Baltimore’s food scene is hot this week, stacked with steaks for dads, summer sips, and much more. Here’s a look at what’s coming up:
Openings & announcements
The Wren has been listed for sale for $1.25 million, as the husband and wife behind the celebrated pub plan to move to Ireland.
Congratulations to BLK Swan on its fifth anniversary, which it is celebrating all weekend, with events including a big party (with swag and specials) on Juneteenth, an R&B listening brunch on Saturday followed by a DJ Saturday night, and a Father’s Day jazz brunch on Sunday.
Father’s Day
Father’s Day is this Sunday, June 21. While it’s not the big brunch day that Mother’s Day often is, Father’s Day does come with its own fun lineup of restaurant events.
In addition to the jazz brunch at BLK Swan, dads will be celebrated at The Manor Tavern, which has a special menu all weekend long and prime rib dinner specials on Sunday.
Johnny’s will have two Wagyu specials in honor of the day.
Dads get a free entrée at Sotto Sopra on Father’s Day.
Gunther & Co. has a special prix-fixe brunch for Father’s Day, plus dinner specials.
Limoncello’s Father’s Day specials include surf and turf with a filet and a crab imperial-stuffed lobster tail.
Father’s Day specials at Cece’s include surf and turf with a dry-aged ribeye and lobster tail and a special New Fashioned cocktail.
Throughout the weekend, Love, Pomelo will offer a grilled New York strip served with salsa verde and charred lemon.
At The Duchess, Father’s Day includes half-priced pints plus a full slate of World Cup soccer.
Ethel’s Creole Kitchen is celebrating dad with a 16-ounce center cut dino-bone steak.
Summer Sip & Supper at Charleston
On Wednesday evening, Charleston hosts a one-night-only summer cocktail pairing dinner at the bar. The dinner includes a cocktail plus dishes like littleneck clam beignets with basil mayonnaise, and grilled lamb sausage and beef tenderloin empanada.
Sail250 events
As part of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, the Baltimore region is hosting Sail250 Maryland & Airshow Baltimore, which includes a bunch of exciting events, from tall ships to the Blue Angels, starting on June 24.
Sail250 also includes a lot of fun opportunities to eat and drink.
On Tuesday, June 23, Chef Spike Gjerde is working with the James Beard Foundation to host a multi-course, collaborative dinner benefiting Living Classrooms Foundation at Frederick Douglass Isaac Myers Maritime Park, with an afterparty at La Jetée in Harbor Point. Along with Chef Gjerde, the kitchen team includes chefs from Ekiben, Clavel, The Urban Oyster, Burnt Hill Farm, and The Duchess.
On Friday, things get really busy along the waterfront, with events like a crab soup cookoff at the Inner Harbor-area Seafood for Thought Stage. The cook-off, which starts at noon and is hosted by Nancy by SNAC chef Kevin Brown, will be judged by the public as well as a panel of local food experts – including yours truly. (Please stop by and say hello!)
Saturday, the Fells Point Farmer’s Market in Broadway Square will be at the center of some of the festivities. The fun keeps going through Wednesday, July 1, when the final tall ships depart.
Plus, local establishments have plans for special drinks and menu items. At the Lord Baltimore Hotel, a nautical cocktail menu includes treats like Red Wine Sailor’s Sangria all active and retired military, veterans, and government employees will receive 10% off food and beverage bills (with valid credentials).
Bourdain Day at Sally O’s
June 25 is Anthony Bourdain’s birthday and Sally O’s is bringing back its annual celebration of the great man, who would have turned 70 this year. The day will include a special food and drink menu created in honor of his legacy.
Spirit Run pairing preview
Baltimore Spirits Company recently announced plans to open a restaurant, Spirit Run, and the team is busy. BSC will host a series of “pairing previews” in the Cocktail Gallery, each featuring one appetizer-size dish along with a cocktail, to test out and tease dishes that will be on the restaurant’s menu.
The first of these events takes place this Thursday, June 25, and the dish is a take on ravioli. Tickets are available now.
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
July 15: Coal Fire & Cocktails at Cosima
July 24: Baltimore Restaurant Week Begins
October 21: Chef Carlos Raba at Boordy Vineyards
