OPEN:
Bobby’s Burger Palace: This modern burger chain, owned by Food Network all-star Bobby Flay, joined the likes of On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina and Nandos Peri-Peri in Towson Square earlier this week. With other Maryland locations in College Park and Maryland Live Casino, the eatery features sleek décor and cleverly named burgers. But now you can get your fix of sophisticated grilled cheese sandwiches, crunchy salads, and signature burgers topped with potato chips and coleslaw while strolling around Towson. 515 Virginia Ave., Towson, 410-296-7227
Piaza Fresh: The Greene Turtle in McHenry Row recently downsized, making room for this new D-I-Y pizzeria to take over its leftover space. Piaza Fresh officially opened its doors last weekend, offering signature brick-oven pizzas, flatbreads, and fast-casual salads. 1602 Whetstone Way, 410-464-0800.
Pitango Bakery and Café: Fans of Pitango’s mainstay gelato shop in Fells Point will be happy to hear that this sweetheart of a spot has recently expanded with a new spinoff concept located a few blocks away in the former home of Bonaparte Breads on South Ann Street. Pitango Bakery and Café made its debut last month, serving up pastries, salads, tarts, and Italian-inspired sandwiches on fresh baked bread. 903 S. Ann St., 443-676-6447
COMING SOON:
Bagby Pizza Company: The Bagby Restaurant Group is continuing its expansion into the county with a Bagby Pizza location opening its doors in Pikesville on August 13. The menu, which is split into categories titled “The Way You Want It” and “The Way We Do It,” features customizable salads and pies alongside a list of the chef’s specialty combinations. 1809 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, 443-379-0566
Ceriello Fine Foods: Known as a one-stop shop for all of the makings of an Italian feast, this store in Belvedere Square Market highlights house-made sauces, Boot Country cheeses, and gourmet grub to go. Come August, the New York-based company will open its second Baltimore location at the bottom of the Hanover apartments in Brewers Hill. The space will feature all of Ceriello’s classic comestibles, while adding fruits and vegetables, gelato, wine, beer, a bakery, and al fresco seating to its list of offerings. 3700 Toone St.
Smoke: Owner and executive chef Josh White is bringing this Pennsylvania-based barbecue joint to Charm City in September. The spot will be situated in the former home of Corned Beef Deli in Cockeysville’s Cranbrook Plaza and serve unique takes on barbecue classics. Bold offerings include Smoke’s signature “The Boss Dawg” sandwich (hickory-smoked pork topped with bacon, local cheddar cheese, pickles, and crispy onions) pork cheesesteaks, and fried cheddar grits with spicy ketchup. 574 Cranbrook Rd., Cockeysville
CH-CH-CHANGES:
Waterfront Kitchen: Following stints at Fleet Street Kitchen, Bookmaker’s Cocktail Club, and The Manor Tavern, Chris Amendola was recently appointed as Waterfront Kitchen’s new executive chef.The harbor-side restaurant, with its own greenhouse, is an active supporter of urban agriculture and the menu reflects its seed-to-plate mantra. Judging by Amendola’s foraging expertise, we think it’s a perfect fit. 1417 Thames St., 443-681-5310
SHUT:
Clementine: This beloved Hamilton spot recently announced that its last day of service will be on August 9. Husband-and-wife team Winston Blick and Cristin Dadant have decided to close their homey farm-to-table spot and transform their business into a full-time catering company.The couple’s second venture Green Onion Market, also in Hamilton, is still open for business. 5402 Harford Road, 410-444-1497