The Baltimore restaurant scene is celebrating the best of summer this week, from ice cream to tomatoes. Here’s a look at what’s on tap: Burnt Hill Farm on top Wine Enthusiast has named Burnt Hill Farm one of the “best winery restaurants in the world” – an honor shared by only 13 restaurants in the United States and 57 in the entire world. Congrats to Burnt Hill chef Tae Strain and his team! Baby’s On Fire closure The Mt. Vernon café Baby’s On Fire announced last week that it will close – a move that has generated some controversy, as employees of the café believe the closure was prompted by the staff’s recent efforts to unionize.  Restaurant weeks Restaurant week promotions are in full swing right now, with Baltimore County’s offering wrapping up on July 19 and Baltimore City’s promotion kicking off July 24. Howard County’s restaurant week starts next week, on July 27, so there are plenty of chances to try new places from now through mid-August. Taste of Africa On Saturday, July 18, Sankofa Children’s Museum of African Cultures hosts its fourth annual Taste of Africa fundraiser event. The family-friendly party features wine, music, dancing, giveaways, and a variety of African foods. Meltdown at Peabody Heights On Saturday afternoon, Peabody Heights Brewery welcomes a bunch of food businesses for a free festival showcasing frozen desserts, from popsicles to snowballs. Ice cream at Port Discovery National Ice Cream Day is this weekend and Port Discovery Children’s Museum is celebrating with an ice cream-themed party on Saturday. The event includes ice cream-oriented activities and games plus sweet treats for visitors. Alma x Marta al Mare On Wednesday, July 22, the chefs from Alma Cocina Latina and Marta’s new venture, Marta al Mare, are joining forces for a collaborative dinner dubbed Seafood Tides Traditions: Mareas y Tradiciones. The five-course meal, which takes place at Alma, includes amuse bouches from both restaurants, an Alma appetizer, pasta and an entrée from Marta al Mare, and dessert from Alma. Christmas in July Also on July 22, Sally O’s celebrates Christmas in July with a wine dinner including four courses of “holiday favorites” – but a summertime version of each. Magdalena x Equitea On Thursday, July 23, Magdalena teams up with Equitea for a cool collaborative dinner. Each course is created using one of Equitea’s offerings – think Twig Tea-brined scallops over passionfruit coulis, black sesame rice chicharrone, and basil matcha. A Midsummer Night’s Dream at The Milton Inn On Friday, July 24, The Milton Inn hosts a Shakespeare-inspired party called A Midsummer Night’s Dream Soireé. The evening includes a champagne and caviar bar, passed hors d’oeuvres, and live entertainment. Tickets are on sale now. Tomato time Late July is prime time for tomatoes – and local restaurants are making the most of the season. At The Corner Pantry, they’re showcased on a simple BLT served on toasted white bread. The Manor Tavern’s gazpacho – which is included on its Restaurant Week menu – features tomatoes grown right on the property. Local cherry tomatoes are part of the mix that tops Silver Queen Café’s Maryland Summer Pizza. The tomatoes are complemented by sweet corn, basil, and Maryland crab (also all local). Gunther Co. pairs heirloom tomatoes with watermelon, buffalo ricotta, and herbs for a salad dressed with smashed shallot vinaigrette. Planning for the future Mark your calendars for: July 25: Baltimore Afro Food Festival July 29: Summer Rosé Garden Party at Cece’s October 21: Chef Carlos Raba at Boordy Vineyards ...read more read less