OPEN

C&R Pub: We thought we’d seen the last of this Southern saloon, which used to be a go-to for honky-tonk tunes, life-sized Jenga, and Thursday “flip-night” drink discounts before it closed in Federal Hill two years ago. But old regulars will be happy to hear that the country concept has officially been revived—this time in Towson. The new iteration of Cowboys & Rednecks sits on the first floor of the mixed-use Towson Commons development along York Road. Featuring dark woods, plenty of flat screens, and a huge bar with more than 20 seats, the pub offers a barbecue-inspired menu listing everything from light bites to larger entrees. Specialty plates include the Rattlesnake Burger with jalapeño bacon, “Mountain Mama” steak salad, and signature “See Ya Later Gator” bites served with a zesty dipping sauce. 1 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Towson

Poulet: A second location of this popular spot off of Falls Road celebrated its grand opening in Timonium this week. Situated just across from the Maryland State Fairgrounds, the new eatery will offer the restaurant’s cafeteria-style entrees, sides, and hand-dipped ice cream in a much larger space that can seat more than 200. It will also feature an elevated bar program with a collection of small-batch whiskeys, wine on tap, and local craft beer from the likes of RAR and Union Craft. In keeping with its name, Poulet highlights rotisserie chicken and other proteins like sliced turkey, pulled pork, and grilled salmon. There’s also a lengthy sandwich menu, DIY burrito bar, and featured sides like scalloped potatoes and grilled cauliflower. 2235 York Rd., Timonium. 410-842-2270

COMING SOON

Lee’s Pint & Shell: Since rebranding from its former concept, Saute, two years ago, Lee’s Pint & Shell has become a favorite for Canton locals to crack open discounted beers and slurp down 50-cent oysters during happy hour. Now, the corner spot is rapidly expanding throughout the state. In addition to their dockbar Lee’s Landing in Cecil County, owners Bud Craven and David Carey are also planning to open a sister-spot in Sparrows Point this year. And, earlier this week, they announced that they recently settled on a fourth location on the Susquehanna River in Perryville. The old Perryville Yacht Club—which sits on four acres and has 80 boat slips—will soon be transformed into a Lee’s spinoff, with plenty of oysters, Orange Crushes, and seafood specialties to go around. 31 River Rd., Perryville.

The Urban Oyster: Chef Jasmine Norton’s beloved oyster bar will host one final pop-up at R. House next month before moving into a brick-and-mortar space of its own in 2019. The Urban Oyster plans to set up shop inside the former home of Ruby 8 Noodles & Sushi at McHenry Row in Locust Point early next year. Norton recently told The Baltimore Sun that the new eatery will provide kitchen space for her to prepare for farmers’ markets and festivals, while also acting as a permanent outpost for diners to find her oyster-inspired eats any time. Menu favorites include chargrilled oysters with parmesan and lemon-garlic butter, fried oyster tacos, a classic crab cake sandwich, and, of course, raw oysters on the half shell. 1702 Whetstone Way

NEWS

John Brown Butchery Adds Antique Shop: As the temperatures continue to drop and the holiday season approaches, it’s the perfect time to pay a visit to this hybrid-butchery, cafe, general store, and coffee shop in Cockeysville. Not only is the destination offering a wide selection Thanksgiving turkeys and holiday meats this season, but it has also added a new antiques shop, Hedgerow, for shoppers looking for unique gifts and decorations. Stop by the butchery to chow down on a cold cut sandwich or meatball sub before browsing the one-of-a-kind artwork, china, and table centerpieces at the new antique store. 13501 Falls Rd., Cockeysville. 410-891-8549

Hotel Monaco Wins Northstar Meetings Group Award: Congratulations are in order for downtown’s Kimpton Hotel Monaco, which recently received the 2018 Stella Award for Best Boutique Property in the Northeast region. Northstar Meetings Group presented the award to honor the hotel’s excellence in the meetings industry—considering its food and beverage program, staff professionalism, technological amenities, and more. The hotel, which houses celebrated bar and restaurant B&O American Brasserie, was one of 532 global properties nominated in 18 categories. 2 N. Charles St. 443-692-6170

EPICUREAN EVENTS

11/17: Oyfest 5
The teams behind Union Craft Brewing, The Local Oyster, and True Chesapeake Oyster Company are coming together to host this fifth-annual festival at Union Collective this weekend. Grab a crew and enjoy endless shucks, draft beers, pizza from Well Crafted, and live tunes by the Ursula Ricks Project. If you’re really feeling festive, throw your hat in the ring during the annual oyster-eating contest. The $50 entrance fee, and a portion of all other proceeds, will be donated directly to the Friends of the Jones Falls Valley to keep our urban waterway clean and beautiful. 1700 W. 41st St. 12-5 p.m. $15-50

11/18: Put a Scoop on It Pancake Pop-Up with Big Softy
Detroit native Craig Falk, owner and executive chef of The Lunchbox Lady, is celebrating his love for pancakes this weekend by hosting an afternoon event with The Charmery owners David and Laura Alima at their shop in Towson. Falk’s Big Softy pop-up will be dishing out plain and malty chip pancakes topped with either blueberry or apple fruit topping. Each treat will be finished off with a scoop of any Charmery flavor, drizzle of Michigan maple syrup, and sprinkle of powdered sugar. 6807 York Rd., Towson. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 443-275-2859

SHUT

Ludlow Market: It was a short-lived run for this concept that took over the former Wine Market Bistro space in Locust Point last summer. In June, longtime owner Chris Spann reopened the 14-year-old restaurant as Ludlow Market, featuring a new menu by chef Christopher Audia, updated interior, and enhanced outdoor patio. But, sadly, the changes weren’t enough to keep the restaurant afloat. “I think ultimately we didn’t allocate enough marketing dollars to give the concept a chance to take hold with people,” Spann says. “That’s where we came up short. But I find a lot of solace in the interactions I had with guests who were so enthusiastic, and often giddy about some of the signature dishes we had put on the menu.” While the restaurant has closed for good, its adjoining bottle shop will be offering discounts on its remaining stock throughout the weekend. 921 E. Fort Ave.

When The Wine Market Bistro opened in 2004, the chic warehouse space, which serves modern American fare inside the historic Foundry on Fort complex, was a novelty. The concept: Buy a bottle of Bordeaux at the attached wine shop boasting 800 bottles and get 15 percent off your purchase if you dine next door. At the time, the gimmick was cute, even catchy.

For many years, The Wine Market was a great gathering spot and one of the hottest reservations in town. But all good things must come to an end, and, by March 2018, after more than 13 years of business, the fickle crowds had moved on. But rather than call it quits, several months later, Wine Market restaurateur Christopher Spann reopened the space with a new name—Ludlow Market, Bar & Bottle Shop—as well as a new look and a new chef in the form of Christopher Audia, formerly of Tail Up Goat in Washington, D.C. Thankfully, there’s still a wine shop next door with the same discount offer.

I was a fan of the original restaurant, so I was eager to return, though, upon entering the space, with the exception of small tweaks—added splashes of color with red aluminum chairs and a colorful glass wall—I couldn’t discern the difference between the new and old spot.

My visit to Ludlow Market was perfectly pleasant, but the fact that our party of four was dining in a nearly empty restaurant didn’t feel good. And here’s my dining diagnosis: Sadly, a small neighborhood restaurant with an eclectic New American menu (shareable plates, classic sandwiches, more substantial mains) doesn’t necessarily spell success anymore now that so many new spots have sprung up in the city.

Food-wise, there’s a lot to like here—a dish boasting multicolored heirloom roasted carrots and cipollini offered a rush of pleasure with its sweet-and-sour notes. A painterly plate of plump, pan-seared scallops with watercress remoulade was good enough to get again and again. A Sukiyaki beef sub with mirin-marinated beef, Gochujang mayo, and stir-fry veggies was a fun cheesesteak riff for this Philly girl. Along with the hits, though, there were misses. A seafood risotto special with curry had us hunting for the advertised shrimp and sea bass, and a pan-seared salmon with blue crab butter and Calabrian chili served over wax beans tasted a bit like an institutional diet platter.

In the service realm we had no complaints. Our server was attentive and made great suggestions throughout the night, bringing extra rounds of baguette for our cheese plate and pacing out our courses in a way that made sense and never felt rushed.

Baltimore’s dining scene is at a crossroads these days, and this city of neighborhoods needs to make room for smaller spots. But which ones not only survive, but thrive, depends on the will and whims of the people. We suspect that if old Wine Market fans give this place a chance, they’ll find much to enjoy.

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Ludlow Market, Bar & Bottle Shop 921 E. Fort Ave., 410-244-6166.
HOURS Tues.-Thurs. 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; 5-10 p.m.; Fri. 11:30-3 p.m., 5-11 p.m.; Sat. 5-11 p.m. PRICES Starters, small plates: $6-17; entrees: $18-48. AMBIANCE Minimalist warehouse.

OPEN

Urban Plates: After a successful debut at Tysons Corner earlier this summer, California chain Urban Plates is opening its second East Coast location at the Mall in Columbia on Monday, August 27. The restaurant’s rustic-meets-modern vibe features interior greenery, hanging lights, and dark woods throughout. And although the eatery focuses on cafeteria-style service, don’t expect the same options that were served at your college dining hall. Chefs stand behind the counter to prepare scratch-made meals ranging from a Nicoise salad with grilled ahi to a plate of barbecue ribs in a habanero-mango sauce. Diners can mix-and-match entrees with sides (think roasted Old Bay potatoes and beet salad with walnuts) and desserts including chocolate pudding and a mango tart. 10300 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, 443-741-8787.

Baltimore Built Bistro: For many local barflies, there’s still a wave of nostalgia that hits when walking past the old Bad Decisions space on Fleet Street in Fells Point. But now, a new dining concept is breathing life into the vacant space. Baltimore Built Bistro (B3) will officially cut the ribbon on Friday, August 24 at 3 p.m. Featuring a menu of specialty cocktails, soups, sandwiches, appetizers, and other lite fare, the bistro will be open for lunch and dinner on weekdays and serve brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Stop by during opening weekend to sample dishes such as a poached pear salad, grilled chicken sandwich with cranberry pesto, or house burger topped with raw onion on a toasted bun. 1928 Fleet St. 443-438-9564

Charles Village Pub: The wait is finally over, Charles Village. Since the community’s beloved watering hole suffered a grease fire and was forced to shut down back in May, locals have been waiting (some more patiently than others) to return for burgers, wings, discounted drinks, and some quality time with friends and neighbors. And now, the reopening has officially been set for Thursday, August 23. Belly up to the bar this weekend to toast CVP’s return and long future ahead. 3107 St. Paul St. 410-243-1611

COMING SOON

Atlas Restaurant Group Expands to Washington, D.C.: The homegrown restaurant group that birthed Harbor East hotspots Ouzo Bay, Azumi, Loch Bar, Tagliata, The Elk Room, and Italian Disco is expanding its footprint even further in 2019. Aside from opening additional spinoffs in Boca Raton, Florida and Houston, Texas later this year, Atlas recently announced plans to debut two new restaurants at the Moxy Hotel in downtown Washington, D.C. Slated to open in spring 2019, the first of the to-be-determined concepts will take over two floors of the historic Victorian building adjacent to the hotel, which dates back to 1875. The second will be a rooftop restaurant on the top floor of the Moxy. 1011 K. St NW, Washington, D.C.

Avenue Kitchen Launching Late-Night Taco Spot: Riding on the success of Garden Party, the freestanding wine-and-charcuterie shop stationed at the center of the Rotunda shopping center in Hampden, the owners of Avenue Kitchen & Bar are opening yet another kiosk on the property—this time focusing on tacos. Partners Patrick Dahlgren and Bill Irvin have taken to Facebook to poll patrons on the name of the late-night taco spot, which will either be called The Red Eye (a nod to the late flight from the West to the East Coast) or LIT, which stands for “little interesting tacos.” Night owls will be happy to hear that the shop, expected to open in late September, plans to serve its tacos, burritos, and other Mexican staples from lunchtime until 3 a.m. 711 W. 40th St.

Himalayan Yak: The Canton dining scene will soon welcome this Nepalese spot from Mohan Thapa, the owner of Masala Kitchen in Charles Village and Kumari Restaurant and Bar in Mt. Vernon. Taking over the former home of Cask & Grain—which shuttered its doors back in June—on O’Donnell Square, the spot will highlight authentic Nepalese and Indian dishes such as paneer chili, chicken vindaloo, lamb kabobs, and vegetable samosas. Himalayan Yak will open with dine-in and carry-out service, and plans to start delivery in the area in the coming weeks. 2823 O’Donnell St. 410-522-7678

Streets Market & Cafe: Earlier this week, Streets Market & Cafe—the independent grocery chain that has a store downtown on North Charles Street—announced plans to open a second Baltimore location at Yard 56, the forthcoming office-and-retail development in Greektown. Expected to open next year, the 23,000-square-foot market will offer its fresh produce, meat, seafood, baked goods, and organic household products to the Southeast Baltimore community. “Streets Markets adds an important shopping element to this development,” said David Bramble of property manager MCB Real Estate, in a press release. “Our intent is to create a project that becomes a regular part of the lives and routines of the local community.” 5601 Eastern Avenue.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

8/23: Scalawags Pit Meat Pop-Up at Gnocco
Scalawags Pit Meat, the smokin’ side project spearheaded by Gnocco general manager Sam White, is hosting a pop-up at the Highlandtown hangout tonight from 6-9 p.m. White will be mixing up whiskey cocktails—made with spirits from Republic Restoratives Distillery in Washington, D.C.—with guest bartender Alex Higdon. Aside from taking advantage of the all-night happy hour deals, be sure to sample all of the mouthwatering beef, turkey, and ribs that Scalawags pit master Kevin James will be serving up from his beloved barrel smoker. 3734 Fleet St. 6 p.m. Free. 443-449-6540.

8/30: Summer in Provence Dinner
If you haven’t had the chance to check out Ludlow Market, the new concept in the former Wine Market Bistro space in Locust Point, Chef Christopher Audia is flexing his skills with a special wine pairings dinner highlighting the Provence region of France. The three-course menu features dishes such as roasted tomato soup, mussels, and rockfish in a saffron broth; braised short rib in a red wine jus; and cream-stuffed brioche in orange blossom water. 921 E. Fort Ave. 6:30 p.m. $69. 410-244-6166

OPEN:

The Local Fry: We’ve been patiently waiting to move this spot up to the “open” list for a while now. After months of anticipation, husband-and-wife owners Kevin and Elizabeth Irish are unveiling the second iteration of their Federal Hill fry shop at The Rotunda in Hampden this Friday, June 15. To celebrate the grand opening falling on a “fry-day,” all fry orders will be $5 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Enjoy crispy potatoes loaded with toppings like Korean barbecue cheesesteak, Buffalo chicken, chicken bacon ranch, and the classic taco beef and special sauce combo. Plus, get your fix of wings and banh-mi sandwiches while hanging out in the brand new space. 711 W. 40th St., Ste. 152, 667-210-2633

The Hoof Cafe: This weekend, Locust Point locals will be able to stop in to this new java joint for their morning coffee. The shop will officially debut in soft-opening mode this Saturday, June 16 at 6:30 a.m., serving pastries, bagels, oatmeal, and other cafe fare. A partnership between neighborhood residents Rebecca Friedman and Jason Schiavone, the community hub will showcase array of teas, as well as coffee and espresso drinks made from local Pfefferkorn’s Coffee blends. 1648 E. Fort Ave. 443-961-1039

Jazz + Soju: In other Locust Point news, this new Korean-fusion restaurant inside the Anthem House apartment complex is now officially open for lunch and dinner service. After a few weeks of operating limited hours, owner Michelle Min has cut the ribbon at the artsy space—which features dark woods, funky light fixtures, and walls lined with vintage records. As its name implies, the music-themed spot combines live jazz music with soju, a Korean iteration of vodka. The food menu offers classic twice-fried chicken, as well as kimchi fries, bulgogi burger sliders, and pork dumplings. 900 E. Fort Ave., 410-244-8600

Ludlow Market: This reimagined concept in the former home of Wine Market Bistro in Locust Point is open for business. The spot now has a more casual feel with an updated interior and outdoor patio, as well as an expanded menu from executive chef Christopher Audia. Dishes to look out for include black-eyed pea fritters with smoked mayo, ricotta and pea pesto crostini, lamb ribs with hazelnut harissa, and a vegetarian chickpea panisse with roasted beets. 921 E. Fort Ave., 410-244-6166

Palio: On the heels of Stanford Kitchen opening in Owings Mills, the area is welcoming yet another dining destination, as this Tuscan-inspired restaurant opened in Foundry Row earlier this week. The spacious dining room and outdoor patio is open for lunch and dinner service, highlighting traditional antipasti, wood-fired pizzas, an array of pastas, and heartier meat dishes. Menu standouts include shrimp scampi with sundried tomatoes, lemon-butter salmon with salsa verde, and a classic chicken marsala. 10090 Reisterstown Rd., Owings Mills, 888-456-3463

Union Craft Brewing: Get excited, beer lovers. The wait is finally over for the debut of Union Craft Brewing’s new taproom at Union Collective. Stop by this weekend to grab a pint, check out the new space, and hang out on the outdoor patio—which features picnic tables and a colorful wall mural by local artists Jessie Unterhalter and Katey Truhn. 1700 W. 41st St.

COMING SOON

Duck Duck Goose: Local chef Ashish Alfred has finally set a grand opening date for the second location of his French brasserie concept, whose flagship is in Bethesda. Set in the former home of 8 Ball Bar & Grill on Broadway in Fells Point, Duck Duck Goose will debut on Friday, June 22 serving Alfred’s unique takes on French fare including ratatouille, bronzino, and honey-roasted duck. The renovated space now boasts an open concept with plenty of tables, wall art, and an exhibition kitchen so that diners can see they’re food being prepared. 814 S. Broadway, 443-869-2129

NEWS

Whole Foods Delivery via Amazon Prime: As of this week, local Amazon Prime users can get Whole Foods Market products delivered to their doorstep in two hours or less. After acquiring the organic food chain one year ago, Amazon has launched delivery of its natural products through Prime Now in cities across the country. This week, the service expanded to Boston, Philadelphia, Richmond, and Baltimore, making it easy for locals to get produce, snacks, bakery items, meat, and seafood brought to them in a time crunch.

Magdalena Launches Brunch: Diners looking to switch up their usual brunch routine will be happy to hear that Magdalena, chef Mark Levy’s swanky spot inside Mt. Vernon’s Ivy Hotel, debuted brunch service earlier this month. Every Sunday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., the restaurant will offer a $39 prix-fixe menu featuring dishes like a country ham eggs benedict, glazed Maryland crab omelet with piquillo peppers, and shrimp and grits with tomato stew. 205 E. Biddle St. 410-514-0303. $39

EPICUREAN EVENTS

6/16: Libations and Creations Makers Market at Monument City
Now back for the second time, this pop-up market at Monument City Brewing in Highlandtown will feature the works of more than 30 artisans. Spend your Saturday sipping Monument City brews while perusing everything from florals and candles to local WOOT Granola and gourmet baked goods and libations from Sweet Tea and Cornbread. The market’s raffle ticket proceeds will benefit Itineris—a local organization committed to providing opportunities for adults living with Autism Spectrum Disorder. 1 North Haven St. 12-5 p.m. 443-529-8131.

TO 6/17: Big Softy Pop-Up at R. House
There’s still time to get your hands on a savory soft-shell sandwich from this weeklong pop-up at R. House in Remington. The Lunchbox Lady’s Craig Falk will be slinging his signature soft shells throughout the weekend, along with rotating specials like crab and cucumber salad, homemade pastas, and brunch bites. R. House, 301 W. 29th St. 9:30 a.m.- 9 p.m.

NEWS

Baltimore Whiskey Company Brings Home The Gold: It’s been an exciting week for the Baltimore Whiskey Company (BWC). The Remington distillery’s new Epoch Rye Whiskey—the first of its kind to be distilled in Baltimore in more than 50 years—has been awarded a double gold medal by the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The coveted double gold distinction indicates that the spirit was given a unanimous gold rating by all judges. “Epoch Rye is the light at the end of a five-year tunnel for us, and we couldn’t be happier with our product,” BWC co-owner Max Lents said in a statement. “It’s amazing to see some of the most accomplished spirit tasters list it among the best Rye Whiskeys in the world.” The distillery was also recently awarded multiple gold medals from the New York International Spirits Competition. Aside from being named Maryland Distillery of the Year, BWC took home gold medals for its Shot Tower gin and coffee-flavored amaro from its Baltamaro line. The accolades come as BWC prepares to unveil its brand new facility and ramp up production at Union Collective this summer.

Heavy Seas Expanding its Taproom: Changes are on the horizon at Heavy Seas’ 23-year-old facility in Halethorpe. Next summer, the brewery will unveil a renovated taproom and new 15-barrel brewhouse that will allow the team to get creative with a limited-edition series unique to the taproom. Local designers have already begun planning their vision for the taproom, which will be seven times larger than the current space and feature reclaimed wood tables and a private event room. The facility will remain open throughout renovations. 4615 Hollins Ferry Road, 410-247-7822

Smoke Temporarily Closing at Cross Street Market: This weekend will be the last for diners to snack on brisket and pulled pork sandwiches at Smoke’s Federal Hill pop-up. After six months, the Cockeysville ’cue joint is closing up shop while construction continues inside Cross Street Market. But a post to Instagram indicates that the spot has every intention of coming back: “We can’t wait to return to the new market,” the post reads. “This thing is going to be sick!” The first phase of renovations on the Light Street side of the market are slated to debut this fall. In the meantime, diners can feast on Smoke’s fingerlickin’ fare at its flagship location in Cockeysville. 1065 S. Charles St.

Local Brunch Spots Awarded by OpenTable: Four Charm City restaurants were recently named among the 100 best brunch spots in the country by OpenTable. This year’s list gave nods to The Food Market in Hampden, Gertrude’s at the BMA in Charles Village, Rusty Scupper in the Inner Harbor, and Woodberry Kitchen in Clipper Mill. The list was narrowed down from more than 45,000 OpenTable reviews of brunch destinations throughout the country.

COMING SOON

Ludlow Market, Bar & Bottle Shop: Owner Christopher Spann is breathing new life into his restaurant and adjoining wine shop in the historic Foundry Building in Locust Point. The space was the longtime home of Spann’s Wine Market Bistro, which he closed in March due to lack of business. “The bistro side wasn’t hitting the necessary numbers,” he told us. Now, he is planning to launch a reimagined concept next month. Ludlow Market will offer an “upscale neighborhood” menu of shareables, sandwiches, and entrees sourced by local purveyors. Heading up the kitchen will be chef Christopher Audia, a Baltimore native whose resume includes stints at Tail Up Goat in Washington, D.C. and No. 9 Park in Boston. The Bottle Shop, which remains open throughout the turnover, will upgrade its offerings to focus more on beer and wine, as well as cured meats, cheeses, and other takeaway items. 921 E. Fort Ave. 410-244-6166

Italian Disco: A grand opening date has been set for this new ’80s-inspired pizza joint from Atlas Restaurant Group—which also owns Ouzo Bay, Azumi, Loch Bar, Bygone, and Tagliata in the area. Italian Disco will debut on Monday, May 18, featuring an elevated DJ booth and Wurlitzer jukebox. The menu will highlight wood-fired pies, sandwiches, and entrees paired with 50 craft beers on tap. 1006 Fleet St.

Papi’s Tacos: Come fall, Hampden locals won’t have to leave the neighborhood to chow down on Papi’s signature build-your-own street tacos. The Fells Point taqueria recently announced plans to open a second location in the former home of Dimitri’s Tavern on Falls Road. The spot will mimic the vibe of its flagship, with interior touches like exposed brick, strung lights, greenery, and plenty of sugar skulls. 3820 Falls Road.

OPEN

Urban Deli: This Federal Hill outpost quickly became a go-to for deli sandwiches and hangover breakfasts when it opened on Light Street in the spring of 2016. And it recently reopened in larger digs a few blocks north. Taking over the former home of Wok & Roll at 1025 Light Street, the new cafe features its signature coffee counter, bar seating, and pops of bright yellow throughout. The menu consists of deli sandwiches, wraps, paninis, salads, soups, and local Towson Hot Bagels. 1025 Light St., 443-708-0495.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

5/10: Creative Alliance Date Nights at Verde
Thursday evenings throughout May, Verde will be offering a special pairings dinner that includes a $20 discount on tickets to Thursday-evening shows at the Creative Alliance in Highlandtown. Head to the restaurant to enjoy a three-course prix fixe menu with options including roasted beet salad, burrata caprese, classic margherita and pistachio pesto pizzas, tiramisu, and imported hazelnut gelato. Mark your calendar for performances like Tuareg musician Mdou Moctor on May 10, musical comedian Dina Martina on May 24, and percussive dance quartet Duo Duo on May 31. 641 S. Montford Ave., 410-522-1000

5/17: Dinner for the Mamas of Baltimore: Flowers While I’m Here
Mother’s Day continues into next week at Ida B’s Table, where five female leaders will gather to host this intimate dinner and conversation. Enjoy a three-course menu from chef Dave Thomas while listening in on a discussion between MacArthur fellow Joyce J. Scott, actress Maria Broom, and performance artists Kibibi Ajanku, Rashida Forman-Bey, and Kay Lawal Muhammad. All five women are featured in the restaurant’s most recent art exhibition, SEEN, A Mother’s Intention, which will be on display from May 2-31. Ida B’s Table, 235 Holliday St., 6-8 p.m., $50.

SHUT

The BBQ: It was a short-but-sweet run for this Greenmount Avenue spot, which quickly became a destination for mouthwatering barbecue and sides when it opened last summer. Among the many foodies taking to social media to mourn the loss are the owners of Dovecote Cafe in Reservoir Hill. “Fam, running a small, black-owned business is extremely hard,” they posted to Facebook. “Please support our businesses, not just when it’s trending or ‘Small Business Week.’ We’re heartbroken.” The BBQ was recently named among Eater’s 12 hottest new restaurants in Baltimore. 2602 Greenmount Ave.

Rachel New American Cuisine: Speaking of short-lived spots, this Riverside restaurant has shuttered its doors after only 16 months. Regretfully, we are no longer open for service,” management posted to Facebook earlier this week. “The staff and ownership of Rachel are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported our endeavor. Thank you to each of our guests and the entire Fed Hill community for allowing us to serve you.” Rachel, which was a hangout for charcuterie and cocktails, brunch, and dinner service—is the latest in a string of restaurant closures occurring throughout the area. There’s no word yet on what will become of the building. 554 E. Fort Ave.