GoodEats: New local bites

By: Taylor Seidel, Columnist

Last semester before the holiday break I compiled a list of some of the most anticipated restaurant openings in the Baltimore area.

I’m excited this week to follow up and give you more information on some of those restaurants and a few other openings happening this semester.

Ristorante Firenze, an upscale Tuscan inspired restaurant, is slated to formally open next Feb. 12 in historic Reisterstown.

Owners Larry and Brian Leonardi are Baltimore natives who promise to serve only the freshest and most authentic Italian food. The restaurant will serve lunch and dinner seven days a week.

One of my favorite chefs in the Baltimore area, Cyrus Keefer, has announced this winter the opening of his Asian and French-inspired Pique. Opening in the Hampden neighborhood of Baltimore, Pique will be a 25-seat eatery backboned by the freshest ingredients Keefer can get. After moving back to Baltimore, Chef Keefer has worked for Banditos, Birroteca and Fork & Wrench.

To say I’m excited about this opening would be an understatement. I can’t wait to see what the chef comes up with.

Ryleigh’s Oyster House opened up their third location this winter in the Mount Vernon neighborhood. It’s still the same delicious seafood paired with great cocktails.

The last exciting opening in Baltimore is the burger chain Shake Shack.

Yes, the rumors are true. Shake Shack is here in Baltimore. The burger mecca will open on 400 E. Pratt Street overlooking the harbor and the Aquarium.

Until next time. I wish you GoodEats!