OPEN

Sophomore Coffee: This inviting coffee shop is the latest concept to debut at Socle—the Old Goucher food and beverage complex from the team behind W.C. Harlan and Clavel. Joining natural wine bar Fadensonnen and yet-to-open cafe Larder, Sophomore Coffee will offer a single-origin house drip, espresso drinks, and flash brew options when it officially opens its doors to the public this Saturday, April 13. Owners Kris Fulton and Ann Travers Fortune, two of the original founders of Charmington’s in Remington, created the inclusive space with amenities for working, an area for small gatherings, retail shelves stocked with goods from Hunting Ground in Hampden, and a courtyard shared with Fadensonnen.

The inclusive vibe goes along with the shop’s mission to combat the snobby stigmas in coffee culture: “If there isn’t an overarching energy that promotes discovery and learning, it can be very off-putting,” Fulton told us last summer. “But if you create an environment that is inviting, people are going to feel comfortable taking that journey with you.” 2223 Maryland Ave.

The Urban Oyster: In only a few short months, chef/owner Jasmine Norton has transformed the old Ruby 8 space in Locust Point from a trendy sushi spot into a bright, airy homebase for her seafood pop-up The Urban Oyster. Boasting white walls, pops of bronze, and beautiful oyster canvas paintings by Annapolis artist Kim Hovell, the McHenry Row eatery will offer Norton’s famous raw and chargrilled oysters alongside other oceanic fare. Officially debuting on Friday, April 12, the spot will feature shrimp tacos, burgers topped with crab dip, fried cod sandwiches, and a hyper-local drink menu. (Look out for cans of Union Skipjack, a rosé spritzer from Old Westminster Winery, and cocktails curated by local bartender Aaron Joseph.) “A lot of things we’re incorporating in our menu are from local businesses that have opened their platforms for us to do pop-ups in the past,” Norton says. “It’s nice that we now have the opportunity to return the favor.” 1704 Whetstone Way.

Akira Ramen & Izakaya: From barbecue bites to Greek gyros, The Shops at Canton Crossing already offers plenty of dining diversity. But this week, the development added even more to love with the premiere of this Rockville-based ramen spot. Now operating in soft-opening mode, Akira’s second location specializes in steamy bowls filled with house-made noodles, bean sprouts, scallions, pork, fish cakes, eggs, and Wood Ear mushrooms. The menu also offers other snacks like pork gyoza, vegetable spring rolls, and yellowtail carpaccio. 3501 Boston St.

Garden Party: Now that it’s finally starting to feel like spring, it’s high time that this outdoor bar made its return to The Rotunda in Hampden. The team behind Avenue Kitchen & Bar has officially reopened Garden Party, which debuted last summer and quickly became a go-to for adults in need of a refresher while watching little ones run around the Rotunda’s green space. Returning menu highlights include Avenue Kitchen’s signature frosé, wines by the glass, Orange Crushes, crab cakes, charcuterie, and salads. 711 W. 40th St.

TinyBrickOven: This new Federal Hill pizza shop gives the term “fast-casual” a whole new meaning. Owner Will Fagg fires up the artisan pies using his titular invention—a portable brick oven that cooks personal-size pizzas in less than two minutes. Taking over the former home of Grilled Cheese & Co. on Light Street, the spot offers customizable vegan and non-vegan pizzas, as well as authentic gelato. Save room for flavors including strawberry, pistachio, dulce de leche, and vegan vanilla. 1036 Light St.

COMING SOON

Raw Bar: Canton locals will be happy to hear that the former Boathouse space at Tindeco Wharf is getting reactivated this summer. Pending liquor board approval, the team from Bond Street Social and Barcocina in Fells Point will be opening this new seafood spot on the dockside property, which features a massive outdoor patio and modern-industrial interior. According to a statement from Bond Street Social general manager Shane Gerken, Raw Bar will offer fresh takes on seafood dishes in an “upscale, yet approachable social environment.” 2809 Boston St.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

4/12: Harbor Market Kickoff
This seasonal lunch market, which assembles at McKeldin Square on Wednesdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., is starting up three weeks earlier than usual this year. Launching in conjunction with Maryland Food Truck Week, the inaugural event will feature free food samples, live music, dessert options, and, of course, plenty of outdoor lawn games to make your lunch break feel more like recess. Throughout the season, be on the lookout for food trucks including Farm to Charm, The Smoking Swine, Mexican on the Run, The Green Bowl, Wild Thyme, and more. 101 E. Pratt St.

4/13: Wild Kombucha UpBeet Flavor Release Party
It’s been an exciting year for this local kombucha purveyor, which recently moved into a new 13,000-square-foot production space in northwest Baltimore and is now distributing across the Mid-Atlantic. To celebrate its latest flavor UpBeet—fermented with organic beets apple, ginger, and lime juice—the brand is teaming up with Mouth Party Caramel and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation to host a celebration at Mobtown Ballroom this weekend. Swing by to sip UpBeet cocktails while enjoying eats from Pablo’s Toc O’s and live music by Bedlam Brass. A portion of proceeds will benefit the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s mission to reduce pollution in our waterways. Mobtown Ballroom, 861 Washington Blvd. 7-11 p.m. $12

SHUT

Smoke: When this Cockeysville spot landed on the scene four years ago, it quickly became known for putting a creative spin on classic barbecue. Chef Josh White captivated diners—not only with his catchy music videos promoting daily specials—but also with frequent pop-ups and fingerlickin’ fare including sticky spare ribs and smoked wings with thyme bleu cheese. Sadly, Smoke served its final meal last week. “The decision to close was not an easy one, and comes with a very heavy heart,” White and co-owner Hope Seidl announced last week. “We are trying to focus on all the happiness we were able to bring our community over the last 3.5 years, rather than on how heartbreaking it truly is.” The post goes on to thank the local dining community for its support, and teases that this won’t be the last we see of Smoke in the future. “This is not goodbye,” the owners write. “This is thank you, we love you, and we’ll see you later.”

COMING SOON

Döner Brös: Less than a year after launching this Oktoberfest-inspired food truck, owners Alex Politsch and Steven Banks are taking the concept to the next level by opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant in Charles Village this September. Known for its salads, fries, and wraps made with seasoned meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie, Döner Brös will join THB Bagels & Deli, Bird in Hand, and the recently debuted Red Star Bar & Grill in the Nine East 33rd development near the Johns Hopkins University campus. “Johns Hopkins University was always a home run for the food truck so it was only natural for us to open our first store here,” Banks said in a statement. “We are excited to add another unique cultural option to the already eclectic and dynamic neighborhood.” 9 E. 33rd St.

Bodhi Corner: Adding to the revival efforts on Chestnut Avenue in Hampden (a corner grocery store is expected to open in the former Play Cafe space in September) is this new Thai restaurant from the owners of Khun Nine Thai in Mt. Vernon. Expected to open in the former home of Café Cito later this summer, the spot will feature Thai staples including rice dishes, noodles, curries, and rotating vegan and vegetarian options made with beans, tofu, and seasonal vegetables. 3500 Chestnut Ave.

OPEN

Garden Party: Now, moms and dads have even more reason to love the splash fountain in the center of The Rotunda in Hampden. While watching their little ones run through the water, they can sip wine and enjoy snacks, sandwiches, and salads from this new outdoor dining concept operated by the owners of Avenue Kitchen & Bar. Open in the freestanding shack next to the fountain, Garden Party offers a food menu including tahini hummus, edamame guacamole, meat and cheese boards, mini Cubano sandwiches, and a Mediterranean chopped salad. The wine list features sparkling, red, white, and rosé blends from Europe that are available by the glass or bottle. 711 W. 40th St.

NEWS

101 Deli Bar: There is new blood in the kitchen at 101 Deli Bar in Federal Hill. Chef Brian Mahon, formerly of Wine Market Bistro and The Nickel Taphouse, has revamped the menu to include entrees such as Cajun shrimp and biscuits, PEI mussels, crab cakes with corn salsa, meatballs with ricotta and toast points, and a refreshing watermelon poke bowl topped with a yuzu glaze. Though Mahon has made a few additions, the menu still offers the spot’s mix-and-match charcuterie boards, signature cocktails, wines on tap, and boozy milkshakes. 1118 S. Charles St., 443-682-9480

Argosy Cafe: After three years at its current home inside the Munsey Building downtown, this popular breakfast and lunch spot will move into new digs later this month—but it isn’t going far. Argosy’s last day on North Calvert Street will be Sunday, July 15, and it is slated to reopen in the former home of New America Diner on North Eutaw Street at the end of August. Throughout its short-but-sweet run, New America became a go-to for greasy spoon favorites, community events, and local music showcases. Owner Fiona Sergeant recently told The Sun that running the restaurant took up more time and energy than she expected. Though the diner has now closed, she is working with the Argosy team to help keep the spirit of New America alive. “It’s been beautiful,” Sergeant posted to Facebook. “You have all been lovely.” 429 N. Eutaw St.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

7/6: Champagne & Fried Chicken Night at Chez Hugo

Though it might not seem like the ideal combo, champagne and fried chicken go hand-in-hand in the summer. As Southern Living puts it: “The effervescent acidity works as the ultimate grease cutter, keeping your palate crisp and clean as you chow through the salty deliciousness.” Chez Hugo Bistro is playing up the pairing this Friday night with an a la carte menu of fried chicken and sides, as well as discounted bottles of bubbly all evening long. 206 E. Redwood St. 5-9 p.m. 443-438-3002

ONGOING: Crabs and Crushes at Wit On The Water
Earlier this week, Wit & Wisdom inside the Four Seasons Baltimore brought back its annual crab feast menu featuring summer staples like steamed blue crabs, peel-and-eat shrimp, Old Bay fries, and mac and cheese. Offered daily from noon to 10 p.m. on the restaurant’s outdoor patio, the menu also highlights buckets of beer, wines by the glass or bottle, and the signature Wit & Wisdom Crush (Tito’s vodka, grapefruit or orange juice, Campari, maple syrup, and club soda) to help wash down all of the eats. 200 International Drive. 410-576-5800

SHUT

BAMF Cafe: The Station North community is already feeling the loss of this quirky cafe, which will operate through Artscape weekend and close its doors for good on July 23. “We want to thank the Station North community for its support and friendship,” owner Nicholas Springham wrote in a Facebook announcement earlier this week. “It has been a unique experience that we will cherish forever. With heartfelt gratitude, we wish our customers, neighbors, and employees the best in the future.” Throughout its three-year run, the sci-fi-themed hangout was known for its comic book club meetings, vegan and vegetarian dishes, and drinks named after popular superheroes. There’s no word yet on what will become of the North Charles Street space. 1821 N. Charles St., 667-930-3371