Restaurant news and culinary trends throughout the Chesapeake Bay region
We love the opening of new restaurants and there is no shortage of them this month. From one of our favorite breakfast spaces taking on an “alternate personality” to new ice cream shops, we have several places to celebrate this month.
On the Dining Scene...
Naval Bagels in Annapolis normally closes at 2 p.m., but now, the space will transform in the evening. At the beginning of February, El Oso opened as an afternoon taco shop at the Naval Bagels location. El Oso is open Monday through Saturday from 4 to 8 p.m. and offers tacos, tamales, tortas, taquitos, burritos, and more. Enjoy bagels by day and tacos by night! Find more information at elosoannapolis.com.
Senor’s Chile has expanded once again! Senor’s Chile is bringing the vibrant flavors of authentic Mexican street food to the Eastern Shore. Senor’s Chile announced that a new Kent Island location was under construction in February and would be open in March; so, now it is time to enjoy! The new location is located in Red Apple Plaza in Chester. Find more information at senorchile.com.
Always Ice Cream has a big summer ahead! In the next few months, Always will be opening two new locations, one in Cross Keys in Baltimore, which will open Memorial Day Weekend and one in Crofton Station in Crofton which will open this summer. Always Ice Cream has 200-plus flavors on rotation, living up to their saying “If the decision was easy, it wouldn’t be fun.” What flavor will you get next? Find more information at alwaysicecreamcompany.com.
Ponche Bar is opening soon in Downtown Annapolis! Since November 2023, Ponche has been posting previews of their tiki bar, artwork, greenery, bamboo decor, and more. They announced they were hiring in January and are plan to open at 26 Market Space soon! Take a sneak peak of the restaurant’s inside as you stroll by and stay up to date on Ponche Bar’s Instagram account, @ponche_bar.
Rise Up has been taking the state by storm! Rise Up Coffee Roasters opened their 13th café along Route 2 South in Severna Park this past February. This coffee shop is Rise Up’s largest location west of the Chesapeake Bay at 2,300 square feet, and is the first location on the west side of the bay to offer a drive-thru. Find more information and a full menu at riseupcoffee.com.
Down to Earth...
This month celebrates Earth Day, so why not enjoy it with a cocktail? Do your duty of recycling, and keeping the earth clean, and finish the day with a bright, earthy cocktail!
Field of Dreams
Ingredients
- 1.5 ounce Bombay Sapphire Gin
- 0.5 ounce St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur
- 0.5 ounce Cold Pressed Cucumber
- 1 ounce Lavender Syrup
- 1 ounce Lemon Juice
Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake and strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a lavender leaf.
Photo and recipe courtesy of cheersonline.com
Earth and Sage
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Patron Silver
- 0.5 ounce Pomegranate Juice
- 0.5 ounce Grapefruit Juice
- 0.5 ounce Lemon Juice
- 5 Sage Leaves
- Lemon Peel for Garnish
Instructions
Shake all ingredients together. Strain over a large cube in a double old-fashioned glass. Garnish with a sage leaf and lemon peel.
Photo and recipe courtesy of parontequila.com
