A short week means a long weekend, and even more opportunities for long, leisurely dinners. This week, Baltimore restaurants offer a few changes to take advantage of the last bits of summer. Plus, news of upcoming openings and revamps as we head into autumn.
Here’s a look at what’s coming up:
Openings and announcements
Fells Point favorite Ekiben is reportedly opening an outpost in Hampden, taking over the space that housed TigerStyle.
Noona’s is now open for lunch, with a tweaked menu including some favorites from dinner service alongside lighter fare. During lunch hours, the restaurant will operate “pub-style,” with guests ordering and paying at the bar then grabbing a table to wait for their meals.
South Baltimore’s Minnow closed after service last Saturday night, but will reopen tomorrow with a new name, The Hot Dry, and an all-new concept.
The Cardinal Tavern in Canton has new owners and is getting a bit of an upgrade, including new TVs in the upstairs bar, some additional menu items and a new name: Brick Row Pub.
The Govans space that used to house Murphy’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill is under construction. It’s in the process of becoming Heritage Smokehouse, a family-friendly restaurant and bar with a menu that focuses on classic barbecue. The guy behind the restaurant–and the smoker–is George Marsh, the former head butcher at Parts & Labor.
Mt. Vernon Marketplace is getting a new stall. Roll Ice Cream and Coffee, which debuted in Highlandtown in late 2017, will open in the market tomorrow.
Bar Shouji pop-up
On Sunday, Bar Shouji will pop up in the old Salt space in Butcher’s Hill. From 4 to 9 p.m., the chefs will offer a Chinese-inspired menu, served family-style.
Dishes include cumin beef dumplings with hot and sour vinaigrette, braised tilefish with preserved vegetables, and black pepper pork cheese with poblano peppers, fennel, red plum and Thai basil.
Labor Day news
A handful of local spots have special plans for the Labor Day holiday on Monday.
B&O American Brasserie will honor the holiday with a special Monday brunch, including magnum mimosas–a magnum of sparkling wine served tableside with an assortment of juices–and an evening barbecue dinner.
The Sagamore Pendry is hosting a Labor Day cookout at its swank pool. Tickets include access to swim in the pool plus an all-you-can-eat menu at the pool bar and grill, with traditional cookout items like burgers, hot dogs and corn on the cob.
Five and Dime Ale House in Hampden is hosting brunch service from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with bottomless and build-your-own Bloody Marys, mimosas and Bellinis.
The Point in Fells hosts its eighth annual Labor Day brunch from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with $15 bottomless mimosas, sangria, Bloody Marys Bud Light and screwdrivers, plus other specials.
The night before, The Charles Baltimore is sending off summer with Labor Day Eve two-for-one drink specials, starting at 9 p.m.
Dining Out for Life preview
Dining Out for Life, the annual fundraiser for Moveable Feast, takes place Sept. 19, but local diners can get an early taste (and do a little good) this week, when Gertrude’s hosts a special early DOFL dinner.
On Thursday, Gertrude’s will donate 50 percent of its proceeds to Moveable Feast. As a guest, you don’t have to do anything unusual; just enjoy your dinner and you’ll be helping a great organization.
Mexican + Middle Eastern in Remington
The old Parts & Labor space in Remington seems to be evolving into a great spot for pop-up events and collaborations. On Thursday, Mera Kitchen Collective and Cocina Luchadoras will team up and take over the space for Sofra Rebelde, a mishmash of Arabic and Spanish meaning “rebel community table.”
The menu will have tacos celebrating the flavors of Mexico and the Middle East, and the evening will also include live music. You can register for the event for free in advance.
Planning Ahead
Here are a few events to look forward to over the next few weeks:
September 21: Charm City Night Market
September 22: The Big Dill Pickle Party
October 12: Ryleigh’s Oysterfest 13
