Throughout the past few years, the brick exterior of the shop stationed at the corner of West 34th Street and Chestnut Avenue in Hampden has boasted many different colorful murals. Locals might remember the red tricycle that graced the facade when it operated as kid-friendly Play Cafe, or the most recent funky wall design that welcomed neighbors into New York City-style bodega Prime Corner.

Now, the entrance is decorated with hand-painted trees and vines that represent the ethos of Treehouse Cafe and Juice Bar—a new holistic concept that features an entirely gluten-free menu of juices, smoothies, soups, salads, wraps, and pizzas.

“What we’ve seen more than anything else is how much the neighborhood wants something to succeed in the space,” says Kirsten LaPointe, a fitness instructor at Movement Lab in Remington who co-owns Treehouse with fellow yoga teacher Shariff Roberts. “Everyone has come by and been so kind and supportive. Even the people who came in and weren’t so sure they wanted only healthy choices were willing to roll with them.”

As a certified nutritionist, Roberts had always wanted to open his own juice bar. And LaPointe, who worked as an art teacher before joining the local fitness scene, had long envisioned opening a bed-and-breakfast where she grew her own ingredients. Together, they came up with a menu that fuses the two ideas while incorporating superfoods—including turmeric, flax seeds, cacao, and MCT oils—that are medicinal to the body.

“Both of us are coming from the same angle of nurturing people,” LaPointe says. “We want our customers to feel like they’re having a treat, even though it’s all healthy.”

A few of LaPointe’s favorite dishes include the gluten-free pizzas made with vegan cheese, savory hand pies that resemble empanadas, a vegan charcuterie board highlighting smoked hummus and caper berries, and a roasted root salad topped with orange and purple sweet potatoes.

After trying to make the concept work in another space for a number of months, the owners switched gears when they learned that the former Prime Corner store was available.

“Oddly enough, all of the equipment that I had collected for the other location fit into this space just like a puzzle,” LaPointe says. “I got it all in, and I couldn’t even stick a nickel in between two things.”

Once all of the equipment was in place, the team got to work decorating the 50-seat cafe with steel chairs, reclaimed furniture from Second Chance, and new countertops made with live wood collected by local arborists.

“That’s what makes it Treehouse,” LaPointe says, mentioning that she hopes to add ficus and fairy lights soon. “Our name originally came from the beautiful yard and tree at the first location we attempted, but I think it also works here because it hints at the story that everything is made of fruits and vegetables. We’re also using sustainable packaging.”

Though the space is currently operating in soft-opening mode, an official grand opening party is scheduled for Wednesday, October 30 from 5-9 p.m. The pre-Halloween bash will feature free wine and card readings by Bonnie Tarantino.

Overall, LaPointe says she’s looking forward to getting to know the neighborhood—especially those who might be skeptical about making a healthy lifestyle change.

“The joy I get is when someone feels better because of something that I served them,” she says. “What I’ve been saying is, ‘It’s our party and everyone is invited.’”

OPEN

Larder: Socle, the Old Goucher food-and-drink complex from Clavel owners Lane Harlan and Matthew Pierce, is officially operating in full swing now that its final concept, Larder, has opened its doors. Joining Harlan’s natural wine bar Fadensonnen and celebrated coffee shop Sophomore Coffee in the renovated carriage house on Maryland Avenue, Larder will specialize in hyper-local dishes prepared by chef Helena del Pesco. Area produce—as well as many ingredients fermented in house—will show up in colorful dishes such as crunchy snap pea and asparagus salad and fig-leaf infused yogurt pudding with roasted peaches. While stopping by for lunch or an early dinner (normal hours will be 11 a.m.-7 p.m.), guests will also be able to peruse shelves stocked with artisan pantry goods from local purveyors like Hex Ferments and Keepwell Vinegar, and some from businesses as far as Oaxaca and San Francisco. 2223 Maryland Ave. 410-982-6246

COMING SOON

Old Boy: A grand opening party for Phil Han’s newest concepts inside Broadway Market has been set for Wednesday, May 15. All of the stalls inside the recently renovatedFells Point institution have been celebrating staggered grand openings since March. Veteran vendors Vikki’s Fells Point Deli, Sophia’s Place, and Sal’s Seafood were the first to premiere, followed by newbie Thai Street. Now, the concepts from Han of Dooby’s are ready to make their debut.

Among them is Old Boy, an authentic Korean eatery whose kitchen will be headed up by Irvin Seo of the popular Haenyo pop-up. In addition, Han’s team will operate a centerpiece bar called Fat Tiger, which is open now serving an all-day menu of coffee, beer, wine, and cocktails. The bar team will also oversee El Tigre—a tiki-inspired play on the Fat Tiger concept that will expand bar service outside to the market’s patio. At the grand opening party, guests will enjoy a soju ice luge at Old Boy, complimentary welcome punch at Fat Tiger, and plenty of tiki drinks from El Tigre outside. 1640 Aliceanna St.

Rock & Toss Crab House: The developers at Greenberg Gibbons are adding yet another eatery to Foundry Row in Owings Mills this summer. The mixed-use development already boasts plenty of fast-casual destinations including Nalley Fresh, Sunset Raw Juice Bar, Mission BBQ, and Zoë’s Kitchen, and now, this Bowie-based seafood spot is also joining the lineup. The 3,060-square-foot restaurant will offer shrimp, baby clams, green mussels, crawfish, and, of course, blue crabs. The entrees arrive covered in signature cajun, lemon pepper, or garlic-butter seasonings. 10100 Reisterstown Rd.

Whole Foods Towson: In other development news, Greenberg Gibbons and Caves Valley Partners have inked a deal with Whole Foods to be the anchor tenant in the forthcoming Towson Row project on the corner of York Road and Towsontown Boulevard. Whole Foods was announced as a tenant years ago, but later pulled out of the ongoing project. Now, the grocery chain is back on board with plans for two levels of parking, a mezzanine space, and an outdoor dining terrace. Construction on the store is expected to begin later this year and it will likely open in late 2021. When complete, the five-acre development will also include 75,000 square feet of retail and residential space, student housing units, luxury apartments, and a 220-room hotel. York Rd. & Towsontown Blvd., Towson.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

5/11: Diamondback Brewing Mole Stout Release
This weekend, the team from Diamondback Brewing will officially release its new bourbon barrel-aged mole stout, Tal Uno—a special collaboration with local chocolate expert Jinji Fraser of Pure Chocolate by Jinji. The 9-percent ABV beer was aged in Buffalo Trace bourbon barrels for 14 months before being infused with Jinji’s ingredients to produce notes of vanilla, spicy pepper, and dark chocolate. Swing by the South Baltimore brewery from 12-7 p.m. on Saturday to sample the release while mingling with brewers who will be on hand to discuss the yearlong process. There will also be live music by funky-folk band Gene & Friends and special Mexican pizzas fired up in the brewery’s new in-house kitchen. 1215 E. Fort Ave. 443-388-9626

SHUT

Atelier Culinaire: This Little Italy fine-dining den closed its doors late last month. Staffed by culinary students at Stratford University, the restaurant was known as a launchpad for young chefs transitioning into the industry. Regulars at the white tablecloth spot enjoyed classics like the roasted rack of lamb, beef bourguignon, and ginger-crusted salmon. There’s no word yet on what will become of the Stiles street space, which is equipped with a built-in bar and mezzanine level. 806 Stiles St.

Gnocco: After three years in Highlandtown, Gnocco will open for its final night of service this Saturday, May 11. The decision comes as Chef Brian Lavin prepares for a move to the West Coast. Throughout its run, the cozy Spanish and French-influenced neighborhood spot became known for its antipasti, comforting pastas, and one of the best Negronis on this side of the pond. 3734 Fleet St.

Prime Corner: Sadly, the days are also numbered for Hampden’s colorful bodega on the corner of 34th Street and Chestnut Avenue. Owner Tess Russell took to social media last week to announce that the she would be closing the store at the end of the month. “The economics of a grocery are super hard,” Russell recently told the Baltimore Business Journal. “Some months we did great, others were tougher.” In the eight months since it opened, the store became known for its artisan grocery items and pantry products from the likes of Taharka Bros., City Seeds, Donut Alliance, and The Lunchbox Lady. Here’s hoping another local operator will reactivate the neighborhood gathering space, which formerly operated as kid-friendly Play Cafe before Russell took over. 3400 Chestnut Ave.

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.

COMING SOON

RegionAle: Ellicott City locals have fallen for this elevated soup and sandwich spot that pairs its menu with regional beers from the likes of Union, Monument City, Jailbreak, and Oliver Brewing. Beginning this summer, Baltimore dwellers will no longer have to make the drive west to get their fix. On the heels of its second birthday, RegionAle is expanding with a new location inside the Canton Can Company. The eatery highlights odes to classic American sandwiches, from a melty Wisconsin grilled cheese to a pressed Florida Cubano. (Of course, the spot also celebrates its local roots with a Maryland crab cake with Old Bay remoulade.) Within the next few months, be on the lookout for the changeover in the former home of Pasticcio’s—which closed its doors in the Can Company last year. 2400 Boston St. Ste. 120

Full Tilt Brewing: This homegrown brewery scored a win this week when the Baltimore City Liquor Board approved a Class B license for its new facility on the ground floor of the Accelerator Building in Govans. With liquor board approval, the team is hoping to tie up loose ends and debut to the public on December 14. The permanent space has been a long time coming for Full Tilt, which has been contract brewing out of Peabody Heights for the past five years. “We’re excited for people to finally see what we had in mind,” says co-owner Nick Fertig.

Aside from the signature brews (think the Hops the Cat IPA and Berger Cookie chocolate stout), the taproom will feature a small menu of its own, as well as pop-ups from the vendors that operate out of B-More Kitchen inside the Accelerator Building. The spot will also feature 10 flat screens, custom-made furniture, a colorful wall mural by graffiti artists Brad Turner and Derrick Noel, and old-school arcade games such as Skee Ball and NBA Jam. “It’s going to be a unique experience,” Fertig says. “People will be able to find their own vibe in any corner of the space.” 5604 York Rd.

OPEN

Bodhi Corner: With the recent arrivals of Foraged and Prime Corner, Chestnut Avenue in Hampden has a whole new vibe. The owners of Khun Nine Thai in Mt. Vernon added to the fresh feel earlier this month when they debuted this new Thai destination in the former home of Cafe Cito. Bodhi Corner is now open, offering a menu of salads, noodle bowls, curries, and signature plates such as Pad Thai and baked duck in a chili-mango sauce. The cozy restaurant is also vegan-friendly, highlighting a variety of dairy-free dishes including mock crab fried rice and tofu rama with steamed vegetables and peanut sauce. 3500 Chestnut Ave. 443-438-4068

Get It Inn Island Cuisine & Bar: Since opening in Locust Point last year, this island oasis has become a go-to for Jamaican delicacies, reggae music, and strong rum drinks. This weekend, the eatery is expanding across the harbor with a second location in Canton. Set in the former home of Fredericks on Fleet and Lucy Bar, the spot will serve up authentic dishes such as jerk wings, curry shrimp, braised oxtail, and fried plantains. The official grand opening on November 30 will feature food and drink specials until close and live music spun by DJ Sean Nice. 2112 Fleet St. 410-814-0585

EPICUREAN EVENTS

12/1: Hygge Mood
A handful of local food favorites are coming together to kick off the holiday season in style at Prime Corner—the new bodega conveniently located just across from the Miracle on 34th Street lights in Hampden. Head over to the store to indulge in Filipino comfort food from Calasag Pop-Up, cozy cocktails from R. Bar, and samples of Small Wave Brewing’s Winter Chai Stout made in collaboration with our own Wight Tea Co. Plus, peruse holiday products from local purveyors including Wild Kombucha, Baltimore Spirits Company, Vent Coffee Roasters, The Charmery, Jinji Chocolate, Sacré Sucré, B. Willow, The Ivy Bookshop, Le Monade, Taharka Brothers, and more. 3400 Chestnut Ave. 8 p.m.

12/4 & 12/9: The Charmery Goes Wonka: A Full Sensory Movie Experience
It’s no secret that The Charmery’s master creamer, David Alima, is a Willy Wonka fan. Hosting a sensory screening of the original Gene Wilder film has been a dream of his for a while, and now that the shop’s new factory is up and running inside Union Collective, the event is finally within reach. Join David and Laura Alima as they transform the space into a magical movie-watching experience. There will be special Wonka-inspired flavors served throughout the film (think snozzberry sorbet), along with plenty of other whimsical moments that engage all five senses. The two-night screening will be the first of the shop’s new immersion film series, which will continue with other movies in 2019. “In this fast-paced world, we often don’t take the time to stop and really experience the moment,” David says. “We hope this series will awaken the senses for an experience of 100-percent joy.” 1700 W. 41st St. Ste. 400. Times vary. $30

OPEN

Prime Corner Baltimore: Hampden locals have been witnessing the gradual transformation of this shop on the corner of 34th Street and Chestnut Avenue. The former home of Play Cafe now boasts a colorful, hand-painted exterior, and an interior filled with unique grocery items, deli fare, coffee, candies, and flowers. The New York-inspired bodega from Hampden local Tess Russell will officially open to the public this Saturday, September 22. “I want to honor the neighborhood and have this be a grocery store that people can use in that way,” Russell told us. “But I’m also very interested in food and beverage, and have tastes for odd items. The fun balance will be making it so that you can get milk and eggs, but also so you can discover new things like wild drinks, snacks, and other local products.” 3400 Chestnut Ave.

COMING SOON

Alexander Brown Restaurant: This new dining den set inside the historic Alexander Brown investment bank building downtown is nearing its debut in the next few months. Under the helm of brother-and-sister duo Blake Casper and Allison Adams—who operate a sister-restaurant inside a similar historic property in Tampa, Florida—the 170-seat spot will pay homage to Brown, the iconic mercantile who most notably funded the B&O Railroad and Baltimore’s first public water system. The space, which is partially owned by descendants of Brown, will preserve architectural details while offering a menu of New American fare. According to liquor board documents, executive chef Richard Anderson is planning to serve dishes such as Hickory-smoked salmon crostini, seasonal chopped salads, tomato and prosciutto flatbreads, and a chicken burger topped with feta and cumin aioli. 135 E. Baltimore St.

Blackwall Hitch: This Annapolis favorite—which also has locations in Alexandria, Virginia and Rehoboth Beach, Delaware—is bringing its seafood specialties and upscale decor to the Inner Harbor this fall. Located on the first floor of the former Candler building on East Pratt Street, the 10,000-square-foot restaurant will feature multiple bars, outdoor seating, and a mezzanine level. Be on the lookout for dishes including sauteed shrimp in a Creole butter, herb-marinated whole branzino, fried oyster po’boy with cherry pepper remoulade, and classic steak frites. 700 E. Pratt St.

CH-CH CHANGES

Das Bier Haus: Earlier this month, owners of this German-inspired beer hall in Federal Hill officially unveiled a new second-floor dining room. The grand opening party, which was attended by former Ravens Dennis Pitta and Todd Heap, debuted the top-level space featuring communal tables, exposed brick, and multiple flat screens. The expansion comes on the heels of the opening of Fornicolli’s, an Italian eatery that Das Bier Haus owner Nate McKinney debuted next door to the bar in June. 1542 Light St. 443-708-8854

Frazier’s on the Avenue: Whether you’re in search of a quick bite, open pool table, or a cold can of Boh, this Hampden dive is always there when you need it. Though regulars have grown fond of the spot’s classics (including the crispy tots and crab dip with warm pita), Frazier’s updated its menu this week with some fresh options. Aside from the fan-favorite wings and club sandwiches, the new menu now lists additions like Southwest egg rolls with Sriracha ranch and the vegan “Impossible Burger” topped with avocado and red onion. 917 W. 36th St. 410-662-4914

NEWS

Expedia Gives Love to Baltimore’s Bread Aroma: This week Expedia.com rounded up the top cities whose smells invoke a sense of nostalgia, and the iconic aroma of fresh-baked breads in Fells Point earned Charm City a spot on the list. “The smell of freshly baked bread drifts from Baltimore’s Schmidt Baking Company and H&S Bakery, wrapping you in a warm hug,” writes Expedia staff writer Chloe Mulliner. “Smelling like home sweet home, Baltimore will have you salivating as a trail of sugary and floury aromas hits your senses.” Baltimore was named alongside other cities like Chicago, Buffalo, and Miami on the quirky, yet totally accurate, list.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

9/20-10/14: Burnt-Coat Haenyo Pop-Up at Stalking Horse
Stalking Horse in Federal Hill will be hosting this epic pop-up collaboration on weekends throughout October. Swing by Thursday-Sunday to sample eats from local pop-up Haenyo, which specializes in Korean-fusion fare, and Burnt Coat, an American concept from local chef Cai Lindeman. Pair the bar’s signature boozy slushies with special menu items including panko-dipped corn dogs with hot mustard, Korean fried chicken, Gochujang pulled pork nachos, and a burger topped with cheddar and dijonaise. 26 E. Cross St. 6 p.m.-12 a.m.

9/24: Farm to Chef Maryland
Now in its ninth year, this foodie fundraiser is uniting 30 area chefs with local farmers to benefit TasteWise Kids, an organization offering interactive programs that teach elementary school students about the importance of urban agriculture and healthy eating. Gather at The Assembly Room to taste dishes and sip spirits from the likes of Foraged, Chez Hugo Bistro, The Outpost American Tavern, R. Bar, The Elk Room, and Ida B’s Table. Each dish and cocktail recipe will feature the bounty of a specific local producer, including the Baltimore Orchard Project, Moon Valley Farm, and Prigel Family Creamery. The Assembly Room, 316 Guilford Ave. 6:30 p.m. $115-150.

SHUT

Cafe Zen: Diners in the Belvedere Square area are mourning the loss of the kung pao chicken and vegetable fried rice at this longtime Chinese food purveyor, which has officially closed its doors. Earlier this month, the North Baltimore eatery transformed into a new Asian concept, A1 Sushi. Featuring new furniture and interior upgrades, the spot offers a sizeable sushi menu, as well as classic Chinese pork, chicken, and beef dishes. 438 E. Belvedere Ave. 410-532-0022

Though she spent years building her career in the tech world, living in big startup cities like San Francisco and Brooklyn, New York, Tess Russell always knew in the back of her mind that she wanted to open a neighborhood corner store.

“It’s funny that it’s so far from what I did before, but it still sparks the same curiosity in me,” says Russell, a Roland Park native who now lives in Hampden. “I’ve always had this interest in corner stores and talking to the people who run them about what’s in stock and what people need. It’s totally based on interactions.”

Now, Russell is making that longtime goal a reality with Prime Corner Baltimore—a grocery store and lunch counter in the former home of Play Cafe at 3400 Chestnut Avenue. Expected to open by the end of the summer, the renovated spot will offer grocery items and deli fare, as well as candies, flowers, coffee, vegan options, and old-school Baltimore snacks like lemon-peppermint sticks.

“I want to honor the neighborhood and have this be a grocery store that people can use in that way,” she says. “But I’m also very interested in food and beverage, and have tastes for odd items. The fun balance will be making it so that you can get milk and eggs, but also so you can discover new things like wild drinks, snacks, and other local products.”

Similar to many of the bodegas that she frequented in New York, Russell will offer shelves stacked with artisan goods that locals might not be able to find elsewhere in the neighborhood. When it comes to the prepared food, the menu will feature everything from a basic ham-and-cheese sandwich to fancier toasts inspired by places like The Mill in San Francisco—which makes a killer cinnamon-sugar toast, according to Russell.

“That was the place everyone would go and say, ‘I don’t get it, it’s just toast,’” she recalls. “But then you try it and you’re like, ‘No that’s the best toast I’ve ever had.’ So my goal there is to do something simple but very delicious and made with care.”

Russell has been putting just as much thought into the redesign of the space, which will boast a long, eight-seat lunch counter, table seating up front, and aisles loaded with pantry products near the back. She is also planning to offer al fresco seating, and commission a local artist to paint a colorful wall mural on the front of the building.

“As someone who lives on Chestnut, seeing all of the businesses put chairs out in the spring is really nice,” she says. “Walking down the sidewalk and seeing people hanging out gives it a really vibrant feel.”

To further the community focus, Russell is encouraging locals to reach out on social media and let her know which products they would like to see in the shop. She is also looking forward to partnering with other small businesses, whether that means seeking out artists to create merchandise for the store or offering food and drink mashups for visitors going to see the 34th Street lights during the holidays.

Thinking of ways to collaborate with other businesses, Russell says, is a skill she mastered while creating apps in the tech world.

“In Baltimore more than anywhere, everyone wants everyone else to succeed,” she says. “Every time a new business opens in Hampden, it benefits all of the other businesses. People are really supportive as long as there’s a good-faith effort to listen to the neighborhood.”