Certain things never go out of style: denim, martinis, Scrabble, little black dresses, the Beatles and navy blue blazers. Add to that list tiki bars, those Polynesian palaces with their rum-based cocktails, tropical murals, hula girl motifs and exotic allure.
Mount Vernon’s Hotel Revival recently opened its Garden Room on the top floor of the tiki bar next to the Topside bar that was previously used only as a private party space. Now, it’s open Thursdays through Saturdays as a year-round tiki cocktail bar. Check out those panoramic views of Charm City from this lush, tropical, plants-filled space, and yes, tiki cocktails are a thing. (Visit jdvhotels.com/hotels/Maryland/Baltimore/hotel-revival-baltimore)
Uptown Abbey has finally arrived. An offshoot of the popular Abbey Burger Bistro, Uptown Abbey recently opened in Mount Washington in the former Nickel Taphouse spot. Look for build-your-own burgers, 32 craft beers on draft and 50-plus choices of bottled or canned beers, right there in the heart of the historic village. (Visit facebook.com/AbbeyMtWashington/ or abbeyburgerbistro.com)
IndoViet Asian Cuisine has opened at Club Centre in Pikesville, serving Indonesian/Vietnamese fare. Banh mi, spring rolls, steamed dumplings, fried noodle pancakes, buns and lots of pho — OK, who’s in? (Visit indoviet-asisan-cuisine.business.site)
Coming Soon
THB Neighborhood Bagelry & Deli will open two new stores, one in Owings Mills at Mill Station — the site of the now-defunct Owings Mills Mall — and one at Columbia Crossing in Howard County.
FYI, THB — which celebrated its 20th anniversary this year — stands for Towson Hot Bagels, a reference to their first location on Allegheny Avenue in the Baltimore County seat. The new restaurants are slated to open in the summer of 2020. (Visit eatthb.com/)
HoCo Happenings
Columbia’s Merriweather District, the expansive mixed-use development near Merriweather Post Pavilion in Howard County, is set to become a serious foodie destination. The first eateries to open — over a year ago — were CURED Table & Tap and 18th & 21st, two distinctive dining concepts housed under one roof.
CURED (the name comes from the humongous charcuterie bar in the middle of the restaurant) serves up humble, classic American fare. Named after the constitutional amendment that enacted Prohibition and the subsequent amendment that repealed it, 18th & 21st is a modern take on a sophisticated, Prohibition-era supper club featuring elevated dining, speakeasy-inspired cocktails and live music. (Visit cured1821.com/)
Next summer, Matchbox, a D.C.-based pizza restaurant, will open its 13th location — and fourth in Maryland — at the Merriweather District, offering wood-fired pizzas and including build-your-own options, mini-burgers, ginormous meatballs and an unlimited small plates. The “Brunchbox” menu will be offered on weekends.
Home Of The Day
Also opening next summer at Merriweather will be Clove and Cardamom, which will offer conventional Indian dishes, and Dok Khao Thai Eatery. Meanwhile, Busboys and Poets broke ground in September for their new 400-seat spot at Merriweather. The restaurant will offer small plates, entrees, paninis, sandwiches and gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan selections.
Kudos All Around
Recently, Le Comptoir du Vin, a cozy French bistro in the Station North Arts District, was placed on “The Hot Ten,” a list of America’s top new restaurants for 2019 compiled by Bon Appétit. Now, they’ve been named one of Esquire magazine’s “Best New Restaurants in America.” Those are some serious accolades, so you might want to check this place out. (Visit comptoirbaltimore.com)
Fond Farewells
Via Facebook, husband and wife Michael and Jennifer Myers recently announced they have closed their Tuscany-Canterbury neighborhood eatery, Sam’s Canterbury Café. “With mixed emotions and heavy hearts, we have made the difficult decision to close the café,” the statement read. “We thank each and every one of you for supporting the mission, as well as making a lifetime of memories at the cafe.”
The spot opened three years ago with a noble mission: to provide meaningful employment for their son, Sam, and other adults living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It was a great addition to the neighborhood, and they will be missed.
Meanwhile, Points South Latin Kitchen, the seriously popular Fells Point restaurant that featured Latin and gluten-free cuisine and drag brunches, recently closed abruptly after a disagreement with their landlord.
But co-owner and managing partner Bryson Keens says he’s looking for a new location. “We’re so appreciative of the support of our customers,” he says, “and look forward to seeing our guests sometime soon.”
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.