This week, Baltimore’s restaurant scene is bustling, with lots of big and interesting news, from moves to upcoming openings. Here’s a look at what’s happening:
Openings & announcements
The Village of Cross Keys has been busy adding tenants recently. Recent lease announcements include a new dining option, Sol Oaxaca. Mexican spot is a new outpost of a popular Bel Air spot, and will open next spring in the space formerly occupied by Donna’s.
Cocina Luchadoras has moved. The restaurant was closed this past Wednesday and Thursday for the move and reopens Friday, July 26 in new digs at 1801 E. Lombard St.
Foreman Wolf has announced its plans for the former Café Hon space. The Duchess, which is slated to open this fall, promises to be an interesting mix of cultures. The look and feel will be English pub-inspired while the menu, from Executive Chef Kiko Fejarang, a Foreman Wolf veteran and native of Guam, will focus on the flavors of the Mariana Islands.
After a weekend po-boy pop-up event, Le Comptoir du Vin will close for a summer break from July 31 through August 3. The restaurant will reopen for dinner on August 7.
Changing plans
Unfortunately, the Baltimore Spirits Co. cocktail competition scheduled for Sunday, July 28 has been canceled.
The Friday Nights Live events taking place downtown are back this week, on July 26, but in a new location from now through the rest of the series. Now, you can find the event at Hopkins Plaza – stop by for includes (free) beer from Guilford Hall, cocktails from Chase It Bartending, and food and drinks from Bird Box Express, Little Miner Taco, Tia’s Italian Ice, and Vegan Juicology.
Restaurant Weeks continue
Restaurant Week season is still going strong.
The big Baltimore Restaurant Week promotion, which includes a huge number of local restaurants, lasts through July 28 – so if you haven’t gotten out to take advantage of the deals, now is the time.
Maryland Vegan Restaurant Month kicks off on Friday, Aug. 2. The event, which is organized by Samantha Claasen of Golden West Café and The Land of Kush’s Naijha Wright-Brown, is a monthlong celebration of vegan dishes. Participants include a variety of restaurants across the region, from Miss Shirley’s to Ammoora to Woodberry Kitchen.
New design at Silver Queen Café
The team at Silver Queen Café has been busy. Over the past few days, they’ve reworked their interior, adding a bar with seating, and retooled their menu to include more appetizer/snack items perfect for grabbing with a drink at the new bar.
The Hamilton restaurant still has its local, seasonal focus and casual vibe – but now with even more reason to stop in to grab something small.
La Cuchara honored by Wine Enthusiast
La Cuchara has been included on Wine Enthusiast’s lists of the top 50 wine restaurants in the country. Congratulations to the beverage team – and everyone – at the restaurant.
Mocktails at Gertrude’s
In response to customer requests, Gertrude’s is adding a mocktail lineup to its regular menu. Cheers!
Burritos in the city
On Saturday, July 27, Nana will kick off a new monthly series: breakfast burrito pop-ups at Mt. Washington Soaps and Café Los Suenos on Huntington Ave. The event starts at 9 a.m.
Tomato Brunch at Juniper Farm
This weekend, Juniper Farm hosts a fun Tomato Brunch – a tomato season picnic with treats from Sophomore Coffee, Humble Hearts Catering, vegan baker Rainey Days, and Modern World.
Pasta workshop & dinner at Woodberry
On Wednesday, Chef Chelsea Day will host a pasta workshop and dinner at Woodberry Kitchen. The event starts with light bites, followed by hands-on instruction in handmade pasta making from Chef Day.
Then, attendees will share dinner made with their own pasta, plus salad, bread, dessert and wine.
Costeria x Fennec
On Thursday, Scott Bacon of Fennec pops up at Costeria for a multi-course collaborative meal. The evening will start with smoked rockfish crudo and then will be followed by several savory and sweet courses, with wine and non-alcoholic pairing options.
Tickets are available now.
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
Aug. 12: Howard County Restaurant Week Begins
Aug. 17: Etiquette Class at Miss Shirley’s
Sept. 13: Fells Point Oyster Fest
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