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EAT

Aug. 1-9: Maryland Vegan Restaurant Week

Multiple locations including The Land of Kush. 840 N Eutaw St. 12-3 p.m.

On the heels of Baltimore Restaurant Week, Maryland Vegan Eats is bringing back its vegan version of the dining-out promotion, which encourages our favorite restaurants to promote healthier menus with plant-based food options. To celebrate the start of the week—which will host events and specials from participating spots like Golden West Cafe, Larder, Gangster Vegan Organics, and Great Sage—one of Charm City’s premier vegan restaurants, The Land of Kush, will be hosting a pop-up with The Bakers Nasir, Friend of Vegans on August 1 from 12-3 p.m. Stop by the restaurant to sample homemade dairy-free desserts such as bread pudding, banana bread, and bean pies.

DRINK

Aug. 1-2: Guinness’ Second Anniversary Weekend

Guinness Open Gate Brewery. 5001 Washington Blvd. 11 a.m-10 p.m. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

As crazy as it seems, Guinness Open Gate Brewery is already turning two in August. And the team at the Halethorpe facility is pulling out all of the stops to celebrate right—starting with two new beer releases. An homage to one of Baltimore’s favorite summer treats, the 2nd Anniversary Lemon Peppermint Stick Golden Ale is a mix of a kettle sour and a golden ale that has been aged in bourbon barrels and finished with lemon and mint. (To sweeten the deal, all guests who purchase a six-pack of the new beer will receive a private Zoom code to join a guided tasting on August 13.) The commemorative 2nd Anniversary Honey Pale Ale—made with local honey from Apex Beer Company and barley from Maryland’s Dark Cloud Malthouse—is also set to debut this weekend, and District Donuts will be on hand with flavors inspired by the beer releases. Find a spot on the spacious outdoor lawn, which is currently open with significant social distancing precautions, to raise a glass to the brewery’s the big birthday.

SEE

Aug. 2: Phoenix Art Yard Art Market

1320 Bayard Street. 12-6 p.m. Free.

While we are used to shopping for fresh produce and flowers at our favorite open-air markets, this weekend, switch things up with a visit to the Phoenix Art Yard. The new Sunday event hosts local artists, live music, and food vendors in Pigtown. Spend your Sunday browsing one-of-a-kind works from makers while engaging with the community from a safe distance. Organizers are still accepting vendor applications, so if you’ve got some art of your own that you want to share with the city, head to their Facebook page to get in on the action.

HEAR

Aug. 1: Super City Virtual Front Row

Creative Alliance Streaming Portal. 8- 9:15 p.m. $5-15.

Creative Alliance is ready to launch its new streaming portal, and what better way to celebrate than with a virtual concert? Indie quintet Super City will be taking the Patterson Theater stage to broadcast their old-school showmanship live for you to enjoy in the comfort of your homes. A portion of the proceeds from the concert will benefit the Equal Justice Initiative, which works to stop mass incarceration, excessive punishment, and racial inequality. Super City’s heavy, guitar-driven pop music and danceability combined with Creative Alliance’s HD stream will make you forget you aren’t dancing along in the front row.

DO

Aug. 1-2: Drive Thru Peach and Blackberry Festival at Weber’s

Weber’s Cider Mill Farm. 2526 Proctor Lane. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free.

Summer is the best time to snap up your favorite freshly-picked fruit, and Weber’s Cider Mill Farm won’t let COVID-19 stop them from serving up their juicy, sweet peaches and blackberries. The Parkville farm will be hosting a drive-thru festival so you and your family can safely get your hands on their sweet treats, including a peach-and-blackberry sundae, peach slush, peach creamsicle, and their famous cider donuts. You can even call ahead for curbside pick-up.

It’s been nearly two years since the Guinness Open Gate Brewery opened its doors in Halethorpe, and, throughout that time—in between pouring pints in the taproom, leading tours of the brewing facility, and serving food pairings in its upstairs restaurant—the brewery has made it a point to give back to the community that surrounds it.

“We aren’t in Baltimore just to brew beer,” says Guinness Brewery Ambassador Ryan Wagner. “From the beginning of creating our stateside home, we have been dedicated to harnessing the community we are building here at the brewery to tangibly support local efforts.”

Guinness has formed a particularly strong bond with the Maryland Food Bank (MFB). Not only has the team hosted fundraisers and special beer-pairing dinners to benefit the nonprofit’s fight to end hunger throughout the state, but it has also hired graduates from MFB’s FoodWorks program—a culinary training course that teaches cooking skills to low-income individuals while also providing healthy meals for those in need—to work in its kitchen.

Unsurprisingly, Guinness has found a way to continue its partnership with the food bank in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. Though the brewery closed its doors just after cancelling its annual St. Patrick’s Day festivities in mid-March, it just recently launched curbside beer sales, of which all proceeds will be donated to the MFB’s coronavirus response efforts.

“The demand brought on by this crisis has reached unprecedented levels,” says MFB’s president and CEO Carmen Del Guercio, who adds that distribution has increased by 60 percent in the last four weeks. “The good news is that responding to these types of situations is what the Maryland Food Bank is built to do.”

In addition to continuing its normal distribution, the food bank has been assembling thousands of “Back-Up Boxes”—30-pound packages of food that are meant to feed a family of four for 30 days—to be sent to areas where normal distribution channels have been disrupted.

Breaking it down by the numbers, Del Guercio explains that nearly 90 percent of the food MFB is currently distributing is being purchased, rather than coming from donations. Before the outbreak, that figure was around 25 percent.

“During this crisis, we’ve spent $3.5 million purchasing food, which would have been closer to $220,000 pre-COVID,” he says, projecting that it will cost nearly $12 million to respond to the heightened need in the next 90 days. “The biggest need we have today is financial support to help us source this much-needed food.”

Suffice it to say, Guinness’ monetary donations from the to-go beer sales will go a long way in feeding the community. But a second part of the brewery’s plan to lend a hand is to donate 500 loaves of its Brewers Bread—the signature beer bread recipe from the upstairs restaurant, 1817, made with Guinness’ Over the Moon milk stout—to help fill the Back-Up Boxes and distribute to more than 1,200 community partners weekly.

“The concept of ‘breaking bread’ has long been a part of the Guinness history,” says Wagner, “so donating our Brewer’s Bread to the food bank felt like a natural way for us to help.”

Contactless, curbside pickup to benefit the food bank is offered at Guinness Thursdays and Fridays from 3-7 p.m., and Saturdays from 12-5 p.m. Among the Baltimore-brewed favorites and Dublin classics to choose from include the Galaxy IPA, Red Currant sour, Crosslands Clover honey ale, and of course, the Guinness Baltimore Blonde. All orders must be placed online, where customers can choose a preferred pickup time.

On the food bank’s end, locals who are interested can get involved by donating funds, as well as volunteering. Though social distancing efforts have limited the number of volunteers the MFB can currently accommodate, it still offers 13 shifts per week.

For Del Guercio, the continued partnership with Guinness is a prime example of one of the main themes that MFB touted during its 40th anniversary last year: “It takes more than food to end hunger.”

Every city paints the town green for St. Patrick’s Day, but in Baltimore specifically, bars and restaurants go all out for the largest shamrock-filled celebration of the year. From bar crawls to dance-offs, don’t miss your chance to celebrate the Emerald Isle, Charm City-style.

TO 3/18: 17 Days of Saint Patrick! at Slainte Irish Pub
This Thames Street haunt is back with two-and-a-half weeks of festive shenanigans leading up to St. Paddy’s Day, from movie nights to whiskey tastings. Don’t miss your chance chow down on Irish cheesesteaks, dance to live music, and, of course, pin the tail on Irish Dave.

3/7: Canton Irish Stroll
This sham-rocking crawl kicks the holiday off early in O’Donnell Square. Be sure to secure your St. Patrick’s Day swag before heading to hotspots like Walt’s Inn, Looney’s Pub, and Southern Provisions for exclusive drink specials.

3/7: St. Patrick’s Day Bash at Power Plant Live
Power Plant is pulling out all the stops for this clover-the-top bash. Don’t miss your chance to win the costume contest (or sip themed drinks in your greenest gear) during this fun-filled night of Irish dancing, live pro wrestling, and scavenger hunts.

3/8: Pot O’ Gold Brewery Tour With Jimmy’s Famous Seafood
This Dundalk hotspot is ringing in St. Patrick’s day with booze, brunch, and the ultimate Charm City brewery tour. Grab a bite and sip between stops, where free samples and guided tours await.

3/13: Shamrocks and Shenanigans with Cheat Codes
[Editor’s note: This event has been postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak.] Los Angeles-based EDM trio Cheat Codes sets the soundtrack for this St. Patrick’s Day weekend kickoff at Power Plant Live with special guests Breathe Carolina. As you dance the night away (with green beer in hand) and take part in festive photo-ops, be sure to visit some of the downtown venue’s eight participating bars.

3/13: Baltimore’s Saint Patrick’s Day 5K
Join the Baltimore Road runners for a St. Patrick’s Day sprint through historic Patterson Park. Costumes are encouraged for the club’s fourth-annual road race, which ends with live music by Will Alton and two kegs of local craft beer.

3/14-15: Guinness Open Gate Brewery
[Editor’s note: This event has been cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak.] For the first time ever, this beloved brewery will allow beer lovers of all ages to step into a scene straight from the Emerald Isle. The Guinness lawn-turned-Irish Village will host more than 30 booths featuring food, entertainment, and limited edition libations that blend traditional Irish flavor with local flare. Plus, don’t miss the new Clover Honey Ale made specifically for the holiday with local honey from Maryland’s own Apex Bee Co., which will be offered in cans exclusively at the brewery.

3/14: Kegs and Eggs Rally
[Editor’s note: This event has been postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak.] Wake up and paint the town green. DJs playing everything from EDM to trap music will pack Power Plant’s outdoor pavilion for a morning of festive fun. Admission to this rain-or-shine event includes five drink tickets, a breakfast sandwich, and access to eight participating bars.

3/14: Federal Hill Irish Stroll
St. Patrick’s Day comes a few days early to Federal Hill with a boozy tour of the neighborhood’s top watering holes. Head to participating spots like Crossbar and Mother’s Grille for Irish fare and not-to-miss drink specials including $3 Miller Lites and $4 Blue Moons. Don’t forget to grab your free beads and souvenir koozies to keep your hands warm.

3/14: Soundtown St. Paddy’s Party at The Admiral’s Cup
Soundtown Baltimore is headed to Fells Point for the holiday, and they’re bringing “the luck of the Eilish” with them. Party it up with the cover band—which will undoubtedly play a few Billie Eilish bangers—from 9:30 p.m. to close and be sure to grab plenty o’drinks from the bar.

3/14-17: St. Patrick’s Celebration at Five and Dime Ale House
Leading up to St. Patrick’s Day, this Hampden favorite is offering up specials for four days straight. Enjoy a special menu of traditional pub fare and drink specials galore. From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., sip $2 Bishops Breakfast, Guinness Stout, and Guinness Blonde drafts. There will also be $5 Jameson cocktails and Irish coffees.

3/15: St. Patrick’s Day Parade
[Editor’s note: This event has been postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak.] This legendary jamboree celebrates 65 years of St. Patrick’s Day festivities in the heart of Downtown Baltimore. Take part in the pinnacle of Irish culture, from the Washington Monument all the way to the Inner Harbor.

3/15: St. Patrick’s Day Jamboree at Waverly Brewing Company
Thank your lucky charms—Waverly Brewing Company is toasting the Emerald Isle with local pours and savory bites from several food trucks. Grab a pint and dance a jig to the sounds of Sean “Healing Hands” McComiskey, Jim “Mutton Mitts” Eagan, and David “Frumpy Fingers” McKindley-Ward.

3/17: Mahaffey’s Pints and Pancakes Party
Head to “Canton’s Best Beer Bar” for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration that pulls no punches, offering up everything from pancakes and pints to Bangers and Mash. Four-dollar Guinness Pints from 8-12 p.m. make this one worth the early rise.

EAT

Aug. 3: The Charmery Turns Six

The Charmery in Hampden, Towson, & Ice Cream Factory. Hampden & Towson 12-11 p.m., Ice Cream Factory, 12-10p.m. Free.

One of Baltimore’s favorite sweet shops is celebrating its sixth anniversary the only way it knows how—by hosting a nostalgic-themed party with new ice cream flavors inspired by old-school sitcoms. Stop by any of The Charmery’s locations to sample TV show-inspired flavors such as Golden Girls cheesecake with Golden Grahams, a Cheers beer nuts flavor made with Union Craft Brewing Skipjack Caramel, and a Giligan’s Island take on a vegan coconut cream pie. To really treat your sweet tooth, visit all three locations on Saturday to win a limited-edition Charmery mug and enjoy a free baby scoop with every purchase.

 

DRINK

Aug. 3: Guinness Open Gate Brewery Anniversary Party

Guinness Open Gate Brewery, 5001 Washington Blvd, Halethorpe. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Free-$75

Somehow, it’s already been a year since the only Guinness brewery in America opened in Halethorpe, and local fans of the iconic Irish stout are more than ready to toast the brewery’s big birthday. On Saturday, start the day off with beer-inspired treats by Charm City Cakes (think tart hibiscus wheat and tangerine cream ale flavors), down some signature brews, and then party all night with a performance by country music superstar Frankie Ballard. And don’t miss the tapping of the new, small-batch anniversary brew called Grand Cru—a bourbon barrel aged stout blended with a rum barrel-aged golden ale.

 

SEE

Aug. 3: Solange Knowles’ When I Get Home

Lexington Market, 400 W Lexington St. 11-11:45 a.m. & 12-12:45 p.m. Free.

If you haven’t stopped by the Baltimore Museum of Art’s Lexington Market branch yet, this exclusive, free screening of singer-songwriter Solange Knowles’ art film is the perfect opportunity. The 41-minute piece is an accompaniment to Knowles’ latest album “When I Get Home.” It features futurist rodeo nods to the singer’s Houston lineage, and explores the concepts of origin and evolution. Catch one of the two screenings on Saturday afternoon to see new scenes and hear musical arrangements in this exclusive director’s-cut showing.

 

HEAR

Aug. 3: Micah E. Wood

Ottobar, 2549 N Howard St. 9p.m. $10.

Baltimore producer, photographer, and recording artist Micah E. Wood is bringing his unapologetically heartfelt sound to Remington this weekend. Hear this singer-songwriter gets into his feelings with tunes like “The Truth” before getting the crowd going with “Summertime,” and don’t miss out on performances by other rising local acts including Romantic States, DYYO, Eyas, and Station North Sadboi. If that isn’t convincing enough, there will also be ice pops by CM POPS for sale during this can’t-miss show.

 

DO

Aug. 1-4: BronyCon

Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W Pratt St. Thurs. 9a.m. – Sun. 5p.m. Free-$2,000.

Friendship will turn into magic at this weekend-long extravaganza that brings more than 9,000 My Little Pony fans together from every corner of the globe. Since this weekend’s convention marks BronyCon’s swan song, don’t miss the final chance to experience screenings, a talent show, more than 20 musical acts (including HollowPoint, Eurobeat Brony, and StrachAttack) and tons of special guests during the four-day cosplay utopia

Since its opening last August, there’s been much fanfare surrounding Guinness Open Gate Brewery & Barrel House (5001 Washington Blvd.). For starters, it’s the first Guinness brewery to open in the United States in over 60 years. Plus, with its location in Halethorpe, it’s just a 15-minute drive from downtown Baltimore. But mostly, it’s generating a lot of buzz because it’s a place to try really good beer. And it’s not just the beloved Guinness Draught—or Irish dry stout—that’s imported from Dublin. Hollie Stephenson, Peter Wiens, and the rest of the Guinness brew crew produce some impressive, outside-of-the-box styles.

At 22,000 square feet, the brewery space itself is massive, and you can even see the beaming white letters spelling “Guinness” from the highway. Once you walk through the double-gated entrance, you know you’re visiting something special. The facility acts more or less like a museum for the brand, providing informational timelines, photos, and mile markers denoting how far you are from Dublin (3,352 miles, to be precise). The outside space features Adirondack chairs, picnic tables, a garden the brewers use for growing ingredients, and even a vintage Studebaker beer truck. There’s also plenty of places to enjoy a cold one. You can get a pint at the outdoor bar, up on one of the balconies, or inside the taproom.

The space can feel a little Disney-esque, especially the closer you veer toward the gift shop. But once you start sampling beer at the indoor bar, the warm Irish pub vibes help you feel at home. Flight boards are a good deal—nearly seven-ounce samples for $4 each that give you a pretty good overview of the brewery portfolio. Consider comparing some Guinness U.S. mainstays like Blonde (crisp and citrus-accented) or Milk Stout (creamy and sweet) with experimental varieties. Get weird with a super-earthy Black Currant Stout or the Tart Apricot Ale, Guinness’ delicious take on the ever-popular kettle sour.

The food in the taproom is a little lackluster. (You’d have better luck dining at the upstairs 1817 Restaurant.) Our Irish version of “nachos” was basically potato chips smothered with cubes of corned beef and beer cheese. Still, they provided the necessary fuel for us to sip our generously poured flight as we sat on a balcony overlooking the lush lawn. It may not be the Emerald Isle, but it’s pretty darn close.

OPEN

The Civil: From its gold interior accents to its gold-encrusted “24K wings,” the touches at this new Mt. Vernon spot exude elegance. The restaurant premiered last weekend in the building at 518 North Charles Street, which formerly operated as the famed Louie’s Bookstore Cafe before transitioning into Ware House 518 and G.A.Y. Lounge. Now, The Civil offers New American brunch and dinner dishes, live DJ entertainment, and a private VIP dining section on its mezzanine level. Menu highlights include lemon-pepper cauliflower bites, drunken chicken and waffles, banana pudding-flavored French toast, and Cajun fettuccine alfredo with shrimp and smoked sausage. A craft cocktail list includes sweet sips like strawberry mules and Southern peach sangria by the pitcher. 518 N. Charles St. 443-682-8792

Plantbar: It’s no secret that plant-based options are on the rise, and this week, Belvedere Square’s one-stop-shop for vegan, paleo, and gluten-free snacks expanded to yet another new neighborhood. On the heels of opening at Harbor Point last year, Plantbar debuted a third eatery on the ground floor of The Porter apartment building in Brewers Hill earlier this week. Tenants and locals alike will be able to indulge in the shop’s array of wellness elixirs, fresh-pressed juices, bottled liquids, smoothies, and acai bowls. Among the fan-favorites is the X Factor smoothie, which incorporates almond butter, cacao, avocado, and medicinal mushrooms. 3700 Toone St. 410-646-8196

Mobtown Brewing: Plantbar isn’t the only big opening happening in Brewers Hill this week. This new brewery is also celebrating its official debut in the neighborhood on Friday, April 26. Fittingly named after one of Baltimore’s many monikers, Mobtown takes inspiration from the area’s brewing culture (the neighborhood was formerly home to the National Brewing Company) and also makes use of locally sourced ingredients. The 6,000-square-foot facility and taproom will produce signature releases including the Silver Dollar saison, Calvera American IPA, and the 41 Year Lapse—an American pale ale that Mobtown has deemed the first beer to come out of Brewers Hill in the 41 years since Natty Boh operations moved out of state. Sample the beers, tour the space, and enjoy eats from Wild Thyme Baltimore at the kid-and-dog-friendly grand opening party on Friday. 4015 Foster Ave. Ste. 400, 667-309-3653

COMING SOON

Bodhi Corner: Good news for Thai fans in South Baltimore. The owners of Khun Nine Thai in Mt. Vernon and Bodhi Corner in Hampden are bringing their authentic delicacies to Light Street this summer. According to SouthBMore.com, Bodhi is planning to open in the former home of Liv2Eat and In Bloom—the adjoining concepts formerly run by husband-and-wife team Kevin Perry and Cecilia Benalcazar—and offer a menu similar to its sister restaurants. Be on the lookout for favorite dishes including steamed dumplings, “drunken” noodles, spicy curries, baked duck, and vegetarian mock meats. While the Bodhi Corner in Hampden is BYOB, the new spinoff plans to serve beer and wine. 1444 Light St.

New Tenants Headed to Cross Street Market: Another week, another Cross Street Market update. As the first three tenants get ready to open in the renovated property next month, developers at the Federal Hill market have announced even more local concepts rounding out its roster. Navy veteran-turned-food truck champion Joey Vanoni will sling his footlong “Monster Slices” and at brick-oven pizza stall Pizza di Joey, which will be equipped with its own takeout window for late-night slices. In addition, Pennsylvania-based chain Gangster Vegan Organics will offer plant-based smoothies, juices, wellness shots, salads and its popular “Swizz Beets” burgers with cashew nacho cheese on dehydrated bread.

Another great addition: The team from Old Line Spirits in Highlandtown has collaborated with the market to debut a cocktail and wine bar in the space. The 30-seat bar will be a go-to for sipping cocktails made with Old Line’s award-winning whiskies and rums (think everything from classic to frozen cocktails and Crushes), while also exploring a lineup of local beer and wine. “It seemed like a really natural fit for us to collaborate with the market,” Old Line co-founder Arch Watkins tells us. “We’re big fans of the Maryland beer, wine, and spirits industries, and this is going to be a great way to showcase all of that.” 1065 S. Charles St.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

4/28: Guinness Beer Dinner Supporting Maryland Food Bank
Halethorpe neighbors Guinness Open Gate Brewery and the Maryland Food Bank (MFB) are teaming up to host this five-course beer dinner at the brewery, which will benefit the nonprofit’s culinary training program. Enjoy passed appetizers during a welcoming “beer hour” before settling on the tented patio for dinner. Prepared by executive chefs Kevin McCarthy of Guinness and Manny Robinson of MFB, the spring-inspired menu will feature charcuterie paired with Guinness Blonde, petite tender roasted filet served alongside Guinness milk stout, and strawberry cheesecake paired with Guinness’ Foreign Extra Stout. 5001 Washington Blvd., Halethorpe. 6:30 p.m. $75

4/28: April in Paris
Head to Roland Park for the return of this annual springtime festival at Petit Louis Bistro, where guests can expect plenty of French flair like bright balloons and staff outfitted in Parisian berets. Admission to the all-ages festival includes two drinks and a buffet spread showcasing charcuterie, grilled meats, and classic pastries for dessert. 4800 Roland Ave. 410-366-9393. 12-3 p.m. $29-49

SHUT

Della Rose’s Local Tavern: The Bel Air community is reeling from the loss of this neighborhood staple—and Washington Capitals hub—owned by husband-and-wife team Tony and Linda Della Rose. The owners posted a heartfelt message to Facebook earlier this week announcing the closure of their two-year-old spot. “We took a bad deal out of emotions,” the message reads. “This is the only reason we are closing the doors.” Tony goes on to share some of his favorite memories of the tavern’s run, including charity nights for schools and youth leagues, live music performances, tailgates, and, of course, watching the Caps raise the Stanley Cup. “We just ask whenever you think of Della Rose’s, just put a smile on your face,” he writes. “It was a great two years.” Della Rose’s Avenue Tavern in White Marsh, operated by Tony’s brother Joe, is still going strong.

OPEN

Milk & Honey Market: It’s been two years since Milk & Honey Market closed its original location in Mt. Vernon, and now, the spot has finally made a comeback in Station North. Located on the ground floor of the artsy Nelson Kohl apartment building near Penn Station, the cafe offers a menu of warm and cold coffee drinks, smoothies, sandwiches, salads, and pastries. The new space is bright and inviting, with white walls, modern light fixtures, comfy couches, and lots of interior greenery. On the heels of the Station North opening, owners Ernst and Dana Valery are also planning to expand with a second location in Pigtown. The forthcoming cafe will be housed in the new Bath House Square project in development on Washington Boulevard. 20 E. Lanvale St. 667-309-3506

Farm to Face: Regulars of the Baltimore Farmers’ Market & Bazaar no longer have to wait around until Sunday mornings to get their hands on a seasonal falafel wrap from this longtime vendor. Farm to Face owner Miranda Betts recently moved into her own brick-and-mortar space on Harford Road in Hamilton. The former home of Zeke’s Coffee, which relocated to larger digs up the street last year, is now a permanent shop for Betts to serve her organic falafel in wraps. The crispy chickpea balls are topped with seasonal fruits and veggies (think everything from beets and strawberries to apples and arugula) and signature sauces before being tucked into traditional or leafy lettuce wraps. 4607 Harford Rd. 443-438-5559

Haven Street Ballroom: The owners of the modern-industrial event venue Main Street Ballroom in Ellicott City have launched a second space on North Haven Street in Highlandtown. Sandwiched between Urban Axes and Monument City Brewing Company, the airy space features white walls and high ceilings on the inside, and a bright exterior mural with pops of pink and yellow—which was designed by frequent Monument City collaborator White Coffee Lettering—on the outside. The venue is now booking events being held after May 1, 2019. 1 N. Haven St.

COMING SOON

Döner Brös: After spending a year roaming around on their Oktoberfest-inspired food truck, Döner Brös owners Alex Politsch and Steven Banks are putting the finishing touches on their brick-and-mortar eatery in Charles Village this week. The spot will open to the public on Monday, December 17, serving salads, wraps, and fries topped with authentic döner kebab meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie. Döner Brös neighbors THB Bagels & Deli, Bird in Hand, and Red Star Bar & Grille in the Nine East 33rd development near the Johns Hopkins University campus. “Hopkins 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. 844-366-7277

NEWS

Wayward Smokehouse Expanding to White Marsh: Federal Hill locals should prepare to see familiar signage while spending time around The Avenue at White Marsh in 2019. The team behind Wayward Smokehouse on South Charles Street has announced plans to take over the former Don Pablo’s space off of Honeygo Boulevard. The plan is for the restaurant to combine Wayward’s Texas barbecue vibe with The Curious Oyster, a new concept that focuses on sustainable seafood. 8161 Honeygo Blvd. White Marsh

Guinness Partners with Sierra Nevada for Fire Relief: In the wake of the deadly wildfires that recently spread throughout Northern California, Sierra Nevada recently established the Camp Fire Relief Fund to help rebuild communities affected. Doing what they do best, the brewing behemoth also created the Resilience Butte County Proud IPA, with proceeds directly benefiting the fund. Our own Guinness Open Gate Brewery & Barrel House is one of 1,200 breweries nationwide that has vowed to brew and sell the beer in hopes of providing more relief.

“I grew up in California and even though I’m now on the East Coast, the wildfire tragedies still feel close to home,” Open Gate brewmaster Peter Wiens said in a statement “Ken Grossman and the rest of the Sierra Nevada family are industry icons, and I’m honored to join their effort to help rebuild the lives of those devastated by the Camp Fire.” The IPA will be available in the Guinness taproom and upstairs 1817 restaurant starting December 13. One hundred percent of all proceeds will benefit the rebuilding efforts. 5001 Washington Blvd., Halethorpe. 800-909-2645

EPICUREAN EVENTS

12/13: 3rd Annual Christmas in Mexico at The Charmery
The Charmery co-owner David Alima and Clavel chef Carlos Raba have been hard at work preparing for their third-annual Christmas in Mexico celebration this week. The duo will be getting into the holiday spirit with fried ice cream treats that resemble adornos de navidad (Christmas ornaments). A portion of all proceeds will benefit Guardian Gym—a California-based boxing and jiu jitsu nonprofit that Raba supports. 801 W. 36th St. 6:30-8:30 p.m.

12/16: Prima Pop-Up at Le Comptoir du Vin
New Station North restaurant Le Comptoir du Vin is teaming up with yet-to-open Old Goucher spot Sophomore Coffee to host a special breakfast pop-up this weekend. Mix up your regular Sunday brunch routine with a traditional Turkish breakfast (think boiled eggs, veggies, cheese, and flatbread) paired with warm drinks provided by Sophomore. The team will be pouring Toby’s Estate coffees, as well as local Sparrowtail Tea blends. 1729 Maryland Ave. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $12

COMING SOON

Aveley Farms Coffee: Come spring, Harbor East locals will have a new spot to get their caffeine fix. Towson native Corey Voelkel is planning to open Aveley Farms Coffee in 2019, offering global grinds and pastries sourced from local purveyors. Inspired by his time living in San Diego, Voelkel wants the space to have a West Coast feel mixed with touches of Baltimore’s old-school industrial charm. “All of the roastery operations will be visible to engage people to ask questions and get involved,” he explains. The 900-square-foot space will feature high ceilings and large warehouse windows overlooking the neighborhood skyline. Aside from highlighting his own blends, Voelkel plans to collaborate with other local roasters including Keffa Coffee downtown. “If you have a high-grade cup of coffee, you can drink it black,” he says. “I really want to build on that and celebrate the coffee scene here.” 1400 Aliceanna St.

Fenwick’s Choice Meats: Cross Street Market regulars were saddened when this longtime butcher closed up shop last spring as the public market began its ongoing renovation process. But now, meat master Henry Reisinger has vowed to reopen his stall this winter. Since debuting in 1952, Fenwick’s has become a go-to for products such as quality lamb chops to house-made brats. In addition to veteran vendors like Fenwick’s and Steve’s Lunch, the reinvigorated market will welcome a batch of new businesses in 2019. Be on the lookout for Sobeachy Haitian Cuisine, Vietnamese soup and sub shop Phubs, and a burger concept from the owners of Southside Diner in Locust Point. 1065 S. Charles St.

OPEN

Poke Bowl: Poke bowls have become all the rage lately, and Federal Hill diners now have a spot to dig in. This new eatery premiered on Light Street last month, offering colorful bowls filled with rice, raw fish, and customizable toppings ranging from kale and kimchi to pineapple and purple cabbage. The spot also specializes in sushi burritos in varieties like the “Salmon Bomb” (salmon, edamame, scallions, and cucumber) and the “Dancing Jack,” filled with tuna, yellowtail, cream cheese, and sweet corn. Owner Yun Jiang also serves the trendy dishes at Poke Bowl locations in Cockeysville, Lutherville, Bel Air, and downtown on North Calvert Street. A sixth shop in Owings Mills is currently in the works. 1040 Light St. 443-759-6229

EPICUREAN EVENTS

11/1-4: International Stout Day at Guinness
Now that the new Guinness Open Gate Brewery & Barrel House is up and running in Relay, the global beer behemoth can officially celebrate International Stout Day for the first time on American soil. Head brewer Hollie Stephenson and her team are toasting the holiday with a new beer, Guinness Small Stout, which will debut on tap on Thursday, November 1. At a 4.5-percent ABV, the beer uses a double-mash brewing method and has notes of chocolate and coffee with a tart finish. Throughout the weekend, $1 of all Small Stout sales will be donated to the Maryland Food Bank. 5001 Washington Blvd, Halethorpe, 800-909-2645

11/6: The Outpost Battle Royale Part One
This late-night chef throwdown series kicks off next week at The Outpost American Tavern in Riverside. Outpost chef Jesse Sandlin will welcome Ben Lefenfeld of La Cuchara and Doug Wetzel of Gertrude’s into her kitchen to see whose dishes reign supreme. The event will feature food and half-off drink deals for all hospitality industry professionals. 1032 Riverside Ave., 10 p.m.-12 a.m. 443-388-9113. Free.

SHUT

Boathouse Canton: Canton neighbors took to social media earlier this week to mourn the loss of this waterfront hangout, which has closed for good. Signs posted to its doors Wednesday indicated that the restaurant had shuttered, and thanked all of the “wonderful guests throughout the years.” Management has not yet disclosed the reasons behind the closure. Since the dockside spot opened in the spring of 2014, it became a go-to for seafood specialties, private parties, and neighborhood gatherings. We’ll especially miss the summer afternoons spent sipping Orange Crushes and swaying to live music on the dog-friendly DockBar. 2809 Boston St.