This week starts with the Super Bowl, ends with Valentine’s Day, and a has a lot packed in between. Here’s a look at what’s coming up:
Openings & announcements
Doppio Pasticceria will open in its new home at the corner of Remington and 29th St. on Feb. 18. The bakery and café has been popping up in the old JBGB’s space and will continue operations there through Feb. 9. Then, the staff will take a week to get moved in and up and running in the new space before opening on the 18th.
There’s a new business coming to the original DiPasquale’s space. Forno, a “pizza speakeasy,” is set to open later this month.
Chada Thai has opened in the old Thai Arroy space in Federal Hill.
Brunch is back at Topside in Hotel Revival, starting this Sunday.
Clavel and Sophomore Coffee are collaborating on a new coffee blend, now available for purchase.
SoBo Café has changes in the works. The restaurant will soon have a new chef and owner. Details are scarce right now but more will follow soon.
Unfortunately, Sajhoma in South Baltimore has closed after nine years in business.
In more sad news, Lost Ark Distilling, which was one of the first small distilleries to open in Maryland, is closing its doors. Its last day of service will be Saturday, Feb. 15.
Saying goodbye
Over the past couple weeks, the Baltimore food world has lost two important and beloved figures.
On Jan. 23, Josef Gohring, the proprietor of Josef’s Country Inn in Fallston, passed away. Prior to opening Josef’s, Chef Gohring spent many years in the kitchen at Peerce’s Plantation in Baltimore County. He was an integral part of the culinary community in Baltimore for decades.
On Tuesday, Feb. 4, Drew Pumphrey, the man behind the Smoking Swine food truck and The Hanover, died unexpectedly. During his time in the local culinary industry, Pumphrey crossed paths with many, many chefs, bartenders and food lovers, and his big, warm personality and generosity are already missed.
H3irloom x Nordstrom for Black History Month
In honor of Black History Month, Nordstrom is partnering with H3irloom Food Group to offer a handful of H3irloom’s dishes in the café and coffee bar. From now through March 1, the Nordstrom Café menu includes options like Berbere steak and African fried rice, and at the Specialty Coffee Bar, guests can try Reesie’s Southern Goulash, a dish created in homage to H3irloom chef Tonya Thomas’s grandmother.
Wildfire assistance from The Charmery
Starting on Feb. 7, The Charmery will offer a special flavor to raise funds for those impacted by the California wildfires, via the California Community Foundation.
The ice cream shop will donate 20% of all proceeds from Caramel Apple Pie Peanut ice cream purchases to the organization. The flavor is a signature ice cream from Sweet Rose Creamery, an LA-based ice cream shop.
Inviting Light
On Friday, Feb. 7, Station North will kick off a yearlong event: Inviting Light. The event is a public art project that will light up the neighborhood with five public art installations and events throughout the year.
On Friday, the kickoff party will take place at the SNF Parkway Theater. Plus, neighborhood bars and restaurants are offering special dishes and discounts to mark the start of the initiative, including Tapas Teatro, Alma Cocina Latina, Club Car, Le Comptoir du Vin, The Royal Blue, Guilford Hall, Mobtown Café and Ballroom, and Motorhouse Bar.
Nacho Mama’s auction
On Saturday, Nacho Mama’s will auction off its remaining memorabilia. The event, which takes place at the old Nacho’s location in Towson, runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is first-come, first-served.
Super Bowl eats
While this year’s Super Bowl might not be the most exciting ever for Baltimore fans, there are still a few fun opportunities to make the most of the game – by eating through it.
Rusty Scupper is getting into the spirit with a New Orleans-themed brunch. The menu includes traditional brunch foods alongside dishes like roasted salmon and scallops with coconut curry butter.
Ethel’s Creole Kitchen in Mt. Washington is another great option for NOLA fare on Sunday.
The Duchess will be airing the game in the bar and offering a handful of football-friendly specials, like Chamorro BBQ pork spareribs and ahi tuna poke “nachos.”
Blue Catfish talk
On Tuesday, Feb. 11, True Chesapeake Chef Zack Mills will appear on a panel hosted by the Chesapeake Bay Trust, entitled “Invasive Blue Catfish: Can We Eat Our Way Out of This Problem?”. The talk takes place at the Trust’s headquarters in Annapolis and also features multiple experts in Chesapeake Bay-related topics.
Maryland Farm & Harvest’s 150th episode
Also on Tuesday, Maryland Public Television airs its 150th episode of Maryland Farm & Harvest. The show will feature Libertas Estates and OlaLekan Farm, and a farm to skillet segment featuring Woodberry Kitchen’s Spike Gjerde.
Galentine’s festivities
Galentine’s Day, the pre-Valentine’s Day celebration of female friendship made popular by the show “Parks and Recreation,” has steadily gained steam over the past few years. This year, tons of local restaurants are hosting special events for the occasion.
Though Galentine’s is officially on Feb. 13, Bunny’s is starting the party a little early, with an event on Tuesday, Feb. 11 featuring onsite body piercings and jewelry, a flower bouquet bar, welcome cocktails and bubble tastings and education.
Golden West Café is teaming up with Baltimore Spirits Company for a fun Galentine’s party on Feb. 13. There will be special BSC drinks, food, and aura photos, followed by a Galentine’s Runway event, complete with prizes.
Silver Queen Café is celebrating Galentine’s Day with food and drink specials and a fun vibe.
On Feb. 13, Das Bierhalle hosts a Galentine’s Day Sip and Shop in the basement, featuring everything from cookies to tiny tattoos.
Galantine’s at Sally O’s has a theme: the Pink Pony Club. The night includes a special menu, lots of disco balls and glitter, and big energy.
The Choptank & Waterfront Hotel are extending the Galentine’s holiday through the weekend, with a Galentine’s Bar Stroll on Saturday, Feb. 15.
Valentine’s Day plans
Valentine’s Day is on Friday, which makes it a bigger night than ever in the restaurant world. Many local spots have special plans for the holiday.
Kneads is offering a creative take on the traditional Valentine’s gift of flowers: a bread bouquet. The bread bouquets, which include a mix of baguettes and croissants, must be pre-ordered. They can be picked up at Kneads’ Harbor East, Canton or Cross Keys locations.
Moms can get a jumpstart on the holiday on Feb. 11, when Das Bierhalle hosts a Mother & Son Valentine’s Dinner. The next night, on Feb. 12, the Parkville spot welcomes dads and daughters for a dinner of their own.
True Chesapeake Oyster Company is also starting the party early with a V-Day crafting party during brunch on Sunday, Feb. 9. Brunch guests will have the opportunity to make Valentine’s Day cards and decorate oyster shells as they dine.
Limoncello’s Valentine’s specials include lobster bisque (with lobster chunks) and a luxe surf and turf featuring a filet plus a crab imperial-stuffed lobster tail.
On Valentine’s Day, Big Softy will pop up at Catalog Coffee, starting at 9 a.m., with a menu including carrot cake pancakes and a crab cake BLT.
Valentine’s specials at Estiatorio Plaka include a lump crab and green apple “cannelloni” appetizer and a classic filet and lobster surf and turf.
Foraged will offer a special prix-fixe menu designed for two on Valentine’s Day.
Gertrude’s Valentine’s Day pre-fixe menu is available on Friday the 14th and Saturday the 15th. Dishes include options like rockfish imperial and pistachio-crusted lamb lollipops. There are also vegan options for every course.
The Milton Inn will have specials all week long, culminating in a Valentine’s Day prix-fixe.
The Elkridge Furnace Inn’s Valentine’s Day menu includes dishes like a wild game pate appetizer and elk osso buco.
Dylan’s Oyster Cellar’s tables are fully booked on Valentine’s Day but the bar is still open for walk-ins (but get there early to nab a seat).
Chef’s Expressions is hosting a Valentine’s Day wine supper at the Gramercy Mansion, with themed dishes like the Ruby Red – a rare rib eye with pink peppercorn aioli and red beet noodles.
At the Explorer’s Lounge in the Royal Sonesta Harbor Court, a three-course prix-fixe includes traditional options like lamb chops and shrimp cocktail.
At the Rusty Scupper, the V-Day menu includes dishes like spice-roasted airline chicken breast with white wine demi-glace and braised beef short ribs.
At Live! Casino & Hotel, The Prime Rib will offer a Valentine’s Day menu, including options like an oyster and caviar flight to share, from Feb. 14 through 16, and on Valentine’s Day proper, David’s will offer a three-course prix-fixe with choices like lobster bisque and filet mignon.
Towson Tavern’s Valentine’s menu includes options like a Lobster Wellington appetizer and a veal porterhouse entrée.
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
Feb. 17: Diasporas at the Table at Alma Cocina Latina
Feb. 21: Nostalgia Diner Pop-Up
Feb. 22: 80’s Party at Joe Benny’s
