From pickles to mushrooms to tons of German beer, this week is a big one on the Baltimore food scene. Here’s a look at what’s coming up:
Openings & announcements
The merger between Monument City Brewing and Key Brewing is moving forward, with the combination of the two breweries rebranded as Baltimore Brewers Haven, and with plans in the works to open a joint taproom in the Kresson neighborhood.
South Korean chicken spot The Chicken Lab will open its new Harbor Point location on Sept. 29. The restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner for grab-and-go meals.
On Saturday, Sept. 20, Nancy by SNAC will celebrate 20 years of Station North Arts Café. Congratulations to the SNAC team on this milestone – especially to Kevin Brown, the proprietor and personality behind the business.
Saying goodbye to Andy Nelson
Former Baltimore Colt and barbecue aficionado Andy Nelson passed away on Sept. 12. Nelson, who started playing in the NFL in the 1950s, opened his eponymous eatery in 1981. It started as a pit beef stand before expanding to a full barbecue restaurant with a catering arm – which is still going strong. Baltimore will miss him.
Maryland Restaurant Week
The Restaurant Association of Maryland’s Maryland Restaurant Week event is happening right now, through Sunday, Sept. 21.
Tons of restaurants throughout the state are participating, offering different deals and special menus – like Silver Queen Café, where the bar has a bunch of specials, plus with the order of an entrée, an appetizer is half price.
Oktoberfest season
It’s late September…which means it’s time to break out the steins.
Starting Friday, Sept. 19 and running through the weekend, Max’s Taphouse is hosting its annual OktoBIERfest. Throughout the weekend, Max’s will offer over 40 German and German-style beers on tap (among other brews) and will have a menu of German specials like brats with sauerkraut, onions and peppers, and oversized pretzels.
Fells isn’t the only spot kicking off Oktoberfest celebrations this weekend. From now through Oct. 26, Yard House in Arundel Mills has special German beers available for the season and German-inspired meals on the menu – and stein-hoisting contests are encouraged.
At Das Bierhalle, Oktoberfest starts Sept. 20 and runs through Oct. 5. During that time, the Parkville restaurant will feature food and drink specials, games, and lots of lederhosen.
The festivities at Guinness Open Gate Brewery start on Sept. 19 and continue through Oct. 5. Each Friday through Sunday, the brewery offers special German-style beers and menu items – think schnitzels and sausages – plus oompah bands in the morning and rock bands in the evenings.
And stay tuned for more Oktoberfest-inspired celebrations over the next few weeks – it’s a busy season for beer and pretzel-lovers.
The Big Dill
On Saturday and Sunday, Power Plant Live! gets briny with the return of The Big Dill World’s Largest Pickle Party. The event, which is back in Baltimore for its sixth year in a row, features everything from unlimited pickle sampling to a mechanical pickle ride.
Jimmy’s Famous Seafood is an event partner this year, serving a pickle-inspired menu (alongside a lineup of additional pickle purveyors).
Trifecta Food Truck & Music Festival
This Saturday, the Trifecta Food Truck & Music Festival takes over the Maryland State Fairgrounds. The festival includes tons of bands, plus over 35 different food trucks.
Crabs at Guilford Hall
On Sunday, Guilford Hall is marking the end of summer with a crab feast in the biergarten. Tickets include crabs, fried chicken, corn on the cob and more, plus live music and all you can drink beer.
Spirits Tasting & Chefs Battle & OLAR
On Sunday afternoon, Of Love & Regret hosts a four-chef showdown. The ticketed event includes four courses along with a tasting of four differents Mexican spirit. Dishes include seafood ceviche, Cuban-style pork belly, spicy prawns, and short rib tostada – and guests will get to vote on their favorite dish of the day.
Pasta with Donna
On Wednesday, Sept. 24, Cosima Chef Donna Crivello hosts one of her famous pasta-making classes at 5:30 p.m.
Mushrooms at Foraged
Also on Wednesday, Foraged hosts a mushroom-centric meal to raise money for Mushroom City Arts Festival. The dinner will showcase a variety of mushrooms sourced from Foraged’s community of farmers and foragers.
Passport to Jackson Family Wines at Gunther & Co.
Also on Wednesday, Gunther & Co. hosts a special evening to raise funds for Chef’s Cycle and No Kid Hungry. The event, an international wine tasting, features wines from some of the most famous regions around the world.
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
September 29: Flavors of Maryland
October 2: World Is Your Oyster Fest
October 9: Dining Out for Life
