OPEN:

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

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

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

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

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

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

COMING SOON

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

NEWS

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

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

EPICUREAN EVENTS

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

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

POP-UP PRESS

Rheb’s Candies: Get ready to stock up on Christmas confections while visiting the annual holiday train garden at The Shops at Kenilworth this season. Rheb’s Candies, the venerable Catonsville shop which recently celebrated its 100th birthday, is running a pop-up inside the mall throughout the holidays. The Rheb’s team has chosen a variety of its favorite sweets—including truffles, chocolates, fudges, and jellied fruit slices—to showcase at the new stall, which sits in between South Moon Under and Italian Gardens Restaurant on the first floor. The Shops at Kenilworth, 800 Kenilworth Drive, 410-321-1909

The Verandah: R. House has seen a lot of firsts this year. On the heels of celebrating its first birthday, the Remington food hall is hosting its inaugural Indian food vendor. Hampden hotspot The Verandah will set up shop in the market’s designated pop-up stall until Sunday, December 17. Be on the lookout for authentic street fare including samosas and traditional dosas—savory rice and lentil crepes served with fresh chutneys. 301 W. 29th St., 443-347-3570

OPEN

Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls: This Annapolis-based seafood spot recently made moves North, joining the likes of Atwater’s, Hex Ferments, Neopol Smokery, and Ejji Ramen inside Belvedere Square Market. Inspired by the ethos of Maine’s lobstermen, the eatery offers hearty rolls served both classic (warm with melted butter) or salad (chilled meat with mayo, celery, and lemon) style. The menu also spotlights hearty soups like a lobster bisque and classic clam chowder. 529 E. Belvedere Ave., 410-464-9773

Piazza 27: Mt. Vernon locals are already raving about this new pizza palace, which opened on the corner of Cathedral and Read streets earlier this month. The pages-long menu lists salads, subs, strombolis, pastas, and pizzas with tons of toppings ranging from a classic margherita to chicken-bacon ranch. The BYOB spot offers dine-in service and also delivers via Grubhub. 900 Cathedral St.

COMING SOON

Palio: Highlighting everything from salads and smoothie bowls to barbecue and Korean fried chicken, the Foundry Row development in Owings Mills already boasts plenty of variety. Next year, there will be even more to choose from when this Tuscan trattoria opens its doors. Slated to open early 2018, the Michigan-based chain will offer traditional Italian fare including antipasti, an array of pasta dishes, and flatbread pizzas. The bar menu will be equally expansive, with local beer, craft cocktails, wine, and grappa—distilled brandy made from grape skins that have been pressed to make wine. 10100 Reisterstown Road, Owings Mills.

DONUT DISPATCH

Full Circle Artisan Palace: Though we were sad to see Center Cut Doughnuts go last month, another shop is ready to fill the hole that it left behind. Local baker Courtney Fix—who previously worked in the same space when it operated as B. Doughnut—has teamed up with fellow dessert fiend Heather Cedeno to open this new sweets shop in Hampden on Saturday, December 16. Full Circle—named after Fix’s return to the building—will offer classic doughnuts, as well as fun twists like doughnut buns, cinnamon rolls, and a signature jelly-filled doughnut-muffin hybrid. The duo plans to serve both sweet and savory options, as well as seasonal specialties including Berger Cookie, French toast, and espresso flavors. 3528 Chestnut Ave.

Sundays: In other doughnut news, this long-awaited sister-spot from the team at Dooby’s in Mt. Vernon has finally found a home inside Cross Street Market. The long-term pop-up will offer its sweet brioche doughnuts (think inventive flavors including French toast, boozy eggnog,  and raspberry-almond), as well as savory breakfast and fried chicken sandwiches. The opening comes in the midst of the market’s multi-million dollar renovation, which is slated to be complete by 2019. “When I was a kid in ’90s, I used to run between the stalls when we visited family friends who operated a number of the shops,” said owner Phil Han in a statement. “It’s going to be an adventure watching this market evolve, and I’m sure those same family-friends will pay us a visit to see how it’s changing.” 1065 S. Charles St.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

12/14: Taste of Everyman
This food-pairing program at Everyman Theatre continues with a special cocktail competition before tonight’s performance of The Revolutionists. To complement the comedy about four women living during the French Revolution, Everyman is hosting a “Battle of the Female Bartenders” that will pit industry veterans Chelsea Gregoire, Amie Ward, and Pam Haner against one another. Fittingly, there will also be plenty of Marie Antoinette-inspired sweets to go around. 315 W. Fayette St., 6 p.m., $30-60, 410-752-2208.

12/17: Chad Gauss at Baltimore Farmers’ Market & Bazaar
Hard as it is to believe, the Baltimore Farmers’ Market & Bazaar is hosting its final event of the season under the JFX this Sunday. To make the most of the last market until spring, organizers are bringing in chef Chad Gauss of The Food Market to perform a special cooking demo inspired by his new cookbook The Food Market at Home. If you can’t make it to the market, Gauss will be whipping up his signature amish pretzels with beer cheese at a signing at Whole Foods in Mt. Washington at 12:30 p.m. Corner of Holliday and Saratoga Streets, 9:30-11 a.m.