As is fitting of a restaurant tucked inside Baltimore’s Horseshoe Casino, Gordon Ramsay Steak is a bit of sensory overload, especially sight and smell.

There’s a meat trolley with 360-degree mirrored views showcasing the marbling of various cuts of raw meat. There’s also the Union Jack mural splayed across the ceiling of a dining room that smells like seared steak and broiled bacon. It’s equally impossible to ignore a wall of white steel knives at the entrance to the kitchen, a sly wink to Ramsay’s rapier wit and sharp TV persona.

But what else would you expect from the in-your-face, Michelin-starred celebrity chef, who, with his perfectly deadpan delivery, once famously commented to one of his cooking-show contestants: “For what we are about to eat, may the Lord make us truly not vomit?” Having gorged on one too many all-you-can-eat buffets while on various visits to Atlantic City casinos as a kid, I know the feeling.

Fortunately, on a recent evening outing to Gordon Ramsay Steak, my experience left me feeling satisfied, not sick. Baltimore has no shortage of steakhouses, but most of them are places for deal-making over dinner. Not so at Gordon Ramsay Steak. With its playful plaid motif in the bar area and colorful cocktails, this carnivore’s den feels fun and festive. Here, the chef offers signatures from his sister spot in Vegas, while also adding regional products—Maryland blue crab, for instance, and Monkton’s Roseda Farm beef dry-aged with local Sagamore Rye.

Follow conventional wisdom—when you’re in a steakhouse, stick to the steaks. The menu features every conceivable cut, as well as American and Japanese Wagyu. Start with the beef tartare topped with a quail egg. The tartare, dramatically smoked under a bell jar at the table, is paired with house-made potato chips, adding a nice salty component.

A less successful appetizer was the grilled romaine salad, which, oddly, was served cold, though all was forgiven with the arrival of the chorizo-stuffed lobster luxuriating in a brandied cream sauce.

As for main courses, the eight-ounce filet, which arrives sitting zen-like surrounded by a swoosh of red wine demi-glace on the plate, is truly terrific and a relatively affordable option at $52, considerably less than the triple-seared Japanese Wagyu at $30/ounce. (Casinos pretty much have their own currency.)

Ramsay’s Beef Wellington is reason alone to go. The dish is paired with mushroom duxelles framed by a flaky puff pastry and sits on a buttery bed of potato purée. Alluring sides such as mac and cheese with truffles and English peas, and a loaded baked potato with smoked Gouda béchamel, sour cream, and bacon are also excellent complements to the beef. We went with the sautéed shiitake mushrooms, whose chewiness nicely mimicked the meat.

Finish your repast with Ramsay’s signature toffee pudding sided by brown-butter ice cream. The rectangular-shaped ice cream is disguised as a stick of butter and comes with—what else—a knife for cutting. With his first steakhouse on the East Coast, Ramsay has not lost his edge.

---

Gordon Ramsay Steak: 1525 Russell St., 443-931-4254. Hours: Sun.-Thurs. 5-10 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 5 p.m.-12 a.m. Prices: appetizers: $18-26; entrees: $30-110; desserts: $9-18. Ambiance: Modern steakhouse chic.

OPEN

QQ Boba: Don’t be surprised if you happen to see an influx of bubble tea photos flooding your Instagram feeds. Earlier this week, QQ Boba joined the scene on The Avenue in Hampden, offering smoothies, juices, and a wide array of boba—the trendy Taiwanese milk teas often enhanced with flavored jellies and chewy tapioca balls. Taking over the former home of Polenta Cafe, the spot specializes in bubble tea favorites like passionfruit green tea and the lavender-hued taro milk tea. The shop is open from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on weekdays and Sundays, and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. 900 W. 36th St., 443-682-3502

Gordon Ramsay Steak: Famously fiery celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay came to town earlier this week to unveil Gordon Ramsay Steak, his new restaurant inside Horseshoe Casino Baltimore. Ramsay’s first East Coast dining destination features various cuts of meat and seafood dishes, as well as fare like beef wellington and sticky toffee pudding that serves as a nod to the chef’s British roots. The interior also furthers the U.K. vibe, with plush furniture and a huge Union Jack flag on the ceiling above the dining room. (Read more about Ramsay’s restaurant and his thoughts on Baltimore.) 1525 Russell St., 443-931-4386

NEWS

Colossal Blue: If you’re on the hunt for ultra-local gifts to send to foodie friends this season, this new startup might be your best bet. Recently launched by lifelong Marylanders George and Catherine Nichols, Colossal Blue ships traditional crab cakes, crab balls, and crab soups nationwide. All of the cakes are hand-made using the family’s decades-old recipe, then packaged with black ice in a polystyrene box to maintain an ideal temperature for next-day shipping.

POP-UP PLANS:

TO 12/3: Big Bean Theory at R. House

Big Bean Theory, the celebrated soup stall at the Mount Vernon Marketplace, is setting up shop at a new communal food hall this week. Throughout the weekend, swing by R. House to sample chef Eula McDowell’s specialties including hot soups, fish sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, and black bean burgers. 301 W. 29th St., 443-347-3570

12/3: Haenyo at Village Square Cafe

The dudes behind this Korean-fusion pop-up are certainly keeping busy. On the heels of takeovers at spots like R. House in Remington and Cafe Andamiro in Mt. Vernon, Collin Morstein and Irvin Seo are heading to Cross Keys this weekend. The pop-up at Village Square Cafe will have a fall harvest theme, featuring dishes like japchae (sweet potato noodles and vegetables), songpyeon (sweet rice cake), doenjang-jiggae (bean curd soup), and Korean-style meatballs made with beef from Liberty Delight Farms in Reisterstown. 66 Village Square, 5-10 p.m., $8-18, 410-433-2233

EPICUREAN EVENTS

11/30: Pig Roast + Tiki Party at Alma Cocina Latina

If you’re already missing the summer heat, Canton’s Alma Cocina Latina has got you covered. At this all-out tiki bash, sip on refreshing punches from Denizen Rum, feast on a 17-hour smoked Rortega Farms pig, and tap your feet to live music by flamenco guitarist Michael Perez. All while snacking on traditional Venezuelan favorites like arepas, cachapas (corn cakes), pickled onions, and cilantro mojo. 2400 Boston St., 6:30 p.m., $40, 667-212-4273

12/6: Second Annual Truffle Feast at Gnocco
This Highlandtown dining destination is hosting a special dinner to celebrate the peak of truffle season. Chef Brian Lavin’s six-course menu featuring wine pairings from Northern Italy (think cortese and prosecco brut) will include dishes such as savory pumpkin sformato (similar to a soufflé) with caramelized onions and crispy leeks, fontina tortellini with brown butter and hazelnuts, and seared sea scallops with a sea urchin crema. 3734 Fleet St., $179, 7 p.m., 443-449-6540

SHUT

Tooloulou: Locals lost a go-to for pizza and po’boys earlier this week, after Cajun eatery Touloulou shuttered its doors in Belvedere Square. Owners Shawn and Megan Lagergren took to Facebook to announce the news, stating that the decision was a difficult one: “Blood, sweat, tears, and so much sacrifice have gone into our business,” the post reads. “Sometimes, it’s not enough. We are deeply, deeply hurting with this loss and the closing of Tooloulou. Thank you for coming in and making memories with us.” There’s no word yet on what will become of the spot, which was best known for its shrimp and grits, fried oysters, kale salads, and classic beignets. 529 E. Belvedere Ave. 

COMING SOON

Union Collective: Locals have been patiently awaiting the arrival of Union Craft Brewing’s communal makerspace since it was announced last spring. The 138,000-square-foot Medfield warehouse will not only be home to eight small businesses including The Charmery and The Baltimore Whiskey Company, but it will also house Union’s brand new taproom, event space, and production facility. Though brewing isn’t expected to begin until the spring of 2018, earlier this week Union released renderings that give locals a sneak peek at what the space is going to look like. The plans by Ziger/Snead Architects depict a spacious taproom complete with interior greenery and glass windows overlooking the brewery. Also of note is the outdoor beer garden, which boasts a performance space for live music and strung lights overhead. 1700 W. 41st St.

Gordon Ramsay Steak: Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay is preparing to debut this new steakhouse inside Horseshoe Casino next Wednesday, November 29. The restaurant, which will take over the space that formerly housed Jack Binion’s on the first floor, will mark Ramsay’s first East Coast concept and feature an array of dry-aged beef and seafood dishes that serve as nods to his British roots. The chef joins other television personalities Guy Fieri and Giada De Laurentiis, who are also tied to the casino’s dining scene. 1525 Russell St., 443-931-4386

CH-CH CHANGES

Lee’s Pint & Shell: At a grand opening party last week, this rebranded Canton hangout (formerly Saute) debuted a state-of-the-art second story. Opening just in time for peak football season, the new space is equipped with 13 big screens, glass garage-style doors, a 38-foot bar with individual charging ports, and its own raw bar and oyster station. 2844 Hudson St., 410-327-2883

Riptide by the Bay: This Fells Point seafood stalwart is headed to auction next month. Husband-and-wife owners Roger and Meredith Rippel recently told The Sun that they are selling their 10-year-old restaurant to focus on raising their children. The duo hopes that the new owners will keep their current staff, and say that they are open to sharing some of Riptide’s signature recipes. The on-site auction will occur on December 14 at 11 a.m., with a starting bid of $750,000. 1718 Thames St., 410-732-3474

EPICUREAN EVENTS

11/29: Traditional Basque Cider Dinner
Inspired by a recent trip to the Sagardotegis region of Basque Country, the team behind La Cuchara in Clipper Mill is recreating a traditional dinner with special cider pairings. The menu will highlight dishes including wood-grilled wild mushrooms, whole grilled rockfish with a burnt garlic vinaigrette, bone-in ribeye, and cider-poached pears. La Cuchara, 3600 Clipper Mill Road, Ste. 125, 6-8:30 p.m., $79, 443-708-3838.

12/10: St. Jude’s Benefit Dinner with Chef Chad Gauss

Chef Chad Gauss of The Food Market in Hampden—who recently released his own cookbook—is teaming up with Pottery Barn at Towson Town Center for this fundraising feast. Diners will enjoy pre-dinner shopping and cocktails, followed by a three-course meal prepared by Gauss. Fifty percent of all the event’s proceeds will be donated to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Pottery Barn, 825 Dulaney Valley Road, Towson, 7-10 p.m., $150.

SHUT

Center Cut Doughnuts: The revolving donut door at 3528 Chestnut Avenue in Hampden has spun around yet again. Sugar fiends probably remember farmers’ market-favorite Center Cut Doughnuts taking over the shop from B. Doughnut last year. And now, Center Cut owner Josh Kowitz is passing the torch to local baker Courtney Fix, who will open her donut shop Full Circle in the space next month. “We have decided to move on to other opportunities that will be better for our family,” Kowitz posted to Facebook earlier this week. “These words cannot convey the amount of appreciation we have for every single customer we’ve ever served.” Center Cut’s last day of service will be Sunday, November 26. The shop was best known for its fun flavors (favorites included brown butter, s’mores, and the pink-glazed “Homer” with rainbow sprinkles) and walls boasting local art. 3528 Chestnut Ave., 667-303-3604. 

COMING SOON

Gordon Ramsay Steak: Judging by the way that celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay whips contestants into shape on Fox’s Hell’s Kitchen and Master Chef, we can only expect that this steakhouse coming to Horseshoe Casino will be top-notch. The spot—which will take over the space that formerly housed Jack Binion’s on the first floor—will mark Ramsay’s first East Coast concept when it opens later this year. Guests can expect to see a plethora of dry-aged beef and seafood dishes with nods to Ramsay’s British roots. The chef joins other television personalities Guy Fieri, Aaron Sanchez, and John Besh, who also operate restaurant concepts at the casino. 1525 Russell St., 443-931-4386

Jazz + Soju: As its name signifies, the latest tenant to sign on to lease space inside the $100 million Anthem House apartment complex in Locust Point will focus on live jazz music and a selection of soju—a Korean iteration of vodka. The restaurant, whose menu will also feature twice-dipped Korean fried chicken wings, will join craft beer and coffee concept Amber in the development when it debuts later this year. 900 E. Fort Ave.

OPEN

Sir Duke Bar & Liquor Store: By now you’ve probably noticed the overhead sign hung outside of this new bar while coasting down Aliceanna Street in Fells Point. The Stevie Wonder tribute from owner Bryan Burkert—who also operates The Sound Garden and The Rockwell in the neighborhood—officially opened its doors in the former home of The Get Down earlier this week. Swing by to check out walls boasting local artwork while digging into pub fare like wings, soft pretzels with beer cheese, street tacos, and flatbread pizzas. The bar also has its own adjoining liquor store, and will highlight craft cocktails, local beer, boozy milkshakes, and huckleberry lemonade on tap. 701 S. Bond St., 410-522-1103

CH-CH CHANGES

Clavel: Co-owners Lane Harlan and Carlos Raba announced last week that they would soon be expanding this Remington hotspot to include a cevicheria and dance floor. The team has acquired a next-door garage space that they plan to convert with a cold bar for seafood prep, and a flexible floor plan that can open up to allow salsa and bolero dancing in the evenings. In other Clavel news, the owners also plan to unveil an outdoor beer garden in nearby Old Goucher next year, complete with a natural wine bar, beer, and cocktails. 225 W. 23rd St., 443-900-8983

Dovecote Cafe: In an attempt to bolster their place in the community, the owners of this Reservoir Hill haven have launched a crowdfunding campaign to buy their building on Madison Avenue. “Now we have a chance to give our little piece of magic a permanent home,” the Indiegogo page reads. “Our landlords have agreed to sell us our building. That means we’d not only have the ability to build out a dope patio in the side yard to support arts throughout the summer, but it also gives us five apartments that help create affordable housing in our city.” Dovecote set a goal of raising $30,000 in 30 days. As of Thursday (Day 10 of the campaign), the page racked up more than $29,000 from nearly 350 backers—who will receive everything from virtual high-fives to exclusive private dinners. It looks like the mighty mainstay is going to get its wish, and we couldn’t be happier. 2501 Madison Ave., 443-961-8677

Jack’s Bistro: This Canton staple is set to close later this summer, but regulars can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that this isn’t the end for the restaurant’s famous chocolate macaroni and cheese. Executive chef/owner Ted Stelzenmuller has decided to close Jack’s in order to open a new concept around the corner called Blair’s on Hudson. The new spot will feature an approachable menu listing a few of Jack’s classics, as well as plenty of new burgers and noodle dishes. Stelzenmuller expects the transition to occur by the end of August. 3123 Elliot St., 410-878-6542

Jimmy’s Restaurant: A sleek black awning now towers over the entrance of this Fells Point institution, which recently underwent a major makeover under new ownership. Earlier this year, second-generation owner Nick Filipedis passed the torch to local restauranteur Rudy Keskin, who has since revamped the space with new furniture imported from Turkey, a full wine bar, and outdoor patio seating. While the menu still highlights Jimmy’s famous breakfast and lunch fare, Keskin has added dinner dishes including kebabs, lamb chops, pastas, and ribeye. The changes were unveiled at an official re-opening party earlier this week. 801 S. Broadway, 410-327-3273

EPICUREAN EVENTS

7/14: Bastille Day Celebrations
The city’s European restaurants are gearing up to celebrate Bastille Day (the French equivalent of the Fourth of July) with tons of food specials, wine pairings, and traditional pastries. At downtown’s Lord Baltimore Hotel, enjoy a three-course prix-fixe menu at The French Kitchen before taking the party up to the LB Skybar for a Marie Antoinette-style cake-cutting and champagne toast. In Roland Park, Petit Louis Bistro will be hosting a special outdoor happy hour from 4-6 p.m. with complimentary passed hors d’oeuvres, appertifs, and champagne. The soiree will also feature live music, free berets for guests, and festive t-shirts for sale for $5. 20 W. Baltimore St., 855-539-1928 and 4800 Roland Ave., 410-366-9393

7/14: Jumbo Gumbo
The boys behind The Local Oyster are coming together to give diners a taste of The Big Easy by way of Hampden this weekend. Swing by Union Craft Brewing’s taproom to snack on gumbo and crawdaddies, slurp down oysters, and indulge in special desserts from Hampden neighbors The Charmery and Center Cut Doughnuts. All the while, get down to the horn-heavy sounds of Rufus Roundtree and The B’More Brass Factory. The party will act as a teaser for The Local Oyster’s upcoming spinoff restaurant Second Line, which is slated to debut in Remington next year. 1700 Union Ave., 5 p.m.- 12 a.m., 410-467-0290

7/19: One Fell Swoop
Cambridge-based RAR Brewing is giving back to the Fells Point community the best way it knows how—by brewing a new beer. One Fell Swoop, RAR’s new American wheat beer made exclusively for Fells Point bars, will launch at an official release party at the Sagamore Pendry Hotel next week. A portion of all ticket proceeds (and beer sales throughout October) will directly benefit Fells Point Main Street. The celebration on the Pendry’s picturesque pool deck will feature light bites, and, of course, bottomless pints of One Fell Swoop in take-home glasses. The beer will hit taps at multiple neighborhood bars—including Max’s Taphouse, Dogwatch Tavern, The Admiral’s Cup, The Point in Fells, and Red Star Bar & Grille—on July 20. Sagamore Pendry Baltimore, 1715 Thames St., 7-9 p.m., $50-55

7/29: Eat+Shop+Vegan
Later this month, the area’s top vegan vendors are coming together to host this free market at Impact Hub Baltimore. From 1-5 p.m., shop everything from dairy-free doughnuts to organic oils and bath products. Among the featured goodies will include blends from Brewing Good Coffee Company, Boochleggers kombucha, catered snacks from Nourrie Cuisine, and non-dairy sweets by Charm School Chocolate. 10 E. North Ave., 443-821-7482

SHUT

Mare Nostrum: Fells Point locals will need to find a new spot for authentic Turkish cuisine. According to The Sun, Mare Nostrum shuttered its doors on Broadway Square earlier this week. The restaurant’s phone line has since been disconnected, and the reasons behind the closure are still unclear. The spot was best known for its beautiful blue and white decor, delicious Mediterranean plates, and frequent flamenco shows. 716 S. Broadway, 410-327-6173

Park Cafe: The Bolton Hill community took a hit last week, as owner David Hart announced that he would be closing this beloved coffee shop on McMechen Street. “Our decision has not come easily,” he posted to Facebook. “Over the last several months our priorities have shifted and we feel it is best to leave while on top of our game. We are proud of what we accomplished and we are very grateful for each and every customer who has visited Park over the past two and a half years.” Hart went on to mention that he is currently seeking a buyer to take over the cafe, which was best known for its pour-over coffees, pastries, sandwiches, and house-baked goods. 132 McMechen St.