COMING SOON
Gordon Ramsay Steak: Judging by the way that celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay whips contestants into shape on Fox’s Hell’s Kitchen and Master Chef, we can only expect that this steakhouse coming to Horseshoe Casino will be top-notch. The spot—which will take over the space that formerly housed Jack Binion’s on the first floor—will mark Ramsay’s first East Coast concept when it opens later this year. Guests can expect to see a plethora of dry-aged beef and seafood dishes with nods to Ramsay’s British roots. The chef joins other television personalities Guy Fieri, Aaron Sanchez, and John Besh, who also operate restaurant concepts at the casino. 1525 Russell St., 443-931-4386
Jazz + Soju: As its name signifies, the latest tenant to sign on to lease space inside the $100 million Anthem House apartment complex in Locust Point will focus on live jazz music and a selection of soju—a Korean iteration of vodka. The restaurant, whose menu will also feature twice-dipped Korean fried chicken wings, will join craft beer and coffee concept Amber in the development when it debuts later this year. 900 E. Fort Ave.
OPEN
Sir Duke Bar & Liquor Store: By now you’ve probably noticed the overhead sign hung outside of this new bar while coasting down Aliceanna Street in Fells Point. The Stevie Wonder tribute from owner Bryan Burkert—who also operates The Sound Garden and The Rockwell in the neighborhood—officially opened its doors in the former home of The Get Down earlier this week. Swing by to check out walls boasting local artwork while digging into pub fare like wings, soft pretzels with beer cheese, street tacos, and flatbread pizzas. The bar also has its own adjoining liquor store, and will highlight craft cocktails, local beer, boozy milkshakes, and huckleberry lemonade on tap. 701 S. Bond St., 410-522-1103
CH-CH CHANGES
Clavel: Co-owners Lane Harlan and Carlos Raba announced last week that they would soon be expanding this Remington hotspot to include a cevicheria and dance floor. The team has acquired a next-door garage space that they plan to convert with a cold bar for seafood prep, and a flexible floor plan that can open up to allow salsa and bolero dancing in the evenings. In other Clavel news, the owners also plan to unveil an outdoor beer garden in nearby Old Goucher next year, complete with a natural wine bar, beer, and cocktails. 225 W. 23rd St., 443-900-8983
Dovecote Cafe: In an attempt to bolster their place in the community, the owners of this Reservoir Hill haven have launched a crowdfunding campaign to buy their building on Madison Avenue. “Now we have a chance to give our little piece of magic a permanent home,” the Indiegogo page reads. “Our landlords have agreed to sell us our building. That means we’d not only have the ability to build out a dope patio in the side yard to support arts throughout the summer, but it also gives us five apartments that help create affordable housing in our city.” Dovecote set a goal of raising $30,000 in 30 days. As of Thursday (Day 10 of the campaign), the page racked up more than $29,000 from nearly 350 backers—who will receive everything from virtual high-fives to exclusive private dinners. It looks like the mighty mainstay is going to get its wish, and we couldn’t be happier. 2501 Madison Ave., 443-961-8677
Jack’s Bistro: This Canton staple is set to close later this summer, but regulars can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that this isn’t the end for the restaurant’s famous chocolate macaroni and cheese. Executive chef/owner Ted Stelzenmuller has decided to close Jack’s in order to open a new concept around the corner called Blair’s on Hudson. The new spot will feature an approachable menu listing a few of Jack’s classics, as well as plenty of new burgers and noodle dishes. Stelzenmuller expects the transition to occur by the end of August. 3123 Elliot St., 410-878-6542
Jimmy’s Restaurant: A sleek black awning now towers over the entrance of this Fells Point institution, which recently underwent a major makeover under new ownership. Earlier this year, second-generation owner Nick Filipedis passed the torch to local restauranteur Rudy Keskin, who has since revamped the space with new furniture imported from Turkey, a full wine bar, and outdoor patio seating. While the menu still highlights Jimmy’s famous breakfast and lunch fare, Keskin has added dinner dishes including kebabs, lamb chops, pastas, and ribeye. The changes were unveiled at an official re-opening party earlier this week. 801 S. Broadway, 410-327-3273
EPICUREAN EVENTS
7/14: Bastille Day Celebrations
The city’s European restaurants are gearing up to celebrate Bastille Day (the French equivalent of the Fourth of July) with tons of food specials, wine pairings, and traditional pastries. At downtown’s Lord Baltimore Hotel, enjoy a three-course prix-fixe menu at The French Kitchen before taking the party up to the LB Skybar for a Marie Antoinette-style cake-cutting and champagne toast. In Roland Park, Petit Louis Bistro will be hosting a special outdoor happy hour from 4-6 p.m. with complimentary passed hors d’oeuvres, appertifs, and champagne. The soiree will also feature live music, free berets for guests, and festive t-shirts for sale for $5. 20 W. Baltimore St., 855-539-1928 and 4800 Roland Ave., 410-366-9393
7/14: Jumbo Gumbo
The boys behind The Local Oyster are coming together to give diners a taste of The Big Easy by way of Hampden this weekend. Swing by Union Craft Brewing’s taproom to snack on gumbo and crawdaddies, slurp down oysters, and indulge in special desserts from Hampden neighbors The Charmery and Center Cut Doughnuts. All the while, get down to the horn-heavy sounds of Rufus Roundtree and The B’More Brass Factory. The party will act as a teaser for The Local Oyster’s upcoming spinoff restaurant Second Line, which is slated to debut in Remington next year. 1700 Union Ave., 5 p.m.- 12 a.m., 410-467-0290
7/19: One Fell Swoop
Cambridge-based RAR Brewing is giving back to the Fells Point community the best way it knows how—by brewing a new beer. One Fell Swoop, RAR’s new American wheat beer made exclusively for Fells Point bars, will launch at an official release party at the Sagamore Pendry Hotel next week. A portion of all ticket proceeds (and beer sales throughout October) will directly benefit Fells Point Main Street. The celebration on the Pendry’s picturesque pool deck will feature light bites, and, of course, bottomless pints of One Fell Swoop in take-home glasses. The beer will hit taps at multiple neighborhood bars—including Max’s Taphouse, Dogwatch Tavern, The Admiral’s Cup, The Point in Fells, and Red Star Bar & Grille—on July 20. Sagamore Pendry Baltimore, 1715 Thames St., 7-9 p.m., $50-55
7/29: Eat+Shop+Vegan
Later this month, the area’s top vegan vendors are coming together to host this free market at Impact Hub Baltimore. From 1-5 p.m., shop everything from dairy-free doughnuts to organic oils and bath products. Among the featured goodies will include blends from Brewing Good Coffee Company, Boochleggers kombucha, catered snacks from Nourrie Cuisine, and non-dairy sweets by Charm School Chocolate. 10 E. North Ave., 443-821-7482
SHUT
Mare Nostrum: Fells Point locals will need to find a new spot for authentic Turkish cuisine. According to The Sun, Mare Nostrum shuttered its doors on Broadway Square earlier this week. The restaurant’s phone line has since been disconnected, and the reasons behind the closure are still unclear. The spot was best known for its beautiful blue and white decor, delicious Mediterranean plates, and frequent flamenco shows. 716 S. Broadway, 410-327-6173
Park Cafe: The Bolton Hill community took a hit last week, as owner David Hart announced that he would be closing this beloved coffee shop on McMechen Street. “Our decision has not come easily,” he posted to Facebook. “Over the last several months our priorities have shifted and we feel it is best to leave while on top of our game. We are proud of what we accomplished and we are very grateful for each and every customer who has visited Park over the past two and a half years.” Hart went on to mention that he is currently seeking a buyer to take over the cafe, which was best known for its pour-over coffees, pastries, sandwiches, and house-baked goods. 132 McMechen St.