Baltimore has a sunny week full of sips on the horizon, as the culinary community gears up for a variety of fun food and drink-related events. Here’s a look at what’s on tap:
Openings & announcements
Happy anniversary to Petit Louis, which turned 22 on June 22. The beloved bistro celebrated with a bouillabaisse special and – most likely – many glasses of champagne.
After a long break, Pikesville BYOB favorite Mari Luna has reopened, though only for carryout (initially).
Mi & Yu Noodle Bar in The Rotunda has a new owner: Seoul native and YouTube Buzzfeed star Chef Jimmy.
Big news at The Rowhouse Grille in Federal Hill: its former owner, Patrick Dahlgren, is back at the helm. Dahlgren, who also owns Avenue Kitchen + Bar in Hampden, sold the restaurant in 2018. Now, he has returned and will be working with new Executive Chef Audiel Vera to revamp the menu. A plan for renovating the first floor and patio is also in the works.
Atlas Restaurant Group’s newest spot, The Choptank in Annapolis, will open on July 11. The restaurant is in a prime location with terrific views and is sure to be a hotspot.
Sotto Sopra will be closed from July 4-11 to give the staff a summer vacation.
Supporting Oaxaca
Clavel is raising money to support reforestation in Oaxaca through a cool fundraiser. The restaurant has worked with a local artisan, Lindsay Raspi, to transform used corn sakes from its nixtamalieria into tote bags that are now for sale. All proceeds from the sale of the bags will be donated to the reforestation efforts.
Wine & Food Festival
On Saturday, head to the Timonium Fairgrounds for a huge wine and food festival featuring wines from all over the world, food trucks, kids’ events, live music and more.
La Cuchara + Ekiben
On Saturday, La Cuchara is heading to Fells Point for a late night pop-up at Ekiben, the second in Ekiben’s new Little Jumbo pop-up series. The menu will be a wild mix of Chinese, French and Spanish flavors and the event starts at 9 p.m. and lasts until it sells out (and it will).
Summertime drinks
Speaking of beer: Monument City Brewing has released a line of fruity, low-ABV beers that are perfect for summertime sipping. The brews, which the brewery has dubbed Cute Little Saisons, are only 3.5% Alcohol by Volume, and come in four varieties.
The first two flavors, Raspberry and Blackberry, will be released on Saturday, at a brewery event including tacos and paletas from Cocina Luchadoras and Hecho en Baltimore.
Red, White and Brew Tour
Sunday, Jimmy’s Famous Seafood starts its 4th of July celebrations early with the triumphant return of its annual brewery tour. The event, which starts with brunch at Jimmy’s, includes a bus tour with stops at Sapwood Cellars, Guinness Open Gate Brewery, Black Flag Brewing Company and Hysteria Brewing Company.
At each brewery, guests will receive private tours, samples, special pricing and merchandise.
Mulberry Madness at Gertrude’s
From now through Sunday, Gertrude’s will donate $1 to the Baltimore Orchard Project every time someone purchases the mulberry cheesecake ice cream. Sweet all around!
Right Coast Spirits
Maryland’s own Flying Dog Brewery has a new venture in the works. The Frederick brewery has partnered with two other East Coast companies, Saranac Brewery and Harpoon Brewery, to create Right Coast Spirits. The new company is focused on “ready to drink” beverages – canned cocktails and selzers. The first product, which is available now, is called Vodka Whips. The vodka + fruit drinks come in four flavors and were inspired by Maryland’s own orange crush cocktails.
Get ready for Passion for Food and Wine
Passion for Food and Wine, the fabulous fundraising event that supports the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Maryland, is back in person this year after a multi-year hiatus. The event, which will take place at the Four Seasons Hotel on Sept. 30, features one of the best food and wine-centric auctions around, including prizes like a Chesapeake Bay cruise ending with an Eastern Shore meal prepared by Chef Gregory James.
The lineup of chefs cooking at the event is an impressive one, too. Featured restaurants include: Azumi, BLK Swan, The Bygone, The Capital Grille, The Corner Pantry, Duck Duck Goose, the Four Seasons kitchen, Gunther & Co., La Cuchara, La Scala, Loch Bar, Magdalena, The Manor Tavern, Maximon, The Milton Inn, Monarque, Perennial, Tagliata, and True Chesapeake Oyster Co.
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
July 3: Tacopalooza at La Food Marketa
July 17: Birdland Crab Feast at Jimmy’s Famous Seafood
Sept. 30: Passion for Food and Wine benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Maryland
