This week is a fun one in the Baltimore restaurant world, with openings, pop-ups and lots of spice. Here’s a look at what’s coming up:
Openings & announcements
Many months since Cunningham’s closed its doors, its successor, Perennial, will open next week. The space has received a complete refresh – it looks gorgeous – and though Cunningham’s Chef Jay Rohlfing is still in the kitchen, the menu is a brand new one, too.
Petit Louis Bistro says goodbye to one of its longest term employees this weekend. Marc Detori, who will “become an ambassador” for the beloved Roland Park bistro, has been at Petit Louis for 20 years.
SoBo Café is closed now through Tuesday, July 20 for a deep clean and summer vacation. The restaurant will reopen on Wednesday, July 21.
Fuisine’s Tasting Menu Nights are returning, so keep an eye out for dates, times and menus.
The Urban Oyster is expanding, with a new D.C. location in the works. Congratulations to the team!
Bolton Hill bites
Now through Sunday, buy a Sips & Apps card at Noona’s, The Tilted Row or The Brass Tap and redeem it for a featured drink and appetizer at each of the three restaurants. The cards are $42, making them a great deal – and a good reason to head to the neighborhood, which is one of the prettiest in the city.
G&A news
G&A Restaurant has closed the doors of its Highlandtown location and will reopen in Perry Hall later this year. To mark the occasion, the Coney Island hot dog spot is holding a hot dog poetry contest (you read that right).
The poet behind the winning verses receives $100, six hot dogs, and the opportunity to read their poetry aloud at the new spot.
Director of Taco Relations
Hunt Valley’s own McCormick is hiring. Specifically, the spice and seasoning powerhouse is hiring a Director of Taco Relations – a taco-centric position that comes with a $100,000 paycheck and lots and lots of taco seasoning.
Now through July 30, prospective applicants can apply by submitting a short, creative video highlighting why they’d be a good fit for the job.
Maryland bevvie app
Grow & Fortify, the organization that powers the Brewers Association of Maryland, the Maryland Distillers Guild and the Maryland Wineries Association, has launched a new app highlighting craft beverage businesses throughout the state.
The app, which replaces the printed map G&F has created in years past, lets users find local businesses, track their stops, and participate in passport programs. It is currently available in the Apple and Google Play stores.
Maryland Food Truck Week
We’re in the thick of Maryland Food Truck Week right now and there are tons of events on the calendar. A few weekend highlights include Dizzy Cow Pizzeria at Pherm Brewing in Gambrills and Dave’s Smoke and Tacos at Loveton Farms Distillery in Middle River, both on Saturday, and on Sunday, CheeseUp at Farmacy Brewery and Lyfe Café at the Farm Chicks Corner Market. Check out the website for many, many more pop-ups.
Whiskey on the Waterfront
Speaking of food trucks…another Food Truck Week event is happening at Sagamore Distillery on Saturday. Mama Juana’s Tapas Truck and HarborQue will both pop up at the distillery during Whiskey on the Waterfront, a free, family-friendly (and dog friendly) gathering that happens the third Saturday of each month through October.
The party includes live music, whiskey cocktails, and lots of fun in general.
Saturday pizza pop-up
JBGB’s (the new John Brown’s in Remington, where Parts & Labor used to be) is hosting a pizza pop-up on Saturday evening. The pop-up will take place in the 26th Street community plaza, right outside the restaurant, and will also feature beer from Diamondback Brewing.
Mandela Day at Nando’s
Here in Baltimore – and throughout the country – Nando’s PERi-PERi locations will remember Nelson Mandela by giving away free meals from noon until 1:07 p.m. on Sunday, July 18. Guests bringing a non-perishable food item to donate will receive a free flame-grilled chicken leg or breast. Donations from local stores will be given to United Way.
Sunday is Nelson Mandela’s birthday. The length of the event – 67 minutes – recognizes the 67 years Mandela spent fighting for human rights in South Africa. It is part of a larger campaign, dubbed “My 67 Minutes,” that encourages people to recognize his birthday by spending 67 minutes doing something good for their communities.
What a Peachy Life with John Shields
Gertrude’s owner, cookbook author, and master storyteller John Shields teams up with Harford County Public Library this Thursday for “What a Peachy Life,” a virtual talk and visit with peach farmer Dave Hochheimer and Al Meckel, the owner of Fenwick Bakery – the spot that is famous this time of year for its iconic Baltimore dessert: the peach cake.
NiHao celebrates one year*
NiHao celebrates its first anniversary on July 22, with a seven-course, family-style dinner featuring dishes like spicy peach salad, Grand Marnier prawns and cumin lamb ribs. Guests can reserve spots for tables of up to six guests. Congratulations to the NiHao team on one year!
Restaurant Week is coming
Don’t forget that Baltimore Restaurant Week is almost upon us. It starts on Friday, July 23 – so now is the time to get those reservations made. Restaurants’ menus are out and they look terrific; choosing which to visit is always the toughest part of Restaurant Week.
Summer in the 7th Block Party
Next Saturday, July 24, the Living Legacy Foundation of Maryland and Baltimore City Councilman James Torrence will host the third annual Summer in the 7th Block Party at Fredrick Douglass High School. The pry includes a vaccine clinic, school supplies giveaways and free food boxes.
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
August 7: Crabs, Wine & Beer Festival
August 21: Wanderland at the Shrine of St. Anthony
September 25: Susquehanna Wine & Seafood Festival
*Note: This event was added to the article after its initial publication.
