With Restaurant Week underway and a flurry of openings, this week is an exciting one in Baltimore. Here’s a look at what’s happening:
Openings & announcements
The Milton Inn has reopened. The iconic Sparks restaurant is now owned and run by Cindy Wolf and Tony Foreman, who have put their signature attention to detail and care for the dining experience into the space and menu. The building received a history-preserving renovation and the kitchen is helmed by Executive Chef Chris Scanga, who has spent many years at another Foreman Wolf property, Petit Louis.
Another high profile opening has occurred, as well: John Brown’s Remington restaurant is now open for business. JBGB’s opened for takeaway earlier this summer and last week, started dine-in service.
Baltimore Spirit Company’s Cocktail Gallery opens on July 30. The space looks gorgeous – as is appropriate for an arts-focused cocktail bar – and the drinks are sure to be just as great.
Hotel Revival has a new executive chef. Chef Alexis Hernandez cooked in Peru, Washington, D.C. and Chicago before landing in Baltimore. His newly revamped menu is available now at Topside.
Heritage Smokehouse in Govans is finally about to open, after a lengthy renovation (and weathering the pandemic). The smokehouse / bar is hiring staff now and should be opening its doors soon.
La Calle now offers daytime delivery from noon to 4 p.m. from Tuesday through Friday. The downtown spot also celebrated its third anniversary on July 22 – congratulations to everyone there!
Chopstix in Rosedale has, unfortunately, closed. The Forest Hill location is still open for carry-out, dine-in and delivery.
Saying goodbye to Henninger’s
Henninger’s Tavern closed its doors on July 19. The owners are retiring and a new couple will be taking over the space. Henninger’s opened in 1989 and in the years since, established itself as one of the most welcoming and enjoyable dining and drinking spots in the city. It was a classic Baltimore spot that will be sorely missed.
Laying the groundwork
Groundwork Kitchen, a culinary arts training program and restaurant associated with Paul’s Place, has opened in Pigtown. To start, the restaurant will focus on carryout and delivery; catering and a sit-down operation will follow, as the organization recruits and trains students.
New in Fells
Duck Duck Goose, the fun French spot in Fells Point, has expanded its private event and catering options, including event spaces in the restaurant’s backyard patio area, on the rooftop of the Admiral Fell Inn, and in the wine cellar-like Stone Room.
Maryland Food Truck Week is almost over
If you still haven’t hit up any local food trucks during this summer’s food truck week promotion, now’s the time – the event lasts through this weekend.
Restaurant Week is in full swing
Baltimore summer Restaurant Week starts on Friday, July 23 and lasts through the first of August. Dozens of local restaurants are participating this year, offering $10 to $20 lunches and brunches and $25 to $45 prix fixe dinners. Restaurant Week is a great time to try a new spot or to revisit an old favorite.
Café Troia wine dinner
Café Troia continues its series of Stanley Tucci-inspired wine dinners on Thursday, with a casual dinner exploring the food and wine of the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. The meal starts with salumi and cheeses, followed by tagliatelle with Bolognese and ends with cake.
New menus
At Magdalena in The Ivy Hotel, Chef Mark Levy and his team have refreshed and reworked the menu for the summer months (and return to dine-in service). New dishes include options like halibut with creamed summer corn, chanterelles and tomatoes – perfect summer fare.
Red Star chef Cyrus Keefer has also revamped its menu – and brunch is back at the Fells Point restaurant. The summer brunch menu includes great breakfast options like steak and eggs and hot honey fried chicken biscuits, along with savory pizzas and small plates.
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
