EAT

Sept. 2: La Tomatina Tomato Fight & Festival

La Cuchara. 3600 Clipper Mill Rd. 1-8 p.m. Free. $18-20 fee for tomato fight.

On the list of ingredients that are synonymous with Maryland summer, tomatoes rank pretty high. This weekend, Basque-inspired favorite La Cuchara is devoting an entire festival to the ripe fruits while they’re still in season. Spend your Sunday sipping Bloody Marys, trying your luck in a tomato-eating contest and tomato-toss games, and partaking in the restaurant’s second annual La Tomatina fight to benefit local youth development program Baltimore SquashWise. Throw on a pair of goggles and pelt the plump fruits at friends and neighbors in the massive tomato war—which mimics the annual end-of-summer ritual in Buñol, Spain. Spectators can enjoy Union Craft beers, Spanish wines, $1 oysters, and signature pintxos (small bites) while watching all of the action from the sidelines.

DRINK

Aug. 30-Sept. 2: Space Camp at The Elk Room

The Elk Room. 1010 Fleet St. 4 p.m.-2 a.m.

Everyone once in a while, The Elk Room in Harbor East likes to shed its swanky speakeasy vibe and switch things up with a pop-up theme. (Who could forget when the cocktail bar transformed into an ’80s ski lodge last winter? Or the SoCal Summer-inspired menu a few months back?) This time around, the spot is running with a space camp theme—featuring a galaxy-inspired food menu and live DJ spinning synth tunes all weekend long. Of course, the drink options will also be out of this world. Bar manager Andrew Nichols has crafted a special selection of cocktails based on how he thinks each planet would taste. Make your way through the solar system with options like “Uranus” (Maker’s 46 Bourbon, blueberry, beet, wildflower honey, horseradish, and saline) and “Mars,” which mixes aperol with Peychaud’s bitters, yellow chartreuse, and sour watermelon. Space suits and alien costumes are encouraged.

SEE

Aug. 30-Sept. 2: Baltimore Art, Antique, and Jewelry Show

Baltimore Convention Center. 1 W. Pratt St. Times vary. $20

If you’re looking for an indoor activity to escape the heat (and predicted scattered storms) this weekend, spend some time strolling around Maryland’s largest antique event. The 38th annual bazaar is a Labor Day Weekend tradition for local dealers and collectors, showcasing more than 200,000 individual pieces from as far as Italy, England, China, and Japan. Highlights to look out for this year will include the iconic Norman Rockwell painting “Boy Graduate” and a vintage Bally Quarter slot machine dating back to 1941. Plus, there will be more than 30 top silver specialists, luxury watches and rings on display from local jeweler Samuelson’s Diamonds, botanical-themed porcelain works by Boston-based artist Katherine Houston, and the return of the captivating Booth Talk series—which allows visitors to hear many of the artists address overarching topics that inspire their work.

HEAR

Sept. 1: The Love Boat Yacht Rock Tribute

Union Collective. 1700 W. 41 St. 5-10 p.m. Free.

Union Craft Brewing is waving goodbye to summer in style this Saturday. Beginning at 1 p.m., the brewery is bringing back its second-annual Fiesta Del Sol—an end-of-season soiree featuring tacos and Micheladas from Clavel, The Charmery’s icy paletas (popsicles), music spun by DJ James Nasty, and plenty of baby pools and sprinklers for cooling off. But it wouldn’t be a proper summer sendoff without a live yacht rock soundtrack to sway to. After the party, stick around to hear The Love Boat—a smooth rock tribute band made up of musicians from local greats Psycho Killers, The Bridge, Electric Love Machine, and Yellow Dubmarine, with special guest vocalist Ms. Sara. Sip a cold one and enjoy the chill sounds (think the likes of Toto and Steely Dan) as the sun sets over Hampden.

DO

Aug. 31: Baltimore Bike Party Purple Friday Ride

St. Mary’s Park. 600 N. Paca St. 6:30-11:30 p.m. Free

In Baltimore, one of the few upsides to saying sayonara to beach trips and snowball weather is the return of the Ravens. And since we’re now well into preseason, this Friday is officially an occasion to paint the town purple. Don your most festive football attire for this evening bike ride around the city that will descend into M&T Bank Stadium for an after party with cold beers and a custom photo booth by Side A Photography. As an added bonus, for the first time ever WTMD will be broadcasting a special Baltimore Bike Party playlist throughout the night, so that participants tuning in via the station’s mobile app can jam out together while pedaling through the streets.

OPEN

Cured and 18th & 21st: After much anticipation, the team behind Howard County’s Iron Bridge Wine Co. has finally cut the ribbon at this hybrid concept inside the new One Merriweather building in Columbia. The building houses a casual Mid-Atlantic eatery called Cured up front, as well as 18th & 21st in the back —a speakeasy-style jazz club named after the amendments that enacted and later repealed Prohibition. The menus in both dining rooms are spearheaded by chef Christopher Lewis, a local industry veteran who most recently ran the kitchen at Iron Bridge. To celebrate the grand opening and Capital JazzFest happening just a few hundred yards away at Merriweather Post Pavilion this weekend, 18th & 21st will highlight performances by local jazz musicians all weekend long. 10980 Grantchester Way, Columbia, 667-786-7111

COMING SOON

The Pizza Trust: Just when we thought Belvedere Square Market had everything, a new pizza joint is being thrown into the mix later this summer. James Clark, who owns Clark Burger inside the Senator Theatre across York Road, is debuting this new spot that will serve quick-fire pizzas, wings, fries, and salads. The menu of personal pies includes varieties like the “Mobtown” (garlic oil, mozzarella, caramelized shallots, roasted red peppers, and toasted pine nuts), the “Dirty Bird” (truffle bechamel sauce, herb chicken, bacon bits, and B-More Saucy buffalo drizzle), and the “Trust,” which tops hand-stretched dough with house red sauce, green peppers, and sweet and spicy Italian sausage. 529 E. Belvedere Ave., 443-961-8111.

Donut Alliance: After one year of peddling their tasty treats at local eateries and cafes, husband-and-wife team Jeff and Emily Arenberg are settling in a brick-and-mortar of their own. Slated to officially open on Harford Road in Lauraville later this month, Donut Alliance will feature a daily selection of the couple’s signature vegan varieties including strawberry lemonade, maple facon (vegan bacon), and classic Boston cream. “We’re avid bakers,” Emily says. “So we’re always trying to get to where non-vegans can’t tell the difference.” 4311 Harford Rd., 410-627-4597

Sophomore Coffee: This yet-to-open coffee shop introduced itself to the scene with a pop-up at Hunting Ground last weekend, and it will be back at the Hampden vintage shop this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Stop by to sample the signature brews (either hot or iced) in advance of Sophomore Coffee’s debut in Old Goucher in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for more updates. Hunting Ground, 3649 Falls Rd., 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

NEWS

The Elk Room: It’s been an exciting week for Atlas Restaurant Group’s speakeasy-style cocktail bar in Harbor East. On Wednesday, the dimly lit hangout was awarded a coveted spot on Esquire’s annual list of the “21 Best Bars in America.” The write-up gives shout-outs to industry veterans Shaun Stewart (who actually recently moved on from Elk Room) and Andrew Nichols, and praises the duo’s creative drinks including “The Poe’s Raven”—a smoked rum and coconut cocktail that was inspired by the rum-ham bit in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. “Being named one of the Best Bars in America is a result of all of the hard work, passion, and dedication that our team puts into the Elk Room each and every day,” says Atlas managing partner Eric Smith, who oversees the beverage program. “We are very appreciative of the recognition, and will continue to raise the bar when it comes to cocktails and service.” In previous years, Esquire’s list has included The Brewer’s Art, Rye, and Mt. Royal Tavern. The Elk Room, 1010 Fleet St., 410-244-5830

EPICUREAN EVENTS

6/1: Lobster Roll Fridays Return to The Corner Pantry
You know it’s the start of summer when chef Neill Howell brings this Friday tradition back to The Corner Pantry in Mt. Washington. Starting this Friday, June 1, Howell will be whipping up his classic Maine lobster rolls on housemade bread served with an order of crispy chips. Swing by the Falls Road haunt on Fridays throughout the summer starting at 11 a.m. to taste the signature summer dish. 6080 Falls Road, 667-308-2331, $28.

6/2: Great Grapes Wine & Food Festival
Throw on a pair of sunnies and head to Oregon Ridge Park this Saturday to sip more than 100 Maryland-made wines from the likes of Boordy Vineyards, Linganore Winecellars, Basignani Winery, Olney Winery, Royal Rabbit Vineyards, and more. Plus, there will be a la carte local beer, food truck fare, live music, and a playground area with crafts for kids. If that’s not enough to convince you, ’90s chart-toppers Vertical Horizon (think “Everything You Want” and “Best I Ever Had”) will perform a headlining set at 7 p.m. Oregon Ridge Park, 13401 Beaver Dam Rd., Cockeysville, 1-8 p.m., $29-39

Though Prohibition ended nearly 85 years ago, there’s still something enticing about speakeasy-style bars—those furtive, candlelit spaces adorned with vintage touches and punctuated by boozy cocktails.

Enter The Elk Room (1010 Fleet St., 410-244-5830), Atlas Restaurant Group’s new concept in the former Ten Ten space in Harbor East. While this speakeasy is a more Hollywood version—with its peephole entrance, crystal chandeliers, servers costumed in flapper dresses, jazzy covers of Top 40 tunes, and period bric-a-brac, including a massive elk head and grandfather clock—it succeeds where it matters. Namely, in the drinks department.

Back in the 1920s, barkeeps had to get creative to cover up illegal swill, and that spirit of invention plays out here. Bartenders Shaun Stewart, formerly of Gunther and Co., and Rob Vogel from Ten Ten crafted a seasonal menu that excels at classics with a twist. Our visit included a mojito made with liquid-nitrogen frozen mint and a Manhattan with coffee-infused bourbon. Another inspired elixir was the elegant Honeysuckle Rose with rhum agricole, lavender honey, and lemon juice. 

As you’d expect, The Elk Room’s selection of whiskey is quite impressive. To further the underground feel, there’s a passageway leading to a members-only cigar bar in the old Oliver Speck’s location. There’s a private poker room, as well as paid lockers for guests to store bottles and cigars.

The bar is also adjacent to Atlas’ new Italian chophouse concept, Tagliata, which means executive chef Julian Marucci runs the kitchen for both spaces. There are options like meat and cheese plates, but our favorite snacks were the boar nachos with Oaxaca cheese and jalapeños or the Brussels sprouts (a welcome holdover from Ten Ten) with peanuts, Fresno peppers, and sweet chili sauce. 

The menu spells out eight house rules including “no standing at the bar,” “no flash photography,” and “speak easy.” And you should pay heed because if you quiet down all the noise of the splashy décor and campy soundtrack, you can focus on what’s really important—the stellar cocktails and cuisine.

Atlas Restaurant Group is certainly living up to its name these days, taking Harbor East diners on a trip around the world with the Mediterranean cuisine at Ouzo Bay, Japanese fusion fare at Azumi, and East Coast seafood specialties at Loch Bar. And, in keeping with the international theme, the restaurant group’s latest concept landing in the neighborhood explores the flavors of Italy. 

Though the new restaurant, Tagliata—whose name refers to the Italian term for cutting or slicing meat—doesn’t officially begin accepting reservations until August 7, we got the chance to preview the space, as well as its neighboring speakeasy concept The Elk Room, at a media event last weekend.

Tagliata and The Elk Room take over the buildings that previously housed Fleet Street Kitchen and Ten Ten American Bistro, respectively. Earlier this year, Atlas owner Alex Smith announced the acquisition of the properties from Bagby Restaurant Group—which just so happens to be owned by his uncle, David Smith. Since then, the two spaces have become nearly unrecognizable from their previous inhabitants.

With the help of local interior designer Patrick Sutton—whose resume includes other Atlas projects as well as the lavish Sagamore Pendry Hotel—Tagliata boasts an open floorplan with gray accents, marble bar tops, modern Edison-bulb lighting, and its own piano bar on the lower level.

Justin Carr, formerly of Fleet Street Kitchen, maintains his post behind the bar at Tagliata, pouring from the restaurant’s 1,000-bottle wine list and shaking up signature cocktails. We enjoyed summery sips including a peach Bellini with prosecco and Grand Marnier, and the “Figaro,” combining rum with lime, Carpano Antica vermouth, and Italian amaro.

The drinks are a nice accompaniment to the menu by executive chef partner Julian Marucci, who brings his knowledge of Italian cuisine from his previous position heading up the kitchen at Cinghiale around the corner.

Noteworthy bites include charcuterie (with salumi fittingly cured at Bagby Restaurant Group’s Cunningham Farms in Cockeysville), salmon crudo with compressed honeydew and Greek yogurt, and parmigiana reggiano cheese from a wheel aged for 24 months. Marucci will also focus on house-made pastas (we particularly enjoyed the squid ink campanelle with blue crab, breadcrumbs, and sea urchin cream sauce) and cuts of meat ranging from ribeye to New York strip.   

Sutton also works his magic at the neighboring Elk Room, Atlas’ take on an early-20th century speakeasy that sits behind a black door authentically equipped with its own peephole. The space not only encompasses the former Ten Ten building, but also connects to a members-only cigar bar in the property that once housed Vino Rosina and Oliver Speck’s on South Exeter Street.

Incorporating elements such as dangling crystal chandeliers, plush banquettes, vintage bookcases, and an antique grandfather clock, the dimly lit cocktail bar features nightly live jazz music and its own menu of snacks like rabbit corndogs and wild boar nachos.   

Behind the bar (and under the antlers of a huge taxidermy elk), former Ten Ten bartender Rob Vogel is now joined by Andrew Nichols, previously of Sandlot, and Shaun Stewart, who formerly manned the bar at Gunther & Co. in Brewers Hill. The trio got playful with absinthe and smoke, mixing up house cocktails like the “Fool’s Gold” (bourbon, honey, lemon, and cherries) and a fruity punch with apple brandy, cognac, and Absolut.

Though both spaces exude plenty of charm, perhaps the most alluring aspect of Atlas’ new project is the shared courtyard that connects the two concepts.

In a statement released earlier this year, Smith said that revamping the courtyard was going to be a top priority throughout the renovation. “We want it to be one of the most beautiful outdoor spaces in the city,” he said. Equipped with strung lights, candle-lit tables, comfy couches, and plenty of greenery, we think it’s safe to say that the new summer social spot accomplishes that mission.