This week, the Baltimore restaurant scene is full of good news, from openings and anniversaries to wine, whiskey and beer tastings. Here’s a look at what’s coming up:
Openings & announcements
After years of planning and hard work, Heritage Smokehouse has opened for business. The Govans spot, which is gorgeous in the inside, is helmed by former Parts & Labor butcher George Marsh – someone who knows more about meat than most.
Plant-based ice cream shop Cajou Creamery will open on N. Howard St. on Aug. 28. Cajou has been popping up locally and shipping nationwide and now its creative flavors and dairy-free recipe will have a storefront of its own.
The Verandah Kitchen turned 10 last week – on the 75th Indian Independence Day. Congratulations to the Verandah team, who turn out excellent Indian street food in one of the most charming spots around town.
The Helmand is closing – briefly – to allow the staff to take a much-deserved summer vacation. The Afghan restaurant will be closed starting Tuesday, Aug. 31, and will reopen a week later, on Sept. 5 for dinner service.
Whiskey & beer
This weekend promises to be a fun one for beverage lovers. On Saturday, Sagamore Spirit hosts Whiskey on the Waterfront, an outdoor party with music, food trucks, cocktails and tastings.
And all weekend long, the Arts & Drafts festival will be going strong at Guinness Open Gate Brewery, with music, local artists, and lots of brews.
CAnE in the can
Speaking of Sagamore Spirit: the distillery has teamed up with local company CAnE Collective, which makes terrific mixers, to create a line of canned craft cocktails. Flavors include Black-Eyed Rye, Honey Paloma and Lemon Tea Fizz. They will be available throughout the region this month and plan to go national next year.
Wanderland
Saturday, local brewers, wineries and distilleries come together at the Shrine of St. Anthony in Ellicott City for Wanderland, a fun outdoor tasting event. The party features samples of numerous local drinks, plus music from Caleb Stine and several food trucks.
Tacos ‘N Taps
On Saturday, head to Harbor Point for Tacos N’ Taps, an outdoor festival celebrating all things taco, beer and tequila. The party will also include live music, contests and more.
Clavel + Ekiben + La Cuchara
On Sunday, three local faves – Clavel, Ekiben and La Cuchara – team up for a six-course collaborative dinner celebrating the role of maize in cultures across the globe. The meal will feature dishes including maize from the Mexican, Chinese and Spanish cultures and it is sure to be as educational as it is delicious.
Tiki night at the Bierhalle
On Tuesday, Das Bierhalle goes tiki with a cocktail class featuring drinks using Rumhaven Coconut Water Rum and Myers Dark Rum. Tickets to the class include a bottle of each, plus barware and swag, and lessons on making cocktails with both.
Uncle Nearest happy hour at Hotel Revival
On Wednesday, the team from Uncle Nearest will pop up at Topside in Hotel Revival for a late happy hour featuring cocktails showcasing Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey.
Tucci wine dinner at Café Troia
On Thursday, Café Troia hosts the next in its series of wine dinners inspired by Stanley Tucci’s tour of Italy. This month’s installment features the food of Rome, including dishes like fried artichokes and pasta with tomatoes, onions and guanciale.
Murder mystery at Towson Tavern
Also on Thursday, Towson Tavern goes retro, turning into 1920s-themed “Sinister Speakeasy,” during a fun murder mystery dinner.
Spirits & science
On Friday, Aug. 27, head to the Maryland Science Center for a rooftop happy hour and talk about the science side of spirits and cocktails. The science – and drinks – will come from a handful of local experts, including Baltimore Spirit Co.’s owner/distiller Eli Breitburg-Smith, Dutch Courage owner Brendan Dorr and Kim Vo, the bar manager at Dutch Courage.
Helping the home team
The marketing team from Eddie’s – who create some really great programs and pieces – are in the running for a big national award. The local shop is one of eight finalists for the National Grocers Association Outstanding Marketer award. Voting is open to the public (here). Eddie’s has some stiff national competition, including Lowe’s Markets and Shoprite – so they can use all the hometown support they can get.
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
September 12: Ocean Pride’s 50th Birthday Party
September 23: Dining Out for Life benefiting Moveable Feast
September 25: Susquehanna Wine & Seafood Festival
