In Baltimore, the atmosphere is overflowing with love, reminiscent of the warm, sweet scent of cinnamon wafting through McCormick’s kitchens. Local eateries are preparing for the season with an array of exciting plans for Valentine’s and Galentine’s Day celebrations. Let’s dive into what’s happening this week:
Important News
Congratulations to Ampersea on its 8th anniversary! To celebrate, the restaurant will offer $8 bottles of select wine this Saturday, February 7, but reservations are necessary.
Don’t miss the final Greek Fest happening at Ouzo Bay on Friday, February 6. This special event marks the restaurant’s last hurrah before it undergoes renovations to transform into a new concept.
One of the most heartbreaking stories this week is the unexpected closure of The Brewer’s Art. The shocking news was shared with employees through a text message from the owner, revealing that financial issues led to the restaurant shutting its doors. Over its three-decade run, this cherished Mount Vernon destination was famous for its stunning architecture, renowned brews, and delightful garlic rosemary fries.
In a similar vein, the property housing the iconic Fells Point restaurant, The Black Olive, is set for auction on February 18, due to foreclosure. Fortunately, the restaurant is still in operation and will be participating in Restaurant Week until February 7.
Valentine’s Crafts at True Chesapeake
This month’s second Sunday crafting event at True Chesapeake features a Valentine’s theme. During brunch, guests will have the chance to create Valentine’s Day cards and paint oyster shells, which could serve as charming gifts.
Soul Food Sundays at BLK Swan
BLK Swan, located in Harbor East, is launching a new Sunday dinner pop-up series that celebrates the tradition of family meals. This series, in collaboration with Chef JR from DC, kicks off on February 8 and features a football-themed menu, including fried chicken, jerk turkey wings, oxtail, and more.
WK All Stars
Woodberry Kitchen has introduced an exciting new pop-up series known as WK All Stars, showcasing the unique talents and interests of its staff. On Monday, February 9, the kitchen will welcome The Smoking Swine, a BBQ pop-up led by Fionn Pumphrey, son of the dearly missed original proprietor, Drew Pumphrey.
Max’s 22nd Annual Belgian Beer Festival
It’s that time of year again for Belgian brews in Fells Point! Max’s Taphouse will host its annual Belgian Beer Festival from February 13 to 16, celebrating its 22nd year.
Guests can indulge in over 100 Belgian beers on tap, along with rare bottled selections, Belgian-inspired culinary creations, and a special appearance from a representative of the Embassy of Belgium.
Galentine’s Day Festivities
Celebrated on February 13, Galentine’s Day—a delightful holiday championed by Leslie Knope from Parks & Rec—has become almost as popular as its Valentine counterpart. Why not enjoy both? Baltimore restaurants certainly will.
Join in on Harbor East’s 4th annual Galentine’s Paint & Sip event taking place on Thursday, February 12, at Kneads Bakeshop. This celebration features a wineglass painting activity, a flower bouquet bar, and a range of appetizers, desserts, and beverages.
Wicked Sisters is also embracing the Galentine’s spirit with their own celebration on the same day, offering candle painting, permanent jewelry crafting, and specials on drinks and food.
Atlas Restaurant Group is hosting its third annual Galentine’s bar crawl, featuring stops at The Choptank, Admirals Cup, and Waterfront Hotel. The ticket includes great drink deals and some fun giveaways.
On Friday the 13th, Of Love & Regret will host a special happy hour just for Galentine’s Day.
From Monday to Thursday, Prima Dopo will feature a photo booth, special menus, and champagne towers in celebration of Galentine’s Day. Get ready for fun!
Ammoora will celebrate with its annual Galentine’s gathering at 9 p.m. on Friday, February 13.
Midlina will be hosting a special “girl dinner” along with movies and friendship bracelet-making on Tuesday, February 10 to honor Galentine’s Day.
Valentine’s Day Preparations
With only a week until Valentine’s Day, now is the perfect time to secure your dining reservations.
Ethel’s Creole Kitchen is taking pre-orders for their jumbo chocolate-covered strawberries, ideal for gifting.
Hersh’s is excited to kick off the Valentine festivities early with a sparkling wine dinner on February 12. The restaurant will also be open throughout the weekend for those who can’t attend the wine dinner.
Rye Street Tavern is offering an enticing Valentine menu featuring various surf-and-turf combinations, including filets paired with colossal shrimp or jumbo lump crab cakes.
Rusty Scupper presents a three-course, prix-fixe Valentine’s Day menu available from February 13 through February 15. Dishes include lobster tail, short ribs, and jumbo shrimp cocktails.
Gertrude’s has designed a special “aphrodisiac” dinner for February 13 and 14 with a three-course prix-fixe menu, featuring dishes such as baked oysters and pistachio-encrusted lamb lollipops. A vegan option is also available.
Chef’s Expressions is set to host its 25th annual Valentine’s Day wine supper on February 13 at the Gramercy Mansion. This event, which usually sells out, will feature a carefully curated menu with dishes like grilled tuna steak with beurre blanc, paired with a Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, and pan-roasted venison tenderloin with rosemary mole and an Australian Cabernet.
Petit Louis’ Valentine’s prix-fixe menu showcases classic French dishes like escargots in puff pastry and grilled lamb with red wine reduction.
Linwoods is extending its hours on Friday, February 13, in preparation for Valentine’s weekend. They will also have a special menu on Saturday featuring dishes such as goat cheese ravioli and the much-loved grilled tenderloin salad.
Valentine’s weekend specials at Limoncello include a luxurious seafood tower and lobster pappardelle.
CookHouse will be offering a special Valentine’s menu throughout the week, featuring both à la carte and prix-fixe options.
Cece’s has a delightful selection of food and drink specials lined up for Valentine’s Day, including butter-roasted oysters with paddlefish roe and a cocktail called Cupid’s Bramble, composed of Woodford Reserve bourbon, Chambord, Fernet Branca, and blackberries.
If you’re looking for a mini getaway for this occasion, The Wildset Hotel in St. Michael’s has a plethora of activities planned, such as an oyster shucking class with wine pairings and a Galentine’s-themed weekend of events for women. Its restaurant, Ruse, is a favorite among many Baltimore locals and is led by Bel Air native Michael Correll, a James Beard Semifinalist.
Looking Ahead
Be sure to jot down the following dates:
February 20: The Long Table Supper Club featuring H3irloom Food Group
February 25: Sazerac dinner at Cece’s
March 5: British Classics Cooking Class at The Corner Pantry
