OPEN
Miss Twist Ice Cream: SoBo just got a little sweeter. Just in time for summer, Miss Twist Ice Cream opened its third location last week in Locust Point. Joining brick-and-mortars in Essex and Havre de Grace, the new shop is the first in Baltimore City—but the ice cream concept is no stranger to the area. Owner Tammy Radtke has made rounds in the Miss Twist truck throughout Locust Point for nearly 30 years. In those earlier years, she and her team were in the neighborhood every day. More recently, those visits have been less frequent, so the timing seemed right for a permanent home in South Baltimore..
Radtke had her eye on the storefront at 1433 E. Fort Ave. for some time, as it went through iterations of different ice cream and cupcake shops. It was most recently home to Southeastern Roastery. Radtke had been in contact with the owners about her interest in the space, and when they made plans to move, they let Radtke know. She signed a lease the next day.
“We just love Locust Point,” she says. “It’s always been close to our hearts—it really and truly has.”
Those visiting the new shop—in search of milkshakes, sundaes, and the eponymous soft-serve swirl—are greeted with a turquoise and pink facade. Inside, the ordering window is made from the recycled material of a real ice cream truck, which Radtke’s husband installed himself. He said it was originally 20 feet long, while the width of the Locust Point space runs 15 feet long. “There was quite some engineering going on, but he got it to where he’s very happy with it,” she says. “There are a few little details to add to it, but it’s pretty much done.”
COMING SOON
Soul Street: In our last column, we reported on the closure of RYMKS Bar & Grille. Details were vague, but it’s likely because the team had a new venture up their sleeves. This week, the restaurant announced that it’s partnering with HoodFellas Bistro & Catering (which previously operated in The Munsey Building downtown) to launch a new concept called Soul Street. Offering unique takes on American barbecue, the restaurant will be located at 819 E. Pratt St. in Little Italy. Leading the charge are HoodFellas co-founders Ira Chase and Ben Thompson. The former will take a business development role, while Thompson will serve as executive chef. RYMKS co-owner Teaon Everage will run the day-to-day as director of business operations.
“Our team has poured their hearts and souls into crafting a menu and ambiance that will exceed our customers’ expectations,” Chase said in a press release. “We invite everyone to take a stroll down Soul Street and become a part of our family.”
Soul Street was on the ground at the Preakness Stakes this past weekend, giving race-goers a first taste of the menu with smoked ribs and roasted chicken. The restaurant will hold a grand opening event on Tuesday, May 28, debuting to the public beginning at 5 p.m.
EPICUREAN EVENTS
5/25: Sophomore Coffee’s Anniversary Celebration
Sophomore Coffee in Old Goucher officially turned five years old last month—and it’s ready to celebrate. The coffee shop will host an anniversary bash from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. this Saturday in the courtyard that it shares with natural wine bar Fadensonnen and rotisserie chicken eatery Chachi’s. Expect a drink special and anniversary merch, as well as food from Chachi’s, Winter’s Sweet Tooth & Co., and Asanka. A bubbly toast will conclude the celebration at 3 p.m.
5/26: Ekiben x Little Jumbo Pop-Up
Ekiben is celebrating Asian & Pacific American Heritage Month family style. On Sunday, May 26, the Asian-fusion concept will host co-owner Steve Chu’s father, Steve Chu Sr. of Pikesville’s Jumbo Seafood, for an installment of Little Jumbo—a series where Ekiben invites guest chefs to take the reins for a day. Head to the South Baltimore location from 2-6 p.m. for a menu of skewers, shrimp toast, vegan options, and more. “Every pop-up we host at Ekiben is special, but this one feels like history, like legacy, like love,” the team wrote on Instagram. “We promise you don’t want to miss father and son—and [co-owner] Ephrem [Abebe], an honorary Chu—throwing down in the kitchen together.”
5/30: Chuck’s Trading Post’s Asian American Pop-Up Dinner
Hampden hideaway Chuck’s Trading Post also has something special planned in honor of Asian & Pacific American Heritage Month. On Thursday, May 30, join chef Ernest Wright—also behind Asian-fusion comfort food pop-up goodTak—for a three course Asian-American pop-up dinner with paired beverages. Vegetarian and pescatarian options will also be on offer for the reservations-only event, which is $55 per person. Email Chuck’s to snag a spot.
SHUT
Blue Hill Tavern: Earlier this month, the Brewers Hill haunt known for its elevated takes on classic comforts closed up shop after a decade and a half. “A 15-year run in this business is a lifetime, and we can only thank our staff, our guests, and our families for making that happen,” the owners wrote in a closure message. “To all of our guests who trusted us with both your once-in-a-lifetime moments and your regular ones, thank you.” The Baltimore Sun reports that the South Conkling Street space had been up for sale since at least 2022.
Allora: The hospitality group behind Allora has closed its Roman bistro in Mt. Vernon. The Baltimore Banner reports that the closure stems from an investigation by Chase Bank over a fraudulent check. Allora is the latest concept to close from Liliahna Hospitality Group, which shuttered Zander’s downtown in April and its Cross Street Market concept, Velleggia’s, last year. The group has recently faced allegations from ex-employees and vendors that they’ve not been paid.