The word of the week in Baltimore is spirit. From the school spirit shown at the CIAA tournament (and related food events) to celebrations of beer, wine and cocktails, it’s a fun time to be a food lover in Charm City.
Here’s a look at what’s happening:
Openings & announcements
A new restaurant, Atlantic Food & Spirits, opened in the Catonsville spot that formerly housed Dmitri’s. Atlantic is a seafood restaurant with a full raw bar – and a gorgeous, bright space.
Pariah Brewing opened a taproom and brewery in the old Union Craft Brewing space in Hampden.
With COVID cases on the decline, restaurants all over are easing restrictions. One of the most recent examples: bar seating has reopened at Magdalena.
James Beard Award announcements
The James Beard Award semifinalists were announced this week and Baltimore made a terrific showing.
Canton newcomer NiHao received a nod for “Best New Restaurant” and Chef Carlos Raba, the chef and co-owner of Clavel, was nominated for Best Chef in the mid-Atlantic – both well-deserved.
Chef Cindy Wolf, the chef-owner of Charleston and half of the culinary powerhouse company Foreman-Wolf, has been nominated for Best Chef mid-Atlantic a whopping 13 times. This year, she received national recognition, with a nomination for Outstanding Chef for her work in the kitchen at Charleston.
CIAA Culinary Competition
Baltimore is basketball crazy right now, as the CIAA tournament has taken over the city. While the games are the main focus of the fun, there are tons of other activities taking place off the court – including a culinary throwdown at the CIAA Fan Fest at the Baltimore Convention Center.
Fan Fest is the afternoon of Friday, Feb. 25 and the throwdown takes place around 2:30 p.m. The event will pit local and national chefs against each other to see who comes out on top. Participants include James Beard award winner Chef Kwame Onwuachi. Michael Braxton of The Coca-Cola Company (the event sponsor), Chef Dana Mackey of Mackey’s Crab House, Chef Keyie Yalcin of Fishnet and Chef Marie of Peppa Flame Restaurant and Lounge.
Cheese at Prigel
On Saturday, head to Prigel Family Creamery for a fun class on making cheeseboards, featuring Prigel’s own cheese and farm-raised meats. For the event, Prigel has partnered with Boordy Vineyard, so you’ll also have the opportunity to sip local wine while building (and sampling) your cheeseboard.
Disney at Das Bierhalle
On Sunday morning, Mickey and Minnie Mouse will crash Das Bierhalle for a kiddie Disney brunch. During the event, kids can meet the Disney icons and take photos – and parents can enjoy brunch drink specials. A win-win!
JBGB at the BSC Cocktail Gallery
On Sunday afternoon, JBGB’s Shaun Stewart will take over the bar at the Baltimore Spirits Company Cocktail Gallery. The pop-up will feature a special drinks and food menu, which is sure to be good.
If you haven’t been to JBGB’s yet, the drinks alone are reason to go. Stewart is one of the most creative and skilled bartenders in Baltimore – his concoctions are both fun and tasty.
Mardi Gras at Mount Vernon Marketplace
This Tuesday is Mardi Gras and Mount Vernon Marketplace is back with its big party celebrating the holiday of excess.
Market vendors will have New Orleans-themed specials, including a seafood boil at The Local Oyster and an Abita Brewing Company tap takeover at Taps Fill Station. Plus, Rufus Roundtree and Da B’More Brass Factory will perform, and there will be giveaways and other surprises.
Maryland Wine Month begins
FeBREWary is coming to an end but fans of local beverages don’t need to worry: Maryland Wine Month is right around the corner. Starting on March 1, wine-lovers will have extra reason to go vineyard-hopping, as locations around the state celebrate all that Maryland wine has to offer.
Gearing up for St. Pat’s
The start of March means it’s time to break out the green – St. Patrick’s Day is almost here. After last year’s quieter celebrations, this year is sure to feel extra festive – and Guinness Open Gate Brewery is getting the party started as soon as the calendar turns.
The brewery will host outdoor and indoor festivities every Thursday through Sunday in March, including limited edition beer releases, live music, special menus (including one in Gaelic) and an “Irish village” lawn takeover.
Throughout the month, Guinness will also be giving back to the community, with donations to Sharp Dressed Man and Civic Works Real Food Farm.
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
March 5: 9th Annual Chili Cookoff at Swallow at the Hollow
March 17: Chef’s Expressions St. Patrick’s Day Whiskey Supper
May 28: Brew at the Zoo
