The 21st Annual Oyster Tasting on Thames takes place on Saturday outside Kooper's and Slainte.

With holiday (shopping) season upon us, it’s important to stay fueled and ready. Fortunately, Baltimore restaurants have lots of plans to keep locals fed and happy. Here’s a look at what’s coming up:

Openings & announcements

Little Italy restaurant Dalesio’s is for sale – both the building and liquor license. The restaurant has been a neighborhood mainstay for over forty years.

Remembering Mark Pappas

The Baltimore seafood world lost an important man this week, with the passing of Mark Pappas. Pappas, a native of Greece who emigrated to the U.S. in the mid-50s, is the man behind Pappas Restaurant, which has multiple locations in the Baltimore area and a thriving mail-order business, shipping crab cakes (among other things) across the country.

He will be greatly missed by the local restaurant community – and everyone who has enjoyed a Pappas crab cake.

21st Annual Oyster Tasting on Thames

On Saturday, Nov. 29, Kooper’s Tavern and Slainte Pub team up for their 21st annual Oyster Tasting on Thames.  The event, which is organized in concert with the Oyster Recovery Partnership, will feature tons of oysters – both from the Chesapeake region and farther afield.

Silver Queen Café turns 10

Silver Queen Café celebrates a decade in business this Saturday – and is marking the occasion with a party. Starting at 5 p.m., the Hamilton restaurant will have $10 special cocktails and small bites, plus giveaways including gift cards, wine, and spirits.

At 8 p.m., the crew will toast the anniversary – and say thank you to the community – with champagne. Congrats to the Silver Queen family!

Small Business Saturday

In addition to oysters and anniversaries, this Saturday is a big one for locally-owned businesses.

A handful of businesses are gathering at 1 N. Haven St. to host a Hometown Holiday Bazaar, featuring vendors, live music, axe throwing, and tons of food and drinks by Old Line Spirits, R. House, Motte, Monument City Brewing, and Key Brewing.

Also on Saturday, R. House will host a Maker’s Market stacked with artisans and vendors – and surrounded by great food and drink options.

Holiday happenings

With Thanksgiving behind us, the city (and surrounding areas) are gearing up for the holidays – which means special meals, festive décor, and more.

Check out spots like Sally O’s and Ampersea for some of the sparkliest holiday swag (and specials) – and great photo opportunities.

At Power Plant Live!, the holiday season kicks off with Miracle Market on Sunday, Nov. 30. The kid-friendly event features tons of vendors, a tree lighting ceremony, and lots of opportunities to eat and drink.

In honor of holiday party season, Ammoora is open for lunch on Thursdays, from this week through Christmas.

Monument lighting

Speaking of the holiday, the annual lighting of Baltimore’s Washington Monument takes place on Thursday, Dec. 4. One of the best views of the event is at Topside, the rooftop restaurant in Hotel Revival.

To mark the occasion, Topside is hosting a ticketed party complete with open bar, food stations, and live holiday jazz music. The hotel’s first floor venues, Intro Lounge and B-Side, will also be open on Thursday, with a DJ and seasonal cocktails.

Planning for the future

Mark your calendars for:

December 7: Holiday Market at True Chesapeake

December 17: Best of the Best Wine Dinner

December 24: Feast of the Seven Fishes at Costiera

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