Titan Hospitality Group — which recently opened Blackwall Barn and Lodge (they just rolled out a post-concert/late night menu) — has now opened Smashing Grapes, also in the Merriweather District in Columbia.
The district’s first kitchen-and-wine bar specializes in Mediterranean and other global cuisines, featuring locally and sustainably sourced ingredients. Smashing Grapes is located across from Merriweather Post Pavilion.
Menu items include lobster ravioli, steak frites, seared ahi taco, charcuterie boards, portabella sandwiches, tasty soups and salads, pasta, artisan pizzas and healthy living options.
Expert wine pairings — with an expansive list of reds and whites from Spain, Argentina, Germany and California — are presented. Did I mention wine flights, live music and indoor and outdoor dining?
“After the Blackwall Barn & Lodge opened in the district last October, we saw how it quickly became a local favorite brunch and dinner spot,” said James King, Titan Hospitality’s founder and CEO. “We wanted to curate Smashing Grapes’ new design to fit the lively area and expand the dining scene with an upscale kitchen and wine bar.”
For those of you who are unfamiliar, the Merriweather District is an area in downtown Columbia, near Merriweather Post Pavilion, designed by developer Howard Hughes. Hughes constructed the district to give residents easy access to local shops, art and restaurants — all in walkable distance to each another. (smashinggrapes.com / merriweatherdistrict.com)
Community Cornerstone
Cece’s Roland Park, a new,7,000- square-foot restaurant from The Cordish Company, recently opened in the Village of Cross Keys.
“I have fond memories of visiting Cross Keys while growing up in Baltimore, and much of the Cordish family still lives in the surrounding neighborhood,” said Reed Cordish, principal of The Cordish Companies. “We have always enjoyed working in our hometown, including operating one of the premier restaurants in the region, The Prime Rib Steakhouse at Live! Hotel & Casino Maryland, and we could not be more excited to now launch Cece’s Roland Park. In marrying the redevelopment of Cross Keys with this elegant food & beverage experience, we are confident that Cece’s Roland Park will fill a unique niche and become a cornerstone in the community for years to come.”
The upscale restaurant features a main interior dining space with a signature bar and private dining room, while the adjacent Cece’s Kitchen will offer housemade pastas and pizzas in a casual family setting. They also have an open-air courtyard. Cece’s elevated dining experience, guided by the culinary talents of Michelin-starred Chef Nick Sharpe, features an innovative, continental European menu with coastal influences. The wine and cocktail menu offers Cece’s Signature Martinis and an impressive tequila selection.
On my “What-I’m-gonna-order?” list at Cece’s is the Branzino Fillet (heirloom tomato, calamansi, fregola), Dover Sole (confit shallot, Meyer lemon crema) and the 32-oz. Tomahawk (aged balsamic, vanilla onion marmalade.)
FYI, they also have the Branzino on the Cece’s Kitchen menu. (cecesrolandpark.com)
Gone Kosher
Taharka Brothers is a locally owned and operated ice cream company that specializes in rotating seasonal, small-batch and unique flavor selections inspired by local happenings and a handful of “collaborations” with other local small businesses throughout the year.
Now, they’ve announced that nine of their flavors are certified kosher by the Baltimore-based Star K! Flavors include Honey Graham, Key Lime, Cookie Dough, Vanilla Bean, Non-Dairy Vanilla Bean, Caramel Crunch, Mint Chocolate Chip, Salty Caramel, and Cookies & Coffee.
Taharka Brothers can be found at local scoop shops, farmers markets, grocery stores and restaurants. And they have a “Taharka Truck” that you can rent for your summer parties! (For locations and information, visit taharkabrothers.com.)
Up On The Roof
The Lord Baltimore Hotel’s LB Skybar, located on the 19th floor rooftop, has amazing panoramic views of the Charm City skyline and is now open for the summer season.
This year’s LB Skybar menu features specialty cocktails and light fare including the LBH Crab Pretzel, Cheeseburger Sliders, Grilled Wings, Chips & Salsa and more. The Skybar truly offers one of the best vantage points of downtown Baltimore to enjoy summer sunsets in the gorgeous, 96-year-old hotel that’s best known for its historic elegance. (lordbaltimorehotel.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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