Mid-August is, arguably, the best time to be a food lover in the Chesapeake Bay region. This week, Baltimore restaurants are all about local produce and seafood. Here’s a look at what’s coming up:
Openings & announcements
Foraged Eatery, which just opened its new operation at Black Ankle Vineyards, is also expanding its offerings in Station North. The restaurant has a new late-night menu of cocktails and snacks, dubbed Field Notes.
Motte Restaurant has also added late night happy hour deals – and the kitchen is open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
This week, the local food community mourned the loss of Michael Alvin Shores, Jr., the beloved pitmaster and operator of the Beef Barons stand, a 42-year fixture at the Baltimore Farmers’ Market.
Still Restaurant Week season
Even though Baltimore City’s restaurant week event has passed, there are still opportunities to take advantage of deals and specials around town.
Maryland Vegan Restaurant Month is in full swing through the end of August and, starting Aug. 18, Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland is hosting a restaurant week event of its own, with special menus at The Prime Rib, Sports & Social Maryland, and Luk Fu. The specials will run through Aug. 29.
Coffee Fest at Vent
Vent Coffee Roasters celebrates seven years in business this weekend – and is having a big party with the rest of its Union Collective neighbors. The third annual Union Collective Coffee Fest starts at noon on Saturday and includes coffee treats at The Charmery, Baltimore Spirits Co., The Wine Collective, Union Craft Brewing, and Carroll & Son Fine Foods.
Plus, Vent has a great lineup of specials and events, including a roasting demo, a fashion show, and competitions for the best cold brew and signature beverage.
Spritz & Salumi
Cinghiale’s monthly Spritz & Salumi event is back on Sunday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The ticketed event includes spritzes, snacks, live music, and “Amalfi Coast vibes.”
Tomatoes + Rosé at Bunny’s
On Tuesday, Aug. 19, Bunny’s kicks off a week of celebrating all things tomato with a five-course meal putting the spotlight on Richfield Farms tomatoes and rosés from Chateau Minuty, Chandon and Belvedere.
Pierpoint Cowboy Dinner
On Friday, Aug, 22, Pierpoint hosts a prix-fixe Cowboy-themed dinner with steaks, sauces, Texas Roadhouse-inspired rolls, and more.
End of summer
It’s peak season for many Maryland flavors – and local menus are showing off.
At Petit Louis, the past few weeks of Civilized Lunch menus have made the most of local tomatoes, from a gorgeous salad to a chilled tomato soup.
Woodberry Kitchen is also going the chilled soup route, with gazpacho made with local tomatoes and topped with jumbo lump crab.
The Corner Pantry embraces the sweet side of tomatoes with a tomato jam basil cake topped with goat cheese frosting.
Charleston pairs grilled jalapeno with polenta and a beautiful bison tenderloin.
At Thames Street Oyster House, St. Mary’s County soft shells are stuffed with Maryland crab and served with a bunch of regional produce, including pattypan squash, corn, and heirloom tomatoes.
Gertrude’s – a participant in Maryland Vegan Restaurant Month – showcases lots of local produce on its menu, including zucchini in the form of savory zucchini cakes.
Silver Queen Café is putting summery flavors on the plate and in the glass, with drinks like a Thai Basil Watermelon Mojito.
This week’s menu at Peter’s Inn includes dishes like Hamachi crudo with watermelon and burrata with grilled peaches and smoked Sicilian pesto.
Heritage Smokehouse has been offering peach pie made with peaches from the team’s very own tree.
Sally O’s specials menu this week included a classic soft shell sandwich and a watermelon and peach salad with pickled strawberries, mint, and goat cheese.
Last week’s menu at Little Donna’s featured eggplant gazpacho and a pretty melon salad.
Marta’s gnocchi Genovese is tossed with pesto, pickled ramps, garlic chips, basil and heirloom tomato bruschetta.
At The Duchess, tomatoes and watermelon are served in a salad with Thai basil, daikon radish and micro cilantro, all tossed with calamansi vinaigrette.
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
August 23: Ekiben Night Market
August 28: Wine Dinner at The Corner Pantry
October 2: World Is Your Oyster Fest
