The temps might be high but the heat hasn’t slowed down Baltimore’s restaurant community. From wine dinners to seasonal plates to new spots opening, this week is full of good news. Here’s a look at what’s on tap:
Openings & announcements
Nine-Tailed Fox officially opens to the public on Monday, July 21. The Cross Keys restaurant — an Atlas Restaurant Group spot — will focus on traditional Chinese cuisine, with a menu developed by Concept Chef of Asian Cuisine Timur Fazilov.
Vivian’s, a new spot from Kitsch Café owner Chef Jacqueline Mearman, is opening in the East Patterson Park spot that formerly housed Rize & Rest. The new restaurant, which is slated to open in early August, will be a café in the morning and transform into a restaurant and bar in the evening.
Ovenbird Bakery’s third location, at The Rotunda, is soft opening this weekend, with an official launch on Wednesday, July 23.
The new student center at Johns Hopkins will include several locally-owned concepts, including The Urban Oyster, Koshary Corner and Connie’s Chicken and Waffles.
Happy anniversary to Rye Street Tavern, which reopened its doors (post-COVID) a year ago this past week.
Restaurant Week
Restaurant week promotions are in full swing. Baltimore County’s — the first of the bunch — runs through this weekend and Baltimore City’s starts on Friday, July 25, as does Harford County’s.
La Cuchara wine dinner
On Sunday, La Cuchara welcomes Portuguese winemaker Osvaldo Amado for an evening of discussion and tasting, along with a six-course meal designed to showcase his wines. The menu includes courses like littleneck clams in white wine with wood-grilled chorizo boule paired with a Vinho Verde from Alvarino, and duck breast Magret with yellow peaches, sunchoke puree and honey Banyuls reduction paired with two red wines.
Hersh’s Sicilian wine dinner
Thursday evening, Hersh’s hosts Russ Lorber of Wide Roots and Mt. Washington Wine & Spirits for a multi-course meal featuring the wines and flavors of Sicily – think eggplant, seafood, pistachios, capers and more.
The Corner Pantry x Dylan’s Oyster Cellar
Also on Thursday, The Corner Pantry teams up with Dylan’s for its first TCP Supper Club, a summer BBQ event. The menu looks terrific and summery (with oysters, of course) and there will be live music, an ice cream cart, and more.
Tomato Brunch reservations
It’s prime tomato season, which means that Juniper Farm’s tomato brunch picnic is coming up. The brunch itself is on July 26 and 27, but preorders are open now through July 24.
The menu includes a variety of classic deli sandwiches, plus goodies from Jinji Chocolate.
More tomatoes
Speaking of tomatoes…their juicy goodness is all over local menus right now.
At The Corner Pantry, a classic BLT is made with heirloom tomatoes, bacon, basil aioli and fresh greens and served on toasted wheat bread.
La Cuchara is serving a gorgeous tomato carpaccio with boquerones, basil, ricotta salata and garlic vinaigrette.
One of Thames Street Oyster House’s recent specials was scallop crudo with local heirloom tomatoes, herbs and crispy capers.
The summer caprese salad at Of Love & Regret pairs heirloom tomatoes with buratta and avocado herb puree.
This week’s menu at Peter’s Inn includes a watermelon and tomato gazpacho topped with horseradish crème fraiche, basil oil and speck.
Tomatoes are all over Sally O’s new summer menu items.
Costiera’s pretty new happy hour dish – charred corn arancini – is topped with spicy tomato aioli.
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
July 26: Union Craft Brewing 13th Anniversary Celebration
August 23: Ekiben Night Market
October 2: World Is Your Oyster Fest
