From farmers’ markets to food-centric festivals, this week is a fun one on the Baltimore restaurant scene. Here’s a look at what’s happening:
Openings & announcements
Chef Ashish Alfred, owner of Duck Duck Goose and No Way Rosé, and his company Alfred Restaurant Group, are taking over the dining aspects of the Admiral Fell Inn. Chef Alfred will open two new concepts – Anchor Bar in the current tavern and an Italian restaurant in the Thames St. location that used to be Points South Latin Kitchen – and will oversee the catering and events that take place in the top floor space of the venerable building.
The Copper Shark has opened in the East Fort Ave. spot that formerly housed Ludlow Market and Wine Market Bistro. Plans have been in the works for the bourbon-focused restaurant since 2020; it is exciting to see the doors finally open.
Clavel celebrated seven years in business last Monday. Congratulations to the team, which has created something truly special.
Farmers market fun
Farmers markets all over the region are now going strong for the season, including the Pikesville Farmers’ Market, which is open at Pomona Square on Reisterstown Road, every Tuesday afternoon, and the Towson Farmers’ Market, which takes over Allegheny Ave. on Thursdays.
Sour Fest at Max’s
From Friday through Sunday, Max’s Taphouse will host its second annual Sour Fest, showcasing all kinds of sour beers.
The Fells Point bar has 75 kegs and a few cans of sour beers, featuring a variety of styles and intensities, that can be sampled during the event. About a third of the beers in the lineup are from Maryland breweries – including “Sublime JREAM to the MAX,” a beer that Max’s staff made in collaboration with the crew from Burley Oak Brewing Company in Berlin.
National Rosé Day
Saturday is National Rosé Day and, as is appropriate, No Way Rosé has big plans in honor of the day, including half-priced rosé bottles during dinner and special rosé flights for $18. No Way Rosé is now open for lunch, as well as dinner, giving you plenty of opportunities to celebrate.
Power Plant Live! is also getting in on the rosé action, hosting a Wine Walk organized by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. During a daytime stroll around Power Plant venues, attendees will enjoy glasses of wine, small plate charcuterie tastings and entertainment.
Chesapeake Seafood Festival
Also on Saturday, the Chesapeake Seafood Festival is taking over Harbor Point. The festival includes tons of drink and food options, including steamed crabs.
Happy birthday to Union
Union Craft Brewing always celebrates its birthday in a big way – and this year is an especially big one, as the brewery hits ten years in business.
The party will take place on Saturday and features all kinds of food and beer, including a bunch of collaborations with other local beer makers, like Pariah Brewing Company, Waverly Brewing Company, Nepenthe Brewing Co., The Brewer’s Art, and Monument City Brewing Company.
Plus, the entertainment lineup is a great one, with Nigerian act Femi Kuti with Made Kuti & The Positive Force Band and a DJ set from none other than comedian Fred Armisen.
St. Nicholas Greek Festival
The three-day St. Nicholas Greek Festival, held right in Greektown, is a longstanding tradition and well-known as one of the best eating festivals around. The festival runs Friday through Sunday and features all kinds of great Greek food, plus music, dancing and lots of fun.
Early Juneteenth dinner
Juneteenth is next weekend but H3irloom Food Group is starting its celebration early with an outdoor, themed dinner dubbed “Educate, Liberate, Celebrate.” The meal, which includes the esteemed culinary historian Michael W. Twitty as a special guest, will feature seven courses (with wine pairings), each of which will honor Black food traditions in creative – and delicious – ways. The dinner will take place at The Sinclair. Tickets are available now.
Watching Belmont
Though there’s no potential Triple Crown winner this year, the Belmont Stakes is still an exciting race. A few local spots have specials and events just for the race.
At McFaul’s IronHorse Tavern, the party includes a whiskey tasting and “equestrian experiences” courtesy of City Ranch, a non-profit organization that helps provide affordable (and accessible) horseback riding to the community.
Mama’s on the Half Shell will offer $6 Belmont Jewel crushes at the bar all day long.
Ukrainian spirits
On Sunday, Baltimore Spirits Company will release its newest creation, a traditional Ukrainian spiced honey liqueur, called Singularity #10. The drink is based on a recipe shared by first-generation Ukrainian American and McCormick flavor scientist Orest P. Hanas, and proceeds will be donated to Doctors Without Borders, a charity chosen by Hanas for the work they are doing to help Ukrainians now.
Singularity #10 will be available to taste and buy at the Cocktail Gallery and, on Sunday, Hanas will be at the Gallery to chat with anyone who stops in.
Poetry – and food – at good neighbor
On Tuesday, A Poet Named Nate will host an open mic poetry night in the outdoor space at good neighbor. The event will also include a special pop-up menu from Asanka, including treats like smoky eggplant and lamb merguez.
Music at Alma
On Wednesday, Alma Cocina Latina is kicking off a monthly music series featuring an intriguing lineup of musicians. On Wednesday during dinner service, guests will enjoy a performance from the Venezuelan act Fran Vielma Quartet.
The series will continue later in the summer with additional performances on June 25, July 20 and Aug. 24.
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
June 18: Solstice Festival at Old Westminster Winery
June 24: Twilight on the Terrace at Gertrude’s
July 3: Tacopalooza at La Food Marketa
