This week is a buzzy one in the Baltimore restaurant world. From a newly anointed James Beard Award winner to a bevy of fun dinners, there’s a lot to celebrate this week. Here’s a look at what’s happening:
Openings & announcements
The crew from Walker’s Tap and Table has opened a sister spot, Walker’s on Main, in Mt. Airy. The restaurant’s grand opening celebration is on Wednesday.
Café Dear Leon is expanding. The popular café has plans to open a second location in the former home of JBGB’s this fall. The space is currently being used as a pop-up location for Equitea.
Café Gia is once again open for lunch – dine in, carryout and delivery.
Manor Hill Brewing is celebrating 10 years in business this weekend, with a big party on June 21.
San Pablo Street Tacos in Mount Vernon has closed after five years in business.
El Paraiso in Reisterstown is going through changes. The family that has run the beloved restaurant for many years is retiring and selling the business.
Charleston wins
The Harbor East restaurant Charleston won its first James Beard Award this week. The restaurant, which is known for the thoughtful tasting menus created by chef/owner Cindy Wolf and attention to detail in all areas of service, won the award for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverage Program.
The wine program is overseen by wine director Lindsay Willey, who has been part of the Charleston team since 2009.
Many congratulations to Wiley, Chef Wolf, and the entire Charleston team for years of excellent service.
Summer Music in the Village
Starting on June 20, Cross Keys and ZaVino Italian Marketplace are teaming up for a monthly party featuring live music and food from ZaVino.
AFRAM
The 49th annual AFRAM festival takes over Druid Hill Park this Saturday and Sunday. The event features tons of music, arts, and community vendors, also has a vibrant presence among local food businesses. The festival is rain or shine and is free to attend.
Bee’s Knees Week
Bee’s Knees Week, the annual restaurant and bar event that raises funds to plant pollinator habitats, is back through the end of the weekend. During the week, Barr Hill makes a donation for every bottle of its gin sold and for every photo of a Bee’s Knees cocktail from a participating restaurant or bar shared on social media (with @barrhillgin tagged).
Locally, there are bunch of venues participating, including Cindy Lou’s Fish House, Grand Cru, Wicked Sisters, Dutch Courage, The Brewers Art, Micky’s Joint, Thames Street Oyster House, Atlantic Food and Spirits, Mama’s on the Half Shell, and Gunther & Co.
Mulberry Madness at Gertrude’s
This weekend is Mulberry Madness both at Gertrude’s and at the 32nd Street Farmers Market. The event benefits the Baltimore Orchard Project, which promotes local produce by giving fruit trees, including pawpaw and peach, to local residents.
Throughout the weekend, Gertrude’s will donate $2 to BOP for for every mulberry Basque cheesecake, mulberry and chocolate chip pancake, and mulberry cocktail sold.
Cookhouse takeover
On Sunday evening, the Cookhouse crew will take over the bar at Motte in Canton – a matchup between some of the city’s most creative crews.
Bourdain Day
On June 25, Sally O’s celebrates the birthday of the great Anthony Bourdain with a ticketed party. Tickets include oysters from The Local Oyster and a glass of bubbly – then a special menu will be available to purchase a la carte.
Chicken Cutlet Showdown
Also on Wednesday, DiPasquale’s on Gough St. hosts a Chicken Cutlet Showdown – a competition for the best chicken cutlet in the area. The winner will be featured on the menu at the shop’s Brewers Hill location.
Slay the Menu at The Food Market
Also on Wednesday, The Food Market in Hampden is doing a restaurant-wide Slay the Menu dinner service. That evening, the restaurant menu will be a prix-fixe and will include all the restaurant’s highlights.
Summer wine dinner
On Thursday, The Corner Pantry and The French Paradox team up for an installment of their joint wine dinners. This one focuses on summer wines “beyond rosé” with pairings like tea-smoked duck breast with a Pinot Blanc and a Pinot Gris.
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
June 29: Petit Louis 25th Birthday Party
July 17: Bastille Day Supper at The Gramercy Mansion
July 26: Union Craft Brewing 13th Anniversary Celebration
