This week, the Baltimore restaurant scene celebrates all things Irish – and a lot more. Here’s a look at what’s on tap all week long, from Guinness pints to Italian wines:
Openings and announcements
As the weather warms, look for local restaurants to start opening up their outdoor seating – even at the last minute. This week, with temps rising, Petit Louis made the spontaneous decision to open its outside patio for lunch on Thursday – watch for more spots to follow suit.
Alma Cocina Latina has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise money for a new arepa bar called Candela, which will offer a dozen varieties of arepas, plus make-your-own options. The request also comes with some benefits beyond being part of something great for the community: investments will earn 6% interest, with a maturity date of September 2030 (investment details are available online).
Zander’s tiny Vault Room is now open and available to reserve for parties up to four people.
Sadly, Café Poupon, the downtown outpost of Patisserie Poupon, closed at the end of February.
Big news for The Local Fry
The crew from The Local Fry is having a big week – and big year. The Rotunda spot will be offering its famous wings and fries to Orioles’ fans at Camden Yards again this year – and that’s not all.
The restaurant’s owners, who also own and operate Toki Tako in The Rotunda, are now franchising the Local Fry concept. The first new outpost is slated to open in Northwood Commons, near Morgan State University, later this year. Their franchise partner also has several additional locations planned outside of the Baltimore area.
Pawpaw beer collab
The crew from Foraged Eatery has a very special sour beer on its menu right now: Shake and Cover. The beer is the creation of the crew at Foraged along with the teams from Sapwood Cellars, Old Westminster Winery, and Fadensonnen. True to the Foraged ethos, Shake and Cover has a hyper-local angle: it was aged in wine barrels with pawpaws foraged by people from each of the collaborating businesses.
Celebrating St. Patrick
St. Patrick’s Day celebrations have been happening around Baltimore all month long, but with the official Saint’s day happening on Sunday, they reach a fever pitch this weekend.
Friday and Saturday, The Corner Pantry’s menu includes corned beef and cabbage, lamb stew, and colcannon.
At Baltimore Spirits Company, St. Patrick’s Day weekend will include the launch of two special bourbons – and food from Soul Smoked BBQ, all at the company’s Union Collective distillery.
Gertrude’s will offer special St. Patricks’ Day brunch and dinner menus on Saturday and Sunday, with options like an Irish smoked salmon omelet and (of course) a corned beef and cabbage platter.
At The Food Market, St. Patricks’ Day brunch (available Saturday and Sunday) includes Irish poutine with corned beef and sauerkraut and a hearty bangers and eggs meal.
Check out last week’s column for even more festivities, including an update on what’s happening at Guinness Open Gate Brewery, Mick O’Shea’s, Slainte, James Joyce, Miss Shirley’s and Andy Nelson’s.
Barbaresco at Cinghiale
On Tuesday, Cinghiale welcomes winemaker Claudia Cigliuti for a meal featuring her Barbaresco wines alongside Chef Lewandowski’s northern Italian dishes – like agnolotti filled with veal and pork and served in black truffle jus.
Filipino + Mexican at Clavel
On Wednesday, Heritage Kitchen Chef Rey Eugenio will pop up at Clavel for an intriguing night of Filipino-Mexican cooking. The menu includes dishes like lumpia plus desserts from Mama Lola, along with special drinks like Kalamansi-Banana vinegar Micheladas.
French Paradox + The Corner Pantry
On Thursday, French Paradox teams up with The Corner Pantry for a dinner featuring the wines of Beaujolais. The five-course meal includes dishes like beet-cured salmon with green garlic pesto, pickled cucumber and smoked potato, and beef wellington with carrots and whipped potatoes.
Roman Holiday at Gramercy Mansion
Also on Thursday, Chefs Expressions will host a “Roman Holiday” wine dinner at Gramercy Mansion. The meal, which is inspired by the classic Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck film, includes five courses of Rome-inspired dishes paired with Italian wines.
Dishes include pairings like four-cheese tortelloni in fennel and juniper vegetable broth matched with Cantine Etna Bianco Lenza di Munti 2021.
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
March 30: Charm City Heat Festival
April 11: Art with a Heart Benefit at Gertrude’s
April 17 & 18: Boujee Junk Food Dinner at The Food Market
