This week is full of good news and fun plans in Baltimore, from thoughtful wine dinners to exciting new businesses. Here’s a look at what’s happening:
Openings & announcements
The H3irloom Food Group crew has a new venture in the works: BMORE BBQ, featuring meats like pit lamb and smoked chicken wings that draw upon local flavors and the culinary traditions of the African Diaspora. BMORE BBQ is available on DoorDash and Uber Eats and also has catering options.
Blu Ca, the new spot in Baltimore Peninsula, is now taking reservations for dates starting on Tuesday, Oct. 20.
As the owners of The Wren prepare for their February move to Ireland, things at the pub are shifting. The Wren no longer takes reservations and now has a smaller food menu available. Current hours moving forward are Tuesday through Friday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. for food (open until 10 p.m. for drinks) and closed on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.
Unfortunately, the owners of The Gourmet at Kenilworth announced this week that the Towson restaurant will close after business on Nov. 7.
TinyBrickOven heats up
TinyBrickOven, the local pizza spot made famous by Dave Portnoy, has a cool new venture in the works – selling propane-fired brick pizza ovens designed for backyard use.
The effort is spearheaded by TinyBrickOven owner, Will Fagg, who has patented his creation. The next step is a Kickstarter campaign, which begins on Oct. 20 and will run through Nov. 19 of this year.
Italian Heritage Fall Festival
On Saturday, starting at 11 a.m., the Towson Courthouse Square and neighboring streets will come alive for a vibrant celebration of Italian culture and heritage. The party includes live music, vendors, games, a sausage-eating contest, and tons of food.
Witch-tober all week
Sally O’s Witch-tober celebrations are in full force this week, with two fun activities planned. On Tuesday, visitors will have the opportunity to make watch balls to hang on their doors and “ward off negative energy.” And on Thursday, there’s a spell-making event that witches won’t want to miss.
Wine dinners
This week is an exceptional one for local wine lovers.
On Wednesday, Limoncello hosts an Autumn in Capri dinner, pairing wines with dishes designed to evoke the fall in Italy.
Also on Wednesday, Clavel chef/owner Carlos Raba will pop up at Boordy Vineyards, as part of the winery’s Supper Club Series. The evening includes a five-course meal with wine pairings.
Thursday evening, Seppia welcomes Martin J. Hofstagger for a ifive-course dinner showcasing vintages from Hoffstatter Winery. The menu includes creative dishes like smoked halibut gnocchi with brown butter and roasted apples paired with a 2024 Pinot Bianco.
Wine & cheese in Hamilton
Also on Thursday, The Market at Hamilton is hosting a (ticketed) wine and cheese tasting event featuring five cheeses and five wines, plus all kinds of accompaniments, like breads, nuts, fruits, and spreads.
Culinary Concepts
On Friday, the Second Chance Concept House in Towson is the site for Culinary Concepts, a fun and delicious event organized by the women’s networking collective Ink + Numbers and benefiting Starboard Society.
The party includes food and drink from a variety of local businesses, including Crave Catering, Cake by Jason, Scones by Andrew, Wandering Mixologists, Quarry Wine & Spirits, Diamondback Beer, Blue Pit BBQ, Baltimore Waffle Company, McCormick & Schmick’s, and Fogo de Chao.
Halloween preview
Halloween is coming up quickly – and it’s on a Saturday night this year. Local spots have tons of interesting plans in the works.
La Calle is getting a jump start on the holiday with a Dia de los Muertos dinner on Thursday, Oct. 29. Tickets are limited and are available now.
At Bar Dali, the evening will be marked with a Poe-tinged experience, showcasing sherries and drawing on the classic tale The Cask of Amontillado. Downstairs, walk-ins are welcome and can choose from specials, including a bunch of sherries. Upstairs, a ticketed party with a DJ includes tapas, sherry tastings, and an open bar.
At Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland, Halloween activities include a bar crawl through the casino’s restaurants, Michael Jackson and Madonna tributes, and a Michael Jackson lookalike contest.
At Power Plant Live!, The Lair, a Halloween-themed pop-up bar, is open from now through the end of the month.
Holiday planning
Speaking of planning ahead, the holidays will be here before we know it. While we still have more than a few shopping days left, now is a good time to start thinking about holiday plans like parties and corporate gifting.
The Tony Foreman & Co. restaurants have a great corporate gifting program already in place for the season – a 10% bonus on qualifying corporate gift card purchases. The restaurant group’s locations include The Duchess, The Milton Inn, Cinghiale, Petit Louis, and Johnny’s.
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
October 24: Culinary Walking Tour of Greenmount Cemetery
October 25: Sunday Brunch Cruise on the Water Taxi
October 28: Virginia Wine Dinner at Woodberry Kitchen
