It’s a lively time of year in Baltimore. This week’s culinary lineup includes food-focused charitable events, cultural celebrations, wine and whiskey dinners and more. Here’s a look at what’s on tap:
Openings & announcements
The original Kooper’s Tavern in Fells Point celebrated 28 years in business on Sept. 22. Congratulations to the whole Kooper’s team!
Alma Cocina Latina’s arepa window is now closed – but for a happy reason. The restaurant’s team is getting close to opening Candela Arepa Bar.
Sunset Jams
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, this week’s Sunset Jams event at Rash Field Park includes a Mexican brass band and Latin American dance group – plus dishes from Reuben’s Mexican Food. The event takes place on Friday night, starting at 5 p.m.
Maryland Italian Festival
The Galbani Maryland Italian Festival is back again this weekend, running Friday through Sunday. The festival, which takes place at Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen, features all kinds of entertainment, activities, and food and drink from the local Italian community.
Oktoberfesting
Nepenthe Brewing Co. is celebrating Oktoberfest this Saturday and Sunday with tons of activities, including a stein-holding contest, 25-ounce steins for sale, and food and drink specials.
The Catholic Community of South Baltimore has also organized an Oktoberfest party this Saturday. The event, which takes place at Holy Cross, an original German Parish, will have beer, German food, polka music, games, and more – and raises funds to support Catholic schools.
Guinness Open Gate Brewery’s Oktoberfest events continue this weekend, with live music, German food, special beers and more.
Caribbean Wine, Food & Music Festival
On Saturday afternoon, Carroll Park lights up with the annual Caribbean Wine, Food & Music Festival, featuring tons of entertainment and tasty Caribbean dishes.
Negroni Week
Imbibe Magazine’s Negroni Week is in full swing through Sept. 28. The global event shines a spotlight on the classic negroni cocktail, while raising money for the organization Slow Food. In Baltimore, dozens of bars and restaurants are participating in the effort, including a handful of “premium donors”: La Scala, Spirits of Mt. Vernon, The Elk Room, Costiera, Southpaw, Rec Pier Chop House, Dutch Courage, and Golden West Café.
Baltimore Ukrainian festival
On Saturday and Sunday, the 48th annual Ukrainian Festival, organized by Baltimore’s Showcase of Nations, takes place at St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church. The festival includes live music, dancers, and more entertainment, along with an array of Ukrainian food and a beer garden.
Flavors of Maryland
On Monday, Sept. 29, TasteWise Kids’ annual fundraiser, Flavors of Maryland, takes place at Gertrude’s. During the event, local chefs team up with farms to create small bites showing off what makes the cuisine of the Chesapeake region so special.
This year’s chef lineup includes Chef’s Expressions, Heritage Kitchen, Gertrude’s, Victoria Gastro Pub, David and Tonya Thomas of H3irloom Food Group, Foraged, Ekiben, Rooted Rotisserie, and True Chesapeake.
Cosima wine dinner
On Tuesday, Sept. 30, Cosima hosts a four-course dinner celebrating the wines of Puglian winemaker Leone de Castris, including pairings like orecchiette with lamb Bolognese and broccoli rabe matched with the winery’s 2022 Maiana.
Brine launches
Old Westminster Winery is leaning into its Chesapeake region roots with the launch of its newest wine – Brine. The wine, which will be available starting Wednesday, Oct. 1, is a Vinho Verde and is designed specifically for pairing with oysters. Plus, for every bottle of Brine sold, $1 will be donated to Oyster Recovery Partnership.
Old Westminster is officially celebrating the launch with a party at True Chesapeake on Oct. 9 – tickets are available now. The event includes an open oyster bar and open wine bar, plus hors d’oeuvres by Chefs Zack Mills and Tae Strain.
Alma x Puerto 511
On Wednesday, the chefs from Alma Cocina Latina and Puerto 511 join forces for a dinner celebrating the shared lands of Peru and Venezuela. The six dish meal focuses on a handful of key ingredients central to both cuisines.
Laurent-Perrier dinner at Charleston
Also on Wednesday, Charleston hosts a dinner showcasing the wines of Laurent-Perrier, including a pouring of the esteemed Champagne-makers Grand Siècle No. 24 Magnum. Courses include dishes like sweet corn and lobster bisque, and torchon of foie gras with plum and peach compote.
World Is Your Oyster Fest
On Thursday, Oct. 2, the Oyster Recovery Partnership’s annual World Is Your Oyster Fest returns to Baltimore. The event, which takes place at the B&O Railroad Museum, includes a shucking competition and instruction, an enormous raw bar, and food from a ton of local seafood spots, including Dylan’s Oyster Bar, Faidley’s, Jimmy’s Famous Seafood, La Food Marketa ,The Local Oyster, Mama’s on the Half Shell, Rye Street Tavern, Thames Street Oyster House, and more.
Listening party at Sally O’s
Calling all Swifties: Sally O’s is hosting a listening party for the launch of Taylor Swift’s new album, Life of a Showgirl. The party starts at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 2 and features a special Taylor-oriented food and drink menu.
Then, at midnight, when the album drops, the whole crowd can listen to it for the first time.
Whiskey dinner at Union Hill
Also on Thursday, Union Hill is partnering with Milam & Greene for a five-course dinner with whiskey pairings. M&G’s Master Distiller and Master Blender will both be on hand to discuss the whiskies while enjoying the meal.
Art x food
Local art and local food are a natural pairing – and two Baltimore restaurants have just installed exciting new exhibits.
At Silver Queen Café, guests can check out the engaging work of Lawrence Perry – an exhibit that started this past week.
At the LB Bistro & Bakery in the Lord Baltimore Hotel, the most recent installation of the bistro’s In Good Taste art exhibition series is the work of Luann Carra, a former winner of the hotel’s Couture Tree Competition.
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
October 4: Mooooncake Fest
October 9: Dining Out for Life
October 16: Cocktails at the Conservatory
