In Westeros, the night is dark and full of terror. In Baltimore, the night is full of dark ales and terrifyingly good drink specials. Game of Thrones, the HBO show about frowning and dragons, begins its final season on April 14 and establishments around the city are ready for the premiere. Here are the best places to go before your watch has ended.

Baltimore Improv Group: Improv gets a bad wrap. Some might think of it as a bunch of goobers repeatedly shouting bawdy innuendos, but when done by skilled performers, it is uproariously hilarious. For the next six Thursdays, the Baltimore Improv Group at the BIG theater will host a Game of Thrones-inspired variety show. Come watch Baltimore’s funniest turn incest into high comedy. 1727 N. Charles St.

Camden Yards: On May 21, the Baltimore Orioles will force the Minnesota Twins to bend the knee during Game of Thrones night. Ticket packages are available and include access to an exclusive pregame party and a Game of Thrones bobblehead. Adding to the cross-promotional synergy, the only thing colder than a White Walker is Chris Davis’ bat. 333 W. Camden St. 410-685-9800

The Charles: Spring may have sprung, but winter is undoubtedly coming to The Charles. Starting on April 14, this Federal Hill watering hole will host watch parties on its massive screens throughout the GoT season, celebrating the show’s return with a bevy of drink specials and bar snacks. 1110 S. Charles St. 410-727-2333

The Charmery: We’re just putting this out there, but our favorite raft of angsty Westerosi characters would probably be a lot more laid back if they had ice cream—especially if they could gather around this Hampden creamery’s “Game of Cones” pints. Pledge your allegiance to “House Lannister” (a pinot noir caramel base flecked with golden white chocolate bits), “House Targaryen” (a dragonfruit base with Atomic Fireball swirl), or “House Stark” (a wintergreen and spearmint base with peppermint chips). The pints will be available for pre-order only and can be picked up from The Charmery’s ice cream factory inside Union Collective from April 13-21. 1700 W. 41st St.

Donut Stop Believin’: On April 20, chef Doug Wetzel’s donut pop-up will return to the 32nd Street Farmers Market serving the “You Know Nothing Jon Sno-nut.” The chocolate cake doughnut, topped with vanilla sea salt glaze and charcoal Oreo frosting, is the kind of outside-the-box—or, more fittingly, beyond-the-wall—thinking that has made Wetzel one of Baltimore’s most acclaimed chefs. 400 E. 32nd St.

Live! Casino & Hotel: Here is your chance to prove that you drink and you know things. At this Game of Thrones trivia brunch on premiere day, channel your inner Tyrion Lannister for the chance at winning a seven-day trip to Croatia and visiting the real life King’s Landing. There will also be a special menu of GoT-inspired dishes including Littlefinger-ling potatoes, Wolfswood free-range turkey, Robert’s Rebellion bacon, and Ramsay’s crispy breakfast taters. Tickets are $50 in advance and $60 at the door. 7002 Arundel Mills Circle.

Order & Chaos: No, “Order & Chaos” is not the name of the next entry in the original book series that you will never read. Rather, this South Baltimore coffee shop is offering a cornucopia of Game of Thrones’ eats and drinks. Stop by for the “Valar Morghulis” mocha (espresso, mocha syrup, and milk, topped with dragon art) and try not to think about the fact that all men must die. There will also be fittingly named cupcake flavors including the red velvet “Dragon Egg,” vanilla “Winter is Coming”, and chocolate “Dragon” with buttercream icing. 1410 Key Highway. 410-244-1111

The Outpost American Tavern: Here’s your chance to sit on the Iron Throne. Well, sort of. This Federal Hill restaurant will be outfitted with Game of Thrones decor—such as the sigils of major houses that are vying for the throne—and will serve a specialty brunch menu of GoT grub on April 14. 1032 Riverside Ave. 443-388-9113

COMING SOON

Peter Chang Restaurant: Get pumped, “Changians.” Though details have yet to be announced, devoted fans of cult icon Peter Chang will be happy to hear that the chef’s family plans to open an Asian restaurant in the space that was previously Fork & Wrench in Canton. A former chef at the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., Chang started his empire by opening strip-mall restaurants in towns throughout Virginia that weren’t particularly known for their Asian cuisine. While Baltimore boasts some stellar global eats, locals have long been waiting for an authentic Chinese food spot to open within city limits. Here’s hoping we’re next on Chang’s list of places to introduce to his Sichuan specialties—which include dry-fried eggplant, crispy pork belly, and Peking duck. 2322 Boston St.

OPEN

Lyfe Cafe: Experts say that late-January is typically the time when New Year’s resolutions start to go off course. But this new Towson eatery is making it easy for diners to prioritize healthy eating. Local nutritionist and personal trainer Penny Seabolt opened Lyfe Cafe inside The Shops at Kenilworth earlier this week, offering everything from protein shakes and wellness shots to vegan fare and meal-prep services. In addition to the lengthy list of breakfast, lunch, and dinner dishes, the daily menu features a “Food for Mood” section with suggestions for specific health concerns. Need a B-12 boost? Try the veggie omelet with egg whites, spinach, and red pepper. For a healthy heart, Seabolt recommends the Summer Salad with grilled chicken, strawberries, and balsamic. The new eatery joins old standbys Atwater’s and Italian Gardens at the shopping destination, which also plans to welcome Felipe’s Mexican Taqueria next year. 800 Kenilworth Drive. Ste. 800, Towson. 410-842-1050

NEWS

The Elephant Building for Sale: Although co-owners Steven and Linda Rivelis and Mallory Staley assure that this fine-dining destination is in it for the long haul, they recently decided to put the historic building that houses the restaurant up for sale. In an open letter sent to diners via email earlier this week, the owners explained their struggles to secure a bank loan to pay back investors who helped fund the multi-million dollar renovation of the Mt. Vernon mansion. “Without even looking at our financials, nine banks told us that they will not make a loan for a restaurant, especially in Baltimore City,” the owners write. “Unfortunately, we have run out of time. After two years, our friends and family who loaned us the gap funds deserve to be paid back.” The iconic North Charles Street property is currently listed at $2.9 million. Although it will soon have a new landlord, The Elephant’s elegant dining rooms, craft cocktails, and worldly cuisine are here to stay. 924 N. Charles St. 443-447-7878

So Long, Esskay Hot Dogs: Don’t be surprised if you can’t find orange-and-black packages of Esskay hot dogs on your next trip to the grocery store. Virginia-based Smithfield Foods recently made the tough decision to discontinue the fan-favorite franks in an effort to reduce expenses and competition with its other products. As a result, Esskay will also soon disappear from Camden Yards. “The Orioles have always offered a variety of hot dogs, including Kosher options, at Camden Yards, and there are many brands that are expressing strong interest in bringing their product to the ballpark,” Orioles spokesman Greg Bader told The Sun this week. Though summertime cookouts will never taste quite the same, we’re confident that the team will soon find a new brand to spark the same kind of hometown pride. Perhaps the only good news to come of the Esskay loss is that officials say it will not have any effect on the famous Hot Dog Races at Camden Yards.

Baltimore Spirits Company Releases Limited Liquor Line: In the very first collaboration between Baltimore Spirits Company and its Union Collective neighbors Union Craft Brewing, the distillery has created a malty, chocolatey liqueur using fermented wort (extracted liquid) from the brewery’s seasonal Snow Pants Stout. Singularity #1 is the inaugural release in Baltimore Spirits Company’s new “E.B. Smith’s Singularities” line, which is named after co-founder Eli Breitburg-Smith. The liqueur will be available in the tasting room starting this weekend. Other Singularity releases, including a pear brandy, are expected to debut in the coming months. 1700 W. 41st St. Ste. 430. 443-687-9099

EPICUREAN EVENTS

1/25-26: Masarap Filipino Pop-Up at Fadensonnen
If you still haven’t gotten a chance to stop by Fadensonnen—the Old Goucher beer garden from husband-and-wife owners Lane Harlan and Matthew Pierce—this weekend is an ideal opportunity. Not only will the spot offer its local beers, wild ciders, and natural wines, but it will also host chef Rey Eugenio in the food truck out front. Authentic Filipino dishes on deck include a braised pork noodle bowl with fried garlic chips, grilled veggie skewers with Jasmine rice and kimchi cabbage, and a beef-and-potato bowl topped with fermented chili paste ketchup. 3 W. 23rd St. 5-9 p.m.

1/25-26: Harry Potter Pop-Up at Order & Chaos
Key Highway coffee spot Order & Chaos is collaborating with Hampden’s Full Circle Artisan Palace to host a Hogwarts-themed pop-up party this weekend. Fans can enjoy butterbeer lattes while sampling a selection of magical sweets crafted by Full Circle. Among them include doughnuts like the chocolate-glazed “Deathly Hallows,” espresso-sugar covered “Floo Powder,” and cinnamon dusted “Potter Spice.” 1410 Key Highway. 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

1/29: Johntay Bedingfield on Chopped
Head to La Food Marketa in Pikesville to watch the restaurant’s own chef Johntay Bedingfield compete on an episode of Food Network’s Chopped. The kitchen will be closing at 8:30 p.m., at which point diners and staff will gather at the bar for drinks and light snacks while cheering on the chef during the episode. 2620 Quarry Lake Drive, Pikesville. 8-10 p.m. 410-415-0606

SHUT

Cafe Andamiro: MICA students were saddened to hear that this cozy Midtown-Belvedere cafe will be shutting its doors for good this weekend. “We appreciate your business and support,” mother-and-daughter owners Ran Yun and Bomin Jeon posted to Facebook earlier this week. “Being able to share food, drinks, and moments with you was special to us.” Since opening in 2016, Cafe Andamiro—meaning “overflow in abundance” in Korean—has been known for its espressos and pastries, as well as Seoul-inspired specialties including noodle bowls, seasonal salads, avocado toasts, and pressed paninis. 241 W. Chase St. 443-453-9314

The latest miracle worker in the health scene is something you probably already have in your kitchen cabinet. Turmeric, a yellow spice belonging to the ginger family, has made its way to the top of the wellness list because of its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Spice up your beauty and health regime with one of these products, guaranteed to make you feel a little bit brighter.

Latte
Made from a mixture of cold-pressed turmeric juice and your choice of milk, this warm beverage can aid in gastrointestinal health and has been linked to the prevention of cancer cell growth. Turmeric latte ($3.50) at Order & Chaos.

Face Mask
Turmeric works as an acne treatment while simultaneously protecting the skin from bacteria, stimulating blood circulation, and revitalizing the skin. Andalou Naturals turmeric and gold clay mask ($3.69) at Whole Foods.

Tea
Turmeric tea can boost your immune system and lower inflammation throughout the body. Rishi turmeric ginger tea ($3.99) at Common Ground.

Ground Turmeric
Digesting turmeric can help with pain relief and aid in metabolism and weight management. Sprinkle it onto your veggies or mix it into your morning smoothie to reap all of the glorious benefits. Organic fair-trade ground turmeric ($4.99) at Whole Foods.

Supplements
With 400 mg of the golden spice in each bite, these support joint function and help with sore muscles. Good Day chocolate turmeric supplement ($3.49) at Whole Foods.

Essential Oils
These two essential oils, both made with turmeric, will be sure to improve mood, lower anxiety, and help with memory. Add a few drops to a warm bath or dab on a hot or cold compress to let the effects really soak in. Clarity oil ($12) at SoBotanical. Memory Lane oil ($13) at SoBotanical.

COMING SOON

Emma’s Tea Spot: The former Green Onion Market space located along Harford Road in Hamilton is now home to this British tea parlor from husband-and-wife owners Benjamin and Emma Canoles. Expected to debut on November 25, the eatery will focus on soups, salads, and sandwiches dreamed up by Emma—a British-born chef who helmed a farm-to-table pub in London before moving stateside. The redesigned space now boasts kitschy touches like reclaimed furniture, a rustic Union Jack flag, and, of course, vintage china to be used for sipping its array of authentic teas. 5500 Harford Road, 410-444-1718

R&R Taqueria: This Elkridge-based Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives favorite is making moves to the city in early 2018. The traditional taqueria, which also operates a location in Perry Hall, is expected to open its third restaurant at the 30 Light Street property downtown next year. The spot will neighbor Mediterranean outpost Cilantro—which also migrated from Baltimore County earlier this year—and serve its signature tacos, quesadillas, burritos, and other Mexican fare. 30 Light St.

OPEN

16 on the Park: Last month’s grand opening of the Residence Inn at the Johns Hopkins Medical Campus also debuted this new rooftop destination. The modern hotel bar features sweeping skyline views, as well as local beer, worldly wines, and craft cocktails like the “Spirit of Bmore,” combining reposado, fruit juice, and ancho reyes. The food menu features burgers, tacos, crab cakes, wings, charcuterie, and a full raw bar. 800 N. Wolfe St., 443-524-8400

Baltimore Food Hub: Last year, we let you know that a cluster of dilapidated masonry buildings in East Baltimore was set to undergo a multi million-dollar renovation. Now, the long-awaited Baltimore Food Hub—a socially conscious culinary center to foster budding food businesses—has officially debuted its first building. City Seeds, the culinary arm of local nonprofit Humanim, has launched a 7,500-square-foot commercial kitchen and teaching center on the 3.5 acre-site. The space will not only further the program’s job training initiatives, but it will also provide local food entrepreneurs with the office and kitchen space needed to get their startups off of the ground. Other tenants are expected to settle in the property’s remaining five buildings within the coming months. 1801 E. Oliver St.

NEWS

Eddie’s of Mt. Vernon: It might be the end of an era for this decades-old bodega in Mt. Vernon. Earlier this week, the Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation (CHAP) approved local developer Dennis Richter’s plans to raze Eddie’s and its neighboring buildings to make way for a mixed-use development combining retail space with 100 apartments. Local residents have taken to Facebook to voice their concern about losing the neighborhood’s only grocer.

Though the plans were officially approved in a 9-2 vote, CHAP executive director Eric Holcomb says there is still a ways to go before demolition can begin. “The ball is in the developer’s court,” Holcomb says, mentioning that Richter now needs to present concept drawings for approval. “It’s going to be a long project, and the CHAP commission will most likely need to hold two more hearings.” Although it’s unclear whether Richter’s plans call for a revamped Eddie’s or a new grocery entirely, Holcomb says that Richter has worked alongside Eddie’s owner Dennis Zorn while developing the proposal. Zorn testified in favor of the demolition at Tuesday’s hearing, reportedly stating that the current Eddie’s building is “tired and old.” Stay tuned for updates. 7 W. Eager St., 410-727-0154

EPICUREAN EVENTS

TO 11/19: Haenyo Pop-Up at R. House
Local industry vets Collin Morstein and Irvin Seo have returned to R. House to host a weeklong pop-up of their Korean-fusion concept Haenyo. This time around, the partners are modeling the stall design after the pajeon (green onion pancake) houses of Seoul that specialize in plate-sized pancakes and affordable soju (a Korean cousin to vodka). Dishes to look out for include an array of crispy pancakes alongside sides like radish kimchi, marinated tofu, sesame beets, sweet carrot salad, and Korean collards. Mark your calendar for another Haenyo pop-up at Cafe Andamiro in Mt. Vernon November 20-27. 301 W. 29th St.

11/17: Beaujolais Nouveau Day at Woodberry Kitchen
Woodberry Kitchen and Old Westminster Winery are teaming up to put their own spin on the French tradition of Beaujolais Nouveau Day—the third Thursday in November which debuts a special red wine made with Gamay grapes in the Beaujolais region of France. This Friday, gather around the fireplace at Woodberry Kitchen to sip Old Westminster’s brand new cabernet franc made in a style that mirrors a traditional Beaujolais. Plus, there will be food pairings like baguette sandwiches and mugs of leek and potato soup to help everyone keep warm. 2010 Clipper Park Drive, 410-464-8000, 5:15 p.m.

11/17: Diamondback Brewing Releases Order & Chaos Coffee Stout
South Baltimore spots Diamondback Brewing and Order & Chaos Coffee have partnered again this year to release a seasonal coffee stout. The beer, which boasts a “robust cold-brew flavor,” will relaunch at the Diamondback taproom this Friday. Pair the stout with Order and Chaos’ signature handheld Belgian waffles and eats from Dinosaur BBQ at the official release party from 4-7 p.m. 1215 E.  Fort Ave., 4-7 p.m. 443-388-9626

11/28: National French Toast Day at Blue Moon Cafe
In honor of National French Toast Day on November 28, chef Sarah Simington is rolling out 16 new French toast recipes at both locations of her renowned breakfast spot Blue Moon Cafe. Joining the signature Cap’n Crunch French Toast on the menu will be sweet and savory flavors including strawberry shortcake, churro, dark caramel chocolate, smoked salmon, Monte Cristo, and Frito Pie. Multiple locations including 1621 Aliceanna St., 410-522-3940