Whiskey, wine, oysters, and BBQ – what more could you ask for in seven days? The Baltimore culinary world is hot this week – here’s a look at what’s coming up:
Openings & announcements
The owners of Key Neapolitan by Verde and Crushed Velvet have closed their Key Highway businesses, will reopen, as Viale Pizza, in the old Paulie Gee’s space in Hampden.
Taco Love Grill has opened in McHenry Row. The restaurant is similar to its sister spot, Taco Love in White Marsh. Another Taco Love location, in Cross Street Market, will close later this year, after its lease expires in October.
Tipsy Scoop, a “barlour” that combines ice cream and cocktails, will open on Key Highway in Federal Hill on Saturday, March 21.
With Oriole’s Opening Day upon us, Hampden Yards is also poised to open for the season. The outdoor beer garden will open for food and drinks on Opening Day, Thursday, March 26.
Sadly, Maillard Patisserie will close both of its locations in early May.
Oceanaire Seafood Room will close its Harbor East location at the end of March. The restaurant, which is owned by Landry’s Restaurants, Inc., opened in 2005.
Big anniversaries
This month, a couple Baltimore favorites celebrate milestone birthdays.
On March 17, Ekiben celebrated a decade in business – and what a decade it’s been. Congratulations to the entire crew on a terrific ten years.
The iconic Little Italy pastry shop Vaccaro’s celebrated 70 years in business this past week. Here’s hoping they are around for at least 70 more!
Local Oyster Seafood Fest at Union Craft Brewing
On Friday, March 20, Local Oyster teams up with Union Craft Brewing for a big seafood festival, featuring steamed oysters, shrimp, clams, mussels, and more.
BSC Full Tilt release party
On Saturday, March 21, Baltimore Spirits Co. hosts a launch party for Forever Tilted, a whiskey created in collaboration with the late, great, Full Tilt Brewing. The party will be held in the BSC Cocktail Gallery and features live music, food trucks, and – of course – whiskey.
True Chesapeake action
True Chesapeake is busy this week.
Sunday, March 22, it’s part of Spring Market at the Mill, a collab with Greater Goods Market that features over 70 vendors plus drinks, oysters, hot dogs from Glizzy’s, and more.
On March 25, Crimson & Clover pops up at the restaurant for Blooms & Bites, a flower arranging event including food and drinks – and with a philanthropic spin. A portion of the event’s profits will be donated to the Baltimore Women’s Shelter at Helping Up Mission.
Wine week
This week is a good one for local wine lovers.
Tuesday, march 24, Love, Pomelo hosts a dinner highlighting the wines of the Piemonte region of Italy. The evening includes four courses inspired by the flavors of the region, with pairings from Cantine Povero.
On Wednesday, Linwoods hosts a five-course meal featuring the flavors of Spain and a variety of Spanish wines, starting with Cava Brut and including both red and white selections before ending with a late-bottled vintage port.
Thursday, Charleston welcomes Theophile Gonet from Gonet-Medeville for a multi-course meal showcasing the company’s Champagnes. Courses include dishes like calamari beignets with basil and lime mayonnaise and pan-roasted guinea fowl breast with seared foie gras.
Maryland Day
Wednesday, March 25 is Maryland Day and – as per usual – Towson Hot Bagel is making it easy to celebrate. From March 21-25, THB will sell its fun Maryland flag bagels and donate 50 cents from the sale of each bagel to the Maryland SPCA.
Tres Francais Lunch Series
On Friday, March 27, Petit Louis is launching a new monthly event: the Tres Francais lunch. Each month, the Roland Park restaurant will serve a four-course lunch with Champagne and wine pairings. Tickets are available now.
Beer, Bourbon & BBQ
On Friday, March 27 and Saturday, March 28, the Maryland State Fairgrounds get smoky with the return of the Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival. The event, now in its 19th iteration, features tons of beers and bourbons, cigars, and lots of barbecue.
Chesapeake Oyster Week
The Oyster Recovery Project’s Chesapeake Oyster Week is going strong this week, with specials all over town – including at Thames Street Oyster House, where the menu includes an Eastern Shore oyster stew and there will be lots of happy hour oyster specials.
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
April 10: Greek Wine Tasting at Estiatorio Plaka
April 11: Lost Restaurants of Little Italy at Pierpoint
April 22: Dinner with Brian Lavin at Boordy
