The holiday season is firmly upon us, which means Baltimore restaurants are providing plenty of opportunities to eat, drink and be merry while stocking up on gifts and provisions for the next few weeks.
Here’s a look at what’s happening in the local food scene:
Openings & announcements
Darker Thank Blue, the soul food spot formerly on Greenmount Avenue, has reopened on North Charles Street in Mount Vernon.
Farm to Face celebrated three years in business this week. Congratulations to their team!
Union Craft Brewing shared the news this week that it now has an employee ownership program. The program launched last month with a round of ownership grants awarded to six employees.
Gunther & Co. has reopened for Thursday and Friday lunch during the holiday season.
Sadly, Ground & Griddled, the coffee shop that helped launch R. House five years ago, will close on Dec. 31. G&G has been a go-to for terrific coffee and treats since it opened; it will be missed.
Holiday cheer for the kids
On Saturday morning, good neighbor is hosting a Santa’s Workshop cookie decorating and letter writing event for kids ages three and older.
Also Saturday morning, kids can get up close and personal with Santa himself at Breakfast with Santa at The Manor Tavern.
If Sunday brunch with Santa sounds better, Mr. Bill’s Terrace Inn has you covered with a Sunday morning event including Santa plus craft vendors and crab shell ornament painting.
Furry friends have their own opportunity to see Santa this weekend, too. On Sunday, The Point in Towson hosts Santa Paws. Tickets include a cocktail, dog treats and a photo of your dog with Santa.
Gifts & goodness
If you haven’t already started your holiday shopping, now is the time. Fortunately, local restaurants are offering some terrific options for food lovers.
Café Gia is selling housemade limoncello paired with panettone for a classic Italian Christmas package.
At Grano Pasta Bar in Hampden, you can pick up a basket filled with tons of great Italian goodies.
Another great Italian option is a gift card to Liberatore’s. Through Dec. 10, every $50 gift card purchase comes with an additional $5 gift card as a bonus.
Atlas Restaurant Group is running a similar gift card special: purchase $250 worth of gift cards for any Atlas Restaurant and you’ll receive an extra $50 gift card. The promotion runs through the end of December.
Limoncello also has a gift card deal in the works: a bonus $20 gift card with the purchase of a $100 card and $30 with the purchase of $150.
On Saturday, Union Craft Brewing will host its second annual Holiday “Bizaar,” featuring a fantastic lineup of local vendors.
Holiday fun at Whitehall Market
On Sunday, Whitehall Market will host a small business holiday market featuring 40 vendors. There will be a photo booth and lots of great food and drink options.
That’s not the only thing happening at Whitehall this month. The Market has also started Rhythm & Soul Thursdays, featuring local poets, vocalists and artists.
Plus, The Urban Burger Bar has a fun new 12 Days of Milkshakes offering, featuring four new milkshake flavors including frozen hot chocolate and gingerbread.
Tea blending at good neighbor
On Tuesday, Sarah Acconcia of Juniper Culinary Apothecary will pop up at good neighbor for a tea blending workshop. Chef Acconcia’s is a wealth of knowledge about tea (and more), so this is sure to be a fun and interesting event.
Not So Silent Night
On Thursday, Candy Lane, the sweet holiday installation in Center Plaza downtown, will host a Not So Silent Night dance party. In addition to the tunes and moves, the party includes an open bar featuring local beers, wines and canned cocktails.
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
Dec. 24: Feast of the Seven Fishes at Cosima
Jan. 1: Grateful Brunch at True Chesapeake Oyster Co.
Feb. 12: How Does It Feel Dinner with H3irloom Food Group
