→ Aveley Farms Coffee Roasters
Towson

Corey Voelkel was living in California working in the tech industry when a cup of coffee sourced from a farm in Guatemala changed the trajectory of his life. Soon, he quit his job, bought a 12-kilo roaster from a person in Florida, then moved back home to open his own roasting house and cafe in Harbor East. (He’s since moved the shop to Towson.) His goal is simple: to bring the highest quality coffee he can from around the world, roast it here, and share it with his customers.

“Our big thing is sustainable sourcing,” he says. “We also want to pay a fair price, so I can go back to these farms year after year and know they’re still going to be there.” The signature drink is a macadamia nut latte, but the cold brew also is a big seller. In September, it was canned for the first time, in a partnership with Oliver Brewing. Since Aveley Farms doesn’t have a kitchen, pastries from local bakers such as Little Fig Bake Shop and Ovenbird are sold daily. There’s nothing particularly high-tech about a great cup of coffee and a fresh-baked muffin, but that’s okay with Voelkel—and us.

→ Black Acres Roastery
Highlandtown

Travis Bell has been bringing a world of coffee flavors to Highlandtown since he started Black Acres Roastery in 2018. He was a resident of the neighborhood and thought it was the perfect location for a roaster, so, after training in Minneapolis, he opened the business and hasn’t looked back. Black Acres (a name inspired by the first systematic reparations attempt for newly freed slaves) sources its beans primarily from Africa and South America. Its cold brew, sold both from taps and in cans, is a year-round favorite. The Marrakesh variety is a medium-roast coffee steeped in cinnamon and cardamom, inspired by Moroccan recipes.

“We like to be creative with the coffees we do,” Bell says. “I love the reaction of people when they taste our coffee. They don’t get the bitterness or bland taste.” Customers can order beans or drinks to-go or via delivery apps, and in the coming months, they’ll have the option to sit in the cafe Bell plans to open onsite at the SEYA CrossFit and Wellness Center. Coffee, he believes, offers limitless possibilities.

→ The Common Ground
Hampden

For nearly a quarter-century, this small but mighty 36th Street mainstay has been a gathering place for Hampden residents pining for a high-quality cup of coffee and a bite to eat. Of course, characterizing the beloved coffee shop’s offerings in those basic terms is a massive simplification. Although it gets its beans from Ceremony Coffee Roasters in Annapolis and Baltimore’s own Zeke’s, many people can’t resist its smoothies, particularly the wildly popular chai peanut butter-banana variety.

“No matter how cold it seems to get, we always get a lot of repeat customers for that,” manager Ryan Comstock says. Much of its food is made in-house, including blueberry, cranberry walnut, raspberry, and chocolate-chip muffins. It has numerous vegan options, like garlic hummus and chili, and, at lunchtime, the homemade chicken salad is always a hit. 

EAT

Sept. 8: No Fun Brunch

Vent Coffee Roasters, 1700 W. 41st St. 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. $30.

The second Sunday of the month is now officially “vegan brunch day” at Vent Coffee Roasters. During the third iteration of this family-style feast, start with a glass of herb-infused coffee or a non-alcoholic cocktail (hence the name) before sitting down to try dressed cornbread, caprese salad, jackfruit salad, soft pretzels, and caramel apple galette. Along with an empty stomach, attendees are requested to bring school supplies to support the Women’s Advocacy Coalition of Baltimore’s back-to-school drive.

DRINK

Sept. 6: Patterson Pumpkin Pre-Release Party

Full Tilt Brewing, 5604 York Rd. 5-10 p.m. Free.

Now that it’s September, it’s time to shove aside the fruity summer cocktails (although they will be missed) in favor of pumpkin-flavored ales, lattes, and everything in between. Celebrate the start of spooky season with a glass (or two) of Full Tilt Brewing’s much-loved imperial pumpkin ale during this post-work happy hour. Stick around to hear live music by local legend E. Joseph, and since the Govans brewery’s “pumpkin-spiced nightmare” clocks in at a whopping 9 percent ABV, plan to finish the four-pack from the comfort of your own couch.

SEE

Sept. 6-8: Little Italy Baltimore Madonnari Arts Festival

Multiple locations and times. Free.

Not even an inbound hurricane (or its after effects) can stop this three-day chalk art festival from taking over the streets of Little Italy. This weekend, dozens of visual and performing artists from around the world will paint the city sidewalks in the old-school Italian tradition of Madonnari art. After watching the master street-painting artists create everything from Renaissance-style works to Baltimore-inspired drawings, enjoy live music, a pop-up art market, street performances, and al fresco dining specials at neighboring restaurants.

HEAR

Sept. 7: Future Islands

Union Craft Brewing, 1700 W. 41st St. 2-10 p.m. Free.

When it was announced on Tuesday that Future Islands—the hometown synth-pop heroes who have been praised in the likes of Rolling Stone and The New York Times—would be playing a free show at Union Craft Brewing this weekend, you could practically hear hundreds of Baltimoreans cancelling their Saturday night plans. For one night only, pack the brewery to hear these indie rockers perform hits from their latest album, The Far Field, as well as a few new tunes they’ve been testing out on the road. Be sure to get there early, down a few beers, and bop along to local heavy-hitters Joy Postell, Smoke Bellow, and DJs Jason Willett and Jay Buim before the boys take the stage.

DO

Sept. 7: Locust Point Festival

Latrobe Park. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free.

This South Baltimore neighborhood is known for being a mix of the old and the new, with some of the city’s oldest rowhomes mere blocks away from luxury high-rises and high-tech office spaces. So it’s no surprise that this annual festival at Latrobe Park will have tons of food and entertainment for residents of all ages, including delectable eats from City Limits, Hull St. Blues, and HarborQue, a kids zone packed with activities, an Orange Crush station, and live music by local band The Wafflers. Don’t miss the chance to give back to neighborhood projects through this family-friendly event.

EAT

Aug. 24: Camp Sandlot

Sandlot, 1000 Wills St. Sat. 7 p.m.-Sun. 10 a.m. $30-60.

If you had “eat s’mores” or “go camping” on your summer bucket list, look no further than this overnight campout at Sandlot. Grab a tent, grill, and sleeping bag for this first-ever event that invites attendees to camp out on the Harbor Point bar’s volleyball courts and waterfront beach. Spend the evening roasting weenies and marshmallows under the stars, and then indulge in an a la carte pancake breakfast before heading back to the comfort of the indoors.

DRINK

Aug. 24: Vent’s First Anniversary Party

Vent Coffee Roasters, 1700 W. 41st St. 6-11 p.m. $10.

Somehow, it has already been a year since this do-good coffee roaster moved into its first brick-and-mortar space in Union Collective. This Saturday, the Vent team is celebrating with a caffeine-fueled anniversary party complete with free espresso shots, coffee cocktails, and $1 cold brews or drip cups to benefit Baltimore Ceasefire 365. To balance out the java intake, sip on beers by Union Craft Brewing, snack on cupcakes from City Seeds, and, at the end of the night, raise a glass of bubbly to another year of kick-ass coffee.

SEE

Aug. 23: Honeyland Screening and Tasting

The SNF Parkway, 5 W. North Avenue. 6:30-9:30 p.m. $8-11.

We can always count on the Parkway Theatre to not only play some of the most-talked-about films and documentaries, but to also find creative ways to transform a screening into a community-wide event. This Friday’s showing of Honeyland, an award-winning environmental documentary about the last female wild beekeeper in Europe, is no exception. Before the 7 p.m. movie, try honey samples from local business Hon’s Honey and grab a honey-based drink from Charm City Meadworks and Baltimore Spirits Company.

HEAR

Aug. 25: The Union Shakedown

Union Craft Brewing, 1700 W. 41st St. 1-10 p.m. $20.

It’s always a party when revered local guitarist Cris Jacobs plays at Union Craft Brewing, but this Sunday’s vendor fair and concert mash-up takes it to a whole new level. After spending a few hours browsing through locally made wares such as handmade glass pieces, vintage T-shirts, and vinyl records, pack the brewery to hear a group of singer-songwriters, including the likes of Grahame Lesh, Elliott Peck, and Nathan Graham, join Jacobs onstage for a recreation of their 1982 concert at the Baltimore Civic Center. If that’s not enough to get your attention, there will also be a liquid light show throughout the rockin’ concert.

DO

Aug. 25: Field Day

Charm City Meadworks, 400 E. Biddle St. 12-5 p.m. Free.

Who says there’s no place for sack races and water balloon tosses in adulthood? On Saturday, Charm City Meadworks and Graft Cider will host this end-of-summer field day, featuring team activities like tug of war, dizzy bat, and egg spoon races that are sure to trudge up some (possibly embarrassing) middle school memories. In between relays, enjoy eats by From the Heart food truck, sip on a collaboration mead from the host purveyors, and get in line to attempt to sink City Council President Brandon Scott and Councilwoman Danielle McCray in the dunk tank.

OPEN

Fishnet: Summer temperatures always tend to put us in the mood for seafood, and this new destination inside Mount Vernon Marketplace has everything you need to quell your cravings. The College Park staple recently debuted its second location inside the food hall, and its hosting an official grand opening party on July 12 from 4-7 p.m. to celebrate. The menu offers locally caught fish dishes including fried salmon croquettes, tempura-battered catfish and chips, and Baja fish wraps with citrus slaw and garlic sour cream. There are also nods to chef/owner Ferhat Yalçin’s upbringing in Istanbul, where fisherman grill their catch and make it into a sandwich within minutes of pulling it from the sea. Yalçin’s versions of the delicacy—called “Balik Ekmek” in Turkish—include a Faroe Island-grilled salmon sandwich and a local catfish version topped with baby greens and tomatoes.

COMING SOON

Walker’s Tap & Table: Downtown diners (and Hippodrome theatregoers) may remember chef Chad Wells’ innovative dishes at Alewife. During his six-year stint at the now-closed beer bar, Wells became known for his wild boar sliders and pork belly mac-and- cheese fries—which were featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. He later moved on to work with the Columbia-based Victoria Restaurant Group, and now, Wells is attached to a new project in his native Howard County. He’s set to head up the kitchen at Walker’s Tap & Table, a seasonal spot slated to open this fall. The menu will feature farm-to-fork fare and scratch-made pizzas fired in the restaurant’s own brick oven. The eatery joins newer concepts including The Turn House and The Brewer’s Art Tavern in the Howard County dining scene.

NEWS

Ekiben Gives Back: We’d be remiss without giving a shout out to the food scene’s favorite steamed bun superheroes this week. Ekiben owners Steve Chu and Ephrem Abebe recently set up shop at the abandoned Old Town Mall in East Baltimore to serve free Neighborhood Bird sandwiches (Taiwanese curry fried chicken thigh topped with spicy sambal mayo, pickles, and fresh herbs) to those in need, as well as passersby. The goodwill initiative is one of many that the Korean fusion restaurant has organized to bolster its mission of giving back to the community. One recent effort has included running a pop-up with Cocina Luchadoras’ Rosalyn Vera after she was the victim of a hate crime.

Sundays Makes its Return: Two years ago, fans of Dooby’s in Mt. Vernon were delighted to learn that owner Phil Han would be opening a doughnut spinoff inside Cross Street Market in Federal Hill. Though the pop-up stall was short lived (it closed after the renovation efforts at the market began), it made its marks with chocolate-topped Berger Cookie and New York bagel-flavored doughnuts. This weekend, Sundays is making its return with a one-day pop-up at Han’s Fat Tiger bar in Broadway Market. Starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 13, the team will serve Boston Cream, Coconut Espresso, and Blueberry Ginger Meringue doughnuts until sell out. Pair the fried favorites with Fat Tiger’s signature coffee drinks and egg sandwiches for a fulfilling—and filling—mid-morning meal.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

7/14: Bastille Day at Petit Louis Bistro

There’s no better place to celebrate France’s Fourth of July than this Roland Park French bistro. At Petit Louis’ annual bash, enjoy wine, cheese, live music, commemorative t-shirts, and plenty of berets and mustaches to go around. Tickets are $49 and include the special menu, as well as two drinks.

7/14: No-Fun Brunch

Don’t let the name deter you. This booze-free, plant-based brunch is designed for families to enjoy something a little more holistic on their Sunday off. Head to Vent Coffee Roasters to enjoy CBD-infused coffee and health-focused drinks from Baltimore’s own “health-tender” Amie Ward. Of course, there will also be a full-blown brunch menu to pair with the drinks. Chefs from Tom Cat’s Kitchen will prepare vegan dishes such as jackfruit-and-potato hash, Wisconsin grits with crispy onions, watermelon salad with marinated tofu, and maple plantains.

TO 7/31: Crustacean Invasion at Mt. Washington Tavern
To commemorate Maryland’s signature summer dish, this Mt. Washington haunt has created an entire crab-inspired menu running through July. The à la carte list includes a crab and avocado stack, a crabmeat grilled cheese, classic Chicken Chesapeake, crab imperial, and a crab and parmesan-crusted rockfish filet. Grab a drink and head up to the top-level bar to get the full summer experience.

OPEN

Tiki Lee’s: Fans of Lee’s Pint & Shell in Canton will be happy to hear that this new sister-spot has officially debuted on the water in Sparrows Point. The dockside oasis at North Point Cove serves as an ode to owner Dave Carey’s late father, Lee—an avid fisherman who loved spending time relaxing outdoors. During the official grand opening last weekend, revelers flocked to the long-awaited destination to cool off with frozen cocktails and vodka drinks while enjoying summer fare like crab cakes, shrimp salad wraps, and house salads topped with jerk chicken. Diners can experience the hyper-local feel inside (the dining room includes nods to Old Bay, the Orioles, and Bethlehem Steel) or the island vibe outside, which is equipped with palm trees, strung lights, ample boat slips, and plenty of sand to feel between your toes. 4309 Shore Drive, Sparrows Point. 443-242-6698

COMING SOON

Venice Tavern: In the realm of old-school Baltimore dive bars, Venice Tavern is one of the greats. The Highlandtown hangout has been around since 1933, when original owners Frank and Victoria DeSantis opened it in the basement of their home after the repeal of Prohibition. Soon, fourth-generation owner Damion DeSantis will expand the pub’s legacy by opening a second Venice Tavern on Eastern Avenue next to La Scala in Little Italy, according to liquor board documents. The new Venice Tavern marks Damion’s return to the building—which previously housed his former concept Dego Dames before it closed in 2010. This time around, the new space will take after the beloved cash-only flagship in Highlandtown, which has built a reputation for its $3 pints, well-worn pool table, and walls collaged with portraits of boxing champions. 1018 Eastern Ave.

(RE) OPEN

Bluebird Pub: Just a few days after its grand opening on May 10, this refreshed concept below The Bluebird Cocktail Room in Hampden was forced to close due to a flooding issue that caused significant damage to the subterranean space. But now, after a few weeks of cleanup and repairs, the pub is back at it for take two. Resuming normal hours—noon to 10 p.m. Thursday through Sunday and noon to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays—the bar will highlight a menu of elevated pub fare and a strong lineup of whiskey drinks. Pair eats like a foie gras burger and vegetarian broccoli sandwich with cocktails including an Old Grand-Dad bonded bourbon Old Fashioned or a barrel-aged Cachaça Sour shaken with lemon juice and sugarcane. 3600 Hickory Ave. 667-303-3263

EPICUREAN EVENTS

5/31: Clavel Pop-Up at Union
Chef Carlos Raba is rounding up his team from Clavel and heading to Union Craft Brewing for this Friday-night pop-up in Hampden. Snag a spot on Union’s patio to kick off the weekend by sipping craft beers and filling up on tacos and ceviche by Clavel. The soundtrack for the free event will be provided by DJ Rezzy Ron. 1700 W. 41st St. 6-9 p.m. Free

5/31: Getcha Lechón Pig Roast at Broadway Market
El Tigre, the outdoor bar program at the newly renovated Broadway Market, is launching food service with a Latin-style pig roast on the market’s patio this Friday. Flock to Fells Point to enjoy a plate of slow-roasted Liberty Delight Farms pork with bottomless beans, rice, tostones, and all the fixins’. In keeping with El Tigre’s tiki theme, bartenders will also be pouring plenty of custom cocktails made with rum and Illegal mezcal. 1640 Aliceanna St. 6-10 p.m. $25

6/2: Coffees of Antioquia Tasting at Vent
If you’re in need of a hangover helper come Sunday, Vent Coffee Roasters is hosting this intimate tasting with its direct trade partner from Antioquia, Colombia. Stop by to sample three Colombian coffees while chatting with experts about coffee production and farming. The event is free, but registration is required in advance. 1700 W. 41st St. 1-2 p.m. Free

SHUT

Baltimore Built Bistro: We’re always sad to report the loss of a corner bar in the city, especially when it’s as short-lived as this Fells Point watering hole. B3 took over the former home of Bad Decisions just under a year ago, and shuttered its doors for good last week. “The team at Baltimore Built Bistro would like to thank everyone for their support,” reads an announcement posted to Facebook on May 24. “Unfortunately, we are closing our doors permanently.” Throughout its 10-month run, the neighborhood spot became known for its next-level bar snacks, loaded burgers, and signature cocktails like the Coldbrew Crush with espresso vodka and salted caramel Baileys. 1928 Fleet St.

Gourmet Again: Pikesville locals are mourning the loss of this decades-old fixture best known for its deli counter, salad bar, prepared foods, and kosher catering. Shoppers visiting the store earlier this week were surprised to see a sign posted to the front door announcing the closure. “The food business is very difficult, cutthroat, and competitive,” owner Andy Hoffman told Jmore earlier this week. “I couldn’t compete with the big guys. I just didn’t have that kind of purchasing power.” The closure is yet another hit to the community, which also said goodbye to mainstay Jewish deli Suburban House in 2017. All catering credits and gift certificates are being honored by former Gourmet Again general manager Jerry Schlichting, who now owns Clean Cuisine catering in Owings Mills. 3713 Old Court Rd., Pikesville.

Red Star Charles Village: This weekend will be the last for diners to chow down on burgers in the wood-stained dining room at Red Star in Charles Village. Marketing and operations manager Willy Dely recently confirmed to the Baltimore Business Journal that the extension of the original Red Star in Fells Point will officially close its doors on June 2. The restaurant opened in the Nine East 33rd development near the Johns Hopkins campus in the summer of 2017, offering a menu of burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, and bar snacks helmed by chef Francisco Lopez. It later became known for hosting weekly pint nights, half-price wine specials, and weekend drag brunches. The original Red Star, as well as its Fells Point sister-spot Waterfront Hotel, are both still going strong. 3224 St. Paul St.

To attend this secret music show, all I knew was that I needed to be there by 8 p.m., and that if I wanted to be comfortable, I should bring a blanket.

When my friend and I walked into Vent Coffee Roasters, the Union Collective caffeine hotspot was stripped down even further than its signature minimalist vibe. With unfinished wood benches pushed to the side, the space opened up significantly, leaving the concrete floor as the lone seating option for the show.

A single mic stand artfully draped with a string of lights stood as a makeshift stage, seemingly fashioned after a summer camp talent show. The usual pre-concert chatter of which songs we thought the musicians would sing was replaced with energetic conversation between local strangers who had congregated to this secret destination in the name of loving live music.

Every Sofar Sounds show is shrouded with this same sense of mystery and simplicity, but don’t mistake its uncomplicated design for lack of professionalism. The program’s cryptic setup—with the venue’s address only revealed the night before via email and its three artists introduced on the spot—pays homage to Sofar’s humble beginnings.

What is now a 400-city global phenomenon started out as two guys in London who were tired of going to concerts and being surrounded by people who weren’t there for the music. So, like any good millennial self-starters, they took matters into their own hands and hosted their own small concert in their living room.

“For artists who are just starting out, it’s a great way to build your fanbase and try out new material,” explains Sofar Baltimore director, Christen Taylor, more fondly known as vocalist Christen B. “The setting is calm enough and more welcoming for things that you’re still trying out to get the buzz going.”

The company that transforms everyday places—from coffee shops to retail stores to even living rooms—into affordable and and intimate shows with as few as 50 guests, and no more than 150. And while there are tons of perks to those attending, performers also have a lot to gain from this underground experience, whether you’re a budding musician who applied for the gig and could really use the paid four-piece set, or a touring artist looking to fill in gaps between nights at the arena.

At the start of the show, Christen B., who is a Sofar artist herself and has been with Baltimore’s chapter since its inception in 2017, dimmed our lively hum into total silence with a boisterous yet warm welcome. As our host for the night, she informed us of the three rules of Sofar shows: Stay until the end, absolutely no talking during the performances, and always support the artists—whether it be through an Instagram follow or a merch purchase. And with the signing of this verbal contract, repeated back to Taylor in class-like unison, the night officially began.

To my surprise, the experience was about so much more than just the show. There’s a sense of community that is felt among everyone in attendance. This particular celebration swapped simple melodies with rapid-fire spoken word by Black Chakra, heated and theatrical “rants” to ex lovers from Theresa tha S.O.N.G.B.I.R.D., and the acoustic serenades of Wifty Bangura.

In learning about the experiences that breathed life into each artist’s performance, Vent Coffee’s concrete floor felt more like that of a childhood best friend’s bedroom, with the night spent cracking jokes and sharing secrets. Vent owner Sarah Walker first heard about the organization by word of mouth and, even without having attended any of their shows before, the allure was enough for Walker to offer up her space.

“Vent’s mission is to be a space where people can come, let out the worries of the day, and make it something better,” she says. “Sofar helps us further that vision. The diversity they bring means a lot to me.”

And while a connection between artists and the audience is all but guaranteed, Sofar’s spontaneous nature leaves no set formula for how show-goers will react. At Baltimore’s first show in October of 2017, brass band Rufus Roundtree and Da B’more Brass Factory had the audience up on their feet and dancing.

“You can’t have a preconceived notion of what you’re going to experience,” Taylor reflects. “It allows people to come and enjoy and be a part of something bigger than themselves in a way where they don’t have the ability to judge, or pre-judge because there’s no actual information given.”

Though Sofar shows take place in a couple-hundred cities all over the world, Charm City has a way of making events its own.

“Baltimore has a family,” Taylor muses. “What’s unique is that feeling of belonging, of being in a space that you never even knew existed and loving it.”

OPEN

Tersiguel’s French Country Restaurant: We’re constantly inspired by the resilience of this French fine-dining den on Main Street in Ellicott City—which has endured a fire and three floods since opening in 1975. This week, the restaurant persevered yet again. After three months of rebuilding since the tragic flood on Memorial Day Weekend, husband-and-wife owners Michel and Angie Tersiguel officially reopened their restaurant earlier this week. “Nothing can stop us,” the owners posted to Facebook after the flood. “Our hearts are heavy, the road ahead is paved with blood, sweat, and tears, but it’s familiar territory, one we have traveled many times. And we will continue to do so.” Tersiguel’s reopening comes on the heels of Howard County executive Allan Kittleman’s announcement of a $50 million five-year flood mitigation plan—which will demolish 10 properties on the lower half of Main Street. See more recent reopening updates here. 8293 Main St., Ellicott City. 410-465-4004

COMING SOON

The Greener Kitchen: Pigtown will welcome this vegan worker-owned collective to its dining scene next month. Formerly known as PEP Foods Inc., The Greener Kitchen fulfills its wholesome mission by providing catering services and distributing its plant-based products to vegan restaurants in the area. In addition to boasting plenty of commercial kitchen space for other dairy-free purveyors, the new headquarters off of Washington Boulevard will also operate as a one-stop-shop for vegan groceries. Be on the lookout for dairy-free cheeses, marinated proteins, seitan and deli slices, sauces and dips, and an array of prepared foods to grab on the go. 803 Washington Blvd. 443-929-3706

Indigma: Mt. Vernon locals were saddened when this neighborhood mainstay—known for its classic Indian dishes and filling lunch buffet—shuttered its doors suddenly last year. But now, there is a possibility that Indigma could be making a comeback in the neighborhood. A sign posted to door of the old Tavern on the Hill space at 900 Cathedral Street indicates that Indigma owners Christina Martija and Tony Chemmanoor are requesting to obtain a liquor license for the space. Though nothing has been set in stone as of yet, diners are holding out hope that Indigma’s samosas, curries, chutneys, and gulab jamun (deep-fried honey balls) will return very soon. 900 Cathedral St.

Milk & Honey Market: Speaking of comebacks, this former Mt. Vernon staple is returning with two locations in Station North and Pigtown in the coming months. Owners Ernst and Dana Valery closed their beloved market on Cathedral Street in 2016, and have since been working on a new cafe on the bottom floor of the Nelson Kohr apartment building in Station North. The duo recently told The Baltimore Sun that the store is expected to be finished this fall, and a second Milk & Honey location in Pigtown will follow soon after. The Pigtown iteration will be housed in the new Bath House Square project that the owners are developing on Washington Boulevard. Both locations are expected to offer the market’s signature breakfast sandwiches, paninis, soups, charcuterie boards, and coffees. 20 E. Lanvale St. and 906 Washington Blvd.

UNION COLLECTIVE UPDATES

Vent Coffee Roasters: Locals have enjoyed getting acquainted with Union Collective in Medfield this summer. The massive makerspace which you can spot from I-83, opened in June—debuting Union Craft Brewing’s new taproom and production facility, a state-of-the-art Earth Treks bouldering gym, and an ice cream factory from The Charmery. The latest tenant to join the pack is Vent Coffee Roasters, which opened in the space last weekend. Featuring sleek wood picnic tables and a roll-up garage door, the bright shop offers a full coffee and espresso bar from longtime barista Sarah Walker. Other highlights include nitro cold brews, Chemex and Aeropress offerings, teas, chocolate chip cookies, and other locally sourced pastries. Vent will be open from 7 a.m.-6 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m.-6 p.m. on weekends. 1700 W. 41 St.

Baltimore Spirits Company: On deck to open at Union Collective next month is this homegrown distillery, which was formerly headquartered in Remington. In conjunction with the grand opening of its production facility and tasting room at the Collective on September 15, Baltimore Whiskey Company has officially changed its name to Baltimore Spirits Company. The team hopes that the new name will better reflect the diversity of their products, which include gin, brandy, and amaro in addition to whiskey. Aside from providing more room to breathe, the new production space will use a custom geothermal system to sustainably distill award-winning spirits like Epoch Rye and Shot Tower Gin. “We can’t wait to show everyone what we’ve built over here,” co-founder Max Lents said in a statement. “We will certainly miss our old location on Sisson Street. It had a lot of character, but when people see our new space, they will understand how we’ve carried that character forward.” 1700 W. 41 St.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

8/31: Food Truck Rally at the Baltimore Museum of Industry
Kick off your long weekend with this foodie get-together to benefit There Goes My Hero, a nonprofit that works to improve the lives of blood cancer patients and their families. More than 15 local food trucks will be parked against the waterfront backdrop at the Baltimore Museum of Industry, serving everything from burgers and barbecue to tacos and ice cream. (Be on the lookout for favorites including Farm to Charm, Kommie Pig, The Smoking Swine, and Bistro Lunch Box.) Plus, enjoy family-friendly activities, sip beers from Heavy Seas, and dance to live tunes spun by DJ Neil Paul. Baltimore Museum of Industry, 5-9 p.m. Free admission.

9/4: Brewer’s Dinner with Dogfish Head at Rye Street Tavern
Rye Street Tavern in Port Covington is continuing its monthly Brewer’s Dinner series with a four-course meal that will pair each dish with a different Dogfish Head beer. Snag a seat on the restaurant’s lawn overlooking the Patapsco River to dig in to a bay scallop crudo with SeaQuench ale, smoked ricotta cappelletti paired with Punkin’ Ale (yes, it’s almost that time of year), a duo of beef with the Bitches Brew imperial stout, and a Hawaiian chocolate trifle with the Luau-luau IPA. 225 E. Cromwell St. 7-10 p.m. $85. 443-662-8000.