From savory pumpkin specials to wine, bourbon and beer, this week has a bit of everything for Baltimore food lovers. Here’s a look at what’s happening, on Halloween and beyond:
Openings & announcements
Foraged Eatery, the five-year old locavore spot in Hampden, is expanding. The restaurant will move from its petite Chestnut Ave. location to a larger spot – the former home of Orto (and Colette) in Station North. The last day in the Hampden location is next weekend and the new location will open in a few weeks.
Beloved Thai restaurant Thai Landing will open in its new Belvedere Square location any day now.
Papi’s Tacos is busy these days – and about to get busier. The restaurant’s owners have plans to open a new Papi’s next spring, in the former home of English’s Family Restaurant in Ocean City.
Beer, Bourbon & BBQ
Friday and Saturday, head to the Fairgrounds for Beer, Bourbon & BBQ, a two-day festival featuring music, cigars, over 60 beers and 40 bourbons and lots and lots of BBQ.
Halloween celebrations
Halloween is upon us, which means lots of candy and excuses to get dressed up – plus lots of great opportunities to eat and drink well.
Johnny’s Harry Potter fun will last through this weekend, with cool Hogwarts décor, special desserts and drinks and a live magician at 5:30 on Friday and Saturday.
Saturday, get the holiday started with Spookfest at Das Bierhalle. The all-day, indoor/outdoor party includes costume contests, live music and, of course, lots of beer and food.
Also on Saturday, both EKIBEN locations (Hampden and Fells Point) will offer $4 buns and $8 bowls to celebrate Baolloween – one per person and only if you’re in costume.
While you’re in Fells on Saturday, you can also head over to Bondhouse Kitchen, which is hosting a Halloween party, with costume prizes and spooky Halloween-themed cocktails, with a portion of proceeds donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Guinness Open Gate Brewery is also getting in on the Halloween action on Saturday with an outdoor movie night – a double feature of “The Addams Family” and “Addams Family Values.” Costumes are encouraged and there will be many opportunities to eat and drink.
At Maximon, Sunday night is all about Dia de los Muertos. The Harbor East restaurant is hosting a ticketed party featuring signature cocktails, passed appetizers and carving stations – plus an onsite artist painting traditional sugar skull makeup.
Pumpkin everything
It’s the season for pumpkin everywhere – on the stoop, in the mug and on the plate.
At Water Song Yunnan Kitchen, the fall menu includes a traditional Chinese pumpkin side dish: sweet green bean pumpkin soup that looks and sounds perfect for crisp fall days and nights.
Thames Street Oyster House has an especially sophisticated take on pumpkin. The chef has created a terrific-sounding dish: pumpkin stuffed with lobster and scallop Thermidor, then roasted for two hours with Gruyere, parsnips, leeks, fennel, shallots and mushrooms.
Of course, if you’re in search of a great pumpkin dish this week, you can’t forget the classic: kaddo bourani at The Helmand. It’s the quintessential pumpkin side and never disappoints.
Spicy season
There’s something about a chill in the air. It makes a little spice just feel right.
At Gunther & Co., that spice is in an autumn spice cake, topped with a pretty dried apple slice.
At Tapas Teatro, it’s in the glass. The Station North tapas spot has a new sangria featuring pear puree, pomegranate juice, white wine and house-spiced pear liquor.
This week’s special dessert at Gertrude’s lives up to the “special” in its name. It’s a beautiful Irish spice cake topped with crème anglaise made with pawpaw, the native fruit that is difficult to cultivate, but has been part of the Chesapeake foodway’s story for centuries.
EKIBEN + Crust
EKIBEN is busy this week! On Tuesday, the Fells Point legends will head north for a pop-up breakfast event at Whitehall Market. EKIBEN will team up with Crust by Mack for the pop-up, which starts at 8 a.m. and lasts until everything is sold out.
International Stout Day
Thursday, Nov. 4 is International Stout Day. In honor of the day, consider a Guinness or two – possibly even a Guinness Gingerbread Stout, which is the company’s newest regional release, brewed right here and available throughout the holiday season.
Celebrate Diwali at good neighbor
On Friday, Nov. 5, head to good neighbor for a celebration of the Indian festival of lights, Diwali. The party, which starts at 5:30, will include games, music by Bollymore, special chaat dishes from Chef Durian Neal, and lots of festivities.
Blle Glos wine dinner at The Oceanaire
Also on Friday, The Oceanaire in Harbor East showcases the wines of California’s Belle Glos with a multi-course meal including dishes like seared ahi tuna with wild mushrooms and a red wine soy glaze paired with the winery’s Clark and Telephone Pinot Noir.
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
November 6: Baltimore Craft Beer Festival
November 13: Oyfest 8 at Union Craft Brewing
November 14: Sherry Luncheon at La Cuchara
