Restaurant News: Family Affairs

Chopt offers salads, bowls and wraps using local produce from area farms. (Provided photo)

The phrases Tulkoff and Bawlmer have been virtually synonymous for nearly a century. But Graham Partners Inc., a Pennsylvania-based private investment firm targeting advanced manufacturing companies, recently announced its acquisition of the locally family-owned Tulkoff Food Products.

Headquartered in Southeast Baltimore, Tulkoff manufactures custom sauces, dips and dressings, including its world-famous horseradish and Tiger Sauce.

The company was founded by Russian-Jewish immigrants Harry and Lena Tulkoff in 1926 and established itself as a leader in the horseradish and cocktail sauce industries. It has since expanded into other ethnic and specialty sauces.

Who among us isn’t familiar with Tulkoff’s for our Passover and Rosh Hashanah gefilte fish?

Phil Tulkoff, the company’s CEO and third-generation owner/operator, will continue to lead Tulkoff’s management team in the post-acquisition era.

On social media, Tulkoff’s posted, “As we close a chapter in the Tulkoff family legacy, we say a heartfelt farewell to Alec and Michael Tulkoff, both retiring after decades of dedication and leadership at Tulkoff Food Products. Growing up immersed in the family business, they watched their grandfather, uncles, and father run the company and helped wherever possible. … We are grateful for their contributions and leadership and wish them the best in their next chapter. Their legacy will forever be a part of the Tulkoff story.” (tulkoff.com)

That’s Amore!

Speaking of family legacies, Scittino’s Italian Marketplace is making a big move.

A Catonsville staple for more than a half-century, the family-owned Scittino’s will open a second location at 6241 Falls Road in Mount Washington.

In addition to their deli offerings, house-made biscotti and cannoli, and pizzas and subs, the new location will have sit down dining tables, an outdoor patio and a full beer, wine and liquor bar. (scittinosdeli.com)

Meanwhile, The Duchess, an English pub featuring the culturally rich cuisine of the Mariana Islands (which includes Guam), opened in Hampden at the corner of 36th Street and Roland Avenue, in the space previously occupied by Cafe Hon.

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The classic British public house with a Western Pacific-inspired menu is the latest venture from the Foreman Wolf restaurant group.

Executive Chef Kiko Ferajang, whose family’s roots are in Guam, has been with the Foreman Wolf restaurant group for most of the past 17 years, working in various positions at Pazo in Harbor East, Johnny’s in Roland Park, and The Milton Inn in Sparks.

“Even as a young girl in Guam, I came to appreciate and love the culinary influences that defined our family meals and celebrations,” said Chef Kiko. “Guam — or Chamorro — cuisine is a melting pot of Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Filipino and Hawaiian flavors and traditions. It’s food that reflects the best of the seasons and is intended to share. It’s never pretentious but always honest, surprising and memorable. I’m thrilled to now be able to create these rich and wonderful experiences for all of Baltimore.” (theduchessbaltimore.com)

A New Leaf

Chopt Creative Salad Co. has expanded its presence in Baltimore County with its first location in Pikesville, at the Festival at Woodholme. Their first county location opened last year in Towson in the Dulaney Valley Shopping Center, across from Towson Town Center.

Chopt offers salads, bowls and wraps, buying local produce and developing relationships with farms and farmers. (choptsalad.com)

Royal Sonesta Harbor Court recently appointed Michael Karp as executive chef for Explorers, an American Gastropub, located on the second floor of the downtown hotel. They’ve introduced a new menu that offers signature dishes like Maryland crab soup, chopped cobb salad, gnocchi and pan-fried jumbo lump crab cakes.

Gnocchi
Its signature gnocchi is a favorite at Explorers, an American Gastropub located at the Royal Sonesta Harbor Court. (Provided photo)

Prior to joining Royal Sonesta, Chef Michael served at Sagamore Pendry. (sonesta.com/locations/us/maryland/Baltimore)

After 20 years, AIDA Bistro & Wine Bar closed but reopened as the Old Line Kitchen & Wine Bar at 6741 Columbia Gateway Drive in Columbia. AIDA’s Executive Chef Corey Laub has once again taken the helm in the kitchen, this time as a co-owner with his wife, Amanda Mallonee-Laub.

This new upscale but approachable restaurant offers high quality, Mid-Atlantic themed seasonal food. (oldlinekitchen.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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