COMING SOON
Pink Flamingo: It’s about time we had a restaurant concept named after the ubiquitous lawn ornament (and a Charm City symbol in its own right, thanks to John Waters). Come fall, Brendan Dorr and Eric Fooy—the owners behind Dutch Courage in Old Goucher—are set to open this new rum bar and restaurant inside the storied Remington corner spot most famously home to Dizzy Issie’s and The Dizz.
Expect a smaller cocktail menu than the selection at Dutch Courage, but one that is surely made with the same care and intention. It will feature simple rum classics like daiquiris, piña coladas, Zombies, and Jungle Birds, as well as other spirits, beer, and wine. Although a search for a chef is still underway, Dorr aims to offer pub favorites like burgers and wings, but “with twists that will complement the beverage program,” he says.
The goal is to keep everything approachable. “We’re aiming for a tavern, neighborhood feel,” Dorr says. “We want to make it feel accessible every day—not like coming into Dutch Courage or somewhere that feels more special, which we never wanted for Dutch Courage, but that’s sort of the nature of cocktail bars. A lot of people don’t treat them as their everyday spot, so we’re trying to find a way to bridge that gap.”
Dorr and Fooy have purchased the building, and buildout is currently underway. With seating for 80, the completed space will feature tropical tiles, a colorful flamingo mural by Artstar Custom Paintworks, and vintage Japanese Pachinko machines on the walls.
“I know the neighborhood is excited for us to come in,” Dorr says. “I hope they like what we do.”
ICYMI
The Duchess: Speaking of flamingos—after years of murmurs regarding the fate of the former Cafe Hon space on the Avenue in Hampden, which famously featured an exterior flamingo sculpture until it was taken over by Foreman Wolf Restaurant Group in 2022, details have finally emerged. Foreman Wolf CEO and president Tony Foreman announced earlier this week that the concept, set to open in October, will be an “authentically styled English pub” featuring cuisine of the Mariana Islands, which includes Guam. Executive chef Kiko Fejarang has family roots there, and plans to highlight those flavors into the menu. Read our full report here, and stay tuned for an exclusive first look.
NEWS
Kneads at Night: H&S Bakery’s retail concept in Harbor East is revamping its dinner offerings. Kneads’ dinner service is temporarily halted while the bakery and restaurant works to develop Kneads at Night, a concept that will offer a brand new dinner menu, fresh desserts, dessert cocktails, a kids menu, gelato, shakes, and more. Meanwhile, daytime service is still very much up and running—with new lunch items including cream of crab and corn soups.
Cocina Luchadoras: This week, Cocina Luchadoras announced that, after seven years, it had served its final tacos and tortas on Broadway. In a message posted to social media, owner Rosalyn Vera added that she was unable to renew her lease in the restaurant’s current home, but, luckily, she’s staying in the area. The beloved Mexican spot is moving into the former home of Bar 1801 at 1801 E. Lombard St. in Upper Fells Point. Beginning tomorrow, it will reopen in the new space for to-go orders only. Vera expects to open the space for full service next month. “We are positive that this is a good change for Luchadoras,” Vera wrote in the post, “and we hope we have your support.”
The Avenue Kitchen & Bar Raising Money for Cancer Research: Hampden mainstay The Avenue Kitchen & Bar will soon launch a fundraiser series to support colon cancer research and Johns Hopkins’ Kimmel Cancer Center. Beginning Aug. 7, the restaurant will host events to raise funds and awareness for the cause, featuring special menus, entertainment, and opportunities for patrons to contribute. The initiative is in honor of The Avenue’s owner, Patrick Dahlgren, who was recently diagnosed with colon cancer and began chemotherapy treatment last week at Johns Hopkins.
“We are committed to turning this challenging time into an opportunity to make a positive impact,” said The Avenue spokesperson Todd Yuhanick, in a press release. “Patrick’s unwavering dedication to helping others inspires us all to rally the community and direct our efforts toward colon cancer research.” Follow The Avenue Kitchen’s social platforms to keep an eye out for the fundraisers.
EPICUREAN EVENTS
7/27: Nana’s Breakfast Burrito Pop-Up
Chef Carlos Raba’s Towson taquería is launching a monthly breakfast burrito pop-up that will take place every fourth Saturday of the month in front of Café Los Sueños and Mount Royal Soaps in Remington. Catch the first one this Saturday, where you’ll find burritos stuffed with refried beans, potatoes, and chorizo, as well as a vegetarian option with beans, eggs, and cheese. The pop-up runs 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Raba tells us this is all in an effort to get the word out about Nana’s scratch-made flour tortillas, which he’s hoping to commercialize.
8/24: Ekiben Night Market
Although this event is still a month away, it was just announced this week—and we predict tickets will go fast. Ekiben is bringing together an incredible lineup of local restos for one evening, with participants including Blacksauce Kitchen, Clavel/Nana, The Local Fry, Cafe Dear Leon, Pho Bac, Miss Carters Kitchen, Chef Rey Eugenio, and more. The “decade-in-the-making” food fest will set up in the parking lot across from Ekiben’s Hampden location from 4-10 p.m. Patrons can choose between limited VIP tickets—which run $71 and include a T-shirt and early entry to beat the lines—and general admission tickets for $20.