From eggnog to latkes, Baltimore is full of holiday cheer this week. Here’s a look at what’s happening in the local restaurant scene:
Openings & announcements
Keep an eye out for Bar Alice Anne, a new neighborhood spot from The Local Fry team, slated to open in the Fells Point space that formerly housedLobo and Pearl’s.
Congratulations to The Duchess! The Hampden restaurant’s shrimp and corn patties were named one of the best dishes in America by the New York Times. The restaurant also celebrated one year in business on Dec. 11 – what a week!
Vivian’s is now open for drinks and dinner, in addition to earlier in the day.
Holiday markets
‘Tis the season to shop, shop, shop – and eat and drink while you’re doing it.
Heavy Seas Beer hosts its 11th annual Pints & Panic Holiday Market on Saturday, Dec. 13, featuring tons of local vendors – and lots of Heavy Seas beers, of course.
Also on Saturday, the 5th annual Station North Holiday Market will take place at the Historic North Avenue Market. The event is both indoors and outdoors and will feature tons of local artists and makers, plus live performances, and activities, plus food and drinks from Alicakes, Babe Beans, Baltimore Spirits Co., Blueprint Café, The Club Car, Doppio Pasticceria, Mera Kitchen, Mobtown Ballroom & Café, Nina’s Cookie Explosure, Rae’s Kitchen, and Rasberry Moments.
Green Spring Station’s 11th annual Maker’s Market is also on Saturday, starting at 10 a.m. In addition to tons of pop-ups and the center’s excellent shops, there will be plenty of opportunities to eat and drink.
On Dec. 18, The Manor Tavern hosts a wine, shop, and dine event – reservations are recommended.
Holiday crawls
‘Tis also the season for crawls of all kinds – from pubs to cookies.
Friday evening, downtown Towson businesses are hosting a Cookie Crawl, with cookies, ice sculptures, and giveaways at businesses throughout Towson – including Red Pepper, where visitors will be treated to fortune cookies.
On Saturday, starting at 4 p.m., Hampden spots are hosting an Elf Pub Crawl. Participating venues include The Duchess, The Food Market, Raffy’s, The Bluebird Cocktail Lounge, and Golden West, where the crawl will end with a free drag show.
Gift of ‘cello
Café Gia’s delicious lineup of ‘cellos – from lemon to pistachio – is once again available for purchase. The drinks make a fantastic gift for others (or for yourself).
Nostalgia Diner toy and coat drive
On Dec. 12, 13, 19, and 20, Nostalgia Diner in the Light Street Pavilion is hosting atoy and coat drive, with donations going to Afro Charities’ Mrs. Santa program. Everyone bringing a donation will receive 10% off their meal at the diner, as a way to say thank you.
Army-Navy
The Army-Navy football game – one of the greatest rivalries in sports – comes to Baltimore on Saturday, Dec. 13. To mark the occasion, The Rusty Scupper is hosting a viewing party and has created a special Army & Navy cocktail made with gin, lemon juice, orgeat syrup, and bitters.
Gingerbread rowhomes
On Saturday at noon, Rec Pier Chop House Chef Michael Grande will teach a fun class showing guests how to make their very own gingerbread rowhomes. The event also includes a make-your-own hot cocoa station and buffet lunch perfect for gingerbread lovers of all ages.
If this Saturday doesn’t work with your schedule, don’t worry – the restaurant has another class scheduled for Dec. 20.
Speaking of holiday houses, if you want to spot some – but not make your own – now is the time to head to Gertrude’s, where the staff’s annual holiday row house competition is in full swing.
Ekiben x Café Dear Leon
Ekiben and Café Dear Leon’s take home collab event is this Sunday, Dec. 14. The prix-fixe menu includes dishes like whole roasted chicken and crab mac and cheese. Order ahead!
Celebrating Hannukah
This year, Hannukah begins the evening of Dec. 14 – and several local restaurants are ready to help with the celebrations.
Pendry Baltimore is hosting a menorah lighting each night of the holiday, starting on Dec. 14. The lighting will take place in the hotel lobby at sundown.
At Ethel’s Creole Kitchen, fresh latkes are available to order ahead and take home, with apple sauce and sour cream on the side.
Gunther & Co. hosts its annual Hannukah dinner on Dec. 18. The restaurant will serve its regular dinner menu plus several Hannukah specials.
Eggnog Party
On Monday evening, The Wren hosts a listening party with a classic eggnog accompaniment – including a ‘toast to the Nog’ at 7:30 p.m.
Holiday happy hours
Silver Queen Café has two holiday events planned this week. On Tuesday, Dec. 16, the Hamilton restaurant will open for a holiday happy hour featuring festive cocktails, food specials, and a visit from the Hamilton Krampus.
And on Dec. 17, Silver Queen welcomes a rep from Prestige-Ledtroit for a free sparkling wine tasting.
Slay the Menu at The Food Market
On Tuesday, Dec. 16, The Food Market is opening its private kitchen for one of its famous Slay the Menu dinners, featuring five courses of Food Market favorites, plus special wine pairings.
Nog Night at Ryleigh’s
This year marks 13 years of Ryleigh’s Oyster celebrating Nog Night. On Tuesday, the restaurant will whip up a batch of eggnog using George Washington’s own recipe, plus Baltimore’s own Sagamore Rye.
Gitan for the Holidays
On Friday, Dec. 19, Honey Pot in Canton hosts a special jazz holiday dinner with two seatings. The prix fixe menu includes dishes like Boeuf Bourgignon and mushroom risotto.
Full Sensory Muppets
The Charmery’s next Full Sensory movie experience is a holiday classic: The Muppet Christmas Carol. The showings begin on Friday, Dec. 19 and last through Sunday, Dec. 21 – and tickets are available now.
Holiday hosting
If you’re hosting for the holidays this year but don’t want to do all the work yourself, The Corner Pantry has many of your bases covered. Orders must be placed by Dec. 17 and can be picked up on Tuesday, Dec. 23.
Thames Street Oyster House’s holiday take home menu is also impressive.
Clavel is also here to bolster your holiday menu with Christmas tamales available to order now and pick up on Dec. 22.
Heritage Smokehouse’s holiday options include smoked meats, desserts, and holiday eggnog.
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
December 21: Pancakes & Pajamas Brunch at Rec Pier Chop House
December 24: Feast of the Seven Fishes at Costiera
Feb. 6: Carnevale at Cinghiale
