News Summary
Baltimore is welcoming two new culinary establishments: Little Hungarian Bake Shoppe and The Chicken Lab. The bakery offers Hungarian treats, specializing in chimney cakes and crepes, while The Chicken Lab will provide crispy fried chicken and rice bowls. Additionally, Chef Catina Smith is competing on Hell’s Kitchen, and various restaurants are celebrating community initiatives and seasonal offerings. The local dining landscape is evolving with these new ventures poised to attract food lovers.
Baltimore Welcomes New Culinary Ventures
Two new culinary ventures are set to enhance Baltimore’s vibrant dining scene with the openings of Little Hungarian Bake Shoppe and The Chicken Lab. Both establishments aim to provide unique dining experiences that reflect diverse cuisines and community engagement.
Little Hungarian Bake Shoppe Opens on Fleet Street
Little Hungarian Bake Shoppe has officially opened its doors on Fleet Street, close to Patterson Park, delivering a cozy setting for those looking to indulge in Hungarian treats. The bakery specializes in an array of sweet-and-savory crepes and kürtőskalács, otherwise known as chimney cakes, which are made from sweet yeast dough and baked on a rotating spit.
The chimney cakes can be customized with various coatings, such as cinnamon sugar or chocolate, and may also be filled with savory options including meats and cheeses. In addition to these staple offerings, seasonal specials like a pumpkin cheesecake spread for dipping are also available.
Owner David Korrie, who spent time living in Budapest, has committed himself to his local community through this bakery. He is actively partnering with Church World Services to provide housing and employment for a Ukrainian refugee family. Korrie has poured his retirement savings into launching this venture, underscoring his dedication to social giving alongside culinary flair.
The Chicken Lab Set to Open at Harbor Point
Meanwhile, The Chicken Lab is preparing for its grand opening at Harbor Point on Monday, September 29, 2025. This restaurant promises to introduce Baltimore to sweet-and-spicy crispy fried chicken, along with a variety of rice bowls, sandwiches, and convenient grab-and-go options.
Co-owner Na Yi aims to share bold South Korean flavors, mirroring the success of existing Chicken Lab locations in Towson and Cross Street Market. The new Harbor Point site is expected to deliver the same high-quality offerings to the wider community, adding to Baltimore’s growing array of international dining options.
Chef Catina Smith Competes on Hell’s Kitchen
Chef Catina Smith, co-founder of Our Time Kitchen, is also making headlines as she competes in the new season of Hell’s Kitchen, premiering tonight on FOX. Smith previously created a bucket list which included aspirations to appear on this popular cooking competition, reflecting her ambition and culinary prowess. A watch party is scheduled at The Empanada Lady downtown, inviting supporters to gather in celebration of her journey.
Seasonal Offerings at Dutch Courage
In an effort to elevate its status from a cocktail bar to a fine dining experience, Dutch Courage in Old Goucher has rolled out new seasonal food offerings. The menu now includes innovative dishes such as The Bird, featuring seared duck breast, as well as small plates like Fig, Prosciutto & Pomegranate. Accompanying the new food items are updated cocktail selections, including the Cybertruck Destroyer and Purple Rain, designed to intrigue the palate.
Negroni Week 2025 and Local Charities
This weekend marks the celebration of Negroni Week 2025, with over 50 local establishments participating in creating their own unique negroni recipes aimed at raising funds for local charities. Among the participants are Dutch Courage and Sisu Bar & Bottles, showcasing the community’s commitment to both creativity and charitable efforts.
Anniversary Celebration at The Wine Source
The Wine Source in Hampden is celebrating its first anniversary as a worker-owned cooperative. To mark the occasion, they will be hosting daily tastings and giveaways from local brands from September 30 to October 4, a nod to both community and collaboration.
Morning Mugs Coffee Closure and New Venture
Morning Mugs Coffee in Locust Point has closed its doors as of September 13, 2025, following a year of operation. This decision was reached due to issues with the licensing agreement; however, the location in Federal Hill remains open. The Locust Point space will soon be rebranded as Cool Beans, operated by a former manager and her father, who plan to offer breakfast and lunch alongside local coffee options.
Acknowledging Standards in Hospitality
Baltimore Magazine has recently released its annual Best Restaurants list, this year emphasizing service standards and the importance of hospitality in the post-pandemic landscape. This initiative highlights various dining spots within the city, including the emergence of new establishments such as Alma Cocina Latina and Ammoora, reflecting Baltimore’s dynamic culinary growth.
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Additional Resources
- Baltimore Magazine: Best Restaurants Baltimore 2025
- Baltimore Fishbowl: Fells Point Pub Recognition
- Baltimore Sun: Subplicity Riverside
- Eater DC: Best New Baltimore Restaurants
- Johns Hopkins Newsletter: Freshman Year Food Guide
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
