School is in session, football is back, and the Baltimore food world is heating up for a fun fall season. Here’s a look at what’s happening this week:
Openings & announcements
After a brief break and refresh, The Tilted Row is reopening to the public on Friday, Sept. 6. The Bolton Hill restaurant has new faces on board and a reworked menu with creative nods to Cajun and Creole flavors, from an appetizer of Louisiana steak pies to short ribs served with fried andouille rice, pickled cabbage, truffle BBQ sauce and cilantro-peanut salad.
ZaVino Italian Marketplace is now open in Cross Keys. ZaVino, which opened earlier this week, offers a casual Italian menu created and executed by Baltimore favorite Chef Andrew Weinzirl.
Atlas Restaurant Group has announced that it has signed a new lease in Annapolis and will open a restaurant in the old Stevens Hardware space on Dock Street.
Purple everything
Now that football season is back, it’s time to focus on what we’re eating and drinking throughout the season.
At the Old Line Spirits’ courtyard bar and The Ready Room, the team has put together a lineup of cocktails just for the season, including the Dawn Watch, an energizing drink blending cold brew coffee and other ingredients with the distillery’s Flagship Whiskey, an the Blackberry Single Malt Smash, a fun purply cocktail made with Flagship Whiskey, blackberries, lemon juice and demerara syrup.
Sally O’s has a new drink on the menu for football season: the Ravens Old Fashioned. The drink is made with Old Forester Single Barrel 100 Proof Bourbon – picked by the Ravens themselves.
On Friday, Sept. 13, Watershed will host an extra-special Purple Friday with the Ravens’ marching band, the Ravens Caravan, and a visit from the mascot, Poe – along with a special beer and burger deal for $12.
Eddie’s turns 80
Eddie’s marks 80 years of business this fall and is kicking off the celebration on Friday, Sept. 6 with a party at its North Charles Street location, including giveaways, live music, and a tasting with Mouth Party Caramels.
Plus, Suzanne Loudermilk and I will be on hand from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 6, signing copies of our book, Lost Restaurants of Baltimore. Come say hello!
Ja Rule + BSC
Baltimore Spirits Co. is collaborating with the one and only Ja Rule on a new spirit called “Amber & Opal” – a honey botanical whiskey made with Maryland Straight Rye Whiskey, honey and a tea blend.
The Charmery turns 11
Happy 11th anniversary to The Charmery! The ice cream shop, which now has a bunch of locations, is celebrating its “Spinal Tap” birthday with free baby scoops with purchase, rock & roll-themed flavors, a “Sound Check” sampler sundae, a great playlist and free merch while supplies last.
Franchising The Local Fry
Rotunda fries-and-wings spot The Local Fry is in expansion mode. The popular casual spot is now offering franchise opportunities, so hopefully soon Baltimoreans will be able to grab the restaurant’s creative, international take on loaded fries, wings and sandwiches in spots all over the place.
End of summer crab feast at The Choptank
The Choptank is hanging on to the last bit of summer with an all you can eat crab feast on Sunday, Sept. 8. Tickets for the event are on sale now and include steamed crabs, tons of sides (from fried chicken and corn to salads and brownies), and a limited edition t-shirt.
32nd Street Farmers Market town hall
On Tuesday, the 32nd Street Farmers Market is welcoming the community – including farmers, neighbors and shoppers – to a town hall event to discuss the Market’s activities and how the community can get involved.
The Market is celebrating its 45th anniversary next year and is already starting to think about ways to honor the occasion and improve based on community and patron needs.
Local Grains at HEX Superette
On Wednesday, HEX Superette will welcome the Common Grain Alliance, along with the bakers from Motzi Bread and Migrash, to discuss the how and why behind baking with local grains – and to share bread with the community.
Bromo Arts Fall Art Walk
On Thursday, Sept. 12, the Bromo Arts District will host its eighth Art Walk – an event showcasing the many creative organizations located within the downtown district, including multiple food businesses, like Cajou Creamery and the vendors of Lexington Market.
Maryland Restaurant Week
Starting on Friday, Sept. 13 and running through Sunday the 22nd, local restaurants will participate in Maryland Restaurant Week. During the event, restaurants will offer special menus and promotions, like a three-course meal for $35 at Nacho Mama’s or two courses at Miss Shirley’s for $25.
Hunt Valley Mediterranean Festival
Starting Friday, Sept. 13 and running through the weekend, Hunt Valley’s St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church will host a Mediterranean food festival, featuring a variety of food and wine, plus folk music and traditional dances.
Murder Mystery at the Zoo
On Sept. 13, the Maryland Zoo will host a fun murder mystery dinner. The event, dubbed Fatal Fauna, is a glamorous masquerade ball with an immersive murder mystery show accompanied by a gourmet meal.
Fells Point Oyster Fest
Also starting on the 13th and running through the weekend, the Fells Point Oyster Fest will take over Broadway Square. The party includes live music, family-friendly activities and a variety of food and drinks – with lots of oysters, of course. There will also be a shucking contest and all you can eat ticket packages are available for purchase.
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
Sept. 14: 40th Annual Maryland Wine Festival
Sept. 21: Carlos Raba Kitchen Takeover at HEX Superette
Sept. 26: The World Is Your Oyster Fest
