Wine, margaritas, burgers and more – this week is a big one in the Baltimore restaurant world. Here’s a look at what’s coming up:
Openings & announcements
Baltimore food and wine lovers got some great news this week, with the announcement that Chef Tae Strain is joining the Old Westminster Winery team as Culinary Director. Chef Strain, whose Ggoma Supper Club events are instant sell-outs, is working from a new kitchen space to launch a fresh spring menu. He is also in planning mode for late summer/early fall, when the tasting room at Old Westminster’s new venture, Burnt Hill Farm in Clarksburg, will open to the public.
In less cheery news, Nana has closed. The restaurant, which opened 16 months ago, was named after chef and owner Carlos Raba’s grandmother. Raba is still involved in other local ventures, including Clavel in Remington.
Preak Weeks begin
The 150th running of the Preakness Stakes is coming up quickly – the race takes place on May 17. In honor of the race, and the big anniversary, numerous local businesses are participating in ticket giveaways and promotions – making it a true citywide event.
The lineup of participating businesses includes multiple restaurants and food organizations: Black Acres Roastery, BLK Swan, Blue Caribbean, Citron, KT’s Kitchen, Nick’s Fish House, Prima Dopo, and The Urban Oyster.
Burgers with a bonus
Roadside 25 in Towson has launched a Slider for a Cause campaign. Each month, the restaurant will donate $1 from the purchases of a specific signature slider to a charitable organization.
In May, the slider is called Blue Bacon Bliss and donations go to Pathfinders for Autism. Future organizations include Next One Up, Casey Cares Foundation, and Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital.
HARTFestival
This weekend, Hamilton shows off its creative side with the Hamilton Art Festival. Multiple local businesses are participating in the event, including Silver Queen Café, which is hosting a showing of a solo exhibition from artist Emily Hall.
Chesapeake Catfish Cookoff
Several Baltimore chefs are heading to Annapolis on Saturday to participate in a cookoff at the Annapolis Maritime Museum’s Park. The cookoff, which focuses on the tasty but invasive blue catfish, includes Zack Mills of True Chesapeake, Charlie Wickboldt from Jimmy’s Famous Seafood and Gertrude’s Doug Wetzel, who will be working with student chefs from Anne Arundel Community College.
Other restaurants represented include Preserve, Boatyard Bar & Grill, LEO Annapolis, The Salt Line, and The Dabney.
Fiesta de Clavel
On Saturday, Clavel celebrates its 10th Cinco de Mayo weekend in business with Fiesta de Clavel, a big outdoor party in the parking lot across the street from the restaurant.
The lineup includes food from several local favorites – blacksauce kitchen, Ekiben, and Galatea Oysters – as well as a special guest from the north, South Philly Barbacoa.
Cinco de Mayo
On Cinco de Mayo proper – Monday, May 5, La Calle is hosting a celebration with a DJ plus tons of Mexican food and drinks.
Papi’s Tacos’ three locations also have big plans for the holiday, with deals starting on Saturday and running through Monday.
In honor of the holiday, Mama’s on the Half Shell will bring back the classic Nacho Mama’s Graceland Margarita – and they’re serving it in hubcaps.
Santa Barbara wine dinner at Liberatore’s
On Tuesday, Liberatore’s in Timonium hosts a dinner showcasing wines of the Santa Barbara coast. The menu includes pairings like cold water lobster salad with crispy prosciutto matched with Brewer Clifton Chardonnay, and beef carpaccio with Julia’s Vineyard Pinot Noir.
Al fresco happy hour at Cosima
Wednesday afternoon, Cosima is hosting happy hour on the patio. From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., there will be food and drink specials under the tent outside.
Wine Village opens
On Thursday, the Wine Village returns to downtown Baltimore for the third year in a row.
The village, which takes over West Shore Park until Jun 1, is an homage to traditional German wine events, featuring tastings, vendors, live music, rides, and European-influenced food.
Luau on the Deck
On Friday, May 9, Nick’s Fish House officially welcomes summer with a Hawaiian-themed party on the deck featuring Kona Big Wave drinks and warm weather vibes.
Mother’s Day plans
Mother’s Day is right around the corner – on Sunday, May 11 – so now is the time to make those reservations to celebrate the moms in your life.
The Corner Pantry has special picnic baskets available to order as gifts for Mom. They’re available for pickup on May 10 but must be ordered by May 2.
Starting on Mother’s Day, Magdalena’s afternoon tea service, which was previously only available to Ivy Hotel guests, will be open to the public.
The Milton Inn’s Mother’s Day pre-fixe includes three courses, with choices like a wild burgundy snail appetizer and a jumbo lump crab omelet.
At Alizee, Mother’s Day brunch is a buffet affair, including everything from omelets to stuffed salmon.
The Manor Tavern’s Mother’s Day options include an omelet bar, raw bar, and dessert buffet (among other things).
At Cinghiale, the Mother’s Day menu is a three-course prix-fixe lunch / dinner.
Towson Tavern will offer a classic brunch buffet of breakfast foods, plus savory dishes like Peruvian shrimp and prime rib.
Johnny’s Mother’s Day buffet will be available from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. – and the menu includes seasonal mimosas and drink specials.
La Cuchara’s a la carte menu is available on Mother’s Day – and all bottles of wine over $100 are half off (just like every Sunday).
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
May 10: RemFest
May 12: Coast to Table Dinner at Costiera
May 16-17: HEX Superette Fermentation Festival
