Hard to say whether it’s the aftermath of the pandemic or just Baltimore’s need to carbo-load, but lately Baltimore is a boomtown for bakeries.

From Fells Point to Hamilton, local bakeries are relocating to bigger spaces or opening second or even third spots to sate sweet tooths and bread cravings.

Maillard Pastries recently opened a second location in Hamilton, Sacré Sucré moved to a larger space in historic Fells Point, and Roggenart Bakery debuted a fifth location in Mt. Vernon. And then there’s Ovenbird Bakery, which went from a tiny spot in Little Italy to debuting a space in East Baltimore that’s 10 times larger than the original.

“When we opened in 2020, we were more of a community neighborhood bakery, but the concept keeps being re-imagined as we try to keep up with the enthusiasm from customers,” says Keiller Kyle, Ovenbird’s owner. “We’ve created a hub of baking and retail that’s now more of a café.”

These days, the baker estimates his Highlandtown kitchen produces some 200 to 300 loaves a day, including focaccias, baguettes, and sourdough, plus 250 or so bagels for both the Highlandtown and Little Italy locations.

Kyle, a former bird biologist who got into baking as a sideline in 2016, sees himself fitting into the continuum of Baltimore bakers who did things the traditional way, making bread with natural starters and shaping loaves by hand.

“There’s a heritage here that carries over,” he says. “In Baltimore there are Greek, German, Italian, and Jewish bakeries. We are not necessarily anchored in any one baking heritage, so we make challah on Fridays, while also shaping darker rye breads from the German heritage. We’re also drawing on the Turkish baking heritage in our pastries. We celebrate all these traditions since we are a reflection of the city in which we are baking.”

COMING SOON

Pekara: Former Roggenart regulars will be happy to hear that a new iteration of the now-closed Mt. Washington cafe is opening in Roland Park next month. Pekara, the Serbian word for bakery, is the brainchild of Serbian-born owner Radomir Mihajlovic and head baker Borislav Petkovic—both of whom previously worked for Roggenart. The duo will bring the bakery’s signature European breads and pastries to the new shop, which is expected to open on West Coldspring Lane across from Miss Shirley’s in November.

Be on the lookout for a variety of fresh-baked loaves (think white, rye, challah, spelt, and multigrain varieties), as well as fruit tarts, Danish and French pastries, and Petkovic’s savory Burek pie made with flaky phyllo. Mihajlovic says that the coffee program will be simple to start, but he hopes to add more complex drinks as time goes on. After weeks of gas and electric delays, he’s excited to finally unveil the spot to the community. “I’ve lived in Roland Park for 30 years, so I know a lot of the neighbors,” he says. “Everyone just keeps asking and asking about it. I can’t wait for us to open.”

BRUNCH BULLETIN

The Urban Oyster: Five months after opening a permanent home for her roving oyster bar in Locust Point, chef/owner Jasmine Norton has added weekend brunch into the mix. Every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., head to the bright McHenry Row spot to indulge in options like a plump crab cake and fried oyster benedict, Cajun jambalaya topped with a runny egg, and a shrimp BLT sandwiched between two waffles. To make the deal even sweeter, every fourth Saturday diners will be able to sip cocktails and enjoy all of the mid-morning fare during an intimate drag brunch hosted by Dee Dee Dereon, with performances by Kayden Amore Chloe and Venus Fastrada.

The Night Brunch Festival: For more than a year, Treason Toting Company co-owner Jason Bass and local DJ Ryan Rhodes (more fondly known as DJ Impulse) have been hosting evening brunch pop-ups—which inevitably turn into all-out dance parties—at area bars and restaurants. Now, they’re throwing the first-ever Night Brunch festival October 4-6 at Harbor Point. The three-day celebration will feature eats from the likes of Clavel, The Local Fry, The Urban Oyster, Home Made, Orto, and Vida Taco Bar. Plus, enjoy photo booths, a Truly cocktail bar, and, of course, plenty of live music.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

10/5: Cōl Bōl Tire Shop Pop-Up

The former Parts & Labor space will fill with the scent of classic Liberian cuisine by chef Carleen Goodridge this weekend. As part of the ongoing Tire Shop series that activates the Remington restaurant with local chef pop-ups, Goodridge is hosting an authentic takeover with recipes that reflect her family’s heritage, including jollof rice and nut-based palm butter soup. To add to the experience, there will also be Afrobeat music spun all afternoon, a photo backdrop created by Regal Clothes, and West African-inspired brews from Washington, D.C.-based Sankofa Beer Company.

10/5: Stein Day // Lagerfest 2019 at Diamondback Brewing

Head to Diamondback in South Baltimore this weekend the welcome fall in an Oktoberfest-style tented biergarten on the brewery’s patio. Throughout the day, take in the live sounds of D.T. Huber & The Whale Show, The High and Wides, and Fried Pickin’ while sipping special releases like the “Forte” German-style pilsner and “Everything All the Time” Helles lager. There will also be plenty of offerings to line your stomach including sausages by Snake Hill, a whole-hog barbecue by John Brown Butchery, and Diamondback’s own Bavarian soft pretzels.

SHUT

Melody Cafe: Last week, Mt. Vernon said goodbye to this coffee shop, study spot, live performance venue, and all-around community hub. The subterranean space—opened by Darryl Strange and his teenage son Juwan Davis in December 2017—closed its doors for good last week after its landlords gave the owners a 60-day notice to vacate back in July. The owners recently took to social media to clarify that it wasn’t their decision to close. “We want to thank each and everyone of you for your dedication, your support, your love, and most importantly your encouragement,” they shared on Instagram. “Being a small business is hard, but we are here having started off with just a few drinks and a prayer to having formed many relationships with many people and businesses.” In addition to its coffees and breakfast plates, Melody became known for its frequent open mics, karaoke nights, spoken word performances, and movie viewing parties.

NEWS

Rooster & Hen Moving to Cross Street Market: Just when we thought Cross Street Market couldn’t get any more enticing, the newly renovated food hub recently announced that Catonsville grocery Rooster & Hen will be opening a “market within the market” this fall. Owners Joseph McRedmond and Allison Smith will close their Frederick Road favorite in September and head to Federal Hill to get the new 1,800-square-foot stall up and running. Since 2016, the owners have peddled local produce, featured items from small-batch makers, hosted area pop-ups, and even opened the store up for community events. That mission will continue in the new space—which will offer flowers, pantry staples, frozen comestibles, prepared foods, fresh fruits and veggies, meal prep kits, and a full kitchen for hosting pop-ups and cooking classes. “The Federal Hill community holds a special place in our hearts and has been the setting for some of our fondest memories,” the owners said in a statement. “Becoming a part of the historic legacy is an honor.”

Maximón Releases Patio Renderings: It seems like the wheels never stop turning for Atlas Restaurant Group—the team behind Harbor East hotspots Ouzo Bay, Loch Bar, Azumi, and Bygone. Next up is Latin American-inspired restaurant Maximón, which is expected to open this fall in the former home of Wit & Wisdom inside the Four Seasons Baltimore. Atlas recently unveiled renderings for the restaurant’s Spanish-style courtyard executed by local designer Patrick Sutton. The plans for the promenade include glowing purple lighting, lush greenery, lounge furniture, and an oval-shaped bar overlooking the harbor. Stay tuned for more details.

Roggenart Closes Temporarily: Many Mt. Washington locals have made stopping into this European pastry palace a part of their morning routine for the past two years. But recently, the cafe—which was nearing the end of its lease—closed temporarily while the team prepares to open a new location at the yet-to-open Whitehall Food Market in Hampden this fall. Though a reopening date hasn’t been solidified as of yet, here’s hoping it’s only a matter of weeks before the Mt. Washington shop starts cranking out its famous croissants and pain aux chocolat once again.

Wet City Lauded by Bon Appétit: Last week, we were pleased to see a local name featured in Bon Appétit magazine’s recurring column “Highly Recommend,” in which editors’ share their favorite things. The piece was dedicated to the “Spaghett” cocktail at Wet City in Mt. Vernon. “This cocktail has become my official drink of the summer,” editor Alex Delany wrote about the $5 happy hour drink that combines Miller High Life, Aperol, and lemon juice. “This is on deck for the rest of August and most of September for me. Long live Baltimore. Long live summer. And long live the Spaghett.” We couldn’t agree more.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

8/16: Jade Pop-Up at Fadensonnen
Johns Hopkins biomedical engineering student Jesse Wu, who started his own pop-up inside his dorm room last year, is bringing his Chinese-American cuisine to Fadensonnen in Old Goucher. Grab an order of Wu’s signature Hunan rice noodles, and stick around to sip Fadensonnen’s natural wines, beers, and sake throughout the night.

8/16-9/1: Maryland Vegan Restaurant Week
As Baltimore Restaurant Week comes to a close (many participants have extended their menus through Sunday, August 18) another dining-out promotion is just ramping up. Spots all over the state are rolling out dairy-free dishes in honor of Maryland Vegan Restaurant Week. Of course, staple vegan eateries including Golden West Cafe, L’Eau de Vie Organic Brasserie, Great Sage, and Stall 11 will be putting out their best plates. But you can also enjoy specialty dishes at restaurants like Wicked Sisters, La Scala, Little Havana, and Sobo Cafe. An array of special events throughout the week will kick off with a vegan baked goodspop-up at The Land of Kush on August 19.

SHUT

Bill Bateman’s Bistro Reisterstown: Baltimore County locals are still reeling from the loss of the Bill Bateman’s location on the Towson University campus, which closed for good last year. Now, yet another one of the homegrown pub’s outposts is shutting its doors. After 21 years, the Reisterstown mainstay in the Chartley Shopping Center will close for good on Sunday, August 18. “It has truly been a pleasure being a part of this ever-growing and always-friendly neighborhood,” management wrote in a post to Facebook announcing the closure. This weekend, regulars will gather for one last pint, crab pretzel, and order of wings around the bar at the community hangout. The Severna Park, Parkville, and Rosedale iterations of the local sports bar are still going strong.

COMING SOON

Whitehall Food Market: It’s been several years since we first heard murmurs of a food hall taking shape inside Whitehall Mill—the historic property located along the Jones Falls in Hampden. Now, the lineup of Maryland producers moving in to the revamped space has officially been finalized. In addition to True Chesapeake Oyster House—an anchor restaurant from the brains behind The Local Oyster and True Chesapeake Oyster Co.—the culinary offerings will include java from Ceremony Coffee, cheese and charcuterie from Deep Creek Lake’s FireFly Farms, small-batch blends from Wight Tea Company, prepared meals from Gundalow Gourmet, and European pastries from Roggenart. In addition, look for authentic eats from Heritage, a new concept from former Ouzo Bay chef Rey Eugenio—who also operates the popular Masarap Filipino pop-up. Developers with Terra Nova Ventures are preparing for a late-fall grand opening.

Miss Shirley’s: Get ready to see some familiar food-and-drink logos while strolling through BWI this summer vacation season. Frederick’s Flying Dog Taphouse has become a favorite since it opened inside the airport two years ago, and recently, Nalley Fresh joined the pack with a salad stall inside the food court on Concourse A. The local restaurant presence will continue to expand in 2020, when Baltimore breakfast behemoth Miss Shirley’s is expected to open a 100-seat restaurant inside the global gateway. To accommodate travelers at any hour, the spot will offer dinner and late-night options, as well as its signature pancakes and Southern-style breakfast dishes.

OPEN

Dee at Thai: Mt. Vernon locals were at a loss when Stang of Siam closed abruptly last December. A sign posted to the door informed regulars that a changeover was imminent, and now, a new Thai restaurant is back in its place on North Calvert Street. Dee at Thai opened earlier this month, offering a wholesome array of soups, curries, vegetarian options, and traditional pad Thai dishes. In keeping with the holistic mission, the menu also breaks down the health benefits of cooking with Thai herbs such as lemongrass and sweet basil, which have both been known to help strengthen the immune system.

NEWS

Heavy Seas Releases “Bmore Snoball Ale”: On the list of things synonymous with Charm City, egg custard snowballs rank pretty high. So it’s no wonder Halthorpe-based Heavy Seas’ Beer decided to create a new brew inspired by the iconic summer treat. At a 5.5 percent ABV, the Egg Custard Blonde Ale uses a malt base, Strisselspalt hops, and lots of vanilla to replicate the classic snowball flavor. It will be available in cans and on draft exclusively in the brewery’s taproom starting next Friday, July 26.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

7/20: SauceScape at North Avenue Market
Throughout Artscape weekend, there will be plenty of opportunities for diners to get a sneak peek of the proposed plans for North Avenue Market. The former home of Red Emma’s in Station North is expected to house multiple food concepts in the coming months. Among them will be Secret Sauce Co., the craft ketchup brand that served its burgers and fries at an extended pop-up inside Lost City Diner a few months back. This Saturday night, Secret Sauce Co. is taking over the space to launch its new hot sauce collaboration with Jones Falls Sauce Company. Stop by to sample the concoction, enjoy tacos from Cocina Luchadoras, play some classic arcade games, dance to live funk music, and—perhaps most importantly—take advantage of the free air conditioning.

7/20: Inaugural Highlandtown Crab Feast

The recent influx of Chesapeake Bay blue crabs calls for a new Charm City crab feast. Enjoy the summer tradition at this inaugural event benefiting the Highlandtown Community Association. Captain Frank’s Seafood will provide the crabs and savory sides, such as steamed corn, tomato and cucumber salad, and hush puppies. And Highlandtown’s own Monument City Brewing will be handing out cold cans to wash down all of the eats. Following dinner, partake in dessert, games, a 50/50 raffle, and a block party from 7-9 p.m.

SHUT

Atwater’s Falls Road: Early risers on the hunt for avocado toast on Falls Road will now have to venture to one of Atwater’s other nearby locations. After seven years, the cafe recently came to the end of its lease, and management decided not to renew. The neighborhood go-to became known for its piping-hot soups, irresistible baked goods, and hearty sandwiches. Luckily, Atwater’s locations in Belvedere Square, Canton, Catonsville, Towson, and Upper Fells Point are all still going strong.

Bar Liquorice: Riverside locals enjoyed the last of the Red Vines and Good & Plenty’s at this kitschy corner bar last week. After five years of slinging cocktails and refilling the popcorn bowls at Bar Liquorice, owner Jeff Cahill has decided to move on. “Owning a bar is a 24-7 labor of love that can really kick your ass,” he wrote in a message announcing the closure. “Although I have loved my 30-plus years in Baltimore, I have decided to join my family in a new venture that will free me up to actually enjoy my life.” There’s no word yet what will become of the Fort Avenue property.

CH-CH CHANGES

101 Baltimore: Though this Federal Hill hangout initially debuted as a deli one year ago, it quickly became apparent that 101’s true strengths were its sophisticated snacks, next-level cocktails, and approachable wine offerings—which we recognized with a Best of Baltimore award this year. Now, as the spot begins to hit its stride as a modern neighborhood bistro owner Sean White and his team have changed the name from 101 Deli Bar to 101 Baltimore. The refocused concept features new eats from chef Brian Mahon (think ricotta gnocchi and a watermelon poke bowl), a refreshed local beer lineup from general manager Sam Wyatt, and an expanded wine list crafted by new sommelier Dan Worrell—formerly of Minnow in Riverside. 1118 S. Charles St. 443-682-9480

Vida Taco Bar: Local diners were hyped when this Annapolis-based tacos-and-tequila spot unveiled a new location at Harbor Point earlier this summer. Now, executive chef Josh Brown is gearing up for fall by adding some new flavors to the taco menu. Favorite fillings like Buffalo cauliflower and chilled ahi tuna will be sticking around for the season, and will also be joined by new options like a fried octopus taco with yukon gold potato salad and chipotle aioli, and a sweet potato taco with black beans and pickled red onion. Additionally, the drink menu has been updated with new cocktails like the “24 Carrot,” which highlights Suerte reposado tequila, fresh pressed carrot and apple juice, ginger margarita mix, and a salt-and-pepper rim. 1401 S. Point St. 443-835-8474

OPEN

Baltimore Spirits Company: This acclaimed distillery is officially opening the doors to its new production space and tasting room inside Union Collective this Saturday, September 15. The state-of-the-art facility boasts lots of character with a selection of fun bar tools from Cocktail Kingdom, reclaimed décor and furniture built by the co-owners themselves, and a brand new still that will allow for quadruple the output. Aside from the striking interior, the eco-friendly production space uses a custom geothermal system to sustainably distil its award-winning spirits like Epoch Rye and Shot Tower Gin. 1700 W. 41 St.

Well Crafted Kitchen: Speaking of Union Collective, this farm-to-table pizza purveyor also recently opened inside the space. The business—which started as mobile kitchen inside of a tricked-out 1949 Dodge pickup truck—specializes in wood-fired pizzas topped with everything from arugula and heirloom tomato to apples and caramel. The new headquarters is located just off of the Union taproom, making it easy for beer lovers to grab a snack while hanging out at the brewery. 1700 W. 41 St.

Roggenart: A new location of this heavenly Mt. Washington bakery is now open off of Dobbin Road in Columbia. The new spot continues the bakery’s European-inspired flair, featuring display cases filled with fresh-baked baguettes, flaky croissants, and traditional pain au chocolat. Wash down on all of the eats with coffee drinks including espresso, macchiatos, and frothy lattes. The new cafe marks the second local shop for Serbian-born owner Nem Popov, who also owns a string of bakeries throughout Europe. 6476 Dobbin Center Way, Columbia. 443 583-7854

EPICUREAN EVENTS

9/20 & 9/27: Origins Speaker Series
We can’t believe it’s been three years since this sustainable speaker series debuted at Artifact Coffee. This month, the event is celebrating its long run by offering a two-part conversation about local sourcing from both the retail and the farmers’ market point of view. The special program begins on September 20 with an intimate conversation between MOM’s Organic Market CEO Scott Nash and Tracy Ward, executive director of food preservation organization Chesapeake Harvest. The talk will continue one week later on September 27 with special guests David Liker of Gorman Farms in Howard County and Mark Toigo of Toigo Orchards in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. As always, both events will include drinks, appetizers, and a family-style meal with the speakers after the conversation. 1500 Union Ave. 6:30 p.m. $65 for one evening, $120 for both.

9/20: Dining Out For Life
More than 50 restaurants throughout the Baltimore-Metro area—including Hersh’s, Linwoods, Square Meal, Woodberry Kitchen, and Annabel Lee Tavern—are participating in the 25th annual Dining Out For Life fundraiser on Thursday, September 20. In honor of the initiative, the restaurants have vowed to donate 25-50 percent of the day’s dining proceeds to Moveable Feast, an organization that delivers meals to residents living with HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening illnesses. Check out the full list of participating restaurants here, and make a reservation to dine out for a great cause next week.

SHUT

Mueller’s Delicatessen: Yet another iconic deli is shuttering its doors in Charm City. Last week, Mueller’s Delicatessen in Northeast Baltimore announced that it would be closing after 71 years on Harford Road. “We would like to thank all of our loyal customers,” the post reads, adding that the last day of service will be September 23. The news about the decades-old spot—best known for its spaetzle, bratwurst, and other German specialties—comes on the heels of other local deli closures including Lenny’s Delicatessen on Lombard Street, Goldman’s Bakery in Pikesville, and Suburban House on Reisterstown Road. 7207 Harford Rd.

OPEN

Old Major: This new Pigtown hangout, cleverly named after the pig in George Orwell’s Animal Farm, is all about embracing the neighborhood. Aside from its name, the spot pays homage to the area with specialty cocktails made with bacon simple syrup, and eight varieties of local beer on tap. “Pigtown is really starting to rise,” says manager Jake Parry. “When Suspended Brewing opened here, it brought so many people to the area. That’s something that we want to continue.”    

The renovated, 75-seat bar—formerly the Cockeyed Cow Saloon—debuted earlier this month, and is planning an official grand opening party on Saturday, April 28. Bar-goers are invited to sip discounted drinks (everything from Union beers to a Baltimore iteration of a Manhattan made with Sagamore 83 and Baltimore Whiskey Company’s Szechuan Baltimaro) while challenging friends to games of Skee-Ball, pinball, and cornhole on the back patio. There will also be plenty of pub grub, including pizza, tots, wings, and, of course, bacon. 900 S. Carey St., 443-873-7363

Amber: Locust Point locals might find themselves wondering if this new destination is a coffee shop or a brewpub. The answer? It’s both. “Basically, you could spend all day here,” the eatery’s website quips. Amber opened its doors quietly on the bottom floor of the new Anthem House retail-and-residential property last week, offering Ceremony Coffee, 40 taps of craft beer, and a menu of sandwiches, salads, and entrees like curry salmon and pork loin chops. The space, designed by local firm SM+P Architects, boasts modern touches like custom wallpaper, black accents, and a barn door that connects the cafe to Anthem House’s luxe lobby. 900 E. Fort Ave., 443-835-4060

MOD Pizza: Joining the likes of Mi & Yu Noodle Bar and Moby Dick House of Kabob at The Rotunda in Hampden is this fast-casual pizza chain. The spot is officially cutting the ribbon on Thursday, April 19 at 12 p.m., and offering free pizza and salad to its first 52 customers to celebrate. All proceeds from opening day will be donated to national hunger-prevention organization Generosity Feeds. 711 W. 40th St. 667-217-1280

COMING SOON

Cake by Jason: Local pastry personality Jason Hisley is putting the finishing touches on his long-awaited bakeshop in Timonium. Back in October, the former La Cakerie owner and executive chef announced that he would be parting ways with his former partners to start his own venture. And now, an official grand opening date for the new bakery has been set for Saturday, April 28. The celebration will begin at 10 a.m., and feature raffles, prizes, giveaways, and plenty of sweets to go around. Be on the lookout for Hisley’s signature cupcakes, donuts, pastries, and custom cakes. 47 E. Padonia Road, 443-504-7925

Roggenart: Last summer, Mt. Washington locals began making this Falls Road cafe a part of their daily routines—frequently stopping in for morning cappuccinos and authentic chocolate croissants. Soon, the European-inspired outpost will offer even more to love, as Roggenart is planning to open a second location at the Harbor Point development between Fells Point and Harbor East in the coming months. The cafe will serve all of its signature sandwiches, pastries, and fresh-baked breads in the new development, which also houses Ceremony Coffee Roasters, Honeygrow, and the recently debuted Plantbar. 5722 Falls Road, 443-835-4443

CH-CH CHANGES

Brew House No. 16: New blood has taken over this brewpub inside an old fire station in Mt. Vernon. Baltimore Fishbowl reports that a new chef, as well as two fresh brewmasters, have come on board after original co-owner and head brewer Ian Hummel moved on from the restaurant last fall. To celebrate all of the changes, the staff is hosting a special relaunch party with all-day happy hour deals on Saturday, April 21. Aside from featuring a few new house beers—including a cream ale, pale ale, and IPA—the event will highlight reimagined bites like crab pretzels, wings, Philly cheesesteak egg rolls, beer-battered onion rings, sliders, and tiramisu for dessert. 831 N. Calvert St. 410-659-4084

EPICUREAN EVENTS

4/21: One-Year Anniversary of Sagamore Spirit Distillery
Raise a glass to this dynamic distillery, which premiered its 49,000-square-foot property in Port Covington exactly one year ago. Since then, the distillery has filled hundreds of rye whiskey barrels and welcomed more than 30,000 guests for tours. To celebrate its big birthday, Sagamore is throwing an outdoor bash this weekend featuring music, lawn games, food trucks, and ticketed tours of its production space. Soak up some sunshine and enjoy live tunes from Sly 45, as well as eats from Taco Bar Food Truck, Mexican on the Run, and Gypsy Queen Cafe. 301 E. Cromwell St., 11 a.m. -6:30 p.m., Free, 410-624-7488

4/22: Highlandtown Wine Festival
Back for its 14th year, this neighborhood event celebrates all things vino with tastings, food pairings, and even a homemade wine competition. Gather on the corner of Claremont and Conkling streets in Highlandtown to sip samples of homemade beer and wine, as well as releases from neighborhood hotspot Old Line Spirits. There will also be requisite eats from DiPasquale’s, an array of art vendors, and dancing in the street with a live soundtrack from Gavin Elder and The Lords of Hamilton. Claremont and Conkling streets, 1-6 p.m., $20-25.

SHUT

HarborQue: After operating for a decade in South Baltimore, this neighborhood ’cue joint has shut its doors. Owner Kelley Stewart recently told The Sun that has she decided not to renew her lease at the South Charles Street space due to a decline in business. But this won’t be the last we see of the eatery’s brisket, cornbread, and signature “barbecue sundaes” topped with coleslaw and a pickle. Stewart plans to continue as a catering business and pop up at various festivals and food truck rallies in the area. There’s no word yet on what will become of the Federal Hill storefront. 1125 S. Charles St. 

OPEN

Roggenart: Mt. Washington locals are raving about this new cafe on Falls Road, which prides itself on fresh-baked baguettes, rolls, pastries, and pretzels. The shop opened late last month, rolling out a menu that spotlights sandwiches (think everything from ham and cheese to smoked salmon tartines), charcuterie platters, and classic pastries including a traditional pain au chocolat. Roggenart—a German term meaning “the art of rye”—also serves cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and an array of coffees and teas. 5722 Falls Road, 443-835-4443

COMING SOON

Baltimore Whiskey Company at Union Collective: In a witty video announcement released on social media earlier this week, Remington’s Baltimore Whiskey Company (BWC) publicized its plans to move into Union Craft Brewing’s new Medfield makerspace Union Collective in 2018. The distillery—which has become known for its lauded Shot Tower gin and Charles Street apple brandy—will transition into a 10,000-square-foot space with a second still, expanded fermentation equipment, and a larger tasting area. The expansion comes at an exciting time for BWC, as it prepares to unveil a new barrel-aged rye whiskey that will be the first on the market distilled in Baltimore in more than 50 years. 1700 W. 41st St.

The Bygone: A few months back, Atlas Restaurant Group announced that it would be opening a rooftop concept at the Four Seasons Baltimore. New details have recently surfaced about the bar, which will be named The Bygone and is slated to open this winter. Aside from 360-degree views of the city skyline, the 10,000-square-foot restaurant will highlight 325 seats, three outdoor terraces, a dining room, and a full bar and lounge with a mezzanine-level whiskey library and suspended catwalk leading to a DJ booth.

As its name signifies, the spot will project a Gatsby-era vibe with plenty of plush banquettes and custom woodwork. “Our goal has always been to operate first-class restaurant concepts in Baltimore and to be the driving force behind the culinary revolution going on in our city,” said Atlas owner Alex Smith, in a statement provided to Baltimore. “The Bygone will be a showcase to the entire country that Baltimore is ready to become a top culinary destination.” 200 International Circle.  

Sunset Raw Juice Bar: Acai bowls continue to be all the rage, and this new Foundry Row spot will soon bring the trendy treat to Owings Mills. The brainchild of former Ravens wide receiver—and Owings Mills native—Gerrard Sheppard, Sunset Raw Juice Bar debuts to the public on July 1, featuring cold-pressed juices, protein shakes and snacks, wellness shots, and acai bowls topped with bananas, berries, nuts, and granola. 10160 Reisterstown Road, 410-929-2013

Plantbar: Speaking of juice bars, this Belvedere Square staple was an early pioneer of the trend locally. Come fall, Plantbar will unveil a second location inside the Exelon Building at Harbor Point—peddling its pressed-to-order juices alongside an array of wellness elixirs, smoothie bowls, and paleo, vegan, and gluten-free snacks. “We’ve had a crush on Harbor Point for a while,” said Plantbar founder Daniela Troia, in a statement. “We really feel the community speaks our language.” 1308 Point St.

Rye Street Tavern: This new restaurant on the Sagamore Spirit Distillery campus in Port Covington will join the scene in September. The tavern will mark the second local concept from New York-based all-star chef Andrew Carmellini, who debuted the Rec Pier Chop House inside the Sagamore Pendry Hotel in March. Unlike the Italian-inspired chop house, Rye Street Tavern will focus on American fare with southern and Mid-Atlantic influences. 301 E. Cromwell St.

NEWS

Boathouse Canton: In an emotional message posted to Facebook earlier this week, the management team behind this beloved Canton waterfront establishment announced that more than 30 of its employees had quit unexpectedly after they were informed that the Immigration Division of Homeland Security instituted a review of the restaurant’s immigration records. “Based on our government’s current practices of targeting the Hispanic Community, properly documented, and those potentially less than properly documented, are all fearful of being separated from their families, many with small children,” said co-owner Gene Singleton, in the statement. “Many went home to pack up and leave. This was a sad, emotional, tragic event. It has been confirmed that the Boathouse’s policies and records are in compliance.”

In the days since, Boathouse has established a fund to raise money for the displaced families during their transition. The restaurant will be offering a limited menu (think favorites like crab cakes, wings, chopped salads, and seafood mac and cheese) until further notice as it continues to rebuild its staff. 2809 Boston St., 410-773-9795

EPICUREAN EVENTS

La Tavola Fundraiser for The Baltimore Station: This Little Italy stalwart is celebrating the Fourth of July a few days early with a patriotic fundraiser to benefit local veterans on Thursday, June 29. A portion of all proceeds from lunch, dinner, and extended happy hour service from 5-9 p.m. (featuring $5 beer, wine, sangria, and small plates) will be donated to The Baltimore Station—a residential treatment program in Federal Hill that supports veterans who are struggling with poverty, addiction, and homelessness. La Tavola, 248 Albemarle St., 410-685-1859

Haenyo: Chase Street Chillin: Local industry veterans Collin Morstein and Irvin Seo debuted this new Korean street food pop-up a few weeks ago at Holy Crepe Cafe in Canton. Next month, Haenyo is back at it with another one-night-only dinner on July 10 from 4-9 p.m., this time at Mt. Vernon’s Cafe Andamiro. Inspired by the cafe’s owner Keumran Yun, the locally sourced menu for Haenyo’s second event will feature two traditional Korean chilled soups, as well as gimbap (Korean sushi rolls) and bossam—pork lettuce wraps with fermented condiments. 241 W. Chase St.

Makan Makan Malaysian: R. House’s designated pop-up stall has been taking diners’ palates on a trip around the world lately, featuring local purveyors that specialize in everything from Korean to Jamaican cuisine. This week, the communal food hall welcomed a Malaysian-inspired concept from the team behind Ejji Ramen in Belvedere Square. Running until July 2, the pop-up will serve spins on classic Malay favorites including chicken satay, flatbread with curried lentils, and traditional gado-gado—a delicacy that tops mixed vegetables with a savory peanut sauce. 301 W. 29th St.

CH-CH CHANGES

The Corner Pantry: To coincide with the start of summer, British born chef Neill Howell is switching things up at his dining destination in Mt. Washington. This week, The Corner Pantry debuted a menu of lighter fare including a flatbread topped with roasted ham, lobster fritters with saffron and garlic aioli, and a tuna ceviche with lime, jalapeño, cilantro, avocado, and pickled watermelon rind. The spot’s breakfast and lunch offerings have also been updated with dishes like a muesli with overnight oats, and a caramel-drizzled French toast made with gluten-free brioche. 6080 Falls Road, 667-308-2331

CineBistro: Matinee movie lovers can now enjoy lunch offerings at this hybrid cinema and restaurant at The Rotunda in Hampden. CineBistro’s new mid-day menu will be offered from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays, featuring items such as steak sandwiches, classic Caesar salads, and Old Bay-seasoned wings. 727 W. 40th St., 667-219-2430

Fork & Wrench: Co-owners Andy Gruver and Jason Sanchez recently appointed Corey Laub as executive chef of this fan-favorite New American spot in Canton. Laub—a Columbia native who most recently managed the kitchen at Chicago gastropub Novo—has already enhanced the Fork & Wrench menu with new creations including cucumber-tequila gazpacho, seared scallops with cashew pureé, and corn risotto with scallion, roasted tomato, and queso fresco. With Laub under the helm, Fork & Wrench plans to rotate its menu on a monthly basis. 2322 Boston St., 443-759-9360

SHUT

Cilantro Owings Mills: Falafel fans took to social media earlier this week to lament the loss of this Middle Eastern mecca in Owings Mills, which closed its doors on June 26. Fortunately, Cilantro’s brand new Light Street location downtown is officially open and going strong. “With the unexpected, immense support at our downtown Baltimore branch, we have realized that city and foot-traffic locations are most suitable for our brand,” reads a message that management posted to Cilantro’s Facebook page earlier this week. Aside from focusing on the city location, the owners hope to expand with an additional D.C. shop in the coming months. 30 Light St., 410-244-7020