This week, Baltimore is jam-packed with food festivals and events – plus, the Orange Crush gets its due, as it’s named the state cocktail. Here’s a look at what’s happening from start to finish:
Openings & announcements
Kooper’s Tavern is opening a new location in the Havre de Grace space that formerly housed Laurapin Grille. The team also has plans to open another restaurant in HdG next summer: a water-oriented spot called Sam’s Seafood Shack.
In addition to a new restaurant in Ocean City, the Liberatore family has plans to open a new Lib’s Grill in downtown Towson. Another Lib’s Grill, in Sykesville, is also in the works.
The Food Market just launched a new menu, including several cuts of American Irodori Wagyu steaks, available with a variety of sides, sauces and add-ons.
Catonsville’s Charlsie’s Bakehouse is closing its doors – though the owner may be joining the team at The Fishmonger’s Daughter, the (hopefully) soon-to-open Catonsville spot owned by the crew from Faidley’s Seafood.
Rize + Rest Café is closing after service on June 1. However, the Patterson Park café’s owners are on the hunt for a new, larger location and hope to reopen by the end of the year.
The Bertha’s Mussels property has been sold. The iconic Fells Point restaurant, which briefly opened last week for a final sale of memorabilia and other goods, was auctioned off last Thursday and was sold to the lender holding the note on the building.
Italian Festival
From Friday through Sunday, Little Italy will be even more festive than usual, as the annual Italian Festival takes over South Exeter Street. The party includes music, vendors, artists, a screening of “Moonstruck,” and, of course, lots of food, beer and wine.
The daily menu features lots of Italian classics, like meatballs, sausage and peppers, pizza and cannoli. On Saturday and Sunday, there is also an all-day pasta dinner held in the School Hall at St. Leo’s.
Asian Food Fest at Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland
On Saturday and Sunday, Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland hosts an Asia in a Bite Food Festival in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The party, which will take place outdoors, features vendors, live music, and a wide variety of Asian food.
Festa Bicicletta at Woodberry Kitchen
On Saturday, Woodberry Kitchen hosts a watch party for the Giro d’Italia. While watching the race, guests can enjoy special menu items, like spritzes and paninis, and shop from Baltimore cycling vendors.
The event is ticketed but free to attend. Food and drinks will be sold a la carte.
Market at the Mill
On Sunday, Whitehall Mill will be busy with Market at the Mill, featuring dozens of cool vendors – plus a lot of great food from True Chesapeake, Glizzy’s, Kitsch Coffee, and Tia’s Italian Ice.
Orange Crushes forever
As of June 1, the Orange Crush is officially the Maryland state cocktail. The drink, which was first concocted at Harborside Bar & Grill in Ocean City, is a summertime staple on menus all over town.
To celebrate the occasion, Donnelly’s Dockside is offering two-for-one crushes all day on Sunday and Mama’s on the Half Shell will serve $5 crushes all day.
True Chesapeake x Loveland Farm
Also on Sunday, the To The Table Supper Series returns with a dinner at Loveland Farm. The meal will be prepared by Zack Mills of True Chesapeake, with drinks from Old Westminster Winery, Dodon Vineyards and Pherm Brewing Co.
Bluebird menu takeover
On Monday, Frank Caiafa, author of The Waldorf Astoria Bar Book, will take over the menu at The Bluebird Cocktail Room. During this one-night event, Caiafa will be on hand to chat and share classic cocktails.
Maggie’s Farm patio launch
Maggie’s Farm’s patio launch party, which was previously scheduled for a rainy day in May, will take place on Wednesday, June 4. To celebrate the opening of the patio, there will be all-day happy hour prices, live music, seafood from Trout’s Supreme Seafood, and special drinks for golden hour.
First Thursday
WTMD’s First Thursday Festivals at Canton Waterfront Park are back for the season – starting this Thursday, June 5. The focus of the festivals is on the music but they’re also a great place to eat. This week, Silver Queen Café will be among the vendors, serving samples of smoked Chesapeake blue catfish salad with fried wonton chips.
Clavel at 10
On Friday evening, Clavel will pop up at Currency Studio on West North Avenue. The event, which is part of the Remington restaurant’s tenth anniversary celebrations, will feature soundscapes, found objects from markets in Mexico City and Oaxaca, merchandise, and more.
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
June 14: Wine & Food Festival at the Maryland State Fairgrounds
June 19: Tiki Dinner at Silver Queen Café
June 29: Petit Louis 25th Birthday Party
