Restaurant Opening News

Thanks to all of you who wrote about past Foodie Files. I welcome any and all input. We had quite a few requests for information regarding upcoming openings in the Baltimore City area, so here you go.

April 12 - Chef/Owner Jason Ambrose will open Salt. Jason's resume includes a stop at Soigné. His menu looks great, with items such as a crab and avocado napoleon and braised lamb stroganoff. Prices range on apps from $6-14 and on entrees from $14-23. Baltimore Foodies will host a dinner party there on Wednesday, May 17. Salt Tavern - 2127 E. Pratt St (Pratt & Collington) - www.salttavern.com - 410-276-5480

April 28 (tentative) – Robert Oliver Seafood is scheduled to open in the original site of Spike & Charlie’s at 1225 Cathedral Street. The inside has been completely gutted and is being redone. Owners Robert Panah and Robert Dyke may also offer outdoor table service and catering. We will keep you apprised as to a more definite date.

Early Summer 2006 – Nasu Blanca, an innovative Japanese/Spanish restaurant opening it's doors on July 21st at 1036 East Fort Avenue, Baltimore, will serve dinner Tuesday-Saturday from 5:30-10:30pm.  www.nasublanca.com - 410.962.9890

Late Summer 2006 – Galen’s will be opening on 36th Street in Hampden. Galen Sampson, former head chef at Harbor Court Hotel and Jay Block, Bailli (president) of the local Chaîne des Rôtisseurs chapter and Baltimore Foodie member, are teaming up on this project. It will be in the space occupied by Mamie’s. I talked with Jay on Saturday as he motorcycled through Arizona and he said their menu will feature American cuisine, with an emphasis on sustainable/local agriculture. They will start with catering and carry-out initially, then expand to a full-service restaurant.

This is just the short list, the very short list. If you see something under construction in your neighborhood, let us know. We’d love to help your neighbors out and give them a free plug.