Marta the Soccer Queen Gets Her Own Movie Trailer

Open & Shut: Marta al Mare; Oohhs & Aahhs; Silver Queen Cafe

Baltimore's restaurant scene saw a shakeup this week with a high-profile opening, a D.C. import arriving, and a longtime cafe closing its doors.

Here is what changed, who is involved, and what it means for diners.

MARTA AL MARE SETS GRAND OPENING DATE

Marta al Mare, an Italian seafood spot from James Beard Award-nominated chef Matthew Oetting, has set a grand opening date.

The restaurant will officially launch at Harbor Point on Thursday, Nov. 19.

It is the sister concept to Marta in Butcher's Hill.

Oetting, who cut his teeth in New York kitchens including Michelin-starred The Modern at the Museum of Modern Art, said the move feels familiar.

"I bought [the Butcher's Hill] property because it reminded me of the neighborhoods of Brooklyn, New York, where I was used to living," Oetting said.

"This almost feels like I went from that Brooklyn restaurant and then crossed the Manhattan Bridge, and now I'm in the Financial District in Manhattan."

At Marta al Mare, expect Italian and Italian-American seafood rather than Chesapeake standards.

"You won't find a crab cake or steamed crabs here," Oetting said.

"There's plenty of other places if that's what you want," he added.

The 78-seat spot will offer brunch and dinner service Tuesday through Sunday.

It will carry over Marta's familiar menu structure — crudo, antipasti, pasta, entrées — with an expansion on the mains.

Diners can choose individual plates such as oven roasted black cod in Moscato miso sauce, scallop piccata, or grilled branzino in an herb gremolata sauce.

Or they can order something shareable from the "fish market" page, including stuffed Dover sole or king salmon alla Florentina.

Aside from welcoming Marta regulars and diners looking for a new brunch or dinner experience, Oetting said he is excited to be a go-to for the 1,200 T. Rowe Price employees upstairs for business meals.

Another potential highlight: he has bought a cart with the hopes of offering caviar and martini service.

OOHHS & AAHHS OPENS IN FELLS POINT

Oohhs & Aahhs, a Washington, D.C. soul food institution, has brought a Baltimore location to Broadway in Fells Point.

The restaurant is open for all-day brunch and dinner.

It serves up plates of chicken and waffles, crab and shrimp fritters, catfish nuggets, turkey wings, fire-grilled shrimp, and short ribs.

The local outpost offers options like honey Old Bay wings and a crab cake sandwich, which comes with sides like whipped yams.

SILVER QUEEN CAFE CLOSES

Silver Queen Cafe, a longtime fixture in the Baltimore dining scene, has closed its doors.

The closure marks the end of a run for a neighborhood favorite that had built a loyal following over the years.

No further details about the reason for the closure or plans for the space were immediately available.

MIGHTY QUINN'S BBQ OPENS IN COLUMBIA

Mighty Quinn's BBQ, a New York-based barbecue chain, has opened a new location in Columbia's Merriweather District.

Pop in while visiting the district's ice rink and holiday festivities this year to sample staples like spare ribs, brisket sandwiches, mac and cheese fritters, burnt-end-smothered Dirty Fries with chili-lime sauce, and cinnamon-bun bread pudding.