If you’re a total dog freak — like me — and your much-loved pup reaches the age of 13, how do you celebrate? You throw a ‘bark mitzvah,’ of course!
Bark Social is an ideal place for such a rite of passage. Bark Social is a social club for dogs and their hoomans, with a large open play area, covered space, and food and drinks for people and dogs. (People without pups are also welcome!)
The canine menu includes ‘pupsicles,’ ‘pupmosas,’ ‘puppacinos’ and treats galore! The people menu includes pizza, cauliflower wings, Philly cheesesteak egg rolls, fried pickles, and mac-and-cheese bites. Pup parents can hang out in the climate-controlled clubhouse and enjoy people treats, high-speed internet, beer, wine and champagne. And the employees watch over fur guests for those that have had one pupmosa too many and get a li’l rowdy.
A new Bark Social is slated to open in Columbia soon. (barksocial.com/pages/baltimore)
Using Your Noodles
Chef Peter Chang has opened a second restaurant in Baltimore, at 1923 Ashland Ave. near Johns Hopkins Hospital. This is the second B-more restaurant owned by Chef Chang, who also oversees the popular NiHao in Canton as well as 13 other restaurants throughout the DMV.
The newest location is the first to feature a fast-casual concept, featuring an authentic and modern Szechuan menu in a grab-and-go format. The menu at Peter Chang Baltimore features many of the dishes for which the bistro’s namesake is famous, including dim sum options, dumplings, wontons, skewers, spring rolls, cold noodles and more.
A native of Hubei, China, Chang is an award-winning chef specializing in Szechuan cuisine. (peterchangbaltimore.com/ or nihaobaltimore.com/)
Hitting the Road, Jack
After years of inquiries and requests, Blue Moon Cafe in Fells Point, a local institution for more than a quarter-century, announced they will be taking their “badass breakfasts” on the road!
That’s right, Blue Moon is going on tour. A second location, Blue Moon Too, is also located downtown, at 1024 Light St. in Fed Hill.
Blue Moon has a phenomenal — and humongous — menu. Every time my brother comes to town, he orders the “Sweet Baby Jesus” platter — extra crispy hash browns topped with jumbo lump crab seasoned with Old Bay, fresh diced tomatoes, melted cheddar, two eggs any style, and smothered in hollandaise. Breakfast with a rock and roll attitude! (bluemoonbaltimore.com/)
Meanwhile, Caves Valley Partners and Atlas Restaurant Group announced that a new 200-seat, Chinese restaurant concept will open at the Village of Cross Keys in the fall of 2024.
“We are incredibly excited to bring this new Chinese concept to the Village of Cross Keys, an area my brother Eric and I have fond memories of visiting while growing up,” said Alexander Smith, founder and CEO of Atlas. “Our team is committed to delivering an exceptional dining experience unlike anything else in the area, and we are confident that this restaurant will become a beloved destination for food enthusiasts and families alike.”
Chef Alisher Yallaev, director of Asian cuisine at Atlas, will be consulting on the menu. Atlas is currently conducting a nationwide search for an executive chef to join their team.
Located in a newly constructed building adjacent to the existing Village Shops, the restaurant will feature an expansive indoor/outdoor rooftop space with a full bar and nightly live music.
Cross Keys was developed in 1965 by pioneering real estate developer and urban planner Jim Rouse. Cross Keys was acquired by Baltimore-based Caves Valley Partners in 2020 and is actively undergoing a comprehensive redevelopment, including the recently completed renovation of Village Square. The fully completed development will include the addition of nearly 350 apartments, as well as new retail and office buildings. (crosskeysbaltimore.com/)
Up and Coming
The Original Steaks and Hoagies is coming to Owings Mills.
In addition to the many variations of cheesesteaks and hoagies, the menu offers salads, vegetarian options, chicken tenders and fried cheesecake.
It will be located at 10450 Owings Mills Blvd. in the Owings Mills Square Shopping Center near Noodles and Company and Qdoba. (steaksandhoagies.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.
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