From 4th of July BBQ plans to a high-end wine dinner, this week offers a little bit of everything to Baltimore food lovers. Here’s a look at what’s coming up:
Openings & announcements
Waiting to Oxtail, a new restaurant from the former owner of Supano’s Prime Steakhouse Seafood & Pasta, opens on July 4. The Caribbean-inspired restaurant is taking over the Harborplace spot that originally housed Hooters and, more recently, the vegan restaurant Oleum – which now occupies Bondhouse Kitchen’s former home in Fells Point.
Bodega & Vino, a combo grocery store, café, and wine bar, is now open in the Locust Point space where Serenity Wine Café was located.
Following up on last week’s mention of Chef Cyrus Keefer’s new venture, From Rome. With Honey: The chef has released new information about the project, which will open with limited hours within Honey Pot Bar on July 10. To start, you can find the chef there from Thursday to Saturday, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Christmas in July
All month long, Miss Shirley’s is offering a $10 bonus card and a free short stack of pancakes with every $100 of gift purchases made online. Plus, the restaurant’s 20th anniversary photo contest is still on; entrants have the opportunity to win a $200 gift card plus more treats.
Peach cake season
Peach cakes – and buns – are back at the iconic Fenwick Bakery in Hamilton. They can be ordered ahead by calling the bakery.
Independence Day
Baltimore restaurants have tons of great plans in store for Friday’s 4th of July holiday.
Costiera is throwing a pre-fireworks party featuring Roman-inspired street food like mortadella and burrata sandwiches.
Following the Roland Park parade, Johnny’s is hosting a block party with face panting, homemade lemonade, and grilled burgers and hot dogs.
For more 4th of July options, check out last week’s column.
Some restaurants will also be closed for the holiday, including Towson Tavern, The Manor Tavern, Silver Queen Café, and some are closed on both July 4 and 5, including Dylan’s Oyster Cellar, Little Donna’s, CookHouse, and The Corner Pantry.
Post-4th plans
Though they are closed on July 4, Boordy Vineyards has plenty of other plans this weekend, including live music and food from B’more Taqueria and Prigel Family Creamery on Thursday, July 3 plus more music Saturday and Sunday with food from Lib’s Grill and Prigel on Saturday and La Barrita on Sunday.
Motte Restaurant is also closed on the 4th of July but for the rest of the weekend, they will be collaborating with Monument City Brewing on an outdoor BBQ in front of the restaurant.
Free kids’ brunch
The Hampden location of The Food Market is serving free brunch to kids under 10 years old this Saturday and Sunday.
Toki turns two
Saturday is the second anniversary of the opening of Toki Underground on Greenmount. To celebrate, the Toki crew is roasting a whole local pig for breakfast and noodle specials and will have a special Japanese ice cream company popping onsite.
Plus, there will be DJs during the afternoon and dinner service and food and drink specials.
Happy anniversary to the Toki team!
Magdalena wine dinner
On Thursday, Magdalena hosts a four-course dinner showcasing the wines of Napa Valley’s Robert Biale Vineyards. The meal features five different wines, thoughtful pairings on the plate, and discussion about the history of the vineyard.
Crabaret
On Friday, July 11, Gertrude’s hosts the 23rd annual Crabaret fundraiser. The event, which raises funds for House of Ruth, features live music, cocktails and lots of crab dishes from the Gertrude’s kitchen.
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
July 17: Bastille Day Supper at The Gramercy Mansion
July 26: Union Craft Brewing 13th Anniversary Celebration
August 23: Ekiben Night Market
