It’s harvest season in Baltimore and this week, the city gives new meaning to “farm to table,” with tons of events scheduled both on local farms and at restaurants around town.
Here’s a look at what’s coming up:
Openings & Announcements
Inverness Brewing in Monkton was originally slated to hold its grand opening last weekend, but they rescheduled to this Saturday, Sept. 22 out of concern for hurricane-related storms.
This weekend, the farm brewery will celebrate its official opening with live music, food from the farm and lots of beer.
A new plant-based restaurant, L’Eau de Vie Organic Brasserie, has opened in the former home of Inn at the Black Olive’s Agora Market.
Sadly, after 71 years in business, Mueller’s Delicatessen will close at the end of Sunday, Sept. 23. The Harford Road deli has been a go-to spot for German meats, beers and other products for decades.
Apple season
As apple-lovers know, it’s prime time for the crunchy fruit. This weekend, a couple local festivals celebrate the harvest.
The 43rd Annual Johnny Appleseed Festival takes place Sept. 22 and 23 at Weber’s Cider Mill Farm in Parkville. The festival includes several dozen arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, live music, tons of kids’ activities and, of course, lots of apple treats, including cold apple slush and apple cider donuts.
The Perry Hall Apple Festival, originally slated for last weekend, will now take place at Chapel Hills Farm & Nursery on Sept. 23.
Charm City Night Market
Have you heard the buzz about Charm City Night Market? It takes place this Saturday, Sept. 22, at 200 Park Ave. downtown.
The market promises to be exciting and diverse, with performances and stalls featuring the work of local artists, a soju/sake/beer garden and food from a ton of local companies that are much-loved for their excellent fare.
The plan for the market is unlike anything else that’s popped up in Baltimore recently; it’s worth checking out.
Family Farm Day
On Sunday in Cockeysville, the Maryland Agricultural Resource Council hosts Family Farm Day, a festival celebrating “all things agriculture.” The festival will include tons of locally produced food, from fruit to honey, plus educational programs, music, exhibitions, arts and crafts and even tractor rides.
Ida B’s at one
Ida B’s Table’s first anniversary celebrations culminate this weekend, with a dance party on Saturday night. Plus, they’re debuting a new fall cocktail menu, so now is a great time to check out the Ida B’s bar.
Busy times at Gertrude’s
Speaking of anniversaries, Gertrude’s is about to celebrate a big one: 20 years on Oct. 1. In the run-up to the big day, which they’re honoring with a party, the restaurant will roll out a new menu, starting Sept. 25.
Following that, chef/owner John Shields will act as host on the Food for Thought stage at the Baltimore Book Festival on Sept. 29. He’ll be on stage from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., doing demos and talking with other food writers and chefs. Plus, during that time, he’ll be on hand to sign copies of his new book, “The New Chesapeake Kitchen.”
They’ll close out all the festivities on Oct. 7, when “The New Chesapeake Kitchen” will officially be released.
Congratulations to Gertrude’s on all the upcoming events!
Farm to Chef Maryland
On Monday, Sept. 24, Farm to Chef Maryland will return for another year of fundraising for TasteWise Kids, a local non-profit that encourages healthy eating by teaching elementary school-aged kids about fresh food.
This year’s event, which will be held at the Assembly Room, will feature 30 chefs, each paired with a farm, competing to create the best savory and sweet bites. There will also be 20 craft beverages to sample. It’s a fun event and one that’s stocked with tons of great food.
Cooking at Cosima
This Wednesday, Sept. 26, Cosima kicks off the first in a series of monthly cooking classes.
This week’s installment will teach attendees how to make a proper Sicilian dinner. The class, taught by Cosima Executive Chef Dona Crivello, will feature seasonal Sicilian dishes, like caponata with panelle, paired with wines from the region.
Old World Wine Dinner at Ampersea
Ampersea will also explore the food and drink of the “Old World” on Wednesday evening, with a wine dinner dedicated to the wines of the region.
The dinner will include five courses of autumn-inspired dishes, like beignets with pine nut butter, dried cherry gastriche and grated cheese paired with Zind Humbrecht’s 2016 Muscat.
The Night Brunch at The Motor House
Also on Wednesday, The Night Brunch pops up at The Motor House. The party will feature two DJs and four food vendors: Urban Oyster, Wild Thyme, Dirty Water Sauce and The Sporty Dog.
Boordy + Sagamore
On Thursday, Sept. 27, Sagamore Spirit will release its Port Finish Rye Whiskey, a limited spirit created in collaboration with Boordy Vineyards. Sagamore used Boordy port barrels to age the whiskey, imbuing it with flavors typically associated with the fortified wine, like dark cherry and raisin.
On Thursday, the Port Covington distillery will offer “advanced sensory training” guided by Sagamore Spirit distillers and winemakers from Boordy. The event will also include a tour of the distillery, light fare and a complimentary gift.
Origins is back
Last week, Artifact Coffee’s intriguing “Origins” series of meals and conversation returned for the season with a session dedicated to the “economics of sourcing and buying locally.”
This Thursday, the conversation will continue with another event dedicated to the same topic. This week’s panel includes Gorman Farms owner Dave Liker and Toigo Orchards owner Mark Toigo. As always, it will be accompanied by excellent food and spirited discussion.
Flavors of Israel at The Corner Pantry
On Friday, Sept. 28, The Corner Pantry will shift gears from its usual British-inspired fare to offer something a little more exotic: the foods and flavors of Israel.
For one day only, the restaurant’s menu will focus on dishes like falafel, shawarma, labne, rakakat and roasted fish.
Planning Ahead
Here are a few events to look forward to over the next few weeks:
October 10: Italian Night at Hersh’s
October 13-14: Oysterfest at Ryleigh’s Oyster
October 28: Maryland Food Truck Festival
