From exciting openings to Preakness cocktails and more, this week promises to be a fun one on the Baltimore food scene. Here’s a look at what’s happening:
Openings & announcements
Freetjes, a new Belgian spot from Chef Bernard Dehaene, who formerly helmed the beloved Corner Charcuterie in Hampden, is now open on Light St. in Federal Hill.
Kneads new pop-up location in Locust Point has officially opened its doors.
Preakness eats & drinks
True Chesapeake Oyster Co. is hosting a Preakness watch party with specials including $2 raw and roasted oysters and $5 Preaknes cocktails.
Bunny’s is also throwing a Preakness party, with a special drinks menu and fancy hats encouraged. The bar will also be selling raffle tickets for a bottle of Old Forrester Birthday Bourbon and will have real betting slips for everyone who buys a Preakness cocktail.
Atwater’s is offering a traditional Pimlico Cake, based on the one made at the old Pimlico Hotel restaurant, to take home and enjoy.
Throughout the weekend, if you spot “Whinny” (a small stuffed horse) at the Mt. Washington Tavern, you’ll get a free drink. The Tavern is also running shuttles to and from Pimlico on Friday and Saturday, making it easy to make it a pre- or post-race stop.
Fire Hero Chili Cookoff
On Sunday, May 19, Of Love & Regret hosts its 4th annual Fire Hero Chili Cookoff and block party. During the day-long party, guests can taste chilis, enjoy live music, play games and more, while supporting the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
Biggie b-day
On Tuesday, Sally O’s will celebrate the Notorious B.I.G.’s birthday with a special evening menu, theme cocktails and, of course, Biggie’s music.
Wine tasting at Liquid Lib’s
Also on Tuesday, Liquid Libs will host the owner and winemaker of Lombardy, Italy’s Conte Vistarino. Starting at 5 p.m., guests can sample and buy wines, chat with the owner, Ottavia Giorgi Vistarino, and even have her sign bottles.
Costeria Wine Mixer
Also on Tuesday, Costeria will host its first in its new wine dinner series, The Costeria Wine Mixer. This first even focuses on the wines of Sicily, which will be paired with four courses of Sicilian food. Tickets are available now.
Annunciation Greek Festival
Annunciation Cathedral’s annual Greek Food, Wine and Culture Festival returns next weekend, starting on Thursday evening, with a Big Fat Greek Happy Hour. The festival, which is now in its 52nd year, features tons of homemade Greek food, Greek wines, music, dancing, shopping and more.
Ggoma + Southpaw
Tickets are live now for Ggoma Supper Club’s next Baltimore dinner, which will take place on Monday, June 17. This pop-up is a cocktail dinner held in collaboration with the crew from Southpaw in Fells Point – though the dinner itself will take place at Foraged in Station North.
The menu includes dishes like marinated tomatoes with peanut sambal and queso fresco, and slow-roasted Rettland Farm pork with cherry mostarda and grilled garlic scapes.
Asparagus season
Asparagus might be available all year round these days, but it’s never quite as good as it is during the spring, when it is in season locally.
At Johnny’s Godfrey’s Farm asparagus is served with a variety of accoutrements.
The Food Market pairs asparagus with burrata, strawberry pesto, Marcona almonds and balsamic syrup for a sweet and savory salad.
Purple asparagus pops up at The Corner Pantry in a dish of ramp and ricotta ravioli.
Asparagus soup, garnished with chives and brioche croutons, is part of The Milton Inn’s current Getaway Menu, available at lunch.
Grilled stalks of asparagus are part of Cosima’s weekly outdoor grill menu, available on Wednesdays.
Heritage Smokehouse has an asparagus salad that mixes the vegetable with toasted walnut, Calabrian bread crumbs, mint, lemon, anchovy and parmesan cheese.
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
June 8: Union Craft Brewing 12th Anniversary Party
June 13: Italian Immigrants Wine Dinner at Tagliata
June 19: Mulberry Madness at Gertrude’s
