Restaurant News: Good Eats at EAT

March 14, 2023 Randi Rom

EAT is located at 1371 Andre St., in the former home of the In Like Flynn Tavern in Locust Point. (Provided photo)

Why not eat at EAT? EAT — an acronym for Eggrolls and Tacos — recently opened in Locust Point in the former In Like Flynn Tavern spot.

The three founders are all friends and local hospitality industry veterans — Doug Campbell, Michael Leeds and Spike Owen. While Campbell and Leeds are co-owners of the whiskey-and-pizza pub Barfly’s in Riverside, Owen was a co-founder of Austin Grill and Key Brewing.

Barfly’s offers a small, focused menu (especially regarding pizza) that highlights the best/most popular dishes so they can better source ingredients for better costs. EAT is following that model, offering daily menu options including kid-friendly meals such as quesadillas, tacos (a bit plainer than the tacos for grown-ups), grilled chicken wings and Karaage chicken, which is twice fried and similar to popcorn. They also offer gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options, including tofu tacos.

So far, the most popular dishes are grilled wings, shrimp quesadillas (appetizers) and tacos including carne asada, tequila lime shrimp and portobello- and-chicken cheesesteak.

Look for limited outdoor dining (weather-permitting) and some live entertainment on Saturdays and Sundays. Street parking is available. (eggrollsandtacos.com)

Meanwhile, Tio G’s Empanadas & Latin Kitchen has opened in the revamped Lexington Market, where guests can enjoy authentic, traditional Latin flavors with handcrafted regional spices.

Empanada choices include beef, chicken, veggie, guava and cheese, pepperoni pizza and cheese pizza. Sides include rice and beans, potato salad, tostones (fried green plantains) and maduros (fried sweet plantains).

For those of you who don’t know the difference between maduros and tostones, maduros or plátano maduro are simply ripened plantains. When ripe, plantains become sweet and the skin starts turning yellow. As it continues to ripen, the skin begins to turn black and the blacker the skin, the sweeter the plantain.

Another larger location named Tio G’s Chimi + Empanadas opened at R. House in Remington. The menu offers handmade empanadas made with braised meats. “Chimi” (short for chimichurri) is a Dominican hamburger topped with grilled cabbage and sauces. Drinks include fresh lemonades made with passionfruit, strawberry and mango. If you haven’t tried empanadas yet, do it. (tiogsempanadas.com)

Aw, Shucks

Jerry Edwards, the Manor Tavern’s executive chef, has created a special event for your dining pleasure. From April 26 to 30, it’s “Oyster Festival Week” at the Manor Tavern with lots of special oyster dishes, culminating with “Oysterfest” on the 30th — all-you-can-eat plus music, prizes and an oyster recipe contest. (themanortavern.com)

Grilled oysters from the Manor Tavern (Provided photo)

Tasty Tidbits

Baja Tap, a new Mexican restaurant, will open in the former Bond Street Social location in Fells Point this summer. Baja Tap will offer a selection of tacos and margaritas, as well as live music. Another location in D.C. is slated to open in March. (bajatapbar.com)

Easy Like Sunday, a new breakfast, lunch and brunch restaurant, will open this spring in the Village at Cross Keys. Look for globally inspired, locally sourced gourmet food, quality coffee drinks and elevated cocktails in a cozy atmosphere. (instagram.com/easylikesundaybaltimore)

And from the folks who brought you Limoncello Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar in Locust Point, Limoncello Pizzeria is set to open this spring across the street in Anthem House on Fort Avenue. The mostly carry-out menu will feature their popular upside-down pizza — with the sauce on top. Love this! (limoncellobaltimore.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.