COMING SOON

CookHouse: Bolton Hill locals have long been waiting for the debut of this all-day restaurant from chef George Dailey—who also owns On The Hill Cafe in the neighborhood and has lived there for nearly 20 years. For months, the English-born chef has been hard at work spearheading the remodel of the former B. Bistro space, and he has finally set a grand opening date of Tuesday, February 11. Boasting a custom built bar, blue velvet banquette seating, and artsy light fixtures, the 75-seat space will offer breakfast and lunch service during the day, and a menu of European-inspired fare—including steak frites, lamb ragú, and house-made pastas—by night.

Water Song: You might be one of the lucky diners to have caught this authentic Chinese food purveyor, which emphasizes dishes of the Yunnan province, at pop-ups and festivals around town. But come spring, Water Song’s Mixian rice noodle bowls—traditionally served a touch of meat and lots of chili oil—crispy battered fried pork chunks, and other fan-favorites will be easily accessible from a new brick-and-mortar shop in Federal Hill. Taking over the former home of The Local Fry on East Cross Street, the restaurant is currently being renovated and expected to open in March.

NEWS

Larder Launches Brunch: This sustainably-sourced eatery in the Socle complex, which also houses Fadensonnen and Sophomore Coffee in Old Goucher, recently began offering Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Expect options like buckwheat blintzes with apple butter, sweet potato with a miso mousseline sauce, and scrambled eggs with house pickles and sourdough toast. And, of course, prepare to wash down all of the eats with a strong drip coffee from Larder’s neighbors at Sophomore.

SHUT

Plug Ugly’s Publick House: After eight years on O’Donnell Square in Canton, this mainstay pub is closing its doors later this month—but not before having one last blowout to celebrate its run. A closing party on February 22 will offer a complimentary buffet, drink specials poured by original bartenders, and $3 shots every hour from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. in honor of every year the bar has been open. Though the celebration will mark the end of Plug Ugly’s as we know it, owner Mark Bogosh recently told the Baltimore Business Journal that he has plans to rebrand the bar with a Western theme this spring.

L’Eau de Vie Organic Brasserie: Sadly, this Valentine’s Day will be the last for L’Eau de Vie, the plant-based restaurant that has been open just over a year in Fells Point. In an email announcement, owner Elena Johnson explained that the decision was made amidst irreconcilable negotiations with the building’s landlord. “Even though this chapter is ending, we are grateful for every guest who appreciated our vision for a sustainable, ethical business model,” the message reads. For those unable to redeem gift cards before the restaurant closes on March 1, Johnson is offering for customers to use them with restaurant’s catering business, Nourrie Cuisine, which offers personal chef services, classes, and prepared meals.

EAT

Jan. 3: Water Song Pop-Up at R. House

R. House, 301 W. 29th St. 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Free.

As the weather turns chilly this weekend, curl up with a bowl of authentic rice noodles to get a taste of Yunnan, China. During its final weekend in the R. House pop-up stall, Water Song will be serving up its signature combination of Mixian rice noodles, a tasty broth, a touch of meat, and tons of chili oil, along with fan favorites like spicy wonton soup and crispy pork chunks. If you still need a bit of convincing, check out Water Song’s drool-worthy Instagram photos to seal the deal.

DRINK

Jan. 3: Foam Fridays

Diamondback Beer, 1215 E. Fort Ave. 12-11 p.m. Free.

If your New Year’s resolution was to make 2020 the year of beer, this lager-loving night at Diamondback Brewing is the perfect way to kick it off. Every Friday, the South Baltimore brewery celebrates its growing selection of crisp lager beers with half-liter pours at only $4.50. Belly up to the bar to try this week’s featured brew: A 4.0 percent Czech pilsner with, of course, a healthy layer of foam on top.

SEE

Jan. 3-5: Baltimore Crankie Fest

Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. Times vary. $18.

Rediscover the art of storytelling through crankies—scrolls that are hand-cranked to show one illustrated scene at a time—during the seventh annual Baltimore Crankie Fest. Head to Creative Alliance for this celebration of the niche visual medium, featuring four performances with handmade crankies accompanied by musical guests. Watch as these hand-drawn stories unfurl before your eyes and participate in workshops on how to make your own crankie.

HEAR

Jan. 3: Letitia VanSant and Arty Hill

True Chesapeake Oyster Co., 3300 Clipper Mill Rd. 9-11 p.m. Free.

There’s been plenty of buzz going around about True Chesapeake Oyster Co., the new farm-to-table concept inside Whitehall Mill in Hampden. This Friday, in between slurps of half-shell oysters, hear local songstress Letitia VanSant and country singer Arty Hill serenade the late-night crowd with original tunes and classic covers. Or, as Hill puts it, it’ll be a night of he and VanSant “singing harmony and making fun of each other near delicious seafood.”

DO

Jan. 3-12: Pajama Party Palooza

Port Discovery Children’s Museum, 35 Market Pl. Times vary. Free-$17.95.

Let’s face it: We all get a little stir crazy during the holidays. Luckily, Port Discovery Children’s Museum is hosting the perfect opportunity to get the kiddos out of the house with this daytime pajama party, featuring pillowcase races, sock “skates,” and oversized games. Your little ones will spend the final days of winter break making jammies, watching movies with new friends, and participating in tons of indoor activities at the downtown museum.