This week is an exciting one in the Baltimore food world, including a major fundraiser, a couple big openings, wine and beer events, and new fall menus. Here’s a look at what’s coming up:
Openings & announcements
One of the biggest names in Baltimore restaurants – Spike Gjerde – is launching a new endeavor this week. On Oct. 5, Gjerde will open La Jetée, located in the Harbor Point space formerly occupied by Cindy Lou’s Fish House. The restaurant is billed as a Provençal bistro – but one that connects the culinary traditions of Provence with ingredients from the Chesapeake region, in keeping with Gjerde’s commitment to local sourcing.
Reservations are available now for the new restaurant, which will be open from breakfast through dinner.
Animal Boy, a sandwich shop with a full bar, opened on Thursday on Harford Road in Hamilton.
Blue Moon Too celebrated a decade in business this week. Congrats to the team on a big milestone!
Baltimore Fishbowl’s Oyster Shellebration
Tickets are available now for Baltimore Fishbowl’s own Oyster Shellebration – taking place at True Chesapeake on Thursday, Oct. 16.
During the party, guests can enjoy oysters served a variety of ways, including roasted, in stew, and on the half shell, hors d’oeuvres, drinks, live music and more – plus, a portion of ticket sales will benefit Mr. Trash Wheel. The Shellebration is also a fun opportunity to meet some of the Baltimore Fishbowl team (including me)!
Baltimore by Baltimore – last one of the season
The 2025 season of Baltimore by Baltimore comes to an end on Friday, Oct. 3 with ‘Ottobar Live’ – a multi-act rock show plus punk rock flea market and food and drinks from a bunch of Baltimore favorites, including Big Softy, Irie Watas, Soul Kuisine, and newcomer Raffy’s On 36th.
Vino in Vogue
Saturday afternoon, Aliceanna Street in Harbor East will be closed to car traffic while the neighborhood celebrates its annual Vino in Vogue event. From noon through 4 p.m., visitors can stroll through the streets, tasting wine from various businesses while shopping, enjoying live music and ore.
The tasting tables will offer a variety of wines, plus sommeliers and other experts will be on hand to discuss the vintages. Participating businesses include Apropoe’s, Bin 604, Kneads Bakeshop, Loch Bar, Lebanese Taverna, Maximon, Ouzo Bay, The Oceanaire Seafood Room, and Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse.
Wanderland
On Saturday, the Brewers Association of Maryland and the Hops & Harvest Festival team are joining forces for Wanderland, a one-day craft beverage festival held at Symphony Woods in Columbia. The event includes tastings of Maryland-made beers, wines, meads and spirits, live music, artisans, and tons of food.
Oktoberfest season
For the third week in a row, Baltimore offers a strong slate of Oktoberfest opportunities.
On Saturday, Oct. 4, the Maryland State Fairgrounds welcomes back Das Best Oktoberfest. The afternoon party includes hundreds of beers, wines, ciders and schnapps to taste, contests like stein-holding, tug of war, and carry-your-wife, oompah bands, and tons of German food.
Starting the evening of Friday, Oct. 10, the Maryland Zoo’s annual OktoBEARfest is back. On Friday and Saturday, guests can sample over 60 different seasonal brews (and other drinks). The event also includes live music, vendors – and zoo admission.
Mooooncake Fest
On Saturday, Oct. 4 and Sunday, Oct. 5, West Covington Park will come alive with a two-day festival celebrating the full moon and Asian culture. The event, dubbed Mooooncake Festival, is organized by the team behind last summer’s Asia in a Bite events, and features over 90 Asian food vendors, plus arts and crafts, kid-friendly activities, and cultural programming.
Beaux Frères at The Milton Inn
On Wednesday evening, The Milton Inn hosts Chris Marshall from Beaux Frères Vineyard in Oregon for a five-course meal spotlighting Beaux Frères wines.
Dining Out for Life
On Thursday, Oct. 9, dozens of Baltimore restaurants will participate in the 32nd annual Dining Out for Life, a fundraiser for the nonprofit Moveable Feast. Throughout the day, participating restaurants will donate a portion of proceeds to the organization – a few spots donate a significant portions to the cause, from 32% (‘Dashery, Blue Pit BBQ, Cosima, Dear Charles, Shotti’s Point, Silver Queen Café, The Brewer’s Art, and Vaccaro’s in Little Italy) to much as 50% (Clavel and Gertrude’s).
Don Julio tasting at Ryleigh’s
At Ryleigh’s Oyster, Thursday evening is all about the tequila. At the Deck Bar, Ryleigh’s will host a Don Julio tasting event, with special cocktails and small bites designed to complement the drinks.
Costiera x Black Ankle
Also on Thursday, Costiera is partnering with Black Ankle Vineyards for a meal matching five courses with Black Ankle wines, including pairings like gnocco fritto with prosciutto, pickled mushrooms and chive oil along with Black Ankle’s Albarino.
Brine launch party
Also on Thursday, True Chesapeake and Old Westminster Winery are collaborating on a launch party for OWW’s new wine, Brine. The party includes an oyster bar and wine bar, plus snacks from True Chesapeake Chef Zack Mills and Old Westminster Chef Tae Strain.
Fall cocktails at Cosima
On Friday, Oct. 10, Cosima will host a cocktail-making class focused on autumnal drinks, led by John Brown.
Fell’s Point Fun Festival
The 59th annual Fell’s Point Fun Festival kicks off on Friday, Oct. 10 and runs through the weekend. The festival, which spreads throughout the Fell’s waterfront, features live music, vendors, and tons of opportunities to eat and drink.
Prepping for fall
Restaurants around the area are updating their menus as the weather changes.
At Johnny’s, the new fall menu includes dishes like a Duroc pork chop with green apple chutney.
The menu at The Duchess has also gotten a refresh, with the addition of ingredients like honeynut squash and Asian pear.
The Manor Tavern’s new menu for includes dishes like the autumn orchard salad featuring roasted butternut squash, poached pear, candied pecans, and bleu cheeses.
The Corner Pantry’s fall lineup includes a latte made with real pumpkin and cinnamon sugar.
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
October 14: Origins Series with Paul Edward
October 16: Cocktails at the Conservatory
October 16: Oyster Shellebration at True Chesapeake
