This weekend, Baltimore restaurants will be packed with diners with hearts in their eyes and champagne in their glasses. But Valentine’s meals are just the tip of the iceberg in the Baltimore restaurant world this week. We’ve got major openings, theme parties and tastings, celebrations of vegan food…and celebrations of baked goods.
Here’s a glimpse of what’s happening in Baltimore restaurants this week:
Welcome to Baltimore
This week saw the opening of two hotly anticipated new restaurants in Baltimore. Cosima, a southern Italian and Sicilian restaurant in Mill No. 1, comes from the much-loved team behind Donna’s.
Colette, near the train station in Station North, is a French-inspired spot from the culinary mind behind Bottega.
Both spots have been in the works for a while and, considering the talent at both, they’re sure to be hugely successful. Get your reservations in now!
Valentine’s Day
Restaurants all over Baltimore are celebrating Valentine’s day in special ways this weekend – check out our roundup of what’s happening in and around the city for Valentine’s inspiration.
Since last week, a few more local restaurants have gotten in on the Valentine’s Day action. Check Towson Tavern’s 3-course dinner for two with classics like crab cakes and mussels, Alma Cocina Latina’s thoughtful 6-course meal that starts with foie gras and ends with petits fours, a 4-course meal for two (including wine or bubbly…and truffles and oysters) at Corner Charcuterie Bar in Hampden, a wide variety of romantic choices on a special menu at The Manor Tavern, a lovable low country 3-course menu at Langermann’s, a handful of simple and lovely Italian choices at Grano Emporio, a special Afghan pre-fixe menu (in addition to the regular menu) at The Helmand, and oysters plus special shrimp and clam appetizers and extravagant dinner specials (think lobster and tenderloin) at Café Hon.
Happy Birthday, Corner Pantry
On Saturday, February 13th, help The Corner Pantry celebrate their second anniversary in style. The restaurant is offering free scones (and they are delicious!) and coffee all day long. In the evening, they’re hosting a 5-course tasting menu, so you can honor the anniversary and Valentine’s Day at the same time.
Cheesy
On Monday evening, join Maggie’s Farm and Lorelei Cheese Co. for a cheese tasting focusing on how contrasting flavors complement one another. Ten percent of sales from the event will be donated to the CARA project, helping fund a team of attorneys traveling to Dilley, Texas to represent detained women and children who have fled civil war and social upheaval in Mexico and Central American countries.
Go Vegan
Golden West Café cuts out the animal products for a weeklong celebration of all things vegan. The Hampden restaurant’s 9-day “week” features vegan breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch specials starting this Sunday, February 14th.
If that’s not enough, head to the Urban Business Center on Saturday the 20th for a Vegan Mac ‘n Cheese Smackdown. Register your own or just taste and vote on who makes the best vegan interpretation of the gooey comfort food.
Brinner Fun
On Friday, February 19th join The Breakfast Club at Wit & Wisdom. The restaurant’s 80’s-themed breakfast party will feature bottomless mimosas, a made-to-order crepe station and other brunchfavorites, plus a DJ and costume contest. Best of all, $10 from each ticket sold will be donated to No Kid Hungry’s School Breakfast Program.
Super Sweet
Have you heard about Robicelli’s? It’s a Brooklyn-based bakery moving its operations to Baltimore – and people in the know about desserts are extremely excited. Though they’re not in Baltimore permanently yet, next weekend, on Saturday the 20th, they’ll be crashing The Charmery at 12 p.m. for a collaborative “extravaganza” featuring all kinds of baked goods…and ice cream, of course.
Weekly Festivities
It’s Restaurant Week-style dining all the time at Wine Market Bistro, where every Tuesday through Thursday, the chef offers a 3-course menu for $35. The menu changes all the time, so you’ll never get bored.
If you prefer whiskey to wine, check out Johnny’s well-stocked bar at the restaurant’s weekly “Whiskey Wednesday” event, when all whiskey and whiskey drinks are half price.
Don’t Forget to Vote
Voting is on everybody’s mind these days, but here’s an election that won’t cause heartburn: through February 17th, the Restaurant Association of Maryland is accepting the public’s nominations for the 62nd Annual Stars of the Industry Awards celebrating the state’s best restaurants and staff. Nominate your favorite spot and the best people in the city – then check back after March 9th to vote on the final nominees.
Planning Ahead
Here are a few events to look forward to over the next few weeks:
Tuesday, February 23rd: Local Oyster class with Nick Shauman and Chef Egg
Thursday, February 25th: Bourbon Night at the Mt. Washington Tavern
Thursday, February 25th: Taste of Asia at McDaniel College
Sunday, February 28th: Bend & Brunch at Encantada
