This week is filled with fun and festive food news in Baltimore, including openings, anniversaries, parties, and wine dinners. Here’s a look at what’s coming up: Openings announcements Rocco’s, the new “old school” Italian spot in Towson, is now open. Little Phil’s Sorcery , the kitchen operation at Lil Phil’s Tavern, will open with a limited menu this Sunday afternoon. The owner of Namaste, Alonso’s, and Tandoor has a new project in the works: the reopening of Jimmy’s Diner in Fells Point. Rusty Scupper is now open for lunch service, Monday through Friday from noon to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 3 p.m. Alma Cocina Latina turns 11 this weekend and is celebrating from Friday through Sunday with specials and general good cheer. Charm City Cocktail Club Baltimoreans who love spirits have a new way to gather, with the launch of Charm City Cocktail Club, or C4 for short. The organization will host events focused on both new and classic cocktails, giving enthusiasts of all knowledge levels an opportunity to learn and enjoy the craft. Tacos ‘N Taps On Saturday, Tacos ‘N Taps, a party celebrating all things taco, takes over the Fairgrounds. The event includes tons of taco options, plus beers, tequilas, music, dancing, and more.  In anticipation of the weather this weekend, the event has been moved indoors – but it’s still on. Heritage at OPACY Heritage Smokehouse will be closed from Friday, April 24 through Thursday, April 30 – but for a fun reason. During that run, the BBQ spot will be serving food at Camden Yards, while the O’s play the Red Sox and Astros. BSC rum party On Saturday, Baltimore Spirits Co. is hosting a fun party at the Cocktail Gallery, to celebrate the launch of its Tete-a-Tete Rum, a collaboration with Lyon Rum that is four years in the making. Bottles of the rum will be available for purchase during the event, which will also feature island drinks, Jamaican rice bowls, and live music. Green Spring in Bloom On Saturday, April 25, Green Spring Station hosts a garden mart with fun activities, an appearance from Hilton Carter, and lots of floral cocktails to enjoy. Focus on Checkerspot Checkerspot Brewing Co. is busy this week. On Sunday, the crew from the Maryland Zoo will be at the brewery to celebrate the release of Caesar’s Kolsch, a beer named in honor of one of the Zoo’s giraffes. During the event, there will be family-friendly activities and an opportunity to get to know the zookeepers. And on Thursday, April 30, the Checkerspot team is heading to Hersh’s for a collaborative dinner featuring four courses of dishes paired with Checkerspot beers. Origins with D. Watkins On Wednesday, April 29, Woodberry Kitchen’s Origins series continues with an evening ov conversation between Spike Gjerde and D. Watkins. The conversation will focus on how food, storytelling, and their connections, and the menu will be inspired by Watkins’ favorite WK dishes. Catoctin Creek at Magdalena During happy hour on Wednesday, Magdalena’s drinks menu will feature multiple cocktails highlighting Catoctin Creek spirits, in honor of the release of the distillery’s new Shenandoah Strawberry Paw Paw Gin. Spring in Positano at Limoncello Also on Wednesday, Limoncello gets in the springtime spirit with a wine dinner showcasing the flavors of Positano. Courses include a seafood spring salad with asparagus and razor clams and lobster with pasta in a white wine sauce. French wine supper at Manor Tavern The wine dinner options continue on Thursday, when the Manor Tavern hosts a supper featuring wines from Boisset Collection. The evening starts with hors d’oeuvres and a cocktail followed by a multi-course seated dinner including dishes like charred scallop crudo with pineapple passion fruit sauce. Sonoma at The Black Olive Also on Thursday, The Black Olive welcomes the winemakers from Model Farm, for a multi-course meal with pairings from the organization’s wines with roots in the Sonoma Mountains in California. Courses include dishes like King Salmon souvlaki paired with P M Staiger Vineyard’s 2023 chardonnay. Lemon stick season Flower Mart is back on Friday, May 1 and Saturday, May 2. The annual celebration of spring will take over Mount Vernon with workshops, vendors, music, and more – including, of course, lemon sticks. Food and drink lovers will find a lot to enjoy during the event, including workshops from Baltimore Spirits Co. and McClintock Distilling sharing knowledge about making the most of garden ingredients in cocktails. Spring things LB Skybar, the rooftop bar at the Lord Baltimore Hotel, opens for the season on April 30. The bar is open during the evenings Thursday through Saturday, serving drinks and light food – in addition to great views of the city. Rye Street Tavern’s menus have been refreshed in honor of spring produce and outdoor waterfront dining weather. New options include a strawberry shortcake dessert (only available for a limited time) and a lineup of bright cocktails designed for maximum enjoyment outside. One of the newest additions to The Corner Pantry’s menu is a springtime toast of asparagus, crème fraiche, egg salad, and ham. At Silver Queen Café, in-season rhubarb gets a shout in a bourbon sour cocktail. This week’s Little Donna’s menu includes springy dishes like asparagus with hot mustard hollandaise and a tres leches cake with strawberries. Planning for the future Mark your calendars for: May 2: Feastival  May 3: To the Table Supper Series Opener at Roseda Farm May 15: Black Eyed Susan Day Party at Cece’s ...read more read less