This week’s restaurant news includes new ventures, big anniversaries, and some excellent dinner options. Here’s a look at what’s coming up in Baltimore:
Openings & announcements
Last Friday, La Cuchara celebrated 10 years in business – which makes for 10 lucky years for Baltimore diners. Congratulations to the La Cuchara team!
The Lord Baltimore Hotel’s 19th floor LB Skybar opens for the season on May 1. The bar, which offers excellent views of the city, is open every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday for drinks and light bites.
Souvlaki’s Baltimore locations have “temporarily closed” and its Hampden space is up for lease, though there is some hope that the closure is only temporary.
Giving back at Sammy’s
Sammy’s Trattoria in Hunt Valley is giving back to Pathfinders for Autism this month and all through the summer. On Friday, April 25, the restaurant will donate 20% of its net proceeds (on dine-in and carryout orders) to Pathfinders.
Plus, through the rest of the summer, they will donate $5 for each Tito’s orange or grapefruit crush sold.
At-home with Alma
Alma Cocina Latina has introduced an at-home supper club. Subscribers will receive a multi-course meal to enjoy at home each month. Membership numbers are limited – and the meals are available starting in May.
Pepsi Challenge at Lexington Market
Readers of a certain age (ahem) will remember the original Pepsi Challenge – the soft drink’s blind taste test stunt that made headlines in the 1970s. The challenge turns 50 this year and to mark the occasion, Pepsi has brought it back.
The afternoon of Friday, April 25, a team from Pepsi will be at Lexington Market, offering blind tastings of Pepsi Zero Sugar and Coke Zero Sugar, putting the two brands head to head.
Cinghiale’s Opera Salon
On Saturday, Cinghiale, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and Opera Baltimore are teaming up for a morning of musical performance and Italian food. The restaurant will host a 10 a.m. breakfast followed by performances and discussion lead by members of the local opera community.
Following the performance, Cinghiale will serve a noontime prix-fixe lunch. Reservations are required for lunch.
Panic Stricken Supper at Roseda
On Sunday, Roseda Farm and Chef Madeleine Lewsen host a Sunday supper accompanied by tunes from Panic Stricken, an Austin-based Widespread Panic tribute band.
The meal includes oysters from Ryleigh’s Oyster, beverages from Old Westminster Winery and Farmacy Brewing, and multiple courses.
Idi di Marzo dinner at Cosima
Tuesday evening, Cosima is hosting a multi-course dinner showcasing wines from Idi di Marzo and the cuisine of Abruzzo.
Woodford at Valley Inn
On Wednesday, The Valley Inn hosts a four-course bourbon dinner featuring selections from Woodford Reserve. In addition to thoughtfully paired dishes and drinks, guests who purchase a bottle will also receive complimentary bottle engraving.
Miss Shirley’s at 20
Thursday is May 1 – and May is Miss Shirley’s Café’s birthday month. This year, the beloved restaurant group celebrates 20 years in business. Miss Shirley’s has grown from a tiny single location on W. Cold Spring Lane to a major local force, with locations in Roland Park, Inner Harbor, Annapolis and BWI Airport.
To celebrate the occasion, Miss Shirley’s is reprising some throwback items from the original menu. Plus, the organization, which has a strong commitment to giving back to the community and to its employees, will award one employee a $5,000 scholarship towards tuition at a two or four-year college.
Happy anniversary to the Miss Shirley’s team – and cheers to many more years of creative pancakes, savory grits, and great food all around!
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
May 4: Fiesta de Clavel
May 8: Wine Village Opens
May 16-17: HEX Superette Fermentation Festival
