From Mardi Gras gluttony to vegan dining, the Baltimore restaurant scene covers a lot of bases this week. Here’s what’s coming up:
Openings & announcements
Congratulations to Catalog Coffee, which celebrated a year in business last week.
Hotel Revival’s dining and drinking spots have some new plans in the works, including new menu items at B-Side designed for noshing during a night out, and an upgraded format at Topside – the restaurant is now walk-in only on weekends.*
Patio weather
After a brutally cold midwinter, the return of the sun and a little bit of warmth has Baltimoreans thinking about dining al fresco. Some spots around town have dusted off their patio furniture for the occasion – like The Milton Inn and Little Donna’s.
True Chesapeake x Peabody Heights
True Chesapeake Oyster Co. and Peabody Heights Brewery have collaborated on a new oatmeal stout brewed with oysters from the True Chesapeake farm.
To celebrate the beer’s launch, True Chesapeake is offering free samples all week, as well as a special deal – six Skinny Dipper oysters and an Oyster Stout for $16.
BORT in Baltimore
The CIAA basketball tournament has returned to Baltimore and, with it, the Black Owned Restaurant Tour (BORT). Since last week, Black-owned restaurants in Baltimore have been hosting special events.
This weekend’s venues include Papi Cuisine, Slutty Vega, Teavolve, Crust by Mack, Unity, Jerk at Nite and The Garden Rooftop.
Maryland Vegan Month
Maryland Vegan Month kicks off on Feb. 28, lasting through March 30. Throughout the month, local restaurants offer vegan specials and highlight the vegan options on their menus.
The list of participating restaurants is longer than ever this year, including longtime participants (and organizers) like Golden West Café and Land of Kush, along with HEX Superette, Miss Shirley’s, Catalog Coffee, Ekiben, Café Fili, Nana and more.
Mardi Gras at Ethel’s
Ethel’s Creole Kitchen is celebrating Mardi Gras all weekend, plus on Monday and Tuesday, which is, officially, Mardi Gras.
Guests can get ready for Lent New Orleans-style, with hurricanes and sazeracs, plus dishes like gumbo and a crawfish boil.
Chili Cookoff at Swallow
On Saturday, Swallow at the Hollow hosts its 12th annual chili cookoff. The event, which starts at 3 p.m. and is sponsored by Monument City Brewing Company, is always fun and the entries are impressive.
Ekiben x Clavel
On Sunday, the Ekiben and Clavel crews are teaming up for a collaborative dinner. The meal, which takes place at Clavel, will be prepared by Steve Chu from Ekiben and Carlos Raba from Clavel (and their teams), with florals by Pomona Floral, and a martini menu from Clavel’s Lane Harlan.
Costiera Lasagna Night
Also on Sunday, the Costiera team will pop up at Baltimore Spirits Co. for an evening of lasagna, drinks and fun.
Bourbon at Benny’s
On Tuesday, Benny’s hosts Brown-Forman for a five-course bourbon dinner featuring selections for Old Forester. The evening starts with a barrel-aged Old Fashioned and includes courses like gnocchi alla bourbon with pancetta and shallots, and bourbon lamb chops. Each course is paired with Old Forester whiskies.
All Things Bourbon at Elkridge Furnace Inn
Bourbon is also on the menu at Elkridge Furnace Inn on Tuesday, when the restaurant hosts a party featuring bourbon tastings, cocktails, and a five-course meal featuring dishes paired with bourbons and drinks.
Concrete & Cornfields at Woodberry Kitchen
Also on Tuesday, Woodberry Kitchen hosts the next installment of its Origins speaker series. This week’s dinner and discussion includes a talk with Woodberry’s Spike Gjerde, Denzel Mitchell of the Farm Alliance of Baltimore and Gail Tailor of Three Part Harmony Farm and Spice Creek Farm.
The subject will focus on urban farming. The evening starts with drinks and snacks, followed by the discussion, which will be recorded as a podcast, then dinner.
Get ready for 20 with Miss Shirley’s
Miss Shirley’s Café will celebrate 20 (!) years in business this May. The team is working on a lot of fun plans to honor the occasion, including giveaways and rewards, bringing back original menu items, and more.
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
March 13: Dark Beer Tasting at Silver Queen Café
March 16: Northern Spain Wine Dinner at La Cuchara
April 12: Feastival
*Note: An earlier version of this article did not specify that Topside’s new walk-in policy is on weekends only.
