From cooking classes to keg parties, this week is a big and fun one in the Baltimore food world. Plus, it’s time to make Easter reservations, if you haven’t already.
Here’s a look at what’s coming up:
Openings & announcements
Cross Keys’ new Mexican spot, Luna Oaxaca, officially opens on Saturday, April 12. Early reports from this week’s soft opening are very positive.
Sotto Sopra celebrated its 29th anniversary this past week. Congratulations to the entire team!
Speaking of anniversaries, Hampden’s Grano Pasta Bar turned 18 this past week. Congrats to them, as well!
Café Los Suenos is also celebrating an anniversary this weekend. On Saturday, the café marks four years in business with a special edition of Remington Brunch Club, featuring free cookies with coffee purchases, free mimosas courtesy of Mt. Royal Soaps, plus goodies from Nana, Tortuga Kombucha and more.
SoBo Café’s ownership is changing hands this week. The South Baltimore restaurant is spending its last few days under old ownership reminiscing about the past 13 years – and looking forward to the next chapter.
Fans of al fresco dining received an unwelcome shock this week when they learned that Sunset Cove will not reopen for the summer season. The popular restaurant’s sister spots, Steelefish Grill and Hickory Lodge, will remain open.
Rebel Keg Party
On Friday, April 11, Gertrude’s hosts its annual Rebel Keg Party benefiting Moveable Feast. The party features live music, tons of food, and beers from local breweries – all coming together to raise funds for a great cause.
Feastival
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s annual Feastival event takes place this Saturday, April 12, at West Shore Park. The event, which raises money for CFF research and other activities, includes a lineup of excellent local restaurants and food businesses, including Charm City Beverage, Taharka Brothers, Kora Lee’s, James Joyce, Marta, Poets Modern Cocktails & Eats, Guilford Hall Brewery, Union Craft Brewing, Baltimore Waffle Co., The Food Market, Hopscotch Zero Proof Bottle Shop, Black Flag Social House, Zenjoy, La Scala, Cindy Lou’s Fish House, Golden West Café, Manor Hill Tavern, The Urban Oyster, Watershed, Facci, Wayward Bar & Kitchen, Bunny’s, the Rusty Scupper, Costiera, Beye Beignets, Clavel, Our Time, Pink Flamingo, Dutch Courage, Sally O’s, The Capital Grille, Italian Disco, Baltimore Spirits Co., La Cuchara, CAnE Collective, Rec Pier Chophouse and more.
Eubie’s Knees launch
Baltimore Spirits Co. has partnered with the University of Baltimore on a Bee’s Knees-inspired bottled cocktail made of Shot Tower Gin, honey and lemon. The drink, called Eubie’s Knees after the UB mascot, will debut on Saturday at the BSC Tasting Room and at the UB Rock the Block party.
Baltimore Street Food Festival
The Baltimore Street Food Festival is back – for the fifth time – the weekend of April 12-13. The festival, which takes over Power Plant Live!, features food from tons of food trucks and restaurants, along with contests, a beer garden, kids’ activities and more.
Billecart-Salmon Champagne Dinner
On Wednesday, an ambassador from Billecart-Salmon will join diners at Charleston to enjoy a six-course meal designed to pair with offerings from the Champagne maker.
Classes on Wednesday
On Wednesday evening, local spots offer a pair of great opportunities to learn more about making Italian food.
That evening, Cosima hosts a cooking class with Chef Donna Crivello. Chef Crivello will lead the class in making fresh pastas and sauces incorporating springtime ingredients, like artichokes and crab.
Also that evening, Kneads’ Harbor East location offers a pizza-making class. Tickets include instruction as well as pizza and wine to enjoy.
Earth Day events at Guinness
Guinness Open Gate Brewing is honoring Earth Day with a series of events and activities from April 16-19, including a limited edition beer release on April 16, a beer dinner benefiting Oyster Recovery Partnership on April 17, and a terrarium-building class with B. Willow on April 19.
California Dreaming wine dinner
On Thursday, Chef’s Expressions hosts a wine dinner celebrating the wines of California. Courses include pairings like a Central Coast Pinot Noir rosé with strawberry soup topped with fresh mint oil and served with whipped feta crostini, and Chilean sea bas with ras el hanout velouté, cranberry beans and spring peas paired with a Sonoma Chardonnay.
True Chesapeake Terrace opening
True Chesapeake Oyster Co. will open its lovely terrace for the season on Thursday. The restaurant will celebrate the kickoff of outdoor season with a free rose tasting featuring a variety of different options that are vying for spots on the regular spring drinks menu.
Easter plans
Easter is on Sunday, April 20 – which means now is the time to make reservations for brunch or dinner.
Among many other things, Miss Shirley’s will have a special cocktail available throughout Easter weekend. The Strawbunny Lemonade Mimosa is made with Natalie’s Fresh Strawberry Lemonade and champagne.
Easter catering orders at The Corner Pantry must be placed by noon on April 11.
Cinghiale’s three-course Easter menu starts with options like bluefin tuna carpaccio, followed by choices including black pepper pappardelle or chicken saltimbocca.
Hersh’s only opens for brunch twice a year – and Easter is one of those times. The holiday menu includes pizzas, pastas, and breakfast fare.
The Milton Inn’s Easter options include dishes like a cream-based sunchoke and wild leek soup and a lobster omelette.
Manor Tavern’s Easter buffet includes a variety of options, from carving stations to quiche to a Country French-style spring lamb stew.
Cindy Lou’s is open for brunch and dinner on Easter, including traditional fare like ham with gravy and mashed potatoes.
Peerce’s Easter brunch includes Indian classics along with seafood and dessert stations.
At Rec Pier Chop House in the Sagamore Pendry Baltimore, Easter brunch features a prix fixe menu (plus a big dessert buffet), as well as an Easter egg hung and live gospel music.
Charleston’s Easter offerings include the full a la carte menu, including a few fresh spring flavors, such as the first asparagus of the season.
Cece’s is offering a three-course prix fixe brunch on Easter, including plates like scallop crudo and smoked salmon pizzette, and is also open for dinner as usual.
Towson Tavern’s Easter buffet includes classic dishes like French toast, crab cakes and Caesar salad.
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
May 4: Fiesta de Clavel
May 8: Wine Village Opens
May 16-17: HEX Superette Fermentation Festival
