Bar Vasquez: Earlier this week, Foreman Wolf Restaurant Group debuted this new Argentinian concept in the former Pazo space on Aliceanna Street. In a swift, four-week turnaround, local interior designer Katie DeStefano has replaced Pazo’s romantic reds with brighter décor (think Brazilian Tiger wood, 15-foot palm trees, and leaf mosaic stenciling) reminiscent of South American culture. Executive chef Mario Cano Catalán’s menu features fired meats, ceviches, empanadas, and traditional Argentinian street pizzas paired with an impressive array of Malbecs and craft cocktails. Mark your calendar for Bar Vasquez’s first official cocktail event on November 13, which will benefit Youth Works, an organization dedicated to employing the city’s youth. 1425 Aliceanna St., 410-534-7926

Five and Dime Ale House: Oliver Brewing owners Justin Dvorkin and Don Kelly opened the doors to their newest offshoot brewpub in the old Murphy’s five-and-dime store on the Avenue in Hampden last week. The aptly named ale house pays homage to the building’s former inhabitant by maintaining its original logos and tile work, but also features an upgraded interior with sleek wood bar tops, leather furniture, and hand painted murals. The new hangout boasts 40 draft taps (15 of which are Oliver beers) and a menu full of upscale pub grub including burgers, pizzas, tacos, and salads. 901 W. 36th St., 443-835-2179

Wicked Sisters: In other Hampden news, this new dining destination from the owners of Alexander’s Tavern and Huck’s American Craft opened in the former McCabe’s building on Falls Road earlier this week. Though the space was severely damaged in a fire a few years back, it has been completely revamped, now boasting a brand new interior and its own game room with shuffleboard and multiple flat-screen TVs. Under the helm of executive chef Jason Horwitz, the menu will highlight an array of soups and salads, heartier lunch and dinner entrees, and the spot’s soon-to-be claim to fame, raclette (a slab of gooey cow’s milk cheese scraped right off the wheel and served tableside). 3845 Falls Road, 410-467-1000

Zoë’s Kitchen: On the heels of welcoming the likes of Bar Louie, Mission BBQ, and Smashburger, the brand new mixed-use Foundry Row development in Owings Mills debuted this Mediterranean outpost yesterday. The new eatery, which marks the Texas-based chain’s 200th location, offers a variety of kabobs, hummus, and pita sandwiches stuffed with everything from Greek chicken with caramelized onions to rosemary ham with lemon vinaigrette. 10130 Reisterstown Road, Owings Mills, 410-908-2088

CH-CH CHANGES

Clementine: After taking a year hiatus to focus on catering private events, husband-and-wife owners Winston Blick and Cristin Dadant realized that the pull of the restaurant business was too strong. Now, the duo is planning to reopen Clementine, their homey comfort food spot on Harford Road, with an updated bar program, a retail section for growler fills and prepared foods to-go, and a rotating menu of locally sourced small plates. If all goes well with fundraising (the owners hope to raise $40,000 to replenish their inventory and spruce up the interior) the space could be up and running again by Thanksgiving. 5402 Harford Road, 410-444-1497

EPICUREAN EVENTS

A Taste of Hampden: Next week, Hampden’s tight-knit food scene is coming together on November 3 to raise money for the Hampden Family Center, which provides everything from after-school programs to senior support services. Mingle with neighbors, chat with chefs, and indulge in more than 20 tasting dishes from the likes of Blue Pit BBQ, Café Cito, Harmony Bakery, Ma Petite Shoe, Play Café, Birroteca, and Rocket to Venus. The Ideal Arts Space, 905 W. 36th St., $40

Joint Venture Supper Series: New York-based pop-up king Danny Newberg is paying a visit to Charm City next week to prepare a two-part dinner series emphasizing wood-fired cuisine. Working side by side with chef Spike Gjerde, Newburg will kick things off with a fish and vegetable-heavy meal at Artifact Coffee on November 2, followed by an outdoor patio party around Parts & Labor’s fireplace on November 3, complete with sharable charcuterie boards and plenty of warm cider to go around. Multiple locations including 1500 Union Ave., 410-235-1881

The Charmery Honors Drake: It’s been a great year for Drake, the multi-platinum performer whose album Views recently eclipsed 1 billion streams online, and The Charmery is paying tribute the only way it knows how. As an homage to the rapper’s Instagram handle (@champagnepapi), the Hampden ice cream parlor is churning out a limited-edition flavor fusing a Dom Pérignon base with poppy seeds throughout. The flavor will be available starting today while supplies last. 801 W. 36th St., 410-814-0493

SHUT

Ruth’s Chris: After 24 years in business, Ruth’s Chris Steak House on Water Street has shuttered its doors. Steve de Castro, CEO of Big Steaks Management, which operates multiple Ruth’s Chris locations along the East Coast, said in a press release that the main reasons behind the closure are due to “changing marketplace dynamics.” The special occasion spot was best known for its meat and potatoes offerings and upstairs Havana Club, which took a major hit after the state’s smoking ban took effect in 2008. 600 Water St., 410-783-0033

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Zoë’s Kitchen: Featuring staples like kabobs, hummus, and pita sandwiches, this Texas-based eatery is a one-stop shop for Mediterranean classics. Zoë’s Kitchen unveiled a new spot on York Road in Towson earlier this week, marking the chain’s third location in Maryland. In addition to Greek-inspired dishes, the menu also lists gourmet soups, grilled Reuben sandwiches, kid-friendly offerings like quesadillas and grilled chicken fingers, and a wide selection of gluten-free options. 6300 York Road, Towson, 410-323-4795

COMING SOON:

Colette: In the midst of getting Bottega back up and running in Station North, owner Adrien Aeschliman has announced plans to open this new French concept just around the corner. Taking over the former Red Parrot Asian Bistro space, Colette will feature a polished interior complete with a granite bar and black wood chair rails. The 80-seat space will emphasize French comfort cuisine with dishes crafted by executive chef Stefano Porcile, whose previous stints include working at local hotspots like Fork & Wrench and Woodberry Kitchen. 1709 N. Charles St.

B-More Kitchen: This yet-to-open incubator will house more than 50 local food startups upon its reveal in Govans this spring. The communal food hub from co-founders Eben Altmann and Jonathan Fishman will feature a 10,000 square-foot commercial kitchen, its own bakery, a wealth of shared cooking supplies, plenty of storage, and an upstairs catering venue. Slated to open in April 2016, the space will allow its members 24/7 access to all of the amenities in order to mass-produce their gourmet goods. 5604 York Road

Blacksauce Kitchen: Known for his claim-to-fame barbecue biscuits, chef Damian Mosley has been making his mark on the local farmers’ market scene for years, and soon, his barbecue brainchild will settle in its first brick-and-mortar space. Blacksauce Kitchen will set up shop in the former home of Sterling’s Crab and Oyster House in Remington, using the kitchen to continue production for farmers’ markets and catering. No word yet on an opening date. 401 W. 29th St.

La Cakerie: Jason Hisley, owner of La Cakerie and a previous Cupcake Wars champion, is bringing his creative confections to Hampden in 2016. La Cakerie currently operates locations in Towson and Mt. Vernon, and this winter it will expand with a new spot on The Avenue. The shop will feature the bakery’s signature morning pastries, an assortment of donuts and muffins, coffee and espresso, and, of course, plenty of elegant cupcakes with flavors ranging from red velvet to raspberry limeade. 1027 W. 36th St.

Mother’s Grille: This Federal Hill fixture is expanding into Baltimore County this winter with a new location off of Padonia Road. The 195-seat space, which was formerly an Applebee’s, will boast a renovated interior with open ceilings, reclaimed wood, and a 65-seat bar. While the restaurant will be a bit more family-inclusive than the Federal Hill flagship, Mother’s signature pub menu full of hefty burgers and sandwiches will carry over in the new space. 2450 Broad Ave., Timonium

Yard House: Pending liquor board transfer approval, this California-based restaurant chain plans to move into Harborplace in the coming months. Yard House, which operates more than 20 locations nationwide, hopes to settle in the former home of longtime Light Street Pavilion tenant J. Paul’s Restaurant. The pub emphasizes 100 brews on tap and an expansive menu with offerings ranging from sushi to grilled Korean pork belly street tacos. 301 Light St.

SHUT:

Dougherty’s Pub: After 33 years in business, this Chase Street pub is closing its doors. Husband and wife owners Bill and Sherry Dougherty are expecting a packed house this weekend, as the bar’s last night will be December 19. Known for its handmade copper-top bar, pool tables, and plethora of pub snacks, the haunt will soon see a completely different aesthetic under new ownership. No word yet on the name of the new space, but Sherry confirms that Dougherty’s has been sold to a MICA grad who plans to reveal a more modern concept in 2016. 223 W. Chase St., 410-752-4059

Chiaparelli’s: This spinoff of the 75-year-old Chiaparelli’s flagship in Little Italy closed its doors in Havre de Grace earlier this week. Rumor has it that the space, situated inside the historic Old Chesapeake Hotel, will be revamped into a seafood restaurant in the coming months. Chiaparelli’s in Little Italy is still going strong. 400 N. Union Ave., Havre de Grace

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