Summer is starting to come to a close and – just in time for school – the Baltimore restaurant scene is heating up with theme nights, parties and more. Here’s a look at what’s on tap this week:
Openings & announcements
The Tilted Row has announced a new Chef de Cuisine: Derrick Reed. Chef Reed is a Baltimore native but has spent a few years working in Los Angeles – but is now back in his hometown. The Bolton Hill restaurant is currently closed for renovations but is on track to reopen at the end of the month, with a new Southern-inspired menu developed by Chef Reed and Tilted Row culinary director Jacques Van Staden.
Slurp Noodle Bar will open a south Baltimore outpost in the Rye House apartments in Baltimore Peninsula, sometime next year.
Cypriana’s new Maple Lawn location is getting closer to opening – the Greek restaurant is hiring staff.
The Food Market is now partnering with EZcater, so you can easily order catered workplace lunches for delivery.
Ekiben Night Market
On Saturday night, Ekiben is teaming up with tons of local food and drink purveyors – plus some guest stars from DC and NYC – for a Night Market. The party starts at 4 p.m. and will take place in the parking lot of Ekiben’s Hampden location.
Participants include everyone from Nana and Chef Rey Eugenio to The Local Fry, The Wine Collective, Old Line Spirits, Peabody Heights, and El Paraiso. Plus many more!
Tequila x Perennial
Also on Saturday, Perennial hosts a patio garden party. This week’s event features drinks from Don Julio tequila and light bites to match.
Potato Girl Summer at Southpaw
On Sunday, Southpaw will be spud central, with a menu lineup featuring potato-themed cocktails and a plethora of styles of fries to share and try. Guests can vote on their favorite fry cuts and sauces and at 8:30 p.m., champions will be declared.
Sally O’s Bday Cookiout
On Tuesday, Sally O’s is hosting an all-you-can-eat cookout to celebrate its birthday. The cookout, which will include a whole hog BBQ plus lots of vegan and vegetarian options, doubles as a school supply drive benefiting the community. Guests who bring something to donate (from the approved donation list) will be treated to a free drink.
Jazzy cocktails at Magdalena
Magdalena, in the Ivy Hotel, is launching a new jazz-inspired cocktail menu this week – and celebrating the introduction with live jazz music in the restaurant Courtyard on Thursday and Friday evenings.
Agave spirits at Silver Queen Café
Silver Queen Café has announced the next in its popular series of cocktail dinners. This one, which is scheduled for Sept. 12, will showcase tequila and mezcal – both spirits made with agave. The meal includes four courses, each with a paired drink, and a sampling of the spirit. Tickets are on sale now.
Courses include dishes like Maryland crab and shrimp ceviche as a starter, and an entrée choice of either flank steak with chimichurri, tostones, peach, tomato and corn salad and crème fraiche or Chesapeake blue catfish with smoked Gouda grits, poblano and corn succotash, and tomato salsa.
Heritage – and more
This week, the owners of Heritage Smokehouse shared a message on social media that is a good reminder for all the fans of Baltimore restaurants. Along with an announcement that the restaurant is serving ham hocks this week, they shared that this summer has been a slow one for the Govans restaurant and noted that they’ve pared down the menu to some key favorites – and that they hope to fill the restaurant and fill as many catering and carryout orders as possible, so they can make up for the quiet months.
This is a good reminder that so many of the local restaurants we love are very small businesses and need consistent support to keep the doors open and to keep serving us the food we all love.
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
