OPEN

Café Dear Leon: Canton locals have fallen for this new coffee-and-pastry spot that opened earlier this month in the former home of Holy Crepe Cafe on O’Donnell Square. From the wooden benches and countertops to the almond croissants and oat pecan chocolate chip cookies, everything is made by the owners from scratch. Named after co-owner Min Kim’s son, Leon, the bright and airy shop offers a coffee and tea program with blends sourced from Ceremony Coffee Roasters, as well as morning pastries, house-made granola bars, loaf cakes, and traditional Japanese egg sandwiches.

Snow Cone Sisters: Perhaps one of the most creative COVID-19 pivot projects we’ve seen yet comes from chef John Shields and his team at Gertrude’s Chesapeake Kitchen at the Baltimore Museum of Art. While the museum is still closed, last week, curators debuted a mobile audio tour for visitors to browse its exterior buildings, sculptures, and exhibits. And to ensure audiences have a spot to grab some sustenance while taking in the works, Gertrude’s is launching an outdoor snack kiosk on Saturday, August 15. Snow Cone Sisters—aptly named after the BMA’s famous Cone Collection of early to mid-20th century works gifted by sisters Etta and Claribel Cone—will be open Tuesday-Sunday from 11 a.m. to dusk, serving gourmet hot dogs and kielbasa on housemade milk bread rolls and, of course, the namesake snow cones. Cool off with flavors such as Tutti Frutti, birthday cake, chocolate-covered cherry, and Key Lime pie. Gertrude’s is also open for outdoor dining and carryout if you’d like to enjoy a more filling meal on the grounds or grab one on your way home.

Hungry Like the Wolfe: Cleverly named after its location on South Wolfe Street, this new pop-up from former Fork & Wrench chefs Cyrus Keefer and Adam Scanlon has taken over the Red Star in Fells Point. Available for outdoor dining and carryout, the menu of riffs on classic tavern fare makes use of produce from Monkton’s Karma Farm. Highlights include a cherry tomato and sourdough salad with fresh basil, maple-sriracha fried chicken wings, a Juicy Lucy burger stuffed with bleu cheese, and a French bread pizza topped with mushrooms and gruyere.

Cafe 1908: This seafood-centric spot has received a warm welcome from the Mt. Vernon neighborhood, thanks to its drool-worthy crab cakes, lobster rolls, seafood salad wraps, turkey burgers, and vegan options. The longtime caterer now offers daily specials—expect mix-and-match cauliflower, shrimp, jerk chicken, or fish tacos on Tuesdays, for example—out of its new permanent storefront at 7 W. Preston St.

The Periodic Table Restaurant & Bar: If you’re in search of an al fresco spot to try in Howard County, add this new Columbia restaurant to your list. Equipped with distanced outdoor tables, as well as indoor seating, the restaurant off of Centre Park Drive is officially open with a menu of seasonal cocktails, local beers (look out for the likes of Diamondback Beer and Denizens Brewing Co.), small plates, and burgers. Plus, hearty main dishes include Gochujang-glazed pork belly and grilled swordfish with lump crab and Thai basil cream.

NEWS

The Urban Oyster: Loyalists were heartbroken when chef Jasmine Norton announced that she would be closing her brick-and-mortar restaurant at McHenry Row in Locust Point last month. But luckily, the chef assured this wasn’t the last we’d see of her. And as she continues her search for another permanent home, Norton will be operating out of the Hyatt Baltimore Inner Harbor just a few miles away. Beginning August 20, fans will be able to enjoy The Urban Oyster’s signature oysters, tacos, sandwiches, and fried seafood baskets for curbside carryout and delivery via Grubhub and Doordash.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

8/14: Courtyard Cocktails with Cane Collective

If you haven’t had the chance to stop by Old Line Spirits’ new outdoor courtyard in Highlandtown, now’s your chance. Aaron Joseph of Cane Collective is taking over the bar this Friday night to showcase refreshing summer cocktails that fuse his handcrafted mixers with Old Line’s whiskey, rum, and brand new vodka. Cane Collective’s Tropical Green Orchard mixer (green apple syrup, lime, and Wight tropical tea), for example, pairs perfectly with the distillery’s single malt whiskey. Plus, Ekiben will be on site slinging steamed buns and rice bowls to accompany all of the drinks.

COMING SOON

Maximón: As its name suggests, the Atlas Restaurant Group has a passion for exploring global cuisine. The team has already graced us with Harbor East hotspots such as Greek-focused Ouzo Bay, Italian-influenced Tagliata, and Japanese fine-dining den Azumi. And this summer, it’s conquering Latin America with a new concept opening in the former home of Wit & Wisdom inside the Four Seasons Baltimore—which also houses Atlas’ Loch Bar, Azumi, and Bygone. Named after a Mayan deity who was a protector of his people, Maximón will draw inspiration from the diversity and romance of Latin American culture. The theme will permeate into the cuisine, cocktails, private tequila tasting room, and 175-seat interior designed by Baltimore’s own Patrick Sutton.

Highlighting stone architecture, wood and marble furniture, and plenty of lush greenery, the 8,000-square-foot dining room will boast a large bar and a stage for Latin American performances. French doors will open up to the 125-seat exterior featuring a Spanish-style courtyard, fountains, and an outdoor bar. Construction on the new restaurant is expected to begin this month, with a slated grand opening date of late summer. 200 International Drive

El Salto: When Glen Burnie residents are in need of a filling tamale or strong margarita, they typically flock to this Ritchie Highway staple that has been around since 1995. Soon after, El Salto opened a second location in Parkville, and now, it’s spreading the Tex-Mex love even further to Perry Hall. Expected to open in time for Cinco de Mayo this spring, the cantina will occupy a 5,000-square-foot space in the Perry Hall Shopping Center off of Ebenezer Road, which has sat vacant since 2006. Diners can expect to sample all of the restaurant’s specialties at the new spot, including its mix-and-match combo platters featuring burritos, enchiladas, tostadas, and chile relleno. 4313 Ebenezer Rd., Perry Hall

CH-CH CHANGES

101 Baltimore: Since opening as 101 Deli Bar in 2017, this Federal Hill hangout has taken the time to find its own identity in a neighborhood full of sports bars and late-night party spots. Last year, 101 dropped the “Deli Bar” from its name in an effort to focus more on its sophisticated snacks, approachable wines, and next-level cocktail program. And now, an interior refresh and new roster of eats and drinks have solidified its reputation as an inclusive spot for neighbors of all ages and backgrounds.

“We listened to the neighborhood and analyzed what was working and what wasn’t,” co-owner Sean White said in a statement. “We just weren’t capturing the full spectrum of the market here, so we wanted to shift the atmosphere and cuisine to meet everyone’s expectations.” A recent interior revamp evokes a more inviting feel with a brick wall behind the bar, more high-top tables, and darker walls to replace the previously stark aesthetic. To go along with the design changes, the bar is also debuting a new menu of playful twists on American classics, including a sunken French bread pizza, tuna burger, and hoagie-inspired salad topped with cold cuts. Though some new bar options have been added, regulars will be happy to hear that the hibiscus mules, 40-oz. rosé bottles, and two-for-one Chambongs will remain staples. 1118 S. Charles St. 443-683-9480

EPICUREAN EVENTS

ONGOING: Broadway Market Pop-Ups Continue

Ahead of the debut of the renovated Broadway Market this spring, vendors are getting to know the neighborhood by popping up at surrounding Fells Point restaurants. You might have noticed Vikki’s Fells Point Deli operating out of Kooper’s Chowhound on Broadway Square last month, and now, a host of other vendors are stopping by The Red Star on Wednesday nights from 5-10 p.m. The Verandah and Thai Street served up their specialties earlier this month, and the next eatery popping up at the restaurant will be Connie’s Chicken & Waffles on Wednesday, February 20. Mark your calendar for the last Wednesday of the month, when Old Boy—a new Korean concept from Dooby’s owner Phil Han—will be giving diners a taste of what’s to come at its new stall inside Broadway Market. 906 S. Wolfe St. 410-675-0212

2/20: Sip & Saute

Local chefs Catina Smith, Heather Smith, and Denzel Mitchell (also of Strength to Love II Farms) are teaming up with the No Boundaries Coalition to host this intimate cooking class at the historic Avenue Market on Pennsylvania Avenue. Throw on an apron and cook three courses with wine pairings provided by Off the Rox, a new shop on Eastern Avenue. The inaugural class will celebrate the three-year anniversary of Fresh at the Avenue, a weekly community-powered produce market that provides fresh food access to residents of the Sandtown community. Proceeds will help to fund Fresh’s SNAP match programs, expand its inventory, and make improvements that will decrease checkout times. 1700 Pennsylvania Ave. 5:30-9 p.m. $75

OPEN

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

COMING SOON

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

NEWS

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

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

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

EPICUREAN EVENTS

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

SHUT (FOR NOW)

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