Leisure is the section where we highlight the intriguing, exciting and all-around fun events and activities happening in Baltimore over the weekend.
Welcome back to Leisure! Two weeks into the semester, the buzz of campus life is already in full swing. Between classes, clubs, and catching up with friends, the days are moving fast. This weekend is a chance to step outside the Hopkins bubble and explore the city.
In early March, a quiet conquest of green and pink drinks, assortments of aesthetically pleasing toppings and a well-decorated coffee shop dominated my social media feed. I was thus obliged to visit Equitea, a quaint café nestled among rowhouses on the south side of campus.
Al Hutchinson, CEO of Visit Baltimore — the city's official destination marketing organization, which champions Baltimore’s rich history, vibrant food scene and sports culture — sat down with The News-Letter to share his experiences in Baltimore and the milestones he’s reached in helping the city's appeal spread to a wider audience.
La Cuchara co-owner Jake Lefenfeld shares how he and his family transformed a historic space in Meadow Mill into a restaurant that brings the culinary wonders of Spain and southern France to Baltimore through the vibrant flavors of the Basque region.
Baltimore’s food scene wouldn’t be what it is without the people who built it. Immigrants brought their recipes, adjusted when they had to and held on to what mattered. The result is a city where food carries stories of memory, care and everyday effort.
With low-70-degree weather and sunny skies ahead, it’s the perfect time to take a break and soak up some fresh air. As we enter the last full week of classes, there is a mix of energy and exhaustion in the air, but that does not mean the fun has to wait until Spring Fair — there is plenty happening off campus too.
For the one-week anniversary of being diagnosed with celiac disease (yup, gluten is now the enemy), I celebrated by going to Costiera with close friends.
Zach Mills is the True Chesapeake Oyster Company’s Executive Chef and Partner, and was recently named Maryland Chef of the Year. In an interview with The News-Letter, Mills underscored that True Chesapeake isn’t just a restaurant to him: It’s the culmination of years of hard work, collaboration and a commitment to thoughtful, environmentally-conscious cooking.
As the semester enters its final stretch, everyone seems to be buzzing with activity. But thankfully, the weather has warmed up. Just walking past that tree downstairs bursting with pink blossoms — or simply feeling the sunshine on my skin — instantly lifts my mood. Check out the events below; hopefully, they’ll give you some ideas on how to spend your weekend!
Madness. Layer after layer of creativity. Endless inspiration — and no, we’re not talking about experimental music. We’re talking about Underground Pizza dishing out some of the best pan pizzas in Baltimore. The News-Letter sat down with owner Evan Weinstein to learn how he’s cooking up pies that are just as delicious as they are original.
As Easter approaches, Baltimore becomes more colorful and lively — not only with the blooming flowers along the greenways but also with delicious food and exciting performances. We hope our event list gives you some fresh ideas, whether you’re planning a day out with friends or just taking a breather from the hustle of school life.
It may only be April, and maybe it’s too soon to declare my Restaurant of the Year. But Royal Taj left me no choice.
The April breeze is softening, and Baltimore weekends are waking up with new energy. From an R&B queen’s comeback tour to a cat-themed celebration, this weekend is all about contrasts: a perfect reflection of the city’s vibrant spirit. Whether you're in the mood to dance, unwind in the sun or just soak in some good vibes, there’s something here to match your rhythm.
By a bustling, pie-scented kitchen, The News-Letter spoke with small business owner Mary Wortman about her journey from teaching first grade to running Dangerously Delicious Pies in Canton, soon to be rebranded as B-More Pies and Sweets.
Listed in the New York Times’ best restaurants of 2024, Ammoora offers a wide range of Syrian dishes, from spreads to hot and cold mezze. Our server was warm, inviting and, most importantly, gave ample time for my friend and I — both new to Syrian cuisine — to study the menu.
The chef and owner of Foraged., Chris Amendola, shared with The News-Letter how his passion for seasonal ingredients and sustainable sourcing shapes a menu that follows nature’s rhythm. Through close relationships with farmers and a hands-on approach to foraging, he ensures that every dish captures the flavor of the moment.
Hope you had a restful and exciting spring break! While returning to campus life can understandably come with a bit of post-break blues, Charm City never fails to lift our spirits with its vibrant lineup of performances, food and cultural events. To help you make the most of the weekend, here are some highlights worth checking out:
Rewatching Gossip Girl is like flipping through your old high school yearbook, except with fewer questionable haircuts and more designer handbags. Even if you know every plot twist, there’s something comforting about revisiting Serena, Blair, Nate and Chuck as they navigate love triangles and social warfare.
As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, Baltimore transforms into a sea of green. While the holiday began as a religious observance, it has evolved into a time for friends and family to celebrate and soak in the city’s spring energy. From lively bar crawls to live music and the annual parade, here are the top events to check out.
“I thought this place would be closed in the winter,” a woman says, tucking her chin into her jacket. “Every market near me shuts down after fall.”
