Whiskey, oysters, and spooky surroundings – the Baltimore food scene this week captures everything that’s great about October in Charm City. Here’s a look at what’s on tap:
Openings & announcements
Atlas Restaurant Group has announced that its new Chinese restaurant in Cross Keys will be called Nine Tailed Fox; the kitchen will be helmed by Executive Chef Jeffrey Mei. Atlas also released renderings of the spot, which is due to open next spring.
Speaking of Atlas, throughout the month of October, all Atlas restaurants are donating $1 for every glass of rosé sold to the American Cancer Society – making it very easy to support research for breast cancer and all cancers.
Pusser’s, which will close in Annapolis on Halloween, is moving north. The longtime waterfront favorite signed a lease to open in Lighthouse Point Marina in Canton. The restaurant will take over the spot formerly housed by Bo Brooks, and is slated to open next spring, after renovations of the space have been completed.
Supporting Keswick families
The Hampden community – and Baltimore as a whole – was rocked this week by a five-alarm fire in Keswick that, sadly, resulted in the death of two residents. The community has rallied together to support those impacted by the fire, organizing multiple ways to give.
On Saturday, numerous Hampden businesses will donate a percentage of sales to the Keswick Fire Fund and on Sunday, Blue Pit BBQ will host a fundraiser starting at 3 p.m. Food businesses participating in the Saturday event include: BMORE Taqueria, Catalog Coffee, The Charmery, Chuck’s Trading Post, The Food Market, Golden West Café, Harmony Bakery, The Local Fry, Maillard Pastries, Paulie Gee’s (who has been instrumental in organizing the support), r. bar, Taharka Brothers, and Urban Oyster.
Rare & Obscure at Max’s
From Friday through Sunday, the annual Rare & Obscure Festival will be underway at Max’s Taphouse. The Fells Point bar will be tapping 15 kegs of unique beers featuring ingredients like lemon peel, Thai basil and Tahitian vanilla (not all at once), plus numerous other draft and bottle offerings.
The weekend also includes multiple fun events, like karaoke, a comedy show, and a signing event with Orioles legends.
Peach & Rye release
On Saturday, Baltimore Spirits Co. will release Singularity #15, which is a peach and rye whiskey. At the same time, Jinji Chocolates is releasing a chocolate bar using BSC’s Epoch Rye, toasted rye grains and peach – a perfect pairing. During the release event, BSC will offer peach cocktails and chocolate cocktails – very sweet.
Dylan’s gets shucking
Dylan’s Oyster Cellar will be closed on Saturday evening, as the crew heads down to St. Mary’s City for the annual U.S. National Oyster Festival – and the National Oyster Shucking Competition. Three shuckers from Dylan’s will participate in the contest, hoping to bring home the big prizes – and all the bragging rights.
OktoBEARfest
On Saturday and Sunday, the Maryland Zoo’s annual fall beer festival, OktoBEARfest, returns for a weekend full of music, animals, and tons of beer and seltzer to sample. During the festival, guests have a chance to try more than 80 seasonal beverages, enjoy food from local vendors, and enjoy being in the company of all the animals at the Zoo.
Bonfire & Booze
Saturday evening, La Cuchara decamps for Zahradka Family Farm, where the two teams will join forces for a toasty Bonfire & Booze party. The menu includes fall outdoor classics, like pit beef and pulled pork, plus beer, wine and cocktails, along with live music and plenty of marshmallows to roast.
Halloween cookies at Kneads
On Sunday, Kneads in Harbor East hosts a kid-friendly Halloween cookie decorating class. The class will cover everything from the science of royal icing to ways to creatively use decorations you can by at the grocery store. Attendees will decorate and take home their own cookies, plus recipes to recreate at home.
Cashmere & Chianti at Cinghiale
Also on Sunday in Harbor East, Cinghiale hosts Cashmere & Chianti, an antipasti and pasta meal celebrating harvest season in Tuscany.
That’s Amaro at Sally O’s
Also on Sunday, Sally O’s is hosting That’s Amaro, a five-course dinner with dishes paired with Amaro cocktails.
Flavors of Maryland
On Monday, TasteWise Kids’ annual fundraiser, Flavors of Maryland, takes over Whitehall Mill. The event is a fun one, with local farmers collaborating with chefs to showcase all the best aspects of Chesapeake cuisine.
Harry Potter returns to Johnny’s
On Monday, Johnny’s undergoes its annual transformation, becoming the magical world of Hogwarts for the Halloween season. The Roland Park restaurant will be in full Harry Potter mode, from the décor to special drinks and desserts.
Wines of Campania at Costiera
Monday evening, Costiera hosts a free wine tasting with Andrea Fabiano, the export manager for Feudi di San Gregorio. The tasting begins at 5 p.m. and is first come, first serve.
Oyster Shellebration at True Chesapeake
Our very own Baltimore Fishbowl crew is teaming up with True Chesapeake Oyster Co. on Wednesday, Oct. 23 for a fun all-you-can-eat oyster party. Tickets include two drinks, plus oysters and other food, and a portion of proceeds benefit Mr. Trash Wheel.
Raventós Wine Dinner at Cece’s
Also on Wednesday, Cece’s hosts a six-course wine dinner featuring wines from Raventós in Spain. Pairings include matchups like crispy pork belly with cicerchia bean and tomato marmalade with a 2021 Blanc de Blancs Brut and duck breast with Asian pear, turnips and cherry jus with Can Sumoi Sumoll-Garnatxa.
Community Night at Gertrude’s
On Friday, Oct. 25, Gertrude’s welcomes all for a Community Night benefiting Our Common Table, the nonprofit organization run by Gertrude’s own John Shields. During the evening, guests will have an opportunity to enter raffles to win prizes like Aquarium tickets and Lyon Distillery goodies, all while supporting a great cause.
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
Oct. 30: A Wicked Affair Dinner at True Chesapeake Oyster Co.
Nov. 1: Spanish Cheese at Pierpoint
Nov. 3: Día de Muertos at La Calle
