The Shops at Kenilworth—a compact mall in Towson—doesn’t have a food court. But it houses several locally owned restaurants, including Absolute Thai-Sushi. The restaurant’s current proprietors, Narissara “Narissa” Johnson and Theerayut Kesornjampa, took over the sleek, modern spot from its previous owners in March 2024.

The business partners, who hail from Thailand—Johnson from Pathumthani, a town near Bangkok; Kesornjampa from Chiang Rai in the northern provinces—can also be found in the restaurant kitchen, preparing their country’s traditional dishes. Johnson turned to cooking when she couldn’t find decent Thai food near her home. “Why don’t I cook it myself?” she decided. “We can make it as we like it and share it with other people.”

She and Kesornjampa focus on an array of traditional Thai food (the previous owners sold sushi, hence the restaurant’s name), including classics like pad Thai and drunken noodles, a popular choice at the restaurant. The colorful bowl features a base of soft rice noodles and crisp-tender vegetables like green beans, broccoli, and flower-shaped carrot slices in a tangy chile-garlic sauce that, despite its kick, feels like comfort food. Diners can also add proteins like chicken and pork or, my favorite, shrimp.

As is true of most restaurants, it’s always worth paying attention to the chef’s recommendations. Here, the crispy Kapraow chicken balances fried chicken nuggets and fried Thai basil in a pleasantly sweet garlicky sauce paired with steamed broccoli florets. A classic street noodle entrée is another success, with shrimp and ground chicken tossed with red bell pepper slices and slicked with a gentle coating with a hint of fish sauce.

If you feel like sampling a lot of different things, the selection of appetizers and soups could become full meals. The Thai dumplings showcase a steamed bundle of minced chicken, shrimp, and water chestnuts encircled by delicate wonton wrappers to be swiped in a thick plum sauce. The chicken satay still has me smiling. The four strips of grilled, marinated chicken on skewers are wonderfully satisfying by themselves, but they get a boost from the accompanying peanut sauce and cucumber sauce.

I’m a big fan of tom yum soup, especially Absolute Thai-Sushi’s version. It is a comfort dish with a soothing lemongrass broth bobbing with tender straw mushrooms and tomatoes. I like the plug of fresh ginger buried in its depths for flavor. You can also enhance the soup with additions like chicken, tofu, shrimp, or a veggie medley.

A crunchy papaya salad could be a beginning or an ending. A gorgeous mound of shredded green papaya, atop crisp lettuce leaves, is interspersed with green beans, tomatoes, and a toss of peanuts in a piquant lime dressing that is refreshing and spicy. Or you can end with a simple dessert of freshly sliced mangoes over sweet sticky rice.

A cart stationed in the restaurant also serves Baltimore’s Taharka Brothers ice cream. Johnson tried many brands before picking Taharka, saying, “We want to support local brands.”

ABSOLUTE THAI-SUSHI: The Shops at Kenilworth, 800 Kenilworth Dr., Suite No. 816, lower level, Towson, 410-881-9100 HOURS: Daily, 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. PRICES: Appetizers: $5.95-11.95; entrees, $15.95-
21.95; BYOB, $7 corkage fee.

COMING SOON

Cielo Verde: The beautiful top-floor restaurant space at the American Visionary Art Museum—fondly remembered as the former home Mr. Rain’s Fun House and most recently Encantada—will finally see a new tenant later this month. Spearheaded by chef Irena Stein of Canton’s Alma Cocina Latina and Azafrán on the Johns Hopkins University campus, the lunch and weekend brunch destination will focus on locally sourced sandwiches, salads, and soups. Menu highlights will include a gem lettuce salad with herbed walnuts, fig and thyme toast, vegan banh mi sandwiches, and sweets from Bramble Baking Co. and Sacré Sucré. “My intention was to unify the connection between food and culture,” Stein said in a statement, “a culture where there is a deep-rooted appreciation of food that transcends flavor, into gratitude of the earth and bounty from which it came.” In addition to the daytime service, the space will be available for catered dinners and private events.

Ben’s Chili Bowl: Half smokes and chili cheese fries are headed to Horseshoe Casino next month. As part of the $1 million remake of the casino’s food court-style Baltimore Marketplace on its first floor, the famous Washington, D.C.-based eatery will open a stall slinging its classic chili-topped hot dogs, fries, and burgers in early March. The South Baltimore location will mark the first Ben’s Chili Bowl in Maryland, bringing with it a 62-year history that has included visits from the likes of Martin Luther King, Jr., Barack Obama, Bono, and Chance the Rapper.

Riverside Tap House: Federal Hill residents have been wondering about the status of the former Das Bier Haus space on the corner of Light and East Randall streets, which closed last year after its owners worked to resolve structural issues that plagued the building. Sadly, the German beer hall never reopened, but a new pub has taken over the space. Riverside Tap House is expected to debut in the renovated building later this month, featuring a menu of draft beer, burgers, and other pub fare.

Thai Landing: Towson’s Shops at Kenilworth will soon house a second location of this Midtown-Belvedere mainstay. Moving into a 1,750-square-foot stall on the lower level of the mall this spring, the authentic Thai eatery will offer specialties including Northern Thai curry noodles, pineapple fried rice, “Pla Rad Prig” red snapper with hot chili and basil, and an assortment of Thai teas.

NEWS

Cocina Luchadoras Gets a Shoutout in Bon Appétit: Those who subscribe to the renowned food bible will notice a familiar name in the latest issue’s “Taco Nation” cover story. Upper Fells Point taqueria Cocina Luchadoras was praised for its “Cochinita Pibil” taco, which stuffs citrus-marinated pork into the spot’s scratch-made corn tortillas. We’re beyond happy to see that the dishes—which graced our own taco cover in October 2017—are getting some well-deserved national attention.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

2/15: Union Collective Chocolate Festival
What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day weekend than with a selection of chocolate-themed treats from the merchants inside Union Collective? In addition to drink deals and live DJ entertainment, chocolate lovers will enjoy Jinji’s Chocolate-covered espresso beans from Vent Coffee Roasters, a special chocolate liqueur from Baltimore Spirits Company, Union’s limited-edition Snow Pants Stout aged with cocoa nibs and cinnamon, and, of course, a flight of chocolate ice cream flavors and a signature milkshake from The Charmery. Guest vendors at the inaugural event will also include the experts from Charm School Chocolate and Anandi Chocolate.

SHUT

Howl at the Moon: Regulars at this lively piano bar inside Power Plant Live have until February 29 to get their last song requests in. The spot, which has been a fixture in the downtown nightlife district for the past 20 years, will close its doors for good on Saturday, February 29. “We want to thank each and every one of you for the last 20 years,” reads a message posted to the bar’s Facebook page. “It’s a bittersweet goodbye, but there will be many more opportunities to howl with us in the future at a nearby location.” The next iteration is slated to open in Washington, D.C. this spring. There’s no word yet on what will become of the bar that neighbors Ram’s Head Live, PBR, Mosaic Lounge, and others in the area.

From hardware to houseware, Stebbins Anderson at Towson’s Shops at Kenilworth has been a destination for all things home for 152 years. However, this holiday season will be the last hurrah for the one-stop-shop. Owners Ken and Bonnie Knight announced in a Facebook post earlier this month that the retailer will be closing its doors on December 31.

For Towson dwellers, it’s the end of an era. “I have been coming to Stebbins for 40 years,” one long-time shopper replied to the post. “This makes me very sad.” This sentiment was echoed by many as the news spread.

The home store has been a mainstay at The Shops at Kenilworth since the mall’s inception in 1979. The brand itself has been a community treasure since 1867, when it first made its name as a coal, lumber, and hardware shop on York Road. With a rich history and ability to transcend time, the Knights held high hopes for the store when celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2017.

While some have lamented the loss on social media, others were quick to criticize the retail changes that begun in 2015 after the mall was taken over by real estate developer Greenberg Gibbons—going as far as sharing a petition calling for a stop to the changes the new owners have been making to the property.

The Shops at Kenilworth have undergone $20 million worth of renovations and expansions, including the introduction of several stores each year—one major development being the opening of a Trader Joe’s. Ken and Bonnie purchased Stebbins Anderson in 2015, refreshing the look and feel of the century-old store by narrowing its merchandise away from hardware and focusing sales onto homeware. They also reduced the two-story footprint to a single floor.

But Baltimore Councilman David Marks—who cut the ribbon when Greenberg Gibbons unveiled the new main entrance—says that these renovations have contributed an “unprecedented building boom” in Towson within the last decade.

“Development is needed in a place like Towson,” Marks says, “It’s not healthy to have whole tracks of land that are derelict like we did nine years ago.”

According to The Sun, Stebbins Anderson claimed diminishing sales year after year—attributing the decline to the competition of online shopping and the general change in shopping trends.

“The overall view is that retail has changed,” says Jane O’Donoghue, owner of Urban Threads, a specialty home décor shop that moved into Kenilworth in 2018. “We can look at Amazon and Wayfair and HomeGoods. We look at all these different places online, and people make the decision to shop that way. So, retail has to be vibrant, interesting, and experiential.”

Urban Threads initially opened in Ellicott City in 2011, and held a retail location in Bare Hills from 2013 until moving to Kenilworth five years later. For O’Donoghue, The Shops at Kenilworth was a place where she could embrace a community of small business owners and gain retail visibility. She describes the move to Kenilworth as being been nothing but successful.

“My customers from the old Bare Hills store are still my customers here at Kenilworth,” she says. “They have always shopped at Kenilworth. And now, because of Trader Joe’s, I get a lot of walk-through customers, which I wasn’t expecting.”

Conversely, Ken Knight told The Sun that “the retail environment has become increasingly more difficult for small businesses, which factored into the decision.” He noted that Stebbins’ sales had dropped $2.5 million annually, a number which has declined for more than five years. “We’re in an economy of decreasing sales, due to the Internet,” he said.

While Stebbins has suffered, newer small businesses have continued to find success at The Shops at Kenilworth. In 2017, jewelry store Amaryllis relocated to the mall from Harbor East.

“We thought we’d get more of the local customer, which we do get now, as opposed to the transient customer we had downtown,” says owner AnnaMarie Fiume. “For the product I have, I’m definitely supported by the community here. Since we’ve moved, [sales] have increased year over year.”

In a bittersweet goodbye, Stebbins Anderson’s owners concluded their announcement by sharing, “the good news is that we have one more holiday season to celebrate together, so please stop by and say goodbye.”

“I’m heartbroken over Stebbins,” O’Donoghue says. “We don’t want to let go of what people in the community love so much, but I’m crossing my fingers that the it will embrace the changes.”

OPEN

Mint+Major: At long last, online beauty and accessories shop Mint+Major has settled down (temporarily) among several other Baltimore favorites in The Shops at Kenilworth. Owner Melissa Bona announced the big news after an unfortunate turn of events transpired with her planned location in Fells Point. But, boy, are we glad Kenilworth came to the rescue. Bona’s experience in retail buying led her to open her own boutique, stocking on-trend and affordable merchandise from the best of the best in jewelry and beauty. So, if you’re looking for some new fall bling—or desperately need a moisturizing face mask—check out Mint+Major’s new digs. Be sure to save the date: Mint + Major’s Kenilworth launch party on September 12th from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. will celebrate with a signature cocktail and new fall arrivals.

Knockout Fitness Towson: Baltimore County residents, rejoice! Federal Hill’s Knockout Fitness comes to Towson this September. “We noticed there was a lack of specialty gyms in Baltimore County, so we have had our eye on Towson for a while,” co-owner Chris Nissley said in a press release. Specializing in boxing, this studio is also a hub for group fitness classes, boot camp programs, and personal training. After almost seven years in Federal Hill, this seems like a welcome expansion for Baltimore’s fitness community.

Floral Fêtes Green Spring Station: Big news! Owings Mills’ own Victoria Clausen Floral Events has planted roots in Green Spring Station with the opening of its sister shop, Floral Fêtes. Nooked in the corner of the courtyard, the spot features an abundance of elegant floral arrangements scattered about. But, that’s not all this shop is bringing. Expect to find lovely gifts and treasures made by Baltimore artists—the perfect complement to a fresh bouquet.

Match Made: If Hampden’s 36th Street is your shopping destination, it’s likely you’re already aware of Match Made Stores. However, for fashion-lovers outside of the city hub, prepare your wallets. For all things ultra-trendy and fashion-forward, Match Made is a go-to shop and now they’re headed for a new storefront within The Shops at Kenilworth. Join the store for a warm welcome on September 5 from 6-9 p.m., where you can sip drinks, shop new trends, and get a free manicure by MellyMani.

Codex Club: The Shops at Kenilworth isn’t the only growing shopping destination. Remington is a close second—especially now that Codex Club is bringing its one-stop shop to Baltimore. Owner Andrea Chen’s background in graphic design lends her a creative eye for all things stationary and gifting. But, that’s not all Codex Club offers: classic wardrobe pieces such as denim jackets and layered necklaces are aplenty. Stop by the new location on Remington Avenue—the winner of the recent Remington Storefront Challenge—on September 7th from 10 to 11 a.m. to celebrate opening with eats from neighborhood favorites. (Think treats like delicious cupcakes from Charm City Cakes and gourmet ice cream cones from Little Baby’s Ice Cream.)

FALL FASHION EVENTS

9/1: The River Oshun 1st Anniversary
Last year, Oshun Afrique opened her holistic natural salon in Mt. Vernon. Since then, The River Oshun has been a hot spot for styling beautiful locs and natural hair. Gather with the team of stylists as they celebrate their first anniversary with small bites, drinks, and local music by DJ Ducky Dynamo.

9/13: Green Spring Station Fall Fête
New renovations, new stores, and new fall merchandise—what’s not to celebrate? Green Spring Station throws Fall Fête 3 this September. At the annual event you won’t want to miss, enjoy a runway fashion show featuring the latest from the Green Spring boutiques and yummy eats from its restaurants.

SHUT

Hello Addie: Goodbyes are never easy. After a year in Federal Hill, Hello Addie announced its closing. Quickly becoming a neighborhood favorite, owner Alex Dekowski had set out on a mission to create a fashion boutique that appealed to all women, and she sure did deliver. But, as all good things must, Hello Addie’s time has come to an end as Dekowski takes her creative spirit to a new adventure.

Punch!: Federal Hill also will also bid farewell to Punch! Boutique this fall. Known for flirty skirts and sparkling jewels, Punch made itself a go-to destination for all things feminine and fun. Luckily, it’s not the complete end for this vibrant shop. Closing their Fed Hill spot just means a new venture in Washington, DC. To make this bitter news a little sweeter, owner Cydney Vigliotti announced that Punch will be returning for pop-up events in Baltimore, and that she is launching her own line of clothing. So, after four years, we’d say it was a good run in Fed Hill—but we’re excited to see what’s next.

Penny Seabolt was overweight, the mother of twins, divorced, and mourning the loss of her father when she decided to change her life. Now, almost 15 years later, she opened a restaurant, Lyfe Café at The Shops at Kenilworth in Towson, that reflects the positive changes she made. Along the way, Seabolt became a nutritionist, a personal trainer, and a professional body builder. She recently stopped competing to focus on her new business.

Seabolt, who grew up and still lives in Lutherville, chose the location because she wanted to be close to the home she shares with her husband and Lyfe co-owner Andrew Seabolt and her now teenaged twins, Madison and Thomas Smith. “It’s my community,” she says.

At Lyfe, diners will find an attractive, industrialized space with warm touches such as a comfy peach-hued sofa, earth-tone tables, greenery, and a smiling Buddha. You place an order at the counter, grab a seat, and wait for your meal. It’s not fast food, so it can take a few extra minutes to be delivered to you.

Sauces and baked goods are made fresh by chefs who follow Seabolt’s recipes for all types of diets. “I wanted a place where carnivores, vegetarians, and vegans could eat,” she says.

I couldn’t have been happier to find out that the cafe serves breakfast all day. The breakfast burrito was an afternoon treat. I chose a whole-wheat tortilla and grilled chicken rolled into a plump tube with cooked egg whites, cheddar cheese, avocado slices, black bean pico de gallo, and turkey bacon. The varied textures and flavors melded deliciously. The accompanying fruit bowl with melon, pineapple, and grapes complemented the savory wrap.

There’s a help-yourself cold case filled with beverages like Wild Kombucha in various flavors, Vitamin Water, and Perrier. I opted for a freshly made cold-pressed juice called Sunrise that blazed with color and flavor from its apple, strawberry, and grapefruit components.

On another visit, I tried a steak burger with Parmesan cheese, romaine lettuce, tomato, and onion on an artisan roll. It was juicy and filling, especially with a side dish of cucumber-tomato salad lightly slicked with balsamic vinaigrette.

I also tucked into a spicy Thai bowl with tri-color quinoa. The peanut sauce had a slight zing—just enough to tingle your taste buds, not set them on fire. The viscous topping brightened a gorgeous pile of chicken, steak, Portobello mushrooms, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, and chopped peanuts. The Harbor Port salmon bowl is another popular item, Seabolt says, with grilled salmon, an assortment of vegetables, and mango salsa. Indulge in a peanut butter cookie, made with coconut sugar, to end on a sweet note.

The portions are so generous that you’ll likely have leftovers. I did. That makes the prices—$15.99 for a burger, $14.99 for steak and eggs, $13.99 for a chopped salad—easi- er to swallow. Seabolt is already looking to- ward a future of more restaurants. “I have really big plans,” she says. “I want people to know my name.”

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›› Lyfe Cafe
800 Kenilworth Drive, The Shops at Kenilworth, Towson, 410-842-1050. Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.: Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sun. 10a.m.-5 p.m.

OPEN

EarthShake: Locust Point locals will be happy to hear that this fuel-up spot has officially made its return to the neighborhood. The juice bar, which originated on Fort Avenue in 2016, relocated to Fells Point last year. But earlier this week, the owners opened a second location back where it all began. The new shop features all of the signature açai and pitaya (dragonfruit) bowls, cold-brew coffees, smoothies, and cold-pressed juices that regulars remember from the original EarthShake. And, in keeping with the wellness vibe, it also offers CBD gummies, protein balls, and Fire Cider shots with habanero pepper and apple cider vinegar. 1442 E. Fort Ave. 410-276-0777

Aveley Farms Coffee: In recent years, the dining scene has been lucky to welcome java joints that focus on educating consumers about the process of how coffee ultimately ends up in our mugs. Now joining the likes of Vent Coffee Roasters and Sophomore Coffee is Aveley Farms—a new cafe and roastery that officially opens in Harbor East on May 18. The project is the brainchild of Towson native Corey Voelkel, who was inspired to open the shop after spending some time in San Diego. “I want to teach consumers about the knowledge shared between roasters, importers, and baristas,” Voelkel said last fall. “That’s something the West Coast does really well.” Inside the 900-square-foot space—which features warehouse windows overlooking the neighborhood skyline—locals will be able to enjoy global grinds, unique Aveley Farms blends, collaborative brews with other local roasters, and pastries sourced from area wholesalers. 1400 Aliceanna St. 443-465-8057

Ramen Utsuke: The retail-and-residential skyscraper at 414 Light Street debuted its first eatery earlier this week. Ramen Utsuke, a sister-spot of Kippo Ramen in Fells Point, has officially opened in the downtown building, serving steamy bowls of drinkable broth topped with add-ins like sprouts, soft-boiled eggs, and seaweed. In addition to the noodles, the restaurant, whose name translates to “ramen crazy,” will also serve dishes such as sushi, avocado salad, and pork gyoza. “There are some people who are against ramen stores offering any other dishes,” owner Shigehiko Okiebisu told us last year. “I wanted to do something a little different and crazy that other people wouldn’t do.” Featuring a contemporary design, the 80-seat spot boasts a large open kitchen, outdoor patio, a mix of booths and communal tables, and glowing lanterns hung overhead. Ramen Utsuke will be joined by two new vegan concepts setting up shop inside the building this summer. 414 Light St. 443-563-2977

COMING SOON

Stone’s Throw Hash: As its name signifies, this new pop-up highlights filling sweet potato hashes that are sourced from purveyors just a stone’s throw away. The concept was inspired eight years ago, when founder Ben James discovered that he was allergic to wheat. He started experimenting with different gluten-free and paleo-friendly recipes, and recently began booking local pop-ups and catering gigs. A food truck is expected to hit the streets in the fall, but until then, Stone’s Throw will be popping up at breweries and farmers’ markets around town. Specifically, you can catch James at Full Tilt Brewing in Govans on Friday, May 24 and Sunday, May 26. Bowls to look out for include the “Bay Be Blue Crab” (Chesapeake blue crab, free range eggs, pickled carrots, and Old Bay), “Wakey Wakey Apple Bacy” (shredded apples, seasonal greens, and pastured bacon) and the vegan “Buddha Hash” with crispy tofu and organic beets.

CH-CH CHANGES

Ashley’s Sweet Beginnings: In conjunction with its recent menu refresh, this cafe and sweets spot inside The Shops at Kenilworth is transitioning into new digs this summer. Ashley’s is moving to the first floor next to Kenilworth mainstay Italian Gardens—a space which is also neighbored by new health-food spot Lyfe Cafe. Aside from her signature soups and sandwiches, owner and pastry chef Ashley Krauk has become known for creating colorful custom cakes, macarons, brownies, and hand pies. Updated offerings now include Silver Spring-based Moorenko’s ice cream and Instagrammable mason jar milkshakes. 816 Kenilworth Drive. 410-337-6991

EPICUREAN EVENTS

5/18: Baltimore Mac and Cheese Festival
Head to Power Plant Live for this massive celebration of one of the most comforting dishes out there. Spend the day strolling around the entertainment district to sample bourbon and whiskey, dance to live music, and revert back to your childhood self with mac and cheese varieties from more than 30 different vendors and food trucks. Attendees will be able to try everything from classic baked macaroni to over-the-top dishes inspired by the classic comfort food and vote for their favorite submissions. 34 Market Pl. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. $20-55

5/24: Big Softy CREAM Pop-Up at Union Collective
Mark your calendar for the return of Big Softy’s CREAM (Crabs Rule Everything Around Me) pop-up at Union Collective next weekend. The recurring event—whose name is a culinary play on the classic Wu-Tang Clan anthem—is spearheaded by Big Softy founder Craig Falk, who is also the brains behind The Lunchbox Lady. Stop by to indulge in Falk’s signature soft shells, crabby collaborations by Well Crafted Pizza, Union beers, and, of course, Wu-Tang-inspired ice cream flavors from The Charmery. DJ Impulse will be spinning throughout the party from 6-9 p.m. 1700 W. 41st St.

COMING SOON

Broadway Market: Earlier this week, Mayor Catherine Pugh announced six stalls that will be setting up shop inside the renovated Broadway Market in Fells Point this winter. Slated to debut in February, the north shed of the redesigned public market will house local icon Connie’s Chicken & Waffles, farmers’ market favorite Thai Street, social justice-driven ice cream purveyor Taharka Bros., Hampden-based Indian eatery The Verandah, and Old Boy—an authentic Korean concept from Phil Han of Dooby’s. Han will also operate the market’s centerpiece bar, which will feature an elevated coffee program and brunch menu during the day, and draft beer and cocktails in the evening.

Returning to the revamped space will be longtime vendors Sal’s Seafood, Vikki’s Fells Point Deli, and Sophia’s Place, the European cafe and bakery that first opened in the market in 1986. There is still one stall that has yet to be leased. Once the north shed reopens, construction will begin on the south shed, which will house collaborative seafood spot The Choptank from Atlas Restaurant Group and Captain James Landing. 1640 Aliceanna St.

Lyfe Cafe: Be on the lookout for this new dining destination at The Shops at Kenilworth while checking out the mall’s beloved holiday train garden this season. Expected to open in early 2019 (just in time to get started on those New Year’s resolutions), the healthful spot from local owner Penny Seabolt will feature an all-day menu prepared with ingredients that promote physical and mental wellness (think protein pancakes and waffles, a kale detox salad with lemon-tahini dressing, smoothie bowls, and wellness shots). The eatery is designed to accommodate every major diet—including low-calorie, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and vegetarian—and will also offer meal prep services. The 1,788-square-foot cafe will be located next to Wilkes & Riley on the ground level of the recently-renovated Towson shopping plaza. 800 Kenilworth Drive, Towson

OPEN

The Common Kitchen: The food hall trend—which has taken off in Baltimore with spots like R. House, Mount Vernon Marketplace, and the upcoming Whitehall Mill—has now spread to Clarksville with this new communal space that will house 11 artisan makers. A grand opening celebration is scheduled for this Saturday, November 10, where local schools will perform live music and vendors like Scoop & Paddle ice cream and Indian street food shop Namaste Foodie will offer opening day specials. Located near Food Plenty inside the environmentally sustainable Clarksville Commons, the gathering space will mark the first food hall in all of Howard County. Other stalls to look out for include Egyptian eatery Koshary by Misteka, bubble tea purveyor Royaltea, barbecue joint Smokin’ on the Bayou, and Trifecto—a coffee and juice bar specializing in Ceremony Coffee drinks and colorful acai bowls. 12240 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville. 301-854-2090

Pat’s Select Pizza and Asian Garden: These new BYOB restaurants are opening next door to one another at the Crestridge Center in Cockeysville this month. The eateries are expected to be popular lunch destinations in the development, which features two office buildings and one retail property. Pat’s, a fast-casual pizza chain that is now open, features its signature brick-oven pies alongside flatbreads, burgers, salads, and a lengthy list of pasta dishes. Slated to debut next week, Asian Garden will highlight Chinese, Japanese, and Thai staples ranging from sushi to bowls of lo mein and pad thai. 10151-10155 York Road, Cockeysville

EPICUREAN EVENTS

11/12: Sweat: Our World, Your Stage
Everyman Theatre is known for bridging the gap between the food and theater world. The downtown showhouse is continuing that creativity with a Veteran’s Day event at Checkerspot Brewing that ties into the themes of Everyman’s current production, Sweat—a slice-of-life drama about steel mill workers facing a plant shutdown who routinely gather at their neighborhood bar. Make your way to the South Baltimore brewery to sip craft beers while watching scenes from the play, and listening in on a conversation comparing the themes in the script to the current hardships facing our own neighbors. Ten percent of all ticket proceeds will benefit South Baltimore-based nonprofit The Baltimore Station, which works to support homeless veterans and reintegrate them into the workforce. 1399 S. Sharp St. 6-8:30 p.m. $15

11/16: Intercostal Breakdown
Fittingly named after the anatomical term that means “situated between the ribs,” this one-night-only barbecue pop-up, hosted by food writer Amy Langrehr of Charm City Cook, will feature smoked ribs cooked on custom-built cages and grills. Head to Monument City Brewing in Highlandtown to sample meats prepared by chef Patrick Morrow of South Point and chef Damian Mosley of Blacksauce Kitchen. The evening will also feature $5 Monument City beers all night, and Annapolis-based folk rockers Ampersand Stringband playing live from 7:30-9:30 p.m. 1 N. Haven St. Free. 5-10 p.m.