OPEN

Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls: This Annapolis staple changed the game when it brought its signature lobster rolls to Belvedere Square in 2017. The Northern expansion was so well received, that Mason’s has now debuted a second Baltimore outpost in the Inner Harbor. Founder Dan Beck, a veteran seafood buyer who spent more than 20 years getting to know New England lobstermen, packs Mason’s buttery buns with hearty chunks of meat hauled from the waterways of Maine. The new Harborplace eatery features rolls served both classic (warm with melted butter) or salad (chilled meat with mayo, celery, and lemon) style, along with lobster mac and cheese and classic clam chowder. Mason’s adds a much-needed dining option to the Inner Harbor area, which lost Five Guys, M&S Grill, Noodles & Co., and Brio Tuscan Grill all within the past year. 201 E. Pratt St. 443-453-9664

NEWS

Bmore Licks: As temperatures creep up into the 60s this week, we couldn’t have asked for a better time for this Patterson Park sweets shop to reopen for the season. Bmore Licks took its annual winter hiatus after the holidays to test new recipes and spruce up the interior. Now, it’s back just in time for spring with plenty of soft-serve, snowballs, donuts, dessert nachos, and ice cream scoops to go around. Among the new featured flavors to look out for is the St. Patrick’s Day-inspired “Magically Delicious,” made with a sweet cream base and lots of colorful Lucky Charms marshmallows. 2437 Eastern Ave. 410-732-5425

NextAct Cinema at The Pikes: Pikesville locals were ecstatic when the landmark Pikes Theatre, one of the oldest in the area with roots dating back to 1938, reopened in full force earlier this month. Now operating as NextAct Cinema, the renovated facility boasts two intimate screening rooms, stadium seating, accompanying plush blankets, a full lobby bar, and updated concession areas with digital menu screens. Perhaps the greatest perk: guests who arrive 30 minutes prior to showtime can order wine, beer, popcorn, candy, or a full meal from the adjacent Pikes Cinema Bar and Grill to have delivered straight to their seats. The menu at includes quick-turnaround bites such as sliders, personal pizzas, quesadillas, soups, salads, and chicken tenders. The first wave of showings includes Captain Marvel, Us, and How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World. 921 Reisterstown Rd. 443-548-3783

COMING SOON

Char’d City: As its name implies, wood-fired fare will steal the spotlight at this new Hamilton restaurant. Expected to open in the former home of Clementine on Harford Road this spring, the neighborhood spot from owners Sindee Gibson and Yassine Rhamdhnia will offer house-made pizzas alongside other gluten-free, paleo, vegetarian, and vegan selections. Specifically, the menu will fuse Southern Italian flavors with North African recipes inspired by Rhamdhinia’s roots in Tunisia. A grand opening could be on the horizon as soon as next month. 5402 Harford Rd. 443-760-1501

Pizza Palace: Speaking of pizza, this new spot is slated to open any day now in Federal Hill. The Light Street space will stay open until 2 a.m. on weekends, so we can only expect that it will soon become a favorite of Federal Hill revelers in need of fuel after last call. In addition to hot subs and regular red sauce pies, the menu also lists specialty options like a Philly cheesesteak pizza and a Greek version with tzatziki sauce. 1538 Light St. 410-244-0444

Das Bier Haus: Pizza Palace takes over the former home of Fornicolli’s, an Italian concept that was briefly run by the owners of Das Bier Haus next door. Soon after they closed the pizza shop, management also shuttered the German beer hall while working to resolve structural issues that have plagued the building throughout the years. “A lot of the problems that made the previous businesses in this location fail have come back to haunt the place,” reads a January post to Das Bier Haus’ Facebook page. “It has taken away from our core values as a business of customer service, inventory, and overall consistency.” Here’s hoping Das Bier Haus reopens soon after its new neighbor Pizza Palace joins the scene. 1542 Light St.

CHEF CH-CH CHANGES

Hotel Revival: As Mt. Vernon’s newest hotel approaches its first anniversary in April, the food and beverage team is welcoming some new faces. Chef Scott Hines, formerly of B&O American Brasserie inside the Hotel Monaco, has been brought on as the new executive chef. Simultaneously, Revival has appointed new food and beverage director Lindsay Chapon—a Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts grad who has racked up a decade’s worth of experience at hotels throughout the country. Together, the two will spearhead seasonal menus for the restaurant’s all-day cafe Square Meal, rooftop bar Topside, and private karaoke rooms. 101 W. Monument St. 410-727-7101

Noona’s: This Bolton Hill newbie recently debuted its spring menu highlighting house-made pizzas, abruzzo meatballs, pork belly rillette, and ricotta gnocchi. Not only does the new menu mark Noona’s first seasonal rotation since opening, but it’s also the first to premiere under the helm of new chef Cai Lindeman. The chef is an alum of Michelin-rated The Dabney in Washington, D.C., and also known as the brains behind the Burnt Coat pop-up—which served its locally sourced dishes at spots like R. House and the former New America Diner. The farm-to-table ethos will be translated into the menu at Noona’s, which makes use of baby radishes from Karma Farm in Monkton, local Keepwell vinegars, free-range pork belly from Liberty Delight Farms in Reisterstown, and Lindeman’s own foraged spicebush berries. 410-424-0857

Sagamore Pendry Baltimore: Chef Andrew Carmellini’s NoHo Hospitality Group has brought new blood into the kitchens of this luxe hotel in Fells Point. Now overseeing the property’s Italian-influenced Rec Pier Chop House and whiskey bar The Cannon Room is chef Robert McGrattan. His resume includes 14 years of experience behind the line at acclaimed properties such as Nashville’s Hutton Hotel and The Westin Charlotte in North Carolina. He brings culinary knowledge and skills that have also awarded him the opportunity to cook alongside all-stars Edward Lee, Josiah Citrin, and Ken Frank at multiple James Beard House dinners. 1715 Thames St. 443-552-1400

EPICUREAN EVENTS

3/21: Fogo and Friends
Everyman Theatre is teaming up with Fogo de Chão in the Inner Harbor to host this special dinner-and-a-show event inspired by its current production Dinner With Friends. In addition to parking and round-trip transportation to the restaurant, guests will enjoy one free drink, endless prime cuts of meat, Fogo’s bottomless salad bar, coffee, and dessert before heading back to the theater to see the play. A portion of all proceeds will benefit Everyman’s future productions. 315 W. Fayette St. $95.50. 410-752-2208

3/26: Cosima Turns Three
To celebrate its third anniversary, Cosima at Mill No. 1 in Hampden is hosting a special three-course dinner with three options for each section. Chef Donna Crivello will pay homage to the restaurant’s run with Sicilian specialties, as well as dishes that have been customer favorites since it opened. Offerings to look out for will include baked ricotta gnocchi, grilled swordfish, stuffed eggplant with red peppers and marinara, and the classic Sicilian doughnuts rolled in cinnamon sugar. 3000 Falls Rd. $66. 443-708-7352

There are so many things to love about the annual Baltimore Seafood Festival at Canton Waterfront Park. The end-of-summer tradition, which returns on Saturday, September 15 from 12-7 p.m., offers a blend of live music (this year’s headliners include local favorites The Scotch Bonnets and Honey Extractor), cooking demonstrations, crafters, and family-fun activities against the backdrop of the sparkling harbor. But, at the heart of the five-year-old fête is its wide array of seafood specialties.

With more than 35 area restaurants and food trucks participating this year, the event will have plenty of diverse dishes paying homage to the bounty of the Chesapeake Bay. Among the purveyors returning is The London Chippy—a can’t-miss food truck (just look out for the massive Union Jack logo) that specializes in authentic fish and chips. Owner Anthony Robinson, who was born and raised in London, says that he was pleasantly surprised by the adventurous palates at the Seafood Fest last year.

“Typically, we get a lot of customers who stick with fried catfish or trout, but at the festival last year people were like, ‘No we want the cod and the traditional fish and chips,’” Robinson remembers. “It was a great feeling knowing that people really understood who we are and what we do.”

Despite potential cloudy skies, Robinson is looking forward to serving up his authentic delicacies to festival-goers rain or shine: “Fish and chips in the rain is very London,” he says with a laugh. “We welcome every single drop.”

Whether you prefer fish, crab, oysters, shrimp, lobster or a sampling of them all, here are a few highlights on the menu this weekend.

CRAB

Flash Crabcake Co.: This mobile crab company prides itself on peddling its signature six-oz. cakes at an affordable price ($10 with saltines and $11 as a sandwich on a potato roll). Flash will also be selling its classic cream of crab soup—an ideal snack to warm your soul in the potentially soggy weather.

Jimmy’s Famous Seafood: No Bawlmer seafood event is complete without hard-shell crabs. This Dundalk favorite—which has been particularly vocal about its love of crabs in response to the controversial PETA billboards that recently sprouted up in the city—will be slinging half-dozen orders of premium males while supplies last. Jimmy’s will also feature steamed shrimp and crabby fries for attendees who are down to get their hands dirty.

FISH

The London Chippy: The regional food truck, which makes stops everywhere from Northern Virginia to North Baltimore, will be frying up its signature cod and haddock and serving it alongside crispy “chips” and creamy coleslaw. Specials for the day will include mini lobster rolls, crab fries, and hush puppies.

RA Sushi: Harbor East diners are probably familiar with the colorful rolls at this dimly lit sushi spot. Catch RA at the festival to sample the Rainbow Roll (a classic California roll topped with tuna, yellowtail, shrimp, and salmon) and the Tootsy Maki, which mixes crab, shrimp, cucumber, and crunchy tempura bits and tops it in a sweet eel sauce.

OYSTERS

The Local Oyster: Head to the red, white, and black tent to slurp oysters from this fan-favorite seafood spot headquartered at Mount Vernon Marketplace. The Local Oyster will be shucking Skinny Dippers on the half shell from partner True Chesapeake Oyster Co. farmed in Southern Maryland.

The Urban Oyster: Swing by this local pop-up to visit chef Jasmine Norton, who will be hawking her oysters prepared three ways. Sample them raw, chargrilled, or fried and tucked into a taco with cilantro and lime.

SHRIMP

Nick’s Fish House: At this Port Covington staple, regulars typically start their meals off with an order of the chef’s famous “Boom Boom Shrimp”—crispy fried shrimp in a spicy Sriracha aioli. Try it at the festival alongside Nick’s crab balls and soft shell crab bites.

Southern Provisions: This Canton Square bar will be showcasing its Lowcountry influences with a warm shrimp gumbo over rice. Get your barbecue fix by pairing the gumbo with SoPro’s one-bite pulled pork sliders.

LOBSTER:

Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls: Chow down on mounds of Maine meat from this Annapolis favorite, which is widening its Baltimore footprint with a new stall in Belvedere Square and a yet-to-open Inner Harbor location. The brand will feature its classic rolls (chilled lobster salad with mayo and lemon), warm Connecticut-style rolls with butter, New England clam chowder, and signature “lobstah” bisque.

SNACKS

Alexander’s Tavern: Crab tots are an essential part of the Seafood Fest experience, and Alexander’s has some of the best in town. Dig in to the orders of crispy tots smothered in cheesy crab dip, or go handheld with a classic crab pretzel from the Fells Point pub.

Dessert Fantasies: If you happen to save room for dessert, local baker Tosha Williams will have plenty of cupcakes to satisfy sweet tooth cravings. Her Locust Point bakeshop highlights flavors ranging from to classic strawberry shortcake to chocolate fudge cakes topped with Berger cookie bits.

OPEN

Upstairs at The Elephant: We were thrilled when husband-and-wife owners Steven and Linda Rivelis decided to restore this Mt. Vernon mansion back to its former glory last year. This week, the owners are adding to the allure of the famed restaurant by rebranding its second floor as Upstairs at the Elephant. Head up the staircase (past the dangling crystal and intricate teak archways) to snag a seat in the billiard room, one of two cozy upstairs lounges, or at the restaurant’s 32-inch white Italian-marble bar. There’s also a new menu with signature cocktails like the “Metamorphosis” (rum, butterfly pea tea, and lime juice), “Lady Day” (gin, tequila, orange curacao, and honey thyme syrup), and the “Secret Knock,” combining bourbon, amaro, almond syrup, and spiced cherry. Among the featured bites are street foods like shrimp dumplings, seafood ceviche, and gnocchi spoons with tomato and basil. 924 N. Charles St., 443-447-7878

Holy Frijoles: Foodies rejoiced as Taco Tuesdays rightfully resumed at this Hampden hotspot earlier this week. One year after an undisclosed electrical fire broke out in the building, owner Geoffrey Danek has officially reopened the cantina—serving its signature tacos, quesadillas, chimichangas, and other Tex-Mex fare out of a brand new kitchen. Although the space suffered severe smoke and water damage in the wake of the blaze, Danek was able to salvage some of its former artwork and reuse it in the space. Aside from the familiar decorations, regulars will also recognize a collection of the spot’s signature pinball machines. 908 W. 36th St., 410-235-2326

Iron Rooster McHenry Row: The newest location of this breakfast-all-day chain served its inaugural brunch last weekend. The Annapolis-based restaurant, which also operates locations in Canton and Hunt Valley, has officially launched its latest eatery at McHenry Row in Locust Point. The restaurant highlights the brand’s signature comfort foods (think burgers, benedicts, and chicken and waffles) and boasts its own pastry station where guests can see their biscuits and pop-tarts being made. The spot takes over the former homes of The Greene Turtle and Piaza Fresh in the mixed-use retail and residential development. 1606 Whetstone Way, 844-852-1410

Share Kitchen: Local food truck aficionados Nikki Marks and Brian Mathias (the owners of Mindgrub Café and Bistro Lunch Box, respectively) recently debuted this new shared commercial kitchen in Locust Point. Equipped with plenty of prep tables, shelving units, grills, and ovens, the 300,000-square-foot space provides the means for five local food businesses to produce their gourmet goods. Aside from the kitchen, the incubator also boasts space for events, business meetings, and Marks’ community cooking classes. 1215 E. Fort Ave., Ste. 004

COMING SOON

Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls: Inspired by the ethos of Maine’s lobstermen, veteran seafood buyer Dan Beck launched this concept on Main Street in Annapolis in 2014. Now, the lobster roll restaurant is making its mark on the local dining scene with a stall landing in Belvedere Square Market this fall. The menu features hearty rolls served both classic (warm with melted butter) or salad (chilled meat with mayo, celery, and lemon) style, along with lobster bisque and classic clam chowder. If you can’t wait for the grand opening in a few weeks, Mason’s will be appearing at the Baltimore Seafood Festival on September 16. 529 E. Belvedere Ave., 410-464-9773

NEWS

Food & Wine Applauds Royal Farms: Our own chicken-box chain scored major praise last week when it made Food & Wine’s list of the country’s top 10 gas station foods that are worth the detour. The magazine gave love to some RoFo’s best sellers, including the flaky biscuits, thick-cut western fries, and, of course, crispy fried chicken. (See our ranking of all RoFo locations in and around the Beltway, here.)

EPICUREAN EVENTS

9/9: So-Buf Fall Festival
Canton neighbors El Bufalo and Southern Provisions are coming together to host this all-ages festival in O’Donnell Square Park this weekend. The event boasts something for everyone, with activities ranging from bouncy houses and balloon animals to craft cocktails and a beer garden. Other highlights will include an outdoor session in the square with M. Power Yoga, and live music by local groups John Nichols Band and Honey Extractor. 2921 O’Donnell St., 410-814-0594, 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Free.

9/11: Never Forget Memorial at Mission BBQ
In keeping with its objective of honoring local veterans, Mission BBQ will be offering all law enforcement, firefighters, and EMS workers free sandwiches at all locations on September 11. In addition, the brand’s Red Hometown Heroes cups will return to all locations—with $2 from each cup purchased donated to local fire and police departments. Multiple locations including 3701 Boston St., 443-955-6807

9/17: Tour de Farms
Spike Gjerde’s restaurant group Foodshed has teamed up with Race Pace Bicycles to organize this annual ride that stops at a number of the city’s urban farms. The route begins at Bird in Hand in Charles Village, and takes riders on tours of Whitelock Farm, Boone Street Farm, Real Food Farm, and Living Classrooms before descending into Sandlot at Harbor Point for a post-race pig roast. Tickets include snacks, lunch, and supper, with a portion of proceeds benefitting the featured farms. 11 E. 33rd St., 9 a.m., $65-75

9/19: Origins: A Speaker Series
Since launching in 2015, this ongoing sustainable speaker series has explored everything from pickling and fermenting to Chesapeake Bay aquaculture and women who farm. Next week, Origins returns with an informal discussion about GMO’s with Spike Gjerde and McKay Jenkins, professor of journalism, English, and environmental humanities at the University of Delaware. As always, the presentation concludes with a family-style meal inspired by the evening’s topic of discussion. 1500 Union Ave., 410-235-1881, 6:30 p.m., $60

9/26: Cooking Classes at The Corner Pantry
Throw on an apron and join chef Neill Howell for these themed cooking classes returning to The Corner Pantry this fall. The series begins on Tuesday, September 26 with a hands-on tutorial exploring cheese, milk, fudge, and cheesecake with guest Pam Miller of Charlottetown Farm. Plus, Peter Wood from French Paradox Wine Shop in Stevenson Village will be on hand to recommend varietals that pair well with the featured dishes. Other tutorials to follow include a seminar on sauces in October, Thanksgiving demo in November, and cookie class in December. 6080 Falls Road, 667-308-2331, $40-65

SHUT

The Harp Restaurant & Catering: St. Patrick’s Day surely won’t be the same next year without this Perry Hall mainstay, which closed its doors with little explanation last week. The owners took to Facebook to announce the closure, describing the decision as a painful one. “Thank you everyone for all of the amazing memories,” the post reads. “You will all be missed.”  The neighborhood spot—which we have touted over the years—was known for its frequent drink specials, live music, karaoke nights, and menu of classic Irish staples. 8706 Bel Air Road, Nottingham.

Pie 360: The Shops at Canton Crossing lost its pizza purveyor last week, after this DIY chain shuttered its doors for good due to lack of business. Throughout its two-year run, the spot served up salads, wraps, and its claim-to-fame personal pizzas that diners could customize themselves. There’s no word yet on what will become of the space, which neighbors other eateries Mission BBQ, Iron Rooster, On the Border, and Samos Greek Island Grille in the retail development.  3501 Boston St.

Now in its fourth year, the Baltimore Seafood Festival has become an end-of-summer tradition for locals looking to properly soak up the final days of the season with waterfront views and seafood specialties from nearly 30 area restaurants.

“It’s not the typical concession stand food that you might see at some other large-scale events,” says organizer Beth Laverick, owner of B. Scene Events & Promotions. “It’s a true showcase for the local restaurants and food trucks.”

Returning to Canton Waterfront Park on Saturday, September 16 from 12-7 p.m., the bash highlights eats and drinks from a plethora of local purveyors, live cooking demonstrations, and family-friendly activities like parachutes and lawn games. Plus, a jam-packed local music lineup will showcase the bluesy sounds of Kelly Bell Band, familiar covers from Sons of Pirates, ska-influenced tunes from The Players Band, and roots and reggae jams from Strykers’ Posse.

Aside from the new bands, other fresh highlights will include a host of additional vendors joining the pack (The Elephant, Flash Crabcake Co., and Avenue Kitchen & Bar, just to name a few), and a program that admits VIP ticketholders one hour early to avoid long lines at the entrance and enjoy mimosas and pastries before the festivities officially begin.

Laverick estimates that the event will host nearly 8,600 festival-goers this year—more than double the total attendance of the inaugural fête in 2014.

“In general, Baltimore City is very casual—people like to eat, drink, and relax,” she says. “And they really enjoy being on the waterfront. Seafood and water just go together.”

While we’re sure all of the seafood staples will be scrumptious, here are a few items to look out for while strolling around the park next weekend:

Oyster Tacos from The Urban Oyster
Local chef Jasmine Norton is making a Seafood Fest debut this year, serving snacks from her new pop-up shop The Urban Oyster—which has appeared at various food halls and farmers’ markets this season and will soon debut a food truck. In addition to her signature chargrilled oysters, Norton will also offer seafood nachos (think toppings like shrimp, crabmeat, and beer-infused Old Bay queso) and an oyster taco topped with a pickled slaw. Laverick had the chance to sample the taco during Norton’s recent residency at R. House: “The acidity of the coleslaw with the fried oyster is the perfect combination,” she notes. 

Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls
No true seafood festival is complete without an authentic lobster roll, and this Annapolis spot will have plenty on hand when it sets up shop at Canton Waterfront Park next weekend. The brand, which opened its Naptown flagship in 2014 and plans to expand with a stall in Belvedere Square Market this fall, tops its rolls with mounds of Maine meat that is served either classic (warm with melted butter) or salad (chilled with mayo, celery, and lemon) style. 

Baltimore Quesadillas from Mexican on the Run
Be on the lookout for this green machine, which has become known for its authentic tacos and burritos since it started roaming around the city last summer. Though many of the truck’s menu items are inspired by owner Jimmy Longoria’s roots in Mexico, the chef honors Charm City with the Bmore Quesadilla—which is filled with jumbo lump crab meat, shrimp, melted cheeses, and pico de gallo and topped with an Old Bay crema. Alongside the quesadillas, Longoria will also serve a special fish taco created exclusively for the event. 

Spicy Crab Deviled Eggs from DogWatch Tavern
This fan-favorite Fells Point sports bar, known for its signature beer towers and relaxed pub vibe, will be cooking up a storm next weekend. Swing by the DogWatch tent to sample eats including cream of crab soup and fried oyster po boys. The staff will also be slinging orders of spicy crab deviled eggs, which arrive topped with lump crab meat and a dash of Sriracha. “They’re my daughter’s favorite,” Laverick says of her 6-year-old, who accompanied her on a recent crawl to sample a few of the Seafood Fest dishes. “She’s an adventurous eater for her age. Once she ate one, she couldn’t stop.” 

Faidley’s Crab Cakes
The 131-year-old Lexington Market institution joins the lineup for the first time this year, peddling its signature crab cakes that owner Nancy Devine forms by hand. Aside from their vendor presence, the team will also be featured under the cooking demonstration tent—hosting a live tutorial on how to properly pick a crab. Laverick says that the demo will particularly come in handy for the out-of-towners heading in for the event: “I’m from New Hampshire, so I know that steamed crabs can be intimidating if you’ve never experienced them before,” Laverick says. “Getting Faidley’s to join was a huge win.”