This week, the Baltimore restaurant scene is celebrating the last few moments of summer and looking ahead to a fun and busy autumn. Here’s what’s on tap:
Keith Lee comes to Baltimore
Influential TikTok restaurant reviewer and personality Keith Lee and his family made a quick trip to Baltimore this week – and loved it. Lee, who shines a light on casual, everyday places, visited Rooted Rotisserie in Hollins Market and Kahler’s Crabhouse in Rosedale.
At Kahler’s, Lee’s family tried steamed crabs and loved the flavors (though they’re not the most experienced crab pickers).
At Rooted Rotisserie, Lee gave both the food and the customer service extremely high marks, which were not a surprise to the restaurant’s customers, and spoke well of Baltimore’s food scene overall. Lee and his family (including his wife Ronni, who has a devoted fanbase of her own) also left a $4,000 tip for those working in the restaurant and $2,000 to cover guest meals.
The trip to Baltimore was a side-jaunt during a longer visit to the Washington, D.C. area – where Lee was somewhat underwhelmed by some of the options. Social media commenters have been quick to suggest that Lee should spend more time in Baltimore, since Charm City is full of the kind of places he loves most.
Nana’s at Melanie’s
On Saturday, Aug. 31, Nana’s will pop up at Melanie’s Griffith’s Tavern in Hampden. The popup, which starts at noon and lasts until 5 p.m. (or sell out), features a variety of tacos, including grilled meat, pork belly and cactus.
Asia in a Bite
Also on Saturday, the Asia in a Bite food festival makes its monthly appearance at Rash Field. The event, which takes place the last weekend of every month from April through September, is free to attend and showcases the cuisine of many Asian cultures.
Wonderment Wine Supper
On Thursday, The Manor Tavern hosts a multi-course wine supper showcasing the wines of Wonderment. The menu features a variety of flavors and combinations, like a goat cheese souffle paired with a salad of arugula, grapes and pistachios, complemented by a 2020 Sauvignon Blanc, and braised short rib with a crispy potato pancake and bacon onion soubise paired with Wonderment’s 2017 Burton Ranch Zinfandel.
There are also vegetarian options available for each course.
Sunset Jams are back
Starting on Friday, Sept. 6 and running every Friday through October, the Sunset Jams concert series will pop up at Rash Field Park.
In addition to fun live music, the parties are a great food destination, featuring a rotating lineup of food trucks, including Fuzzies, Craving Potato and Koshary Corner. Plus, One Do Coffee Roasters, which recently opened a Rash Field outpost, will sell beer and wine, along with a handful of special cocktails, during the events.
Passion for Food and Wine
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s annual event, Passion for Food and Wine, is Friday, Sept. 6. As always, the lineup of participating restaurants is impressive, including Alma Cocina Latina, BLK Swan, Azumi, The Bygone and And 4 Dessert.
Bev menu evolutions
It’s an exciting time for cocktail menus in Baltimore, as restaurants create options to highlight late summer and early fall flavors.
Cocktail bar Order of the Ace has a new drinks menu including summer-into-fall options like the Golden Dawn, a mix of gin, sherry, raisin, almond and rose flavors.
La Cuchara is making the most of the end of tomato season on the plate and also in the glass, which drinks like the Aqua de Tomate, a gin-based drink with ginger, lime, coconut milk and tomato syrup.
Silver Queen Café is also hanging on to the last bits of summer with drinks blackberry and watermelon-based mojitos.
At Foraged, peach and tomato are in the spotlight, with options like the Early Girl, a mezcal-based drink with a lacto-peach and tomato puree.
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
Sept. 13: Fells Point Oyster Fest
Sept. 14: 40th Annual Maryland Wine Festival
Sept. 26: The World Is Your Oyster Fest
