With Thanksgiving just around the corner, most Baltimoreans’ minds and stomachs are turning to turkey and stuffing. But before the big day, there are still plenty of other things to sip and bite around town. Here’s a look at what’s happening in the Baltimore food scene this week:
Opening & Announcements
Union Collective, the collaborative space anchored by Union Craft Brewing and opening in Hampden next spring, announced another future tenant this week. Next spring, Vent Coffee Roasters, owned by Baltimorean Sarah Walker, will open a space offering coffee drinks, teas from Wight Tea Co. and locally sourced pastries.
Residents of Pinehurst and surrounding communities might soon have a new dining option. The owner of Pinehurst Wine Shoppe, at the corner of Gittings and Bellona in North Baltimore, is hoping to expand the building to add a family-style neighborhood restaurant.
The plans are in the early stages. The matter will be discussed during an open meeting of the Bellona-Gittings Community Association at the Church of the Redeemer on Monday, Nov. 13 at 7 p.m.
Happenings at R. House
Starting today and running through next weekend, the Korean pop-up project haenyo will take over the pop-up space at R. House.
Haenyo will mimic a Seoul pajeon house, which sells large Korean pancakes. The pop-up will offer three different pancake options (using locally sourced ingredients) as well as eight side dishes (“banchan”).
Tomorrow, starting at noon, R. House will host a big harvest festival, complete with a petting zoo, a climbing wall and face painting. On the food front, Ekiben will be on hand to collaborate with White Envelope arepas bar on a hog roast. The day will end with a screening of Miyazaki in the garage with cocktails made by Baltimore Whiskey Company.
Veterans Day at the Tavern
Veterans Day is officially celebrated today, but technically, the day of recognition falls tomorrow on Nov. 11.
The Mt. Washington Tavern will honor veterans all day Saturday with free appetizers, with the purchase of any lunch or dinner entrée, for all veterans.
Soul Food Scholar at Ida B’s
Though it has only been open for a short time, Ida B’s Table has already made a name for itself as a restaurant dedicated to fostering education and discussion.
On Saturday, the conversation continues with a free talk from policy expert and culinary historian Adrian Miller. Miller will be at Ida B’s with copies of his new book, The President’s Kitchen Cabinet: The Story of the African Americans Who Have Fed Our First Families, from the Washingtons to the Obamas.
Chili Season
It’s chili season in Baltimore, and this weekend proves it.
On Sunday starting at 1 p.m., Belvedere Square will host a chili fest and classic car show with food and drink specials and music from Sons of Pirates.
Also on Sunday, Union Craft Brewing will become a chili paradise with the Second Annual Chili Con Cerveza Chili Cook Of. The event features chili from some of the area’s best amateur cooks. Proceeds go to benefit Moveable Feast.
Rouxde Cooking School at Chuck’s Trading Post
Into food and podcasts? Be sure to check out Rouxde Cooking School, a funny and smart podcast from Baltimore locals John Houser and Rebecca Madariaga.
The pair will be at Chuck’s Trading Post in Hampden on Sunday at 5 p.m., recording a live show during a special “breakfast for dinner” BYOB event.
Wine & Italian
The combination of wine and Italian food is a classic for a reason – and Grano Emporio and Café Troia both know why.
On Sunday, Grano Emporio will host a Holiday Harvest Selection wine tasting dinner, featuring dishes like prosciutto and gruyere-stuffed turnovers paired with prosecco and wild boar ragu with Sicilian wine.
On Thursday, Café Troia celebrates the classics with a five-course meal with dishes paired with traditional Italian wines. Courses include dishes like spaghetti alla carbonara paired with a Fontefico Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Cocca di Casa.
Monday at Minnow
Tapas in the City heads to Minnow next Monday, Nov. 13, for a fun evening of small plates and drinks. Dishes include treats like crispy tofu with green mango, chiles, honey and bonito flakes and avocado toast with roasted tomato vinaigrette.
Early Birds
On Tuesday, Nov. 14, demystify Thanksgiving meal prep with a cooking class at The Corner Pantry focused on how to cook an excellent turkey.
The same evening, get some cooking tips and gain some knowledge about Thanksgiving cocktail and wine pairings at Avenue Kitchen & Bar.
Coffee Lessons
Also on Tuesday, Ceremony Coffee’s Mt. Vernon location will host a class on the “essential espresso bar.” The class takes place in the morning, starting at 10 a.m., and focuses on the fundamentals of espresso and milk prep.
Busy Wednesday
Baltimore will be hopping on Wednesday night, when fun events pop up all over town.
At Gunther & Co., enjoy “Champagne the Gunther Way,” an education and tasting opportunity hosted by Gunther’s owners Jerry Trice and Nancy Hart and Billecart-Salmon brand ambassador Clement Calleja.
Also on Wednesday, Modern Cook Shop will host a “music-inspired culinary event” dubbed BBQ, Blues & Beer – a time-honored combination for a reason.
The newest edition of Fork & Wrench’s charity-oriented cooking competition, the Butcher Battle Series, also takes place on Wednesday night. This month’s theme is all about the holiday meal. F&W’s chef Corey Laub will go head-to-head with Ida B’s Table Chef David Thomas and Minnow’s Chef Drew Lesoveck; all three will create their own take on the classic roast turkey dinner.
A portion of the evening’s proceeds will go to Paul’s Place and to feeding the hungry.
Burgers & Beaujolais
Le Beaujolais Nouveau est arrive…which means that France’s brand new baby Beaujolais has made its way stateside. On Thursday evening, Wine Market Bistro celebrates the young red wine, which debuts annually just before Thanksgiving, with its third annual Burgers & Beaujolais party.
The restaurant will offer three different Beaujolais and three unusual burgers to pair with them.
Planning Ahead
Here are a few events to look forward to over the next few weeks:
November 19: Harry Potter Day at The Point in Fells
November 29: Basque Cider Dinner at La Cuchara
December 4: Feast of Seven Fishes at The Local Oyster
