COMING SOON
The Charmery Towson: Anneslie locals might have noticed the new, custom-made ice cream cone sculpture that towers over the building at 6807 York Road. The storefront is now home to the newest location of The Charmery, the beloved ice cream shop whose flagship sits on the Avenue in Hampden. Owners David and Laura Alima are putting the finishing touches on the larger shop in preparation for its grand opening this Saturday, May 26. Decorated with custom wallpaper, interior greenery, and vintage VHS tapes that pay homage to the building’s history as an old video store, the shop features a 16-flavor lineup including old favorites like Old Bay Caramel, and a new Rocky York Road flavor (chocolate, ice cream, peanuts, and marshmallow sauce) inspired by its new address. 6807 York Rd.
Cinnaholic: Making decadent cinnamon rolls without eggs or dairy might seem like a daunting task, but this vegan bakery has perfected its recipe. The California-based franchise, which was featured on Shark Tank, will officially cut the ribbon at its newest location at the Rotunda in Hampden on Friday, June 8. To celebrate the debut of its first Baltimore eatery, Cinnaholic will be giving out $1 cinnamon rolls from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on opening day. Diners can customize the treats with a variety of frosting flavors and toppings like berries, nuts, marshmallows, and chocolate chips. 727 West 40th St.
NEWS:
Food Network Gives Love to Baltimore: We’re always happy to see our dining scene get some well-deserved national acclaim. Earlier this week, the Food Network published its picks for the best places to eat in the Baltimore—describing us a “way-underrated food town with accessible traditions, strong chefs, and a palpable sense of slightly off-kilter pride.” Among the many spots that received shout-outs include local gems like Ale Mary’s, Matthew’s Pizza, The Chasseur, DiPasquales, Red Emma’s, Clavel, Ekiben, Idle Hour, Wet City, Blacksauce Kitchen, and the aforementioned Charmery.
Andrew Zimmern Gets a Taste of Baltimore: Speaking of national television praise, The Travel Channel star Andrew Zimmern stopped by a handful of local spots on an episode of his show “The Zimmern Project” that aired earlier this week. Zimmern’s first visit was to Lexington Market for a classic turkey dinner at Krause’s and classic crab cakes at Faidley’s. His Baltimore food tour also included sandwiches at DiPasquale’s in Highlandtown, crabs at LP Steamers in Locust Point, tailgating outside of M&T Bank Stadium, and a meal at Rye Street Tavern in Port Covington.
Zack Mills Moving on from Wit & Wisdom: It’s the end of an era for Wit & Wisdom inside the Four Seasons Baltimore. Executive chef Zack Mills took to Instagram earlier this week to announce that he would be moving on from the Chesapeake-inspired restaurant after heading up its kitchen for the past five years. His last night of service will be Saturday, June 2. “It means so much that I got the opportunity to help run a restaurant in my home state for the same restaurant group family that taught me everything,” Mills wrote, referring to his longtime mentor and Wit & Wisdom operator Michael Mina. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has supported this restaurant over the years.” Mills is looking forward to taking time off before making his next move.
EPICUREAN EVENTS
5/26: Baltimore Herb Fest
Now back for its 31st year, the Baltimore Herb Festival transforms Leakin Park into a plant paradise with more than 50 outdoor vendors, live music, free rides on miniature steam trains, and a lineup of lectures from local gardening professionals. Plus, there will be plenty of food trucks on site for attendees to grab lunch while taking in all of the greenery. Leakin Park, 1920 Eagle Drive, $7, 9:30 a.m.- 3 p.m.
5/28: Red, White, and Blue Crab Feast at Minnow
Nothing says Memorial Day Weekend like picking crabs and cracking beers. This Monday, Minnow in South Baltimore is doing just that with a special holiday brunch featuring all-you-can-eat crabs, frites with smoked red pepper aioli, roasted corn with lime crema, red beans with ham hocks, and Napa slaw. Wash down all of the eats with $12 Bottomless Bloody Marys and mimosas, $2 RAR Brewing Country Ride pale ales, and boozy snowballs. Minnow, 2 E. Wells St., $39, 11 a.m.- 8 p.m., 443-759-6537
5/28: Memorial Day Block Party at Parts & Labor
Spend your day off at this Remington hangout, which will be hosting one of its signature outdoor block parties with eats, drinks, and plenty of group games like Ping Pong and cornhole. Specials of note for the holiday soiree include $2 beers and $6 burgers all day long. 2600 N. Howard St., 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. 443-873-8887.
SHUT
Chick P City: The days are numbered for this Middle Eastern outpost in Mt. Vernon. Last week, owners Majeed and Dina Tamerjan announced on Facebook that their last day in business would be Thursday, May 31. “Thank you so much for all of the love you showed us,” the post reads. “We won’t forget it.” The Read Street spot was best known for its falafel, pita wraps, and traditional spreads. As a thank you to all of its customers, Chick P City will be offering 10 percent off all platters until its last night. 202 W. Read St. 410-244-7009