From fall flavors on plates to oysters, beer and benefits, this week, the Baltimore food scene offers a little bit of everything. Here’s a look at what’s coming up:
Openings & announcements
Groundwork Kitchen, the culinary training program associated with Paul’s Place, opened in July but has just officially welcomed its first group of students. Now that the students are in place, the dining room will open to the public, for in-person dining – the first meals will be served on Wednesday.
Wyman Park Restaurant has reopened as Kay’s Place, with some of the former restaurant’s staff still on hand.
XS Sushi Lounge and Asian Tapas Bar in Mount Vernon, which has been closed since COVID started, will reopen on Tuesday. The restaurant has revamped its menu and bar program, so expect lots of new fun cocktails (courtesy of local bar consultant extraordinaire, Chelsea Gregoire) and a terrific menu.
The Milton Inn is now open for lunch Tuesday through Friday from noon to 2 p.m.
Construction of the new Local Oyster location in Locust Point is underway and so far, the new space is looking great.
If you haven’t been to Heritage Smokehouse yet, you should go. And even if you can’t make it to the restaurant itself, it’s now easier than ever to eat Heritage’s amazing meats and sides at home – it’s available for delivery via UberEats.
New owners
Several venerable local spots on the market have changed hands recently. Earlier this week, the owner of Pete’s Grille in Waverly announced his purchase of Werner’s Restaurant on East Redwood St. A reopening is slated for November.
And on Thursday, the Wharf Rat in Fells Point was sold at auction for just under $1 million to a “successful local restaurateur” with another Baltimore establishment, whose name has not yet been disclosed.
New menus
CookHouse has a brand new breakfast and lunch menu available for inside or outside dining or takeaway.
Grano Pasta Bar also has a new fall/winter menu in the works – and it’s no longer just pasta.
The fall menu at The Food Market looks gorgeous, including dishes like duck, prepared several ways, with whipped parsnips, pecans, blackberry syrup and port wine jus.
Speaking of duck, The Corner Pantry has a new duck breast toast – Pennsylvania duck breast served on lemon rosemary bread with caramelized onion, pickled mustard seed, truffle aioli and greens.
Oysters at Inverness
It’s prime oyster season – and also an ideal time to head up to Inverness Brewing, one of the prettiest breweries around (the beer is good, too!).
From Friday through Sunday, the crew from Hooper’s Island Oysters will pop up at Inverness for shucking and discussion about oyster farming. The weekend also features live music, food from Brookside Market (and Inverness itself) and local farm vendors.
Foraged collab
On Saturday, Chef Tae Strain, the former chef at Momofuku DC, Progress in San Francisco and – famously – Demi in Belvedere Square, will join Chef Chris Amendola and his team in the kitchen at Foraged. Baltimoreans who remember Demi or who made the trek to DC or San Fran to check out Chef Strain’s food know just how special it is. Saturday is sure to be a night to remember in Hampden.
A Story to Tell
On Saturday, H3irloom Food Group continues its dinner series at The Sinclair with “A Story to Tell,” an ode to hip-hop – told through food. H3irloom’s dinners are creative and thoughtful – this is sure to be an especially good one.
Feastival is back
On Sunday, one of the most fun food events in Baltimore returns to The Sandlot. Feastival, which benefits the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, will take over the outdoor location for the afternoon.
Participating restaurants and bar vendors are a who’s who of great local food and drinks, from Hersh’s and The Local Oyster to Duck Duck Goose, Blue Pit BBQ and La Cuchara.
Fashion & food at Red Pepper
On Tuesday evening, Red Pepper Sichuan Bistro will host “The Qipao: The Intersection of Art and Fashion” in collaboration with fashion entrepreneur Liqun Standafer.
The presentation will focus on the Qipao, a dress style made globally famous during the early part of the 20th century, when it was known as the “Mandarin gown.” During the event, 10% of food sales will be donated to the Pink & Blues Music Foundation in support of patient care at the breast centers at GBMC and St. Joseph Medical Center.
Alma adds Wine Wednesdays
Alma Cocina Latina has a new Wine Wednesday program in the works. On Wednesdays, all of Alma’s wines are half price all night – it’s a great deal, especially for a wine list as thoughtful and diverse as Alma’s.
Autumn flavors at Gramercy
On Wednesday, Chef’s Expressions hosts an Autumnal Wine Supper at Gramercy Mansion. The event benefits the Hope for Morrope Foundation, which funds a school in Morrope, Peru.
The multi-course meal includes dishes like grilled oysters with pineapple pears and boom boom sea foam, paired with Colterenzio Chardonnay Altkirch and smoked short rib with black currant gastrique, roasted carrots and cipollini onions paired with Venge Vineyards’ Calistoga Scout’s Honor.
Sweet stuff
DC gelato brand Dolcezza Gelato has plans to expand home delivery of pints – starting with Baltimore. The gelato, which is made right in the Union Market neighborhood in DC, is now available via delivery services like UberEats, DoorDash, GrubHub and Postmates.
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
October 16: Das Best Oktoberfest
October 18: Ekiben Collaboration with Emily & Emmy Squared
November 6: Baltimore Craft Beer Festival
