A European-style bakery and cafe with an Argentinian flair located in the space formerly occupied by Stone Mill Bakery, Café Luli recently opened in the Stevenson Village Shopping Center.
The owner, Sarah Miller, says the café’s seasonal breakfast and lunch menu showcases fare from her mother’s native Argentina.
According to the café’s Instagram page, their menu is simple but far from basic. Look for alfajores (traditional South American sandwich cookies), rich banana bread with a caramelized edge, and savory empanadas.
Stop by, have a Argentinian pastry nosh and support a small, local business. (cafeluli.com)
Rye Not?
Rye Street Tavern’s waterfront dining destination located on the Baltimore Peninsula neighborhood, near the Sagamore Spirit campus, has officially opened for dining, cocktails and entertainment.
Enjoy crafted drinks like “Watermelon Sugar High” (Stoli vodka, watermelon-cucumber, house-made grenadine, lime and club soda) and “Through the Looking Glass” (Peloton de la Muerte Mezcal).
Their seasonal dishes include platters from the raw bar such as “The Kraken” (a dozen oysters, six jumbo shrimp, jumbo lump crab salad, sterling pacific white sturgeon caviar) and “The Mermaid” (١٢ oysters, six jumbo shrimp, jumbo lump crab salad).
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome guests back to our outdoor spaces for the warm weather season,” said Anthony Brawner, Rye Street Tavern’s general manager. “With live music, creative cocktails, and seasonal dishes, we’re offering an immersive and dynamic experience that truly celebrates the best of spring and summer.
“At Rye Street Tavern, we blend the rich culinary traditions of the South with innovative and locally sourced ingredients,” he said. “Whether you are here for a casual lunch, a business dinner or a weekend brunch, we promise an exceptional dining experience.”
Under the guidance of Baltimore native and executive chef John Navarria — who has more than two decades of culinary expertise — Rye Street has created a diverse menu selection including vegetarian and gluten-free options.
FYI, Rye Street Tavern has a great, chill vibe. (ryestreettavern.com.)
Rye Street Tavern is a Clyde’s Restaurant Group venture. Back in the day, I always loved Clyde’s in Columbia and went there every time I went to Merriweather Post Parvilion.
Speaking of Merriweather …
If you haven’t been to the Merriweather District in a while, their food selection has seriously expanded. Everything from cheesesteaks, burgers and dogs, to salads, wraps, steak frites, falafel, onion rings and frozen custard. A large array of beers, wines and spirits too! (merriweathermusic.com/food-and-beverage)
Meanwhile, the Peppa Flame Restaurant and Lounge at 1401 E. Clement St. in Locust Point is now Dimples Bar and Grill, a Philly cheesesteak concept.
Dimples’ original restaurant opened two years ago in the Cecil County town of North East but closed after a fire devastated the restaurant. (facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575568844107)
On ‘The Avenue’
The group that owns La Cuchara in Woodberry is opening a second restaurant in Hampden at 901 West 36th Street, inside the now-shuttered Five and Dime Ale House.
Prior to operating as the Five and Dime Ale House, the property was part of the G.C. Murphy chain of variety stores.
A popular dining spot located at 3600 Clipper Mill Road in Meadow Mill, La Cuchara offers dishes inspired by the food and culture of the Basque region of northern Spain and southern France. (lacucharabaltimore.com/)
The local Italian restaurant Liberatore’s will open a bistro in Ocean City at in the Montego Bay Shopping Center at 130th Street. Owner John Liberatore announced that he anticipates opening by early August.
“It’s going to be a small, cozy wine bar with small plates and some of the favorite Liberatore’s entrees and craft cocktails,” he said.
In addition to a new restaurant in Ocean City, the Liberatore family has plans to open a new Lib’s Grill in downtown Towson and in Sykesville. (liberatores.com)
Cafe Gia, which specializes in fine Sicilian cuisine and is located at 410 South High Street in Little Italy, announced their “To-Go-Only Family-Style Menu” for four or six.
Start with Bruschetta then choose your favorite chicken, and pasta dishes and top it off with fresh, homemade cannoli. Linguini Bolognese and Chicken Marsala anyone? (cafegiabaltimore.com)
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Tikka Time
Tikka Shack, a modern Indian fast-casual restaurant, will hold the grand opening celebration of its newest location at 10290 Mill Run Circle (suite 104) in Owings Mills in late July Tikka Shack invites the community to experience bold Indian flavor — fast and fresh, with halal meat, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
Among the offerings, Tikka Shack features such Indian American fusion food as naan tacos and wraps, naan pizzas topped with paneer and your choice of curry sauce, chicken wings, and make-your-own-curry bowls.
A Dallas-based company, TIkka Shack already has a location at 5272 Campbell Boulevard in White Marsh. (Visit tikkashack.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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