Baltimore is feeling the love this week starting, but not ending, with tons of Valentine’s Day goodness. Here’s a look at what’s happening in Charm City’s restaurant scene this week:
Openings & announcements
Thames Street Oyster House has reopened for indoor dining – for the first time since the start of the pandemic. The Fells Point restaurant has just 10 tables inside and has adopted a strict sanitation protocol to help diners enjoy their amazing fare without worry.
Patterson Public House has also reopened! The corner restaurant closed indefinitely just before Christmas; they’re back now for evening dining.
Clavel has a new project underway: a Nixtamaleria. The space will serve as a place to grind corn for masa, and as a carryout counter and shop.
Win some bourbon from Loch Bar
Loch Bar has a fun Instagram contest in the works. Take a picture with “The Hoof” from Loch Bar, post it to your Instagram story with the hashtag #PassDaHoof. Then do it again and again until March 31. Whoever tags Loch Bar the most during that time will win a bottle of Buffalo Trace.
Station at 601 at Guinness
Guinness Open Gate Brewery has released a new beer as part of its Allyship Through Collaboration series. “Station at 601,” a Black IPA with tangerine, is part of the Guinness Gives Back Community Fund, which helps support the Job Opportunities Task Force, non-profit dedicated to eliminating barriers for low-wage workers.
The beer is available on draft or in 16-ounch cans for pickup or dining at the brewery.
Vegan Restaurant Week
Maryland Vegan Restaurant Week is in full swing from now through the end of February. All month long, participating restaurants will spotlight excellent vegan fare on their menus.
Valentine’s Day
The big news this week is, of course, Valentine’s Day. The holiday is technically on Sunday but local restaurants will be celebrating all weekend long.
There are lots of fun options this year, including restaurants participating in The Takeout Getdown, which pairs carryout with an online party. This weekend’s Getdown features sets from DJs and local comedians.
Eddie’s of Roland Park’s Valentine’s Day orders are technically closed but the store is offering a surf and turf special at the meat and seafood counters all weekend long: two jumbo lump crab cakes and two 8-ounce filet mignon steaks for $49.99 – an excellent deal.
There’s still a little time left to place an order at Patisserie Poupon – like a sweet heart-shaped tart or cake.
Speaking of sweets, Atwater’s has an adorable lineup of Valentine’s Day cookies available (among other things).
Peter’s Inn has some limited indoor reservations and a lovely lineup of carryout options for the weekend, including dishes like tuna ceviche with pineapple, jalapeno and basil, and a little neck clam tagliatelle.
Alma Cocina Latina will offer the a la carte menu for Valentine’s Day this weekend. The restaurant will be closed on Sunday but has extended hours on Saturday to accommodate holiday diners.
When you’re grabbing breakfast at Blue Moon Too, you can also pick up a pretty gift (possibly for yourself): the Federal Hill spot has a lineup of cool jewelry available for purchase.
Sally O’s, which is one of the restaurants participating in the Takeout Getdown, has three-course menu with options like seared sea scallops with pistachio brown butter and lobster pot pie.
Dutch Courage (also a Takeout Getdown participant) is offering a four-course menu with dishes like roasted beets with burrata and candied pistachios over local greens, rockfish and crab imperial, and housemade bon bons.
The Wicked Sister’s Valentine’s Day prix fixe includes a bottle of wine, salads, an app, entrees (crab cake, steak or stuffed mushroom) and a dessert – plus an extra kids’ meal add-on for little Valentines.
Tapas Teatro is open for indoor dining on Sunday – and taking reservations. The Station North tapas spot is usually first-come, first-serve – and always worth the wait.
Cypriana’s Valentine’s Day menu includes several dinner-for-two options, including a “seafood soiree” and a mezze meal of Greek appetizers.
The Tilted Row’s Valentine’s menu, which is available Friday through Sunday, includes options like crab-stuffed shrimp and cod en papillote with mussels.
Johnny’s special Valentine’s Day cocktail sounds lovely: Tito’s Vodka, white chocolate liqueur and strawberry cream. It’s available for dining at the restaurant or take it home.
Woodberry Kitchen’s Valentine’s menu is all about Italy. You can also order gifts from Corradetti Glass Studio through Woodberry.
Fuisine’s V-Day menu is still mostly under wraps but the restaurant did post a terrific teaser: beet ravioli with pesto ricotta, spiced pepitas and truffle vinaigrette.
For a look at more Valentine’s Day options, check out last week’s column.
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
Feb. 25: Big Reds Wine Dinner at Elkridge Furnace Inn
Feb. 27: Whiskey, Wine & Fire at The Manor Tavern
