Food lovers in Baltimore have plenty to look forward to this week. From fresh openings on Light Street and Hampden to anniversary parties at beloved local breweries, the city’s dining and event calendar is brimming with options for families and friends.
New Restaurants and Expansions
OPP (Oysters Pizza and Pasta) has officially opened its doors on Light Street, bringing a coastal‑inspired menu to the downtown waterfront. Hidden Waters Café, located on the Hidden Waters Farm property in Pikesville, will welcome guests this weekend with farm‑to‑table fare. In Hampden, Im‑PRESSED, a new panini shop, is now serving up hot‑pressed sandwiches and salads.
Raffy’s on 36th has added a private event space called The Elbow Room to its upstairs area, giving locals a new venue for celebrations. Meanwhile, Nest is temporarily closed while it relocates to the former Supano’s location on Water Street.
Restaurant Closures
Two longtime Baltimore eateries have announced closures. Terra Café, a neighborhood staple for 19 years, closed its doors on Oct. 27. Marie Louise Bistro, a Mount Vernon mainstay for 18 years, also shuttered this week.
Milestone Anniversaries
Two popular spots are marking 15 years in business. Peabody Heights Brewery will host two parties on Nov. 13 and 14 and release four new beers to celebrate. Hersh’s is bringing back fan‑favorite menu items, including a special Five‑Year Anniversary pie topped with smoked mozzarella, roast pork, pickled chilies, Castelvetrano olives, and garlic. Vivian’s marks its first birthday on Nov. 6 with a special birthday‑cake latte.
Upcoming Food Events
Oyfest returns to Union Craft Brewing on Saturday, Nov. 7. The festival begins at noon and features oysters from local farms, an oyster‑eating contest, and a “5K‑ish” race called Sprint for Spat.
The Baltimore Station’s annual Chili Cook‑off fundraiser also takes place on Saturday, Nov. 7 at Camden Yards. The event includes food, drinks, kid‑friendly activities, and live entertainment, with proceeds supporting the station’s community programs.
On Tuesday, Nov. 10, Charleston will host a multi‑course wine dinner with Jean‑Paul Daumen, fifth‑generation owner of Domaine de la Vieille Julienne from France’s southern Rhône region. The menu pairs braised lamb neck with pomegranate, walnuts, onion, and saffron basmati rice, alongside two Châteauneuf‑du‑Pape selections.
True Chesapeake teams with the Oyster Recovery Partnership for a benefit dinner on Wednesday, Nov. 11. The evening supports oyster restoration efforts and includes oyster tastings, wine pairings, and a welcome cocktail.
Chef’s Expressions presents an All American Wine Supper at the Gramercy Mansion on Thursday, Nov. 12. The dinner features passed appetizers followed by a multi‑course meal, highlighted by cinnamon‑rubbed duck.
The 52nd Maryland Irish Festival kicks off at the State Fairgrounds on Friday, Nov. 13 and runs through the weekend, offering music, entertainment, whiskey tastings, and a traditional Irish breakfast.
Thanksgiving Pre‑Orders
Local eateries are gearing up for Thanksgiving take‑home meals. HEX Ferments offers sauerkraut‑making workshops, with the first session on Nov. 7 already sold out and additional classes on Nov. 14 and 21. The Food Market now has a Thanksgiving cupcake available for pre‑order.
The Corner Pantry’s Thanksgiving sandwich returns, and its full holiday pick‑up menu is live; orders must be placed by Friday, Nov. 20 for pickup on Wednesday, Nov. 25. Sally O’s is taking pie and side orders for pickup on Nov. 25, while Kneads Bakeshop offers a full range of pies and dinner rolls.
Ethel’s Creole Kitchen has holiday party trays ready for pre‑order, featuring sides such as cornbread, mac & cheese, and jambalaya. John Brown General and Butchery is accepting both meat and side orders for the holiday.
Future Highlights
Mark your calendars for additional events: Origins with Amy Sherald at Woodberry Kitchen on Nov. 15, a Beaujolais Nouveau release at Petit Louis on Nov. 19, and another Oyster Fest at Ryleigh’s on Nov. 21.
With so many openings, celebrations, and holiday preparations, Baltimore’s food scene continues to bring families and friends together, reinforcing the community’s vibrant culinary culture.
Original reporting: Baltimore Fishbowl — read the source article.
