COMING SOON

Quality Snowballs: The Food Market chef/owner Chad Gauss is bringing the city’s token treats to the Avenue in Hampden just in time for snowball season. Expected to debut on May 1, the 10-foot shipping container muraled by local artist Paige Orpin sits in the small parking lot on the side of the church building at 1014 West 36th Street—which is just across the street from The Food Market. “It’s nice to be able to control what’s going on from directly across the street,” Gauss says. In keeping with his playful style, the stand will offer the classic egg custard with marshmallow, while also featuring fun flavors with unique toppings.

Look out for banana-Oreo, strawberry shortcake, dirt-cup, coconut cream pie, crème brûlée, and even s’mores flavored ice with torched marshmallow on top. The team also has ideas to create açaí snowballs and incorporate fresh herbs and fruits “so that it’s not just the sugary syrup juice and that’s it,” Gauss adds. On the heels of opening DIY stir fry spot TigerStyle behind the Avenue, the chef says he’s looking forward to introducing another concept in the neighborhood. “It’s kind of like our playground,” he says. “We’re just looking to have fun and to find more ways to enjoy what we do.” 1014 W. 36th St.

Blackwall Hitch: After much anticipation, this Annapolis favorite—which also operates locations in Alexandria, Virginia and Rehoboth Beach, Delaware—is finally bringing its massive menu of fine-dining fare to the Inner Harbor next month. Opening on the first floor of the Candler building on East Pratt street, the 10,000-square-foot restaurant will feature worldly dishes by executive chef David Montanz. The menu is expected to mirror the restaurant’s other locations, which highlight staples like filet mignon, shrimp and grits, scallops with saffron risotto, pulled short rib carbonara, and classic jumbo lump crab cakes with roasted corn salsa. 700 E. Pratt St.

The Tilted Row: Cafe Fili loyalists will be happy to hear that owner Ziad Maalouf, along with his partners Jim Campbell and Nancy Hooff, are opening a sister-spot in Bolton Hill the week of May 20. Located on the bottom floor of the brand new Jordan apartment building, the neighborhood spot will have an inviting feel with warm woods and soft colors. Chef Andrew Thomas, previously of Donna’s and The Elephant, will oversee kitchen operations, while the bar program will be headed up by former Woodberry Kitchen bartender Hannah Baker. The team will source ingredients from local farms and its own herb garden, and craft global dishes like cedar salmon tagine, pretzel pork schnitzel, lamb ragu pappardelle, and buttermilk biscuits with bourbon-chili glaze. To pair with the elevated pub fare, Baker will feature creative cocktails, 10 beers on tap, a boutique wine list, and an impressive collection of more than 120 single malts and bourbons. 305 McMechen St.

NEWS

Atlas Expands to Cross Street Market: This week, the team behind Harbor East behemoth Atlas Restaurant Group announced plans to expand their reach across the harbor next year. Amid rumors of a deal to open a concept inside the renovated Cross Street Market in Federal Hill, Atlas released a statement confirming that the group is currently in lease negotiations to debut an anchor crab house and seafood market inside the space. “The concepts will be two new brands and interior designs that will be unique to the city,” the statement reads. “We look forward to being a part of the Federal Hill community.” If all goes well with leasing, both are expected to debut in April of 2020.

In the meantime, three of the veteran vendors at Cross Street will be the first to reopen inside the new space next month. Market regulars will be able to get reacquainted with Henry Reisinger of Fenwick’s Choice Meats, John Nichols of Steve’s Lunch, and Pete Pittas of The Sweet Shoppe. A roster of nine newbies—including SoBeachy, Phubs, and Rice Crook— are expected to follow suit this spring, and additional pizza, wine bar, vegan, fried chicken, and grocery concepts will be announced in the coming weeks. 1065 S. Charles St.

Petit Louis Bistro Launches Fundraiser for Notre Dame Cathedral: In true Baltimore spirit, this beloved French bistro in Roland Park is lending a hand in the wake of the tragic fire that tore through the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris earlier this week. For two weeks starting on Monday, April 22, the restaurant will be offering a special $59 lunch and dinner menu that will benefit reconstruction efforts. A portion of all proceeds from every multi-course meal served will be donated to Friends of Notre-Dame de Paris, which is dedicated to rebuilding the landmark. All guests who visit the bistro will also have the option to donate additional funds. 4800 Roland Ave. 410-366-9393

OUTDOOR OPENINGS

LB Skybar: It’s been a big week for the historic Lord Baltimore Hotel downtown. On the heels of welcoming new executive chef Beth Dinice, the property is preparing to open its 19th-floor Skybar for the season on Friday, April 26. This year, guests can expect new furniture, additional areas for private events, and a revamped menu of shareable plates. Take in the killer views while sipping cocktails and snacking on Old Bay chips with onion dip, pit beef bao buns, or shrimp kebabs with cilantro aioli. Additionally, the hotel’s new partnership with Mera Kitchen Collective will bring a special takeover menu to the bar every Wednesday evening. 20 W. Baltimore St. 410-539-8400

Noona’s: Speaking of al fresco fare, this Midtown pizza spot recently unveiled its new 12-seat patio overlooking MICA’s Mount Royal Station. Simultaneously, chef Cai Lindeman launched weekend brunch service. Snag a seat outside on a sunny Saturday or Sunday to enjoy Italian-inspired dishes including ricotta pancakes, pancetta omelets, maple-glazed bacon, and crispy confit potatoes. To wash down all of the mid-morning eats, Noona’s also offers $5 prosecco on tap, $6 mimosas, and $6 micheladas made with Old Oriole Park Boh from Peabody Heights. 1203 W. Mt. Royal Ave. 410-424-0857

EPICUREAN EVENTS

4/19: Beach Party at Peko Peko Ramen
In celebration of its newly acquired liquor license, the team at this Charles Village ramen shop is throwing an all-day beach bash with plenty of themed cocktails to go around. Stop by for an early summer kickoff featuring free merch and giveaways like complimentary ramen bowls and buckets of beer. 7 E. 33rd St. 11:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m.

TO 4/21: Maryland Food Truck Week
There’s still time to support your favorite kitchens-on-wheels during this annual event, which closes out on Sunday, April 21. Throughout the week, local food trucks have been hosting festivities all over town to benefit Meals on Wheels, and there are still rallies planned everywhere from Elkridge to Bowleys Quarters this Friday. Aside from the official events, it’s also a great time to track down your favorite trucks. Among the many mobile kitchens participating include 410 Empanadas, Goganics, Crossroads Bistro, Kuya’s Kitchen, Shareef’s Grill, Miss Twist Ice Cream, and Dizzy Cow Pizzeria.

SHUT

Mustang Alley’s: Throughout its 12-year run, this hybrid bar-and-bowling alley has been home to many fun-filled nights spent sipping local beers while chowing down on classic bowling snacks. Unfortunately, next month will be the last for the staple destination near Little Italy. Co-owner Mary Koch recently told the Baltimore Business Journal that, while business is good, Mustang Alley’s came to the end of its lease term and was unable to negotiate a new one, so it will be closing in June. Here’s hoping new owners come in to revive the bowling alley, but, in the meantime, stop by to bowl one last game while enjoying pub grub like Old Bay wings, cheeseburger sliders, and cheesy pizzas. 1300 Bank St. 410-522-2695

OPEN

LB Skybar: With warmer temperatures (thankfully) on the horizon, it’s a great time to celebrate the return of this rooftop hangout on the 19th floor of the Lord Baltimore Hotel downtown. LB Skybar will officially reopen for the season on Friday, April 27, offering a new indoor lounge and an expanded food and drink lineup. Now boasting an additional 75 seats, the bar with panoramic views of the city skyline is introducing a fresh menu of sophisticated snacks including corn and crab fritters, Korean pork belly bites, Wagyu beef sliders with bacon jam, lettuce wraps, and a shareable hummus platter with pita and veggies. The beverage program will highlight craft beers, local spirits, and happy hour deals Wednesday through Friday from 4-7 p.m. 20 W. Baltimore St., 410-539-8400.

COMING SOON

GDL Italian by Giada: Celebrity chef Giada de Laurentiis is putting the final touches on her new restaurant inside Horseshoe Casino Baltimore, which will serve its first tables on Tuesday, May 22. The 180-seat trattoria will draw inspiration from the chef’s Roman roots, while also making use of ingredients from local purveyors like Roseda Farms and Stone Mill Bakery. GDL will offer meatballs, prime cuts of beef, seafood dishes like crab arancini, and even a large antipasto workstation where diners can see their charcuterie, cheeses, and pastas being prepared. “I always want the food front and center,” De Laurentiis told us on a recent tour. “The best way to draw people in is smell and sight—I want them to be able to smell it from the casino floor.” The second-floor space, which previously housed Mexican concept Johnny Sanchez, will feature delicate fabrics, red and yellow hues, interior greenery, and rose gold countertops when it debuts next month. 1525 Russell St. 

Looney’s Pub Perry Hall: Looney’s owner Bill Larney has already gained a loyal following with four locations of his fan-favorite sports bar scattered everywhere from Canton to College Park. And now, Larney is bringing a new iteration to Perry Hall. Set to open this fall, the spot will take over the former home of The Harp on Belair Road and offer live music, a raw bar, 100 television screens, and an updated menu of its signature pub grub. Stay tuned for updates. 8706 Bel Air Rd.

Union Craft Brewing Sets Grand Opening Date: Union Collective will be gradually unveiling vendors of its 138,000-square-foot makerspace (including The Charmery, Vent Coffee Roasters, and Huckle’s Hot Sauce) throughout the spring. But the actual brewery announced an official grand opening date for Saturday, July 28. To celebrate the debut—as well as Union’s sixth birthday—the brewery is throwing an all-out bash featuring its favorite releases, eats from the collective’s vendors, and live music by local legends J. Roddy Walston and The Business. Tickets are on sale now. 1700 W. 41st St. 

EPICUREAN EVENTS

4/29: April in Paris
Petit Louis Bistro’s annual springtime festival returns to Roland Park this weekend with plenty of French flair. Guests can look forward to outdoor grilling, classic pastries, live music, and staff fittingly uniformed in striped shirts and Parisian berets. Admission to the all-ages festival includes two drinks, and a buffet-style spread showcasing charcuterie, grilled meats, poached shrimp, grilled zucchini, and a selection of cookies and cakes. 4800 Roland Ave., 410-366-9393, 12-3 p.m., $29-49

4/29: Brew for the Feast: Brunch Edition
Grab a group and head to Union Craft Brewing for this doughnut-themed beer brunch featuring treats from Donut Stop Believin’, Sundays, Full Circle Artisan Palace, Vent Coffee Roasters, Woodberry Kitchen, Wit & Wisdom, The Brewer’s Art, and more. Of course, there will also be plenty of beer and beer-mosas to go around. To make the deal even sweeter, all proceeds will benefit Moveable Feast—which provides home-delivered meals to Marylanders living with HIV/AIDS, cancer, and other life-threatening illnesses. Union Craft Brewing, 1700 Union Ave., Ste. D., 11 a.m.- 3 p.m., $25-30. 

SHUT

Ó Flynn’s Crab & Cask House: On the heels of the closures of Ryan’s Daughter in Belvedere Square and The Life of Reilly in Butchers Hill, yet another one of Baltimore’s Irish pubs is shutting its doors. Owner Liam Flynn, formerly of Liam Flynn’s Ale House in Station North, took to Facebook last week to announce that he would be closing Ó Flynn’s Crab & Cask House in the Brooklyn area of South Baltimore. “Yes my loves, sadly it is true,” the post reads. “We will be closing at the end of the month.” Flynn recently told The Sun that the bar wasn’t generating enough revenue to sustain the building’s rent. To celebrate its run, Ó Flynn’s will be hosting a handful of closing week events including its final drag brunch on Sunday, April 29 from 1-4 p.m. 3432 S. Hanover St., 410-355-9040.