This week is a dramatic one on the Baltimore food scene, including tons of fun holiday food news. Here’s a look at what’s happening:
Announcements
Mexican food lovers – and Natty Boh lovers – in Baltimore received sad news this week, with the announcement that the McCusker family is closing both locations of Nacho Mama’s. The family’s Mama’s on the Half Shell restaurants will remain open. Nacho’s fans still have until Jan. 12 to get a final hubcap margarita and crab quesadilla – and to say a final goodbye to Elvis.
Perennial in Towson will close on Dec. 28. However, the space will continue to be available as an event space and Cunningham’s Bakery & Café, located on the bottom floor of the building that houses Perennial, will remain open.
Freetjes in Federal Hill is “on pause” for a short time while the team reworks its concept – stay tuned for more on what’s to come.
Time to shop
With the holidays looming, this weekend is prime time to get some shopping done – and local restaurants and food businesses are here to meet your needs.
Saturday, the block between Clavel and Fadensonnen will be packed with over two dozen local vendors selling a variety of goods. The restaurants will also be offering hot drinks and treats like tamales, to keep shoppers warm and fueled.
Also on Saturday, the 4th Annual Station North Holiday Market will take over the Historic North Avenue Market. The market includes live music and performances along with artists and makers, plus food and drink pop-ups.
On Sunday, True Chesapeake Oyster Co. hosts its second annual Holiday Art Market, featuring over 40 vendors and a DJ – plus cocktails and food.
Guinness Open Gate Brewery’s holiday market is going strong all month long, as the brewery welcomes multiple food vendors every Saturday and Sunday.
Patio Pig Party at Michael’s
On Sunday, Michael’s in Timonium is hosting a patio pig roast, timed to coincide with the Ravens-Giants game. The outdoor patio – which is enclosed – will be warm, cozy, and full of pulled pork, courtesy of a whole hog smoked the night before, and all the sides.
Sparkles at Love, Pomelo
On Tuesday, Love, Pomelo will showcase Berlucchi Franciacorta from Lombardy, offering the wine by the glass or as a half-priced bottle. The evening’s specials are designed to pair with the wine, including options like chunks of pecorino romano, Golden Ossetra caviar, and Island Creek oysters on the half shell.
More sparkles at Silver Queen
On Wednesday, Silver Queen Café hosts a sparkling wine tasting. A representative from Prestige-Ledroit will be on hand to talk guests through (free!) samples of sparkling wines that will also be available for purchase – just in time for holiday dinner planning.
Ugly sweaters all around
On Sunday, Bunny’s Buckets & Bubbles is throwing an ugly sweater party with a cookie exchange (you bring some and you can take some). The night also includes prizes for the “best sweaters” and drink specials.
Golden West Café is also keeping up its festive month with an ugly sweater party on Thursday, Dec. 19. During the party, the café will have fun cocktails available along with snacks and holiday movies on the screens.
Best of the Best dinner
On Friday, Dec. 20, Chef’s Expressions hosts its annual Best of the Best wine dinner at the Gramercy Mansion. As always, the meal features the best food and wine pairings from the year of wine dinners.
Holiday dinner plans
Now is a great time to order takeaway dishes for the holiday season.
Liberatore’s has family dinner packages available to pick up on Christmas Eve, including a steak package with beef tenderloin and an Italian package with meatballs and penne Bolognese.
Silver Queen Café’s holiday takeaway options include chicken liver pate, a house-smoked trout spread, and a house-cured and smoked duck breast.
The Corner Pantry’s holiday catering menu includes a variety of options, from mini potato latkes to a holiday “wreath” stacked with snacks like house-cured ham, gruyere, and olives.
Thames Street Oyster House has all kinds of amazing options to take home for holiday meals, including a five-pound baked and stuffed Maine lobster, and a two-pound porchetta.
Alma Cocina Latina is offering Venezuelan hallacas to pre-order and take home on Dec. 18. Hallacas are a traditional dish similar to tamales, but stuffed with an intriguing blend of savory and sweet meats and spices.
The Christmas Eve carryout menu at Heritage Smokehouse includes whole smoked ducks, ham, rib roasts and sausages, sides like mac and cheese, desserts, wines and even eggnog.
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
Dec. 21: Third Annual Christmas Dinner at Little Donna’s
Dec. 22: Feast of the Seven Fishes at Sally O’s
Dec. 24: Feast of the Seven Fishes at Cosima
