PI DAY PARTIES

Union Craft Brewing: Enjoy both savory and sweet flavors at Union Collective this Saturday, March 14, when Well Crafted Kitchen and Bramble Baking Co. will be serving slices of pizza and pie from 12-3 p.m. Purchase a slice from Well Crafted and enjoy $1-off at Bramble, and vice versa. Slices and handpies will be available from Bramble, with flavors including Salted Honey Lavender and the Maple Bourbon Pecan. 1700 W 41st St.

Dangerously Delicious Pies: This Baltimore favorite is celebrating Pi Day—and an early St. Patrick’s Day—at its Canton location on Saturday. The shop is turning BYOB from 3-6 p.m., with live music by Irish Relative Anonymous. Enjoy your brew and indulge in a slice of the famous Baltimore Bomb pie, a fun take on the city’s iconic Berger Cookies. Drink more than 3.14 beers and expect special prices in return. 2839 O’Donnell St.

Other eateries around town are also offering aptly priced specials to celebrate the holiday’s famous date. Blaze Pizza in Towson will offer $3.14 pizzas from 3:14 p.m. to close, Oliver Brewing Company will pour $3.14 pints of Sound Check beer from 12-6 p.m., Verde in Canton will pair its Neapolitan pies with $3.14 Limoncello shots, and Molina Pizza at R. House will feature a buy-one, get-one for $3.14 deal on all of its pizzas throughout the day.

(RE)OPEN

The Verandah: After a nine-month hiatus, this Indian restaurant on the Avenue in Hampden is celebrating its grand reopening during dinner service Thursday. Owner Radhika Sule—who also operates a location inside Broadway Market in Fells Point—took the time off to reimagine a new small plates concept for the Hampden cafe, which she says will give diners the opportunity to “try out several unique dishes instead of one big meal.” Among the new dishes on the tapas-style menu are shrimp masala, Vada Paav (Indian-style vegetarian sliders), apricot-glazed chicken wings, salmon with mango chutney, and a pistachio-crusted roulade with lemon cream for dessert. Debuting along with the revamped menu is a completely renovated space featuring warm woods, a mix of bar and traditional table seating, and a transition from counter service to full table service in the dining room. The spot is BYOB—without a corkage fee—and also offers nonalcoholic drinks including mango lassi and ginger-mint lemonade.

COMING SOON

The Food Market and The Charmery Expanding to Columbia: Speaking of The Avenue in Hampden, two of The Verandah’s most popular neighbors are widening their footprint to Howard County later this year. The Howard Hughes Corporation, which is overseeing the mixed-use development of Downtown Columbia, announced earlier this week that chef Chad Gauss will be bringing his fun spins on classic comfort foods to the new Central District near The Mall in Columbia in late 2020. In addition to the beloved lunch, brunch, and dinner menus, the new Food Market will also provide a custom coffee program for workers in nearby office buildings. City-defining ice cream shop The Charmery will also expand this summer with a new shop in Columbia’s Merriweather District, which is anchored by Merriweather Post Pavilion. Customers can look out for signatures like Old Bay Caramel and Maryland Mud, but given owners David and Laura Alima’s commitment to creativity, we wouldn’t be surprised to see a few flavors inspired by Merriweather’s music lineup, as well.

SHUT

Shiso Tavern: This Canton eatery has been a go-to for top-notch sushi and cocktails for more than seven years. But earlier this week, a post to the tavern’s Facebook page announced that the restaurant will close for good on Sunday, March 15. “We take with us many memories and hope you will join us this weekend reminiscing on the good times and celebrating new adventures,” reads the message from management and staff. There’s no word yet on what will become of the space on O’Donnell Square, which was known for its colorful rolls, wok dishes, and daily drink specials.

COMING SOON

Busboys and Poets: The latest dining destination to join the scene in Howard County will be a spinoff of this Washington, D.C. favorite. The quasi-coffeehouse and bookstore operates seven locations surrounding the Capitol, and now, owner Andy Shallal is widening his footprint with a new two-story Columbia cafe slated to open next year. “I think we have a lot of people that live in the suburbs, who may work in the city, but want to kick back a bit before they go out,” Shallal told the Washington Business Journal. “It’s not practical to go home and come back. So we want to give them options where they are.” The 400-seat gathering spot will be one of many retailers in Howard Hughes Corporation’s massive mixed-use redevelopment project across from Merriweather Post Pavilion.

The Choptank: You might have noticed the glowing archway that now towers over the entrance to the south shed of Baltimore’s historic Broadway Market in Fells Point. But that’s certainly not all that’s new and shiny about the property. After several years of planning and nine months of construction, Atlas Restaurant Group has transformed the 222-year-old building into classic Maryland crab house concept, The Choptank, which is slated to officially open to the public by the end of next week. Former Brewer’s Art and Maggie’s Farm chef Andrew Weinzirl will head up the kitchen, offering his own spin on classics like crab soup, pit beef sandwiches, boardwalk fries, and Eastern Shore fried chicken. Of course, hard shells will also be an important part of the hyper-local program. Curated by local designer Patrick Sutton, the renovated spot features light woods, a large centerpiece bar, and a massive outdoor patio equipped with lounge seating and recreational games.

NEWS

Local Spots Nominated by Bon Appetit: Earlier this week, we were delighted to see four Charm City restaurants named on yet another national list. Bon Appetit magazine has included local newcomers Le Comptoir du Vin, Fadensonnen, Larder, and Sophomore Coffee among the 50 Best New Restaurants in the country. In the piece, deputy editor Julia Kramer notes that she loved Socle—Lane Harlan’s shared food-and-drink complex in Old Goucher that houses Fadensonnen, Larder, and Sophomore Coffee—so much, that she couldn’t choose just one spot between the trio of like-minded businesses. She also challenges readers to “try and find a more charming French bistro and natural wine bar,” than our own Le Comptoir du Vin in Station North. The list of 50 contenders will soon be narrowed down to 10 finalists and published on September 17.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

9/13: Well Crafted Kitchen’s $1 Slice Party
A few years back, Well Crafted Kitchen celebrated the first anniversary of its brick-oven pizza truck by slinging $1 slices for friends and customers. Now, the owners are ringing in the one-year anniversary of their stall inside Union Collective by continuing that exact tradition. Stop by Union’s outdoor beer garden on Friday night to indulge in $1 slices from 6-10 p.m. While you’re at it, grab a pint from the taproom, and end the night on a sweet note with a signature scoop from The Charmery just down the hall.

ONGOING: The Helmand Offers Three Courses for $30
Throughout the past three decades, The Helmand owners Quayum and Pat Karzai have served their authentic Afghani dishes to tons of loyal patrons in Mt. Vernon. Many things have changed about the neighborhood since the grand opening in 1989, but the Karzais’ signature recipes and commitment to hospitality have remained key components of the restaurant’s ethos. Leading up its official 30-year anniversary on October 23, The Helmand will offer a special three-course menu for $30. Celebrate with classics like the banjan borani (pan-fried eggplant), mantwo (pastry filled with onions and beef) and kaddo borwani (baby pumpkin pan fried and baked in garlic and yogurt).

SHUT

Blaze Pizza: As the Inner Harbor dining scene has expanded with new destinations including Blackwall Hitch and Bon Fresco, it has also seen a number of concepts shutter recently. On the heels of Poke World’s closure near Power Plant Live, Blaze Pizza has also closed its doors at 600 East Pratt Street. Fans of the DIY chain, which is known for its customizable pies that bake in a hearth oven in just three minutes, will be happy to hear that they can get their fix at a new Blaze location that opened in the Towson Commons development on York Road earlier this summer.

Canèla: Upper Fells Point locals were saddened to hear that this Mediterranean cafe and coffee shop had closed its doors last week. In a message posted to Facebook, co-owner Kfir Catalan explained that he and business partner Michele Mavias are closing the cafe to the public, but plan to remain open for private events for the time being. “This has been an amazing ride and we want to thank everyone for the support,” the announcement reads. Fusing the owners’ Italian and Israeli influences, Canèla offered standout sandwiches and a coffee program that quickly became a favorite among locals.

EAT

April 26: Clavel + Well Crafted Kitchen Collaboration

Union Craft Brewing, 1700 W. 41st St. 5-10 p.m. Free.

Nothing warms our local foodie hearts like seeing Charm City eateries team up to create kick-ass menus that combine the best of both culinary worlds. This week in dream collaborations: Acclaimed Mexican restaurant Clavel will collaborate with the pizzeria Well Crafted Kitchen to serve up drool-worthy mashups such as wood-fired pizzas with taco toppings and house-made pretzels served with guacamole. Be sure to get to Union Craft Brewing early to sample items from the pop-up menu—including Clavel’s signature tacos and ceviche—because we can almost guarantee that they’ll sell out before 10 p.m.

DRINK

April 27: Sagamore Spirit Anniversary Party

Sagamore Spirit, 301 E. Cromwell St. 12-5 p.m. Free

On the eve of its two-year anniversary, local whiskey distillery Sagamore Spirit has plenty to celebrate. Last week, its flagship rye whiskey was named the best in the world at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and now the Port Covington-based team is ready to revel in its big win with an afternoon of live music, local eats, and, of course, top-notch cocktails. Find a spot on the distillery’s waterfront lawn to enjoy the sights and sounds of spring and raise a glass to another year of award-winning whiskey

SEE

April 27: Harbor East’s FashionEASTa

Aliceanna Street / Harbor East. 12-5 p.m. Free-$40.

New York Fashion Week may still be a few months away, but, luckily, the streets of Harbor East will be filled with enough runway-worthy looks this Saturday to tie fashion queens over until then. During this annual celebration of all things stylish, grab a street-side cocktail, shop the sales at some of the luxury neighborhood’s best boutiques, and sample bites from area restaurants. At 2:30 p.m., the streets will turn into a high-fashion runway, with locals modeling spring and summer styles from Harbor East shops that are sure to serve as future outfit inspiration.

HEAR

April 26-27: Charm City Bluegrass Festival

Druid Hill Park. Fri. 2-9:30 p.m, Sat. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Free-$72.

Since its inaugural show in Union Craft Brewing’s parking lot back in 2013, this finger-pluckin’ festival has boomed into a two-day extravaganza packed with performances by some of the biggest names in the regional bluegrass scene. This weekend, experience a little slice of Americana heaven with sets by hometown heroes like The Bridge and Charm City Junction, along with out-of-towners such as Steep Canyon Rangers and Jeff Austin. Ahead of the festivities in Druid Hill Park, read up on the history and rebirth of bluegrass in Baltimore.

DO

April 27: Marquee Ball

Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 8 p.m.-12 a.m. $50-55.

Follow the yellow brick road, or, as it will be known during this enchanted affair, the majestic land of Oz! Don your best Tin Man or Dororthy-inspired outfit for the Highlandtown arts center’s biggest bash of the year, featuring live music by local band Jonathan Gilmore & The Experience, performances by drag queen Betty O’Hellno, a silent auction, and plenty of food and drinks. Jump into your ruby slippers and prepare to dance the night away.

COMING SOON

The Remington Bottle: Many know Jayce Flickinger as the newest owner of Grand Cru—the beloved Belvedere Square bar-and-bottle shop that has been around since 2003. Now, he’s expanding his knowledge of wine and spirits by opening a new store in the former home of Remington Wine Co. on West 29th Street. Expected to debut by the end of March, The Remington Bottle will offer a wide range of local and domestic beer, canned seltzer drinks, worldly wines, and craft spirits. Flickinger, a former Remington resident who was the opening general manager at Parts & Labor, is also looking forward to hosting frequent tasting events as a way to connect with the community.

“Remington is this very in-flux neighborhood,” he says. “It’s a very diverse place where you have people who are moving in, and people who have been there their whole lives. So the goal to make it a successful neighborhood shop is to be able to offer something for everyone.” Ahead of the grand opening this spring, the team is making slight upgrades including adding more coolers for craft beer, and sprucing up the interior with new logos and fresh coats of paint. Though he wants the new shop to have the same inviting feel as Grand Cru, Flickinger says he’s looking forward to opening a space that he can build from the ground up.

“I’m excited about the differences between the two businesses,” he says. “Grand Cru is 15 years old and it’s established, so you can’t shake the nest too much because the bees get upset. But with this, we get to start from scratch.” 329 W. 29th St.

Growler USA: The team from this yet-to-open craft beer bar—the first Maryland location of an Oregon-based chain—has been visiting local breweries across the city in anticipation of its grand opening in Hampden in the next few weeks. Sandwiched between MOD Pizza and CinéBistro at The Rotunda, Growler USA will feature 100 American-made craft drafts, including many local options from the likes of DuClaw, Checkerspot, and Raven Beer. Complete with flat screens, exposed brick, and custom beer-logo artwork, the modern-industrial taproom will also serve a full pub grub menu highlighting burgers and sandwiches. 711 W. 40th St.

Pure Raw Juice: Since opening in 2015, this Federal Hill-based juice bar has expanded with a second location in Towson and a yet-to-open shop at the Rotunda in Hampden. Now, the fuel-up fixture announced that it is returning to its South Baltimore roots with a fourth location at A2—a retail-and-residential community adjacent to Anthem House in Locust Point. Locals can expect to see the bar’s signature smoothies, acai bowls, and juice blends including the beet-infused “True Blood” and the lemon “Ginger-Aid.” Although a grand opening date still hasn’t been set, construction on the 1,300-square-foot space is expected to begin later this year. 900 E. Fort Ave.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

2/22: Big Softy Pop-Up at Ground & Griddled
Close out the workweek by treating yourself to breakfast at this special R. House pop-up. Craig Falk of The Lunchbox Lady is taking over service at Ground & Griddled starting at 9 a.m. to serve up another one-time-only menu with his migrating pop-up Big Softy. This time, be on the lookout for dishes such as fluffy pancakes, crab quiche, and homemade brioche rolls with raspberry jam. 301 W. 29th St. 9 a.m.

2/24: CSA Fair at Union Collective
For newbies thinking about joining a local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, there are typically a lot of questions that come to mind. What are the benefits? How much does it cost? What even is a CSA? Well Crafted Kitchen inside Union Collective has organized this community get-together to educate the masses about the benefits of getting produce and protein straight from local purveyors. Swing by Union from 1-4 p.m. to meet with many different farmers and producers—including Calvert’s Gift Farm, Moon Valley Farms, Loaf Bakehouse, and Liberty Delight Farms—offering everything from fruits and veggies to fresh bread and all-natural dog treats. Attendees who sign up for a CSA during the fair will receive 50 percent-off all Well Crafted pizzas. 1700 W. 41st St. 1-4 p.m.

SHUT

Hungry Andy’s: For years, Fells Point locals have satisfied hunger pangs with the loaded pit beef sandwiches at this South Broadway staple—which was taken over by Damon Chapman and his wife, Rashawn, last year. But, sadly, this month will be the last to fill up on the Hungry Andy’s grub. The owners recently announced that they would be closing the restaurant on February 28 in order to focus on the catering and special events side of their business. “While the decision was not easy, it was best suited for our family,” reads a message posted to Instagram last week. “We appreciate all of the love and support.” The owners also plan to continue their community outreach efforts (a recent fundraiser collected more than $1,000 to feed neighbors in need) in the next chapter. Swing by for one last pit turkey wrap, Buffalo burger, or crab cake combo with Old Bay fries before the doors close for good next week. 629 S. Broadway

The seed for Well Crafted Kitchen—the pizza counter serving delicious wood-fired pies from a space at Union Collective—was planted six years ago when co-owners Liz and Ryan Bower, then working as local wedding photographers, were taking engagement shots of their best friends Laura and Tom Wagner.

After the session, the four Bucknell University alums sat around a campfire in Upstate New York and mulled the idea of running a food business together, though they relegated it to their wish list at the time.

Two years later, in 2015, the Bowers embarked on a cross-country RV trip. They dubbed it “The Amazing Marriage Adventure.” The idea, hatched from their disillusionment with wedding-day drama, was to meet, interview, and photograph couples in all 50 states, ranging from newlyweds to 50-plus-year partnerships, to see what real married life looked like around the country and pass that knowledge on to their clients.

On the yearlong journey, they shared their experiences and continued to discuss the possibility of running a food business with the Wagners. Before they returned from the road trip, which also included a three-week European jaunt, where they ate pizza and photographed a wedding in Florence, Italy, they solidified plans to launch Well Crafted Pizza, convincing Laura and Tom to move from Brooklyn to Baltimore. By spring of 2016, the business was born in the form of a modernized 1949 Dodge pickup truck.

Now, in addition to the food truck, there’s Well Crafted Kitchen, a brick-and-mortar joint inside the industrial-style barroom at Union Collective, the redeveloped former Sears warehouse off I-83.

The Neapolitan-inspired pizzas—margherita, white, radical radish, collared greens and chorizo, and spicy blue (with mozzarella, chicken, buffalo sauce, bleu cheese, and scallions; at $15, the most expensive menu item)—have a chewy, charred crust and are offered with recommended beer pairings. Toppings rotate every two weeks, so there’s always a reason to return. Innovative sides and satisfying snacks such as seasonal sausage, a twice-baked sweet potato, or pretzel with beer mustard, all locally sourced, are available, too. Order at the counter and take a seat at one of the high-top wooden tables nearby and you’ll get a text when your food is ready for pick up.

Each co-owner has an area of expertise that lends itself to the business. Tom Wagner is a civil engineer by day. He manages the now 20-plus-employee schedule and helps run the kitchen. Laura Wagner, who also holds a job helping refugees and asylum seekers, works with area farmers who supply cheese, tomatoes, and even the salt for pretzels. Liz Bower runs marketing, event planning, and truck logistics, while Ryan, a former engineer at Northrop Grumman, handles financial and mechanical operations. As for the weddings? Yes, the Bowers still occasionally photograph them—but now they could just as easily cater, too.

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WELL CRAFTED KITCHEN 1700 W. 41st St., 410-929-4547. HOURS: Wed.-Sat. noon-10 p.m., Sun. noon-6 p.m. PRICES: Pizzas: $9-15; snacks: $5-8; other eats: $6-11. AMBIANCE: Industrial.

CH-CH CHANGES

101 Baltimore: Though this Federal Hill hangout initially debuted as a deli one year ago, it quickly became apparent that 101’s true strengths were its sophisticated snacks, next-level cocktails, and approachable wine offerings—which we recognized with a Best of Baltimore award this year. Now, as the spot begins to hit its stride as a modern neighborhood bistro owner Sean White and his team have changed the name from 101 Deli Bar to 101 Baltimore. The refocused concept features new eats from chef Brian Mahon (think ricotta gnocchi and a watermelon poke bowl), a refreshed local beer lineup from general manager Sam Wyatt, and an expanded wine list crafted by new sommelier Dan Worrell—formerly of Minnow in Riverside. 1118 S. Charles St. 443-682-9480

Vida Taco Bar: Local diners were hyped when this Annapolis-based tacos-and-tequila spot unveiled a new location at Harbor Point earlier this summer. Now, executive chef Josh Brown is gearing up for fall by adding some new flavors to the taco menu. Favorite fillings like Buffalo cauliflower and chilled ahi tuna will be sticking around for the season, and will also be joined by new options like a fried octopus taco with yukon gold potato salad and chipotle aioli, and a sweet potato taco with black beans and pickled red onion. Additionally, the drink menu has been updated with new cocktails like the “24 Carrot,” which highlights Suerte reposado tequila, fresh pressed carrot and apple juice, ginger margarita mix, and a salt-and-pepper rim. 1401 S. Point St. 443-835-8474

OPEN

Baltimore Spirits Company: This acclaimed distillery is officially opening the doors to its new production space and tasting room inside Union Collective this Saturday, September 15. The state-of-the-art facility boasts lots of character with a selection of fun bar tools from Cocktail Kingdom, reclaimed décor and furniture built by the co-owners themselves, and a brand new still that will allow for quadruple the output. Aside from the striking interior, the eco-friendly production space uses a custom geothermal system to sustainably distil its award-winning spirits like Epoch Rye and Shot Tower Gin. 1700 W. 41 St.

Well Crafted Kitchen: Speaking of Union Collective, this farm-to-table pizza purveyor also recently opened inside the space. The business—which started as mobile kitchen inside of a tricked-out 1949 Dodge pickup truck—specializes in wood-fired pizzas topped with everything from arugula and heirloom tomato to apples and caramel. The new headquarters is located just off of the Union taproom, making it easy for beer lovers to grab a snack while hanging out at the brewery. 1700 W. 41 St.

Roggenart: A new location of this heavenly Mt. Washington bakery is now open off of Dobbin Road in Columbia. The new spot continues the bakery’s European-inspired flair, featuring display cases filled with fresh-baked baguettes, flaky croissants, and traditional pain au chocolat. Wash down on all of the eats with coffee drinks including espresso, macchiatos, and frothy lattes. The new cafe marks the second local shop for Serbian-born owner Nem Popov, who also owns a string of bakeries throughout Europe. 6476 Dobbin Center Way, Columbia. 443 583-7854

EPICUREAN EVENTS

9/20 & 9/27: Origins Speaker Series
We can’t believe it’s been three years since this sustainable speaker series debuted at Artifact Coffee. This month, the event is celebrating its long run by offering a two-part conversation about local sourcing from both the retail and the farmers’ market point of view. The special program begins on September 20 with an intimate conversation between MOM’s Organic Market CEO Scott Nash and Tracy Ward, executive director of food preservation organization Chesapeake Harvest. The talk will continue one week later on September 27 with special guests David Liker of Gorman Farms in Howard County and Mark Toigo of Toigo Orchards in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. As always, both events will include drinks, appetizers, and a family-style meal with the speakers after the conversation. 1500 Union Ave. 6:30 p.m. $65 for one evening, $120 for both.

9/20: Dining Out For Life
More than 50 restaurants throughout the Baltimore-Metro area—including Hersh’s, Linwoods, Square Meal, Woodberry Kitchen, and Annabel Lee Tavern—are participating in the 25th annual Dining Out For Life fundraiser on Thursday, September 20. In honor of the initiative, the restaurants have vowed to donate 25-50 percent of the day’s dining proceeds to Moveable Feast, an organization that delivers meals to residents living with HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening illnesses. Check out the full list of participating restaurants here, and make a reservation to dine out for a great cause next week.

SHUT

Mueller’s Delicatessen: Yet another iconic deli is shuttering its doors in Charm City. Last week, Mueller’s Delicatessen in Northeast Baltimore announced that it would be closing after 71 years on Harford Road. “We would like to thank all of our loyal customers,” the post reads, adding that the last day of service will be September 23. The news about the decades-old spot—best known for its spaetzle, bratwurst, and other German specialties—comes on the heels of other local deli closures including Lenny’s Delicatessen on Lombard Street, Goldman’s Bakery in Pikesville, and Suburban House on Reisterstown Road. 7207 Harford Rd.