MOVES AND EXPANSIONS
Maillard Pastries to Open a Second Location: Big news for local pastry fans. The Hamilton-Lauraville bakeshop at 5414 Harford Road—which has housed Hamilton Bakery, Batch Bakeshop, and most recently Bramble Baking Co. before it closed in July—is welcoming a new tenant. The small-but-mighty Maillard Pastries in Hampden announced on social media last week that it’s expanding with a second location in the Harford Road space. Owner Caitlin Kiehl says she’s been looking for extra room to beef up production. “Because our space in Hampden is so tiny—it’s a little under 500 square feet—we had been looking for either an additional place to work out of or just a bigger space altogether,” she says. “But it’s hard to find something in the area in our price range that’s set up to be a kitchen already.”
Because it’s already outfitted as a bakery, Kiehl hopes to open by early November. But Hampden residents who are fans of Maillard’s famous croissants and tarts need not worry—Maillard will still operate out of its little shop on Chestnut Avenue. “We really wanted to stay in Hampden,” Kiehl says. “The space itself is just tiny, and it can be challenging. One of the big things it doesn’t have is air conditioning, so this past summer was rough. We’re hoping to solve many of our problems by doing most of our production out of the space in Hamilton.”
With air conditioning and more refrigeration in the new kitchen, Kiehl is hoping to add possible menu items like macarons, bonbons, and more cakes. “I don’t want to make any big promises, but we definitely want to do some more lunch items and sandwiches,” she adds. “We’re really excited to learn about a new neighborhood. Most of us that work here also live in Hampden, so this will be a whole new experience for us. We’re all really excited.”
Fishnet Is Moving: Fishnet is saying goodbye to Mount Vernon Marketplace this month. The food stall’s last day there will be Oct. 29. Known for its fish sandwiches and nods to Turkish street food, Fishnet originally opened in College Park in 2011 before debuting inside the marketplace in 2019. Now, the restaurant is ready to start a new chapter elsewhere. “We are expanding and looking to announce our new location at the end of the month,” co-owner Keyia Yalcin said in an email. Fishnet will host a “bon voyage” celebration from 3-7 p.m. at Mount Vernon Marketplace on Oct. 29 with DJ Mike Jointz. Stay tuned for more updates.
Sacre Sucre Is Moving, Too: A few months ago, Sacre Sucre announced it was relocating (not far) to a new space at 933 Fell St. in Fells Point. Now, it seems opening is imminent. The pastry studio is currently in a transition period, where its old shop on Fleet Street is closed, but it is fulfilling pre-orders (without opening retail just yet) for pickup out of the new space. The shop is accepting macaron orders via its online store and is offering macaron classes on Friday evenings. There are currently two sessions for Oct. 13 and 20. Sacre Sucre is also in the process of obtaining a liquor license to add a selection of wines and cocktails to its menu.
COMING SOON
Arepi: A popular vendor at the Fells Point Farmers Market plans to open its own brick-and-mortar in the neighborhood. Arepa purveyor Arepi will debut a more permanent location in the former home of Luna Garden, adjacent to The Sound Garden, on Thames Street. “Thanks to everybody [who’s] followed us from the market stalls to this exciting new chapter,” Arepi shared on Instagram. “Your love for our food, loyalty, and support have been the heart of our growth.” Co-owner Harold Dams told the Baltimore Business Journal they hope to open in January at the latest, and that they’ll still operate at farmers markets in the area—serving up their signature pockets stuffed with everything from braised beef and shredded chicken to avocado chicken salad and vegan plantain leaves.
NEWS
Eddie’s of Roland Park Finishes Renovation: An upgrade two years in the making is finally complete at Eddie’s of Roland Park. Patrons of the neighborhood grocer can expect exterior changes like a new vestibule, covered awning, outdoor seating, and more windows to provide natural light to the interior space. Other updates include a larger self-service homemade soup bar, a walk-around salad bar, an expanded candy and gift area (with a soda fountain, Taharka Bros. ice cream, and Zeke’s Coffee), and a customer-facing sandwich bar.
“It is wonderful to watch the reactions of customers who can now more easily navigate Eddie’s curated collection of grocery items and prepared foods in a brighter, more modern, and updated Roland Avenue store,” said Michael Schaffer, vice president of Eddie’s of Roland Park, in a press release. “Throughout the process, we were committed to maintaining the historic integrity of the space and honoring Eddie’s deep roots in Baltimore as an urban market while simultaneously updating and renovating the front and back of house. I think we successfully struck that balance.”
Welcoming guests to see the upgrades up close, the grocer will host a “renovation celebration” on Saturday, Oct. 14, from noon-4 p.m.—where visitors can enjoy free samples from more than a dozen local vendors, prize giveaways, and live music from Tom Starr Trio (noon-2 p.m.) and Marianne Thayer & Friends (2-4 p.m.)
EPICUREAN EVENTS
10/12: The Bluebird x Baltimore Spirit Co. Distillers Dinner
Talk about a match made in heaven. Hampden cocktail den The Bluebird is partnering with Baltimore Spirits Co. for a seven-course dinner tonight in the Hickory Avenue spot’s downstairs Green Room. Along with drink pairings (of course), the menu, from chef Brian Montanarelli, will feature fall fare like squash with brown butter and pecan gnocchi and pork loin with apple brandy sauce and parsnip puree. Tickets run $100 per person.
10/12: Espresso Martini Night at The Dive
The espresso martini is certainly having a moment—so much so that The Dive is hosting an evening in its honor. Tonight, the Canton neighborhood bar from Sally O’s owner Jesse Sandlin will offer $8 espresso martinis all night long. The Dive’s version features Ketel One Vodka and coffee from Black Acres Roastery.
(SOON TO BE) SHUT
Tabrizi’s: This longstanding Mediterranean restaurant on the water in Federal Hill—which generated a large portion of its revenue by hosting and catering weddings—announced it will close its doors in December. “After much reflection and consideration, I have decided to retire from the business that has been such an integral part of my life for almost 40 years,” owner Michael Tabrizi wrote on the restaurant’s website. “Yes, you heard that correctly. I am not just leaving the building, I am turning off the lights, locking the doors, and maybe even planting a small garden in the parking lot. All of this will take place in late December of this year.” Tabrizi added in his message that he is ready for the “new chapter” that retirement will bring, and plans to finish a book he is writing and spend more quality time with his family and friends overseas.