The Baltimore food scene is busy this week with the launch of seasonal events, several wine and cocktail dinners, and many more reasons to head out to eat and drink. Here’s a look at what’s coming up:
Openings & announcements
Magdalena has hired a new Executive Chef, Ülfet Ralph. Chef Ralph was raised in Instanbul and has worked at restaurants across the U.S., including at the renowned Café Boulud. Most recently, she lead the kitchen at Magee Homestead at Brush Creek Ranch in Wyoming.
The Tilted Row has added a new late-night happy hour. Every Wednesday through Saturday, the bar will offer happy hour specials from 9 to 10 p.m.
Dining out(side)
Now that it’s May, even more patios are open for the season. New additions to the al fresco list include the Tark’s courtyard bar, Clavel’s charming outdoor space, sidewalk tables at Marta, and Wicked Sisters’ fun patio.
Cosima is even taking the cooking outside, with a grill on the front patio every Wednesday night.
Derby days
Triple Crown season spirit kicks off in Baltimore on Saturday, with the running of the Kentucky Derby.
The crew at Guiness Open Gate Brewery is getting in the horse-racing mood with a Derby watch party starting at 2 p.m., including live music, racing coverage, a Derby-inspired menu with goodies like pimento cheese and crab-topped deviled eggs, mint juleps made with CAnE Collective syrup, and the tapping of the new Preakness Cream Ale.
The race will also be on at True Chesapeake Oyster Co., where the bar will have specials like a mint juleps and pimento cheese dip.
Cinco de Mayo celebrations
Sunday is Cinco de Mayo, which means many local spots will have an extra reason to celebrate the weekend.
At La Calle, Sunday will be extra fun with a DJ, special snacks from the kitchen, outdoor seating and a great vibe.
At Papi’s Tacos, there will be deals on drinks and burritos to celebrate the big day.
Food Truck Tuesdays in White Marsh
Starting this week, and running through the end of August the White Marsh Volunteer Fire-EMS will host Food Truck Tuesdays at the Fire Department on Philadelphia Rd. Trucks will rotate – you can expect to see familiar faces like Jimmy’s Seafood, Conrad’s and Miss Twist – and there will be live music and drinks.
Proceeds from soda and alcohol sales will go directly to the Fire-EMS organization.
Santé fundraiser
On Wednesday, Santé, the annual fundraiser for the National Kidney Foundation, returns to the Baltimore Museum of Industry. The party, which is always a lot of fun and raises tons of money for an excellent organization, features tastings and drinks from a variety of local food businesses, including Atlantic Food & Spirits, Atlas Restaurant Group, Bethany’s Bakery, Boordy Vineyards, Farmacy Brewing, Little Havana, Log Cabin Chocolates, Lord Baltimore Hotel, Moore Crunch Pretzels, Muddy Tea, Natasha’s Just Brittle, Nonni’s Cookie Jar, Raspberry Moments, Sagamore Spirit, Sandy Bottom Cocktails, State Fare, The Beaumont, The Local, and Union Craft Brewing, as well as big names like McCormick & Company and Tito’s Vodka.
Wines of Campania at Limoncello
Wednesday evening, Limoncello will celebrate the wines and flavors of Campania with a five-course meal. Courses include matches like scallops with lemon beurre blanc, spinach and a petit filet in green peppercorn brandy sauce paired with Ischia Rosso Casa d’Ambra.
Old Baltimore at Pierpoint
Thursday evening, Pierpoint in Fells Point hosts the fourth installment of its popular Old Baltimore dinner. With a menu featuring favorites from bygone restaurants, these dinners are prime opportunities to taste a bit of history. Dishes include the Golden Arm’s crab-stuffed mushrooms, lobster Cardinale from Maison Marconi, and chopped chicken livers and the famous Coffey Salad from the Pimlico Hotel.
La Cuchara x Melanie’s at Griffith’s Tavern
On Thursday, the La Cuchara team is heading across Falls Road to Melanie’s at Griffith’s Tavern to join forces on a Progressive Cocktail Dinner. The meal includes seven small courses, each paired with a cocktail, including matches like pork and shrimp shumai with a strawberry bellini, and Manchego cheese with an ‘Old Fashioned Jello Shot.’
Wine at Woodberry
Also on Thursday, the Tavern at Woodberry Kitchen welcomes the winemaker from Tablas Creek for a five-course meal paired with eight Tablas Creek wines. The evening includes discussion with the winemaker, along with pairings like trout with garlic and wild mushrooms and gnocchi with chervil matched with the 2022 Dianthus Rosé.
Spring wines at Tagliata
Also on Thursday, Tagliata will host an “exploration” of wines that are ideal to enjoy during the spring. The event includes snacks, tastings and discussion with one of the restaurant’s wine professionals.
Baltimore Wine Village opens
On Friday, May 10, a Wine Village will open in the Inner Harbor. The village, which is now in its second year, is modeled after German wine villages that pop up around the country during the springtime. Vendors will offer wines, snacks like crepes, ice cream and salads, flowers and arts and crafts.
Entry is free. The village will be open daily from Friday through Memorial Day. Throughout that time, there will be numerous special events, including live music, exercise classes, and a senior dog and cat adoption event, as well as the opportunity to have a luxury picnic organized by Baltimore Picnic Co.
Mother’s Day plans
Mother’s Day is right around the corner – Sunday, May 12 – so if you haven’t made any reservations yet, now is the time. Here are some ideas:
Hersh’s will be open for brunch on Mother’s Day, offering everything from an omelet to wood-fired pizza.
At Explorers Gastropub in the Royal Sonesta Harbor Court, Mother’s Day brunch includes all sorts of savory and sweet options.
La Cuchara will open at noon on Mother’s Day and will offer its regular menu – and its regular Sunday special of half-priced wines over $100.
Sotto Sopra has special Mother’s Day hours, starting at noon.
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
May 19: Fire Hero Chili Cookoff at Of Love & Regret
June 8: Union Craft Brewing 12th Anniversary Party
June 13: Italian Immigrants Wine Dinner at Tagliata
