Hot Plate: last-minute Thanksgiving plans, winter wonderland opens at Ampersea, post-turkey wine dinners and more - Baltimore Fishbowl

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Raclette sandwiches are one of the many food options at Baltimore’s Christmas Village, which opens Nov. 20.

Hot Plate will be on hiatus next Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. This column includes events happening through Friday, Dec. 3.

From turkey to holiday cheer, the next couple weeks bring a key transition here in Baltimore (and around the world). Local restaurants are ready for both the Thanksgiving holiday and the festive season that kicks off on Friday. Here’s a look at what’s coming up:

Openings & announcements
After 33 years in Belvedere Square, Greg’s Bagels has closed its doors. It’s not gone forever, though: the shop will reopen in Fells Point in the near future.

The Baltimore Business Journal reports that Chef Bobby D has plans to open a new Jamaican spot in the former home of Uncle Wiggly’s on York Road, near Towson.

Copper Shark, a bourbon-centric restaurant, will take over the Locust Point space formerly occupied by Wine Market and Ludlow Market. The new restaurant is slated to open in January.

Fells Point anchor Stuggy’s is packing up and moving north, to Upper Fells Point, where the seating and menu will both expand.

Congratulations to good neighbor, which has received some major national accolades from Dwell magazine. The shop was just named one of “America’s Best Design Shops” – and it’s a fun spot for interesting food, too.

Another congratulations to Hersh’s, which just celebrated 10 years in business.

Christmas Village returns
After a year off for COVID, Baltimore’s Christmas Village returns this year, starting with a preview weekend on Nov. 20 and 21, followed by a full opening the day after Thanksgiving. The Village is a great spot for shopping and Christmas cheer – and for eating and drinking German holiday fare, like raclette cheese sandwiches and mulled wines.

This year, the Village’s outdoor eating and drinking area is larger than ever, plus there’s a new outdoor Hofbrau beer booth.

Thanksgiving plans
Speaking of Thanksgiving, it’s coming up on Thursday, but there’s still time to make reservations or order last minute dishes.

Topside will be open on Thanksgiving, offering a special turkey dinner entrée. Plus, for every five turkey dinners purchased, the restaurant will make a $25 donation to the Baltimore Hunger Project. Topside has also introduced a new fall menu. Its focus remains seafood-oriented, but some meaty comfort foods, like short ribs with pomme puree, have been added.

The blacksauce kitchen Thanksgiving menu includes dishes like oyster cornbread stuffing and sweet potato biscuits. Ordering is open until midnight on Tuesday.

Heritage Smokehouse’s Thanksgiving take-home menu includes smoked or brined turkey, hams, sides and smoked trout spread.

Woodberry Kitchen is offering Thanksgiving dinner-for-six packages and a la carte items. All are available to order online until Nov. 21.

Sally O’s Thanksgiving takeaway options include two sizes of turkeys, sides for four people, and pumpkin, pecan or apple cobbler pies. Orders are due on Nov. 19.

There’s still time to order a Charmery pie or two (or three) before Thanksgiving. Options include spiced pumpkin cheesecake and brown sugar molasses pecan.

Speaking of desserts: Patisserie Poupon has a number of festive fall items on the menu. The deadline for Thanksgiving orders is Nov. 20 at 2 p.m.

For more Thanksgiving options, check out last week’s column.

Winter Wonderland at Ampersea
Starting on Saturday, Nov. 27, Ampersea will launch a pop-up holiday restaurant called Winter Wonderland. The pop-up includes new drink and food menus served inside a winter wonderland-inspired space.

Guinness Gives Back
Guinness has brought back its philanthropic program, Guinness Gives Back, and has committed $1 million to US community relief efforts this year. As part of the program, the brewery is selling special four-packs benefiting the United Way and regional causes, including the Maryland Food Bank.

Wine nights
The week after Thanksgiving is a great one for wine lovers.

On Giving Tuesday – Nov. 30 – Peerce’s is hosting a fundraising event benefiting the Oyster Recovery Partnership.

The ticketed event features oysters on the half shell and other light fare paired with two wines – Wither Hills Sauvignon Blac and Argyle Blanc de Noir sparkling.

Also Nov. 30, Cosima hosts its second guided wine tour meal – a four-course dinner paired with Leone De Castris wines. Courses include choices like pan-seared duck breast with shallots, kale and quinoa, and grilled venison with rosemary whipped potatoes and blackberry demi glace.

On Wednesday, Dec. 1, The Curious Oyster kicks off the month with a Winter Wine Social. The evening includes five courses, with wine pairing suggestions from Italy and Napa Valley. Dishes include everything from a lobster corn dog with sweet Thai chili sauce to a crab and scallop pot pie.

Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
Dec. 12: Brunch with Santa at Mr. Bill’s Terrace Inn
Dec. 24: Feast of the Seven Fishes at Cosima
Feb. 12: How Does It Feel Dinner with H3irloom Food Group