Closure of Cafe Hon, Fire Hero Chili Cookoff at Of Love & Regret, Cinco de Mayo parties, etc.

From lemon sticks to margaritas, this week promises to be one of the tastiest and funniest times we’ve had in Baltimore in a while. Here is a preview of the many things to come in the culinary world of Charm City:

Openings and announcements
sandlot at Harbor Point will reopen for the season over Memorial Day weekend. The catering service will now be managed by Bar Movement and will feature food trucks and guest chefs.

Mr. Tepachesa new Mexican spot, has opened in the corner space of Fells Point that was once home to the much-loved Lobo.

Baltimore magazine reports that Hampden’s longtime staple Coffee Hon will close after its last service on April 29 – after 30 years of operation. But its space won’t go unused: Baltimore’s own Foreman Wolf restaurant group is taking over the lease and will open something new in its place.

New Looks
Silver Queen Cafe has had a facelift, both inside and out. The Hamilton Restaurant is now bright blue and fun on the outside – you can’t miss it.

Lib’s Grill at Perry Hall has added a covered outdoor patio which looks fantastic and provides ample space for dining outside whatever the weather.

Lexington Market News
Lexington Market’s redevelopment has been big news for some time now and the venerable market continues to add vendors to its reopening lineup.

More recently, the market announced that Kokee tea will open a spot selling bubble tea, Korean noodles, macaroons and sweets. More, Total Health Center – a vendor from the old market – will return with his teas, tonics and vitamins, and thrown togethera quick casual salad, sandwich and snack, will open.

Flower market fun
Flower Mart is back in Mount Vernon this weekend – a sure sign that spring is here. The festival, which is free and open to the public, will feature tons of local flower and plant businesses, as well as tons of food vendors and, of course, one of the city’s most iconic treats. : lemon sticks.

The Charmery created a special Lemon Stick ice cream to commemorate the event. It is made with lemon peppermint ice cream and contains pieces of peppermint sticks. Yum!

Festival season
Flower Mart isn’t the only event happening this weekend: it’s a big event for festivals.

On Saturday, head to Harbor Point for Tacos ‘n Taps, a ticketed event featuring tons of beers, mezcals, tequilas, and margaritas (among other drinks), live music, a hot pepper contest, and a whole lot food trucks and taquerias.

Also on Saturdays, the Canton Spring Festival takes over Patterson Park near the Pulaski Monument. The festival features food trucks, local bands and over 100 different vendors.

And also On Saturday at the Howard County Fairgrounds, the Indian Cultural Association is hosting its Great Indian Food & Fashion Festival, with music, dance performances, tons of food and a golgappa-eating contest. Golgappa is an Indian street food: small balls stuffed with masala and soaked in spicy mint water.

Saturday and Sunday, Towson comes alive with the 53rd Annual Towsontown Spring Festival, which will feature live music, vendors, tons of food and even rides.

Sagamore Spirit turns five
Sagamore Spirit Distillery celebrates its fifth anniversary with a weekend full of festivities, starting with craft cocktail-making classes on Friday and a stoneware-making event on Sunday.

The big party is the Saturday party, when the distillery will feature live music and a “Vendor Village” featuring tons of local favorites, like Ekiben, CAnE Collective, Bmore Greek Grill, Brookside Market, Hanging Brewery, Sapwood Cellars and Black Acres coffee roasters.

Congratulations to the Sagamore team!

Fire Hero Chili Cook Off at Of Love & Regret
On Sunday, Of love and regret is hosting a chili contest in support of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. This is the restaurant’s second annual chili for the cause event and it’s sure to be a great time.

Grateful brunch
Also on Sunday, True Chesapeake Oyster Co. brings back its first Sunday Grateful Brunch event with pancakes, cocktails and music by Caleb Stine.

Charcuterie for a cause
On Wednesday, the Tyanna Foundation Baltimore will host a virtual charcuterie board-making class (with non-virtual wine!) with proceeds benefiting the Hoffberger Breast Center at Mercy Medical Baltimore.

Cinco de Mayo
Thursday is Cinco de Mayo and local spots have big plans in place to celebrate.

from La Calle the party starts at 4 p.m. with special holiday food and drinks.

Little Havana throws a party with food and drink specials, giveaways and a live mariachi band. Plus, the restaurant’s patio has a better view of the water than ever before: the fence that has blocked its view of the harbor for decades has just been removed.

Grandpa’s Tacos is always a fun stop on Cinco de Mayo and this year will be especially festive for the Fells Point team, as this original location has just reopened after the building was renovated.

Mount Washington Tavern is hosting Tucks ‘n Tacos, a special Cinco de Mayo drag show, on May 5. The holidays also fall on a half-price wine night, and the tavern staff, along with the performers, will be supporting The Trevor Project.

Thusday, Vida Taco venues will offer discounts on featured shots and cocktails, including several spirits, as well as DJs to keep the party vibe going.

Mother’s Day Preview
Mother’s Day is early this year — Sunday, May 8 — and it’s still one of the biggest restaurant brunches of the year. So if you don’t want to be taken wholeheartedly, now is the time to make plans for mom.

If you are looking for gifts, good neighbor has some great options. The Hampden store has put together a variety of “gift trays” containing great products. The trays each have a certain vibe (think “serene” or “morning”) and showcase products like coffee, chocolates, and other food items (among others).

Manor Tavern hosts its traditional Mother’s Day brunch buffet, complete with an omelette bar, carving stations and all manner of desserts.

Silver Queen Cafe now taking reservations for Mother’s Day brunch; they always have a good one.

Johnny’s is open for brunch and Mother’s Day dinner; the special brunch menu includes options like crab-stuffed fluke and an omelet station in the cafe.

Johnny’s sister restaurant, Little Louisis also open for brunch and dinner for the holidays.

Towson Tavern The Mother’s Day brunch buffet includes everything from a waffle station to a shrimp cocktail and crab dumplings.

Charleston will be open from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. and will offer a special three-course tasting menu with optional wine pairings.

Cinghial is open for Mother’s Day dinner. Its a la carte menu will be available, along with specialties like Maine lobster with roasted yellow cherry tomatoes, fennel pollen, basil and spaghetoni.

Hersh’s will be open for brunch on Mother’s Day, serving both its great food and cocktails.

Milton’s Inn is open from noon to 8 p.m. on Mother’s Day, serving lunch and dinner, including the a la carte menu and specials.

Plan for the future
Mark your calendars for:
May 28: Brew at the zoo
June 11: Chesapeake Seafood Festival
June 18: Solstice Festival at Old Westminster Winery