From classic martinis to K-pop-inspired creations, this week, the Baltimore food scene is as fun and varied as it gets. Here’s a look at what’s coming up:
Openings & announcements
The martini bar NeatFreak is now open in Fells Point.
There’s a new BBQ pop-up entity in the works and it sounds like a good one. Keep an eye on Bmore BBQ for news about upcoming events.
Congratulations to Café Dear Leon, which celebrated six years in business last week.
Latte art throwdown
On Friday, Aug. 7 at 7 p.m., a crew of the best baristas in Baltimore will meet up at the ‘Dashery in Hotel Revival to go head to head to see who is the best at creating latte art. The event is organized by Baltimore Coffee Collective, and has a crew of industry professionals, including the founder of Espresso State of Mind, on hand as judges.
Purple Charm Trail Passport
As Baltimore prepares for the K-pop band BTS – and its legions of fans – to descend on the city for an Aug. 10 concert, local organizations have put together a ‘passport’ designed to help visitors get to know the city beyond the walls of M&T Bank Stadium.
The passport features local businesses and activities that will get in on the BTS fun, offering specials and experiences (often Korean-inspired) from Aug. 8-12. Some highlights include Miss Shirley’s Inner Harbor location, which has a chicken and green onion pancake special on tap, JS Brewery, where visitors can make their own makgeolli (Korean rice wine), and many other restaurants and cafes, like Dooby’s, Let’s Tea, and The Stoop.
Oysters with the masters
On Tuesday, Aug. 11, The Urban Oyster’s Chef Jasmine Norton is teaming up with Certified Sommelier Shayna Wells to teach a masterclass in all things oyster. The class includes education about oysters, how to pair them with wines, plus hands-on shucking instruction.
Light Up Little Italy
From Aug. 14-16, Little Italy will be full of activity, as the neighborhood celebrates the Feast of St. Gabriel with Light Up Little Italy.
Throughout the weekend, there will be music, events, and lots of food and drink available in the community. Plus, the weekend kicks off with a Friday night Chef’s Table wine dinner at the Sons of Italy Lodge. The lineup includes dishes and drinks from some of Little Italy’s most beloved chefs, including representatives from Café Gia’s, La Scala, Benny’s, Chiapperelli’s, Culinary Architecture, Aldo’s, DiPasquale’s, Ovenbird Bakery, MFG Toffee & Bark Company and the Lodge itself.
Bordeaux with the chef
The Manor Tavern’s Chef Jerry Edwards is heading to France next June, hosting a weeklong culinary cruise in Bordeaux. Guests who want to travel along with him can book rooms now.
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
August 18: Tomato Dinner at Hersh’s
August 29: Ekiben Night Market
October 21: Chef Carlos Raba at Boordy Vineyards
