Searching for a pearl? Is the world truly your oyster? The folks at The Local Oyster in Mount Vernon Marketplace believe it is, and they recently opened a new location at 838 E. Fort Avenue in Locust Point.
In addition to the raw bar, menu items at The Local Oyster include a fried oyster Caesar salad, the “Chesapeake Club,” a double-decker shrimp salad sammie on top of a crabcake, and the “Colossal Crab Sandwich,” a crab cake stacked on top of a fried soft crab with bacon, lettuce and tomato on Texas toast. (For information, visit thelocaloyster.com)
Quoth the Raven, Nevermore?
Meanwhile over in Canton, Annabel Lee Tavern, the popular Edgar Allan Poe-inspired restaurant at the corner of South Clinton and Fleet streets, will be closing soon, according to a post on its Facebook page.
“The rumors are true. Annabel Lee is for sale,” the post read. “That said — we are OPEN. As the fall approaches and the season of Poe commences, this will likely be the last for this little Tavern. The 15th Annual Wake for Poe (Oct. 9) and Poe’s Birthday Party (Jan. 19) will likely be our last. Thank you to those who have remained loyal despite having many options around us. We will keep you updated on any news surrounding a possible sale and or changing of the guard.” (facebook.com/AnnabelLeeTavern/)
Stirring Things Up
The Wine Collective is a group of artisan-craft, made-in-Baltimore winemakers gathered under one roof at the Union Collective business hub in North Baltimore’s Medfield neighborhood.
They recently launched Vermútino: Orange Cinchona, their first-ever canned vermouth spritzer.
Vermútino is a ready-to-drink, all-natural Spanish version of the Aperol Spritz born and made in Baltimore. For those unfamiliar with vermouth, it’s an aromatized, fortified wine flavored with various botanicals.
At the Wine Collective, you can enjoy a wide selection of vinos in the tasting room, as well as small-plates including premium Iberian tinned fish and small-production charcuterie and cheeses from their Spanish-inspired menu.
Located at 1700 W. 41st Street, Union Collective is a curated assembly of independently owned, Baltimore-based businesses anchored by Union Craft Brewing and housed in a 155,000- square-foot former Sears warehouse.
Other businesses at the collective include David and Laura Alima’s The Charmery, which offers hand-crafted, next-level ice cream, and Well Crafted Kitchen, a locally sourced, wood-fired kitchen serving creative and traditional pizzas. (union-collective.com)
Noshes, Nibbles & News
Slated to open in the space occupied by the former World of Beer at 1724 Whetstone Way in Locust Point’s McHenry Row is a new venture called Fat Patties. Patties will offer smash burgers, beef tallow fries, milkshakes, craft beers and cocktails on tap. (eatfatpatties.com/)
Arriba, arriba! A fifth location for Papi’s Tacos is tentatively scheduled to open in Lauraville, at 4801 Harford Rd. Other Papi’s locations include Towson, Fells Point, Hampden and Ocean City. (papistacojoint.com/)
Two more family-owned businesses are joining the new Lexington Market complex’s vendor mix. Serving as a staple in the community for 20 years, Baltimore butcher Buffalo Bill’s II is one of the historic market’s 17 existing vendors that are moving to the complex’s new building, while Betty Lee’s Candy Dish is a brand new vendor. The candy seller is ready to become part of a new tradition for the next generation of Charm City marketgoers while creating nostalgia for the older ones.
This information was announced by Transform Lexington Market, a group committed to the renewal and improvement of the iconic landmark that for 240 years has served as a staple of Baltimore social and culinary life. Lexington Market is the nation’s longest continuously operating public market. For information on the merchants and happenings at the market, visit transformlexington.com.
Fond Farewells
Columbia’s AIDA Bistro & Wine Bar is closing its doors at the end of this January after two decades in business, as owners Joe and Mary Barbera have decided to retire. Now’s the time to visit this HoCo hotspot and enjoy their signature meatballs, shrimp po boys and homemade pastas. (aidabistro.com/)
A popular Canton go-to brews and pizza hangout, Bartenders Pub recently closed. On its Facebook page, the owners and staff posted, “We love you. … Cheers.”
Nothin’ sadder than closing time.
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.
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