Baltimore’s food scene is hot this week, with outdoor festivals and parties, exciting openings, and lots of summer flavor. Here’s a look at what’s happening: Openings announcements The Market at Hamilton made its much-awaited debut when it opened earlier this week. The shop, which is owned by the team behind Silver Queen Café, is located in the old Emma’s Tea Spot space, and sells an array of specialty food items (including cheese!) along with sandwiches and ice cream. The Kahlert Café, a “farm to able” café that employs people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, has opened in Sparks. Last week, Councilwoman Odette Ramos shared the news that the beloved Waverly spot Thai Restaurant will be reopening soon in its new location on 31st St. Chef Andrew Weinzirl’s new café, Hello Trouble Luncheonette, is slated to open in Hamilton in August. Happy 4th birthday to Southpaw. The bar is marking the occasion on Sunday with music and pop-up food from Costiera and Glizzy’s Wagyu Dogs. Happy anniversary to Rye Street Tavern. The Baltimore Peninsula restaurant just celebrated two years since its reopening. Restaurant weeks It’s still Restaurant Week in Baltimore City – from now through Aug. 2 – and Howard County’s RW event starts on Monday, July 27. Now is the time to make reservations, if you haven’t already. West North Avenue Farmers’ Market The city has a new monthly farmers’ market, kicking off this Saturday. The market, which will take place in the former Greenwood Towing lot on West North Avenue, starts at 10 a.m. and will feature a bunch of local vendors and activities. Baltimore Afro Food Festival Saturday, July 25, the Baltimore Afro Food Festival will take place in Windsor Mill. The ticketed event celebrates the cuisine of Africa and the Afro-diaspora, with food makers representing a variety of African and Caribbean countries and regions. Fête Champêtre On Saturday, Middle Branch Park will transform into a garden party, when Baltimore City Recreation and Parks’ event, Fête Champêtre returns for its third year. The event, which features food trucks, mobile bars, and live music, has tickets available for a variety of different experiences. Hampden Beach Party Also on Saturday, the beach comes to Baltimore during the Hampden Beach Party, taking place throughout the neighborhood. During the day, there will be a bunch of fun food and drink specials – think boardwalk-style fries at Dylan’s – plus activities like yacht rock karaoke at Frazier’s. Summer flavors From July 23-25, Magdalena has a special five-course tasting menu available. The menu showcases the best of summer flavors – and has an optional wine pairing add-on. Hersh’s has tons of tomato-forward items on the menu right now, including housemade pasta and ricotta in a fresh tomato sauce. Vivian’s summer menu includes light dishes like spicy watermelon in spicy cilantro vinaigrette and burrata with heirloom tomatoes, pickled peaches, and basil pesto. Curry Boys at Ekiben On Sunday, July 26, Ekiben’s Hampden location welcomes Curry Boys BBQ. The menu, which is available via pre-order only, includes a brisket curry bowl and pulled pork laab bowl. Rosé at Cece’s Wednesday evening, Cece’s hosts a Summer Rosé Garden Party on its patio in the Cross Keys courtyard. The party includes a dinner buffet and a variety of Provençale rosés to sip. Cookhouse x Equitea On Thursday, July 30, Equitea will pop up behind the bar at Cookhouse, sharing a new matcha menu collab. Sagamore celebrates 250 Sagamore Whiskey is celebrating America’s 250th birthday – along with Baltimore’s 297th birthday – on Thursday, with a day of complimentary tastings and guided workshops, plus the option to buy the limited edition America 250 Straight Rye Whiskey.  TCP Supper Club Also on Thursday, The Corner Pantry hosts the next installment in its Supper Club series. This one is all about the flavors of a fun summer BBQ. There will be passed canapes, gin cocktails from the Spirit Shop, beer and wine, grilled chicken, meat, and oysters, summer produce, ice cream, live music, and more. Lobsterama returns Gertrude’s annual crustacean celebration – Lobsterama – is back for the month starting next week. Every Thursday in August, the BMA restaurant offers lobster dinners either New England-style or Maryland-style. Lobsters must be ordered in advance – but they’re worth the planning. Planning for the future Mark your calendars for: August 14: Chefs of Little Italy Wine Dinner August 29: Ekiben Night Market October 21: Chef Carlos Raba at Boordy Vineyards ...read more read less