Looking for a great way to spend your Saturdays? The Maplelawn Farmer’s Market in the Howard County community of Fulton is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Nov. 4, and offers live music and an amazing array of local vendors.
In addition, the market offers a wide variety of fresh, locally grown produce, artisanal products, baked goods and other specialty items. I recently picked up lots of fresh veggies — zucchini, broccoli and candy onions (which are in my opinion the best onions ever!).
Also, try the homemade cookies, cake pops, pies, sweet bread and coffees. And there’s a great selection of craft vendors, including Beads by Bettina. A Pikesville High grad, Bettina Magarill Pressman creates very cool and unique necklaces, earrings and bracelets. (For information, visit maplelawnfarmersmarket.com.)
Takes a Village
Caves Valley Partners recently announced it has signed a lease with a division of the Baltimore-based The Cordish Companies to operate an upscale restaurant called Cece’s Roland Park in the Village of Cross Keys. The 7,000-square-foot restaurant will also feature a curated outdoor patio in the Cross Keys east courtyard.
“We are thrilled to have Cece’s Roland Park as a key part of the dining scene we are creating at Cross Keys,” said Arsh Mirmiran, a partner at Caves Valley Partners and lead developer of Cross Keys. “The Cordish Companies’ incredible hospitality expertise, coupled with the Cordish family’s deep community ties and knowledge of the Roland Park community, will come together and create a truly unique experience. This is a tremendous opportunity to add a new upscale dining option to North Baltimore and a magnificent new concept to Cross Keys.”
The restaurant will feature a main interior dining space, a signature bar and an adjacent relaxed, Trattoria-inspired room highlighted by an open flame pizza oven and an outdoor patio featuring live music. Cece’s menu, led by James Beard Award-nominated chef John Suley, will focus on coastal cuisine with Mediterranean influenced dishes.
Construction is underway, with an expected opening next spring. Cece’s Roland Park will add to the growing roster at Cross Keys, which is well on its way to bringing The Village back to its glory days. (For information, visit crosskeysbaltimore.com.)
Dining Al Fresco
Outdoor dining kept many restaurants afloat during the pandemic. Now, the Baltimore City Department of Transportation has made it permanent. This gives city dining spots additional space, and it’s a great way to help them make up for losses during COVID.
There are countless cool spots to visit for outdoor dining around town. One of my faves is Daniela Pastas & Pastries on The Avenue in Hampden, which offers authentic Sardinian cuisine in a small, homey setting with a friendly, welcoming staff. Try the Branzino! (For information, visit danielaristorante.com.)
Another yummy option is Stone Mill Bakery at Green Spring Station on Falls Road. Enjoy the sandwiches, wraps, quesadillas and omelets on fresh-made breads. (For information, visit stonemillbakery.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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