OPEN

Pie in the Sky: Fells Point diners were saddened when Turkish outpost Mare Nostrum closed its doors on Broadway Square last summer. But now, former Mare Nostrum co-owner Murat Mercan has breathed new life into the building by turning it into a BYOB pizza and pasta joint. Pie in the Sky opened quietly earlier this month, offering overstuffed sandwiches, massive calzones, chicken wings, salads, and scratched-made pizzas. Toppings include everything classic pepperoni to vegan and vegetarian varieties (think spinach, artichokes, and Portobello mushrooms) on gluten-free crust.  716 S. Broadway, 410-522-3222

COMING SOON

Hotel Revival: Earlier this week, Mt. Vernon’s yet-to-open boutique hotel revealed details about its dining offerings. In addition to its 107 guest suites and fun karaoke rooms, the property from renowned Joie de Vivre Hotels will highlight two original dining concepts with a bar program helmed by local industry veteran Chelsea Gregoire. The first restaurant—a lobby-level cafe and market called Square Meal—will feature breakfast, lunch, and dinner dishes and local Ceremony Coffee. The hotel will also boast a rooftop restaurant and bar called Topside, highlighting a menu of seafood-centric dishes and killer views of the Washington Monument. Both eateries will be led by local chef Wilbur Cox. Stay tuned for more details about the hotel, which is expected to make its debut this spring. 101 W. Monument St.

NEWS

Fork & Wrench: After six years in business, this Canton hangout from co-owners Andy Gruver and Jason Sanchez is up for sale. The partners say that they are grateful for all of the community’s support throughout the restaurant’s run, and have decided to focus their efforts on their second spot Modern Cook Shop in Fells Point. “As all journeys lead to a final destination, we are committed to continuing ours, both personal and public,” the co-owners said in a statement. “In an ever-morphing world, it takes change and effort to stay inspired, as well as inspire, and to that end, we move forward.” The sophisticated dive bar, best known for its New American fare and collection of vintage fixtures and tools, will remain open for dinner, drinks, and Sunday brunch throughout the turnover process. 2322 Boston St., 443-759-7360.

Regi’s Bistro: Across the harbor, this Federal Hill mainstay has also gone on the market. The neighborhood staple has been around since 1978, serving up classic comfort dishes like cheesy tots, crab cakes with mashed potatoes, and massive pork chops. The restaurant, which is currently listed for $600,000, will remain open until owner Alan Morstein finds a buyer. 1002 Light St., 443-961-6427

Restaurant Week Extended: Not surprisingly, more than 60 restaurants scattered throughout the city have vowed to extend their Baltimore Restaurant Week specials until Sunday, January 28. (Check out our roundup of suggestions if you need help narrowing down all of the choices.) The dining deal offers prix-fixe menus at price points of $12-20 for a two-course lunch, and $20-35 for a three-course dinner. Baltimore County Restaurant Week is also now underway, with nearly 60 eateries offering special menus until February 3.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

TO 2/11: Burnt Coat Pop-Up at R. House
Charm City chef Cai Lindeman has settled in the rotating pop-up stall at R. House for a three-week run, serving eats including locally sourced burgers, Old Bay French fries, and banana pudding with toasted meringue. Chow down on a classic Roseda Farms ground beef patty, or a sweet potato and black bean burger topped with avocado and pickled radish on a brioche bun sourced from Stone Mill Bakery. R. House, 301 W. 29th St.

1/26: BIG Time with Ann Costlow
This Friday, the local food and theater worlds collide as Baltimore Improv Group (BIG) continues its weekly BIG Time series with special guest Ann Costlow—who owns Sofi’s Crepes next door on North Charles Street. The evening will begin with an interview with Costlow, followed by a series of completely unprepared comedy sets inspired by the conversation. The Baltimore Improv Group Theatre, 1727 N. Charles St., $5, 8 p.m.

1/29: Alison Roman Book Signing Bird in Hand
Former Bon Appétit editor Alison Roman is stopping by Bird in Hand in Charles Village next week to chat with female makers Jinji Fraser of Pure Chocolate by Jinji in Belvedere Square, Sarah Conezio of Pennsylvania-based Keepwell Vinegar, and Bird in Hand’s own preservation and canning connoisseur Lauren Sandler of Spike Gjerde’s Foodshed restaurant group. The free event will feature books and beverages for purchase, along with snacks inspired by Roman’s new cookbook Dining In. Bird in Hand, 11 E. 33rd St., 6:30 p.m., Free, 410-814-0373.

SHUT

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que: Last week, this Syracuse-based barbecue chain on Fleet Street shuttered its doors suddenly after only two years in business. Though the restaurant’s run was short-lived, it was known as a spot to enjoy a smoked brisket or pulled pork platter while catching a game in Harbor East. “We would like to thank everyone who has joined us at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que in Baltimore over the past few years,” spokesperson Jason Ryan said in a statement. “Although we are sad to announce we will be closing, we are grateful to the Baltimore community for welcoming us.” No word yet on what will become of the building. 1401 Fleet St.

The Life of Reilly: There’s no doubt that St. Patrick’s Day in Charm City is going to feel different this year. On the heels of the closure of Ryan’s Daughter Irish Pub in Belvedere Square, this Guinness and Jameson destination in Butchers Hill is also closing its doors. Owners Crosby and Julie Healy took to Facebook to announce the closure. “It is with a heavy heart that we inform our friends and patrons that after 11 years The Life of Reilly is closing its doors,” the post reads. The owners go on to cite a heartfelt passage from author J.R. Moehringer’s The Tender Bar. The pub was a neighborhood go-to for warm stews, strong Irish coffees, and community trivia nights. 2031 E. Fairmount Ave., 410-327-6425.

Nearly 100 dining destinations scattered across the city are perfecting their menus for Baltimore City Winter Restaurant Week, which returns in its 13th year January 12-21. With featured spots offering everything from burgers to bronzini—plus more vegan and vegetarian options than ever before—the annual prix-fixe promotion certainly boasts plenty to choose from.

“I thought originally that it was only for fancy places,” says Annabel Lee Tavern owner Kurt X. Bragunier, who is participating in Restaurant Week for the first time this season. “But I’ve learned over time that little places like mine are good candidates, too. So I figured I’d give it a shot.”

Bragunier’s ode to Edgar Allan Poe on the corner of South Clinton Street closed briefly last summer due to financial struggles. Luckily, two local investors swooped in to save the bar soon after. Now that the tavern is back on its feet, Bragunier says that he’s looking forward to really showing the community what it has to offer.

“We wanted to gear the menu toward people who haven’t been here,” he says, mentioning the restaurant’s “tried and true” dishes including its crab cakes, crispy Brussels sprouts, and duck-fat fries. “I feel really strongly about our food—it’s just all about getting people in here to try it.”

Annabel Lee is among many of the must-try spots that are participating in the 10-day deal, which offers fixed menus priced between $12-25 for a two-course lunch, and $20-35 for a three-course dinner. In an effort to help break down all of the options, we’ve put together list of recommendations for the best spots to visit—whether you’re interested in a luxurious lunch, vegetarian dishes, beer pairings, or dining near a cozy fireplace.

Best bargain: The Prime Rib
With its white linen tablecloths, leather chairs, and famous leopard-print carpet, this Midtown supper club is bursting with old-school charm. And while its entrees could typically set you back anywhere from $26-69, the swanky steakhouse is offering a three-course prix-fixe menu including all of the classics for $35 during Restaurant Week. Choose from a house salad or warm bowl of tomato soup to start, followed by main courses like filet mignon, chopped sirloin, a center-cut pork chop, imperial crab, or the namesake special cut of prime rib. End the evening on a sweet note with traditional crème brûlee, key lime pie, or chocolate mousse. 1101 N. Calvert St., $35, 410-539-1804

Beer pairings: Heavy Seas Alehouse
There are plenty of spots to sip worldly wines, but if you’re more of a beer person, Heavy Seas Alehouse has got you covered. Each of the menu’s three courses will be accompanied by 10-oz. pours of Heavy Seas favorites including the Vienna-style Cutlass lager, Peg Leg imperial stout, and the brand new Americannon pale ale. Fittingly, the menu also features beer-infused specials including beer-battered crab dip, an alehouse burger marinated in Heavy Seas’ Powder Monkey pale ale, Golden Ale mousse, and a Tropicannon bread pudding with beer-infused cream sauce. 1300 Bank St., $35, 410-522-0850

Brunch spot: Minnow
This South Baltimore spot, which has been generating buzz with its smoked cocktails and trendy black-bun burgers, is going all out for Restaurant Week. In addition to the prix-fixe dinner menu (think dishes like crispy tofu, braised beef short ribs, and a chocolate-almond tart), the spot is also offering a three-course brunch. Dig in to dishes like French toast with spiced apple compote, crispy fried chicken on a blue corn waffle, sautéed shrimp omelets, and a Snow White cake with a  vanilla-swiss buttercream. 2 E. Wells St., $22-35, 443-759-6537

Luxurious lunch: Johnny’s
Ditch the sad desk lunch and head to this Roland Park favorite for a three-course meal that starts off with either butternut squash soup with sage brown butter, or a classic Caesar salad. Then choose from options like a beer-braised short rib sandwich, chicken BLT hoagie, or a grilled shrimp kale salad with beets, goat cheese, and Marcona almonds. You can’t go wrong with ginger molasses, mocha chocolate chip, or gluten-free peanut butter cookies for dessert. 4800 Roland Ave., $20-35, 410-773-0777

Newbie: Rye Street Tavern
If you have been meaning to swing by chef Andrew Carmellini’s new tavern next to the Sagamore Spirit Distillery campus in Port Covington, Restaurant Week is an ideal opportunity. Take in the waterfront views while indulging in options like black bean soup with lime crema, cornmeal-crusted catfish with Carolina gold rice, the chef’s famous fried chicken with buttermilk biscuits and whiskey pickles, and banana pudding for dessert. 225 E. Cromwell St., $20-35, 443-662-8000, weekends excluded.

Most romantic: Annabel Lee Tavern
Nothing says amour like the melancholic-romantic style of Edgar Allan Poe. This beloved corner destination devoted to the master of macabre is an ideal date-night spot, with its dim lighting, merlot-colored walls, sculpted ravens, and vintage paintings. Glance over the handwritten menu to find dishes like chicken tortilla soup, a charred romaine and tomato salad, and comfort-food entrees like meatloaf with Applewood-bacon gravy and a mango vegetable curry served over couscous. Plus, you can make it a cheap date, since the prix-fixe menu only costs $28. 601 S. Clinton St., $28, 410-522-2929, weekends excluded.

Vegetarian offerings: Myth & Moonshine
Sip Moonshine cocktails out of a Mason jar while enjoying the farmers’ market-inspired fare at this Canton hangout. Chef Kevin Cauthorne’s three-course dinner menu features many meatless options including French onion soup, a fried goat cheese medallion in a crimson tomato sauce, and white wine-marinated eggplant fried in Cajun flour with a side of sautéed spinach and zucchini. The dessert menu also bolsters the ultra-local focus, featuring Dangerously Delicious Berger cookie pie and cheesecake from Sasscer’s Bakery in Canton. 2300 Boston St., $25-35, 410-777-5502

Best fireplace: Regi’s Bistro
Retreat from the frigid temperatures by snagging a table near the antique marble fireplace at this Federal Hill mainstay. The seasonal specialties on Regi’s Restaurant Week menu only add to the cozy vibe—with lunch options like a Bangkok chicken noodle bowl or steak quesadilla, or dinner dishes including Chilean sea bass, veal osso bucco, New York strip steak, and flourless chocolate cake. 1002 Light St., $15-34, 410-539-7344