COMING SOON
Josefina: A taste of Spain is headed to Baltimore. James Beard semifinalist David Zamudio—the local chef who previously helmed the kitchen at Station North’s Alma Cocina Latina—will open his first solo spot, Josefina, at Harbor Point this fall. The concept aims to transport guests to the south of Spain, where small and large plates will be served family style. Expect a menu of mainly tapas, plus entrees like aged steak and fried fish, an expansive wine selection, and craft cocktails.
“This will not be your typical Spanish restaurant that focuses solely on the traditions and classics of the past, but rather a reimagination of Spanish flavors and ingredients with a consideration of the future,” Zamudio said in a press release.
Josefina will span nearly 4,000 square feet on the street level of the 1405 Point residential building. The space will feature “vibrant décor and lively traditional music,” as well as “waiters in crisp white shirts and red neckerchiefs.” The name is a nod to the women in Zamudio’s family.
“Josefina was chosen to honor the matriarchs of my family—a long line of women, all named Josefina—who led to my creation, and each in her own way helped to shape me into who I am,” he shared in the press release.
For those keeping track, this is the latest of many foodie announcements from Harbor Point’s developers, who are also working to unveil Sartori, an Italian concept from the owner of Verde in Canton. Josefina will neighbor other newly opened concepts including Attman’s Delicatessen and Charm City Poke & Mochi.
Cafè Luli: Owner Sarah Miller is putting the finishing touches on this new bakery and cafe in the Stevenson Village Shopping Center. The space, previously home to Stone Mill Bakery’s second location, will highlight breakfast and lunch fare with a few Argentinian delicacies (think: flaky medialunas and dulce de leche cookies) that pay homage to Miller’s maternal heritage. “I grew up going to Argentina, learning about and enjoying the beautiful culture, where my mother is from,” Miller wrote on Instagram. “Because of her I grew up with all the flavors of Argentina at home, and now I am able to bring a little piece of that to you.”
Easy Like Sunday: The second Charm City location of this wildly popular breakfast and lunch concept is opening at McHenry Row in Locust Point on Monday, June 10. Diners familiar with the Cross Keys flagship can expect the same mouthwatering brunch dishes (ricotta-stuffed French toast, fried chicken and cornmeal pancakes, and classic steak and eggs topped with a fresno chimichurri are all among highlights) expansive coffee menu, and cocktail service in the new, greenery-filled space. Stay tuned for our exclusive sneak peek.
NEWS
Costiera Starts Costi Club: Brian Lavin and Sam White—the minds behind Highlandtown fave Gnocco, which closed in 2019—debuted coastal Mediterranean eatery Costiera earlier this year near Little Italy, where you’ll find fresh pastas, seafood dishes, and an amaro-driven cocktail menu. Now, the restaurant is ready to welcome members to its newly established Costi Club. Described as a “members-only dining experience,” Costi Club will host dinners on the first Sunday of every month under a community-supported agriculture (CSA) model—meaning members will pay monthly for benefits “as a way to invest in the long-term sustainability of the restaurant.”
Lavin tells us that he and his team are excited use the dinners to build a sense of community. “We’ve already gained so many loyal regulars, and we think this will be a fun way to show our appreciation for them,” he says. “We were inspired by a dinner that Sam and I had in Tuscany when we studied abroad together. It was communal-style, everyone was sharing and talking—we were sandwiched between a bachelor party and a first date. We would love to bring that same energy to Costiera.”
For $79 per month, Costi Club members will receive a welcome bottle of Costiera private label wine, three-month access to the invite-only Sunday dinners with up to two guests, one take-home meal for two for pickup, 10 percent off wine dinner tickets, and 25 percent off bottles of wine to-go. The first Sunday dinner will take place July 7, and the deadline to sign up is June 21.
OPEN
Amour d’La Crêpe: If you’re excited for that aforementioned taste of Spain headed to Harbor Point, what about a taste of France in Fells Point? Amour d’La Crêpe is now open at 626 S. Broadway, serving up handcrafted crêpes and smoothies. Crêpes come sweet or savory with signature creations like The Elvis, filled with bananas, peanut butter, peanuts, and topped with powdered sugar and whipped cream. If you don’t have a sweet tooth, go for something like the Mediterranean Veg, filled with hummus, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and chickpeas. There’s a build-your-own-crêpe option, as well. Smoothies are also on offer, including the Mean Green with spinach, mango, pineapple, and apple juice. The space is decked out with homey touches, including a window seat with pillows, large floral arrangements, and a small bookshelf.
EPICUREAN EVENTS
6/6-6/9: St. Nicholas Greek Folk Festival
Dating back more than 60 years, this annual fest offers the best that traditional Greek food, drink, music, and dance has to offer. The St. Nicholas Greek Folk Festival returns today through Sunday at the Greektown Square & Events Center. This year, expect Greek delicacies like fire-roasted lamb, homemade baklava, loukoumades, and souvlaki, plus Greek beers and wines. Entertainment will include a kids’ zone with arts and crafts and regional Greek dance troupe performances. Admission is free.
6/6: WTMD’s First Thursday Festival
And just like that, First Thursdays are back! Every summer, local radio station WTMD hosts the monthly free music festival at Canton Waterfront park filled with live bands, food trucks, drinks, and craft vendors. The first iteration of 2024 takes place tonight with headliners DEHD, Snacktime, and Giji. Before you find a spot to camp out for the music, head to the parking lot where you’ll find a bevy of fan-favorite local food and beverage vendors, including Ekiben, Fuzzies Burgers, Jimmy’s Seafood, Zeke’s Coffee, Don’s Dogs, and Mother’s.
6/8-9: Smoke at The Point
Longtime locals remember chef Josh White, the pit master who blessed the masses with his barbecue bites at Smoke when it was open in Cockeysville from 2015-2019. He’s been teasing a comeback on social media for a while now, and this weekend, you can find him slinging some of his greatest hits at The Point in Towson. Show up on Saturday or Sunday to get your hands on massive sandwiches like the Pig Vicious (pulled pork, slaw, and Carolina vinegar sauce), Nashville Charm (fried chicken, Old Bay Nashville hot sauce, pickles, and ranch), and The Sosa, which stacks pulled pork with pork belly and Swiss cheese. You can also look out for smoked wings, gooey mac and cheese, and an entire lineup of summery cocktail specials. The two-day event will serve as a teaser for a more longstanding brand collab between Smoke and The Point, which will be officially unveiled in the coming weeks.