While we’re excited the O’s are finally taking the field, it’s hard not to lament the traditions of a typical Opening Day—like seas of fans decked out in orange flocking down Pratt Street to Camden Yards, vendors hawking the requisite peanuts and Natty Bohs, and the scent of greasy ballpark fare wafting throughout the stadium. Though the away opener against the Red Sox on July 24—and the first home game against the Miami Marlins on July 29—will seem surreal with no fans in attendance, local restaurants have us covered with festive food and drink specials to enjoy while watching at home. Here are a few ways to get into the spirit:

The Charmery: It should come as no surprise that master creamer David Alima has dreamed up an orange-inspired ice cream flavor to honor the return of the birds. All Charmery locations in Hampden, Towson, and Federal Hill are now scooping “Squeeze Play,” made with fresh-squeezed orange juice, orange zest, and orang bun(d)t cake.

THB Bagelry & Deli: To celebrate the home opener on Wednesday, July 29, all four THB locations will fill their bins with orange-and-black bagels. Enjoy the one-day-only offering with a classic schmere or your favorite sandwich fillings.

Zeke’s Coffee: Starting with the away opener on July 24, this neighborhood staple on Harford Road will be featuring a special menu of $5 ballpark fare while supplies last. Get your fill of classics like jumbo hot dogs, Pollock Johnny’s, soft pretzels with Zeke’s coffee porter mustard and cheese sauce, and stadium-style nachos with salsa and jalapeños. Round out your pregame platter with $2 Bohs and $3 Brewer’s Art Birdhouse cans.

The Sporty Dog: Nothing says baseball like hotdogs. And this fan-favorite purveyor is ringing in the season by dropping a new menu item. The aptly named “O Dog” is topped with crab meat and mac and cheese made with O-shaped pasta. Order for curbside pickup for the away opener and throughout the weekend.

The Classic Catering People: This Owings Mills-based catering company has crafted an “O”pening Day menu of carryout fare that is meant to make your feel like you’re watching the condiment races and the crab shuffle from the stands. Boxed meal options include fried chicken with macaroni salad and watermelon, crab cakes with coleslaw and Old Bay chips, and a pit beef sandwich pack that feeds four.

Nottingham’s: If you’re backing the birds from Howard County, consider snagging a seat on the patio at this Columbia spot—where the game will be on all screens with sound. Specials for the away opener include $3 draft beers, $6 hot dogs, and $10 burgers served with chips and a Miller Lite or Yuengling.

Sure, food trends come and go—but a good cup of coffee never goes out of style. In fact, findings by the National Coffee Association (NCA) suggest that coffee shops are now more popular than ever. A recent NCA study found that out-of-home coffee consumption reached an all-time high of 46 percent in 2017.

We’ve certainly seen that growth in Charm City, where local coffee shops continue to crop up in every neighborhood. In an effort to narrow down the options, we’ve categorized a list of the area’s top java joints. Whether you’re searching for quick caffeine fix, or a fancy French press to start your morning, here’s where to fuel up.

ON-THE-GO GRINDS

Charmington’s: Though it’s been around for nearly a decade, this Remington hangout gained its claim to fame in 2015—when former president Barack Obama stopped in for lunch. (Still today, there’s a chair marked “President Obama Sat Here” at one of the front tables.) Popular pick-me-up: The current menu plays up fall flavors, with options ranging from matcha to honey-cardamom lattes. 2601 N. Howard St., 410-235-5004

High Grounds Coffee Roasters: Highlandtown residents make a habit of stopping into this corner cafe, which is equipped with a beautifully painted mural of the neighborhood on the building’s exterior. Friendly baristas serve up craft drinks (think mochas, lattes, chai, and steamers) using blends that the shop roasts in-house six days per week. Popular pick-me-up: Check out the seasonal fall favorites, including a pumpkin chai latte and an Autumn spice coffee. 3201 Eastern Ave.

Patterson Perk: No picnic in the park is complete without sustenance from this neighborhood mainstay, which has been serving up signature sips and snacks for nearly two decades. Popular pick-me-up: The specialty drink menu is particularly eye-catching, boasting peanut butter cup, peppermint patty, and “Tuxedo” (dark and white chocolate) lattes. 2501 Eastern Ave., 410-534-1286

Park & Perk: Be on the lookout for this Italian Vespa Ape scooter-turned-coffee cafe on wheels. Owner Matthew Fouse—of Baltimore Rat Czar fame—peddles local Zeke’s coffee blends in iced and hot varieties. Popular pick-me-up: Look out for drip coffees, lattes, cappuccinos, mochas, and other seasonal java drinks.

Taps Fill Station: Grab your growler and head to this destination inside Mt. Vernon Marketplace, which fills reusable containers with beer, wine, olive oil, and a selection of cold-brew coffees from its 30 taps. Popular pick-me-up: Among the local options is a cold brew sourced by Ceremony Coffee Roasters, which is headquartered in Annapolis. 520 Park Ave., 484-998-8277

STUDY SPOTS

The Bun Shop: Worldly eats and drinks (think Vietnamese iced coffee and Paraguayan empanadas) fill the menu at this modern-industrial cafe, which operates two city locations and is preparing to unveil a third in Towson this fall. Popular pick-me-up: The spot features a daily rotating house drip, as well as more complex cups like a honey macchiato, and traditional Chinese yuanyang drink that mixes coffee with milk tea. Multiple locations including 239 W. Read St., 410-989-2033

Bird in Hand: Since its debut two years ago, this Charles Village bookstore-cafe has become a go-to for Johns Hopkins University students and neighborhood locals alike. A collaborative project from Woodberry Kitchen and The Ivy Bookshop, Bird in Hand spotlights craft coffees and teas, a top-notch pastry program, and its own 2,500-title collection. Popular pick-me-up: Look out for a few new fall offerings, including a lovely lavender cappuccino. 11 E. 33rd St., 410-243-0757

Cunningham’s Cafe and Bakery: Students frequently flock to this trendy Towson spot for brain food like crème fraiche pancakes, avocado toast, and yogurt with house-made granola. Popular pick-me-up: Move over, pumpkin spice. Cunningham’s serves a Nutella latte, mixed with a shot of espresso and special hazelnut syrup. 1 Olympic Place, 443-339-7750

OneDo Coffee Roasters: Longtime Canton residents Gloria Hwang and James Park opened the doors to this community hangout in 2018, and they’ve been serving up house roasts, signature teas, and seasonal specialties ever since. Pro-tip: stop in for lunch to enjoy a colorful salad or pressed panini. Popular pick-me-up: Cortado with whole milk. 913 S. Lakewood Ave.

Order & Chaos: In 2016, local marketing firm Planit Agency unveiled this shop adjacent to its modern offices on Key Highway in South Baltimore. Order a Belgian waffle and get comfy with your laptop in the back study area, which is equipped with communal tables and ample white boards. Popular pick-me-up: The new wave of seasonal sips includes a spiced black tea latte, turmeric pumpkin-spice latte, and the “Pumpkin Fluff Spectacular”—a fall-inspired espresso drink complete with candy corn-infused marshmallow fluff. 1401 Key Highway, 410-244-1111

Pitango Bakery and Cafe: A spinoff of popular dessert destination Pitango Gelato, this Fells Point cafe features coffees, teas, pastries, and a variety of sandwiches on fresh-baked breads. Popular pick-me-up: The spot has become known for its traditional affogato, which drowns a scoop of gelato in rich sipping chocolate. 903 S. Ann St., 443-676-6447

HOT HANGOUTS

Aveley Farms Coffee: Focused on educating patrons about how, exactly, their coffee ends up in their cup, this Harbor East hangout serves its own globally-inspired blends, as well as collaborative options from other local roasters including Keffa Coffee downtown. Popular pick-me-up: Try the new Autumn Spiced Latte to ring in the season. 1400 Aliceanna St. 443-465-8057

Baby’s on Fire: Stop into this Mt. Vernon haven to flip through bins of vinyl while indulging in your daily dose of caffeine. There are also plenty of scones, muffins, pastries, and sandwiches to choose from during breakfast and lunch. Popular pick-me-up: Sample the shop’s dark chocolate-infused Hair Bender blend sourced by Stumptown Coffee Roasters in Portland, OR. 1010 Morton St., 443-885-9892

Ground & Griddled: Hampden locals were devastated when owner Dave Sherman closed Café Cito in the neighborhood last year. But, luckily, Sherman is still slinging coffee not too far away at this spot inside R. House. The coffee program—in addition to the Instagram-worthy biscuit sandwiches—keeps regulars coming back. Popular pick-me-up: G&G carries Stumptown’s original and nitro cold-brews on draft year-round. 301 W. 29th St., 443-681-1901

Dovecote Café: Grab your morning joe at this beloved Reservoir Hill anchor, which maintains its motto of being a “community first and cafe second.” (Insider’s tip: try the peach upside-down cake.) Popular pick-me-up: Dovecote features an array of small-batch coffees that pay homage to the owners’ backgrounds. Among them is Brewklyn Grind Coffee Roasters from co-owner Aisha Pew’s native Brooklyn. 2501 Madison Ave., 443-961-8677

Hanover & Hughes Collective: Located behind the Vision co-working complex in Federal Hill, Hanover & Hughes features garage-style doors, a thriving green wall, and lounge seating for guests to sip drinks made with local Ceremony Coffee. Popular pick-me-up: You can’t go wrong with an espresso, Americano, latte, cold brews, or pour-overs. 15 W. Hughes St.

Red Emma’s Bookstore Coffeehouse: Curl up with a good read at this cooperative-run bookstore. On top of being a venue for various readings and arts events, the cafe serves vegetarian eats paired with its own house-roasted Thread Coffee. Popular pick-me-up: If you’re in the mood for a boozy beverage, add a shot of rye, vodka, or vanilla rum to any of the café’s featured drinks. 1225 Cathedral St., 443-602-7611

Square Meal: The all-day cafe inside Mt. Vernon’s Hotel Revival boasts modern tiled floors, wooden accents, and a killer coffee program. Pair the sophisticated drinks (including a peach matcha garnished with pink peppercorns) with the locally sourced sandwiches, salads, and dinner plates. Popular pick-me-up: Fuel up for your day with the signature turmeric-ginger-carrot juice cappuccino.101 W. Monument St.

CRAFT COFFEES

3 Bean Coffee: This inviting Federal Hill spot takes an ultra-local approach, serving Dangerously Delicious pies, Stone Mill pastries, and Kinderhook snacks. Enjoy the neighborhood vibe while sipping various coffees and loose leaf teas. Popular pick-me-up: A specialty drink menu lists seasonal sips including lavender and honey graham lattes. 209 Key Highway, 410-216-3339

Ceremony Coffee: At this trendy coffee chain with locations in Annapolis, Mt. Vernon, and Harbor Point, sip creative concoctions that make use of beans from as far as Guatemala and Ethiopia. Popular pick-me-up: New libations like the “Falling Leaves” (espresso, maple, hazelnut, and autumn spices) will be sure to put you in a seasonal mood. Multiple locations including 520 Park Ave., 443-835-1659.

Greenmount Coffee Lab: The worker-owned cooperative behind Red Emma’s has launched this sister-spot inside arts incubator Open Works in Station North. The new space specializes in locally sourced snacks and vegan donuts, and serves as an expansion of the collective’s wholesale coffee business Thread Coffee. Popular pick-me-up: Modernize your morning with Greenmount’s specialty Goth Latte—a dark gray mix of activated charcoal, vanilla syrup, coffee and milk. 1400 Greenmount Ave., 410-862-0921.

Roggenart: The praise keeps on coming for this Columbia shop, featuring fresh-baked pastries, rolls, pretzels, and baguettes. The Falls Road shop, whose name translates to “the art of rye” in German—also features an array of European coffees and teas. Popular pick-me-up: The café freddos (Italian iced lattes) are described on the menu as “liquid hugs for your brain.” 6476 Dobbin Center Way, Columbia.

Sophomore Coffee: Part of the shared dining complex that houses Fadensonnen and Larder in Old Goucher, this inclusive coffee shop offers a seasonal program with blends from Brooklyn, New York-based Partners Coffee Roasters. Co-owners, and veteran baristas, Kris Fulton and Ann Travers Fortune incorporate their extensive coffee knowledge into their house-drips, espressos, and flash brew options. Popular pick-me-up: The Shakerado. 2223 Maryland Ave.

Spro Coffee: While gallivanting around the Avenue in Hampden, take a load off at this cozy shop, which sources its “progressive” blends from growers across the country and roasts its coffee in house. Snag a seat inside, or hang out beneath the twinkling lights on the back patio while fueling up. Popular pick-me-up: The international-inspired offerings include Thai tea, Vietnamese iced coffee, and spicy Mexican hot chocolate. 851 W. 36th St., 410-243-1262

Vent Coffee Roasters: This homegrown roaster has finally settled into its new digs at Union Collective. Swing by to sample next-level blends from as far as Ethiopia, Colombia, Honduras, and Kenya. Popular pick-me-up: Enhance your cold brew, macchiato, or Americano with banana or lavender-flavored simple syrups. 1700 W. 41st St.

RELIABLE ROASTS

Artifact Coffee: A homey vibe permeates this rustic Clipper Mill haunt, which continues James Beard Award-winning chef Spike Gjerde’s sustainable mantra with its regionally sourced snacks, salads, and pastries. Popular-pick-me-up: Latte art abounds at Artifact, which makes use of a mocha-java “Hologram” blend with notes of chocolate and fruit sourced from Counter Culture Coffee in North Carolina. 1500 Union Ave., 410-235-1881

Cafe Latte’da: This gem of a spot in Fells Point has become a go-to for morning jo, blended smoothies, and local Diablo Doughnuts. Grab you average order, or step outside of the box with an espresso, macchiato, or cafe au lait. Popular-pick-me-up: The “Dirty Hippie” (chai and espresso) or “Almond Joy” with almond, coconut, and chocolate. 1704 Aliceanna St.

Common Ground: Boasting hand-painted murals and artsy chalkboard menus, this inviting Hampden hangout makes use of local grinds from the likes of Ceremony Coffee Roasters and Zeke’s Coffee. Enjoy grab-and-go fare including the shop’s fan-favorite muffins in flavors like pumpkin cream cheese and lavender honey. Popular pick-me-up: A mean masala-chai latte or a signature smoothie combining chai, peanut butter, and banana. 819 W. 36th St., 410-235-5533

The Daily Grind: Fells Point residents make this shop a part of their morning routine. Stop in for blended chai lattes and smoothies, as well as classic coffees with an array of flavored syrups (think coconut, pineapple, and Irish cream). Popular pick-me-up: For an extra boost of energy, try the “Jitter Machine,” a mix of espresso, chocolate, and cream. 1720 Thames St. 410-558-0399

Dooby’s: Whether you’re in search of a steamy bowl of ramen or warm cup of coffee this season, this Korean-inspired Mt. Vernon favorite has got you covered. Popular pick-me-up: If you’re a matcha fan, try Dooby’s green matcha latte served either iced or warm. 802 N. Charles St., 410-609-3162

Park Café & Coffee Bar: Bolton Hill coffee fiends rejoiced when this neighborhood café reopened under new ownership last year. Luckily, the shop hasn’t changed much, and still serves its signature drinks, soups, sandwiches, and house-baked goods. Popular pick-me-up: Customize your cup with house-made syrups in flavors ranging from maple and caramel to lavender and honey-thyme citrus. 132 McMechen St., 410-225-9282

Teavolve: Dive into a good book or catch an open mic night at this Harbor East eatery known for its coffees, smoothies, and light fare. Popular pick-me-up: Tea lovers enjoy its lengthy loose leaf list that includes many green, black, chai, oolong, and infusion options. 1401 Aliceanna St., 410-522-1907

Zeke’s Coffee: Locals can’t get enough of this Hamilton coffee institution, which recently settled into larger digs on Harford Road. Swing by to check out the new cafe, or look out for Zeke’s roasts at multiple farmers’ markets and restaurants throughout the state. Popular pick-me-up: The Charm City blend—which is meant to pay homage to the diversity of the area—mixes various beans with an Italian-roasted base. 4719 Harford Road, 410-254-0122

OPEN

Zeke’s Coffee: Baltimore County dwellers can now fuel up with homegrown Zeke’s Coffee while strolling the aisles of the brand new Green Valley Marketplace in Timonium. The Hamilton-based roastery now operates its own cafe inside the grocery store, offering its signature blends alongside bagels, muffins, pastries, and breakfast sandwiches. In addition to Zeke’s, the locally owned grocery chain also offers kombucha on tap, a sushi bar, a full bakery department, and Maryland blue crabs steamed in-store. 15 E. Padonia Rd., Timonium. 410-628-1700

CH-CH CHANGES

Sam’s Canterbury Cafe: You might notice a few changes the next time you stop in to see the namesake Sam at this community-focused cafe, whose mission includes providing meaningful employment for individuals with autism. After closing briefly for renovations last month, the inviting spot now features a new kitchen with pass-through access to the dining area, making service more efficient. Additionally, the menu has been refreshed with house made pastries, as well as sandwiches made with breads and bagels from Stone Mill Bakery. Be on the lookout for other new items including a curried chicken salad wrap, folded flatbread with mozzarella and burrata, and avocado toast with arugula and cherry tomatoes. 3811 Canterbury Rd. 443-438-4545

WINTER BREAKS

Bmore Licks: This Patterson Park dessert spot is taking its annual winter hiatus starting Sunday, December 23. Until then, be sure to get your fix of festive flavors including Christmas cookie (sweet sugar cookie base with Christmas sprinkles) and candy cane Oreo, a mixture of peppermint stick ice cream with candy cane pieces and Oreo crumbles. The shop is expected to make its return just in time for the rising temperatures this spring, with plenty of snowballs, donuts, dessert tacos, and drippy double-scoop cones to go around. 2437 Eastern Ave. 410-732-5425

Baltimore Farmers’ Market & Bazaar: This weekend will be the last for farmers’ market fiends to score local goods beneath the Jones Falls Expressway. The 41st season of the Baltimore Farmers’ Market & Bazaar official ends Sunday, but all of the fan-favorite crafters and food purveyors will be back again come April. To celebrate another great season, organizers are giving away free tote bags to the first 50 visitors who stop by the Welcome Tent near Hillen Street. Another plus: the final market offers tons of holiday essentials for last-minute shoppers. Highlights will include wreaths and decorative greenery, craft mead by Charm City Meadworks, and locally sourced meats from Albright Farms. Beneath the Jones Falls Expressway at Holliday and Saratoga streets. 7 a.m.-12 p.m.

SHUT

The Hoof Cafe: Just six months after opening in Locust Point, this neighborhood coffee corner has sadly closed its doors. In a message posted to Facebook earlier this month, co-owner Rebecca Friedman announced that she made the tough decision to close the cafe due to a family emergency. The post goes on to thank all of the neighbors who supported the eatery throughout its short-but-sweet run. “We do believe a coffee shop is needed in Locust Point,” it reads. The owners are currently searching for a new team to take over the shop, which became known for its warm lattes, cozy furniture, filling egg sandwiches, and local ice cream scoops sourced from South Mountain Creamery. 1648 E. Fort Ave.

Remington Wine Co.: Remington locals have taken to social media to lament the loss of this go-to wine and spirits shop on West 29th Street, which sold its last bottles earlier this month. In a message posted to Instagram, husband-and-wife owners Mitchell Pressman and Debbie Jones announced that financial circumstances both “beyond our control and of our own making have made it impossible to continue operating.”

Two years ago, the owners debuted the store as a continuation of Chesapeake Wine Co. in the Canton Can Company—which they operated for 17 years before deciding to downsize. “Remington is a neighborhood in the midst of big changes, and it has been our pleasure to meet and get to know both old and new members of the community,” the post reads. “The support you have given us, as well as the continued support of customers we brought to Remington from our 17 years in Canton, has been terrific.” 329 W. 29th St.

The end of summer used to come with some crushing disappointments (so long, beach waves). But for those of us with children in the house, it feels like a good time to breathe a sigh of relief because back to school season is before us (so long, kids). The glory of back to school means you don’t have to balance as much when it comes to work and parenting, or shell out hundreds of dollars for camps, or worry with just how the heck to keep your rambunctious mess-makers occupied all day, every day. My, how you’ve aged.

No matter what the beginning of the school year means for you—more time to work or more time for keeping up with the day to day tasks of running a family home—it’s totally okay to relish the start of school. Maybe even celebrate it a little. Here are things you should definitely do to embrace the kids being back in school:

Grab a drink by the water at Boathouse Canton.
If there were ever a reason to sit by the water with a drink in your hand until you tip over (just kidding!), back to school week is it. Boathouse in Canton is much loved for its beautiful views, outdoor patio, tasty bites, and solid drink choices, making it the perfect place to celebrate, whether noon or night. While the restaurant is open year round, the smaller, down-to-earth dock bar is only open through October. So, if you’re planning to hit up a happy hour, complete with live music, fruity crushes, and beautiful outdoor weather, back to school season is the perfect time of year. Sans kids, of course.

Try a new workout at The Movement Lab.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock (or a couple of wild children, more than likely), you’ve probably heard about the amazing workout classes happening at The Movement Lab in Remington. With so many options like kickboxing, jazz dance, various kinds of yoga, and antigravity suspension classes, it will be tough to pick just one. No worries, though: You can utilize the $99 Fall Reset Special for new students and try them all.

Get some work done at Zeke’s.
The much-loved coffee joint, which expanded to a larger spot on Harford Road in Hamilton last year, is still the home of Baltimore’s best cup of joe. Go for the coffee, stay for the pastries and laptop-friendly atmosphere. And while you’re at it, take home a refillable cold brew growler. Whether you just need a quick coffee, a place to hang out, a spot to schedule a meeting, or to spend the day typing away, Zeke’s has everything you need for all those not-so-lonesome, kid-free school days.

Enjoy a cut and a color at Tease Salon.
The start of a new school year means new clothes, shoes, and hair cuts for the kids. But what about for you? If you haven’t gotten your tresses chopped by the amazing hair-artists at Tease Salon on York Road in Cockeysville yet, now is the perfect time to book your first appointment. Owner Jenny Newberger is a master stylist, who will make your hair do all the right things. But the artists at the shop don’t shy away from funky cuts and all kinds of color, either. So, if you want some red hot streaks to start the school year off right, don’t be afraid to ask.

Meet a friend at The Handlebar Cafe.
Baltimoreans love their bikes. But they also love a great local spot to grab a bite with a pal, complete with quality brews, The Handlebar Cafe in Fells Point, with it’s cool, bike-savvy vibe, has it all. With a built-in bike shop, a badass bar, and a delicious menu filled with tons of healthy options and a dozen wood-fired pizza options to choose from, there’s something for everyone (and no training wheels necessary).

Embrace self-care with Zeel.
If you’ve been telling yourself you’re going to finally get that massage you’ve been dreaming of for months, wait no more. Zeel, a new massage-on-demand app that caters to the Baltimore area, lets you book an at-home massage with just a couple of swipes. The price, including tip, is quite reasonable and you can even book a same day massage, so it truly is “on-demand.” You massuer will bring their own table and when you’re massage is done, they’ll be out the door in minutes. We can think of no better way to ring in the new school year.

Picture 2,000 people all hopped up on caffeine eager to learn the latest trends in the coffee industry and all in search of their next cup of joe. This will be the scene at the Baltimore Convention Center March 16-18 as coffee bean connoisseurs will flock to the city for Coffee Fest.

Since 1992, this trade show has been providing education, competitions, and the ultimate networking experience to industry professionals around the country—hosting in well-known coffee towns like Seattle, Denver, and Los Angeles—but this is the first time it’s being held in Baltimore. 

“We do some coffee research to try to find the best places,” said marketing manager for Coffee Fest Holly Barrett. “We decided on Baltimore because it was an area we haven’t been to before, and the coffee scene is growing—it was a perfect fit.”

The weekend-long convention will feature more than 150 hours of educational seminars on topics ranging from customer service and leadership to coffee roasting and starting a business. The show will also include contests like America’s Best Espresso and a latte art competition, both featuring regional favorite Ceremony Coffee.

“They don’t use any other tools besides coffee and milk to create the latte art,” Barrett said. “It’s a pretty competitive arena—we get competitors from Japan and Korea.” 

Local roaster Zeke’s Coffee will also host plant tours on Saturday and Sunday of Coffee Fest for the attendees to learn how to select green coffee beans and roasting methods from experts. Brett Rhodes, the sales and special events manager of Zeke’s said they were honored to be approached by Coffee Fest organizers to exclusively host the tours.  

“Baltimore is becoming more of a coffee scene,” Rhondes said. “It’s taken a little bit longer than other places, but there is certainly a coffee culture growing. There are a lot of different coffees and roasting methods in the world, but we’re really focused on providing locally roasted coffee and being a part of the community we service.”

While the main conference is exclusively for trade industry professionals to learn and connect, there will be public events around the city for locals to join in the caffeinated-festivities.

Vent Coffee Roasters is hosting a Latte Art Showdown on March 4 at Union Craft Brewing in preparation for the Coffee Fest latte art competition. The family-friendly event is free and open to the public to watch baristas out-latte each other in a single elimination competition. The top three winners will walk away with tickets to Coffee Fest, espresso swag, and a bottle of coffee amaro donated by the Baltimore Whiskey Company.

“We wanted to do give baristas a chance to practice before competing at Coffee Fest,” said Sarah Walker, co-owner of Vent. “We also wanted to be able to offer a way to get to know us a little better. Baltimore’s coffee scene is growing, and Coffee Fest is helping to put us on the map.”

Peace and a Cup of Joe owner Themar Long is taking advantage of the unique timing of the conference—St. Patrick’s Day weekend—by hosting an Irish whiskey, cigar, and coffee pairing event. He will be partnering with Quintessential Gentleman (QG), a local men’s grooming shop, on March 17 to show locals that coffee is more versatile than just a morning fix. Long himself enjoys a nice BnB Cigar with a cup of coffee that’s been spiked with a shot of scotch, and a splash of Irish cream.

“I want to show how diverse coffee is and how often you can enjoy it,” he said. “You can also pair it with cigars and different types of liquors like Irish whiskey and scotch because it’s an after-dinner digestant.”

After being on the local coffee scene for more than a decade, Long is excited about the way the trade has evolved into more than just a typical cup of joe with cream.

“I think the awareness and appreciation of good coffee has really grown,” he said. “For Coffee Fest to actually come to Baltimore and host a conference, I think that says a lot about what we are doing here.”

Matthew Fouse is a man of many hobbies. You have him to thank for the city’s iconic rat bumper stickers. The design—which centers the letters “BALT” inside the shape of a rat—was conceived nearly a decade ago, when Fouse was searching for a way to break the ice with his Charles Village neighbors. He printed them t-shirts featuring the logo, and it didn’t take long for the icon to catch on with the community. Soon enough, Fouse was selling rat merch to local shops like Trohv and Atomic Books.

“I ended up quitting my real job just to print rat stuff,” Fouse says. “It’s kind of like my Portlandia bit. I put a rat on anything—mugs, t-shirts, hats.”

Now, the self-proclaimed Rat Czar is branching out with a venture inspired by another one of his interests: vintage Italian scooters.

“I am a scooter nerd,” he says. “I collect Vespas, and really anything odd.”

When he acquired his latest purchase—a rare Vespa Ape made in Italy—he was surprised to find that it came equipped with an espresso machine, sink, and refrigeration unit. And, thus, the coffee cart Park and Perk was born.

“I was like, ‘I guess I’m opening a mobile coffee business,’” Fouse says, with a laugh. “I love coffee and I love scooters, it was perfect.”

Park and Perk recently hit the streets selling brews that make use of local Zeke’s coffee blends. Inspired by the European coffee carts that Fouse visited while traveling in Florence a few years back, the scooter peddles drip coffees, lattes, cappuccinos, mochas, and other seasonal java drinks.

The cart has already popped up at local events and small businesses in the area. Once the spring hits, Fouse is hoping to plan a more concrete schedule with stops outside of hospitals and at weekly food truck rallies. 

“I’m really excited to have it evolve to where I start to meet regulars,” he says. “I really like people. You can go buy a cup of coffee anywhere, but I want this to be more of an occasion.”

Fouse compares his vision to other small businesses like The Charmery, where he says patrons have more of a holistic community experience, rather than simply buying an ice cream cone. He is even toying with the idea of hiring a vocalist to sing for guests as they purchase their coffee.

But, when it comes to the rat merch, patrons are going to have to look elsewhere.

“I could technically sell merchandise, but I’ve been hoping to keep those two businesses separate,” Fouse says. “From the moment that people are within the radius of my cart, I want them to feel like they’re in Florence.”

CH-CH CHANGES

Chick and Ruth’s Delly: Earlier this week, owner Ted Levitt announced that he had sold this iconic Annapolis eatery, whose bright orange exterior has been a landmark on Main Street since Levitt’s parents—the namesake Chick and Ruth—opened the diner more than 50 years ago. The deli has long been a favorite gathering place for locals and politicians to get their fix of breakfast fare, overstuffed sandwiches, and claim-to-fame crab cakes. Regulars will be happy to hear that new owner Keith Jones doesn’t plan on changing much about the neighborhood mainstay. “There’s an excitement about getting engaged in the work, but also an excitement about getting engaged in the community,” Jones told Capital Gazette earlier this week. “It’s a phenomenal legacy that they’ve built, and it’s an awesome responsibility to maintain it.” 165 Main St., Annapolis, 410-269-6737

Luigi’s Italian Deli: In other deli news, this Hampden hotspot recently announced that it would begin offering weekday breakfast effective October 2. The Italian outpost on The Avenue, which changed ownership earlier this year, currently serves its signature hoagies and pasta salads strictly during lunch and dinner service. But starting next month, the spot will open bright and early at 7 a.m. on weekdays with a new morning menu highlighting breakfast sandwiches and piping-hot coffee. 846 W. 36th St., 443-438-4195

OPEN

The Chasseur: Last weekend, revelers flocked to this Canton corner bar for the grand opening of its long-awaited rooftop space. Just in time for football season, the open-air hangout is officially up and running with garage-style doors, multiple flat screens, plenty of barstool seating, and a killer view down to the water. The upstairs menu features its own raw bar and an array of seasonal Crushes in flavors including classic orange and pineapple. 3328 Foster Ave., 410-327-6984

COMING SOON

Bunzzz Sports Bar & Grill: Come spring, shoppers will be able to grab a bite to eat while perusing The Gallery in the Inner Harbor. The brainchild of husband-and-wife owners Bernar and Angela Tallitsch, the sports bar will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the vacant space that formerly housed Brooks Brothers on the first floor. As its name denotes, the spot will focus on burgers with many different bun options ranging from sesame and rye rolls to a sweet cinnamon bun and a Hawaiian-themed bun with Maui onions. The opening will mark the return of dining to the mall, which hasn’t seen a sit-down eatery since its food court was converted to office space last year. 201 E. Pratt St., 410-332-4192

Mezcal Mexican Restaurant & Bar: A second location of this Owings Mills favorite will join the likes of MOM’s Organic Market and THB Bagels & Deli in Timonium’s Yorkridge Shopping Center next month. Expected to open mid-October, the cantina will offer its signature tacos, burritos, tableside guacamole, and massive tequila drinks. (Read more about Mezcal and other top taco spots around town in our upcoming October issue.) 6 W. Ridgely Road, Lutherville-Timonium.

Zeke’s Coffee: This Hamilton coffee institution is making moves to larger digs next week, but, luckily, it isn’t going far. The cafe and all of its baking operations have migrated to a 4,000-square-foot space just one block north, inside the brand new SoHa Row development at 4719 Harford Road. Slated to open next Wednesday, September 27, the new eatery will boast additional seating and walls hand-painted with Zeke’s signature logos. The food offerings will carry over in the new cafe, which will emphasize coffees and cold brews, as well as bagels, pastries, and build-your-own sandwiches. 4719 Harford Road.

NEWS

Ben Lefenfeld to Compete at NYC Wine & Food Festival: Our own Ben Lefenfeld—the chef/owner behind La Cuchara in Woodberry and Minnow in Riverside—is headed to the Big Apple next month for Food Network’s New York City Wine & Food Festival. In an Iron Chef-style battle hosted by celebrity chef Alton Brown, Lefenfeld will go head-to-head with nearly 30 other cooks from around the country who will all craft dishes inspired by autumn’s bounty. “I’m looking forward to driving a truckload of beautiful Maryland produce up I-95,” Lefenfeld said in a press release. The competition on October 14 will award multiple cash prizes to the winning chefs, who will be chosen by both Food Network judges and event attendees.

OrderUp Officially Transitions to Grubhub: You might notice a few changes the next time you try to order takeout. Grubhub recently took over all 27 markets of the Baltimore-based delivery service OrderUp, causing the app to redirect to Grubhub’s ordering platforms. Although the interphase is noticeably different, many of the same local restaurants (and a few additional spots) have vowed to continue using the service. The official transition comes as a result of Grubhub acquiring OrderUp from its parent company Groupon in August.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

10/2: Farm to Chef Maryland
Now in its eighth year, this foodie fundraiser at the B&O Railroad Museum continues to unite local chefs and growers to benefit TasteWise Kids—an organization that educates elementary school students about the importance of urban agriculture and healthy eating. Each local chef—this year’s participants include Scott Hines of B&O American Brasserie, Jerry Trice of Gunther & Co., and Kevin Cauthorne of Myth & Moonshine—will partner with an area farm to craft a dish based on its seasonal bounty. Members of the Baltimore Bartenders’ Guild will also be on hand to judge cocktails made with local spirits and ingredients sourced from the participating farms. 901 W. Pratt St., 7-9:30 p.m., $90-110

10/8: The Smoke Show Mark your calendar for this epic barbecue collaboration between chefs Chad Gauss of The Food Market in Hampden and Josh White of Cockeysville ’cue joint Smoke. The tailgate-style event will feature a menu that fuses the styles of both restaurants, with eats including potato soup with smoked gouda croutons, pastrami sandwiches with beer cheese fondue, smoked carrots, Korean barbecue ribs, and smoked pumpkin s’mores. There will also be a live DJ, photo booth, screens for viewing the Ravens game, and plenty of local libations to wash down all of the eats. Whitehall Mill, 3300 Clipper Mill Road, 3 p.m., $55

SHUT

La Folie Wine Bar & Steak Frites: Just over a year after opening in Canton’s O’Donnell Square, this French bistro known for its steak frites and frosé has closed its doors for good. Managing partner Mel Carter recently told the Baltimore Business Journal that he closed the spot in order to focus on his other two neighborhood concepts Blue Hill Tavern and Shiso Tavern. There’s no word yet on what will become of the space, which previously operated as Tavern on the Square before transitioning to La Folie last summer. 2903 O’Donnell St.

In most cases, selling a restaurant is bittersweet. But for Matthew and Andy Weaver, the husband-and-wife duo behind Maggie’s Farm in Hamilton, the connection is more personal.

“I’m a little heartsick,” Andy says. “The restaurant is where my husband and I met as co-workers, became business partners, and eventually became partners in life. It’s where we really grew as individuals and as a team.”

The couple met in 2010 while working for the restaurant’s predecessor, The Chameleon Cafe, and took over the space two years later, transforming it into a homey destination for creative cocktails and Lowcountry comfort food.

But earlier this week, the owners decided to put Maggie’s Farm on the market in order to focus all of their attention on a new concept that they are referring to as “Restaurant B.”

The brand new, 4,000-square-foot eatery will anchor Hamilton’s in-the-works SoHa Union project, aptly named after its location along Southern Avenue and Harford Road. Community mainstay Zeke’s Coffee has also signed on to work with the developers spearheading the mixed-use property, which is expected to debut summer 2017.

After the owners discovered that Restaurant B was on track to open a few months earlier than anticipated, they came to the realization that juggling both spots would be too much to take on.

“We’re hoping that someone with a little more capital can come in and make Maggie’s more self-sustaining,” Andy says. “Matthew and I don’t see ourselves being able to manage two locations concurrently. We’d rather leave Maggie’s in the hands of a good caretaker than see it suffer.”

The business—which includes a Class B liquor license, fully equipped kitchen and bar, basement storage, garden space, and ample parking—is listed for $100, 000. Andy says that, ideally, she would like for the new owners to preserve the Maggie’s Farm concept, but she and Matthew are open to hearing new propositions. Maggie’s will be open for lunch and dinner service as normal while the team searches for a buyer.

In the meantime, the owners will work on developing the new restaurant—a space more than double the size of Maggie’s that will feature an open kitchen, woodfire grill, outdoor patio, spacious bar and dining room, and its own private events area.

The concept, says Andy, will explore a fusion of traditional French fare and Southern-style barbecue.

“They’re two cuisines that are very much based on peasant food,” she explains. “But then once they hit different cultures and cosmopolitan areas they got a little more refined.”

Though Andy says the decision to leave Maggie’s behind was difficult, she is happy to remain a part of Hamilton’s budding food scene.

“Part of what makes this decision a little easier is that we’re staying in the area,” she says. “We’ve outgrown the space, not only in size, but in terms of what we’re able to do with our ideas. We’re excited to be a little more challenged.”

Coffee desert no more, Baltimore is blessed with many a caffeine oasis. We regularly indulge in the creamy cortado steamed at Johnny’s and the deep-mug satisfaction poured at Atwater’s. Here we highlight a few cups that stand out for their sheer audacity. Take a slug:

Rusty’s Sea Salt Massaged Ka’u
Spro, the tiny Hampden coffeehouse that serves up big flavor and long waits, now lists a cup that is also remarkably expensive. The $15 ka’u, brewed in a vac pot straight out of chemistry class, relies on beans that have been salt-rubbed during fermentation. Spro’s crib notes suggest it gives off “notes of pineapple, cherry and grape that lingers with a tannic, cabernet sauvignon type finish.” Our early morning taste buds didn’t catch all that, but we did savor the smooth sipping, salt-tinged taste, and whiff of the sea. It’s like waking up on the beach.

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Siphon Brewed
At Starbucks’ spacious new lounge in the Inner Harbor, you can order a $10 siphon-brewed cup that calls for seven minutes of preparation on a halogen-powered burner, 90 seconds of steeping and precisely four stirs. Our cup, brewed from 22 grams of Tanzania kimuli reserve beans, drew a crowd and delivered a gulp that was very hot and very light-bodied. Also light on flavor. On the upside, you don’t get that nasty post-coffee throat coat.

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Nitro Cold-Brew
We loved Tesfa Coffee, a sweet spot in Ridgely’s Delight that served drinks, sandwiches, and job training to youth aging out of foster care, until it sadly closed its doors last month. One of our favorite menu items was its nitro, which was cold-brewed for 24 hours, stored in a keg, and infused with nitrogen. The glass pint of brew looked more like a beer: cold, pale, and topped with a foamy head. Though Tesfa is closed, Taps Fill Station at the new Mt. Vernon Marketplace takes up the cause of nitro brew. A 10-ounce glass of Ceremony nitro cold brew is $3.50 or take home a 32-ounce growler for $12.50.

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Spike-ee-ato
At Artifact, where the crowd is hip and the coffee is hot, you can down the Spike-ee-ato. A shot of espresso in one demitasse, a shot topped with foam in another. The one-two punch, named for chef/owner Spike Gjerde, is sure to spike your day with its chocolate-rich intensity. A mere $3.50.

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Kopi Luwak
The Asian palm civet is a squirrel-style tree-dweller with a reputation as a picky eater. Up all night, it sniffs out the ripest coffee berries, downs them, and then—let’s say—expels them. Cleaned, roasted, and brewed, kopi luwak delivers what Zeke’s roastery manager Ryan Schmidt calls “an excellent, smooth cup.” Zeke’s Coffee hosted a tasting of the rare brew in January at $10 a slug. It may again next year—provided it can find ethically sourced beans. Apparently since the coffee became famous, entrepreneurs have been capturing and caging the civets. Zeke’s insists on the real deal: hand picked from the jungle floor in Indonesia. “The last thing we want to do is upset anybody or hurt any civet weasels,” says Schmidt. News of a tasting will be posted on Zeke’s site in December.