As the weather warms and snow melts, the Baltimore restaurant community is keeping busy, with wine dinners, pop-up events and staff changes. Here’s a glimpse of what’s happening in Baltimore restaurants this week:
Moving, Shaking, Growing
There’s been quite a bit of news over the past few days about new developments in the restaurant world.
Last week, Café Cito’s Dave Sherman announced his involvement in R. House, the new food emporium slated to open in Remington this fall.
Earlier this week, The Brewer’s Art revealed that Andrew Weinzirl, formerly the head chef at Le Garage, would take over the kitchen at the Midtown restaurant.
Petite Mount Vernon favorite Sugarvale is busy. This weekend, the restaurant/bar will start serving brunch, with dishes like house-cured duck bacon avocado toast and special brunch cocktails. This Sunday night, they’re also hosting a cocktail pop-up event with Perez Klebhan of the Louie Bar at Ware House 518. Klebhan is well-known for his super creative cocktails, so the menu is sure to wow even the biggest drink nerds.
Swishy
On Saturday, February 27, Birroteca will celebrate the tail-end of winter with Winter Swish, an event featuring a variety of breweries and distilleries from around the Mid-Atlantic region paired with creative takes on classic regional food and local ingredients.
Stretch & Sip
On Sunday, February 28, head to Encantada in the American Visionary Arts Museum for Bend & Brunch. After a 75-minute detoxifying yoga session lead by Elyza Dolby, enjoy fresh juice and snacks – and stay for brunch if you’ve worked up an appetite.
Visit the Farm Haus
Also on Sunday, Maggie’s Farm will transform into Maggie’s Farm: Haus, when Sous Chef Andrew Straub cooks up traditional German fare (with recommended wine and beer pairings) for a one night only pop-up.
Mystery Mealtime
Mystery dinners are all the rage. Baltimore Magazine gets into the mix on Tuesday, March 1. Embrace the drama with Hidden Kitchen, a pop-up dinner at “one of Charm City’s hottest new restaurants.” Which one? That’s the catch: you won’t know until the dinner is about to start. Unfortunately, the event is sold out…but keep an eye out for similar future events – like the Baltimore Sun’s Secret Supper series, which kicks off on March 9.
Celebrate Italy
On Thursday, March 3rd, Cinghiale hosts Italian winemaker Michele Moschioni for a special dinner pairing his wines with the cuisine of Chef Julian Marucci. The four-course meal, including dishes like barley and rabbit stew and cabbage-wrapped venison loin, will feature numerous from Moschioni’s eponymous label as well as from his new project, Tenuta Stella.
Roll with It
Harbor East’s Azumi serves some of the city’s best sushi. Now, they’re giving diners the opportunity to glimpse behind the curtain, with private sushi classes for groups of up to 12 people. During the classes, guests will watch the chefs break down whole fish, will learn about Japanese sake, and will get hands-on experience rolling their own sushi.
Bright Lights, Big City
Have you heard about Light City? Billed as a “Festival of Light, Music and Innovation,” the event will be taking over Baltimore from March 28 through April 3. This week, the event organizers announced a stellar lineup of food and beverage providers, including Ekiben (a casual Japanese food stand that has recently announced it will open a brick and mortar restaurant in Fells Point in March), Parts & Labor, Nickel Taphouse, Ouzo Bay, Azumi, Loch Bar and Wit & Wisdom.
Planning Ahead
Here are a few events to look forward to over the next few weeks:
Sunday, March 6 5th Annual Rye’s Up against Cystic Fibrosis at B&O American Brasserie
Tuesday, March 8 James Beard preview dinner at Fox’s Den in Annapolis
Saturday, March 12 Cunningham Farmhouse Dinner
