In Europe, the pace of life slows down in August, with businesses closing for the month and people going on holiday. Not so in Baltimore. This week, local restaurants are busier than ever, announcing new ventures, hosting collaborative dinners and more.
Here’s a look at what’s coming up:
Openings and announcements
This week is an especially big one for restaurant comings and goings, with the news of several high-profile openings and one lamentable closing.
Former Wit & Wisdom chef Zack Mills announced this week that he will partner with The Local Oyster and True Chesapeake Oyster Company to open True Chesapeake Oyster House in Whitehall Mill. Though there is no firm opening date yet, the restaurant will likely debut early next year and, given the talent behind it, it’s sure to be terrific.
After months of anticipation, the Guinness Open Gate Brewery & Barrel House opens today in Halethorpe, though the restaurant on the third floor of the brewery won’t open for another few weeks. Still, this installment is exciting, with a visitor’s center, taproom and bar in addition to the actual beer-making facilities.
Little Bird Coffee Bar, the new Italian-influenced café from the team behind Bluebird Cocktail Room, opens in Hampden on Tuesday, Aug. 7 (not Monday, Aug. 6).
This past week, Patterson Public House opened in the former Bistro Rx space in Patterson Park. The chef, Scott Bacon, formerly worked at Ze Mean Bean, and the restaurant will offer “elevated bar food,” according to The Baltimore Sun.
This week brought some sad news, too, with the announcement that Remington favorite Parts & Labor will close its doors. However, fans will have an opportunity to say goodbye: though the restaurant will serve its final dinner on Sunday, Aug. 5, the P&L bar (including a limited bar menu) will stay open for another two months.
National Oyster Day festivities
Sunday is National Oyster Day and restaurants all over the area are getting in on the bivalve action. During the day, a donation to the Oyster Recovery Partnership will be made for each oyster sold at participating restaurants around the region.
Gunther & Co. will host a patio party featuring raw, roasted and fried oysters. The restaurant’s oysterman, from Sapidus Farms, will be in the house, and there will be an Oliver Brewing Co. tap takeover.
The Mt. Washington Tavern will feature a bunch of oyster specials and has partnered with Jack’s Hard Cider, Heavy Seas and Manor Hill IPA for drink pairings. Plus, for each oyster sold at the Tavern on Aug. 5, the Oyster Recovery Partnership will plant 10 baby oysters in the Chesapeake Bay.
Other local restaurants participating in the day–and donating to ORP with the sale of each oyster–include: Ryleigh’s Oyster, Gertrude’s, Thames Street Oyster House, Dylan’s Oyster Cellar, The Avenue Kitchen & Bar, Bo Brooks, The Boathouse Canton, CrabTowne USA, Hudson Coastal, Jimmy’s Famous Seafood, Kooper’s (all three locations), The Local Oyster, Lib’s Grill, Loch Bar, Rusty Scupper, The Urban Oyster and Victoria Gastro Pub. For a complete list of participating restaurants, including many in the Annapolis area and around Washington D.C., click here.
Shucks & Chucks
If you’re not oystered out after the big day, you can continue to celebrate on Friday, Aug. 10, when The Local Oyster pops up at Chuck’s Trading Post in Hampden. The Shucks & Chucks party will feature oysters, beer from Waverly Brewing Company and live music.
Ice cream’s big day
On Saturday, The Charmery turns five and will celebrate the big day with free baby scoops (with any purchase), factory tours at the new Union Collective location and a flashback to some of the flavors offered during the ice cream shop’s first year in business.
Also on Saturday, the Baltimore Museum of Industry hosts Year of the Market: Baltimore’s Ice Cream Industry, Then & Now, a free talk about commercial ice cream production in Baltimore.
Momofuku CCDC + Chez Hugo
On Monday, Aug. 6, chef Tae Strain of Momofuku CCDC (and formerly of the tiny, incredible Demi in Belvedere Square) will join forces with Chez Hugo Bistro chef Steve Monnier for a collaboration dinner focusing on seasonal, local dishes.
The dinner is sold out, but keep an eye on the Chez Hugo Facebook page for more announcements of events like this one; the restaurant has been putting together a lot of intriguing collaborations and special meals.
Back to class
Local restaurants do a great job of sharing their knowledge with the general dining public. This week, a couple favorites are hosting classes that are both educational and fun.
On Monday, Johnny’s will host a cocktail class featuring Mai Tais and Chi Chis.
Azumi is bringing back its popular Sushi 101 class this summer and fall, with the first installment taking place next Tuesday, Aug. 7. These sessions will help you learn all about sushi and how to make it from one of the best crews in the city.
Rum on the Roof
On Thursday, Aug. 9, the Maryland Science Center will partner with Tobacco Barn Distillery for Rum on the Roof, a talk about the science and history behind rum. The event, which will take place on the Science Center’s roof, also includes a rum tasting.
Restaurant Weeks continue
We’re into our third week of local Restaurant Weeks now, and while some are winding down, others are just heating up.
Howard County’s week runs through Aug. 6 and Baltimore City’s week runs through Aug. 5. However, some restaurants, including Bar Vasquez, Cinghiale and Johnny’s, are choosing to extend their Restaurant Week promotions beyond the allotted time, so you still have time to try something new.
Baltimore County’s restaurant week starts today and runs through Aug. 18. During that time, participating restaurants–and there are a lot of them–will offer prix fixe menus between $15 and $35.
Planning Ahead
Here are a few events to look forward to over the next few weeks:
August 23: Summer Soiree at The Pendry
August 23: A Night with Newton Vineyard at Magdalena
September 30: Mermaid’s Kiss OysterFest
This post has been updated.
