OPEN
Swap Out the Swine: A Baltimore couple that found success on Shark Tank earlier this year has opened a vegan carryout in the former home of Full Tilt Brewing in Govans. Owners Marvin and Aleah Rae Montague specialize in vegan products under their company Meet the Mushroom, and wowed the sharks with their faux bacon made from mushrooms, olive oil, smoke flavor, salt, and pepper.
To try the famous Shroomacon, visitors at the new vegan barbecue restaurant—cleverly dubbed Swap Out the Swine—should go for the BLT sammie or salad. Patrons can also choose from mushroom-based platters like pulled shrooms and “chicken” shrooms that are mesquite smoked and dry rubbed. Scratch-made sides include vegan potato salad, baked beans, ginger-glazed green beans, and coleslaw.
Eight years ago, Marvin went vegan after battling various health issues. When they improved, he and his wife wanted to get the word out about the health benefits of a plant-based diet. “Initially, I thought I’d start a vegan restaurant in my neighborhood,” he told us in July. “A lot of people in the Black community suffer from heart disease and diabetes and I wanted to help others follow a healthy lifestyle.”
They switched to a grocery-based product when they realized it could have more of an impact (you can find Shroomacon in more than 150 grocery stores around the country.) But now, the restaurant allows Marvin to “be more creative” and test new recipes faster, as he told the Baltimore Business Journal recently. He hopes the two businesses will complement each other nicely.
COMING SOON
All Good Things Cafe: The good news continues for Baltimore vegans. The minds behind Vegan Juiceology (previously on Howard Row) recently announced that they’re expanding their offerings with a new eatery in Reservoir Hill—specifically, inside the old Dovecote Cafe space. “We have moved everything from Vegan Juiceology to this location,” owner Dominique J. Allen shared in a video showing off the soon-to-be-updated space. The goal is to transform it into “something special,” with interior design helmed by Kenneth Watson of TheRichUnkle. Inside the community space—previously a neighborhood pharmacy—expect the fan-favorite cold-pressed juices, in addition to new items like plant-based burgers and fries and other meatless and pescatarian dishes. All Good Things will also serve coffee, tea, and baked goods. Stay tuned for more.
ICYMI
Fall Cocktail Menu at Golden West Cafe: Fall menus around Charm City are in full swing. Among the most creative we’ve seen this season is Golden West’s fall 2024 “Femininomenon” cocktail list. As its Chappell Roan-inspired name suggests, the lineup is “an ode to strong female anthems.” The new concoctions include a dirty chai espresso martini titled I’m Working Late—a nod to the catchiest line in Sabrina Carpenter’s earworm “Espresso”—and the spiced carrot colada, Good as Hell, named after Lizzo’s chart-topper. Grab your pals and head to the Hampden cafe to try the sips—and enjoy the pop music they’re inspired by.
EPICUREAN EVENTS
11/1-11/30: Maryland Spirits Month
This November, spirits enthusiasts across the state are encouraged to join the Maryland Distillers Guild in celebrating Maryland Spirits Month. Throughout the month, the organization will spotlight Maryland’s craft distilling industry, from its historic roots (hello, Maryland rye) to the innovative spirits produced today. The guild simply encourages anyone who is interested to visit a state-grown distillery—there are nearly 40 licensed in the Old Line State, according to the guild—or to order a Maryland-made spirit next time you’re out at your favorite bar or restaurant. If you’re looking for a place to show your support in Charm City, check out the likes of Sagamore Spirit at the Baltimore Peninsula, Baltimore Spirits Co. in Hampden, and Old Line Spirits in Highlandtown.
11/3: CookHouse Bar Takeover at Bunny’s Buckets & Bubbles
Fans of CookHouse—Baltimore’s cover model for our March 2024 Best Restaurants issue—will be happy to hear that the bar team is planning a special takeover at Bunny’s in Fells Point on Sunday. Starting at 5 p.m., grab a seat to sip specialty drinks that pair with Bunny’s regular menu of fried chicken and other Southern-inspired staples. In keeping with the Champagne and fried chicken concept, we can only expect that bubbly will make its way onto the pop-up menu in some form.
11/9: Scrapple Fest
Our love-it-or-hate-it Mid-Atlantic delicacy—a pressed loaf of pig bits, cornmeal, buckwheat or wheat flour, spices, and salt—now has an entire festival dedicated to it. Next Saturday, head to the Creative Alliance for a full day of celebrating scrapple, from a screening of the documentary Scrapple Road by filmmaker Kurt Kolaja to a scrumptious breakfast-for-dinner menu featuring scrapple prepared various ways by Jon Carroll of Carroll & Son Fine Foods. Tickets run $15-$40.
SHUT
The Crazy Tuna Bar & Grill: This Essex waterfront eatery and live music venue closed its doors this month. Known for its island vibes and buzzy tiki bar, The Crazy Tuna was a prime place to sip a Mai Tai and people watch as the yachts docked on Hopkins Creek. Owners wrote in a Facebook post that “there is never just one reason when these decisions are made, but please know that Hopkins Creek, Middleborough, Essex, and all the surrounding community is just full of amazing residents and patrons.”
Pavan Foods: Parkville recently said goodbye to Pavan Foods, a longstanding grocery store and Indian restaurant in the area. Owner Janki Patel told the Baltimore Banner that the decision to close was made for personal reasons, including wanting to spend more time with her grandkids and care for her mother-in-law. “We are beyond grateful for the love and support you’ve shown us over the years. It’s been an honor to share our passion with all of you, and we will cherish the memories forever,” the restaurant shared on social media.