RegionAle: Hearty sandwiches are enough to win us over. But pairing a classic Nashville hot chicken or Wisconsin grilled cheese with local beer, wine, and pre-mixed cocktails from a wall of self-serve taps? Now we’re really all in. This aptly named cafe has been charming Ellicott City diners with its all-American sandwiches and regional beers ever since it opened in 2016. But next month, Baltimore diners won’t have to travel west to get their fill. RegionAle will debut its second location—complete with what is projected to be the city’s largest self-pour beverage wall—in the American Can Building in Canton on Tuesday, February 18. Swing by to get your hands on geographically-inspired eats—including a New York-style Italian hero, pressed Florida cubano, Oregon tuna steak, and, of course, a Maryland crab cake—while downing the DIY beverages.

The Manor Restaurant & Ultralounge: Next week, the famed Mt. Vernon mansion that formerly housed The Brass Elephant—and its most recent iteration, The Elephant—will once again come back to life as a restaurant. But this time around, the concept will also be part-dance lounge. Robert Gay and Josh Persing, the duo who previously operated GAY Lounge just down North Charles Street, are set to officially unveil The Manor Restuarant & Ultralounge on Friday, February 7. Executed by former Baltimore Country Club chef Parker Greene, the menu will offer oven-fired pizzas, chicken sandwiches, and more fine-tuned dishes such as smoked duck with preserved cherries. Veteran bartender Melissa Ray will spearhead the beverage program with a focus on snack-and-cocktail pairings, and the lounge will feature live DJ entertainment on weekends and frequent drag performances throughout the week.

OPEN

&pizza: North Baltimore diners no longer need to venture to Federal Hill to chow down on the more-than-a-foot-long personal pies at this Washington, D.C.-based chain—which appointed Erik Bruner-Yang of Maketto fame as its executive chef last summer. The artsy pizza brand launched its second Baltimore shop on St. Paul Street in Charles Village this week. Decorated with stark red and white walls, the hangout near the Johns Hopkins University campus tops its dough with everything from pepperoni and ricotta to mushrooms and fig balsamic. During the grand opening celebration on February 4, &pizza will offer $5 pies to all customers, as well as free pizza for a year for the first 37 people through the door in celebration of the brand’s 37th shop.

NEWS

True Chesapeake Oyster Co. Launches Brunch: Now that this newbie inside Hampden’s historic Whitehall Mill has had a few months to find its footing, the team is ready to roll out brunch service. Starting on February 9 and continuing every Sunday from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., executive chef Zack Mills and his team will churn out mid-morning meals including fried chicken and French toast drizzled in bourbon maple syrup, a crab cake benedict with roasted squash, buttermilk biscuits with ham gravy, and, of course, spicy baked oysters sourced from the True Chesapeake farm in Southern Maryland. No brunch is complete without boozy beverages, and—in addition to the requisite mimosas and Bloody Marys—the bar team will be pouring drinks from their brand new winter cocktail menu. Highlights include the vodka and vermouth-infused “Saint Jerome,” (a nod to the St. Mary’s County creek where the farm resides) and the non-alcoholic “Jicaro” made with housemade horchata and allspice.

David Thomas Crowned Chopped Champion Again: A familiar face graced our screens earlier this week when Ida B’s Table chef/owner David Thomas competed on Chopped Champions. The soul food specialist won a match of Food Network’s famed cooking show in 2018, and took home the top prize yet again on an episode that aired Tuesday. His most recent win advanced him to the Grand Champions competition, which will air on Tuesday, February 18. “This journey is extremely humbling, and it’s not over yet,” reads an Instagram post from Thomas, who will be screening the finale at the restaurant for diners looking for a place to tune in. “Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey and who continues to support me every day.”

SHUT

Bar Louie: Three of five Maryland locations were victims of Bar Louie’s bankruptcy claims that made headlines earlier this week. The cocktail bar known for its happy hour specials and gastropub fare closed sites in Owings Mills, Wheaton, and Rockville—three of 38 underperforming locations that the were closed across the country. Luckily, the bars in Hunt Valley and White Marsh are still going strong, and the chain is hoping to emerge from bankruptcy within 90 days.

Uncle Wiggly’s Deli & Ice Cream: Towson natives are reeling from the loss of this York Road staple, which has closed its doors. For nearly 20 years, Uncle Wiggly’s has been a go-to for nostalgic desserts, overstuffed sandwiches (like the fan-favorite “Ravenette” that layered turkey with bacon and roasted red peppers), and catching up with friends and neighbors over drippy ice cream cones. A notice posted to the front door of the shop indicates that it was evicted last month. Uncle Wiggly’s closure marks the end of an era for the shopping center on the 6900 block of York Road, which also said goodbye to neighboring consignment shop The Lily Pad last weekend.

From Spike and Charlie Gjerde to Donna Crivello and Jerry Pellegrino, Andy Thomas has worked for almost every well-known chef in Baltimore. His most recent venture is The Tilted Row, a Bolton Hill gastropub inside The Jordan apartment building. We sat down with Thomas to chat about the concept, growing in the local restaurant industry, and the Tilted Row’s signature crab cakes that pay homage to his Eastern Shore upbringing.

What was your mission with this menu? We know that it has a lot of Middle Eastern influences because owner Ziad Maalouf, who also operates Mt. Vernon’s Cafe Fili, is Lebanese.
Before I even came on board, they had hired a consultant and had come up with the menu. When I came on the idea was for it to be elevated pub food with Mediterranean influences and Middle Eastern spice mixes like Chermoula—paprika, mint, and other things—and Baharat, which blends cumin, cardamom, allspice, cinnamon, paprika, and nutmeg.

I looked at the menu and it didn’t have any vegan or vegetarian dishes, which I thought were important for this neighborhood. I also brought things like fried chicken, zucchini fritters, and duck fried rice like I’d been doing for years. We wanted to have Middle Eastern influences, but we also didn’t want to have our hands tied by them. We didn’t want the menu to be overly complicated. We wanted to keep it simple at a price point that wasn’t too high.

I know you worked at The Elephant for years. Why do you think it didn’t succeed?
I believe that it was hard to convince people that this grand space was a neighborhood place—people only came for their grandmother’s birthday or prom. Two full floors of the space were not being used.

How did you eventually meet Maalouf?
We met on Craigslist. I was looking for a job and I answered an ad. I knew it was still under construction, but I didn’t hear from him. I went to Café Fili to give him my resume but he wasn’t there, then my good friends Jerry Pellegrino and Amy von Lange from Schola talked me up. I got a phone call from him the next day.

So that was it?
I worked part time doing some classes at Schola, then I worked full time at Fili. It was nice to ease into it.

How did you get into cooking?
I’ve always wanted to cook. I had an uncle who passed away when I was a young kid. He was a crab man with a truck that had a steamer and he’d park it on the side of the road and sell crabs. Here was this guy selling something people love. You sit down as a family as an event. He then had a crab steaming shop and he went to work in Old Bowie at this little old place called The Railroad Inn. It was a family-run place and I went there to wash dishes at 14. I made pizzas and got good enough to help the guys on the line. Then, in 12th grade, I did a work-study program at the Holiday Inn in Greenbelt. There was a real chef there and it was the first time I saw the line of people in white jackets. I knew these were my people.

Where did you go after that?
I went to Baltimore International College when it was on Gay Street. I did a two-year program in one and got a job at the Peabody Court Hotel in the brasserie, before going up to the 13th floor to work in The Conservatory. It was over the top with the silver and crystal and food under domes and then it became Michel Richard’s Citronelle, and I learned that it’s not just about cream and heavy meat reductions, but you can use olive oil and it can be well executed. It opened my eyes that food can be fun and fresh.

Didn’t you also work at Donna’s?
Yes, a friend of mine went to work there when it was at the Baltimore Museum of Art and I was his sous chef. Within two weeks, he had a nervous breakdown. I was 24 at the time, and they looked at me and said: “It’s your turn to step up.”

What a story. So now, here you are at The Tilted Row. Talk about some of your signature items, like the burger.
I just wanted to make a good pub burger. This one is from the original menu. It has tobacco onions and pickles. People think that burgers are easy to make, but they’re anything but. It’s the one item that people try to change the most, they try to take it apart and put it back together again.

Your crab cakes with succotash are excellent, but not what we’re used to in Baltimore.
I grew up with a crab cake that was different than the one in Baltimore. I’m from Prince George’s County and have family on the Eastern Shore. The only time we ate crab cakes was the day after we’d eaten steamed crabs on the back porch. We used leftover meat, not just jumbo lump, and would bind it in mayo, mustard, egg, and breadcrumbs. We breaded them on the outside and fried them in a pan. This is very much my version of a crab cake. There are people who are like, “That’s not a crab cake.” People have a very big opinion about it, but I stand by them. I grew up with the succotash, it had corn, tomatoes, and lima beans—but our version uses fava beans.

Give us your elevator pitch about why people should patronize The Tilted Row.
The neighborhood is this beautiful, historic place. People need to stop being afraid to come into Baltimore and embrace this town again.

When Linda Brown Rivelis and Steve Rivelis got married at the Brass Elephant in 1986, Steve recalls, “We spent 30 minutes in the second-floor lounge over mimosas, took 15 minutes to say our vows and exchange rings that were engraved with, ‘It’s a deal,’ then we danced our heads off downstairs.” Thirty years later, the entrepreneurs have made a new deal as the proprietors of The Elephant. And three decades after tying the knot here, they’re still glowing.

While the Brass Elephant (which closed in 2009) held a special place in their hearts, it was also important to the duo to bring the old-world charm of the past into the present and create a place that would welcome a new generation of dedicated diners. With that goal in mind, over the course of a year-and-half-long renovation, the original 32-foot marble bar was restored, the upstairs lounge was updated with contemporary pieces like white leather sofas and ottomans, and the first-floor dining rooms were painted a pale, seashell pink, inspired by a set of vintage dessert plates purchased on a sojourn to Savannah, Georgia.

The shiny surfaces are mostly gone, with the exception of some elephant-head sconces and “wallpaper” nameplates—installed in the second-floor bathroom and hallway—that were found in the building, dating from when the Potthast Brothers Furniture Company was housed there. For all the renovations, it’s clear that the past has not been completely forgotten—historic gems abound, including stained glass by famed artist Louis Comfort Tiffany and intricate woodwork by Lockwood de Forest, a leader in the aesthetic movement.

Against the backdrop of this enveloping oasis, the food is almost secondary to the space. With its United Nations approach, the menu was inspired by the Rivelises’ 60-day trip around the world (Hanoi, Tokyo, Bora Bora, Morocco). It features items such as lasagna, chicken with chili sauce, and St. Louis-style ribs, as well as seasonal specialties, a raw bar, and a dedicated lounge menu with small plates and flatbreads.

While the fare is tasty enough and executive chef Andy Thomas (formerly of Citronelle and Gertrude’s) has the proper pedigree, the menu is literally all over the map and might be better served by consolidating countries, especially since many of the nations featured are known for their bold cuisine and exotic, palate-pleasing profiles. On our visits, most of the dishes were spice- and salt-shy and needed more oomph, including a cedar plank sockeye salmon served on a bed of fennel and onions (the pile of mashed potatoes was the star of the otherwise disappointing dish), a pad thai-inspired rice noodle dish with shrimp, and a brothy but flavorless fisherman’s stew rife with scallops, shrimp, salmon, crab, clams, and mussels.

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Pimlico Hotel Egg Roll
Cut in four sections and served on top of a swish of plum and duck sauce, this festive appetizer—a nostalgic nod to the original recipe at the Pimlico Hotel—is a must-have prelude to your meal.

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While many of the menu items we sampled needed some sort of tweaking, there were a few dishes that were just right. Our favorites included a plate of zucchini fritters—three compact cakes mixed with onion, fennel, and flash fried, and served with a cooling dill yogurt sauce—and tandoori-style chicken kabobs, threaded with peppers, onions, and zucchini, and served with a tangy yogurt sauce. Another winner was the so-called lobster roll, a riff on Vietnamese-style summer rolls, rolled in rice paper and packed with carrots, cucumber, and basil and served with a thin drizzle of mango sauce.

As for entrees, though pricey at $42, the one to order is the lamb tagine for two. The rich stew featured succulent chunks of lamb, chickpeas, and onions, floating in a thick, aromatic beef-tomato, gravy-like broth. Fat pearls of Israeli couscous were served on the side, along with house-made pita bread and a plate of simple vegetables.

In the service department, hospitality was high, from Linda’s warm smile as she visited every table to a gracious and skilled wait staff that enhanced the experience with constant care and concern. Also of note, bar manager Matt Murphy is about as congenial as they come and makes a mean Arabber’s Delight comprised of bourbon, banana liqueur, bitters, honey, lemon, and ginger.

Despite some kinks, The Elephant is very much worth a visit. And given some time to tweak, diners, like the Rivelises, should soon be swooning.

OPEN

Papi’s Tacos Hampden: We’ve been patiently waiting for the day that we could finally move this one into the ‘open’ category. After weeks of delays, the owners of Papi’s Tacos in Fells Point have officially opened the doors to their new sister location on Falls Road in Hampden. The former home of longtime dive bar Dimitri’s Tavern has been transformed into a modern-industrial taqueria with wooden floors, strung lights, and colorful flowers. Diners in Hampden can now enjoy the same Mexican street food that they have come to know and love at the Fells Point flagship, including grilled elote, queso fundido, loaded quesadillas, and tacos al pastor. Of course, the bar will also be serving up massive margaritas in signature Papi’s flavors like prickly pear and cinnamon peach. 3820 Falls Road. 443-449-5796

Nalley Fresh: Don’t be surprised to see a familiar logo while strolling through Baltimore Washington Thurgood-Marshall International Airport (BWI) this summer. This fan-favorite local salad chain opened its latest location—marking its eleventh eatery in Maryland—in between Gates A and B earlier this week. Fuel up for your flight with Nalley’s signature DIY salads, wraps, and bowls made with a range of proteins and more than 100 toppings.

COMING SOON

The Bluebird Pub: This new extension of the Bluebird Cocktail Room in Hampden will official debut on Friday, May 10. Housed in the subterranean space below the bar that previously operated as European cafe Little Bird, the pub is expected to feel “handsome and familiar,” featuring walls lined with playful sketches of speakeasy bartenders that date back to 1932. With a strong emphasis on whiskey, the bar program will spotlight a signature Old Fashioned made with Old Grand-Dad bonded bourbon, a reliable Rusty Nail, and a barrel-aged Cachaça Sour shaken with lemon juice and sugarcane. Chefs Chance Jones and Bri White will serve up a menu of elevated pub fare to pair with all of the drinks. Be on the lookout for a foie gras burger, vegetarian broccoli sandwich with lemon aioli, and French toast with cherry cream cheese during brunch. 3600 Hickory Ave. 667-303-3263

Twisted Teahouse: In other Hampden news, local baker Angela Vogel will officially cut the ribbon at this new teahouse on the Avenue on Wednesday, May 8. It won’t be long before the bright blue storefront becomes a go-to for private tea parties, fair-trade teas, organic coffees, and custom cakes. The traditional tearoom will also offer fresh-baked scones, vegan pastries, and specialty sweets like banana rum crunch cupcakes. The spot is a spinoff of the original Twisted Teahouse, a tea parlor and consignment shop that Vogel previously operated inside the historic Savage Mill complex in Howard County. 813 W. 36th St. 410-991-2776

CH-CH CHANGES

Indochine: Mt. Vernon locals might have noticed a sign posted to the door of this Vietnamese eatery last week, in which owners Amy Nguyen and Alawi Akbar announced that they had sold Indochine. “Mt. Vernon welcomed my family with open arms and for that I will be forever grateful,” Akbar wrote in the message. “We have developed many friendships and loyal customers over the years, but the time has come for me to take a little break and devote some time to my family.” A new team is expected to reopen the shop under the same name with a similar menu (think pho, banh mi sandwiches, and crispy spring rolls) on Friday, May 2. There’s also a happy ending in store for Nyugen and Akbar, who are planning to open a new location in Patterson Park called IndoViet this November. Stay tuned for more details. 1015 N. Charles St. 410-539-4636

NEWS

The Elephant: Speaking of happy endings, this Mt. Vernon gem got one earlier this week. After a drawn-out saga between the owners and an investor who took legal action to seize the building, the team has confirmed that The Elephant is in it for the long haul. Crediting “strong and strategic legal representation” and “an outpouring of support from guests and the community,” the owners have resolved the conflict and reopened the historic mansion for dinner service Tuesday-Saturday. “We are so excited that we will continue to serve our cuisine and cocktails in this magnificent building,” the owners wrote in a statement.” 921 N. Charles St. 443-447-7878

Josh White Moves on to White Oak Hospitality: Local food lovers are still reeling from the loss of chef Josh White’s barbecue concept Smoke, which closed its doors in Cockeysville last month. But, luckily, White’s cooking will still be well within reach. The chef recently joined the team at White Oak Hospitality—the restaurant group behind Wayward Smokehouse, Bandito’s Bar + Kitchen, and 101 Baltimore in Federal Hill. It’s fortunate timing, as the team is also preparing to debut a second Wayward with an adjoining raw bar concept called The Curious Oyster in White Marsh this summer. In the meantime, head to Federal Hill to experience White’s innovative style showcased in new dishes like the korean cheesesteak at Wayward, and the “Hokey Poke” bowl at 101. “We’re ready to show Baltimore that Fed Hill isn’t just a bar scene anymore,” White said in a statement. “It’s a dining scene, as well.”

EPICUREAN EVENTS

5/2: Atwater’s 20th Anniversary
Back in 1999, this local cafe chain began as a small bakery making only one kind of bread. Now, 20 years, one big commissary kitchen, a farm, and six retail shops later, Atwater’s has grown into a Charm City staple. To celebrate its big birthday, all locations will be giving away free cupcakes while supplies last. Plus, the cafe is bringing back one of its first-ever breads, the sunflower flax loaf, at its original price of $2.50 for one day only. Multiple locations including 3601 Boston St. 667-309-7146

5/3-5: Sandlot Grand Opening Weekend

Baltimore’s beach makes its big return this weekend with plenty of festivities to kick off its third season in style. Head to Harbor Point on Friday night to watch the sunset while dancing to live tunes spun by DJ Sean. On Saturday, play some Splash City Golfwhile listening to the soulful sounds of Funsho performing from 6-9 p.m. And on Sunday, Sandlot will host a Cinco de Mayo fiesta with salsa lessons, Barr Hill gin and tonics, and a swing combo salsa band from 2-5 p.m. Throughout the weekend, stop by the shipping containers-turned-kitchens to stock up on summer snacks like soft pretzels, chicken wings, nachos, and eats on a stick. 1000 Wills St.

COMING SOON

Plant Food + Wine and Double Zero Pizzeria: Best known for his seasonal vegan philosophy, Los Angeles-based celebrity chef Matthew Kenney is making his mark on Charm City by bringing two of his plant-based restaurants to the ground floor of the 414 Light Street building downtown. The first will be Plant Food + Wine, a sit-down spot featuring artful vegan dishes like aromatic squash with roasted fennel and kelp noodle cacio e pepe. Double Zero Pizza will neighbor the restaurant, serving up vegan pies topped with cashew mozzarella, eggplant bacon, and farro-fennel sausage. Both concepts, which will join Ramen Utsuke from the owner of Kippo Ramen in the building, will be designed by local firm SM+P Architects and are slated to open this summer.

Stephen Gorn, president and CEO of developer Questar Properties, says that the restaurants are meant to be on brand with what 414 Light Street offers its tenants. “The restaurant component really dovetails into the theme of our building,” Gorn told us last year. “We have a health and wellness program, and a quality concierge that will cater to the living experience of our residents. And food is a big part of that experience.” 414 Light St.

Motzi Bread: Be on the lookout for this upcoming bakery from Charles Village locals Maya Muñoz, a Baltimore City school teacher, and Russell Trimmer, a former Woodberry Kitchen baker and farmer at Next Step Produce in Charles County. The owners, who live above their street-level storefront on the corner of Guilford Avenue and East 28th Street, will focus on locally sourced loaves that use freshly milled flour and grains including corn and buckwheat from Migrash Farm in Randallstown. Although the shop isn’t expected to open until the fall, Motzi, which gets its name from the Hebrew blessing over bread, launched a weekly subscription service earlier this week. Featured loaves include a sprouted five-grain, focaccia topped with sunflower oil, and a caraway beer bread made with suds from neighboring brewery Peabody Heights. 2801 Guilford Ave.

Baltimore Seafood: Crab purists might have a tough time grasping this new concept that is on its way to Canton. Taking inspiration from The Shaking Crab, an East Coast chain with locations spanning from Boston to Brooklyn, the restaurant serves crab and other crustaceans in a plastic bag that diners shake up with signature spices and sauces. (Think crawfish with cajun seasonings and mussels with sweet chili miso.) Set to open in the former La Tolteca space on Boston Street this May, the spot will offer a wide range of oceanic offerings, as well as seafood-boil sides like steamed corn and red potatoes. 2324 Boston St.

OPEN

Pillion Tea: Local tea houses seem to be on the up and up. Emma’s Tea Spot opened to rave reviews in Hamilton last year, Twisted Teahouse is expected to debut in Hampden this spring, and now, Midtown-Belvedere locals have this new shop to turn to when they’re in need of a strong brew. Pillion Tea opened its doors earlier this month, offering local Wight Tea Co. varieties, craft sodas, and sweet pastries like cherry scones and lemon-strawberry pound cake. Spring specials include a vanilla-mint matcha latte, Ceylon black iced tea with lemon, berry Sencha green tea lemonade, and a house chamomile-strawberry soda. 42 W. Biddle St. 443-759-5430

Green House Juice Cafe: Regulars were ecstatic when this Charles Village staple, formerly Grind House Juice Bar, reopened earlier this week. The fuel-up fixture closed for “rejuvenations” in December, but is now back up and running with an updated name and new partner Flourish Baltimore—a holistic lifestyle brand that features organic herbal teas, essential oils, soy candles, and other wares that are handmade by Maryland merchants. Swing by to check out the updated digs, while also grabbing a few self-care products, a blended smoothie, or vegan snacks like the fan-favorite goddess kale salad. 2433 St. Paul St. 410-366-2441

NEWS

The Elephant: The past week has been an emotional rollercoaster for fans of this storied spot in Mt. Vernon. After announcing that they were forced to close the restaurant due to ongoing financial struggles, the owners recently decided that they will be able to open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays throughout the entire month of April. Not ready to give up hope, the team has also launched a GoFundMe campaign to save the building—a posh, 19th-century mansion complete with Tiffany stained glass, intricate teak woodwork, dangling Waterford crystal, and golden chandeliers. “Today, The Elephant is in jeopardy of closing,” reads a post to the fundraising page. “And the historic architectural elements may soon be ripped out and sold piece-by-piece due to a hostile takeover by one of our initial investors.” In only one day, the page raised $4,500 of its $600,000 goal. 924 N. Charles St.

James Beard Finalists Announced: Earlier this week, the James Beard Foundation narrowed down its list of semifinalists to determine which national names would be honored as nominees at the esteemed awards gala in Chicago on May 6. For the eighth time, chef Cindy Wolf of Charleston in Harbor East has been named a finalist in the Best Chef Mid-Atlantic category. Although the bar team from Clavel in Remington was named a semifinalist for Outstanding Bar Program this year, they unfortunately didn’t make the cut for the final round. After 12 nominations total (eight being finalists nods), chef Wolf has yet to bring home the medal. As always, we’re crossing our fingers that this is her year.

“I am so honored, happy, and excited to be nominated again,” Wolf said in a statement. “There is so much inspiration in this world of ours. I just want to keep absorbing it, to keep learning and moving forward. But in the end, the best food is made with love and care.”

Sagamore Whiskey Wins Best Rye: Speaking of national acclaim, Sagamore Spirit’s Port Finish whiskey recently won the Double Gold medal and the distinction of Best Rye Whiskey at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The award is a huge win for the local distilling community, especially after Sagamore’s Cask Strength Rye won a Double Gold in 2017 and Baltimore Spirits Company’s Epoch Rye took home the prize last year. All of the acclaim goes to show that Baltimore is officially back on the map as a whiskey-distilling powerhouse.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

3/29: Anatomy of a Chicken Box Part Two
Two years ago, crowds formed lines around the block for part one of this epic mashup between Ekiben and Blacksauce Kitchen at the old Union Craft Brewing space. Now, in celebration of Ekiben’s third birthday, the crews are teaming up to do it all over again. For part two, everything is expected to be bigger and better. Head to Union’s massive Medfield digs to enjoy live music, cold beers, and, of course, a next-level menu from Ekiben and Blacksauce. Although details are typically under wraps until the day of, it’s safe to say that the drool-worthy dishes will pay homage to the iconic Baltimore chicken box. 1700 W. 41st St. 4-10 p.m.

3/29-30: Beer, Bourbon & Barbecue Festival
For the 13th year, this all-out smoke show is returning to the Maryland State Fairgrounds with—you guessed it—more than 60 beers, 40 bourbons, and lots of fingerlickin’ fare. While strolling around the festival, keep your eyes peeled for local brands including Monument City Brewing, Raven Beer, Sagamore Spirit, HarborQue, and Char’d Barbecue. Throughout the weekend, there will also be special events such as bourbon bingo, distilling seminars, and a jam-packed live music lineup. 2200 York Rd. $40-125

Back in 2015, Steven Rivelis and Linda Brown Rivelis began their journey to restore the famed Brass Elephant, the elegant Mt. Vernon social spot where the two were married in 1986. A 22-month renovation maintained the 19th-century mansion’s history—with Tiffany stained glass, intricate teak woodwork, dangling Waterford crystal, and golden chandeliers—while also updating the interior with a new marble bar and contemporary furniture.

The owners, along with co-owner Mallory Staley, have been candid with customers about their struggle to secure a bank loan to pay back investors who helped fund the multi-million dollar renovation.

“Without even looking at our financials, nine banks told us that they will not make a loan for a restaurant, especially in Baltimore City,” The Elephant team wrote in an open letter two months ago. “Unfortunately, we have run out of time. After two years, our friends and family who loaned us the gap funds deserve to be paid back.”

To remedy the matter, the partners put the building on the market for $2.9 million in January. Although the property would have new landlord, they assured the community that the restaurant was in it for the long haul. Sadly, those plans changed recently when one of the investors took legal action to seize the building.

“This individual’s legal action against us disqualified us from being eligible for a loan from the SBA,” Steven Rivelis said in a statement announcing the restaurant’s final night of service on Saturday, March 23. “In response, we will have to leverage all of our available resources to defend ourselves from this hostile takeover of our treasured property.”

Though this weekend will be the last to feast on The Elephant’s global cuisine (think everything from Moroccan meatballs to Shanghai noodles) inside its posh dining spaces, it will remain open as a private events venue. The owners will also continue to operate Sascha’s—the boutique catering company which they inherited from former owner Sascha Wolhandler in 2017—as well as their pre-show cafe at Center Stage.

“While these developments and actions are extremely painful, we feel so very blessed to have had this dream opportunity to open and operate The Elephant for almost three years,” Staley said. “We remain profoundly thankful to all of our guests for your ongoing support and contribution to this amazing journey.”

On the heels of an unfortunate year for Charm City restaurant closures, the news of The Elephant’s final night is yet another blow to the local dining scene. The historic and elegant Mt. Vernon space—adorned with pale pink walls, pops of gold, and vintage sconces around every corner—was one that locals flocked to for special occasions, as well as weekly happy hours and live jazz nights.

In a recent interview, Steven pointed out the importance of supporting local restaurants—especially those right in your own backyard.

“Businesses need our neighbors,” he said. “And neighbors need the businesses, or else you don’t have a thriving community. It’s a reciprocal responsibility.”

COMING SOON

Peter Chang Restaurant: Get pumped, “Changians.” Though details have yet to be announced, devoted fans of cult icon Peter Chang will be happy to hear that the chef’s family plans to open an Asian restaurant in the space that was previously Fork & Wrench in Canton. A former chef at the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., Chang started his empire by opening strip-mall restaurants in towns throughout Virginia that weren’t particularly known for their Asian cuisine. While Baltimore boasts some stellar global eats, locals have long been waiting for an authentic Chinese food spot to open within city limits. Here’s hoping we’re next on Chang’s list of places to introduce to his Sichuan specialties—which include dry-fried eggplant, crispy pork belly, and Peking duck. 2322 Boston St.

OPEN

Lyfe Cafe: Experts say that late-January is typically the time when New Year’s resolutions start to go off course. But this new Towson eatery is making it easy for diners to prioritize healthy eating. Local nutritionist and personal trainer Penny Seabolt opened Lyfe Cafe inside The Shops at Kenilworth earlier this week, offering everything from protein shakes and wellness shots to vegan fare and meal-prep services. In addition to the lengthy list of breakfast, lunch, and dinner dishes, the daily menu features a “Food for Mood” section with suggestions for specific health concerns. Need a B-12 boost? Try the veggie omelet with egg whites, spinach, and red pepper. For a healthy heart, Seabolt recommends the Summer Salad with grilled chicken, strawberries, and balsamic. The new eatery joins old standbys Atwater’s and Italian Gardens at the shopping destination, which also plans to welcome Felipe’s Mexican Taqueria next year. 800 Kenilworth Drive. Ste. 800, Towson. 410-842-1050

NEWS

The Elephant Building for Sale: Although co-owners Steven and Linda Rivelis and Mallory Staley assure that this fine-dining destination is in it for the long haul, they recently decided to put the historic building that houses the restaurant up for sale. In an open letter sent to diners via email earlier this week, the owners explained their struggles to secure a bank loan to pay back investors who helped fund the multi-million dollar renovation of the Mt. Vernon mansion. “Without even looking at our financials, nine banks told us that they will not make a loan for a restaurant, especially in Baltimore City,” the owners write. “Unfortunately, we have run out of time. After two years, our friends and family who loaned us the gap funds deserve to be paid back.” The iconic North Charles Street property is currently listed at $2.9 million. Although it will soon have a new landlord, The Elephant’s elegant dining rooms, craft cocktails, and worldly cuisine are here to stay. 924 N. Charles St. 443-447-7878

So Long, Esskay Hot Dogs: Don’t be surprised if you can’t find orange-and-black packages of Esskay hot dogs on your next trip to the grocery store. Virginia-based Smithfield Foods recently made the tough decision to discontinue the fan-favorite franks in an effort to reduce expenses and competition with its other products. As a result, Esskay will also soon disappear from Camden Yards. “The Orioles have always offered a variety of hot dogs, including Kosher options, at Camden Yards, and there are many brands that are expressing strong interest in bringing their product to the ballpark,” Orioles spokesman Greg Bader told The Sun this week. Though summertime cookouts will never taste quite the same, we’re confident that the team will soon find a new brand to spark the same kind of hometown pride. Perhaps the only good news to come of the Esskay loss is that officials say it will not have any effect on the famous Hot Dog Races at Camden Yards.

Baltimore Spirits Company Releases Limited Liquor Line: In the very first collaboration between Baltimore Spirits Company and its Union Collective neighbors Union Craft Brewing, the distillery has created a malty, chocolatey liqueur using fermented wort (extracted liquid) from the brewery’s seasonal Snow Pants Stout. Singularity #1 is the inaugural release in Baltimore Spirits Company’s new “E.B. Smith’s Singularities” line, which is named after co-founder Eli Breitburg-Smith. The liqueur will be available in the tasting room starting this weekend. Other Singularity releases, including a pear brandy, are expected to debut in the coming months. 1700 W. 41st St. Ste. 430. 443-687-9099

EPICUREAN EVENTS

1/25-26: Masarap Filipino Pop-Up at Fadensonnen
If you still haven’t gotten a chance to stop by Fadensonnen—the Old Goucher beer garden from husband-and-wife owners Lane Harlan and Matthew Pierce—this weekend is an ideal opportunity. Not only will the spot offer its local beers, wild ciders, and natural wines, but it will also host chef Rey Eugenio in the food truck out front. Authentic Filipino dishes on deck include a braised pork noodle bowl with fried garlic chips, grilled veggie skewers with Jasmine rice and kimchi cabbage, and a beef-and-potato bowl topped with fermented chili paste ketchup. 3 W. 23rd St. 5-9 p.m.

1/25-26: Harry Potter Pop-Up at Order & Chaos
Key Highway coffee spot Order & Chaos is collaborating with Hampden’s Full Circle Artisan Palace to host a Hogwarts-themed pop-up party this weekend. Fans can enjoy butterbeer lattes while sampling a selection of magical sweets crafted by Full Circle. Among them include doughnuts like the chocolate-glazed “Deathly Hallows,” espresso-sugar covered “Floo Powder,” and cinnamon dusted “Potter Spice.” 1410 Key Highway. 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

1/29: Johntay Bedingfield on Chopped
Head to La Food Marketa in Pikesville to watch the restaurant’s own chef Johntay Bedingfield compete on an episode of Food Network’s Chopped. The kitchen will be closing at 8:30 p.m., at which point diners and staff will gather at the bar for drinks and light snacks while cheering on the chef during the episode. 2620 Quarry Lake Drive, Pikesville. 8-10 p.m. 410-415-0606

SHUT

Cafe Andamiro: MICA students were saddened to hear that this cozy Midtown-Belvedere cafe will be shutting its doors for good this weekend. “We appreciate your business and support,” mother-and-daughter owners Ran Yun and Bomin Jeon posted to Facebook earlier this week. “Being able to share food, drinks, and moments with you was special to us.” Since opening in 2016, Cafe Andamiro—meaning “overflow in abundance” in Korean—has been known for its espressos and pastries, as well as Seoul-inspired specialties including noodle bowls, seasonal salads, avocado toasts, and pressed paninis. 241 W. Chase St. 443-453-9314

This month’s Baltimore Restaurant Week is going to be a bit different for chef Donna Crivello, who shuttered her 19-year-old neighborhood outpost Donna’s Cafe in the Village of Cross Keys last month. Instead of overseeing two kitchens during the annual dining-out promotion, she is now solely focused on her work at rustic Italian spot Cosima inside Woodberry’s Mill No. 1.

“I have so many mixed emotions about closing Donna’s,” Crivello says. “It was the end of an era for us. But moving forward, it’s nice that I have a lot more time to spend at Cosima.”

Though Donna’s was one of last year’s record-high restaurant closures—among others including Aggio, Parts & Labor, and Wit & Wisdom—the industry is ready to wipe the slate clean. And Baltimore Restaurant Week, which returns January 11-20, will kick off the year on a high note.

“I always like to look at the glass half full,” says chef Robbin Haas, who closed The Nickel Taphouse in Mt. Washington due to financial struggles last October. “Even though there may have been some setbacks, you still have to keep moving ahead. And Restaurant Week is a way to really bring some energy into the restaurants.”

Haas remains a partner at Birroteca in Hampden and Encantada at the American Visionary Art Museum in Federal Hill. Both spots will be participating in Restaurant Week, which offers multi-course lunch and dinner menus at fixed price points ranging from $12-35. The idea behind the winter promotion is to generate business during a season that is notoriously slower for the dining scene.

“You have this natural doldrum after the holidays where people are not going out because they’re watching their weight or their credit card bill,” says Steven Rivelis, co-owner of The Elephant in Mt. Vernon. “It’s a great opportunity to reset things and start them in a positive way.”

Though the dining deal makes it easy to explore restaurants in unfamiliar neighborhoods, Rivelis also stresses the importance of supporting the spots in your own backyard.

“Businesses need our neighbors,” he says. “And neighbors need the businesses, or else you don’t have a thriving community. It’s a reciprocal responsibility, and I think Restaurant Week provides an opportunity for folks to get out and spend money in their own city.”

Crivello agrees, mentioning that Cosima typically sees a spike in reservations throughout the event: “It’s a real boost for January sales,” she says. “If you can get 11 really good days, it makes a huge difference.”

While some might be quick to pass on Restaurant Week because of the increased crowds or limited menu, Crivello assures that most teams anticipate the high demand and plan ahead.

“I think that’s part of the fun of Restaurant Week—that’s it’s always busy and energetic,” she says. “Most of us who run restaurants streamline things so that you’re not going to have to wait a long time.”

From a chef’s perspective, Haas says that the week gives him a chance showcase highlights on the regular menu. Birroteca will feature the signature mushroom bolognese cavatelli and burrata bruschetta, while Encantada will offer dishes like crispy Brussels sprouts and steak frites with onion butter.

“Sometimes some of our dishes get lost in translation a little bit,” he says. “So the Restaurant Week menu is something that we have a lot of fun with.”

Rivelis is looking forward to debuting a few new items, including a lemon-caper chicken with house-made fettuccine and herb butter sauce, which will remain on The Elephant’s worldly menu even after Restaurant Week ends.

As for Crivello, her special prix-fixe features ricotta meatballs, butternut squash soup, roasted pork belly, and the signature spit-roasted chicken with roasted vegetables and saffron couscous. Overall, she hopes that the upcoming event ignites diners to support the industry as a whole.

“When Donna’s closed, I had a lot of people say to me, ‘Well I guess I didn’t come often enough,’” recalls Crivello. “You don’t want people to feel bad, but it’s true. You have to get out and support the places that you like, and visit the places that you haven’t been yet. Our city needs that energy.”

COMING SOON

Stanford Kitchen: Owings Mills residents will be happy to hear that a grand opening date for this swanky steakhouse, which operates two other locations in Columbia and Rockville, has been set for Monday, May 28. The restaurant takes over the former home of Stone’s Cove Kitbar near the Stevenson University Campus on Owings Mills Boulevard. Equipped with dark woods and comfy booth seating, the spot will feature its signature New American dishes including grilled salmon, rotisserie chicken, Eastern Shore crab cakes, a classic cheeseburger, and its “rattlesnake” linguini pasta in a Cajun alfredo sauce. 10997 Owings Mills Blvd., Owings Mills.

CH-CH CHANGES

Shaheen of Baltimore: Earlier this month, this 45-year-old Pakistani restaurant in Catonsville celebrated a grand reopening, rolling out interior upgrades and a brand new menu with improved recipes. Be sure to check out the $5 biryani (spicy rice) lunch special, as well as classic kebabs, tandoori chicken, veggie curries, and authentic Indian desserts like house-made jalebis (Maida flour batter fried and soaked in sugar syrup).  1111 N. Rolling Road, 410-747-1431

OPEN

Diablo Doughnuts: After many months of delays and a successful GoFundMe campaign, this Fells Point doughnut shop has finally made its move across the harbor to Federal Hill. Now open in the former home of Felici Cafe on Light Street, the shop features funky wall murals, table seating, and a larger kitchen for owner Michael Roslan to prepare his fan-favorite flavors. Since opening on Broadway Square in 2015, Diablo has become known for Roslan’s creative varieties like maple-bacon, cinnamon toast crunch, s’mores, blueberry basil, and the famed Unicorn Farts doughnut coated in Fruity Pebbles. 1035 Light St. 410-892-3251

Sascha’s & The Elephant at Center Stage: Center Stage theatregoers don’t have to look far for a good pre-show meal, now that The Elephant in Mt. Vernon—which recently took over Sascha’s Catering from longtime owner Sascha Wolhandler—has opened a new cafe onsite. Located on Baltimore Center Stage’s mezzanine level, Sascha’s & The Elephant will offer dinner service starting two hours before each show. The menu features eats like pork belly tacos, seared salmon fillet with cauliflower couscous, spring vegetable manicotti, and a dairy-free spicy Thai salad with cashew dressing. 700 N. Calvert St., 410-332-0033

EPICUREAN EVENTS

5/19-20: Second Annual Biggie Brunch at The Outpost American Tavern
Chef Jesse Sandlin hosted her first brunch dedicated to the Notorious B.I.G. last year, and had so much fun that this time around, she’s making it a two-day event. This Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sandlin invites neighborhood locals and old-school hip-hop lovers alike to celebrate the late rap icon at her restaurant The Outpost American Tavern in Federal Hill. In celebration of Biggie’s birthday on May 21, the tavern will be offering an entire food and drink menu inspired by his lyrics, (a “Juicy” burger, perhaps?)  trivia about his life, and, of course, selections from the Notorious B.I.G. catalogue blasting in the bar and dining room all weekend long.  1032 Riverside Ave., 443-388-9113

5/19: Haenyo at Diamondback Brewery
This Saturday, head to Diamondback Brewery in Locust Point to chow down on Haenyo’s locally sourced Korean-fusion cuisine from 2-9 p.m. The pop-up, which is headquartered at the communal Share Kitchen just around the corner, will be serving bulgogi rice bowls, fried chicken katsu over multigrain rice, classic scallion pancakes with gochu mayo, and sweet hotteok (fried dough with brown sugar and a sesame filling.) If you can’t make it to Diamondback this Saturday, Haenyo will also be offering delivery via UberEats throughout the evening. 1215 E. Fort Ave. 443-388-9626

SHUT (SOON)

Grano Emporio: This Neapolitan trattoria on Chestnut Avenue in Hampden—a spinoff of the original Grano Pasta Bar on the Avenue—will be shutting its doors for good on June 30. “I could give many reasons for giving up Grano Emporio, but for what scope,” owner Gino Troia posted to Facebook last week. “We had fun, made a lot of friends, and certainly enjoyed Hampden, but we are not leaving.” The post goes on to assure that Grano’s BYOB pasta bar on The Avenue is still going strong, and mentions that the owners’ family is  looking forward to continuing its Towson restaurants Cafe Troia, Zia’s Cafe, and Plantbar. “We will enjoy visiting the other restaurants and spending more time with friends and relatives,” the post reads. There’s no word yet on what will become over the Chestnut Avenue rowhome, which Grano has occupied since 2010. 3547 Chestnut Ave., 443-438-7521   

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

 EAT

Feb. 24: Taste Baltimore 3

The Motor House, 120 W. North Ave. 12-4 p.m. $20. 410-637-8300.

Three years ago, Chef Catina Smith of Magdalena Restaurant felt inspired by Baltimore’s small-batch food businesses and decided to create a mini food emporium to highlight local chefs and food professionals. Now in its third installment, Taste Baltimore is back with 15 food vendors, cooking demos by culinary instructor Chef Egg, and live music. Munch on samples from local favorites like The Elephant, new foodies like Wilde Thyme and Sporty Dog Creations, and watch chefs whip up tasty dishes with mystery ingredients in a Chopped-style competition.

 DRINK

Feb. 24: The Big Lebowski Viewing and Costume Party

Waverly Brewing Company, 1625 Union Ave. 7 p.m. Free. 443-438-5765. 

This weekend, the Dude abides in Hampden-Woodberry. On Saturday, the Waverly Brewing starts a new tradition with a screening of the 1998 cult classic comedy, The Big Lebowski. Prepare your one-liners and bowling references, then raid your closet for the perfect costume to channel your inner Dude, Donny, or Walter. Think bathrobes, amber-tinged sunglasses, and Viking helmets, as the best dressed guests can win bar tabs and brewery gift cards. 

 SEE

Feb. 23-25: American Craft Council Show

Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W. Pratt St. Fri. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $14-34. 612-206-3100.

Take cover from the rain this weekend and surround yourself with all things bright and shiny. During this three-day indoor craft extravaganza, browse unique wares from more than 650 contemporary American artists, including Baltimore makers like Ronni Aronin’s ceramics, Tigerlillyshop’s fun jewelry, and Erin Draper’s yoga wear. While there’s enough handmade home décor, furniture, accessories, and toys to keep you entertained for hours, don’t miss out on specialty pop-up booths featuring wearable art, interior designs, hands-on activities, and even handcrafted whisky tastings.

 HEAR

Feb. 23: Surf Harp

The Windup Space, 12 W. North Ave. 8 p.m. $8. 410-244-8855. 

When Surf Harp popped up on our radar back in 2016 with its first full-length album, Peel, we were immediately captivated by the vibrant, rollicking sound. This Friday, the indie quintet will release its second album, Mr. Big Picture, and perform the brand-new record—a rambunctious feat that channels the very best of ’80s New Wave and post-punk with a Damn The Man mentality— in its entirety with soon-to-be-favorites like “D.I. Cig” and “I Lost You.” Guest musicians will perform as well, including fellow local talents Chiffon and Jacober, as well as New York regulars Operator Music Band and Zula. Grab a 12-inch vinyl, featuring a snazzy screen-printed cover by illustrator George Wylesol, to listen on repeat.

 DO

Feb. 24: Black Tie Baltimore’s Fake Wedding

Baltimore Museum of Industry, 1415 Key Hwy. 7 p.m. $95-120. 410-727-4808. 

Let’s skip the whole “I do” part and go straight to the reception. At this fake wedding to support the volunteer-and-day-drink nonprofit, Volunteer Untapped, don your best formal attire and spend a lively evening sipping drinks from the open bar, noshing on hors d’oeuvres by Sascha’s Catering, and grooving to live music from Moonshine. And of course, as always, this is all for a good cause, so don’t miss out on the Charity Tinder booth, where you can swipe right to meet local philanthropic partners and get involved with their efforts.

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

 EAT

Feb. 16-18: Chinese New Year

The Elephant, 924 N. Charles St. 5 p.m.-12 a.m. 443-447-7878. 

If you’re ready to hit the refresh button after the first 44 days of 2018, start the year over with a Chinese New Year-inspired main course at The Elephant. This weekend at the historic mansion in Mount Vernon, executive chef Orlando Amaro is serving up peking duck, a famously celebratory dish with Beijing roots. Prepared five days in advance with a perfectly crisp crust, this dish guarantees a positive start to the year of the dog.

 DRINK

To Feb. 18: Union Pinewood Derby

Union Craft Brewing, 1700 Union Ave. 12-5 p.m. $5-10. 410-467-0290.

This Sunday, put your cub, boy, and Eagle scout merit badges to the test and head to Union Craft Brewing to compete in an old-fashioned pinewood derby. Yes, we’re talking about the wooden toy race cars that prevailed in the ’50s, so ride this wave of nostalgia and grab a build kit, make a racer, and run it down their 40-foot derby track. Racers can design their cars however they want—shaped like a beer bottle, sporting the Maryland flag, or mirroring the Batman mobile—and compete to win a trophy and a can of every 2018 special release beer. If you’d rather watch the four-wheeled waggery from the sidelines, grab a few Duckpins and soak up the suds with signature wood-fired pies by Well Crafted Pizza.

 SEE

Feb. 17: Baltimore’s Legends & Legacies Jubilee

Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park and Museum, 1417 Thames St. 12-4 p.m. Free. 410-685-0295.

This week, Governor Larry Hogan officially proclaimed 2018 as the “Year of Frederick Douglass,” a fitting move since the father of the civil rights movement turned 200 this year. His birthday celebration continues this Saturday at Baltimore’s Legends & Legacies Jubilee, where visitors can check out interactive exhibits from local museums, sample eats from Popsations and Connie’s Chicken and Waffles, and get an up-close look at the new Frederick Douglass wax figure. Another local legend, Baltimore’s own Davon Fleming, who stole our hearts during his time on NBC’s The Voice, will host a singing competition for any brave challengers.

 HEAR

Feb. 16: Classical Music for People with Short Attention Spans

WTMD, 1 Olympic Pl., Towson. 8-10:30 p.m. $12-15. 410-704-8938.

If you get antsy and bored during a 2-hour classical music program, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Classical Revolution Baltimore, a collective of musicians that performs classical music in non-traditional spaces, is pairing up with WTMD to present a program that’s perfect for people with short attention spans. In this “Cliffs Notes of Classical Music,” hear the most notable parts of well-known classical pieces (think Mozart’s “Lacrimosa” and Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 7”) featuring performances from local artists Pique Collective, Outcalls, and Dominic Shodekeh Talifero. If you can’t make the performance, tune into the live broadcast on 89.7 to hear this one-of-a-kind mix of classical and contemporary ensembles.

 DO

Feb. 16-17: Frozen Harbor Music Festival

Locations & times vary. $20-120. 443-579-7766.

We might be weeks away from warm weather and music festival season, but we can always count on the Frozen Harbor Music Festival to start the party early. With a forecast of cloudy skies, rain, and snow on Saturday, the harbor will indeed be frozen while this 2-day festival hosts 160 acts across 10 stages downtown. Build an itinerary, map out your weekend, and hop from venue to venue to catch local and national artists, including big names like Keller Williams and George Clinton and Maryland favorites like Jimmie’s Chicken Shack and Sam Grow. 

OPEN

Upstairs at The Elephant: We were thrilled when husband-and-wife owners Steven and Linda Rivelis decided to restore this Mt. Vernon mansion back to its former glory last year. This week, the owners are adding to the allure of the famed restaurant by rebranding its second floor as Upstairs at the Elephant. Head up the staircase (past the dangling crystal and intricate teak archways) to snag a seat in the billiard room, one of two cozy upstairs lounges, or at the restaurant’s 32-inch white Italian-marble bar. There’s also a new menu with signature cocktails like the “Metamorphosis” (rum, butterfly pea tea, and lime juice), “Lady Day” (gin, tequila, orange curacao, and honey thyme syrup), and the “Secret Knock,” combining bourbon, amaro, almond syrup, and spiced cherry. Among the featured bites are street foods like shrimp dumplings, seafood ceviche, and gnocchi spoons with tomato and basil. 924 N. Charles St., 443-447-7878

Holy Frijoles: Foodies rejoiced as Taco Tuesdays rightfully resumed at this Hampden hotspot earlier this week. One year after an undisclosed electrical fire broke out in the building, owner Geoffrey Danek has officially reopened the cantina—serving its signature tacos, quesadillas, chimichangas, and other Tex-Mex fare out of a brand new kitchen. Although the space suffered severe smoke and water damage in the wake of the blaze, Danek was able to salvage some of its former artwork and reuse it in the space. Aside from the familiar decorations, regulars will also recognize a collection of the spot’s signature pinball machines. 908 W. 36th St., 410-235-2326

Iron Rooster McHenry Row: The newest location of this breakfast-all-day chain served its inaugural brunch last weekend. The Annapolis-based restaurant, which also operates locations in Canton and Hunt Valley, has officially launched its latest eatery at McHenry Row in Locust Point. The restaurant highlights the brand’s signature comfort foods (think burgers, benedicts, and chicken and waffles) and boasts its own pastry station where guests can see their biscuits and pop-tarts being made. The spot takes over the former homes of The Greene Turtle and Piaza Fresh in the mixed-use retail and residential development. 1606 Whetstone Way, 844-852-1410

Share Kitchen: Local food truck aficionados Nikki Marks and Brian Mathias (the owners of Mindgrub Café and Bistro Lunch Box, respectively) recently debuted this new shared commercial kitchen in Locust Point. Equipped with plenty of prep tables, shelving units, grills, and ovens, the 300,000-square-foot space provides the means for five local food businesses to produce their gourmet goods. Aside from the kitchen, the incubator also boasts space for events, business meetings, and Marks’ community cooking classes. 1215 E. Fort Ave., Ste. 004

COMING SOON

Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls: Inspired by the ethos of Maine’s lobstermen, veteran seafood buyer Dan Beck launched this concept on Main Street in Annapolis in 2014. Now, the lobster roll restaurant is making its mark on the local dining scene with a stall landing in Belvedere Square Market this fall. The menu features hearty rolls served both classic (warm with melted butter) or salad (chilled meat with mayo, celery, and lemon) style, along with lobster bisque and classic clam chowder. If you can’t wait for the grand opening in a few weeks, Mason’s will be appearing at the Baltimore Seafood Festival on September 16. 529 E. Belvedere Ave., 410-464-9773

NEWS

Food & Wine Applauds Royal Farms: Our own chicken-box chain scored major praise last week when it made Food & Wine’s list of the country’s top 10 gas station foods that are worth the detour. The magazine gave love to some RoFo’s best sellers, including the flaky biscuits, thick-cut western fries, and, of course, crispy fried chicken. (See our ranking of all RoFo locations in and around the Beltway, here.)

EPICUREAN EVENTS

9/9: So-Buf Fall Festival
Canton neighbors El Bufalo and Southern Provisions are coming together to host this all-ages festival in O’Donnell Square Park this weekend. The event boasts something for everyone, with activities ranging from bouncy houses and balloon animals to craft cocktails and a beer garden. Other highlights will include an outdoor session in the square with M. Power Yoga, and live music by local groups John Nichols Band and Honey Extractor. 2921 O’Donnell St., 410-814-0594, 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Free.

9/11: Never Forget Memorial at Mission BBQ
In keeping with its objective of honoring local veterans, Mission BBQ will be offering all law enforcement, firefighters, and EMS workers free sandwiches at all locations on September 11. In addition, the brand’s Red Hometown Heroes cups will return to all locations—with $2 from each cup purchased donated to local fire and police departments. Multiple locations including 3701 Boston St., 443-955-6807

9/17: Tour de Farms
Spike Gjerde’s restaurant group Foodshed has teamed up with Race Pace Bicycles to organize this annual ride that stops at a number of the city’s urban farms. The route begins at Bird in Hand in Charles Village, and takes riders on tours of Whitelock Farm, Boone Street Farm, Real Food Farm, and Living Classrooms before descending into Sandlot at Harbor Point for a post-race pig roast. Tickets include snacks, lunch, and supper, with a portion of proceeds benefitting the featured farms. 11 E. 33rd St., 9 a.m., $65-75

9/19: Origins: A Speaker Series
Since launching in 2015, this ongoing sustainable speaker series has explored everything from pickling and fermenting to Chesapeake Bay aquaculture and women who farm. Next week, Origins returns with an informal discussion about GMO’s with Spike Gjerde and McKay Jenkins, professor of journalism, English, and environmental humanities at the University of Delaware. As always, the presentation concludes with a family-style meal inspired by the evening’s topic of discussion. 1500 Union Ave., 410-235-1881, 6:30 p.m., $60

9/26: Cooking Classes at The Corner Pantry
Throw on an apron and join chef Neill Howell for these themed cooking classes returning to The Corner Pantry this fall. The series begins on Tuesday, September 26 with a hands-on tutorial exploring cheese, milk, fudge, and cheesecake with guest Pam Miller of Charlottetown Farm. Plus, Peter Wood from French Paradox Wine Shop in Stevenson Village will be on hand to recommend varietals that pair well with the featured dishes. Other tutorials to follow include a seminar on sauces in October, Thanksgiving demo in November, and cookie class in December. 6080 Falls Road, 667-308-2331, $40-65

SHUT

The Harp Restaurant & Catering: St. Patrick’s Day surely won’t be the same next year without this Perry Hall mainstay, which closed its doors with little explanation last week. The owners took to Facebook to announce the closure, describing the decision as a painful one. “Thank you everyone for all of the amazing memories,” the post reads. “You will all be missed.”  The neighborhood spot—which we have touted over the years—was known for its frequent drink specials, live music, karaoke nights, and menu of classic Irish staples. 8706 Bel Air Road, Nottingham.

Pie 360: The Shops at Canton Crossing lost its pizza purveyor last week, after this DIY chain shuttered its doors for good due to lack of business. Throughout its two-year run, the spot served up salads, wraps, and its claim-to-fame personal pizzas that diners could customize themselves. There’s no word yet on what will become of the space, which neighbors other eateries Mission BBQ, Iron Rooster, On the Border, and Samos Greek Island Grille in the retail development.  3501 Boston St.

As if we needed even more reasons to love summer in the city, Baltimore Restaurant Week is returning July 28-August 6—allowing locals to get their foodie fix at a handful of different dining destinations without breaking the bank. Nearly 90 spots are on board for the 10-day deal, which offers special prix-fixe menus priced between $12-20 for lunch and $20-35 for dinner. 

Chefs and restaurateurs have already begun taking inventory of ingredients, testing dishes, and perfecting their menus in preparation for the annual event, which is celebrating its 12th run this summer. Although Foreman Wolf Restaurant Group co-owner Tony Foreman has been participating since the beginning, he says that it isn’t difficult for his team to keep things fresh.

“We work so seasonally that, whenever restaurant week comes, every menu is naturally different,” says Foreman, who operates city mainstays Charleston, Cinghiale, Petit Louis Bistro, and Johnny’s, as well as the recently rebranded Bar Vasquez. “It might be very early for tomatoes one year, or a spectacular year for zucchini another. Whatever’s good, we cook it.”

Above all, Foreman says that the most beneficial part of partaking in the promotion is bringing in new faces, with the hope that diners will make his restaurants a year-round destination. 

“It gives them a good snapshot of how we do things,” he says. “There’s such a great energy that comes from attracting new people.”

In an effort to help break down all of the options, we’ve come up with a few suggestions for which spots to hit this year—whether you’re searching for drink deals, brunch bites, al fresco dining, or, simply, more bang for your buck.

New kid on the block: Bar Vasquez
Foreman Wolf launched this beef-centric Argentinian hotspot in the former Pazo space last fall, rebranding the interior to include elements like Brazilian tiger wood furniture, golden stenciling, and lush greenery meant to mimic the landscape of Argentina. To celebrate its first-ever summer restaurant week, chef Mario Cano Cataláan has prepared a special three-course dinner menu featuring house-made spaghetti with roasted cherry tomato sauce, hanger steak with chimichurri for two, Chicken a la Plancha with white beans and kale, and a roasted pineapple almond tart for dessert. 1425 Aliceanna St., $35, 410-534-7296

Best outdoor dining: The Oregon Grille
Be sure to have your camera ready for an al fresco meal at this Hunt Valley haunt. Located in the heart of Maryland’s horse country, the restaurant has become a gathering spot for the  local Hunt Cup crowd and destination diners alike. The spacious outdoor courtyard, with its thriving greenery and picturesque garden fountains, makes for a particularly elegant evening. Throughout Restaurant Week, snag one of the coveted seats under the stars to enjoy a $35, three-course dinner showcasing classics like clams casino, crab cakes, bacon-wrapped salmon, braised beef short ribs, and baked apple pie. 1201 Shawan Road, Hunt Valley, $20-35, 410-771-0505

Beverage pairings: Sobo Café
Last summer, restaurant week organizers made it a priority to encourage eateries to add alcohol pairings to their menus, and Sobo Cafe has willingly obliged. This year, the Federal Hill bistro will offer a $25, three-course dinner menu paired with a la carte beer and wine flights ($11-13), and a seasonal watermelon Crush mixed with muddled watermelon, lime juice, mint, simple syrup, and pinot grigio for $8. Sample the drinks while taking your pick from dishes including cold honeydew soup, spinach pie, seared salmon with quinoa, Korean chicken-fried steak, and a s’mores-flavored frozen fudge pop. 6 W. Cross St., $25, 410-752-1518

Vegetarian-friendly options: Encantada
It’s finally time to cross this whimsical wonderland on the top floor of the American Visionary Art Museum off of your local restaurant bucket list. Marvel in the colorful décor while indulging in the restaurant’s locally sourced plates. In keeping with its wholesome philosophy, Encantada has added a selection of meatless meals to its lunch, brunch, and dinner menus to be featured throughout the week. Start things off with an order of Buffalo cauliflower before moving on to a black bean burger, veggie grilled cheese with eggplant, or mushroom taco sprinkled with pomegranate seeds and cilantro. 800 Key Highway, $20, 410-752-1000

Brunch bites: Gunther & Co.
The praise keeps on coming for this Brewers Hill beauty, which is celebrating its second summer restaurant week this year. This time around, the modern spot is offering a two-course weekend brunch menu for $20. Whether you’re nursing a hangover, or simply in need of some mid-morning fuel, request a table with a good view of the living green wall to enjoy dishes like citrus-poppyseed pound cake, jalapeño corn fritters, banana brioche French toast, and a pulled pork flatbread topped with fried eggs and salsa verde. 3650 Toone St., 443-869-6874

Best bargain: The Elephant

If you’re feeling fancy, head to Mt. Vernon to settle at a table inside this famed 19th-century mansion—which boasts dangling crystal chandeliers, original teak woodwork, classic Lockwood de Forest wood carvings, and a menu of globally-inspired cuisine. An entrée at The Elephant could easily cost upward of $30 on a regular night, but its restaurant week menu offers a sampling of three courses for $35. Dishes to look forward to include summer shrimp noodles, Maryland crab dip, ricotta gnocchi, braised lamb tacos, peppers stuffed with beef and saffron rice, and a bourbon-nectarine sundae. 924 N. Charles St., 443-447-7878