The restaurant scene is especially festive in Baltimore this week – and not just because it’s the holiday season. From anniversary parties to new openings, it’s an exciting week in Charm City. Here’s a look at what’s happening:
Openings & announcements
Patterson Pins, the newly revised duckpin bowling spot in the old Patterson Lanes space, opens this week. In addition to bringing the space back to life in a way that honors the original business, Patterson Pins will offer a fun lineup of cocktails created by local beverage expert Shaun Stewart, along with bar snacks and more. The lanes officially open on Thursday, Dec. 12.
The Duchess, the new Hampden spot from the Foreman Wolf restaurant group, is now officially open – and early reports about the food and atmosphere are terrific.
The Fells Point Farmers Market starts its winter hours this Saturday. From Dec. 7 through April 26, the market will be open from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. https://www.facebook.com/FellsPointFarmersMarket/
Limoncello as a new offering: a three-course “power lunch” offered Monday through Friday.
A new venue, The Lodge in Pasadena, opened just after Thanksgiving. The Lodge, which is part of the restaurant group that also owns Blackwall Hitch and Smashing Grapes, includes a few spaces ideal for private events, an a cozy, rustic vibe.
Mother’s announced this week that its Federal Hill location will close in January, following the sale of its building. The bar and restaurant has been a vital part of the Federal Hill community for 27 years. Its Timonium and Arnold locations will remain open.
Federal Hill lost another restaurant this week, too. Baltimore newshound Randy Lerman reported this week that The Alley at Abbey, Abbey Burger’s south Baltimore outpost, is now closed and the building is for sale.
Also sadly, the owners of Uncle’s Hawaiian Grindz announced this week that the Fallston restaurant will close at the end of the year.
Presents for pretzels at The Food Market
For the next few weeks, The Food Market is accepting donations of gift cards, toys and games for Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital. Guests who bring in a donation will receive a free order of pretzels as a thank you.
Greek Night at Ouzo Bay
Ouzo Bay’s monthly Greek Night party is back on Friday, Dec. 6. The Harbor East restaurant will showcase the best of Greece with live music, drink specials and more.
R. House turns eight
The popular food hall and meeting spot R. House turns eight this weekend and will celebrate with a big Saturday party. The venue, which has a central bar and multiple food vendors, like BRD and Amano Taco, will start the party at 3 p.m. and stay open until midnight, offering late night specials to celebrate.
Tastings at HEX
This weekend, HEX Superette hosts a series of tastings of local products – and the purveyors will be on hand to chat and with products available to buy.
On Friday evening, the lineup includes Baltimore Spirits Company, Chaco’s Aguardiente, Old Westminster Winery, The Wine Collective and Free Run Wines.
Saturday’s options are Juniper Farm, Tsiona Injera, Taharka Ice Cream, Barkada Bread, and MFG Toffee and Bark.
Sunday, the crew includes Bennu Beverage Co., Hexed Honey Farm, Charlottetown Farm, Wight Tea Co. and Grandad’s Stash.
Winter on the Waterfront
The Baltimore waterfront will sparkle this weekend, with tons of holiday events – and food. This weekend’s events include the lighted boat parade, a Santa appearance at the Christmas tree lighting in Fells Point, a Holiday Makers Market at Harborplace, skating at the Inner Harbor Ice Rink, and tons of shopping, food and drink at the Baltimore Christmas Village.
Learning at Kneads
This week, Kneads in Harbor East hosts a pair of fun, hands-on instructional sessions. On Saturday, guests can learn how to make sourdough bread and on Sunday afternoon, the bakery hosts a kid-friendly holiday sugar cookie decorating class.
Seven-year dinner at Foraged
On Sunday evening, Foraged Eatery celebrates its seventh anniversary with a spectacular collaboration dinner. The crew from the Station North restaurant will team up with Ggoma Supper Club’s Tae Strain, Neil Howell from Corner Pantry, and Jesse Sandlin from Bunny’s Buckets & Bubbles.
The meal starts with passed apps and then moves on to family-style dishes. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate a big anniversary. Congrats to the Foraged team!
Cooking the Feast of the Seven Fishes
On Wednesday, Cosima Chef Donna Crivello will teach a class in cooking the traditional Italian Christmas Eve meal, the Feast of the Seven Fishes. Cosima hosts cooking classes all year long – tickets might make a good gift for Italian food lovers.
Festive at Golden West
It’s no secret that Hampden is one of the liveliest Baltimore neighborhoods during December. This week, Golden West is embracing that holiday spirit with a pair of fun events. On Wednesday, the restaurant hosts a Festivus Party, sponsored by Avalon wines, complete with airing of grievances and feats of strength.
Then on Friday, a Naughty or Nice party, complete with gift exchange and sponsored by Fernet and Kenwood Beer, will feature Santa and Krampus, among other things.
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
Dec. 15: Holiday Market at True Chesapeake Oyster Co.
Dec. 21: Third Annual Christmas Dinner at Little Donna’s
Dec. 24: Feast of the Seven Fishes at Cosima
