EAT

May 29-30: Mediterranean Prix-Fixe at Noona’s

1203 W Mt Royal Ave. Prices vary.

We’ve all fallen for the Italian-inspired entrees and sourdough pies at Noona’s. But this weekend, chef Cai Lindeman is going off-menu with a full-blown Mediterranean feast perfect for divvying up between your quaran-team. Set the table and pre-order the eight-plate package—which includes homemade flatbread, labeh with dill oil, hummus with marinated chickpeas, whipped garlic toum, za’atar-roasted eggplant, blistered shishito peppers with mint and dukkah, fresh Karma Farm herbs, burnt honey cheesecake, and a choice of proteins like roasted Trumpet mushrooms or Cape May swordfish—online for pick-up or delivery. And don’t forget to add a few to-go cocktails to wash it all down.

DRINK

May 29: Big Softy Pop-Up at Dutch Courage

2229 N Charles St. 3-7 p.m.

Eighty-degree temperatures call for soft shells, shrimp salad, and ice-cold cocktails. This Friday, head to the courtyard at Dutch Courage in Old Goucher to catch Craig Falk of The Lunchbox Lady popping up with his soft-shell concept, Big Softy. He’ll be slinging sandwiches and crab cakes while the Dutch Courage team whips up two special bottled cocktails. Choose from to-go options such as the gin-based “Clover Club” with raspberry, lemon, and dry vermouth, or the “Evita,” which mixes amaro with ginger, lime, and vermouth rouge.

SEE

May 30: Live Baltimore Virtual Trolley Tour

9 a.m.-12 p.m. Free

Be it our houses or our neighborhoods, we’re all getting a little tired of the same scenes every day. This weekend, take a look inside someone else’s home for a change with Live Baltimore’s Virtual Trolley Tour. Explore city neighborhoods, connect with real estate professionals and community organizations, and participate in expert-led discussions. Added perk: If you’re gearing up to move, enter to win $5,000 toward the purchase of your next home-sweet-home in Baltimore City.

HEAR

May 29: Summer Sounds at Home

Facebook Live. 7 p.m. Free.

While we’ll miss the lawn chairs and little ones dancing in the street, thanks to livestreaming, Belvedere Square regulars don’t have to miss out on their favorite warm-weather Friday-night activity. This year, Summer Sounds is coming to you. Grab your favorite BSQ curbside meal, gather with your quarantine crew, and tune in to Facebook Live as local jazz cellist Ed Hrybyk and vocalist Irene Jalenti take the virtual stage. Be sure to mark your calendar each week to hear from a rotating roster of some of the DMV’s most talented musicians.

DO

May 30: Opening Day at the Overlea Farmers Market

6908 Belair Rd. 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

This small market in Northeast Baltimore provides its local community with fresh produce and protein throughout the warm-weather months. Grab your tote and wander around on opening day to find the likes of pastured chicken and duck eggs from Ladybrook Farm, jams from Johari Made, baked goods from Mary’s Muffins, and flowers from Celadon Hill.

Additional reporting by Lydia Woolever.

The Bolton Hill district continues to remake itself into an inviting cloister for residents and visitors alike. Narrower driving lanes, well-marked crosswalks, new curbs, and a dedicated bike lane have tamed Mt. Royal Avenue’s traffic, rendering it less of a speedway and more of a promenade. The tendrils of new openings probe this revitalized block, and Noona’s is the latest arrival.

Owner Phil Han’s credits include the Asian-inflected Dooby’s on North Charles and laid-back cocktail bar Sugarvale, as well as Fat Tiger and Old Boy’s in the newly renovated Broadway Market. Noona’s brings an Italian-inspired menu to students and longtime Bolton Hill residents alike, without white-tablecloth prices. On our visit, we were welcomed by an airy space with a minimalist aesthetic accented with cool metals, warm woods, and restrained dashes of color.

From bar stools to high tops to banquettes to outdoor tables, we had our pick of seating options. We took our seats inside and checked out the menu while sipping inventive cocktails, then began our meal with two small plates. We were delighted by fava beans in the farro salad, accompanied by roasted turnips, earthy sorrel, and bright pickled ramps. We also enjoyed the roasted broccoli’s interplay between zesty lemon accents and piquant tellicherry peppers.

As we polished off these delicious starters, we were enticed by the pizzas passing by, ultimately indulging in The Bambino. A toothsome and satisfying sourdough crust provided the foundation for a succulent dance of flavors—juicy fennel sausage, red onion, creamy ricotta, and spicy honey. We loved this spirited combination and were tempted to polish off the whole pie right there, but other plates beckoned to us, starting with the soft crab special.

This was offered as a sandwich or on its own, and we opted for the naked crab. Our crustacean arrived lightly battered and fried and accompanied by tartar sauce. The combination was beautiful in its simplicity and left us wanting another. Instead, we went with the roasted pork belly.

Here, chef Cai Lindeman (formerly of the Michelin-rated The Dabney in Washington, D.C.) revealed his understated creativity and sense of humor. Richly fatty pork belly arrived on a bed of charred cucumber, pickled mustard seeds, grilled onions, and radicchio. A dash of vinegar bound all these flavors together in a playful interpretation of a frankfurter accompanied with pickles, relish, and mustard. We wrapped our meal up with a sinful slab of lemon pound cake garnished with basil-infused blackberry compote.

Noona’s offers the wholesome yet uncomplicated casual dining that Baltimore needs—unfussy presentations, bright flavors, reasonable prices, and the deft hand of a good chef to bring them together. We’d like to see a bit more Italian-inspired focus on the wine list to support the flavors coming from the kitchen, but that’s a minor quibble for a restaurant with no fine-dining aspirations.

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NOONA’S 1203 W. Mt. Royal Ave. 410-424-0857. HOURS: Sun. 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 5-9 p.m.; Tues.-Wed. 5-9 p.m.; Thurs.-Fri. 5-10 p.m.; Sat. 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 5-9 p.m. PRICES: Small plates: $7-10; pizza and entrees: $11-15; desserts: $3.50-8. AMBIANCE: Trendy casual.

OPEN

Bon Fresco: This homegrown coffee-and-carb chain—which has shops scattered everywhere from Columbia to Beltsville—opened its first Baltimore location in the Inner Harbor last week. Dooby’s owner Phil Han, whose father-in-law founded the chain in 2008, is spearheading the new shop between Pratt and Lombard streets. His team will follow Bon Fresco’s recipes, highlighting stuffed sandwiches on house-baked ciabatta rolls. (Standouts include the Tuscan Chicken with grilled veggies and famous London Broil topped with red onions and dijonaise.) In addition, the cafe offers breakfast sandwiches, salads, soups, DIY grain bowls, house pastries, and tons of coffee drinks.

Bentley’s Restaurant, Bar, and Lounge: Adding to Charm City’s recent jazz renaissance is this new restaurant and live music venue in Mt. Vernon. On the heels of Keystone Korner’s debut in Harbor East, Bentley’s is now officially open on Antique Row—offering a comfort food menu and weekly jazz, soul, and R&B performances. Diners can tap their feet along to the live soundtrack while enjoying dishes such as beef brisket in a red-wine demi glace, filet mignon topped with crabmeat, and crispy skin salmon with sweet potato mash. Bar snacks include Old Bay wings, peach-glazed shrimp, and Baja fish tacos.

DAYTIME DINING:

Noona’s: Speaking of Han, his pizza spot in Bolton Hill is now open for lunch. As MICA students and faculty return to the neighborhood for the fall semester, the restaurant is now open at 11 a.m. Tuesday through Friday. To accommodate those with limited lunch breaks, Noona’s will feature pub-style service during the day (diners pay at the bar and have their food brought to them) with featured dishes including the house burger, a tomato and mozzarella sandwich, and a farro grain bowl with soft boiled egg and late-summer herbs and veggies.

Topside: Hotel Revival’s rooftop restaurant is also launching daytime service this fall. Beginning Thursday, September 19, Topside will open from 7-10:30 a.m. for breakfast and then reopen from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. for lunch. Executive chef Scott Hines’ breakfast menu will include egg white frittatas and grilled French toast with chantilly cream, while the lunch lineup will feature classic Maryland crab soup and an ancient grains salad with pickled fennel. The first day of the new service just so happens to coincide with Moveable Feast’s Dining Out for Life fundraiser, which donates 25 percent of proceeds from participating restaurants to feeding locals in need.

COMING SOON

Roll Ice Cream & Coffee: Great news for sweet tooth fiends in Mt. Vernon. Highlandtown staple Roll Ice Cream & Coffee is bringing its customizable confections to the neighborhood with a new stall at Mount Vernon Marketplace. Opening on Saturday, August 31, the spot will offer its made-to-order treats that freeze a liquid ice cream base on a subzero plate before mixing in toppings and rolling it up in a cup or waffle taco. Although add-ins can be mixed and matched, co-owners Jason Werner and Jessica Reyes also offer house creations like the popular “Couch Surfer”—which tops a chocolate base with potato chips and caramel popcorn. In keeping with the local feel, the owners also collaborate with area purveyors like Wight Tea Co. and Ceremony Coffee to create their matcha and coffee flavors. Stop by the grand opening from 2-6 p.m. this weekend to sample signature ice cream concoctions and coffee drinks offered exclusively for the grand opening.

Heritage Smokehouse: Industry insiders know George Marsh as the former head chef and butcher at Parts & Labor in Remington, where he specialized in whole-animal butchery and supplied cuts to sister restaurants (including Woodberry Kitchen) and customers in the retail shop up front. “A lot of people are uncomfortable if their meat doesn’t come in a little shrink-wrapped Styrofoam thing,” Marsh told us back in 2016. “I want people to connect with it, see it, get used to it, get comfortable with it. Everyone’s gotten so desensitized to what meat is and what it looks like.” Now, the chef is bringing those philosophies to a new spot of his own. Slated to open in the former home of Murphy’s Bar in Govans by the end of the year, the York Road restaurant will offer smoked meats, locally sourced sides, and a family-friendly setting with arcade games.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

8/30-9/1: Water Song Pop-Up at R. House
Head to R. House sometime during the long Labor Day weekend to get a taste of Yunnan, China by way of Remington. Water Song will be setting up shop in the food hall’s rotating pop-up stall to serve authentic Mixian rice noodles in a tasty broth with pickled mustard greens, a touch of meat, and lots of chili oil.

SHUT:

Minnow: Last weekend, brothers Ben and Jake Lefenfeld served their last orders of crab toast and crispy tofu at this nautical-themed restaurant in Riverside. Open since May 2017, the La Cuchara sister-spot became known for its fish dishes and weekend drag brunches. Although regulars are sad to see Minnow go, the owners aren’t going anywhere. They recently decided it was time for a change and are planning to reopen the restaurant as a new concept called The Hot Dry this weekend. Stay tuned for more details and an exclusive interview with the Lefenfeld brothers on our Local Flavor Live podcast.

COMING SOON

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

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

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

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

NEWS

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

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

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

OUTDOOR OPENINGS

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

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

EPICUREAN EVENTS

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

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

SHUT

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

OPEN

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

When it comes to naming his restaurants, Phil Han tends to get personal. Dooby’s in Mt. Vernon is a nod to his nickname as a young boy. Cocktail bar Sugarvale is a reference to the street that he grew up on. And forthcoming Broadway Market stall Old Boy pays homage to the classic Korean dishes Han now has a deeper appreciation for as an adult. His newest spot Noona’s—meaning sister in Korean—is a dedication to his older sister, Christina.

“In really thinking about what to call this place, I thought back to how the name fits within the grander scheme of what we do,” Han says. “‘Noona’ is a term of respect, specifically from a younger guy to his older sister.”

To further the dedication to his only sibling, Han worked alongside Christina on design and menu details for the Midtown-Belvedere restaurant. Even the logo for the new shop mimics his sister’s natural handwriting.

But beyond just their names, the restaurant concepts also serve as a way to give diners a glimpse at Han’s upbringing: “Like every other kid, almost every birthday party that I went to growing up was always surrounded by pizza as this central food,” he says.

Noona’s—which opens today in the former home of Two Boots Pizza in the Fitzgerald Apartment Building—features a menu of signature sourdough-crust pies topped with ingredients like pancetta and shallots, potatoes and leeks, and classic pepperoni and mozzarella. The offerings will also include larger entrees like braised lamb with mint farro or roasted pork loin with broccoli rabe.

“The menu certainly has a big pizza element to it, but we also just wanted it to be a good neighborhood restaurant,” Han says. “That was so key to where we wanted it to go. We thought about how it doesn’t have to be just a pizza place with a few traditional pizzas and garlic knots. It can be something more than that.”

Though there are some tie-ins to the Korean-fusion flavors at Dooby’s, including a kimchi pork belly pie and similar coffee and pastry program, Han says he wanted Noona’s to have its own identity.

The 55-seat space is a bit more modern, with mirrors by Artstar Baltimore, custom furniture by Goodwood Design, hanging ball light fixtures, a mix of individual and communal tables, and an L-shaped bar—which will be staffed by some familiar faces from his other businesses.

“The bar program is going to be very much driven by the Sugarvale team,” Han explains. “However, it’s going to be a touch more approachable. Sugarvale draws a lot more of the cocktail fanatic crowd, whereas this is more about how the drinks pair well with the food.”

Aside from six local brews on tap, the bar will also offer beers, prosecco cocktails, and a rotating list of signature drinks. Among them are a house Negroni and the “Della Tristezza,” which fuses rum, Strega liqueur, lime, grapefruit, pineapple, cane sugar, and molasses bitters.

An outdoor seating area with views of Mount Royal Station is also in the works for the warmer months. Han hopes that Noona’s becomes a go-to for locals commuting from Penn Station, as well as MICA and University of Baltimore students strolling around the area.

“It’s definitely a new neighborhood for us, but the way I think about it, it still feels like home field advantage,” Han says, mentioning that many Midtown residents are regulars at Dooby’s. “This definitely feels like familiar territory, and it feels great to be able to continue those relationships.”

NEWS

B. Doughnut: The local doughnut scene has taken diners on a bit of a rollercoaster ride lately. A number of beloved bakeshops have opened, closed, popped-up, and switched locations more times than we can count. And when this Hampden favorite—famous for its signature everything bagel-doughnut hybrid—moved to Leesburg, Virginia in 2016, foodies certainly felt the loss. But now, owners Brian and Pin Chanthapanya are bringing back their fan-favorite flavors for a recurring weekend pop-up inside Mount Vernon Marketplace. Pinch Dumplings will offer the doughnuts every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. until sellout. Aside from the savory bagel varieties, be on the lookout for sweet flavors including vanilla bean, lemon curd, coconut-glazed, and the “Homer”—named after the famous cartoon patriarch and dipped in pink glaze with rainbow sprinkles. Pinch Dumplings, 520 Park Ave., 667-309-3445.

Häagen Dazs: This week’s abnormal spike in temperatures had everyone jonesin’ for an ice cream cone. But, for now, Harbor East diners will have to look elsewhere, as this token dessert destination in the neighborhood is currently closed for renovations. Atlas Restaurant Group is overseeing a complete redesign of the shop, whose original decor is more than a decade old. The management team plans for the revamp to reflect the advancements of the Harbor East community, and expects the store to reopen in mid-April—just in time for more warm weather. 685 S. President St, 410-605-2950

OPEN

Three New Dining Concepts Land at BWI: Baltimore Washington Thurgood-Marshall International Airport has seriously upped its food game lately. And this month, three new eateries have joined the many local spinoffs and enticing chains that the airport has to offer. Travelers can now chow down on Mexican street cuisine at La Carnita on Concourse D, soft-serve ice cream and sweet breakfast treats at Sweet Jesus on Concourse C, and classic burgers and shakes at Urban Burger at the Main Terminal.  410-859-7111.

COMING SOON

Noona’s: Husband-and-wife duo Phil and Jennifer Han—who own Dooby’s and Sugarvale in Mt. Vernon and Sundays in Federal Hill—have plans to expand their Charm City footprint with a pizzeria in Midtown near the University of Baltimore campus later this year. According to liquor board documents, the spot inside The Fitzgerald Building is expected to serve an array of pizzas, sandwiches, and small plates accompanied by cocktails and local beer. Stay tuned for more details. 1203 W. Mt. Royal Ave.

Suspended Brewing: After a successful liquor board hearing last week, this highly anticipated Pigtown brewery has finally set a grand opening date for Saturday, March 3. The brand’s sustainable mindset will shine through with elements like repurposed furniture and ecologically conscious brewing equipment. Head to the taproom on opening day to sample unique releases including the New England-style Dirty Washes IPA, and Sour Persian conditioned with Iranian barberries. 912 Washington Blvd.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

2/22: Holy Frijoles Grand Reopening
Hampden locals were devastated when this Tex-Mex mainstay suffered an electrical fire in 2016. Luckily, owner Geoffrey Danek was able to bounce back and reopen the restaurant a few months ago—but he never really got a chance to celebrate. Now, the team is officially toasting the redesigned space with an all-day bash featuring $3 Mexican drafts, hourly food and drink deals, a tequila wheel of speicals, live music by The Busted Boots and DJ Pancakes, and, of course, plenty of Pinball machines. The party just so happens to coincide with National Margarita Day, which means there will also be $2 margs poured at the bar all day long. 908 W. 36th St., 11 a.m., 410-235-2326

2/22: The Txoko Experience Screening and Tasting
La Cuchara and The Parkway Theatre are teaming up to present this special evening celebrating Basque culture. Partake in a screening of The Txoko Experience—a documentary about the gastronomic societies that feature cuisine from the Basque region—and a Q&A with the screenwriter and director before enjoying a reception with passed bites from La Cuchara. The Parkway Theatre, 3 W. North Ave., 7 p.m., $35.

2/26: A Winter’s Night in Hungary
You might know Craig Falk as the chef behind The Lunchbox Lady’s signature sandwiches and salads. But next week, he is switching things up to host a Hungarian pop-up at Wet City inspired by his heritage. (Falk’s Hungarian grandmother is even flying in from Michigan to help him prepare.) Warm up with traditional dishes including Liptauer cheese spread on toasted marble rye, stuffed cabbage topped with tomato sauce, classic chicken paprikash, and a seven-layer chocolate crepe cake with caramel sauce. Wet City, 223 W. Chase St., 5 p.m., 443-873-6699

2/27: Ekiben x Clavel Mexican + Asian Steamed Bun Pop-Up

This Tuesday, ditch the brown bag and head to Ekiben in Fells Point for this epic Asian and Mexican collaboration. The team from Clavel in Remington will be stopping by to whip up a one-day-only lunch menu of soft steamed buns that fuse both restaurants’ signature flavors. Ekiben, 1622 Eastern Ave., 11 a.m.- 3:30 p.m., 410-558-1914