‘Thirsty Thursdays’ a Crowd-Pleaser for Pets and their Humans

June 29, 2017 Randi Rom

Duck Duck Goose Pizza from Birroteca -- Duck confit, fig-onion jam, balsamic, Fontina and Asiago, duck egg

Attention, puppy people: from now through Aug. 24 from 5 to 10 p.m., it’s “Thirsty Thursdays” at Birroteca!

Celebrate (wo)man’s best friend on the patio with lots ‘o’ treats for doggies and their humans including boozy pops (obviously for the humans), with a percentage of the proceeds going to the Buddy Foundation of Maryland.

The “Thirsty Thursdays” lead up to the main event — the second annual “Dog Days of Summer” on Sunday, Aug. 27, from noon to 5 p.m. The parking lot will be filled with sooo many great things for you to enjoy with your fur baby. Best-dressed pup contest, doggie pool and a doggie photo booth!

Tasty treats for humans will be provided by Birroteca and its sister restaurants, Nickel Taphouse and Encantada. Doggie treats will be provided by Howl in Hampden (which also will be doing a pop-up puppy shop), and Kevyn Matthews (aka, “The Dog Chef”) will offer hand-made nutritious (and delicious) treats for “da babeeze.” FYI: they also host and cater Barkmitzvahs!

The nonprofit Buddy Foundation is the brainchild of attorney Jay Dackman. They provide financial and emotional support for urgent veterinary care for your canine family member.

Odds & Ends

Chef Nancy Longo — Nancy Longo, Executive Chef Pierpoint Restaurant and Catering

Pierpoint Catering has launched a program called “Nurture Meals.” It allows family and friends to send healthy and tasty meals to loved ones in hospice care as well as to shiva houses. You can design a menu to fit your specific tastes — steamed rockfish dumplings, whole roasted fish, roasted chicken and lasagna are just a few of the options. Award-winning chef Nancy Longo will even make your own family recipe. This is what you call true comfort food. (Go to nurture-meals.com or call 410-675-2080.)

If it’s summertime in Mount Washington, it’s time for the lobster roll special at The Corner Pantry. We’re talkin’ 5 ounces of warm lobster meat, poached in butter, in a toasted brioche bun with hand-cut fries and a homemade pickle.

Langermann’s in Canton, one of my all-time fave restaurants, has closed its doors. The-way popular restaurant featured low-country cuisine from award-winning chef Neal Langermann. The Annabel Lee Tavern on Clinton Street also closed. Sad to see you go!

The Chasseur New American Bar & Restaurant in Canton has expanded — up! They’ve added an entire third level that features retractable garage doors leading to the patio of the new indoor/outdoor space. They’ve also added a raw bar menu to their offerings of burgers, salads, chicken lettuce wraps, pan-seared red snapper and lest we forget, duck fat tots!

Johnny’s in Roland Park has a new seafood menu and a new exec chef, Shane Freeland, who served as executive sous chef at Cinghiale in Harbor East. The Bluebird Cocktail Room (named after a Charles Bukowski poem) opens this month in a hu-uge 3,000-square-foot space at 3602 Hickory Ave. in Hampden. The bar and restaurant will feature pub-style food and literary-themed cocktails.

#TRENDING

How do you cool down on a hot B-more summer day or night? Prefer a chilly glass of rosé? Or a fruity frozen drink? Here’s some good news, cocktail fans: if you have a blender and an ice cube tray, you no longer have to choose. Frosé, aka frozen rosé, has emerged as the “it” drink of the summer. Frosé is a combo of strawberries, wine and grenadine, fortified by a shot of vodka. The pretty, pink treat is one part adult slushy, one part sangria, and all parts tasty.

CONGRATS!!

Gnocco executive/chef owner Brian Lavin is a semifinalist for Zagat’s 30-Under-30 list, which recognizes exceptional talent in the hospitality industry. His Highlandtown restaurant, which is celebrating its one-year anniversary, serves Mediterranean cuisine.

Randi Rom is the president of RJ Rom & Associates, a marketing, branding, events and public relations firm specializing in the hospitality and entertainment industries. 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.