NEWS

Baltimore Whiskey Company Brings Home The Gold: It’s been an exciting week for the Baltimore Whiskey Company (BWC). The Remington distillery’s new Epoch Rye Whiskey—the first of its kind to be distilled in Baltimore in more than 50 years—has been awarded a double gold medal by the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The coveted double gold distinction indicates that the spirit was given a unanimous gold rating by all judges. “Epoch Rye is the light at the end of a five-year tunnel for us, and we couldn’t be happier with our product,” BWC co-owner Max Lents said in a statement. “It’s amazing to see some of the most accomplished spirit tasters list it among the best Rye Whiskeys in the world.” The distillery was also recently awarded multiple gold medals from the New York International Spirits Competition. Aside from being named Maryland Distillery of the Year, BWC took home gold medals for its Shot Tower gin and coffee-flavored amaro from its Baltamaro line. The accolades come as BWC prepares to unveil its brand new facility and ramp up production at Union Collective this summer.

Heavy Seas Expanding its Taproom: Changes are on the horizon at Heavy Seas’ 23-year-old facility in Halethorpe. Next summer, the brewery will unveil a renovated taproom and new 15-barrel brewhouse that will allow the team to get creative with a limited-edition series unique to the taproom. Local designers have already begun planning their vision for the taproom, which will be seven times larger than the current space and feature reclaimed wood tables and a private event room. The facility will remain open throughout renovations. 4615 Hollins Ferry Road, 410-247-7822

Smoke Temporarily Closing at Cross Street Market: This weekend will be the last for diners to snack on brisket and pulled pork sandwiches at Smoke’s Federal Hill pop-up. After six months, the Cockeysville ’cue joint is closing up shop while construction continues inside Cross Street Market. But a post to Instagram indicates that the spot has every intention of coming back: “We can’t wait to return to the new market,” the post reads. “This thing is going to be sick!” The first phase of renovations on the Light Street side of the market are slated to debut this fall. In the meantime, diners can feast on Smoke’s fingerlickin’ fare at its flagship location in Cockeysville. 1065 S. Charles St.

Local Brunch Spots Awarded by OpenTable: Four Charm City restaurants were recently named among the 100 best brunch spots in the country by OpenTable. This year’s list gave nods to The Food Market in Hampden, Gertrude’s at the BMA in Charles Village, Rusty Scupper in the Inner Harbor, and Woodberry Kitchen in Clipper Mill. The list was narrowed down from more than 45,000 OpenTable reviews of brunch destinations throughout the country.

COMING SOON

Ludlow Market, Bar & Bottle Shop: Owner Christopher Spann is breathing new life into his restaurant and adjoining wine shop in the historic Foundry Building in Locust Point. The space was the longtime home of Spann’s Wine Market Bistro, which he closed in March due to lack of business. “The bistro side wasn’t hitting the necessary numbers,” he told us. Now, he is planning to launch a reimagined concept next month. Ludlow Market will offer an “upscale neighborhood” menu of shareables, sandwiches, and entrees sourced by local purveyors. Heading up the kitchen will be chef Christopher Audia, a Baltimore native whose resume includes stints at Tail Up Goat in Washington, D.C. and No. 9 Park in Boston. The Bottle Shop, which remains open throughout the turnover, will upgrade its offerings to focus more on beer and wine, as well as cured meats, cheeses, and other takeaway items. 921 E. Fort Ave. 410-244-6166

Italian Disco: A grand opening date has been set for this new ’80s-inspired pizza joint from Atlas Restaurant Group—which also owns Ouzo Bay, Azumi, Loch Bar, Bygone, and Tagliata in the area. Italian Disco will debut on Monday, May 18, featuring an elevated DJ booth and Wurlitzer jukebox. The menu will highlight wood-fired pies, sandwiches, and entrees paired with 50 craft beers on tap. 1006 Fleet St.

Papi’s Tacos: Come fall, Hampden locals won’t have to leave the neighborhood to chow down on Papi’s signature build-your-own street tacos. The Fells Point taqueria recently announced plans to open a second location in the former home of Dimitri’s Tavern on Falls Road. The spot will mimic the vibe of its flagship, with interior touches like exposed brick, strung lights, greenery, and plenty of sugar skulls. 3820 Falls Road.

OPEN

Urban Deli: This Federal Hill outpost quickly became a go-to for deli sandwiches and hangover breakfasts when it opened on Light Street in the spring of 2016. And it recently reopened in larger digs a few blocks north. Taking over the former home of Wok & Roll at 1025 Light Street, the new cafe features its signature coffee counter, bar seating, and pops of bright yellow throughout. The menu consists of deli sandwiches, wraps, paninis, salads, soups, and local Towson Hot Bagels. 1025 Light St., 443-708-0495.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

5/10: Creative Alliance Date Nights at Verde
Thursday evenings throughout May, Verde will be offering a special pairings dinner that includes a $20 discount on tickets to Thursday-evening shows at the Creative Alliance in Highlandtown. Head to the restaurant to enjoy a three-course prix fixe menu with options including roasted beet salad, burrata caprese, classic margherita and pistachio pesto pizzas, tiramisu, and imported hazelnut gelato. Mark your calendar for performances like Tuareg musician Mdou Moctor on May 10, musical comedian Dina Martina on May 24, and percussive dance quartet Duo Duo on May 31. 641 S. Montford Ave., 410-522-1000

5/17: Dinner for the Mamas of Baltimore: Flowers While I’m Here
Mother’s Day continues into next week at Ida B’s Table, where five female leaders will gather to host this intimate dinner and conversation. Enjoy a three-course menu from chef Dave Thomas while listening in on a discussion between MacArthur fellow Joyce J. Scott, actress Maria Broom, and performance artists Kibibi Ajanku, Rashida Forman-Bey, and Kay Lawal Muhammad. All five women are featured in the restaurant’s most recent art exhibition, SEEN, A Mother’s Intention, which will be on display from May 2-31. Ida B’s Table, 235 Holliday St., 6-8 p.m., $50.

SHUT

The BBQ: It was a short-but-sweet run for this Greenmount Avenue spot, which quickly became a destination for mouthwatering barbecue and sides when it opened last summer. Among the many foodies taking to social media to mourn the loss are the owners of Dovecote Cafe in Reservoir Hill. “Fam, running a small, black-owned business is extremely hard,” they posted to Facebook. “Please support our businesses, not just when it’s trending or ‘Small Business Week.’ We’re heartbroken.” The BBQ was recently named among Eater’s 12 hottest new restaurants in Baltimore. 2602 Greenmount Ave.

Rachel New American Cuisine: Speaking of short-lived spots, this Riverside restaurant has shuttered its doors after only 16 months. Regretfully, we are no longer open for service,” management posted to Facebook earlier this week. “The staff and ownership of Rachel are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported our endeavor. Thank you to each of our guests and the entire Fed Hill community for allowing us to serve you.” Rachel, which was a hangout for charcuterie and cocktails, brunch, and dinner service—is the latest in a string of restaurant closures occurring throughout the area. There’s no word yet on what will become of the building. 554 E. Fort Ave.

OPEN

The BBQ: Father-and-son team Maurice and Marcus Bradford cut the ribbon at this new barbecue joint on Greenmount Avenue last week. The mouthwatering menu lists classics like pulled pork sandwiches, ribs, smoked turkey, macaroni and cheese, and baked beans, as well as unique items like a brisket-wrapped hot dog. The new business is the first to open in the Harwood community since the founding of the Greenmount LINCS initiative supported by Strong City Baltimore, which works to strengthen connections between neighborhoods and is revitalizing the Greenmount Corridor from 29th Street South to Johnston Square. The eatery offers both dine-in and carryout service daily. 2602 Greenmount Ave.

Sandlot: This outdoor oasis at Harbor Point has finally debuted to the public with plenty of luxe lounge furniture, palm trees, and outdoor games to go around. Visit the highly anticipated new concept from the team behind Woodberry Kitchen to dig in to snacks on a stick (think kabobs and corndogs), sip summer-themed cocktails, and release your inner child with hula-hooping and sidewalk chalk. 1000 Wills St.

COMING SOON

The Avenue Kitchen & Bar: Two local restaurateurs have plans to breathe new life into the former Le Garage space on the Avenue in Hampden, which closed its doors in April with little explanation. Former owner Christopher Spann confirmed earlier this week that the spot has since been sold to Patrick Dahlgren, who owns The Rowhouse Grille in Federal Hill. He and Bill Irvin, a former partner in La Folie Steak Frites and Wine Bar in Canton, will soon transform the restaurant into destination for American staples (think crab cakes and New York strip) paired with local beer and wine. The 100-seat spot will also debut a refurbished bar with garage-style doors when it opens in mid-July. 911 W. 36th St.

Flying Dog Tap House: Travelers passing through BWI will soon be able to enjoy this ultra-local beer-and-beef concept while waiting for flights to depart. Frederick’s Flying Dog Brewery has teamed up with Monkton-based Roseda Farm beef to launch the new restaurant on Concourse A, which will debut next month. The menu will feature dishes that fuse both brands, including a beef hotdog with Doggie Style Pale Ale beer cheese and sliders with garlic aioli made with Snake Dog IPA. 7050 Friendship Road.

NEWS

Annabel Lee Tavern: Foodies breathed a huge sigh of relief earlier this week when Annabel Lee Tavern owner Kurt X. Bragunier announced that his Edgar Allan Poe-themed spot would be staying open after all. Ongoing financial struggles prompted Bragunier to announce the closure of the spot last month, and, luckily, two regulars stepped in to save the bar soon after. A grand reopening date is slated for next month. Duck-fat fries, here we come. 601 S. Clinton St., 410-522-2929

EPICUREAN EVENTS

6/20: Wine’d Up 
Now in its ninth year, this annual event hosted by Wine Market Bistro in Locust Point returns with a tasting of more than 25 worldly wines paired with an array of hors d’oeuvres. Gather a group of friends to clink glasses while sampling light bites including chickpea-quinoa sliders with curried yogurt, braised short rib crostini, and pickled shrimp with avocado puree. Plus, the restaurant is offering attendees a 20 percent discount on all bottles of wines showcased throughout the evening. 921 E. Fort Ave., $39, 410-244-6166

6/21: Summer Solstice Chef’s Table at Dovecote Cafe

On the official first night of summer, gather at this Reservoir Hill staple for a special outdoor meal curated by the eatery’s chefs. Sip specialty welcome cocktails while mingling with neighbors before sitting down for a family-style meal featuring dishes off of Dovecote’s new summer menu. Plus, the chefs will be on hand to spark conversations about the restaurant’s partnerships with local farms and commitment to social justice. 2501 Madison Ave., 6 p.m., 443-961-8677

6/21: Summer Solstice Luau
Another summer solstice celebration will take place at the communal Mount Vernon Marketplace, where all of the vendors are coming together to throw a full-blown luau complete with tiki drinks and tropical tea mocktails from Cultured and Juniper Culinary Apothecary. There will also be a pig roast from Between2Buns, live ukulele music by Bob Friedman (with open mic slots), and, of course, an ugly Hawaiian t-shirt contest. 520 Park Ave., 442-796-7393

6/21-28: Mulberry Madness Month
Throughout the month, The Baltimore Orchard Project is celebrating the return of this annual initiative—which raises awareness about the area’s underutilized mulberry trees with various harvest workshops and events. Next week, six local restaurants are supporting the cause by incorporating mulberries into their menus. Swing by Harmony Bakery and Dovecote Cafe for mulberry pastries, grab mulberry waffles at Cafe Jovial in Pigtown, and head to Atwater’s for mulberry jam. At the Waverly Farmers’ Market on June 24, Blacksauce Kitchen will be serving mulberry jam biscuits and Michele’s Granola will peddle a special mulberry granola.

6/24: Beer Stein Competition at The Brass Tap
Make your way to this recently debuted beer bar at The Fitzgerald in Midtown to throw your hat into the ring for this fun contest. The spot’s first annual Hofbrau Masskrugstemmen (Bavarian for beer stein hoisting) competition will take place on Saturday, June 24 at 3 p.m. Beer lovers are invited to test their strength for a chance to win a number of prizes, including an all-expenses-paid trip for two to New York City for the hoisting finals in Central Park later this summer. 1205 W. Mt. Royal Ave., 888-901-2337