From whiskey and oysters to Guinness – and more oysters – this week will be a fun one for Baltimore food lovers. Here’s a look at what’s coming up:
Openings and announcements
Happy anniversary to Papi’s Tacos, which opened its original outpost in Fells Point ten years ago on March 7.
Starting this weekend, Woodberry Kitchen’s famous brunch is back. The restaurant’s brunch menu will include some new items alongside some old favorites, like chicken enchiladas and the fabulous Bakery Board.
Ovenbird Bakery’s Lexington Market stall closed last Monday. The owners explained, via social media, that the stall never full “found its footing.” However, the Highlandtown and Little Italy Ovenbird locations remain open.
National Crab Day
On Saturday, Pierpoint Restaurant is celebrating National Crab Day with a menu full of crabby goodness. Choices include steamed hard crabs, crab cakes, crab dip, crab soup and even throwback dishes like crab fluff and crab imperial.
Whiskey & Oysters at Old Line Spirits
Also on Saturday, Old Line Spirits is partnering with True Chesapeake Oyster Co. for an afternoon of cocktails and oysters at the distillery.
Ggoma + Costeria
On Monday, Chef Tae Strain and his Ggoma Supper Club crew will join forces with the Costeria team to offer a tasting menu – with optional drinks pairings – focused on the produce, proteins and flavors of the Mid-Atlantic.
The menu includes dishes like Roseda Farms beef tartare with shirodashi and Castelvetrano olive, and a mixed seafood grill. Plus, as is Ggoma’s way, two desserts!
Brewing Baltimore Legacies at Checkerspot
Checkerspot Brewing Company continues its Women’s History Month programming on Wednesday, with a talk from Baltimore Museum of Industry curator Rachel Donaldson, beer historian Maureen O’Prey, and Checkerspot brewer and owner Judy Neff.
The trio will talk about historic corner bar culture and the history of brewing in Baltimore – with some additional perspective on current brewing in Baltimore sprinkled in.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to sample Shannon Cream Stout, which Checkerspot recreated from an original American Brewery recipe from 1960 and brewed as a collaboration with O’Prey.
Amari at Silver Queen
Silver Queen Café’s Thursday night Amari dinner is booked – but keep an eye out just in case of cancellations. In addition to special cocktail dinners, the Hamilton restaurant runs a couple regular specials each week, including a Wine & Whiskey Wednesday with deals on whiskey, wine and sangria, and Thirsty Thursday Burger & Brew Night, featuring different house burgers each week.
St. Pat’s
Though St. Patrick’s Day is still over a week away, Baltimore celebrations kick into high gear this weekend and last throughout the week. The famous Canton Irish Stroll takes place on Saturday, March 9 and the St. Patrick’s Day parade, with all of its accompanying festivities, is Sunday, March 10.
That means this weekend, the Guinness will be flowing – but all over town, there’s more to the holiday than just beer – even at Guinness’s home, Open Gate Brewery, which has brought back its fun Irish Village experience featuring a variety of food stalls, options like a full Irish breakfast, oyster tastings, guided food and beer pairings, and experiences like the ‘perfect pint academy.’ The Guinness OGB restaurant’s menu will also spotlight multiple Irish classics, including corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie and fish and chips.
At Mick O’Shea’s, which is always a hotspot on parade day and on St. Patrick’s Day proper, there will be music and food, including a full Irish breakfast on March 17.
Slainte has one of the most reliable Irish menus in the city all year round – and this month is no exception. The Fells Point bar has some great new options, too, like the Dubliner flatbread topped with Guinness cheddar, leeks, rashers and rose marie sauce.
Starting on Monday and lasting through the week, Andy Nelson’s menu will include smoked corn beef, buttered cabbage and thin mint ice cream, in honor of the holiday.
From March 15 to 17, Miss Shirley’s will reprise its special holiday Charm City Clover Cakes – buttermilk pancakes with Lucky Charms cereal and green whipped cream.
St. Patrick’s Day will be celebrated all weekend long at James Joyce, with music, Irish dancing, and Irish food – along with a special St. Patrick’s Day breakfast including a buffet and Irish coffees. Guests at the breakfast will also receive a commemorative t-shirt and pin.
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
March 21: French Paradox + The Corner Pantry Beaujolais Dinner
March 30: Charm City Heat Festival
April 17 & 18: Boujee Junk Food Dinner at The Food Market
