Local seafood and produce are at their peak, and this week in Baltimore brings everything from farm dinners to philanthropic crab feasts. It’s sure to be a fun one–and a tasty one, too.
Here’s a look at what’s on tap:
Openings and announcements
Well-respected Baltimore bartender Doug Atwell, who made a name for himself at spots like Blue Pit BBQ and Rye, is opening a place of his own. He’s hopeful that his new venture, which is still in development but will occupy the old Santa Clara space on Bond Street, will open early next year.
Sad news for fans of local meats: Gunpowder Bison announced late last week that it will close at the end of the summer. Now through the end of the month, many products are 25 percent off or more–and keep in mind that items you buy now will last in the freezer through the holidays.
Caribbean Festival
Love Caribbean music? On Friday evening, a handful of Caribbean bands will gather at Owings Mills Metro Centre for a a festival featuring food trucks, a kids’ zone, fun vendors and cocktails, beers and local wine.
On the farm
Saturday looks like a gorgeous day to head out to the country, and a pair of local farms are hosting activities that offer plenty of incentive to get in the car.
Interested in distilling? Head to Star Bright Farm on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to learn about distilling herbs from the experts.
That evening, Two Boots Farm in Hampstead hosts a seasonal flower farm dinner. The meal, which is catered by Wilde Thyme, will focus on “hyper-seasonal” produce and the evening will end with a bonfire. (Just a head’s up: it’s the ideal time to enjoy peak blooms.)
Tire Shop pop-up
On Saturday, Bark BBQ, Diamondback Beer and the crew from R. bar will team up for a fun afternoon pop-up in the former Parts & Labor space in Remington. The party starts at noon and features barbecue, beer and cocktails and, per an event description, “insane desserts.”
Fun at R. House
The rotating space at R. House is a regular source of new and fun food. Through Sunday, FishScale, a sustainable seafood restaurant based in D.C., is serving True Blue crab burgers out of the space.
After FishScale’s run, Stone’s Throw Hash will take over the pop-up space. The new local skillet-breakfast company is also partnering with Ground & Griddled on a contest to win free hash and coffee for the week. To enter, post a photo of your hash and coffee o n Monday or Tuesday and tag @stonesthrowhash and @groundandgriddled.
Crabs in Union Square
On Saturday, head to Union Square for a crab feast raising funds for supplies for students at Steuart Hill Academic Academy. Tickets for the event include all-you-can-eat crabs, corn, chicken, potatoes, watermelon and cole slaw. Beer, wine, sodas and water will also be available.
Mercado No Se at Union Craft Brewing
Clavel’s Mercado No Se, an art and vintage market, was a huge hit last year–and it’s back and even bigger in 2019, taking place on Sunday at Union Craft Brewing.
The market will have art and vintage wares sold by members of the Clavel team and its “extended family,” as well as drinks from Union and food from Clavel, Ekiben, The Charmery, Well Crafted Pizza and Ray’s Pork Rinds.
Bluegrass, food trucks & beer at Steppingstone Farm Museum
Up in Havre de Grace, Steppingstone Farm Museum is hosting its first ever Folk & Bluegrass Festival on Sunday.
In addition to the music, the festival will feature food trucks and beers. The event is a fundraiser for the museum, which includes a farmhouse built in 1771, a collection of antique tools and a volunteer staff that helps tell the stories associated with historic trades and crafts.
Pig butchery at Noona’s
Interested in learning about whole-hog butchery? At Noona’s on Monday evening, Brian Javier, a former Parts & Labor butcher, and chef Cai Lindeman will demonstrate how to butcher a whole pig.
During the class, guests will learn about the basics of butchery and enjoy some snacks courtesy of Noona’s. Space is limited, so RSVP early.
Bar Vasquez + Alma Cocina Latina
On Tuesday, two local restaurants that celebrate the food of South America, Bar Vasquez (Argentina) and Alma Cocina Latina (Venezuela), join forces for a collaborative dinner dubbed Entre Amigos, raising funds for the nonprofit Families Belong Together.
The dinner is the first in a series of collaborations benefiting the cause. Bar Vasquez will team up with Puerto 511 (Peru) on Aug. 20 and with Clavel (Mexico) on Aug. 27.
Author talk at Bird in Hand
On Wednesday, Anna Francese Gass, author of “Heirloom Kitchen: Heritage Recipes & Family Stories from the Table of Immigrant Women,” will speak and sign books at Bird in Hand. The event, being co-hosted by Slow Food Baltimore and Bird in Hand, will include samples of recipes from the book and is free and open to the public.
Wine tasting and candle making at La Cuchara
Candle maker Knits, Soy and Metal teams up with neighbor La Cuchara on Thursday evening for a fun seminar on candle making–with some wine-tasting thrown in. The event starts at Knits, Soy and Metal, where guests will mix and pour candles, then you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy three half-glasses of seasonal wines from La Cuchara.
Gin making at Topside
On Thursday, the crew from McClintock Distillery will join up with the team from Topside for a gin-making class held in the restaurant’s Garden Room.
The class will include a discussion of gin’s history and how it’s made, and attendees will get to make their own custom blends to take home. There will also be cocktails and small bites during the class. It sounds like a fun one–and educational, too!
Maryland Vegan Restaurant Week
Maryland Vegan Restaurant Week, which is really more like two weeks, kicks off next Friday and runs through Sept. 1. A bunch of great restaurants are participating, including vegetarian stalwarts like Land of Kush and Great Sage, as well as spots with broader menus like Wicked Sisters and Outpost American Tavern.
Other restaurant weeks
Other local restaurant week promotions are starting to wind down: Baltimore City’s event ends Sunday, while Baltimore County’s continues through next weekend.
But some restaurants are extending their deals, like Sotto Sopra, which will continue its three-course, $35 dinner through Aug. 18. (The restaurant has also introduced a new Sunday night program, Peabody Nights, featuring performers who graduated from the nearby Peabody Conservatory. The next performance is on Aug. 25.)
Others may be doing the same, so if you’re heading out in the city week this week, be sure to call ahead to ask.
Planning Ahead
Here are a few events to look forward to over the next few weeks:
Aug. 25: Farmers Market Dinner at La Cuchara
Sept. 21: Charm City Night Market
Oct. 12: Ryleigh’s Oysterfest 13
