From openings to classes to spruced up menus, Baltimore restaurants are full steam ahead moving into mid-January. Here’s a look at what’s on tap this week:
Openings & announcements
Hana Sushi, from the owners of Yama Sushi, opens this week in the formerSouvlaki space in Hampden.
Josefina, which teased its opening on New Year’s Eve, officially opens to the public on Friday, Jan. 9.
Atlas Restaurant Group has announced a new partnership with Boatyard Bar & Grill, one of the most fun destinations in the Eastport community in Annapolis.
Congratulations to Olive Todd, who has been promoted to Bar Director & Head of the Bar Lab at Clavel, where she’ll be partnering with Mezcal Director Dre Levon.
Happy third anniversary to Ammoora! The restaurant is celebrating with a $3 discount on all signature craft cocktails and mocktails.
Fire at La Cuchara
Last Sunday, a kitchen fire caused La Cuchara to be evacuated. Fortunately, the restaurant’s staff and patrons are all safe and the fire was brought under control by the Baltimore City Fire Department. However, the restaurant is closed for the time being.
La Cuchara is beloved by the Baltimore community (and many outside the region) for its Basque food, thoughtful drinks and wine list, and excellent service. There has been an outpouring support for the staff and owners – and the entire community is hoping for a quick recovery and reopening.
Sammies at The Wren
Adam Estes is popping up in the kitchen at The Wren this month, servicing sandwiches, soups, and a wedge salad. He’ll be there Friday and Saturday, Jan. 9 and 10 and again Tuesday, Jan. 13 through Saturday, Jan. 17.
Café Gia, family-style
Café Gia has added a family-style menu to its to-go options (for delivery or pickup). The meals, which are designed for families of four or six, include choices of pasta and entrée, plus a starter, dessert, and optional add-ons.
Pizza making at Verde
On Tuesday, Verde hosts a pizza-making class – complete with wine, an appetizer, a dessert, and the opportunity to eat the pizza you learn to make yourself.
Bread & soup at Cosima
Wednesday is also a great night for hands-on learning. Cosima will host an evening class, focusing on bread and soup-making, with Chef Donna Crivello. The lineup includes rustic baguettes, rosemary olive focaccia, and two soups: winter vegetable and creamy tomato.
Krautfest is back
Gertrude’s annual Krautfest is back – with a twist. While the event is usually just one night, this year, it will last several days, with Krautfest specials on the menu from Wednesday, Jan. 14 through Sunday, Jan. 18. If you’re a fan of cabbage, knockwurst, and other kraut-adjacent dishes, this is your week.
January flavors
New year, new specials.
The Corner Pantry’s drink of the month is perfect for cozy January sipping: a juniper cardamom latte with juniper, cardamom and orange syrup and candied rosemary.
Johnny’s January cookie of the month isn’t necessarily resolution-friendly, but it does look worth the splurge: a raspberry linzer cookie with raspberry preserve made in-house.
At Foraged, the menu harkens back to summer, with a mezcalita made with strawberries harvested last season at Shaw Orchards and preserved at the restaurant.
Restaurant week season begins
Winter Restaurant Week season is upon us – which means tons of opportunities to try new spots (or visit old favorites).
A few local promotions kick off on Friday, Jan. 16, including Harford County and Baltimore County’s weeks and Atlas Restaurant Group’s Dine to Donate event benefiting The Y. All three events last through Jan. 25.
Live! Restaurant Week at the Live! Casino and Hotel starts on Jan. 18 and lasts until Jan. 29. Howard County’s week starts on Jan. 19 and lasts through Feb. 1.
And finally, the biggest event, including the most participating restaurants –Baltimore Restaurant Week – begins on Jan. 23 and lasts through Feb. 1.
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
Jan. 23: Après Ski Wine Supper
Jan. 23: Baltimore Restaurant Week begins
Feb. 6: Carnevale at Cinghiale
