Early May brings tons of fun events in Baltimore, from bourbon-soaked Derby parties to Cinco de Mayo festivities to lots of ways to give back to the community while eating and drinking well. Here’s a look at what’s happening this week:
Openings & announcements
The Fishmonger’s Daughter, the Catonsville restaurant from the owners of Faidley’s, is opening this week. During the restaurant’s soft opening, seating is by reservation only.
Ekiben’s newest location, in Frederick, is now officially open.
The building and liquor license associated with Le Bistro du Village in Mt. Washington have been listed for auction, with an auction date of June 4.
Little Phil’s Sorcery is now fully up and running, with an intriguing menu available Wednesday through Sunday, including items like escargots, fries with a variety of sauces, and stuffed baked potatoes.
The Local Oyster is launching The Local Steamer – seafood steam kits available for purchase to cook at home.
Teacher Appreciation Week at Miss Shirley’s
To celebrate all the teachers out there during Teacher Appreciation Week, Miss Shirley’s is offering 20% off with a current school faculty ID. The promotion runs from May 2-8 at the restaurant’s Roland Park, Inner Harbor and Annapolis locations.
Feastival
Feastival, the annual outdoor food event benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, is this Saturday, May 2. The party, now in its tenth year and always fun, takes place at Point Park in Harbor Point, and proceeds directly benefit CFF.
The lineup of food and beverage participants is terrific, including: Alma Cocina Latina, Benny’s, Beye Beignets, Bunny’s, The Chicken Lab, Charm City Poki and Mochi, The Four Seasons, Golden West Café, Chef Jonathan Hicks, Facci, Holi Moli, Kora Lee’s, Liv’s Tavern, La Scala, Mara al Mare (which is set to open soon), Our Time Kitchen, Poets Modern Cocktails & Eats, Rec Pier Chop House, Sobeachy Haitian Fusion, Taharka Bros, The Urban Oyster, The Wine Kitchen on the Creek, Charm City Beverage, Union Craft Brewing, and Wyoming Whiskey.
Derby Day
Saturday is the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby.
At Gunther & Co., the Derby-watching party includes a prize for best-dressed, plus the first 50 mint juleps ordered are free, courtesy of Woodford Reserve.
The Chasseur’s big Derby party is now in its 11th year. This year’s event includes tons of drinks, live music, food, and more.
In honor of Triple Crown season, Ammoora has a race of its own: the Silk Road Stakes, a competition between six of the restaurant’s mezze offerings.
Brunch at Le Comptoir
On Sunday, Le Comptoir teams up with Sophomore Coffee and Chef Ali Dryer for a brunch pop-up – walk-ins only.
Hops 4 Health at Max’s
Sunday afternoon, Max’s Taphouse will raise awareness and funds for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Metropolitan Baltimore. The event, now in its fifth year, is called Hops 4 Health and features specialty beers, a stein-holding competition, a silent auction, and more.
Entry to the event is free and $1 from every featured drink sold will be donated to NAMI.
Costiera at the Cocktail Gallery
On Sunday evening, Costiera pops up at the Baltimore Spirits Co. Cocktail Gallery with a menu of salad, arancini, and lasagna. The meal starts at 5 p.m. and will be available until it sells out.
To the Table Supper Series kickoff
Also on Sunday, the To the Table Supper Series has its season opener at Roseda Farm. The meal will be prepared by Chef Sarah Rennie of Two Fire Table and entertainment comes from Panic Stricken. Black Ankle Vineyards and Farmacy Brewing provide the drinks and there will be oysters from Ryleigh’s and Shooting Point Oyster Co.
Vodka for BARCs
Throughout the month of May, Tito’s Vodka is donating $1 to BARCs for every “Ya Filthy Animal” cocktail sold at The Food Market. The drink combines blu cheese-infused Titos with pickle juice and olive juice.
Chi-Chi’s Week at Sally O’s
All week long, Sally O’s is throwing it back with a retro menu influenced by Chi-Chi’s. Think Mexican pizza, stacked nachos, and all kinds of chimichangas.
Pikesville Farmers Market is back
The Pikesville Farmers Market, which celebrates 25 years in operation this year, returns for the season on May 5. The market takes place at the Pikesville Armory on Tuesdays.
Cinco de Mayo
May 5 falls on a Tuesday this year, which means lots of fun midweek Cinco de Mayo festivities.
In honor of the holiday, Papi’s Tacos will have a bunch of specials, including $7 house margaritas, $5 Mexican beers and tequila shots, and 3-for-2 tacos.
At La Calle, the party starts at 4 p.m. with tacos, tequila, and a DJ coming in at 6 p.m.
Ryleigh’s Oyster will host a tequila tasting with Don Julio, accompanied by small bites and including cocktails.
Dodon at Manor Tavern
On Wednesday, the Manor Tavern welcomes the team from Anne Arundel County’s Dodon Vineyards for a multi-course wine dinner featuring courses like Moroccan vegetable stew paired with the vineyard’s chardonnay.
Rombauer at Cece’s
Also on Wednesday, Cece’s is showcasing Rombauer Wines with a specially designed tasting menu including dishes like diver scallop crudo and slow-roasted duck.
Wine Village
The Wine Village is back for its fourth appearance around the Inner Harbor, starting on May 7 and lasting through May 31. During that time, the Village is open Wednesday through Sunday (plus Memorial Day Monday), with tons of wines, beers, and cocktails, plus summery food options, and entertainment.
Pasta at The Corner Pantry
On May 7, The Corner Pantry is back for another of its spring series of cooking classes. This one focuses on pasta and dumplings.
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
May 15: Black Eyed Susan Day Party at Cece’s
May 17: Gin Fling at Dutch Courage
May 28: Booze & BBQ at Louthan Distilling
