As February winds down, Baltimore’s food scene is heating up. This week is a busy one with wine and spirit dinners, fundraisers, and a whole lot more. Here’s a look at what’s coming up:
Openings & announcements
Silver Queen has given itself a refresh, including a new look inside and a “smaller, tighter menu” that will change frequently – continuing to focus on casual and seasonal dishes.
Spike Gjerde has some new projects in the works. The Woodberry Kitchen chef is the force behind a planned new Italian market planned for Whitehall Mill and a tapas bar, Bar Dalí, in Mt. Vernon. He also recently opened La Jetée in Harbor Point.
The owners of The Black Olive have filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, though the restaurant remains open. Representatives for the restaurant say the bankruptcy stems from a dispute with their bank related to payments on the building where The Black Olive is located.
Year of the Horse
The Year of the Horse is upon us – and local restaurants have celebrations extending through the week.
The Corner Pantry is teaming up with Spirit Shop for a multi-course wine dinner showcasing the flavors of Asia, including courses like a salad of confit duck, charred satsuma, Szechuan peanuts and peanut and ginger dressing, paired with wines from Austria and Washington state.
Nine-Tailed Fox will offer cocktails and dishes created to honor the symbolism and flavors associated with Lunar New Year, from now through March 3.
CIAA festivities
The CIAA basketball tournament comes to town this week, starting on Tuesday, Feb. 24 – and many local venues are hosting events or offering promotions to welcome fans.
Food lovers can get a head start on tourney action on Saturday, Feb. 21, with the launch of BORT (Black-Owned Restaurant Tour). From Saturday through Sunday, March 1, Black-owned restaurants around Baltimore will welcome CIAA guests for special meals and happy hours.
Participants include: BAR V 2.0, SWILL, Rooted Rotisserie, Yeiboh Kitchen, Stem & Vine, BLK Swan, Blanco’s, Unity Bar & Restaurant, Werner’s, The Empanada Lady, Proper Cuisine, Cuples Tea House, Soul Kuisine, Nostalgia, Good Food, Waiting to Oxtail, Crust by Mack, and The Garden Rooftop.
Plus, at Rusty Scupper, diners who show CIAA tickets or tournament staff ID will receive 10% of their bills.
Olive Garden Week
From Monday, Feb. 23 through Saturday, Feb. 28, The Dive Bar is bringing back its popular Olive Garden Week. Bring on the breadsticks!
Cinghiale wine dinner
On Monday, Cinghiale hosts Silvia Vannucci, the owner and winemaker of Piaggia in Carmignano, Tuscany, for a multi-course meal showcasing Tuscan flavors and Piaggia wines.
Sazerac at Cece’s
On Wednesday, Feb. 25, Cece’s celebrates the Sazerac with a three-course meal, tasting, and discussion about the history of the classic cocktail.
Baltimore Spirits Co. x Foraged
Also on Wednesday, Foraged welcomes the crew from Baltimore Spirits Co. for a four-course cocktail dinner featuring a variety of local flavors.
Africa in the Americas
Also on Wednesday, Alma Cocina Latina and Chef Scott Bacon of Magdalena partner for a special meal honoring the culinary influence of the African diaspora. The meal features dishes, served family-style, that reflect the impact of history and migration on cuisine.
Kentucky Nights Bourbon Tasting
Mt. Washington Tavern’s annual fundraising event for Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital, Kentucky Nights, also takes place on Wednesday. The event, which is always a hit, features tons of bourbons to sample, plus food, live music, and a guest appearance from Ed Norris.
Brigance Brigade’s Signature Winter Soiree
Brigance Brigade, O.J. Brigance’s organization that raises funds to support the ALS community, is hosting its annual winter event on Friday, Feb. 27. The party, which is held at Martin’s West, is full of food and fun – all for a very worthy cause.
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
February 28: Liquid Courage at the Baltimore Museum of Industry
March 5: British Classics Cooking Class at The Corner Pantry
March 5: In Service of the Bay Discussion at True Chesapeake
