As summer gracefully transitions into fall, this week presents an excellent opportunity to dine out in Baltimore. Local eateries are embracing the last tastes of summer while inviting patrons to experience autumnal flavors. Here’s what to expect in the coming days:
National Recognition
We extend heartfelt congratulations to The Chef’s Counter at Burnt Hill Farm, which has proudly secured a prestigious position on the New York Times list of the 50 best restaurants.
Oktoberfest Festivities
Oktoberfest celebrations, which began last week, are in full swing this weekend.
At Heavy Seas, the return of Oktoberfest Lager promises a lively experience in their Taproom on Saturday during the brewery’s second annual Oktoberfest Party. Attendees can look forward to delicious food, entertainment, and the fun Wiener Dog Wunderdash.
From September 18 to 20, Max’s Taphouse will embrace the spirit of Germany in celebration of Oktoberfest. The beloved Fells Point bar will be tapping over 40 kegs of German and German-style brews while serving up brats, pretzels, and other seasonal dishes.
The Big Dill
On Saturday afternoon, The Big Dill, a celebration dedicated to all things pickled, returns to Power Plant Live! The event promises a plethora of pickled goodies, a brine chug challenge, a pickle-eating contest, and much more.
Orchard Cocktail Party at BSC
That same Saturday, the Baltimore Spirits Company will commemorate the Equinox and the launch of its new fig and rye liqueur with a fruit-forward celebration in the Cocktail Gallery. In addition to the featured drinks, guests can indulge in figs, blackberries, and apples accompanied by charcuterie from Rosemary & Brie.
Drag & Dosa
Sunday marks the debut of an exciting new series at Our Time Kitchen. Drag & Dosa: Fresh Outta Bangalore is a unique drag brunch with a South Indian flair. Ticket holders can enjoy the performance along with one dosa, one samosa, and one mimosa, with additional food options available for purchase. A portion of the proceeds will also support Nepal Flood Relief.
Sazon Latin Food Festival
Also happening on Sunday, Sazon, Baltimore’s annual celebration of Latin American cuisine, will take place at Ministry of Brewing. This family-friendly festival will showcase a variety of Latin flavors for all to enjoy.
Mollydooker Wine Dinner
On Wednesday, The Corner Pantry will collaborate with Spirit Shop Falls Road for an installment in their acclaimed wine dinner series. This event will feature wines from Australia’s Mollydooker alongside five exquisite courses, including dishes such as shellfish fricassee and poached pear pavlova.
Dining Out for Life
On Thursday, September 24, Moveable Feast will host its annual fundraiser, Dining Out for Life. Entering its 33rd year, this event is a breeze for patrons: simply dine at one of the participating restaurants, and a portion of the proceeds will go to Moveable Feast. This organization provides essential services, including home meal delivery, medical nutrition therapy, and transportation for those in need within the community.
The list of participating restaurants is extensive and impressive, with several establishments like Gertrudes and Clavel contributing as much as 50% of their proceeds to support the cause.
Maryland Restaurant Week
If you thought restaurant week only occurred during the summer and winter months, think again! Maryland Restaurant Week, organized by the Restaurant Association of Maryland, kicks off on Friday, September 18, and runs through the 27th. Diners can look forward to special deals at restaurants throughout the state, including local favorites such as Miss Shirley’s and Burger Bros.
Mahjong at Cece’s
Cece’s is embracing the mahjong phenomenon with a new weekly lunchtime event. Every other Thursday, the Cross Keys restaurant will host a guided mahjong session (open to all skill levels). The upcoming session is scheduled for October 1, and reservations are open now.
Seasonal Shift
This week, many menus across the region are blending seasonal offerings, skillfully using the last of the summer harvest while also introducing new fall flavors.
At The Duchess, diners can still find delightful veggie-centric creations, including the watermelon and tomato salad, making one of its final appearances before the ingredients disappear for the season.
Gunther & Co. is also featuring a lovely heirloom tomato salad on its menu, but it won’t be around for much longer.
Costiera is also preparing to bid farewell to its heirloom tomato and watermelon salad to make space for new autumn items.
Bar Alice Anne is just about ready to transition away from summer cocktails, reminding patrons that now is the perfect time to indulge in some final summer beverages.
As temperatures begin to drop, Dylan’s Oyster Cellar is expanding its raw bar offerings this week, including enticing West Coast selections from Hama Hama Oyster Company.
Sally O’s has introduced a transitional menu featuring dishes such as a chorizo toastie topped with avocado puree, pickled red onion, and cherry tomatoes.
Woodberry Kitchen is crafting its fall cocktail menu with late-summer plums and ingredients like foraged spicebush, setting the stage for the new season.
The Silver Queen Café is also rolling out new menu items that embrace autumn, including options such as butternut squash and goat cheese ravioli.
Looking Ahead
Be sure to mark your calendars for the following events:
September 26-27: Fig Picnic at Juniper Farm
October 21: Chef Carlos Raba at Boordy Vineyards
October 24: Culinary Walking Tour of Greenmount Cemetery
