EAT

Jan. 27: Brunch N’ Chill

Prime Corner, 3400 Chestnut Ave. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $25.

From sleeping masks and bath bombs to chocolates and coffee, products infused with CBD oil (aka cannabidiol, the second-most abundant compound found in marijuana plants) are all the rage. This Sunday, trade your usual mimosa-filled brunch for a plant-based breakfast at Hampden’s Prime Corner, and then spend the afternoon sampling CBD-filled treats from local purveyors, including lattes from Vent Coffee Roasters, donuts from Full Circle Artisan Palace, and ketchup from Secret Sauce Co.

DRINK

Jan. 25: Nepenthe Brewing Co. Opening

Nepenthe Brewing Co., 3600 Clipper Mill Rd. 4 p.m. Free.

After months of delays, this new Hampden hangout officially opens to the public on Friday. The facility (which includes a 160-seat taproom, a 10-barrel brewhouse, and an attached home-brewing shop) is an expansion of Nepenthe Homebrew, the beer-making supply shop that husband-and-wife owners Brian Arnold and Jill Antos operated in Woodberry for five years before moving to their new home on Falls Road. Joined now by Brendan Kirlin (formerly of The Wine Market and Le Garage), the co-owners are ready to open their doors. This weekend, fill a flight with samples of Nepenthe’s starting lineup of IPAs and saisons.

SEE

Jan. 25-27: Raoul Middleman: Watercolors & Monoprints

C. Grimaldis Gallery, 523 N. Charles St. Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

At 84 years old, this born-and-raised Baltimore artist continues to create innovative artworks that exhibit renewed inspiration for his lifelong passions and subjects: burlesque, horses, and Charm City. Visit the C. Grimaldis Gallery to take in this longtime MICA professor’s latest series of inked mono-prints and impressionist watercolors, which will be on display at the Mt. Vernon gallery until February 16.

HEAR

Jan. 26: Super City, Chaunter, and Soul Cannon

Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St. 9 p.m. $12.

If we had to make a wish list concert lineup of some of our favorite up-and-coming local acts, it would look a lot like this Saturday’s roster at the Ottobar. With “freakwave” band Super City home from their nationwide tour and ready to rock the Remington club with tracks from their latest album, Sanctuary, along with sets from songwriting duo Chaunter and experimental hip-hop collective Soul Cannon, this is the definition of a can’t-miss show.

DO

Jan. 26: Baltimore Orioles FanFest

Baltimore Convention Center, 1. W Pratt St. 11 a.m. $6-12.

As the saying goes, there is no offseason in baseball. Put last year’s abysmal season in the past and kick off the Orioles’ 2019 season with a day-long celebration at the Baltimore Convention Center. Celebrate all the new changes the front office (and the players themselves) will bring to 2019 while enjoying Orioles-themed games, press conferences for kids, one-of-a-kind memorabilia for purchase, and autograph and Q&A sessions with select players from the team.

Standing near the front windows of his new facility Nepenthe Brewing Co. in Hampden, Brian Arnold acknowledges a group of pedestrians strolling past the building on Falls Road. “I just got a thumbs up,” he says with a smile.

The excitement from the community means everything to Arnold, his wife Jill Antos, and their business partner Brendan Kirlin—who have all spent the past year and a half working tirelessly to get the brewpub up and running.

“A year ago, this building was a full-blown horror movie,” Arnold says, scrolling through old photos of dark corridors and dripping water. “There were times when I would walk friends through and they would just be completely shell shocked.”

But the owners always saw potential in the combined property, which formerly housed David’s 1st and 10 Sports Bar and multiple meatpacking operations. Now, after months of delays with demolition, permitting, construction, and installation, the space is finally opening as Nepenthe Brewing Co. on Friday, January 25 at 4 p.m.

The redesigned complex marks a new chapter for Nepenthe Homebrew, Arnold and Antos’ beer-making supply store that originated in Woodberry’s Meadow Mill complex in 2013. The concept of working from the ground up is familiar to the husband-and-wife duo, who were forced to rebuild their shop twice after it was severely damaged by Jones Falls flooding in the spring of 2014 and again in July of 2016.

“About 14 months after we opened, things were going well enough that Jill and I wrote ourselves our first paychecks,” Arnold remembers. “And then two days later, we flooded. I remember standing there on the banks of the river and we just despaired.”

In its new digs on higher ground, Nepenthe has grown to include a 10-barrel brew house with four fermenters, a taproom with 16 draft lines, a full tavern menu to pair with the beers, and an attached retail shop to sell the company’s signature home-brewing kits and supplies.

In the back of the building, there’s also an indoor-outdoor space that the owners are hoping to bring to life with lawn games and a second bar during the warmer months.

“People have been telling us that Hampden doesn’t really have a space close to the Avenue that can accommodate this many people, but still feel kind of homey,” says Kirlin, a former partner at the now-closed Le Garage on the Avenue. “We really wanted to create a more casual environment that fits both our style and the community here.”

In keeping with the homey feel, many of the taproom touches—including the wooden flight trays and communal tables—were handmade by the owners themselves. The 160-seat hangout also boasts two flat screens, a 24-seat bar, a garage-style door that opens up to Falls Road, and custom works by Columbus illustrator Mike Moses that were printed by Hampden’s own Alpha Graphics.

An elevated seating area off of the taproom features an open kitchen, where guests can sip beers while watching chef Matt Heaton, formerly of Birroteca and The Nickel Taphouse, prepare dishes such as beer cheese croquettes, pit bacon sandwiches, a triple-decker brioche grilled cheese, and a Thai-inspired hot dog topped with coconut-lime slaw.

The service model will be mostly pub-style where patrons order at the bar, but Arnold says he’s looking forward to collaborating with Heaton to host special seated beer-pairing dinners, as well.

“The way I write beer recipes is sort of culinary,” he says of his experimental styles. “The most recent thing I brewed was a sour IPA with hibiscus, vanilla, sugar, pineapple, and cherry, so there’s definitely some opportunities for crossover there.”

In fact, the goal is for the entire space to be multi-purpose, whether visitors want to tour the brew house and then sip releases in the taproom, or attend a hop-tasting class before purchasing their own ingredients in the shop.

“There are a lot of different components,” Kirlin says of the L-shaped facility. “Luckily, we were able to find a space where everything flows together really nicely.”

The homebrew shop is a particular point of pride for Arnold and Antos, who managed to salvage some of the shelving and furniture from their old location. The duo looking forward to reconnecting with their former patrons, many of whom organized cleanups and crowdfunding campaigns after the devastating floods.

“We wouldn’t exist without them having done that,” Arnold says. “After all of this, one of my very favorite things is showing it to people. I have a feeling a lot of our first customers are going to be people we know, and I’m excited to see their reactions.”

Adds Kirlin: “It’s always fun to open the door and just be like, ‘Damn, we did it.’”

OPEN

Gypsy’s Truckstaurant: Diners no longer have to track down the Gypsy Queen food truck to sample its signature wraps, gyros, and crab cake-topped French fries. After months of delays, the owners have officially opened their new “truckstaurant” tucked off of Clipper Mill Road in Hampden. The hybrid concept uses a large food truck kitchen outside to prepare the dishes that are served in the 90-seat dining room—which boasts a large bar, strung lights, and vintage decor. There’s also a greenery-filled patio equipped with a Ping Pong table and plenty of outdoor seating. Menu options include staples from the truck, as well as old favorites from the former Helen’s Garden Restaurant that owners Annmarie Langton and Tom Looney operated in Canton for 15 years. Be on the lookout for internationally influenced eats including San Diego-style fish tacos, Persian mango and feta salad, and a Korean kimchi burger. 3515 Clipper Mill Road. 443-869-5602

COMING SOON

Fadensonnen: This fall, Old Goucher will welcome Socle—an innovative food and beverage complex from the team behind W.C. Harlan and Clavel. Aside from housing Sophomore Coffee and farm-to-fork cafe Larder, the revamped old carriage house will also be home to Fadensonnen, a bar featuring draft beers, natural wine, and wild ciders that opens up to a 148-seat open air courtyard. Named after a German poem penned by author Paul Celan in 1968, the biergarten will also boast its own “wine cave” bottle shop and an intimate bar upstairs specializing in all-natural wine and nihonshu (Japanese sake). While the cafe and coffee shop aren’t expected to debut until December, Fadensonnen is readying for a grand opening next month. 2223 Maryland Ave.

Nepenthe Brewing Co.: With a newly painted facade by local artist Kelly Walker of Artstar Baltimore, husband-and-wife team Brian Arnold and Jill Antos—along with partner Brendan Kirlin—are now one step closer to opening their expanded homebrew shop and taproom on Falls Road in Hampden. After their former supply shop in Woodberry’s Meadow Mill complex was flooded twice, the owners decided to move to a larger space on higher ground. The new digs will not only provide retail space for all of Nepenthe’s signature beer-making kits and supplies, but also include a full kitchen, taproom, and on-site brewing facility. A grand opening is slated for this fall. 3626 Falls Rd.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

10/13-14: Oysterfest 12
For two days, East Cross Street in Federal Hill is transforming into an oyster-lover’s paradise with raw bars, buck-a-shuck tasting tents, and plenty of seafood specialties to go around. The 12th annual festival hosted by Ryleigh’s Oyster will feature classic crab cakes, pit beef sandwiches, whole-smoked fish, and, of course, more than 10 varieties of local oysters served raw and grilled. A jam-packed lineup of local bands will provide the soundtrack for the weekend, which will highlight the eighth annual Baltimore Oyster Shucking Championship on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. 36 E. Cross St. 12-7 p.m., $12-40.

10/16: Smoke Turns 3
Hard to believe that it’s been three years since chef Josh White first introduced us to his smoked chicken wings, “Boss Dawg” sandwiches (pulled pork, bacon, slaw, and crispy onions), and catchy odes to his dishes set to the tunes of popular rock songs. This Tuesday, the Cockeysville barbecue joint is celebrating its big birthday in style with an all-day rager. Stop in for specials like $3 coffees and deals on three of the restaurant’s “greatest hits” from its run. 574 Cranbrook Rd., Cockeysville. 410-891-8515

SHUT

Baltimore Soup Co.: The South Baltimore location of this homegrown cafe shuttered its doors unexpectedly last week. A sign posted to the door notified customers that the eatery was “busier than expected and sold out of soup.” But owners David and Lisa Redmond confirmed to SouthBMore.com later in the week that they had closed the shop for good after only nine months. “We had a good run and loved our guests who supported us, but there just weren’t enough to make it work,” they said. Luckily, the Towson location is still going strong, serving the cafe’s daily rotation of scratch-made soups including Maryland crab, chicken pot pie, sweet potato vegetable, and broccoli cheddar. 2 E. Wells St.

The Nickel Taphouse: Mt. Washington diners are already mourning the loss of the famous beef on weck sandwiches at this neighborhood haunt, which officially closed its doors earlier this week. Owner Robbin Haas took to Facebook to confirm the closure, stating that the team had “made the difficult decision to utilize our resources toward our Baltimore sister locations Birroteca and Encantada. Both of these locations offer more space, as well as private party areas.” Since 2013, the Nickel served as a community gathering spot for burgers, raw oysters, and other gastropub fare. “We wish our Mt. Washington neighbors the best of luck and look forward to seeing you at our other locations,” Haas said. There’s no word yet on what will become of the space, which previously housed other restaurant concepts Blue Sage Cafe and Freda’s Kitchen. 1604 Kelly Ave.

Father’s Day is right around the corner, which means it’s time to show your favorite fella what he means to you. Ditch the standard dress shirt and tie (I mean seriously, how many ties can one person own?) and celebrate dad with a creative gift from some of our favorite local stores.

Under Armour Brand House
Whether your dad is a gym rat or a fashion fanatic who understands what the word “athleisure” means, you are sure to find something great from Baltimore’s claim to athletic wear fame. Our pick: UA Street Encounter III Shoes ($59.99) at Under Armour. 700 S President St., 410-528-5304

REI
This is THE one-stop shop for the dad whose ideal day is spent outdoors, meaning everything from trails and national parks, to hanging out in your backyard. Our pick: Eno DoubleNest Hammock ($69.95) at REI. 63 W Aylesbury Road, 410-252-5920

Capitol Mac
For the Apple product enthusiast, this is the place to go. Not only are they the only certified Apple specialists in Baltimore, but they sell phone accessories and do authorized repairs—looking at you Dad with the cracked phone screen. Our pick: 32 GB Apple TV ($149) at Capital Mac. 714 S Broadway, 410-657-8000

Earth Treks
Sometimes the best gifts are experiences. Share some climb time with your old man at this indoor climbing center with locations in Timonium, Columbia, and soon to be Hampden. Our pick: Three-month membership ($207) at Earth Treks. 1930 Greenspring Dr., 410-560-5665

Nepenthe Homebrew
For the pop who loves hops, Nepenthe Homebrew has the best gift options for you. This home-brew shop in Hampden has kits and ingredients for making beer, wine, and cheese in your very own home. Our pick: Brewers Best Equipment Kit ($83.95) at Nepenthe Homebrew. 3626 Falls Road, 443-438-4846

Atomic Books
What better way for dad to relax this Father’s Day than with a new book. This shop specializes in the newest releases, comics, graphic novels, and zines, plus has a great selection of games and art toys. Our pick: Ready Player One: A Novel ($16) at Atomic Books. 3620 Falls Road, 410-662-4444

The Sound Garden
For the cinephile or music nerd, The Sound Garden is like a mystical wonderland. Stocked wall to wall with new and used CDs, vinyl, DVDs, and Blu-rays, there are countless gift ideas to keep your dad’s collection current. Our pick: The Bob’s Burgers Music Album Box Set ($64.99) at The Sound Garden. 1616 Thames St.,410-563-9011

Williams-Sonoma
Turn your dad into the grill master with any of the great kits, rubs, or marinades from Williams-Sonoma. Not only is this a gift for dad, but it will be a gift to yourself if he shares. Our pick: Ultimate Burger Essentials ($43.95) at Williams-Sonoma. 70 Village Square, 410-435-6020

Ceremony Coffee
The selection at Ceremony is impressive even to the most devoted coffee drinker. Take advantage of their unique blends and workshops at their Mt. Vernon or Harbor Point locations. Our Pick: 12oz El Faldón ($22) at Ceremony Coffee. 1312 Point St., 410-601-3561

CH-CH CHANGES

Johnny’s: Changes are on the horizon at this Roland Park mainstay, which has been serving up its signature comfort food with West Coast flair since it debuted in 2012. Inspired by co-owner Tony Foreman’s fond memories of family dinners at seafood restaurants as a kid, the restaurant has recently revamped its menu to focus on oceanic offerings. Executive chef Shane Freeland—formerly of Johnny’s sister-spot, Cinghiale—now presents dishes including Maryland crab soup, peel-and-eat shrimp, soft-shell crab, and pan-fried crab cakes with carrot coleslaw. Aside from the seafood specialties, the menu also lists a “Landfood” category with eats such as Maryland fried chicken, smoked baby back ribs, and an angus burger. Despite the menu overhaul, the restaurant’s signature coffee, espresso, and pastry program will remain a staple. 4800 Roland Ave., 410-773-0777

Arômes: This quaint Hampden BYOB has become known for its multi-course tasting menus crafted by French-born chef/owner Steve Monnier. But next week the restaurant will be switching gears, foregoing its prix-fixe formula in favor of a la carte offerings. Starting on May 25, Monnier will debut a classic bistro menu featuring dishes such as a market salad with oyster vinaigrette, onion soup with a sourdough crouton, monkfish with crème fraiche, and lavender-glazed duck breast. Desserts of note include classics like a chocolate tart and strawberry Napoleon. 3520 Chestnut Ave., 410-235-0035

Mad River Baltimore: It’s the end of an era for Federal Hill revelers who have made this South Charles Street staple their go-to hangout over the past decade. Earlier this week, operation partners Andrew Wheeler and David Yike announced that the multi-level lounge would be undergoing a large-scale rebrand in the coming months. “It’s all good things,” Wheeler tells us. “We’re not walking away from the building, but we feel it’s just time to go in a different direction.” Although the partners are keeping details about the new concept under wraps, they say that they’re excited to give Mad River a proper sendoff this weekend. This Saturday night after Preakness, head to the bar for one last blowout featuring guest bartenders, drink specials, and DJ entertainment. 1110 S. Charles St., 410-727-2333

RegionAle: Just in time for summer, this new Ellicott City sandwich shop has added a lineup of refreshing wine slushies to its menu. Kick back on the eatery’s newly opened outdoor patio while sipping varieties like strawberry-lemon with Pinot Grigio and coconut-lime blended with basil and ice. To celebrate National Wine Day on May 25, the discounted drinks will run for $4 throughout Memorial Day Weekend. Aside from the slushies, the shop has also added a summer-inspired Maine Lobster Roll to its list of seasonal offerings. 5705 Richards Valley Road, Ellicott City, 410-465-0505

COMING SOON

Haenyo: This new pop-up from local industry veterans Irvin Seo and Collin Morstein will begin hosting one-night Korean street food dinners throughout the city beginning on Memorial Day. The inaugural event held at Holy Crepe Cafe in Canton on May 29 will feature a lineup of authentic eats handcrafted by Seo—who recently returned from a month-long trip to Korea. The casual, counter-service dinner will be BYOB, and showcase items like banchan (small dishes served over rice), lettuce wraps, and Korean-style pancakes including “haemulpajeon”—a seafood iteration dedicated to the haenyo (female divers) of Korea’s Jeju Island. 2929 O’Donnell St., 5-10 p.m.

The Chasseur: Be on the lookout for a brand new top-level space debuting at this Canton favorite in late July. Management has added an entire third floor to the building, which will act as an indoor-outdoor space with retractable garage-style doors that lead out to a patio boasting high-top tables, television screens, and a fully-stocked bar. The spot—which features burgers, salads, and hearty New American entrees—will also roll out a full raw bar menu in conjunction with the debut of the patio. 3328 Foster Ave., 410-327-6984

NEWS

Gnocco Chef Recognized by Zagat: Gnocco executive/chef owner Brian Lavin received some national love last week when he was recognized as a semi-finalist for Zagat’s acclaimed 30-Under-30 list. Lavin is best known for preparing forward-thinking Mediterranean cuisine at his Highlandtown restaurant, which celebrates its one-year anniversary next month. The list recognizes exceptional talent in hospitality markets across the country and will be narrowed down to 45 finalists in June with the winners being announced in September. 3734 Fleet St., 443-449-6540

Lobster Roll Fridays Return to The Corner Pantry: As temperatures rise, this Mt. Washington community spot is bringing back its Maine lobster roll special on Fridays throughout the summer. Starting on May 26, chef/owner Neill Howell will be serving up five ounces of warm lobster meat tucked inside a toasted brioche bun with fries and a pickle for $28. 6080 Falls Road, 667-308-2331

BREWERY BUZZ

Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats: It’s been a big year for Dogfish Head Brewing co-owner Sam Calagione, who recently clinched a James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine, Spirits or Beer Professional. On top of the national acclaim, Calagione recently announced that Dogfish Head’s flagship brewpub in Rehoboth would be relocating to expanded digs next door. Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats—the new 6,300-square-foot space on Rehoboth Avenue—will feature the brand’s signature craft beers, pub grub, and live music in a revamped space complete with soaring walls, cozy booths, and oversized fishbowl glass windows that allow for lots of natural light.  The space, which opens on May 19, will pair cocktails and Dogfish beers (think SeaQuench Ale and the 90-Minute IPA) with bites like seafood tacos, Buffalo chicken mac and cheese, and pizza out of a hearth oven. 320 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth, DE, 302-226-2739

Nepenthe Homebrew: This home-brewing supply shop in Woodberry’s Meadow Mill complex is making moves to a larger home in 2018. After experiencing two floods in the store’s current location, husband-and-wife owners Brian Arnold and Jill Antos have decided to relocate Nepenthe to an expanded 11,000-square-foot property nearby on Falls Road. Aside from selling the brand’s signature beer-making tools, the new space will also house a brewpub with a full kitchen and its own 10-barrel brewhouse.  3622 Falls Road

Union Craft Brewing: In yet another expansion, Nepenthe’s neighbors Union Craft Brewing also recently announced that they would be moving to a larger facility in the neighborhood. The beloved brewery, whose logo has become a ubiquitous Baltimore symbol, will set up shop in a 138,000-square-foot Medfield warehouse that is expected to be up and running by spring 2018. Aside from providing additional production areas, the new digs will also make way for Union Collective—an 87,000-square-foot makerspace adjacent to the brewery that will allow local creatives, nonprofits, and small businesses to produce and sell their products on site. 1700 W. 41st St.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

Crabs and Crushes at Wit & Wisdom: To complement the harborfront views at Wit on the Water—the trendy outdoor patio at Wit & Wisdom inside the Four Seasons Hotel—executive chef Zack Mills has crafted a special crab feast menu to be offered throughout the summer season. Snag one of the patio’s new picnic tables—which come complete with plenty of mallets and other crab-picking tools—to crack steamed crabs and sip signature cocktails (including a house frozen Orange Crush) while soaking up some sun this summer. In addition to the requisite Old Bay-steamed blue crabs, the new menu also includes spicy peel-and-eat shrimp, crispy soft shell crabs, and an array of seasonal sides. 200 International Drive. 410-576-5800

Origins: A Speakers Series: This monthly sustainability series returns to Artifact Coffee on Thursday, May 25 with a roundtable discussion on preserving, pickling, and fermenting. Cozy up in the restaurant’s private space to hear insight from Gordy’s Pickle Jar co-owners Sheila Fain and Sarah Gordon, Hex Ferments co-owners Meaghan and Shane Carpenter, and Lauren Sandler—the director of preservation at Foodshed. Following the panel, stick around for a family-style meal inspired by the evening’s topic of discussion. 1500 Union Ave., 410-235-1881, $60

Back in 2014, after Woodberry’s Nepenthe Homebrew saw significant damage resulting from a flooded Jones Falls, husband-and-wife owners Brian Arnold and Jill Antos knew that a move was imminent.

“It just takes a long time,” says Arnold, who opened the home-brewing supply shop in 2013. “We spent some time on different buildings that didn’t work out for one reason or another. We’ve just been plugging away at it.”

Unfortunately, the duo’s search hadn’t been completed by last July, when the shop located in Woodberry’s Meadow Mill complex was flooded after the Jones Falls jumped its banks yet again. This time the storm, which notoriously devastated Main Street in Ellicott City, caused more than $100,000 worth of damage.

With an overwhelming amount of support from the community, Nepenthe has since bounced back, and now, the owners have finally settled on a spot to house their expanded new digs.

This morning, the couple was granted a Class 7 micro-brewery liquor license to open Nepenthe Brewing Co.—an expanded property that will include a full kitchen, taproom, and on-site brewing facility in addition to a retail space to sell the company’s signature beer-making kits and supplies.

The brewpub will take over the 11,000-square-foot building at 3622 Falls Road, which formerly housed David’s 1st and 10 Sports Bar, and a wholesale frozen food production company. Arnold says that the L-shaped property was ideal because of its size, as well as its close proximity to the shop’s current location in the Hampden area.

“We especially love that it’s about 100 feet higher,” he says with a laugh. “It’s a very unique space. We’re working with architects to create a flow where you can go hang out in the taproom but also wander down toward the back where the homebrew store will be. Everything is able to be connected.”

To strengthen its purpose as a resource for homebrewers, the new space will boast its own 10-barrel brew house with 80 barrels of cellar capacity. Arnold says that he’s excited to use the equipment as a tool to further explain how the processes work (he specifically mentions frequent yeast and hop-tasting classes), but also to have the opportunity to brew more often.  

“The first year we were in operation as a store I got to brew exactly once that entire year,” he says. “We opened the shop to increase access to supplies, but at our core, we’re homebrewers. We’ve always wanted to move into a situation where we were able to brew more.”

The beers brewed on site—a mix of Nepenthe’s modern and experimental styles—will be paired with a menu of upscale pub grub including soups, salads, sandwiches, and snacks like fried Brussels sprouts, beer cheese, candied bacon, and crab hush puppies. Former Le Garage partner Brendan Kirlin has been brought on to streamline the culinary program. 

In keeping with Nepenthe’s strong connections to the neighborhood, the casual taproom will have laid-back vibe with communal tables and pub-style service. 

“We just want to encourage comfort,” Arnold says. “We want to be that place where you can go and hang out for a while without being rushed to turn the table over.”

Nepenthe’s lease in Meadow Mill expires in March 2018, and the owners hope to officially make the move to the refurbished brewpub soon after. Arnold says that, above all, he is most excited to keep his business in the neighborhood that has constantly supported it.

“That outpouring of support is something we never expected,” he says, remembering back to the cleanup crews that came out in droves after the first flood. “We already loved our community, but I have difficulty putting into words how much that meant to us. We want to pay that back by bringing them something unique.”

1. Cider Made Simple book ($19.95) at Su Casa. 2. All-natural beer soap ($7) at Nepenthe Homebrew. 3. “Union” T-shirt ($20) at Union Craft Brewing. 4. Williams Sonoma craft beer barbecue sauce set ($29.95) at Williams Sonoma. 5. Foster & Rye beer tasting field notebook ($7) at Su Casa. 6. Sideshow Press plaid wooden coasters ($14) at Trohv. Counter Couture bison coasters ($13.50) at Trohv. 7. Soberdough brew bread mix ($10) at Su Casa. 8. The Beer Deck playing cards ($17) at Becket Hitch. 9. The Original Retro Brand “Drinking About You” T-shirt ($48) at The Girl Next Door. 10. Max’s Waxhouse Trappist Belgian Ale candle ($15) at Max’s Taphouse. 11. Unpossible Cuts beer mug earrings ($12) at Trohv. 12. Novelty bulldog wall-mounted bottle opener ($16.95) at Williams Sonoma. 13. Liquid Education: Beer book ($14.95) at Trohv.

Five things to eat, drink, see, hear, and do with your Charm City weekend.

EAT

September 4: Mother’s Pajama Brunch

Mother’s Grille, 1113 S. Charles St., 9 a.m.-2 p.m., 410-244-8686

It doesn’t get much better than a three-day weekend. But a three-day
weekend featuring half-off hash browns, bennies, and Bloodies during
Sunday brunch is basically perfection. This Sunday, favor flannel and
fleece over shades and sundresses at Mother’s Grille’s bi-annual pajama
brunch. Show up in your jammies (think onesies and fuzzy
slippers—scrubs, sweats, and boxers don’t count) to receive half-off of
your check from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. In true Federal Hill fashion, the menu
includes requisite hair-of-the-dog options like mimosas, sweet tea
vodka, and Arnold Palmer pitchers.

DRINK

September 2: Grand Reopening of Nepenthe Homebrew

Nepenthe Homebrew, 3600 Clipper Mill Road, Suite 130, 11 a.m.-8 p.m., 443-438-4846

Just shy of five weeks after raging flood waters wiped out this
home-brewing haven in Meadow Mill, the beloved business is officially
reopening its doors this weekend with shelves boasting brand new
merchandise. Though community fundraising (including last weekend’s Hope
Floats benefit at Union Craft Brewery which raked in more than $7,500)
gave the company a tremendous boost, co-owner Brian Arnold tells us that
there’s still a ways to go before Nepenthe can afford to get back to
its normal amount of inventory. So this weekend, as the fall brewing
season kicks into gear, support one of our own by stocking up on all of
the kettles, carboys, and cask tools that you can get your hands on.

SEE

September 2-4: Baltimore Comic-Con

Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W. Pratt St., Times vary, $25-149, 410-649-7000

Don’t be surprised if you spot superheroes strolling around the
Inner Harbor this weekend. Though they won’t actually be warding off
villains, the colorful costumes are a sure indication that Comic-Con has
officially descended upon Charm City. Now in its 17th year, the massive
sci-fi fest is returning to the Baltimore Convention Center for three
jam-packed days of panels, art exhibits, and autograph sessions. Channel
your inner nerd to browse books in Artists Alley, rub elbows with more
than 200 of the industry’s best cartoonists (Kevin Eastman, co-creator
of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, is this year’s guest of honor), and see
who takes the cake at the annual Harvey Awards.

HEAR

September 3: Bad Boy Family Reunion Tour

Royal Farms Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St., 8 p.m., $29.50-125, 410-347-2020

In 1993, after climbing the ranks in New York City’s booming
hip-hop scene, Sean Combs founded Bad Boy Records—the label that
eventually churned out chart-toppers like Mary J. Blige and The
Notorious B.I.G. Now, Combs, who recently revived his Puff Daddy
persona, has launched a nationwide tour to celebrate the artists who
have defined Bad Boy throughout the decades. This weekend, the league of
label-mates, including Lil Kim, 112, Mase, Total, Carl Thomas, The Lox,
Faith Evans, and French Montana, are taking over Royal Farms Arena for a
night of ’90s nostalgia. With so many greats on one stage, we can only
expect that the collaborative tracks (think “I’ll Be Missing You,”
Evans’s tribute to Biggie featuring 112) will be nothing short of
amazing.

DO

September 3: Charles Street 12

The Shops at Kenilworth, 800 Kenilworth Drive, Towson, 7:30 a.m., $85-90, 410-645-8266

Running 12 miles on a three-day weekend might sound downright
daunting, but a course that stretches along one of Baltimore’s most
beautiful byways makes it a worthwhile workout. This Sunday, lace up
your running shoes and curate the perfect playlist for Under Armour’s
annual race down historic Charles Street, which steps off from The Shops
at Kenilworth in Towson. Along the way, take in the sights of the
Towson, Loyola, and Johns Hopkins campuses before descending into the
Inner Harbor for a post-race party at Power Plant Live, complete with
lunch, live music, and free beer.

The man at the end of the human chain who slips and is nearly swept away himself is Jason Barnes, the owner of All Time Toys, another Main Street business that was caught in the flood.

According to WBAL, Barnes, who had just purchased the toy and collectibles store two months ago after working there for 10 years, was working when the water virtually erupted through his basement door.

“He went ahead and started to exit the basement as his door imploded in and all that water came rushing in,” Barnes’ stepfather Chris Penning told WBAL. “As he went upstairs, he knew virtually all of his inventory was gone and everything he dreamed of for the last 10 years was quite possibly lost in all this.”

Barnes, who had once dreamed of writing stories about superheroes, then saved 29-year-old Jamie Knight from the floodwaters.

Interviewed the next day, Knight told a reporter how grateful she was for the heroics of Barnes and fellow rescuers.

“Thanks a lot, man,” she said. “I really owe you. I wish I could repay you somehow.”

A list of Ellicott City businesses damaged by the flood reads like a Chamber of Commerce roll call, including restaurants such as Portalli’s Italian Restaurant, The Rumor Mill Fusion Bar & Restaurant, and Bean Hollow coffee shop; boutiques such as Sweet Elizabeth Jane and Craig Coyne Jewelers; and businesses such as Insight180, a branding agency, and Shoemaker Country, a family-owned furniture-making business.

The extent to which each business is affected will likely vary depending on its position along the steeply sloping Main Street and whether or not the business owner had flood insurance. Some on higher ground are hoping for the best, but most business owners have not yet been able to survey the damage as officials barred access to Main Street while emergency crew worked Sunday and Monday to clear the approximately 180 vehicles and other debris left behind after the waters receded. Determining a monetary value for property lost in the disaster could take months.

On Sunday, Gov. Larry Hogan and Rep. Elijah Cummings toured the downtown with Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman. Kittleman’s spokesman Andrew Barth told Baltimore that “like most people,” the governor “was shocked by the severity of the damage. There are just big, empty holes there.”

Retiring U.S. Sen. Barbara Mikulski also visited Monday morning, saying, “I have never seen devastation like this.”

Speaking at a press conference after her tour of the destruction, Mikulski said that officials “are working as Team Maryland from every level of government” to aid in the recovery process. Indeed, the county and state have already declared the site a disaster area, and U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin attended a community meeting about the flooding Monday evening.

The storm has already become politicized, with one Maryland lawmaker suggesting the severe storm may be a result of climate change and others pointing out the inadequacy of storm management systems in towns and cities all over the country.

At the Monday evening community meeting, County Executive Kittleman told the overflow crowd that he believed the disaster could not have been prevented, but acknowledged that he has tasked the Howard County planning department with drafting a master plan to address flood-prone areas.

“It is an opportunity to make some changes,” he said. “Make no mistake, we will rebuild.”

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Baltimore City Businesses Hit, Too

Though Ellicott City was hit the hardest, North Baltimore also saw devastating effects after the Jones Falls jumped its banks and flooded Woodberry’s Meadow Mill complex with more than 13 feet of water, leaving cars in the parking lot stacked on top of each other.

The converted industrial property—which houses local businesses such as La Cuchara and Nepenthe Homebrew, as well as production facilities for Stone Mill Bakery and Mouth Party Caramel—has seen similar devastation occur during major floods throughout the years, the most recent being in April 2014.

Anticipating significant damage, Stone Mill Bakery owners Alfie and Dana Himmelrich instructed their staff to evacuate before the storm hit. Fortunately, the crew was able to move its delivery vehicles and necessary equipment to higher ground and, after an intense day of cleanup, the bakery is back up and running.

“We had been through it before, so we knew what to do,” Dana says. “Especially for businesses like us where we bake everything fresh daily, being down for any length of time is damaging, so the sooner you can get back up, the better.”

Neighboring business Nepenthe Homebrew, a shop that sells specialty beer-making tools and ingredients, wasn’t as lucky. After locking up at 6 p.m. Saturday, husband and wife owners Brian Arnold and Jill Antos returned to their store Sunday morning to find it completely wiped out. The flooded space was riddled with ruined merchandise and shelves that had toppled over—a sight which they had seen before in the aftermath of the 2014 flood.

“Our first thought was ‘Not again,’” Arnold says. “This time, it happened really suddenly.”

Nepenthe saw $100,000 worth of damage two years ago, and though an exact estimate has yet to be made, its owners anticipate that the destruction is worse this time. Though this has happened once before, Arnold explains that complex commercial leases are tough to negotiate, so moving wasn’t an option.

“Our shelving somehow managed to stay upright the first time, so we were able to salvage some of the merchandise from the top shelves,” Arnold says. “But we’ve been expanding inventory over the past two years, so now there’s more that we’ve lost.”

Arnold says that, though the destruction is severe, the outpouring of support from the community has been overwhelming. A GoFundMe page supporting cleanup efforts has raised more than $8,000 in one day. Neighboring Hampden restaurant Le Garage has also pledged its support, launching its own initiative to raise funds. Throughout August 7, Le Garage will donate a portion of all Restaurant Week prix fixe and beer flight sales to Nepenthe’s fundraising campaign.

“The debt of gratitude that we owe people who have helped, donated, and even just sent well wishes, is bottomless,” he says. “Last time, I remember standing on the banks of the river just watching the water and sobbing because we had no idea what to do. This time, I went straight home, posted on social media, filed a flood claim, put together a to-do list, and got to work. We didn’t have that emotional reaction until we started getting messages from people.”

Adds Dana Himmelrich: “In times like this you see how people come together to help however they can, and that was really evident yesterday. If there is a bright side to be had, it’s that.”

See a full list of fundraising events and opportunities to help rebuild the flooded areas.