This week is a fun one for Baltimore food lovers, with multiple festivals showcasing the city’s best eats. Here’s a look at what’s happening:
Openings & announcements
Blair’s on Hudson’s owners announced this week that the restaurant will close sometime in August. The team behind the restaurant expressed their gratitude for the community on social media and let everyone know that a new concept, run by friends of theirs, will open in the Blair’s space at some point in the future.
Italian Festival
All weekend long Little Italy celebrates the culture that gives the neighborhood its name. The annual St. Anthony Italian Festival, which takes place on S. Exeter St., starts on Friday evening and lasts through Sunday.
Throughout the weekend, there will be all kinds of activities, from an open-air screening of “Moonstruck” to music, kids’ activities and vendors. Plus, of course, lots of beer, wine and food, including meatballs, sausage and peppers, pizza, Italian cold cuts and desserts, an all-day pasta dinner and a kids’ spaghetti eating contest on Saturday, and the annual sausage eating contest Sunday.
Share Your Heritage Festival
On Saturday at Herring Run Park, explore the many cultures of the people of Baltimore at the park’s annual Share Your Heritage Festival.
The festival starts at noon and features music, art and games – along with lots of food.
Hampden Highlights
Also on Saturday afternoon, The Avenue in Hampden will be even more of a party than usual, during the Hampden Highlights celebration.
The party will showcase the neighborhood’s many artists, musicians and businesses – including its restaurants and bars. Food and drink vendors include: Sweet 27, Golden West Café, Glizzy’s Wagyu Dogs, Elevated Kitchen, Illegal Tender Pit Beef, The Charmery, The Bluebird, True Chesapeake Oyster Co., Union Craft Brewing, Habibi Hummus, Curly Coily Café, Island Treats4Eats, Underground Pizza, and Corkscrew.
Plus, at 1 p.m., there will be an Ekiben bao bun eating contest, which should be entertaining for both participants and spectator.
Le Comptoir x Sophomore Coffee
On Sunday, Le Comptoir du Vin and Sophomore Coffee are teaming up for another of their brunch collabs. Brunch starts at 10 a.m. and it’s first come, first serve.
Hendrick’s at Perennial
Also on Sunday, Perennial will host a garden party showcasing Hendrick’s gin cocktails. The party, which will take place on the restaurant’s outdoor patio, features drinks plus savory snacks designed to pair with the gin cocktails.
CookHouse + Old Westminster
Sunday evening, CookHouse is hosting a special event to launch its new “House Wine” collaboration with Old Westminster Winery. Tickets for the event are on sale now.
Charcuterie at Mama’s
On Wednesday, Mama’s on the Half Shell is teaming up with The Grazing Room at Boards by Dana to host a fun charcuterie board-making class. The team from Revvl’s Boldly Crafted Zero-Proof Cocktails will also be on hand with samples – and bottles of wine will be half off, as part of Mama’s regular half-price Wine Wednesday promotion.
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
June 8: Union Craft Brewing 12th Anniversary Party
June 13: Italian Immigrants Wine Dinner at Tagliata
June 19: Mulberry Madness at Gertrude’s
