OPEN

The Brewer’s Art Tavern: A few months ago, we told you about the Howard County spinoff of Mt. Vernon’s beloved brewpub, The Brewer’s Art. Now, Howard County locals can finally enjoy the craft drafts and upscale pub grub that diners have come to know and love in Charm City. The tavern officially opened last week, offering eats like massive charcuterie boards, soft pretzels, grilled cheese with bacon-onion jam, local bratwurst with Resurrection beer mustard, and the classic Brewer’s Art rosemary-garlic fries. Of course, there’s also 13 taps (including the likes of Beazly and Birdhouse), and a lengthy wine and cocktail list. Boasting more of a rustic feel than the dimly lit flagship, the Highland hangout features stained woods, exposed stone, colorful paintings, and its own outdoor patio. 13380 Clarksville Pike, Highland. 301-854-1000

Ceremony Coffee Roasters: Revelers in Federal Hill will be happy to hear that the ultimate hangover cure has landed inside Cross Street Market. The newest Ceremony location (others are stationed in Mt. Vernon and Harbor Point) is now officially up and running inside the newly renovated property. Stop by to grab an espresso, cortado, mocha, or seasonal sip like the Tokyo Spring matcha latte with elderflower and almond milk. There’s also spicy avocado toast and plenty of pastries to quell morning cravings. The next vendor on deck to open inside Cross Street this week is Vietnamese soup-and-sub shop, Phubs. 1065 S. Charles St. 443-708-5284

Saffron Grill: Fells Point is really becoming a choose-your-own-dining-adventure destination. On the heels of Broadway Market’s debut, the waterfront locale has also welcomed this new American-Pakistani kitchen. Neighboring yet-to-open boutique Mint + Major on South Broadway, the yellow storefront is home to authentic samosas, kebabs, gyros, and tikka dishes. But there is also a bountiful burger menu that lists options like the Strogonoff Burger (sour cream, grilled onions, and Swiss cheese) and the “Cowboy” topped with grilled mushrooms and bacon. The 2,300-square-foot space is decorated with neutral tones, comfy booth seating, spiral-shaped light fixtures, and a semi-open kitchen. 616 S. Broadway. 410-558-1234

Serenity Wine Bar and Cafe: In keeping with its name, this new Locust Point cafe is ready to help neighbors feel relaxed with glasses of self-serve wine. Now open in the former home of Our House on Hull Street, the spot is equipped with 16 pour-yourself taps that guests can access using a prepaid swipe card. To pair with the vino, owner Nneka Bilial has rolled out a menu of thin-crust pizzas (think veggie, grilled chicken, and BBQ toppings), baked pastas, subs, salads, and desserts. The casual spot features exposed brick and artsy wine-bottle decor. “I wanted to highlight the city, but also make it feel really cozy,” she told us in April. “I want it to feel like a home away from home.” 1211 Hull St. 443-708-0392

COMING SOON

Landshark Bar & Grill: Get pumped, Parrotheads. Soon, locals strolling past the Light Street Pavilion at Harborplace will be enticed by a local iteration of Jimmy Buffet’s famed restaurant, which will most likely have “Margaritaville” perpetually blaring through the speakers on its outdoor patio. Landshark Bar & Grill operates locations everywhere from New Jersey to Florida, and it’s slated to open in the Inner Harbor later this year. Locals are hoping that the spot—which features island-inspired fare, tropical drinks, and plenty of hearty nods to “Cheeseburger in Paradise”—will be the first of many new tenants that help to revitalize Harborplace, which was plagued with closures last year. The development was officially put into receivership last week after its former owner defaulted on a $76 million loan. 301 Light St., Ste. 1645

NEWS

Chef David Thomas Heads to the Beard House: Our own David Thomas of Ida B’s Table is one of seven African-American chefs from across the country who have been invited to prepare a special Juneteenth celebration dinner at the hallowed James Beard House in New York City next week. “This has been a dream of mine for quite some time,” Thomas posted to Instagram. “To be doing it for an event like this is a gift that I will cherish for the rest of my life.” Alongside chefs including Chris Williams of Lucille’s in Houston and Shannon Mustipher of Glady’s in Brooklyn, Thomas will assist in cooking soul food dishes like catfish with grits and shrimp gravy, barbecued quail with smoked watermelon, and butter beans with crispy okra and pork cracklings.

Chef Jay Rohlfing Competing on Chopped: Another local chef making us proud this week is Jay Rohlfing of Cunningham’s in Towson, who announced that he will appear on an episode of Food Network’s Chopped this Tuesday, June 18 at 9 p.m. For fans who want to cheer on the chef at the restaurant, Cunningham’s will host a viewing party at its bar starting at 8 p.m. We’re feeling hopeful that we will add Rohlfing to our list of local Chopped champions, which also includes Thomas of Ida B’s and chef Johntay Bedingfield of La Food Marketa. 1 Olympic Pl., Towson. 410-339-7730

SHUT

DuClaw Brewing Co.: Earlier this week, DuClaw Brewing’s longtime restaurant inside Arundel Mills Mall announced that it would pour its final pints—and serve its last crab pretzels—on Wednesday, June 12. “Unfortunately, the mall is no longer a place we can call home,” reads a message posted to Facebook. “For a variety of circumstances, most outside of our control, this will be our last week.” Mall officials recently confirmed to the Baltimore Business Journal that the spot will be replaced by another beer bar, Yard House, later this year. 7000 Arundel Mills Circle. 410-799-1166

OPEN

Charmed Kitchen: Early risers in Butchers Hill are in for a treat this week as this new community cafe officially opened its doors for breakfast service starting at 6:30 a.m. The community spot from longtime neighborhood residents Lindsay and Andrew Crummey debuted with an opening menu of coffee, pastries, and breakfast sandwiches on fresh-baked breads. The plan is for executive chef Christa Bruno to roll out dinner service in the coming weeks, featuring dishes that reflect her Italian roots. (Think pasta, risotto, meats, and fish cooked with local produce.) Until then, the shop will offer a variety of coffee drinks, as well as breakfast and lunch fare, during the day. 123 S. Chester St. 443-627-8369

COMING SOON

Saffron Grill: The dining options in Fells Point are becoming increasingly diverse, with new restaurants opening along the waterfront, an array of vendors preparing to open inside Broadway Market, and now, this new Indian and Pakistani concept opening in the area. Slated to debut in February 2019, Saffron Grill will focus on Middle Eastern staples including authentic kebabs, lamb chops, and gyros. “We look forward to adding a different option to the standard American fare in Fells Point,” said owner Syed Zaidis in a statement. The spot will neighbor new women’s boutique Mint & Major in the mixed-use Marketplace at Fells Point on South Broadway. 616 S. Broadway.

NEWS

The Bluebird and Little Bird Welcome New Chefs: A new chef duo is at the helm of Hampden’s Bluebird Cocktail Room, as well as its subterranean sister-spot Little Bird Coffee Bar. Newly appointed executive chef Chance Jones and sous chef Bri White met Bluebird owners Paul and Caroline Benkert in their former roles at Woodberry Kitchen. At Bluebird, diners can expect to see more locally sourced ingredients incorporated into the dishes and drinks. Downstairs at Little Bird, Jones and White are hoping to introduce special pairing dinners that showcase seasonal ingredients from regional purveyors such as Caputo Bros. Creamery in Southern Pennsylvania. 3600 Hickory Ave. 667-303-3263

Baby’s on Fire Joins Retail Coffee Market: Be on the lookout for a new signature coffee blend at record store-cafe Baby’s on Fire in Mt. Vernon. Husband-and-wife owners David and Shirlé Koslowski recently partnered with Bryce Roszell of Open Seas Coffee Roasters on Kent Island to create their own blend, which incorporates grinds from Brazil, Sumatra, and Guatemala. Used in espresso and drip drinks, the coffee features notes of cinnamon, vanilla, almond, and earthy cedar with a hint of citrus. For every 12-oz. bag of Baby’s On Fire Blend purchased, 10 percent of the profits are invested back into sustainable coffee farming projects and communities. 1010 Morton St. 443-885-9892

The Red Star Bar & Grill Debuts New Winter Menu: If you haven’t had a chance to visit the new Red Star location in Charles Village since its grand opening last summer, stop in this season to sample eats off of a brand-new winter menu. Executive chef Francisco Lopez—formerly of Ryleigh’s Oyster in Federal Hill—debuted a selection of comforting dishes at the new location in Charles Village, as well as the Red Star flagship in Fells Point, earlier this week. Among them are a pot roast French dip with horseradish sauce and a $10 “Red Star” burger stacked with American cheese. Equipped with warm woods and dim lighting, the cozy Charles Village space also hosts beer-and-burger specials on Mondays, half-priced wine for neighborhood locals on Tuesdays, and other nightly specials. 3224 St. Paul St. 443-948-5539

EPICUREAN EVENTS

12/8: Diamondback and Order & Chaos Coffee Stout Launch Party
For the third year in a row, South Baltimore neighbors Diamondback Beer and Order & Chaos are teaming up to unveil a limited-edition coffee stout. Order & Chaos general manager Rachel Harris worked alongside Diamondback head brewer Tom Foster to dream up the beer, which is brewed with dark specialty malts and cold brew coffee. This Saturday, pair the specialty brew—which has notes of chocolate, dark fruit, and roasted almonds—with Order & Chaos’ signature Belgian waffles at an official launch party at Diamondback from 12-4 p.m. If you can’t make it to the event, the beer will be available in the taproom throughout the beginning of January. 1215 E Fort Ave. Ste. 008

SHUT (FOR NOW)

Stang of Siam: For the time being, Stang of Siam regulars are going to have to get their Thai fix elsewhere in Mt. Vernon. A sign posted to the front door of the restaurant on North Calvert Street indicates that the eatery closed, but will reopen under new management in the coming weeks. “We expect all of you will still be pleased with the quality of food and service,” the sign reads. The statement goes on to explain that the new owners operate multiple Thai restaurants in Washington, D.C., and plan to do some renovating before reopening with a new name. 1301 N. Calvert St.