With the turkey and cranberries behind us for another year – and December 1 just around the corner – Baltimore restaurants are getting in the holiday spirit with festive décor, seasonal drinks, and lots of fun this week. Here’s a look at what’s coming up:
Openings & announcements
After a brief closure to expand its space, The Corner Pantry is once again open for service inside.
Happy anniversary to Silver Queen Café, which celebrates nine years in business on Saturday.
The owner of OneDo Coffee Roasters in Canton has plans to open a Korean-American restaurant in the space next to Monument City Brewing.
Black Friday in Baltimore
The holiday season officially kicks off on Friday, Nov. 29 – and Baltimore is ready.
Celebratory events include the launch of the holiday market at Guinness Open Gate Brewery, the annual One Love Foundation fundraiser at The Valley Inn, and the release of Baltimore Spirits Co.’s Anniversary Bottle of single barrel rye whiskey.
Max’s in Fells Point also kicks off the holiday season in a big way, with a day full of dark beers, including rare stouts and porters.
Small Business Saturday eats
On Saturday, Nana and Illegal Tender Pit Beef will be posted up at Mount Royal Soaps, serving burritos, pit beef sandwiches, and hot apple cider – you’ll need the energy to shop.
Jingling all the way
With the holiday season upon us, several fun Christmas-themed pop-up bars and events are returning for the season.
In addition to the uber-festive Baltimore Christmas Village, which opened just before Thanksgiving, starting on Saturday, Nov. 30, downtown shoppers can hit Power Plant Live! for the Miracle on 34 Market Place, a pop-up bar decked out in holiday décor, with themed cocktails and events.
Dutch Courage as also transformed its interior into a cheerful winter wonderland full of “GINgle bells.”
Sally O’s is also hinting about a jolly interior makeover – and a promise to keep the party going through December all the way into January.
Manor Tavern fun
The Manor Tavern is starting the season strong with a week full of activities, starting with live music on Friday, a honey-based wine supper raising money for the women’s charity Drink at the Well, and a wine-filled shop and dine event on Thursday, Dec. 5.
The Duchess opens
On Wednesday and Thursday, The Duchess – the hotly anticipated Hampden spot from Foreman Wolf – celebrates its grand opening. Opening festivities include two nights of ticketed parties, which also serve as a big fundraiser for B’more for Health Babies.
The parties include live music plus beer, wine, cocktails and “big and small snacks” by The Duchess’s chef and co-owner Kiko Fejarang.
Champagne at The Black Olive
Also on Wednesday, The Black Olive’s wine club hosts a Small Grower Champagne Tasting. The evening includes a tasting and discussion around multiple small growers creating Champagne.
Raising a glass at Magdalena
Magdalena is all about the tipples next week, with a Regional Wine Wednesday event on Dec. 4 and a Champagne Collet happy hour on Thursday.
Monument Lighting fun
The annual lighting of the Washington Monument in Mt. Vernon will take place on Thursday evening. To add to the fun, Topside at Hotel Revival will host an all-inclusive rooftop party with live music, light but luxe snacks (think mini blinis with caviar and grilled oysters Rockefeller) and drinks including specialty cocktails.
The hotel lobby will also be open for drinks and more at ‘Dashery and B-Side, for those in the neighborhood who want to wander in.
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
Dec. 8: Seven-Year Anniversary Dinner at Foraged
Dec. 15: Holiday Market at True Chesapeake Oyster Co.
Dec. 24: Feast of the Seven Fishes at Cosima
