OPEN
Blueprint Cafe: Good news for Johns Hopkins University students and staff. They’ll have a brand new cafe to check out when they return to campus for the spring semester. Open since the end of the year in the former home of Carma’s Cafe on 32nd Street between Charles and St. Paul in Charles Village, the cozy neighborhood eatery offers a full coffee program, plus eats like an egg sandwich on focaccia topped with tomato, olive, rosemary, and anchovy-herb ricotta. For locals on the hunt for grab-and-go treats, you can also expect rotating pastries such as ube cake, pistachio milk toast, and dark chocolate almond muffins.
Bar Vegan: On the heels of the long-awaited ribbon cutting of Slutty Vegan at the Baltimore Peninsula just before Christmas, owner and Baltimore native Pinky Cole’s sister-concept, Bar Vegan, will officially debut adjacent to the burger bar on Friday, Jan. 10. Compared to Slutty Vegan’s fast-casual service, Bar Vegan offers a sit-down model with plant-based lunch, brunch, and dinner offerings, plus its own cocktail program. Popular dishes at the Atlanta flagship have included a Buffalo “chick’n” sandwich served with steak fries; a tater tot brunch bowl with eggs, peppers, and a garlic cream sauce; and the White Spaghetti, a spin on chicken alfredo.
Kneads Bakeshop & Cafe: A new location of H&S Bakery’s restaurant concept—which currently operates in Harbor East and at Canton Crossing—will open this week at The Village of Cross Keys. Beginning Friday, Jan. 10, Kneads’ smaller, grab-and-go style bakery and coffee shop—the 20-seat interior is decorated with a boho design that pays homage to the owners’ Greek heritage—will open its doors next to Always Ice Cream Company inside the development’s newly constructed “jewel box building.”
“The centerpiece of the bakery is the visually stunning and intimate six-top ‘jewel box’ coffee bar,” Kneads co-owner Kira Paterakis said in a press release, “which is visible from the street and entices passersby to step inside and enjoy a drink or a decadent treat.”
Another standout design feature here is the “Chamber of Kneads,” a walk-up window inspired by the historic Florentine wine windows of Italy that date back 400 years when the windows were used to serve wine during an epidemic. Here, patrons can approach the window, ring a bell, and order wine to enjoy as they peruse the shops.
For now, expect a menu of Kneads’ favorite breakfast, lunch, and freshly baked goods, plus coffee and tea. Initial hours are 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
NEWS
Cocina Luchadoras Lunch Residency at Saunter Corner Bar: There was some back and forth about the fate of Cocina Luchadoras in 2024, but last week, the beloved Mexican eatery officially, officially announced the closure of its longtime home on Broadway in Upper Fells Point.
“This has been an incredibly difficult and emotional decision, and after eight beautiful years, I am sad to say goodbye to a location that has given so much to the Upper Fells community,” owner Rosalyn Vera wrote on social media. “Regrettably, I could not manage the rising costs of operating the restaurant.”
But, luckily for all of us, the concept lives on. The next day, Vera announced that Cocina Luchadoras would remain operational inside Saunter Corner Bar at 1801 E. Lombard St. Vera and her crew will be on site Monday through Friday during lunch hours (11 a.m.-3 p.m.), serving up Luchadoras’ authentic tacos, tortas, and burritos, plus a few “surprises along the way.” The residency here will run through the month of January. “Stay tuned—this is just the beginning of a new journey, and we can’t wait to share it with you,” Vera wrote.
Baltimore Spirits Co. Earns Prestigious Whiskey Recognition: Baltimore Spirits Co. continues to make waves in the world of whiskey production. The local distiller was recently included on a prestigious list of the Top 100 Whiskeys of 2024, with its Epoch Reserve Maryland Straight Rye clocking in at No. 62. The list is curated by Frank Minnick, a renowned spirits writer and critic known for his in-depth reviews that often focus on bourbon and American whiskey. “We are ecstatic and humbled to have Epoch Reserve added to Fred Minnick’s top 100 American whiskeys list this year,” the team wrote on Instagram. “Cheers to having a Maryland rye back on the board.”
EPICUREAN EVENTS
1/12: Nacho Mama’s Last Day
This weekend is your last chance to celebrate the 30-year legacy of Nacho Mama’s—and maybe even take home a piece of it. The quirky Bawlmer classic, famous for its hubcap margs, Tex-Mex fare, and Elvis decor, will close its doors for good after service on Jan. 12. Both locations in Towson and Canton have been commemorating this final week by offering up memorabilia and collectibles like those famous hubcaps and commemorative bottles and cans available for purchase. Patrons can also get their hands on special farewell T-shirts. Thankfully, sister-restaurant Mama’s on the Half Shell will remain in operation in Canton and Owings Mills, and all Nacho Mama’s gift cards will be honored there after the 12th.
1/19: Dry January Classic
Taking part in Dry January? Or just curious about nonalcoholic beverages in general? Tickets are available now for Dutch Courage and Fadensonnen’s upcoming Dry January Classic, which the Old Goucher neighbors are billing as “Baltimore’s first spirit-free cocktail competition.” Taking place at both bars throughout the afternoon, the friendly bartending competition will unite 12 local hospitality experts who will compete for a grand prize of travel, hotel stay, and tickets to Bar Convent Brooklyn (a big industry trade event.) The bartender’s drinks will be judged by Steve Chu of Ekiben, chef John Shields of Gertrude’s, and Baltimore Bartenders’ Guild vice president AMac on their creativity, execution, and flavors. Along with samples of NA beer, wine, and cocktails from the competition, spectators will enjoy complimentary oysters and live music at both venues. They can also vote on their favorites to crown a People’s Choice winner.
SHUT
Kenwood Tavern: This one is hitting Canton locals hard. A cozy place appreciated for its high-quality cocktails and unpretentious atmosphere, Kenwood Tavern shuttered its doors last month. The original owners of the concept, Matt and Molly Steinberg, announced recently that they were no longer involved with the business after irreconcilable differences with the space’s landlord and liquor license holder. (After they announced their departure, a new Instagram page was made for Kenwood Tavern promoting its holiday-themed cocktails, presumably under new ownership. That page for the business no longer exists.)
Thankfully, the Steinbergs can be found at the aforementioned Saunter Corner Bar, where they are partners alongside Martha Robichaud and No Land Beyond owner Michael Cohn. Aside from the Cocina Luchadoras residency, bar-goers can also look forward to Feb. 1, when Saunter will launch its art bar concept Meander on site. That means patrons can enjoy art kits and mini workshops while they sip and savor. (Read more, here.)