It’s always nice to get a little recognition. Charm City was recently recognized for its culinary artistry by the New York Times. Again.
The Wren, a pub/lounge in Fells Point, was named one of the top restaurants in the nation. (wrenpub.com)
Now, The Duchess in Hampden — located in the spot previously occupied by Cafe Hon — was named as having one of the top 23 dishes across the United States.
“The Duchess is one of the more unusual restaurants I’ve visited,” wrote a New York Times reviewer. “It’s very much like a neighborhood pub (wood-paneled walls, beers on tap, ballgames on the tube) but the food reflects the Pacific Rim heritage of Kiko Fejarang, the chef and an owner. Her shrimp and corn patties were savory delights — breaded, crisp and spiced with a sort of aioli made with dinache, a Chamorro chile paste. Feathery light, they tasted like the platonic essence of their ingredients, a beautiful balance of textures and flavors.” (theduchessbaltimore.com)
Taste of Budapest
The Little Hungarian Bake Shoppe opened recently in Canton and offers sweet and savory crepes, traditional chimney cakes and chimney cake deli sandwiches.
A traditional Hungarian pastry, the cakes are cooked on a metal rod (like the ones used to skewer meat) and covered in various toppings.
Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside and covered in toppings like chocolate, cinnamon sugar or coconut. All their social media pics look amazing, but the one that really caught my eye was the cinnamon sugar chimney cake. The funnel-shaped treat got its name because when it comes out of the oven, the steam rises like it does from a chimney or smokestack.
And by the way, they cater. (littlehungarianbakeshoppe.com)
Meanwhile, Josefina, a modern, casual-dining Spanish restaurant, opened in the Harbor Point neighborhood, located on the waterfront between Harbor East and Fells Point.
Chef/owner David Zamudio was previously the executive chef at Alma Cocina Latina and a James Beard semi-finalist in 2024.
Dishes include rabo de toro dumplings (sofrito, oxtail, truffle caviar), paella, battered cod, octopus and seafood rice with prawns, scallops and baby octopus. They also have an 8-ounce burger with thick-cut bacon, ciabatta and paprika aioli.
The name Josefina was chosen for the restaurant in honor of the matriarchs in Zamudio’s family, a long line of women named Josefina. (josefinarestaurant.com)
Hampden, Hon
A new sushi restaurant, Hana, has opened in the former Souvlaki space on The Avenue in Hampden.
Look for high-quality ingredients and menu offerings such as Hana tacos — mini taco shells with chef’s selections, sushi and sashimi bars (of course), yakitori (grilled Japanese skewers) and rolls, including the “Baltimore Roll” with shrimp tempura, asparagus roll topped with seared salmon belly. (instagram.com/hanahampden)
Get Your Gondolas
On Friday, Feb. 6, from 7 to 11 p.m., the modern Italian restaurant Cinghiale, at 822 Lancaster Street, will host its annual “Carnevale: A Venetian Masquerade” dinner party.
This black-tie event (masks are suggested) begins with cocktails and music in the Enoteca (wine bar), then moves into an extravagant four-course, Venetian-inspired feast paired with wines and a concert in the Galleria.
Musicians from the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra will perform Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons” led by Jonathan Carney, concertmaster of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. (cgeno.com)
“The Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival” at the Timonium Fairgrounds is set for Mar. 27-28, at the Cow Palace, featuring more than 60 craft beers, 40 bourbons, BBQ and live rock, blues and bluegrass music.
They’ll also have seminars with brewmasters and distillers, as well as a cigar area. (timonium.beerandbourbon.com)
Sealed with a Knish
The Knish Shop recently reopened at 580 Reisterstown Road in Pikesville.
If you were wondering, the knishes are pretty darn good. They also have a party room, and they cater. (knishshop.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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