It’s been a busy few weeks in the Charm City restaurant world with lots of comings and goings. Here’s what you need to know.
NEW
Huck’s American Craft
Charlie Gjerde and his wife, Lori, are teaming up to open a neighborhood bar in Brewer’s Hill. In addition to regional craft brews and local favorite Natty Boh on tap, Huck’s menu will feature “American classics” such as burgers and fries, plus a chance for your taste buds to travel down the coast, from Maine (lobster dip) to Miami (Cuban sandwiches). Gjerde is also the owner of Alexander’s Tavern and Papi’s Tacos in Fells Point, not to mention the brother of James Beard Award-winning chef Spike Gjerde. The bar at Huck’s is scheduled to open in early June, with food to follow. 3728 Hudson St.
EXPANSIONS
Maiwand Grill
Owner Ehsan Rafiq’s second location of Maiwand Grill has only been open a few months and has already become a hit in Baltimore. Maiwand’s menu includes many traditional Afghan dishes such as tandoori shrimp, and lamb, beef, or chicken kabobs. A roster of well-priced daily specials for $8.99 are easy on the wallet. Beat the Monday blues with Maiwand’s lamb curry, or celebrate hump day with their savory chicken jalfarezi.
324 W. Baltimore St., 410-685-0208
Alchemy Elements
Husband-and-wife owners Debi Bell and Michael Matassa are expanding their Hampden restaurant,
Alchemy to Harford County. Alchemy Elements is set to open on September 1 in Bel Air. Like the original spot, the new place will feature modern American fare, and will also offer additional seating, an outdoor dining area and full bar, as well as an expanded menu with more casual and family friendly options. Fingers crossed that the crab mac and cheese and the pecan-crusted lamb chops will stay on the menu. Bel Air Town Center.
CHEF CHANGE
13.5% Wine Bar
Last month, chef Cyrus Keefer, formerly of
Fork & Wrench, joined 13.5% Wine Bar. Keefer was brought on as a Chef Partner and is revamping the new, eclectic menu. Dishes like butter poached lobster pierogies and escargot French bread pizza challenge the norm of the typical wine bar menu. Keefer tells us that the plates on the menu are ingredient based and will depend on what’s in season. 1117 W. 36th St., 410-889-1064
CLOSING
Shoo-Fly Diner
This summer we’ll be bidding farewell to
Spike Gjerde‘s Shoo-Fly Diner. The family friendly diner, open since 2013, has never quite found its footing. No word yet on what might go into the vacant space, though the James Beard Award winner’s Foodshed restaurant company might come up with another concept for the space. There’s also a chance that Shoo-Fly might relocate to the nearby Belvedere Square Market building.
RETAIL NEWS
Seasons
New York-based kosher market Seasons is making its way to Pikesville. Seasons is a full-service grocery store with dedicated butcher, seafood departments, and imported products from Israel, in addition to delivery and catering. If their website is to be believed, Seasons boast, “baked goods like your mother wished she made.” The store is scheduled to open by the end of this year.