, joining the likes of Atwater’s, Hex Ferments, Neopol Smokery, and Ejji Ramen inside Belvedere Square Market. Inspired by the ethos of Maine’s lobstermen, the eatery offers hearty rolls served both classic (warm with melted butter) or salad (chilled meat with mayo, celery, and lemon) style. The menu also spotlights hearty soups like a lobster bisque and classic clam chowder. 529 E. Belvedere Ave., 410-464-9773

Piazza 27: Mt. Vernon locals are already raving about this new pizza palace, which opened on the corner of Cathedral and Read streets earlier this month. The pages-long menu lists salads, subs, strombolis, pastas, and pizzas with tons of toppings ranging from a classic margherita to chicken-bacon ranch. The BYOB spot offers dine-in service and also delivers via Grubhub. 900 Cathedral St.

COMING SOON

Palio: Highlighting everything from salads and smoothie bowls to barbecue and Korean fried chicken, the Foundry Row development in Owings Mills already boasts plenty of variety. Next year, there will be even more to choose from when this Tuscan trattoria opens its doors. Slated to open early 2018, the Michigan-based chain will offer traditional Italian fare including antipasti, an array of pasta dishes, and flatbread pizzas. The bar menu will be equally expansive, with local beer, craft cocktails, wine, and grappa—distilled brandy made from grape skins that have been pressed to make wine. 10100 Reisterstown Road, Owings Mills.

DONUT DISPATCH

Full Circle Artisan Palace: Though we were sad to see Center Cut Doughnuts go last month, another shop is ready to fill the hole that it left behind. Local baker Courtney Fix—who previously worked in the same space when it operated as B. Doughnut—has teamed up with fellow dessert fiend Heather Cedeno to open this new sweets shop in Hampden on Saturday, December 16. Full Circle—named after Fix’s return to the building—will offer classic doughnuts, as well as fun twists like doughnut buns, cinnamon rolls, and a signature jelly-filled doughnut-muffin hybrid. The duo plans to serve both sweet and savory options, as well as seasonal specialties including Berger Cookie, French toast, and espresso flavors. 3528 Chestnut Ave.

Sundays: In other doughnut news, this long-awaited sister-spot from the team at Dooby’s in Mt. Vernon has finally found a home inside Cross Street Market. The long-term pop-up will offer its sweet brioche doughnuts (think inventive flavors including French toast, boozy eggnog,  and raspberry-almond), as well as savory breakfast and fried chicken sandwiches. The opening comes in the midst of the market’s multi-million dollar renovation, which is slated to be complete by 2019. “When I was a kid in ’90s, I used to run between the stalls when we visited family friends who operated a number of the shops,” said owner Phil Han in a statement. “It’s going to be an adventure watching this market evolve, and I’m sure those same family-friends will pay us a visit to see how it’s changing.” 1065 S. Charles St.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

12/14: Taste of Everyman
This food-pairing program at Everyman Theatre continues with a special cocktail competition before tonight’s performance of The Revolutionists. To complement the comedy about four women living during the French Revolution, Everyman is hosting a “Battle of the Female Bartenders” that will pit industry veterans Chelsea Gregoire, Amie Ward, and Pam Haner against one another. Fittingly, there will also be plenty of Marie Antoinette-inspired sweets to go around. 315 W. Fayette St., 6 p.m., $30-60, 410-752-2208.

12/17: Chad Gauss at Baltimore Farmers’ Market & Bazaar
Hard as it is to believe, the Baltimore Farmers’ Market & Bazaar is hosting its final event of the season under the JFX this Sunday. To make the most of the last market until spring, organizers are bringing in chef Chad Gauss of The Food Market to perform a special cooking demo inspired by his new cookbook The Food Market at Home. If you can’t make it to the market, Gauss will be whipping up his signature amish pretzels with beer cheese at a signing at Whole Foods in Mt. Washington at 12:30 p.m. Corner of Holliday and Saratoga Streets, 9:30-11 a.m.