Ritz Carlton Residences adds Sip Kitchen & Wine Bar and Brewer's Cask opens an upstairs wine bar

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Submitted by Patti Peek Neumann on Wed, 05/21/2014 - 10:08am

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We are delighted to share our first two blogs published in the Baltimore City Paper's Feedbag by CITYPEEK's Patti Neumann ceo@citypeek.com

1. (http://blogs.citypaper.com/index.php/feedbag/ritz-carlton-announces-sips...) A new wine bar is set to open at the posh Ritz Carlton residences at 801 Key Highway. Joseph Graziose, senior vice president for RXR Realty, developers of the Ritz, says that an independently-owned restaurant, Sip Wine Group, has purchased the 5,800 square-foot space in Building One (located on the north end of the building).

Sip, a modern tapas restaurant, will feature a wide selection of international wines and a chef-driven tapas menu. The concept will be identical to the Sip Wine located in Milton, Georgia, which was opened in 2007. Just recently, Sip Wine expanded to include Tapas Restaurant & Wine Bar.

Expected to open Labor Day 2014, Sip Wine & Dine will offer over 50 wines that may be ordered by the 1 ounce sip, half glass, full glass, or bottle. An extensive selection of more than 150 wines will also be available by the bottle. The restaurant will offer tapas-style menu items for lunch and dinner to pair with wine suggestions. There will be an open kitchen and seasonal outdoor dining.

“When deciding on a concept, we knew we wanted a restaurant with sophisticated wine and menu options like no other in the area,” says Graziose. “We believe the wine selections and mix of flavors Sip’s menu offers will be an added amenity to The Residences, and will serve as invitation to everyone in the region to come and drink, taste and discover the best new restaurant in Baltimore.”

2. http://blogs.citypaper.com/index.php/feedbag/fed-hills-brewers-cask-adds...

In January, Brewer’s Cask in Fed Hill (1236 Light Street)—City Paper‘s Best New Bar in 2012—changed ownership to Bill and Elle Grose. And, in exciting news for a wino like myself, they’ve opened an upstairs wine bar when the kitchen also serves guests.

The main floor of the bar and grill remains a craft beer bar, with about 20 drafts, multiple flat screen TVs and a small kitchen. The long bar and handful of bistro tables can seat around 30 patrons.

The small, tidy kitchen is managed by Toby Gilbertson, formerly of Hot Corner Lee’s in Cross Street Market. But the menu, mostly burgers, grilled chicken, Hot Corner Lee Cheese Steak, homemade curly fries, and some regular Baltimore bar grub staples like tater tots and crab dip, is going to change in the coming months, Bill says, to pair with the wine offerings. He is also looking to change the name to reflect its current status, something like “Brewers Craft and Wine Bar.”

The upstairs is already a wine bar and lounge headed by a very enthusiastic wine manager, Brian Sanders, a level 1 Sommelier. The space has a brick interior on one wall and hardwood floors and can seat about 35. Fifty wines are offered by the glass and bottle.

We tried the mushroom pizza (prepared without the advertised garlic sauce), which paired nicely with a Paul Hobbs rose ($30 per bottle). We also had Pierre & Fils rose offered at $15 per bottle. Multiple wines are offered by the glass as well as many bourbons, whiskeys and rye. Wine 101 Classes have started and will be offered monthly at $30 for sampling of up to eight wines and a charcuterie and cheese plate.

Patti Neumann is Publisher/Founder of CITYPEEK.com and an award-winning columnist and blogger on food, wine.

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