This week promises to be a great one in the Baltimore food world, full of love and flavor. Here’s a look at what’s coming up:
Openings & announcements
Fruition at 135th, a new “elevated dining” establishment, is slated to open in the Alex Brown building downtown later this year. The space, which formerly housed The Alexander Brown Restaurant and Zander’s, has been vacant since 2024.
Unfortunately, Refocused Vegan announced this week that it will close permanently. Its final day in business will be Sunday, Feb. 15.
Homegrown & hungover
Given the creative energy in and around Baltimore, it’s no surprise that some food-loving locals have been producing cool written content for years.
One of those writers, Baltimore’s own Dan Taylor, has just launched the 13th issue of The Hungover Gourmet, a food-related zine that’s funny and interesting in all the best ways.
The most recent issue covers a ton of topics, from an interview with the creator of the culinary horror movie, “Panman” to cheeky reviews of local supermarkets.
Valentine’s & Galentine’s
Valentine’s Day is on Saturday – and Galentine’s celebrations start even earlier. If you don’t have plans, now is crunch time.
In honor of Galentine’s Day, Silver Queen Café is offering $2 off its French Kiss and Strawberry Martini cocktails, both of which are made with Catoctin Creek Shenandoah Gin.
If you can’t get a reservation for Friday or Saturday, you’re in luck, as Woodberry Kitchen will offer their special prix fixe menu all week – including luxe dishes like a new chocolate-covered strawberry baked Alaska.
La Calle’s Valentine’s Day menu includes specials like her-marinated halibut with white beans, kale, and mango habanero sauce.
Union Collective is going sweet for the holiday with a “celebration of chocolate,” including chocolate cocktails at Baltimore Spirits Company, cupcake flights from Kupcake & Co. available at The Wine Collective (to pair with their new Cab Franc), mole brisket tacos and BSC bourbon chocolate bread pudding at Carroll & Son Fine Foods, chocolate and coffee-forward brews at Union Brewing, and lots of treats at Vent Coffee Roasters and The Charmery.
For more Valentine’s – and Galentine’s – festivities, check out last week’s column.
National Drink Wine Day
Wednesday, Feb. 18 is National Drink Wine Day – which is certainly the kind of holiday many diners can support.
In honor of the holiday, Rusty Scupper is offering most of their bottles at half-off (up to $80). Their wine list is lengthy, with a lot of variety, so there’s likely to be something for everyone.
Several local spots also have regular half-price bottle nights on Wednesdays, including True Chesapeake and The Milton Inn.
Lunar New Year
From Feb. 18 through the 20th, The Corner Pantry will have a lineup of specials celebrating the Year of the Horse. The restaurant also has a Year of the Horse-themed wine dinner in the works for Feb. 26 – reservations are available now.
Pierpoint Restaurant is also bringing back its popular annual Chinese New Year dinner – this year, on both Feb. 20 and 21. The menu takes a fusion approach to Asian flavors, all presented as a seven-course dim sum meal.
Barolo wine dinner at The Milton Inn
On Thursday, The Milton Inn welcomes Cecilia Rocca, of the family behind the Barolo winery Domenico Clerico for a four-course meal showcasing the Italian wines.
Courses include fresh tagliatelle with guinea fowl ragu and white Alba truffle paired with the winery’s 2020 offering, as well as lamb neck with polenta and mushrooms paired with three different vintages.
The Long Table Supper Club
On Friday, H3irloom Food Group debuts its new monthlydinner series, The Long Table Supper Club. The evening includes a multi-course meal (with drink pairings) celebrating Chesapeake foodways and the Black diaspora.
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
Feb. 25: Sazerac dinner at Cece’s
Feb. 25: Baltimore Spirits Co. dinner at Foraged
March 5: British Classics Cooking Class at The Corner Pantry
