Lights are hung around the city and Baltimore’s culinary scene is kicking off the holiday season in style, with seasonal menus, special events, and a few openings.
Here’s a look at what’s happening this week in the food world:
Openings & announcements
Foraged Eatery reopens in its brand new Station North digs on Tuesday. The new space, which is gorgeous, is still cozy but allows for much more seating than the Hampden location.
Speaking of Hampden, the Chestnut Ave. building that was the former home of Center Cut Doughnuts, Full Circle and B. Doughnut will soon have a new tenant: Maillard Pastries, a sweet and savory pastry shop run by Foreman-Wolf alum Caitlin Kiehl.
Mount Vernon has a new spot, Lisa’s On Preston, featuring dishes like wings and nachos as well as Jamaican fare like curry goat, oxtails and jerk chicken.
Atlas Restaurant Group, along with Darin Mislan of Admiral’s Cup and Eric Mathias of The Horse You Came In On, has acquired the Fells Point bar Waterfront Hotel.
The Tilted Row has announced that their talented chef, Andy Thomas, is leaving the restaurant to become a partner at the cooking school Schola – which is great news for Schola, though certainly sad for The Tilted Row.
Sadly, Mr. Nice Guy Cocktails, which opened during the pandemic, has closed its doors. It’s last day was just before Thanksgiving.
Holiday spirit
All month long, good neighbor is hosting festive events. The lineup starts with a coffee and pour over workshop on Tuesday – a perfect opportunity to learn more about the brew that is helping so many power through the holiday season. And on Friday, visit the shop for a free wine tasting event featuring local wines.
The Four Seasons Hotel’s Winter Village has returned. The Village takes place on the hotel’s rooftop terrace and includes a skating rink, cabanas for four (with TVs and firepits) and a wintry menu, including hot chocolate with homemade marshmallows, Bavarian pretzel sticks with cheese sauce and a sweet and savory crepes station.
Grab dinner and a drink while you grab your tree at Bread & Circuses; the Towson restaurant has Christmas trees for sale on site. They’re available now until they sell out.
The holiday light walk is back for the season at Guinness Open Gate Brewery, along with Thursday night screenings of holiday favorites, like “Home Alone 2” and “The Muppets Christmas Carol.” Both the walk and the movies are free and open to the public. Plus, the brewery has released three special holiday beers to enjoy: Gingerbread Stout, Chocolate Mint Stout and Winter Warmer. Very festive!
Chesapeake Farm & Bay to Table is back
Chef John Shields’ online show, Chesapeake Farm & Bay to Table, is back for a second season. The first episode dropped on Dec. 1. During it, Chef Shields visits a farmers’ market, makes Old Bay peanut brittle and talks with guest chef Pam Miller of Charlottetown Farm.
Repeal Party at True Chesapeake
On Saturday, True Chesapeake Oyster Company celebrates the 88th anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition. The party features Prohibition era cocktail specials, music from Michael Joseph Harris and the Prohibition Swingers, and lots of appreciation for guests who come in 1920s-30s garb.
Note: True Chesapeake requires guests to have proof of vaccination.
Sunday wines
La Cuchara has revived its Sunday wine special: on Sundays, all bottles over $100 are half off.
Best of the Best Wine Dinner
On Thursday, Chef’s Expressions pops up at The Gramercy Mansion for a wine dinner benefiting MidAtlantic Horse Rescue.
The multi-course meal includes pairings like grilled oysters topped with pineapple pearls and boom boom sea foam accompanied by Colterenzio Chardonnay, and smoked short rib with black currant gastrique paired with Venge Vineyards’ Calistoga Scout’s Honor.
Seasonal sips
Johnny’s is decked out for the holidays and has a fun new drinks menu with options like mulled cider and the Christmas Cardigan, a combo of bourbon, cardamom syrup and orange bitters.
The Corner Pantry has a new peppermint mocha made with housemade peppermint and mocha syrups. It looks beautiful and perfect for the season.
Tapas Teatro has a new sangria on the menu for the month. It’s made with spiced Fuyu persimmon and clementine and sounds ideal for the holidays.
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
Dec. 12: Brunch with Santa at Mr. Bill’s Terrace Inn
Dec. 24: Feast of the Seven Fishes at Cosima
Feb. 12: How Does It Feel Dinner with H3irloom Food Group
