Walk into The Buttonwood, down the street from The Walters Art Museum in Mt. Vernon, and you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d wandered into an interior design store instead of a restaurant.

There are statues, fountains, mirrors, figurines, and illuminated shelves filled with ceramics crowding the front of the space, which is painted showroom white, lit by skylights, and features a gorgeous parquet-style wood floor. When you venture further inside, you realize there are tables and chairs: church benches, marble cafe tables, and fan-like porter chairs with velvet cushions—part Episcopalian shabby-chic, part A Passage to India.

This is Minh Quang Vo’s latest project, envisioned as both restaurant and retail space, though only the former has been realized so far. Vo, who owns The Bun Shop half a mile north on Read Street and another one in Towson, opened The Buttonwood at the end of December.

“It’s a bougie Cracker Barrel with retail,” he says with a wide smile. What that means, at least to Vo, is a menu that travels the globe as much as he did before he got into the restaurant business.

Before opening The Bun Shop, Vo was a PhD candidate in sciences at Johns Hopkins. And before that, he was something of a world traveler, visiting places that would later inspire his menu, including Spain, South America, and Uganda. He moved to Baltimore from West Palm Beach, and The Buttonwood is named for his favorite South Florida tree—he even had plans to replant one from Florida, though it didn’t survive the journey, which is why it’s now been painted gold and installed under a skylight among the tables.

“I like the beauty of a well-designed experiment,” says Vo one afternoon from behind the long marble cocktail bar at the back of the restaurant, his long dark hair secured with a fork.

Vo, it should be said, is not only The Buttonwood’s sole owner and designer but also its chef. The menu thus features a fantastic version of parkora, Indian-style fritters with cilantro chutney; Vietnamese braised spareribs and a stellar version of a bánh mì; a bulgogi melt, kind of like a Korean Reuben sandwich; and tandoori fried chicken.

There’s also a terrific egg sandwich called a Ugandan Rolex. It’s a popular street food that Vo lived on when he was in Uganda, here made from an omelet, vegetables, and paratha, the Indian flat bread.

If you ask nicely, your server may refill your dish of cilantro chutney, a blissful condiment that is somehow both hot and cooling and pairs well with many things on the menu, including the fries that come with that excellent bánh mì.

The Buttonwood is an odd and marvelous mash-up of things, both on the menu and in the space itself. Even the floor has a story: Vo says that he befriended a number of squeegee boys at his Mt. Vernon Bun Shop, who ended up helping him build out The Buttonwood, including the floor, which they fashioned out of used wooden pallets.

“It’s not a cuisine, it’s a concept,” says Vo of his restaurant. “Really, I just wanted to make beautiful spaces.”

THE BUTTONWOOD: 527 N. Charles St., Baltimore, 667-260-4534. HOURS: Fri., Sat. 11 a.m. to midnight; Sun., Mon., Wed., Thurs. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. PRICES: Starters: $7.50-9.50; sandwiches and entrees: $10.50-22; dessert: $10.

OPEN

The Bun Shop: It only took two years, but the Towson location of this beloved coffee and pastry palace is finally open for business. The Mt. Vernon-based shop brings its signature gold-and-teal aesthetic, comfy furniture, loose-leaf teas, and delectable pastries to its new Baltimore County outpost just off of the Towson Circle. The worldly drink menu highlights a Vietnamese iced coffee, dos leches latte, honey macchiato, spicy mocha with chili and cinnamon, and even a vanilla-infused Paris tea latte. As its name suggests, the pastries, stuffed with everything from apple and gruyere to spinach and feta, are also not to be missed. Plus, Towson University students will be happy to hear that the new location continues the shop’s reputation as a late-night study spot, staying open until 3 a.m. daily. 40 W. Chesapeake Ave., Towson. 443-991-5901

Flying Dog Taphouse: Happy Opening Day, Baltimore! If you’re spending the city’s unofficial holiday at Camden Yards, swing by the new hoppin’ headquarters on the lower concourse near Gate C. Flying Dog Taphouse—a smaller version of the Frederick brewery’s gastropub inside BWI—will pour four draft beers including The Truth imperial IPA, Bloodline blood orange ale, Thunderpeel hazy IPA, and Under Dog gold lager. There will also be ice-cold cans of Bleacher Beer, Raging Bitch, Snake Dog IPA, Numero Uno Mexican lager, Dead Rise Old Bay summer ale, and Dogtoberfest Marzen. (Backing the birds from a neighborhood bar? Be sure to check out our list of food and drink specials.)

COMING SOON

Steak ’N Shake: Midwestern transplants are beaming about the news that Baltimore County will be getting its first Steak ’N Shake this summer. The Illinois-based chain has one location in Anne Arundel County and previously operated a spot at BWI, which closed after a short-but-sweet run in 2016. Locals will be able to get their hands on the eatery’s signature steakburgers—a blend of brisket and Chuck beef—when it opens in the Greenleigh at Crossroads development in White Marsh. Joining Thai Rainbow, Crossroads Wine and Spirits, and the newly minted Michael’s Cafe, Steak N’ Shake will take up 2,100-square-feet and have its own drive-through window. Aside from the hearty burgers, the chain is a go-to for shoestring fries, hand-dipped milkshakes, and the famous Frisco melt—a play on a classic patty melt with Thousand Island dressing and Worcestershire sauce. MD Rt. 43 at Crossroads Circle, White Marsh.

NEWS

Chef Andrew Weinzirl Joins The Choptank: As this new Fells Point crab house readies for an early summer opening inside Broadway Market, owners have brought on former Brewer’s Art chef Andrew Weinzirl to head up the kitchen. A collaboration Atlas Restaurant Group and Billy Tserkis of Captain James Landing, The Choptank will be a neighborhood seafood spot that emphasizes takes on Maryland specialties. (Think crab cakes, fried chicken, and, of course, hard-shell crabs.) The partners thought Weinzirl would be a perfect fit for the gig given his 15 years of industry experience, which includes opening Maggie’s Farm. Weinzirl says he jumped at the opportunity to settle in Fells Point. “My first memories of Baltimore, aside from Orioles games at Memorial Stadium, are of times spent in Fells Point,” he says. “You can’t think of Fells Point without envisioning the neighborhood’s familiar centerpiece, Broadway Market. It’s an iconic landmark that deserves to properly honor and showcase Baltimore cuisine.” 1640 Aliceanna St.

Local Dining Week: There’s still time to get in on this dining promotion running through April 7. Presented by local organizations like Strong City Baltimore and Community Wealth Builders, this third-annual event offers discounts at more than 50 restaurants throughout the city. Unlike Baltimore Restaurant Week, where each eatery offers a prix-fixe menu, Dining Week offers a number of different specials that encourage diners to support the local restaurant economy. Plus, in partnership with the Orioles, 100 patrons at each participating eatery will receive vouchers for free tickets to any game in April. Noteworthy deals include three sliders for $6 during happy hour at Abbey Burger, weekend brunch specials at Frazier’s, and 20 percent-off of your bill at BrickNFire Pizza Co.

Luigi’s Italian Deli: It’s a big week for Luigi’s on the Avenue in Hampden. In conjunction with launching a new breakfast new menu, which will be offered Wednesday to Sunday from 9-11 a.m., the go-to sandwich spot announced that it will be opening its BYO-patio for the season on Saturday, April 6. Sample the new Breakfast BLT, veggie sandwich, or “Specky Breaky” (speck, roasted bell peppers, and basil) while soaking up some sun. Free koozies will be given out to the first 50 people who stop by. 846 W. 36th St. 443-438-4195

EPICUREAN EVENTS

4/4-7: Green Street Academy Pops Up at R. House
The students of sustainability-focused Green Street Academy in West Baltimore are setting up shop inside R. House’s rotating pop-up stall this week. Throughout the weekend, Green Street will operate directly next to Molina Pizza from the founders of Urban Pastoral—which donated a climate-controlled greenhouse to the charter school’s campus. All proceeds from the menu of grilled sandwiches will benefit GSA Farms, the school’s agri-tech education program that teaches students about urban farming and healthy eating. 301 W. 29th St.

4/5: Hampden West Fest
Gypsy’s Truckstaurant is honoring its food truck roots by hosting this mini-rally in its parking lot off of Clipper Mill Road. Head to Hampden to enjoy live music, cocktails, beer, wine, and plenty of eats from some of the greats. Dig in to a classic Gypsy Queen crab cone, an order of feta-topped fries from Greek on the Street, a barbecue plate from Kommie Pig, or a scrumptious scoop of Honey Graham from Taharka Bros. The free event is dog- and kid-friendly. 3515 Clipper Mill Rd. 5-10 p.m. 443-869-5602

4/5: Cholita’s Tacos Turns Two
Spend your Friday celebrating Cholita’s second birthday with tacos, tortas, and lots of margaritas. In addition to all-day happy hour specials, the Mount Vernon Marketplace stall is ringing in year two with giveaways, a live DJ spinning all night, and a special nacho challenge kicking off at 5 p.m. 520 Park Ave. 5-10 p.m. 443-796-7393

SHUT

Ceriello Fine Foods: The days are numbered for this stalwart Italian grocery store inside Belvedere Square Market. The New York-based chain has anchored the market for more than a decade, but recently decided not to renew its lease. Owner Andy Ceriello recently told The Sun that the store will close in mid-April, mentioning that it “got old” and it was time for the brand to move on. Known as a one-stop-shop for the makings of an Italian feast, the shop was best known for its house-made sauces, cheeses, and prepared foods. Its Brewers Hill location on the bottom floor of the The Porter apartment building also recently closed due to maintenance issues. There’s no word yet on whether that location will get back up and running. 529 E. Belvedere Ave.

OPEN

OneDo Coffee Roasters: The Canton neighborhood lost one java destination when Firehouse Coffee closed last December. But caffeine-addicts can now get their fix at OneDo Coffee Roasters, which is having a soft opening today through Saturday. Throughout the weekend, the shop will be offering free coffee and tea while supplies last, as well as a 20 percent discount off entire purchases. Menu offerings include lattes, mochas, pour over, affogato, and Japanese iced coffee. 913 S. Lakewood Avenue, 410-736-9084

Shoyou Sushi: Since opening in 2012, owner Bruce Lee—more fondly known as Sushi Bruce—has gained a significant following with his colorful rolls and overstuffed sushi burritos at this Federal Hill favorite. Recently, Lee ditched his baby-sized digs and moved the restaurant to a larger space across the street that has seating for 40. Lee recently told SouthBmore.com that the larger kitchen at 1450 Light Street will provide him with more space to serve his signature rolls, as well as new ramen offerings. 1450 Light St., 410-685-2989

NEWS

The Orient: When this York Road staple shuttered its doors two years ago, Towson locals were forced to search elsewhere for quality orders of shrimp fried rice and General Tso’s chicken. But, as it turns out, owner David Huang chose not to renew his lease at the decades-old restaurant to focus on renovating a new space that he had purchased a few blocks up. And now, Huang is finally ready to reopen the celebrated Chinese food destination at 416 York Road—a storefront sandwiched between The Melting Pot and The Real Thing near Towson Circle. According to reports by The Sun, the 99-seat space will serve all of The Orient’s signature sushi rolls and family-style platters. Look out for classics like lo mein, Szechuan-style meats and vegetables, and massive eggrolls when the spot opens its doors later this month. 416 York Road.

Baltimore Whiskey Company: This Remington distillery is celebrating a huge milestone this month. The brand is preparing to launch its oak-barreled Epoch Rye—which not only serves as its inaugural line of whiskey, but also marks the first rye whiskey distilled in Baltimore in nearly 75 years. The 100-proof spirit, which has been in the making since Baltimore Whiskey Company (BWC) debuted in 2015, combines a ratio of 70-percent rye grains to 30-percent rye malt, and has classic notes of cinnamon, clove, vanilla, and honey.  Epoch Rye officially launches at the Remington facility on March 17, and will be available at area bars and liquor stores soon after. The release comes at a transformative time for BWC, which is preparing to move its operations to the new Union Collective space in Medfield this spring. Says BWC co-founder Max Lents: “It’s appropriate that our Epoch Rye being released right before we make such big steps forward.”  2800 Sisson St., 443-687-9099

Bluegrass Tavern: A rebrand is on the horizon for this South Baltimore corner bar, which has long been a destination for whiskey cocktails paired with Southern comfort fare. (So long for now to the hot fried chicken and bacon mac and cheese.) Last week, management took to Facebook to announce that the restaurant is switching things up come spring. “Moving forward, we will have a new dining concept to serve our community better,” the message reads. “Over the years we have made excellent memories and awesome friends. We look forward to the transition and continuing the opportunity to serve new dishes, innovative cocktails, and local craft beers.” 1500 S. Hanover St., 410-244-5101

EPICUREAN EVENTS

3/13-18: Ekiben Turns Two
College buddies-turned-food entrepreneurs Steve Chu, Nikhil Yesupriya, and Ephrem Abebe changed the game two years ago when they found a permanent home in Fells Point for their Korean-fusion pop-up. Since then, they’ve not only been blessing the masses with their signature steamed buns and rice bowls, but they’ve also collaborated to create some epic food mashups with the likes of Clavel, Wet City, and The Local Fry. Next week, Ekiben is celebrating its big birthday in style with a weeklong pop-up series. Catch the guys at their shop to experience culinary collaborations with Tagliata, Blacksauce Kitchen, La Cuchara, Jumbo Seafood, and The Local Oyster throughout the week. The series will culminate with a special Filipino Kamayan (eat-with-your-hands-style) dinner prepared by Chu and chef Ben Lefenfeld at La Cuchara, featuring sticky rice, crispy suckling pig, grilled short ribs, and spring rolls. 1622 Eastern Ave., 410-558-1914

3/15: Bartenders vs. Baristas Cocktail Competition
Ceremony Coffee Roasters is getting in on the Coffee Fest fun by hosting this java-fueled cocktail competition next week. A handful of local bartenders and baristas will go head-to-head to create unique cocktails that combine Ceremony brews with any alcohol of their choice. The winning drink will be featured on the shop’s spring menu and, to sweeten the deal, a portion of the proceeds from the drink will be donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation throughout the season. Ceremony Coffee Roasters Harbor Point, 1312 Point St., 6:30-9:30 p.m., $10, 410-601-3561.

SHUT

Bruce Lee Wings: As Cross Street Market continues to trek forward with its restoration plans, this longtime vendor is on its way out. Owner Bruce Lee (unrelated to the aforementioned Sushi Bruce) took to Facebook last week to announce that his stall—a longtime destination for crispy wings and loaded burgers—would officially be closing on March 31 after a 27-year run in the market. But this might not be the last we see of Lee, as neighbors have launched a Kickstarter campaign to help him find a new spot to reopen. “I don’t believe anyone is sadder about this than he is,” longtime customer Megan Lafferty writes on the page. “The market has been his home for almost 30 years. This will be a hard chapter for Bruce to close.” 1065 S. Charles St., 410-837-6081

The Bun Shop: The downtown location of this homegrown coffee shop has closed its doors. The artsy eatery and late-night study spot at 30 Light Street opened in 2016, and became a go-to for worldly eats and drinks like Hong Kong-style coffee and Paraguayan empanadas. Luckily, The Bun Shop’s flagship in Mt. Vernon is still going strong, and an additional location in Towson is on track to open in the coming weeks.  30 Light St.

Play Cafe: After nearly three years, co-owners Ryan Sterner and Kathy Schott have made the decision to close their kid-friendly haven in Hampden on Friday, March 23. “It has been an agonizing decision to come to, both because we love what we do and feel the love from all of you,” the duo posted to Facebook last week. “But, as many of you with young families can relate, other opportunities have arisen that are better suited for us at this stage of life.” The business has been for sale since the fall, when Sterner announced that he would be moving overseas with his family. The owners hope that a new buyer will maintain the original concept, which has offered family-friendly food, games, and activities to the community throughout its run. 3400 Chestnut Ave., 410-469-9784

Wine Market Bistro: The days are also numbered for this Locust Point mainstay, which has paired its fancy fare with worldly wines for the past 13 years. “The bistro side was not hitting the necessary numbers,” owner Chris Spann tells us. “I’m proud of the unique history that the Wine Market has in the hospitality industry in Baltimore, and I’m blessed to have worked with a who’s who of talented chefs.” Although the spot’s front bar and wine shop will remain open, the dining room will close on Saturday, March 17. To commemorate the restaurant’s history, Spann will be offering $13 off select bottles from now until the last night of service. 921 E. Fort Ave., 410-244-6166

Five things to eat, drink, see, hear, and do with your Charm City weekend.

 EAT

March 3: Small Foods Party

American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy. 7-10:30 p.m. Free-$10 410-244-1900.

You might not know this, but tiny food videos became a viral phenomenon a few years back, with the American Visionary Art Museum launching its annual Small Foods Party here in Baltimore in 2006. On Saturday night, this beloved fête returns for the 12th year with even tinier versions of everything from thumbnail-sized tacos to scaled-down TV dinners. Enter your own minuscule meals to be judged by guests, or spend the evening tasting your way through the smorgasbord of petite picks. And, of course, stick around to see which amateur chef wins an ironically giant can of mini corn.

 DRINK

March 3: Old Line Spirits One Year Anniversary and Rum Release Party

Old Line Spirits, 200 S. Janney St. 12-6 p.m. Free. 443-961-3199.

Since Old Line Spirits opened its doors in Highlandtown last February, the distillery has gained a loyal local following for its flagship and experimental whiskeys. After all, they’re carrying on the Land of Pleasant Living tradition of making the bodacious brown spirit. This Saturday, celebrate the distillery’s first birthday with a boozy brunch party featuring their newest single malt cask-finished rum that’s been aged for months in former whiskey barrels in both the tropics and their own casks. In their open tasting room, enjoy it straight or mixed in cocktails by Sugarvale, and soak it all up with Dooby’s egg sandwiches and brioche doughnuts from Sundays.

 SEE

March 3: Viva Brasil Carnival Dance Party

Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 7:30-11:30 p.m. $15-18. 410-276-1651. 

For one night only, the Creative Alliance will transform its hallowed Highlandtown arts haven into a vibrant Brazilian Carnival. At this 12th annual hip-shaking party, watch in awe as dancers in glittering costumes and feathered headdresses put on a full performance in celebration of this annual South American tradition that’s been dubbed the Mardis Gras of the Southern Hemisphere, and then try out your own dance moves with lesson to live Samba and forro music. If the Brazilian food and Caipirinha cocktails (Brazil’s sweet and sour national drink) don’t convince you to book a trip to Rio, you can at least look forward to the CA’s party next year. 

 HEAR

March 2: Outcalls, HexGirlfriends, North by North, Eyas

The Bun Shop, 40 W. Chesapeake Ave. 9 p.m. Free. 410-989-2033. 

This Friday night, head to The Bun Shop not just for delicious Roti buns and Vietnamese coffee but also live music by local artists, including baroque-pop duo Outcalls and electrofemme punk duo HexGirlfriends. Chicago’s North by North will be there, too, as will Washington State’s Eyas, but you’ll be there to hear up-and-coming hometown talent. Using their classical opera backgrounds, powerful pipes, and shimmering synth melodies, Outcalls’ Britt Olsen-Ecker and Melissa Wimbish produce an unlikely harmonic sound that’s all their own, while HexGirlfriends’ Hannah Holt and Sondra Boyle swing between glitchy slow jams and rebellious rock songs. If you can’t make the show, be sure to keep both on your radar.

 DO

March 4: Baltimore Bartenders Guild’s “Ryes Up”

Kimpton Hotel Monaco, 2 N. Charles St. 5-8 p.m. $75-100. 443-692-6170.

As we mentioned above, rye whiskey has deep roots in Maryland, so it couldn’t be more fitting than to use the amber-colored spirit to bring all corners of the city together for a can’t-miss party in support of a great cause. This weekend, at the seventh annual cocktail competition, beat the Sunday blues with a sampling of 20 rye-inspired craft concoctions made by some of the city’s top bartenders to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. (If you’re not one to revel in dark liquor, don’t worry: There will be wine, non-whiskey spirits, and Diamondback beers in tow.) Vote for your favorite drink, dance to music by Save Your Soul’s DJ Rob Macy, and ward off the impending headache with tasty bites from 15 local restaurants like Pen & Quill and Cunningham’s.

We’ve grown accustomed to seeing Baltimore touted on outlets like Food Network and Travel Channel. But last week, the oh-so-chic publication of Vogue published a travel piece lauding some of our best off-the-beaten-path sights, restaurants, and accommodations.

Penned by lifestyle editor Virginia Van Zanten, the article praises the city as an ideal weekend destination, mentioning that Penn Station is only a quick Amtrak ride away from most major boroughs along the northern East Coast.

“One of the great things about Baltimore is that there isn’t an overwhelming amount to do and see,” the piece reads. “There is more than enough to keep you busy, to be sure, but there isn’t the ‘must see and do it all’ pressure that comes with, say, a weekend in New York City.”

Van Zanten suggests booking a room at Mt. Vernon’s luxe Ivy Hotel, and goes on to list standout sights in neighborhoods like Hampden, Fells Point, and Federal Hill.

While a few of our time-honored treasures were thrown in (any Baltimore travel article would be remiss without mentioning the National Aquarium, the Walters Art Museum, and Camden Yards), the writer also gave shout-outs to not-so-touristy destinations including local businesses Bottle of Bread in Mt. Vernon and The Wine Source in Hampden.

A spotlight was also placed on the city’s thriving culinary scene, with nods to trendy food hall Mt. Vernon Marketplace, cozy coffee corner The Bun Shop, French fine-dining destination Arômes, and Korean-inspired eateries Dooby’s and Ekiben—whose “Tofu Brah” steamed buns and baskets of tempura broccoli were described as “unreal.” Van Zanten even gives kudos to the local kombucha stocked in the mini-fridge at the Ivy.

Noticeably absent was any mention of crab houses or the burgeoning oyster bar scene in Baltimore. In classic Vogue style, Van Zanten stuck with the more bourgeois side of the city and avoided getting her hands dirty. In fact, one Reddit user pointed out something similar, writing “I know it’s Vogue, but that’s literally the most expensive weekend one could spend in Baltimore.”

Still, local businesses were understandably thrilled with the national attention. The owners of Ekiben wrote on Instagram: “What do Beyoncé , the new Gilmore Girls series, Obama’s mom jeans, and Ekiben all have in common? They were all featured in this month’s Vogue.”

Regardless of the magazine’s choices, we’re excited that the local scene is getting some well-deserved recognition. Vogue sums it up best by saying that Charm City “may not be the first place that comes to mind when pondering a relaxing weekend getaway; but it should be.”