OPEN
À Demain Cafe: This cozy, 800-square-foot cafe with a brunch-forward menu is the latest to join the eateries on the Avenue in Hampden. Now open Tuesday-Saturday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., the French-inspired spot (its name translates to “see you tomorrow”) comes from Korean-American owner Christian Yoo, who was prompted to check out the available space (formerly Jerk Taco) through a friend. After taking a first look, he thought, “I can work with this.”
“I didn’t see a cafe like this in the area,” Yoo states, explaining his raison d’être.
While the menu skews more European—highlighting coffees and teas; colorful toasts; pastries (croissant waffle and cookie hybrids with sweet toppings); and classics like a Croque Monsieur and Quiche Lorraine—Yoo’s heritage is incorporated into unique items like the Bulgogi Melt on sourdough.
Yoo says the name À Demain solidifies his vision of creating a welcoming and comfortable place, like visiting a friend and hoping you will see each other again tomorrow. The interior also furthers the vibe, with an antique French cottage feel.
CH-CH CHANGES
Water Song Yunnan Kitchen: The five-year-old Fed Hill spot has become known throughout the years for its dishes (faves include chili wontons, lemongrass ribs, and comforting rice noodle bowls at varying spice levels) inspired by owner Colin Liang’s family roots in the Yunnan province of Southwestern China, bordering Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam.
This month, Liang is switching things up a bit, as market conditions change and tariffs raise prices for certain Chinese ingredients. He recently launched a Chinese-Mexican fusion menu, which is featured in a new $25 all-you-can-eat lunch special available Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., with a 90-minute time limit. Offerings include bulgogi tacos, seafood-filled flautas, wings, and rice dishes.
Chinese-Mexican fusion originated in Mexicali, Mexico, where a large Chinese population influenced the local food and created a celebrated culinary tradition. The support for the menu also comes from Dayana Gaméz, Water Song’s manager who hails from Honduras and has been with Liang since day one. A perfect example of their shared influences is the fried branzino, a new take on the OG grilled version with a Yunnan dipping sauce. The fried fish is topped with a salsa verde-inspired potato and mirin sauce with fresh cilantro, lime, and chopped red chilis.
NEWS
Bark Social is Back: Canton’s beloved dog park–meets–beer garden has returned with a new leash on life. After the former owners filed for bankruptcy last year—and subsequently left members and their pups heartbroken—local entrepreneur and Canton resident Brad Notaro swooped in to save the spot and it officially reopened last week.
The new “chief dog officer,” who has two Goldendoodles, Ollie and Luna, has revamped the hangout with a new menu of healthy bites, dog-themed drinks, and even new dog suites for day camp. Local beer events also seem to be a trend, with Mystique Barrel Brewing and Diamondback Beer having taken over taps in the first week back. Membership fees ticked up a bit, but entry for humans remains free. The Columbia location is slated to return this fall.
EPICUREAN EVENTS
8/24: Cloudy Donuts Pop-Up
Though the Baltimore-born donut shop no longer has a permanent space here (the team moved operations to New York City last spring), founder Derrick Faulcon has made it clear that his hometown is always on his mind. As such, he’s making a sweet comeback this Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Cloudy Donuts’ old home on Harford Rd.
Expect a mix of Cloudy classics and new indulgences, including Basil Olive Oil, Chocolate Cherry Espresso, and Raspberry Rosé donuts, plus lemon-pistachio cinnamon rolls and lemon-blueberry pound cakes. You can get a little taste of everything with a “Favorite Things” box, filled with one cinnamon roll, a pound cake, and two donuts for $20. Walk-ins are welcome, but preorders are the surest way to score. Call 347-463-9628 to reserve. 4311 Harford Rd.
SHUT
Mount Vernon Marketplace: Before Baltimore had R. House, The Mill on North, or the now-renovated Cross Street, Lexington, Broadway, and Hollins public markets, we had Mount Vernon Marketplace. Though Baltimore Public Markets had been a staple for decades (some even centuries), when it first opened in October 2015—anchored by early tenants like The Local Oyster and Pinch Dumplings—the mixed-use space reinvigorated diners’ curiosity about sampling multiple cuisines under one roof.
Now, after years of dwindling stalls, pandemic pressures, and the 2023 death of original operator Michael Klein, the 15,000-square-foot hub is set to close on August 31. The owners with Mt. Vernon-based investment firm Washington Place Equities call it a “pause” with no new plans yet. But they shared on Instagram this week that they’re brainstorming new ways to activate the space for the community in the future.
For many, the closure marks the end of an era. Vendors like Yuzu Ramen, Brown Rice, and Poke 2 U are searching for new homes, while alumni (like Nick Schauman of The Local Oyster, Tim “Chyno” Chin of Pinch Dumplings, Andrew Cole of Cultured, and Ferhat Yalçin of Fishnet) remember the marketplace as a significant part of their food journeys. Once buzzing with possibility, the hall is now a quiet reminder of how quickly dining trends—and neighborhoods—can change.