Chef Ashish Alfred, owner of the popular Duck Duck Goose restaurants in Baltimore and D.C., recently opened a new bistro, No Way Rosé, in Federal Hill.
The menu features a modern take on French bistro-inspired classics including escargot, tartines and salads, a raw bar, hand-crafted cocktails, bubbly (Rosé anyone?) and uniquely curated, zero- proof selections (a fancy way of saying non-alcoholic).
On weekends, the restaurant is a chic and vibrant brunch destination hosting themed parties with DJs, musicians, and burlesque and performance artists. At night, extended cocktail hours are offered for a late evening supper club experience. There’s a full-service dinner and a family-friendly atmosphere during the week.
“We’re excited to open something truly unique and bring our joie de vivre to a neighborhood that’s been a cornerstone of the downtown community,” Alfred said. “We’re looking forward to providing the same outstanding service that guests have come to expect at our other restaurants, and are grateful for the opportunity to bring a never-before-seen concept to Baltimore.”
A highly celebrated chef, Alfred’s Duck Duck Goose was honored as Best Restaurant in Maryland by Southern Living, and he was named Chef of the Year by the Restaurant Association of Maryland. He’s appeared on “Chopped,” “Cutthroat Kitchen” and “The Kitchen,” and is a forceful advocate for the restaurant industry and especially for staff during the pandemic.
Oh … and the place is beautiful, and the food is not only tasty but created and plated beautifully. (nowayrose baltimore.com)
Meanwhile, Chicken + Whiskey, a popular fast-casual concept in D.C.’s Logan Circle neighborhood, recently opened at The Mall in Columbia.
The rotisserie chicken joint and whiskey bar opened in the former location of Urban Plates. They are best known for their authentic South American food that’s good, fast and cheap. The concept features a menu created by acclaimed chef Enrique Limardo, who is said to make magic in the kitchen with his slow-roasted pollo ala brasa, scratch-made sangüiches, salads and sides. They have a self-proclaimed kick ass bar with 99 whiskeys, seasonal scratch cocktails and a curated music program. (chicken andwhiskey.com)
Going to a concert at Merriweather Post Pavilion or looking for a fab new restaurant in HoCo? Check out the recently opened Merriweather Lakehouse Hotel, located on Lake Kittamaqundi in Columbia Town Center.
It’s the perfect place for dinner or a fab staycation. Under the guidance of award-winning chef Adam Harper, the hotel’s brand new restaurant, Lāk, features upscale dining with American farm-to-table cuisine prepared in a scratch kitchen.
And the Rookery Bar & Lounge serves craft beer and specialty cocktails, while the Osprey Cafe offers Lavazza coffee and fresh, baked-on-site pastries. (lakcolumbia.com)
Ruff & Ready
Think of your favorite bar. Now think of your favorite coffee shop. Now think of your favorite four-legged friend. What if you could enjoy all three in one amazing place? Sounds too good to be true, right?
Baltimore’s first social club for dogs, Bark Social, is scheduled to open the second week of May at 3822 Boston St. in Canton, next to the historic Natty Boh factory.
I’m a certified dog freak (my sister says I’m part dog) and I cannot wait to visit this place! Lots of space to play, special events, a human menu offering muffins, breakfast and lunch sammies, pizza as well as gluten-free and vegetarian options, and beer and cocktails.
The pup menu includes sweet potato chips, “pupcakes,” “pupsicles,” ice cream and duck Rtreats. (barksocial.com)
Just Like Home
Daniela Pasta & Pastries in Hampden serves authentic Sardinian cuisine including homemade pasta, paninis and quite a few gluten-free options.
Located on The Avenue (aka, 36th Street), this is a cute, cozy place to dine — it’s like visiting a friend in their home. Ahh, the fresh branzino! (danielaristorante.com)
Randi Rom is president of RJ Rom & Associates. She is a freelance columnist and writer who represents some of the region’s top restaurants and food-related events. Contact her at randirom@comcast.net.
On this episode of "The Food Enthusiast," Dara Bunjon talks with Anne-Marie Bonneau, author of "The Zero-Waste Chef."
This roasted eggplant recipe from Elite Jakob is easy, quick and delicious, perfect as a side dish, for brunch or next to fish or chicken or meat dishes.
Dara Bunjon talks with wine aficionado Zena Polin, proprietor of Beauty Champagne and Sugar Boutique and co-host of the "When You Just Want a Glass of Wine" podcast.
You can bake these no-flour, no-white sugar blueberry muffins from Elite Jakob in a regular muffin tin or as bite-size mini muffins.