From oysters to bubbles to wings-and-beer buffets, this week is shaping up to be a fun one in the Baltimore restaurant world. Here’s a look at what’s happening in and around town:
Opening & Announcements
Downtown has a new daytime dining option. LB Bakery, located in the Lord Baltimore Hotel, has expanded its breakfast and lunch menus beyond grab-and-go items, to include a variety of hot options, like a burger and crab cake sandwich for lunch and a breakfast garden omelet.
Howard County restaurant goers got some big news this week, with the announcement that Columbia’s Petit Louis will close after brunch on Feb. 4 and reopen a few weeks later as Lupa, a Roman trattoria. Lupa’s kitchen will be helmed by Chef James Lewandowski, who will be splitting his time between Lupa and Cinghiale, where he is already the Executive Chef.
Chez Hugo’s opening date has been pushed back. The new French spot was originally supposed to open for Valentine’s Day. Instead, it will be open, with limited reservations, on Feb. 24 and will fully open Feb. 26.
The Hamilton crowd has something new to cheer about: Donut Alliance announced this week that they would be opening on Harford Road something “in the near future.”
Butchers Hill Society has a brand new chef – and a new menu to follow. The kitchen will now be helmed by Chef Marco Spina, and the menu will shift to focus on Italian fare.
Sadly, the owners of Mount Vernon bar/restaurant Tavern on the Hill announced that Sunday, Feb. 4 will be its last day in business; they’ll close at 4 p.m. that day. It’s a loss for the neighborhood and the city as a whole: The staff at Tavern on the Hill included some of the nicest people in the business.
Restaurant Weeks Continue
Restaurant Week season isn’t quite over yet. Baltimore County’s week wraps up on Saturday, Feb. 3 and Howard County’s lasts until Monday, Feb. 5.
Also, the Black Restaurant Challenge, which encourages people to dine at two or more African American-owned restaurants throughout February, has just begun. The kickoff party takes place at the Baltimore Visitor Center on Friday, Feb. 2.
Vegans get some love this month, too, with Vegan Restaurant Week kicking off Friday, Feb. 9. Throughout the event, which lasts through Feb. 18, participating restaurants will offer new and creative vegan-friendly dishes.
Brewery Treats
Right now is a great time to get into local beer. All month long, breweries all over the state will be celebrating FeBREWary with fun events, new releases, and even some openings.
That’s not all that’s happening at local breweries, either.
Friday, Feb. 2, Dangerously Delicious pie guy Rodney Henry will be at Waverly Brewing Company, both serving pie and playing music.
On Saturday, Feb. 3 and again on Feb. 10, Dooby’s will be on site at Peabody Heights Brewery, serving up some excellent breakfast dishes, like fried chicken x doughnut benedict and a bunch of fun doughnuts.
Ice Cream for Breakfast Is Here!
One of The Charmery’s most fun events, Ice Cream for Breakfast, is back again on Saturday, Feb. 3.
The Hampden ice cream shop will be dishing up a special set of breakfast-themed ice cream, including flavors like biscuits and gravy and red velvet pancakes. The menu also includes waffles, cold brew coffee milkshakes and the “cereal bowl,” which includes five baby scoops of any flavor ice cream you choose.
They are partnering with Park and Perk, who will be serving coffee.
Shucking Party at The Brewer’s Art
On Saturday, Orchard Point Oyster Co. owner will be at The Brewer’s Art, shucking and talking about his oysters, which will be available in a variety of different dishes.
In addition to putting the spotlight on bivalves, the event will raise money for Moveable Feast’s Ride for the Feast.
Super Bowl Sunday
Super Bowl LII takes place on Sunday, Feb. 4, with kickoff at 6:30 p.m. Bars and restaurants all over the region have plans in the works.
At Mt. Washington Tavern, a gameday buffet will include beers plus all kinds of food, from crab dip to chili.
Ryleigh’s Oyster on Padonia Road is hosting a halftime show shuck off, with free oysters between the halves. They also have a friendly little contest happening in the bar: have the bartender write down which team you think will win when you order wings during the first quarter. If you’re right, the order is on Ryleigh’s.
Local outposts of The Greene Turtle will have a buffet set up; guests can buy tickets for the buffet and can include an “alcohol package.”
At 16 on the Park, in the Residence in at Hopkins’ Medical Campus, Super Bowl deals include “3 for 16” option – three things from the restaurant’s “16 menu,” which includes drinks and appetizers, for $16.
Dylan’s Oyster Cellar will be showing the game but will also be wrapping up CiderCon week by hosting the crew from ANXO Cidery & Tasting Room.
Baltamaro & Bites at Donna’s
Donna’s of Cross Keys is pairing up with Baltimore Whiskey Company for a special happy hour this Wednesday, Feb. 7. The evening will feature cocktails made with BWC’s brand new product, Baltamaro, paired with snacks from the restaurant.
Bubbles at Barcocina
On Thursday, Feb. 8, Barcocina will host a Champagne Social – a dinner including eight menu items, paired with six different champagnes and sparkling wines from some of the world’s best producers.
The purpose of the event – other than to taste some great champagne – is to get people mingling. There will be wine experts there to discuss pairings, but the restaurant also hopes people will chat amongst themselves and get to know their fellow guests.
Planning Ahead
Here are a few events to look forward to over the next few weeks:
February 10: Kids’ etiquette class at Miss Shirley’s
February 24: Swig & Pig at Ryleigh’s Oyster
April 21: Winemaking workshop at Charm City Farms
