With Restaurant Weeks winding down and Valentine’s Day on the horizon, this week feels like a transition point in the Baltimore culinary world – we can now start thinking about spring and what’s to come.
Here’s a look at what’s coming up in the nearest future:
Restaurant weeks wrapping up
There’s still a chance to take advantage of restaurant week promotions in the area. While many have ended, both Howard County and Baltimore City’s events last through the weekend. Plus, keep an eye out for restaurants extending their deals – a few typically do.
Groundhog Day release party at BSC
On Friday, Feb. 2, Baltimore Spirits Company Cocktail Gallery will honor the great holiday of Groundhog Day with a new menu release of late winter and spring cocktails – and a screening of the classic movie. The pre-show starts at 6.
Ice Cream for Breakfast Day
Sunday, Feb. 3 is National Ice Cream for Breakfast Day, which is always a big day in Baltimore, since all locations of The Charmery open early. The shops will open at 10 a.m. and welcome visitors still in their PJs.
The flavor lineup will include breakfast-inspired options like Pancakes & Syrup and Saturday Morning Cartoons made with Frosted Flakes and cereal marshmallows and – for more sophisticated palates, Whole Bean Coffee ice cream made with coffee from Vent, Blacksauce Biscuits & Gravy ice cream, and even Mimosa sorbet.
Unwrapping Chocolate’s Secrets
On Thursday, noted food historian Joyce White will give a talk at the Evergreen Museum & Library, discussing the history of chocolate and how it is made. The talk will also include a taste test featuring a variety of chocolate styles and flavors, from cacao nibs to spiced chocolate similar to treats from the 18th century.
Pie Making at Kneads
Kneads Bakeshop has a regular lineup of classes that are perfect for anyone interested in the finer points of baking. On Thursday, the bakeshop is hosting a pie making class going over the fundamentals of pie making – including science and technique. Plus the class isn’t all flour and dough; attendees also get to enjoy drinks (one included with the ticket) and camaraderie.
Galentine’s Day prep
Valentine’s Day is coming up – which means Galentine’s Day is also on the way. Several local spots are starting the Galentine’s parties early this year, with events like a bar stroll starting at The Choptank on the afternoon of Saturday, Feb. 10, a fun brunch with live music, bottomless mimosas and tarot card readings at Of Love and Regret, and a bottomless brunch with themed cocktails at Prima Dopo, both also on Saturday.
Lunar New Year
It’s prime time to plan for Lunar New Year celebrations, as the holiday takes place next Saturday, Feb. 10.
Red Pepper Sichuan Bistro’s three-course meal for 8 to 10 guests is already available, so you can start the celebration early.
NiHao and Peter Chang Baltimore are also offering special Chinese New Year menus for the holidays. The traditional Szechuan menus include dishes like Dan Dan Noodles and Whole Peking Duck. You can also add batches of cocktails or beer to the order – which is available for dining in or takeaway.
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
Feb. 16: Max’s 20th Annual Belgian Beer Fest
Feb. 19: Ggoma Supper Club + The Vineyards at Dodon Lunar New Year Dinner at Foraged
Feb. 24: Swallow at the Hollow Chili Cookoff
