Junior’s, Charlotte’s, Changes In The hood
Junior’s, the Federal Hill restaurant that I held near and dear to my heart for their Winesdays, has closed. It has been replaced by what looks to be a culinary batting cage. Test Kitchen? What is a Test Kitchen? The big banner over the doors that offers another clue.
So the new spot will be called Corvino. Great.
I liked Junior’s because there isn’t much of an offering up uppity wine restaurants in Federal Hill. Bicycle is okay, Corks is okay too. Junior’s was fun because they poured good (and bad) wines but their staff was friendly and nice and there was always a light atmosphere at the bar. The dining area, evidently, had an atmosphere that was too light for profits.
So Corvino becomes the latest upscale restaurant to occupy that space. Vespa and Junior’s both bonked, so I wonder what Corvino has up its sleeve to make it think the results will be any better. I hope it works out.
A few blocks away, the bar formerly known as Charlotte’s is getting a full workup. Midnight Sun has the scoop that the new owners are giving it a face lift and a renovation.
It’s going to be a bar/restaurant called The Reserve, and will feature upscale pub food, outdoor seating and occasionally some low-key live music, according to co-owner Andrew Dunlap.
There was mention of wine being served as well, though no indication of how much emphasis will be placed on the wine list.
