Checkerspot Brewing will launch two new beers this week as part of a celebration honoring the 40th anniversary of Blind Industries and Services of Maryland. Photo courtesy of Checkerspot/BISM.

The Baltimore restaurant world has a perfect spring week ahead, full of brand new spots opening and fun events. Hereโ€™s a look at whatโ€™s coming up:

Openings & announcements

Ladew Cafรฉ at Ladew Gardens reopens for the season on Thursday, April 2. This year, the cafรฉโ€™s hours extend to breakfast, and menu options include fun picnic basket lunches that guests can reserve then take to go and enjoy as they walk through the gardens.

Seppia, the new Hampden spot from the owners of La Cuchara, is set to open on April 2. The restaurantโ€™s menu looks terrific โ€“ which is no surprise โ€“ and itโ€™s sure to be one of the hottest reservations this spring.

Also in Hampden, Barn & Lodge opened in The Rotunda this past week.

Josefina is now open for lunch โ€“ with reservations recommended.

Polar Bear Pancakes at Miss Shirleyโ€™s

Baseball is back! In honor of the Oโ€™s โ€“ and their new member Pete โ€œPolar Bearโ€ Alonso โ€“ Miss Shirleyโ€™s has a new stack on the menu: Polar Bear Pancakes. The pancakes are topped with crushed Teddy Grahams, orange sugar crystals and gummy bears.

Lindersweets at Le Comptoir

On Saturday, March 25,Lindersweets will pop up at Le Comptoir du Vin for an event featuring egg dying, special chocolates, and wine tasting.

Checkerspot + BISM

Also on Saturday, Checkerspot Brewing is teaming up with the Blind Industries and Services of Maryland (BISM) for an afternoon of drinks, games, tours, and music. During the event, with is part of BISMโ€™s 40th anniversary celebrations, Checkerspot will release special edition beers, Low Vision Hazy IPA and BlindSpot Honey Kolsch.

It is a ticketed event, but ticket prices range from free to $50 โ€“ and all proceeds go to support renovating the training kitchens at BISM.

The Grateful Fed Oyster Fest

Also on Saturday, The Grateful Fed hosts its first annual Oyster Fest, starting at 11 a.m. The party includes $1 oysters, $5 oyster shooters and more.

Girl Dinner comes to MWT

Mt. Washington Tavern has a fun new weekly event starting this week: Girl Dinner Sundays. Guests who come to opening night โ€“ this Sunday โ€“ are entered to win a โ€œspecial surprise.โ€

Miming at the bar

On Wednesday, Poeโ€™s Tower celebrates April Foolโ€™s Day with an all night long โ€œmimeโ€ event. The bartenders wonโ€™t be able to speak, so everyone will get creative.

Learning about salads

On Thursday, The Corner Pantryโ€™s monthly cooking class is back with an installment focused on salads and dressings โ€“ perfect as the weather turns warmer.

Easter plans

Easter Sunday is rapidly approaching โ€“ itโ€™s on April 5 โ€“ which means now is the time to make plans or brunch or dinner.

On Saturday, March 28, the Easter Bunny will make a pop-up stop at The Valley Inn for the restaurantโ€™s annual Easter Egg Hunt.

The Corner Pantryโ€™s Easter catering menu is stacked with great options including a roasted carrot tart and a roasted leg of lamb. Orders must be placed by noon on Friday, March 27 and can be picked up on April 4.

Liberatoreโ€™s also offers take-hom Easter meals, including a traditional option with ham, potatoes, and more, as well as an Italian-style option.

Easter is one of the rare days that Hershโ€™s is open for Sunday brunch. Reservations are open now.

At Rusty Scupper, an Easter buffet includes options like oysters on the half shell, prime rib, and deviled eggs.

Towson Tavernโ€™s Easter brunch buffet includes an omelet station and mini crab cakes.

Johnnyโ€™s is open for lunch and dinner on Easter with an all-day buffet including both breakfast and lunch and dinner items.

Sotto Sopra is open from noon to 8 p.m. on Easter with a full dinner menu available โ€“ plus a bottomless mimosa and bellini option.

The Easter Bunny will be on hand during Easter brunch at Ceceโ€™s, where the buffet menu includes a smoked salmon and bagel bar, a sweets station, and more.

Planning for the future

Mark your calendars for:

April 10: Greek Wine Tasting at Estiatorio Plaka

April 11: Lost Restaurants of Little Italy at Pierpoint

April 22: Dinner with Brian Lavin at Boordy

Kit Waskom Pollard is a Baltimore Fishbowl contributing writer. She writes Hot Plate every Friday in the Baltimore Fishbowl.

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