Oysters, tacos and a big announcement from one of the best chefs in town: this week is an exciting one in the Baltimore food scene. Here’s a look at what’s on tap:
Openings & announcements
Towsonites got some terrific news earlier this week, when word broke that Clavel co-owner and chef Carlos Raba is taking over the former home of Uncle Wiggly’s. Raba plans to open a breakfast and dinner spot focused on carryout (though there will be some onsite seating). The restaurant, named Nana, in honor of his great-grandmother, will serve coffee, breakfast tacos and an array of Mexican items in the evening.
Earlier this week, Sacre Sucre celebrated four years in business. Congratulations to the team on four years of beautiful pastry-making!
New systems
A couple local spots have recently changed the reservation or ordering systems they’re using – so take note.
Café Gia is no longer using Open Table. You can make reservations by calling or emailing the restaurant.
Hersh’s has switched its online ordering system to Toast, which is one of the easier apps out there.
Old Fashioned Week
From Friday, Oct. 15 through Sunday, Oct. 24, local bars are celebrating the classic cocktail the Old Fashioned, during Old Fashioned Week, an event sponsored by Elijah Craig Bourbon.
During the week, drink an Old Fashioned at a participating local bar and share a photo or video to Instagram using the hashtag #OldFashionedWeek. When you tag Elijah Craig, the company will donate $5 to the Restaurant Workers Community Fund, an advocacy nonprofit supporting workers in the restaurant and food service industry.
Tons of local bars are participating, including Don’t Know Tavern, Capital Grille, Blue Pit BBQ, Wayward Smokehouse, Loch Bar, The Point in Towson and more.
Baltimore County Restaurant Week
Speaking of restaurant “weeks” – Baltimore County Restaurant Week kicks off Friday, Oct. 15 and lasts through Oct. 24. There are tons of local spots participating with special menus and deals.
Das Best Oktoberfest
After a pandemic hiatus, Das Best Oktoberfest is back and better than ever this year. On Saturday, head to M&T Bank Stadium’s parking lot for a festival featuring craft beers, wine, cider, schnapps and tons of food – plus live music, games and more.
End of season at Raw & Refined
On Saturday, Raw & Refined celebrates the end of the season and their closure until next spring with a rain or shine poncho party – including free ponchos while supplies last.
Baltimore Taco Festival
Saturday and Sunday, Power Plant Live! Gets crunchy with the Baltimore Taco Festival, a two-day party focused on everyone’s favorite food in a shell. The event includes tons of food vendors, taco eating contests, live entertainment, a nacho bar, tequila and margaritas and even a kids’ pinata smashing extravaganza.
US Oyster Festival
If you find yourself in the Leonardtown area of southern Maryland this weekend, you’re in luck: the 55th annual US Oyster Festival is taking over the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds on Saturday and Sunday. At the festival, keep an eye out for Dylan’s Oyster Cellar’s Dylan and Toni, who will be competing in the National Oyster Shucking Championships. With them luck!
Pasta making at Cosima
Cosima’s popular cooking classes are back and once again in person. On Sunday, Chef Donna Crivello will teach class attendees the fine art of making pasta.
Opera Night at Sotto Sopra
Also on Sunday, Sotto Sopra’s popular Opera Night returns. This isn’t its first time back since the pandemic started – but it still feels like a treat, after a hiatus of many months.
Happy 10th to SoBo Café
On Monday, SoBo Café celebrates 10 years in business. The restaurant is throwing itself a party at Checkerspot Brewing, featuring Checkerspot beer plus wine, Latin BBQ and live music.
EKIBEN collab
On Monday, the EKIBEN team will pair up with pizza aficionado Matthew Hyland of Emily and Emmy Squared. It’s all happening at EKIBEN’s Fells Point location.
Beer, Rye & BBQ
On Tuesday, Das Bierhalle hosts a beer, rye and BBQ dinner/class featuring cocktails and beer from Rittenhouse Rye and Monument Brewing. The event includes instruction for making cocktails at home and attendees will go home with barware and other swag.
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
October 28: Maple Leaf Farms Duck Dinner at NiHao
October 30: Spookfest at Das Bierhalle
November 6: Baltimore Craft Beer Festival
