From Preakness to picnics, the Baltimore restaurant community is full of celebrations this week. Here’s a look at what’s on tap:
Openings & announcements
Congratulations to Gunther & Co., which is celebrating 10 years in business with a look back at favorite dishes from the past decade.
Keep an eye out for Slicen Dyson Smoked Meats, which is slated to open on Joppa Road in Parkville on June 5.
The Lord Baltimore Hotel, which includes the LB Bistro & Bakery and LB Skybar (which recently opened for the season), has a new Executive Chef / Food & Beverage Director: Jerome Talley.
Kneads Bakeshop has announced a partnership with South Mountain Creamery – so expect even more fresh new treats.
Sadly, Dulceology announced this week that the bakery is closing, as the owner has relocated to California for new opportunities.
Preakness plans
The 151st Preakness Stakes is this weekend – and Baltimore is, as usual, abuzz with excitement.
Though the race has moved to Laurel while Pimlico is under construction, the building of the Black-Eyed Susan Day and Preakness winners’ blankets remains in Baltimore. The blankets are built by a team at the Giant Food location in York Road Plaza. This is the 29th year they have been created at that Giant location – and shoppers can stop by to watch the progress during the day on Friday, May 15.
Cece’s is kicking off the weekend with a Black-Eyed Susan Day party the evening of May 15, held in the restaurant’s courtyard.
There are lots of options to watch the Preakness Stakes, including from the water. On Saturday, the Lady Thames makes her maiden voyage out of Fells Point for a two-hour party cruise featuring oysters from ProShuckers, small bites from Little Havana, cocktails from Maker’s Mark, and multiple TVs airing the races.
Ryleigh’s is hosting a ticketed Preakness party with live music and a charitable twist: $1 from every Crush sold goes to the Cool Kids Campaign.
Guinness, which is the official brewing partner of the Preakness, is releasing a special edition beer, the Preakness 151 Lager, in honor of the race. The brew is available at the racetrack and at Guinness Baltimore, both on tap and in cans to take home.
Whiskey on the Waterfront
Sagamore’s Whiskey on the Waterfront series of seasonal events returns this Saturday, May 16. The event, which happens the third Saturday of every month from May through October, features live music, cocktails, and food trucks – this month’s lineup includes Das Bier Hall, Jimmy’s Seafood, Mexican on the Run, Pizza Di Joey, Nina’s Cookie Explosion, Tipsy Scoop, and BMore Greek Grill.
Spirit Shop tasting
Saturday afternoon, Spirit Shop on Falls Road welcomes Moxie Chocolatier for a complimentary tasting event. Plus, the event will feature a pair of drinks made by Mark Adams, the man behind the super-creative Artist with a Cocktail social media account.
Gin Fling at Dutch Courage
On Sunday, May 17, Dutch Courage hosts Gin Fling, an afternoon of gin tastings plus music, oysters, cheese and charcuterie. Tastings include offerings from over 20 different brands.
Chili Cook-Off at OLAR
Sunday afternoon, Of Love & Regret hosts its 6th Annual Chili Cook-Off & Block Party. The event, which benefits the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, includes live music, all day happy hour, and over twenty chili cook-off entries.
Cosima x Topside
On Wednesday, May 20, the chefs from Cosima and Topside are teaming up for a one-night-only collab at Cosima. The five-course meal will feature seafood, housemade tagliatelle, and buttermilk panna cotta, among other things.
Alma picnic
Also on Wednesday, Alma Cocina Latina presents a special all-you-can-eat picnic-style meal showcasing the flavors of Venezuela combined with the culinary traditions of Korea, courtesy of guest chef Peter Serpico.
Wine Explorers at Citron
Also on Wednesday, Citron hosts an installment of its Wine Explorers series. This month’s event showcases wines made by Guilia Monteleone, who is based in Sicily. Her selections will be paired with a tasting menu designed to complement the vintages.
Biggie Night at Sally O’s
On Thursday, Sally O’s brings back its annual Biggie Night celebration in honor of the late Notorious BIG. The menu will include special food and drinks in honor of Biggie and his music will be on the speakers all night.
Storytelling at Midlina
Thursday evening, Midlina’s kitchen will explore the story of Little Red Riding Hood via a special five-course meal.
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
May 23-24: Brew at the Zoo
May 28: Booze & BBQ at Louthan Distilling
June 17: Michael Leonard Dinner at Boordy
