BALTIMORE — A new restaurant is moving forward at the site of Hampden's landmark Cafe Hon.
The building's new owner, Tony Foreman (known for the Foreman Wolf restaurant group and WYPR show "Foreman & Wolf on Food & Wine"), is applying for a liquor license that's set to be reviewed by the city July 25.
The application shows a sample or tentative menu with an East Asian/Pacific Island (largely Japanese) flavor, such as "goma-ae" Japanese greens, chicken "donburi," Filipino pork lumpia, Chamorro-style shrimp cakes, "street corn" with togarashi Japanese spice, and Hawaiian "Spam musubi."
Baltimore City's liquor board noted that the menus submitted by applicants are absolutely subject to change.
A spokesperson explained:
Class “B” licenses are intended to be used by restaurants. To that end, they must comply with certain requirements such as food must be offered for sale to patrons whenever a Class “B” license is open and operating and between 41-51% of their total daily receipts must come from the sale of food. When appearing before the Board of Liquor License Commissioners at a hearing for a transfer or establishment of a new Class “B” license, applicants are encouraged to describe the concept for their restaurant. Often, this concept includes a draft or sample menu. There is no expectation that the establishment will utilize that exact menu and no need for them to seek approval from the Board for any concept or menu changes.
The name of the restaurant hasn't been announced. The application does request "outdoor table service and live entertainment."
Foreman currently oversees acclaimed Baltimore restaurants Petit Louis Bistro and Cinghiale.
He did not respond to requests for comment about the restaurant.
Cafe Hon closed in 2022.
