Late summer doldrums have not hit the Baltimore restaurant world. This week brings openings, collaborations, and more. Here’s a look at what’s happening:
Openings & announcements
La Cuchara is closed this week for repairs. The Basque restaurant will reopen on Aug. 15.
Belvedere Square is getting a new tenant: Kesh & Fresh, a Moroccan street food spot.
The Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Hotel restaurant Explorers recently changed its name – it is now Explorers Restaurant & Lounge – and has added new breakfast and dinner menus with a mix of local classics and updated dishes, like a smoky watermelon salad.
Raffy’s on 36th is now officially open, serving pizzas and more in Hampden.
Foraged Eatery’s new location at Black Ankle Vineyards has launched. The Station North restaurant’s Black Ankle operation is open Friday evenings and Saturdays and Sundays, and will be serving “hyper-seasonal dishes” designed to pair with the vineyard’s wines.
Sadly, Papi Cuisine in South Baltimore has closed.
In more sad news, Crust by Mack’s retail operations will cease at the end of the day on Saturday, Aug. 9. The bakery team will still do special events and catering in the restaurant space, so the business is still a going concern, but there will be no more retail counter.
Sassanova x Pickett
Two of Baltimore’s women-owned businesses have teamed up on a new venture. The crew from the popular boutique Sassanova is partnering with Pickett Brewing Company on a limited edition beer called Three of Cups Light Lager.
The beer is available now at Pickett.
Snake Hill shirts
Snake Hill turns 10 this year – in the Year of the Snake. To celebrate, the bar-and-sausage spot created a limited run of 10th anniversary t-shirts that are available now.
Origins 3.0
On Wednesday, Woodberry Kitchen’s Origins series returns for a meal and conversation with Marion Nestle, hosted by Spike Gjerde. Nestle is a nutritionist, food studies scholar, and author of The Fish Counter. The discussion will focus on the fish and shellfish of the Chesapeake Bay.
Pizza at Kneads
Also on Wednesday, Kneads in Harbor East hosts a pizza-making class. Guests will learn how to make their own pizzas – then enjoy the fruits of their labor with a couple glasses of wine.
Boujee Junk Food Dinner
The Food Market is bringing back its Boujee Junk Food Dinner this Thursday, Aug. 14. The event, which takes place in the Hampden location’s private kitchen, features multiple courses of elevated “junk” food – think duck confit potato skins with cherries au poivre, brie mornay and chives, and a lobster cheese steak sub.
Silver Queen & Spain
Keep an eye out for news about Silver Queen Café’s upcoming dinner focusing on the flavors of Spain. The dinner is on Sept.18 and tickets will go on sale soon – and are sure to sell out.
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
August 22: Cowboy Dinner at Pierpoint
August 23: Ekiben Night Market
October 2: World Is Your Oyster Fest
