What’s the next big thang, you ask? It’s R. House — and it’s here!
The $12 million, 50,000-square-foot food-and-drink emporium is housed in the old Anderson Automotive showroom in Remington, and it’s a launching pad for 10 chefs and their very cool culinary concepts.
The newest additions to the food hall collection of restaurants (which was slated to open in late October) include White Envelope and Mack’s BLK//SUGAR and Little Baby’s Ice Cream.
Venezuelan chef Federico Tischler will helm the kitchen at White Envelope, which will serve eccentric spins on arepas, a traditional Venezuelan cornbread split open and stuffed with yummy ingredients. Recently, Tischler was co-executive chef at Alma Cocina in Canton.
Also, Krystal Mack, owner of PieCycle and KarmaPop, is teaming up with Philadelphia-based Little Baby’s Ice Cream to launch Mack’s BLK//SUGAR and Little Baby’s Ice Cream, a micro-bakery, dessert and tea concept.
Other concepts in R. House include chef Dave Sherman’s breakfast and coffee concept, Ground & Griddled; chef Melanie Molinaro’s refined vegetarian concept, Stall 11; Farid Salloum’s modern take on Mediterranean street food, ARBA; and Heather Chung and sister Unmi Kim’s casual Korean barbecue concept, BeBim and BRD, an artisanal fried chicken joint.
Can’t. Wait. (RHouseBaltimore.com.)
Langermann’s in Canton — home of Southern-inspired, low-country cuisine, and my choice for Baltimore’s best shrimp and grits (and a killer Chilean sea bass) — launched their new fall menu and have added heated umbrellas to their newly expanded patio, so you can enjoy the crisp, autumnal weather whilst keeping your tootsies warm.
They’re also extending their way popular lobster night on Thursdays, sooo I’m a happy camper. (Langermanns.com)
Munchie alert: The times they are a changin’. What do you do if you get the munchies at 3 a.m.?
Ya call Insomnia Cookies. Or rather, ya go online and order fresh, warm cookies delivered to your door. There are three locations — Fed Hill, Fells Point and Charles Village.
Lots ‘o different flavors, including gluten-free and vegan. Check InsomniaCookies.com for delivery info.
Now Open for Biz
The Starlite Diner opened at Belvedere Square in the building that recently housed Spike Gjerde’s Shoo-fly. So, for all you diner guys (and gals), check out their updated diner fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner — seven days a week.
The exec chef, Arim Isabel, has enjoyed stints at New York hot spots Cafeteria and Southern Hospitality, a Hell’s Kitchen staple co-owned by entertainer Justin Timberlake.
The GM, Jack Elsby, was the longtime managing partner at the former Brass Elephant in Mount Vernon, and food and beverage director at the Harbor Court Hotel.
Check them out on Facebook at Starlite-Diner-at-Belvedere-Square.
Paulie Gee’s, a franchise of the gourmet pizzeria in Brooklyn (N.Y., people, not B-more!), opened in the old Hampden Republican Club building. Their wood-fired, Neapolitan-style pies are topped with unusual, locally sourced ingredients.
Menu items include the “Red, White and Greenberg” — mozzarella, Berkshire guanciale (Italian cured meat), pickled onions and baby arugula — and “the Barry White” — mozzarella, garlic infused olive oil, parmigiano-reggiano, pecorino romano and Aleppo chili oil.
Am I the only one amused by funky menu item names? (PaulieGee.com)
Samos Greek Island Grill, the updated spinoff of Samos Restaurant in Highlandtown, opened a second location at McHenry Row in Locust Point. The new spot for souvlaki, gyros and spanakopita is in the same development as Ruby 8 Sushi and Noodles, Piaza and World of Beer.
You can check out all the McHenry Row dining hot spots at McHenryRow.com. But if you’re going to Locust Point, you should def stop in at Our House on Hull Street for ridiculously tasty pizza.
And — OMG! — they have specials that will blow you away, including their new cauliflower crust pizza (gluten-free btw) and garlic crabs. Go! (OurHouseBaltimore.com)
Randi Rom is the president of R J Rom & Associates, a marketing, branding, events and public relations firm specializing in the hospitality and entertainment industries. She is a freelance columnist and writer who represents some of the region’s top restaurants and food-related events. Have a hot scoop? Contact Randi at RandiRom@comcast.net.
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