From wine to bourbon to chili to all things vegan, this week, Baltimore restaurants cover every culinary base. Here’s a look at what’s on tap:
Openings and announcements
This week is a busy one in terms of news.
Kneads Bakeshop, which has made a splash in Harbor East, is expanding. The bakery and restaurant will open a second location in Cross Keys later this year.
Speaking of Harbor East: the newest Atlas Restaurant Group spots, a steakhouse called The Ruxton and a cocktail bar, Order of the Ace, are poised to open within a matter of days.
Of Love and Regret has added lunch hours to its lineup. The Canton spot is now open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays.
Café Gia is making things very easy for Italian food lovers. The Little Italy restaurant is now delivering lunch and dinner via DoorDash and Toast Online.
On March 1, Dylan’s Oyster Cellar celebrates 10 years in business. The restaurant started as a pop-up in the space below Dooby’s in Mt. Vernon (where Sugarvale is now) and opened in its current Hampden location in late 2016. Happy anniversary to the entire Dylan’s team.
In some sad news, Ejji Ramen’s Belvedere Square location is set to close. The ramen shop’s Harbor East outpost will remain open, though – and Belvedere Square management says there is a new restaurant already lined up to take Ejji’s space.
Chili at Swallow
On Saturday, Swallow at the Hollow’s annual chili cookoff returns for the 11th time and is once again sponsored by Monument City Brewing Company. The cookoff – which includes entries from Swallow employees along with customers who want to show off their chili chops – is always a great time.
Masquerade Ball at Prima Dopo
On Saturday night, Prima Dopo is throwing its first-ever Masquerade Ball. The party features a DJ and, most likely, a lot of drama and intrigue.
Kentucky Nights
Mt. Washington Tavern’s annual fundraiser for the Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital, Kentucky Nights, returns this Wednesday. The party features tastings of over 40 different bourbons, plus food pairings and lots of great discussion.
Maryland Vegan Restaurant Month
Maryland Vegan Restaurant Month is back. Throughout March, restaurants across the state – including many in Baltimore – will highlight plant-based items on their menus.
As always, the lineup of participating restaurants is anchored by Golden West Café and The Land of Kush, whose owners are the creators of the month-long event. Other participants include Miss Shirley’s Café, Towson Hot Bagel, Café Fili, Ammoora Restaurant, Harmony Bakery, AppleCore Bakes, The Lord Baltimore Hotel and LB Tavern, Hue Café & Apothecary, Sweet 27, Koshary Corner, The Verandah Kitchen, Vegan Soul Bakery, Nepenthe Brewing, The Natural Juice Bar, and Underground Pizza.
The promotion is kicking off on Tuesday, Feb. 27 with a launch party at the Lord Baltimore Hotel. Tickets (which are only $10) include tastings and samples from several participating restaurants.
Thursday wine dinners
On Thursday, two Foreman Wolf restaurants – Cinghiale and The Milton Inn – host special dinners showcasing venerable European wine regions.
At The Milton Inn, the event focuses on the wines of Burgundy, with pairings like boeuf bourgignon and escargots, and at Cinghiale, the meal will complement multiple wines from Barolo. Courses at Cinghiale include braised lamb neck with pappardelle and spaghettoni with shrimp and confit tomatoes. Both events are sure to be spectacular.
St. Paddy’s kickoff
Friday is March 1 – which means it is officially St. Patrick’s Day season and Irish Heritage Month. As always, many local bars and restaurants will host fun events celebrating the Irish throughout the month.
On Friday, Guiness Open Gate Brewing kicks off the month with a St. Pat’s-themed beer dinner. The meal includes four courses with beer pairings, developed by Chef Sean Hunter, the Executive Chef from the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin. Cheers!
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
March 11: Ggoma Supper Club at Costeria
March 13: Rioja Dinner at La Cuchara
March 30: Charm City Heat Festival
