From festivals to wine dinners, this week is a busy one in Baltimore. Here’s a look at what’s coming up in the food world:
Openings & announcements
Bao Di, a Chinese spot, opened on Eastern Avenue in Highlandtown last Wednesday.
A sushi restaurant from the group Hama Sushi LLC is aiming to take over the former home of Souvlaki in Hampden; the company has applied for a beer, wine and liquor license.
Grano Mercato has new hours: the Hampden shop is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Clavel takeover at HEX
On Oct. 18-19, Clavel chef/co-owner Carlos Raba will take over the kitchen at HEX Superette, and Olive Todd, co-director of Clavel’s bar program, will be mixing signature drinks. The menu will focus on Mexican fusion dishes.
Plus, throughout the weekend, the Clavel team will host three different workshops: Plants, Fire and Fermentation; Salsa Workshop; and Zero Waste Cocktails. The workshops are ticketed and space is limited.
Oktoberfests
Oktoberfest might have ended in Germany, but it’s still alive and well in Baltimore.
On Saturday, Oktoberfest action pops up at The Worthington, where there will be German food, beers, live music, and more.
Sunday, The Manor Tavern celebrates the occasion with an afternoon of brats, beers, and bluegrass.
On Thursday, The Corner Pantry’s monthly Supper Club event goes German, with a grilled buffet, Oktoberfest beers, and a German wine tasting led by Peter Wood of French Paradox.
Festival season
Oktoberfests aren’t the only food and drink parties taking place in Baltimore this weekend. It’s prime outdoors time – which means it’s also time for fun food festivals.
At the Baltimore Peninsula, the Asia in a Bite Food Fest is back on Saturday and Sunday with tons of Asian fusion vendors and more.
On Saturday, the area outside the Towson Courthouse will be taken over by the annual Italian Heritage Festival, featuring live music, activities for kids, and tons of Italian food and drink (including limoncello classes and wine making instruction).
If you’re up for a bit of a drive, this weekend is also the 59th Annual US Oyster Festival, taking place at the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds. The event is beloved for its devotion to all things oyster, and for the US National Oyster Shucking Championship.
Opera at Sotto Sopra
Sotto Sopra’s famous opera night returns this Sunday – now with valet parking, to make the experience even easier.
Pop-up at Alma
The Bar Clandestino pop-up returns to Alma Cocina Latina on Monday evening. Expect a special – and interesting – cocktail menu.
Tuscany at Limoncello
On Wednesday, Tuscany comes to Limoncello during a wine dinner showcasing autumnal Italian flavors along with Tuscan wines.
Cantina Terlan dinner at Cinghiale
Also on Wednesday, Cinghiale hosts a wine dinner featuring the wines of Cantina Terlano from the Alto Adige region of Italy.
Gnocchi at Cosima
Wednesday evening, Cosima’s Donna Crivello is sharing her gnocchi-making secrets during a class that will end with two beautiful gnocchi dishes.
Full Sensory Halloween at The Charmery
The Charmery’s Full Sensory Movie Experience is back the weekend starting Friday, Oct. 24, with multiple screenings of the Halloween classic, “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” The movie experience includes a popcorn bar and themed drinks and snacks that match what’s happening in the movie.
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
November 1-2: Oysterfest at Ryleigh’s
November 13: Piedmont Wine Dinner at Hersh’s
November 20: Catoctin Creek Dinner at Silver Queen Café
