With summer unofficially kicking off this weekend, the Baltimore restaurant community is going all in on seafood and other seasonal flavors. Plus, lots of wine dinners. Here’s a look at what’s on tap:
Openings & announcements
Sisu, a new wine bar also serving cocktails, small bites and gelato, is now open in Little Italy.
Ekiben has set its sights on Frederick. The Baltimore fave is opening on North Market Street – though an opening date is still in the works.
Liberatore’s is expanding eastward. The local restaurant family is opening a restaurant and wine bar in Ocean City’s Montego Bay Shopping Center – likely sometime late in the summer.
Artscape
Artscape, which will take place this weekend instead of in the scorching heat of July, will shine a spotlight on local food businesses in the “Flavor Lab.” The lineup includes a couple dozen food vendors plus demonstrations from multiple companies, including Swill Apothecafé, Barkada Breads, Beye Beignets, H3irloom Food Group, Cocina Luchadoras, Our Time Kitchen, Black Baltimore Vegan, True Chesapeake, Empanada Lady, Mayuree Thai, and Midlina.
Because this year Artscape takes place downtown, the Baltimore Farmers Market, which typically takes place in the area under the JFX, is cancelled for the weekend. Unfortunately, that means the vendors miss out on the sales they would normally get from the market – which means it’s a good time to seek them out to support them in the other spots where they sell their goods.
THB x Jimmy’s
Towson Hot Bagel and Jimmy’s Famous Seafood have teamed up on some new summertime menu options. The choices, which will be available at all THB locations starting Memorial Day, include two new bagel flavors (Crabby Asiago and Crabby Everything), crab dip potato chips, and sandwiches featuring Jimmy’s crab dip.
Bertha’s estate sale
On Sunday, Bertha’s in Fells Point will open for one final time for an estate sale. The iconic restaurant’s décor and furniture will be for sale, starting at 10 a.m., with all proceeds going to support the restaurant’s owners.
Memorial Day brunch
Monday holidays can be tricky in the restaurant world, since they feel like brunch days – but restaurants are often closed on Mondays.
This week, Hotel Revival will be open for brunch on Monday, serving its regular brunch menu from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Malaysia at Rathskeller
On Monday, Rathskeller in Elkridge will veer from its German roots to host Kampong: A Malaysian Pop-Up. During dinner service, guests can enjoy a five-course tasting menu highlighting Malaysian flavors, likely including dishes like Beef Rendang and Rojak Salad, which is a spicy mix of pineapple and cucumber.
Cosima wine dinner
Tuesday evening, Cosima hosts a wine dinner featuring four savory courses, each paired with an Italian wine. Dishes include orrechiette with basil pesto and sundried tomatoes and grilled rack of lamb with polenta and blackberry and blueberry agrodulce.
On Wednesdays, we drink pink
On Wednesday, Limoncello is hosting a “Rosé All Day” patio opening party from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The party includes complimentary rosé and small bites and there will be a DJ along with a special appearance from Tassia Lacerda of “Bar Rescue.”
M. Chapoutier wine dinner
On Thursday, Magdalena is hosting a special dinner in its Wine Cellar & Tasting Room. The meal, which will showcase the wines of M. Chapoutier, includes five courses, each paired with M. Chapoutier wines.
Soft shell season
It’s soft shell crab season in Maryland and the delicacies are popping up on menus around town – but just for a short time.
At Petit Louis, the current Civilized Lunch offering features a fried soft shell with a salad of cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and capers.
Thames Street Oyster House has also been featuring soft shells as a special – lightly fried and over a corn and pea salad.
At The Manor Tavern, soft shells get a Cajun twist with the addition of corn maque choux, charred scallion relish, and a baguette.
Grano Pasta Bar is pairing soft crabs with linguine or serving them, traditional-style, as part of a sandwich.
Big Softy is always a good go-to option during soft shell season. This week, you can find them at Remington Brunch Club on Saturday, serving soft shell breakfast sandwiches made with Maillard croissants and ramp remoulade.
If you’re lucky, you might be able to grab a soft shell pie at Little Donna’s. They’re made with soft shells, basil aioli, and “secret sauce.”
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
June 14: Wine & Food Festival at the Maryland State Fairgrounds
June 19: Tiki Dinner at Silver Queen Café
June 29: Petit Louis 25th Birthday Party
