This week’s Baltimore restaurant news is as hot as the weather, filled with openings, events, and lots of cocktails. Here’s a look at what’s coming up:
Openings & announcements
Chef Spike Gjerde has a new spot open: Café Terracotta, located on the East Baltimore campus of Johns Hopkins. The menu includes pastries in the morning and a Mediterranean lunch menu with wraps, rice bowls, and flatbreads.
A martini bar, NEATFREAK, is opening in the former home of Greyhound Tavern in Fells Point.
Nora Blu, a Mediterranean restaurant, has opened in Mt. Vernon to a great deal of fanfare.
Atlas Restaurant Group’s new Annapolis ventures, the Italian Marmo and taco spot Armada, officially open on Thursday, July 16.
After a brief closure of some of its venues, all of the Hotel Revival food and drink spots, Topside, ‘Dashery, and B-Side, are once again open.
Linwood’s will be closed for lunch service from July 28-31 while the restaurant undergoes renovations. However, dinner service will continue uninterrupted.
Peach season
It’s officially summer when Fenwick Bakery’s peach cake is available. The Hamilton bakery’s cake is iconic for a reason – and it’s only available for a short time.
Speaking of peaches, Johnny’s cookie of the month is inspired by peach cobblers.
Restaurant weeks begin
Summer restaurant week season is upon us. Baltimore County’s is the first to begin, with a start date of July 10 and running through July 19.
Howard County and Baltimore City are a little later, with the city’s promotion starting on July 24 and Howard County on July 27.
Blue Crab Social at the Pendry
In honor of summertime, Pendry Baltimore is hosting live music at the pool on Friday and Saturday nights, with a Maryland-y menu including shrimp, oysters, Boardwalk fries, crabs, chicken and more.
Hollywood in Baltimore
Magdalena has a cool new cocktail menu inspired by classic movies filmed in Baltimore – think an elevated espresso martini in honor of Diner and a wild concoction of gin, vermouth, Luxardo Maraschino, the herbal liqueur genepy, and absinthe if you want to “Make it Divine.”
Big Softy x BSC
On Saturday, July 11, Big Softy will pop up at Baltimore Spirits Company in Union Collective for an afternoon of soft shells.
Maryland German Festival
On Saturday, July 11 and Sunday July 12, the Fairgrounds in Timonium welcomes the Maryland German Festival, a celebration of German heritage and culture. The party – which is held inside the 4H building (with air conditioning) has everything from pony rides and stein-holding contests to dance performances – plus lots of German beer, schnitzel, pretzels, wurst, strudel, and more.
Asia in a Bite
The Asia in a Bite food festival returns to the Baltimore Peninsula on July 11-12. The monthly event, which takes place from April through September, includes over 40 food vendors serving pan-Asian fare.
Bastille Day
Bastille Day, July 14, is always a fun evening to head out for dinner.
Petit Louis’s annual celebration of French independence is a popular one – for good reason. This year, the Roland Park bistro will have specials (both a la carte and prix fixe) and live music.
Newcomer La Jetée is getting in on the July 14 celebrations this year with Liberté, Egalité, et Vin Rosé – a combo Bastille Day party and World Cup watch party and a ticketed happy hour featuring a rosé tasting and appetizers.
Chefs Expressions’ annual Bastille Day wine supper is back and will be held on July 16. The evening will also celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Judgement of Paris, when California wines made a huge splash. To honor the occasion, the meal will include pairings from both France and California.
Coal Fire & Cocktails
On July 15, Cosima gets smoky with Coal Fire & Cocktails, a summery grilling and cocktail class. The evening includes a four-course meal, drinks, and more. https://www.instagram.com/p/DZvgtArPPBv/
Liquid Farm at The Black Olive
Also on July 15, The Black Olive welcomes Jeff Nelson of Liquid Farm for a wine dinner showcasing his California-made wines.
Blue food at the Aquarium
On Thursday, July 16, the National Aquarium celebrates the return of the immersive “Voyages: Chapter 8” with a fun dinner featuring blue foods and sustainable ingredients with a connection to the ocean.
The meal, which is hosted by Tim “Chyno” Chin, includes dishes from four local chefs: Amanda Mack, Cia Carter, Samara Greene-Scott, and Kiara Young.
Champagne at The Fishmonger’s Daughter
Also on Thursday, The Fishmonger’s Daughter is getting fancy with a four-course Champagne dinner.
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
July 24: Baltimore Restaurant Week Begins
July 25: Baltimore Afro Food Festival
October 21: Chef Carlos Raba at Boordy Vineyards
