Christina Tkacik

Christina Tkacik is the food reporter for The Baltimore Banner. She joined the staff of The Baltimore Banner in August of 2022 to cover all things food. Prior to that, she spent more than six years at The Baltimore Sun, including three years as the newspaper's dining reporter and restaurant critic. After all this time in Charm City, she can pick a crab but still can't shuck an oyster.

Latest content by Christina Tkacik

Baltimore’s cherry blossom pop-up bar turns vacant bank into trendy lounge

The Instagram-friendly set-up put on by Downtown Partnership is open on weekends through April 15.

By Christina Tkacik●

March 31, 2023

From 3 feet of meat to a dry pretzel: Camden Yards’ best (and worst) ballpark eats

The secret ingredient for success is always crab dip.

By Christina Tkacik●

March 29, 2023

James Beard Awards do not advance Ekiben, Foraged or Charleston to next round

Steve Chu of Ekiben and Chris Amendola of Foraged were semifinalists for best mid-Atlantic chef, while Cindy Wolf’s Charleston was up for outstanding hospitality.

By Christina Tkacik●

March 29, 2023

The Dish: A guide to all the Baltimore Farmers’ Market’s new food vendors

Plus, Ovenbird Bakery’s Highlandtown location is closer to an opening date, while the Annabel Lee Tavern changes hands.

By Christina Tkacik●

March 29, 2023

Mount Royal Tavern sells for $800,000 to new owners, who include Dan Deacon

The iconic watering hole for MICA students, known as “Dirt Church,” will be taken over by artists.

By Christina Tkacik●

March 24, 2023

Phillips Seafood chef saved driver from Inner Harbor — on his day off

A witness saw a young man, later identified as Phillips Seafood sous chef Tom Walsh, jump into the water to save the driver.

By Cadence Quaranta, Tim Prudente and Christina Tkacik●

March 23, 2023

The Dish: 8 new restaurants are opening in Hampden. Yes, you read that right.

The famous Avenue in Hampden might look like a different place this summer as restaurants open — and close — at breakneck speed.

By Christina Tkacik●

March 22, 2023

Amtrak rolls out extra-low ‘Night Owl’ fares for Baltimore and beyond

Passengers on the Northeast Regional and select routes can get fares as low as $15 for New York to BWI, or $5 from Baltimore to Philadelphia.

By Christina Tkacik●

March 21, 2023

Is Iceland cold? Expensive? Safe? What to know before you travel.

Is it safe to rent a car in the middle of winter? How should you dress? And can you see the northern lights?

By Christina Tkacik●

March 21, 2023

Iceland’s Blue Lagoon is overrated. Here are 3 places to go instead.

It’s hard to relax when there are people taking selfies everywhere, so visit these alternatives instead.

By Christina Tkacik●

March 16, 2023

The Dish: The best eats in Iceland — and the one food you can skip

Like any destination, Iceland has its tourist traps. Here’s how to avoid them, and where to go instead.

By Christina Tkacik●

March 15, 2023

There’s nothing subtle about The Charmery’s new flavor, ‘Pay Lamar’

It is an ice cream call to arms to keep Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson in Charm City.

By Christina Tkacik●

March 10, 2023

With Kneads, the family-owned H&S Bakery goes upscale in Harbor East

The younger generation of the Paterakis family is hoping to shape the future of H&S Bakery by trading in basic buns for artisanal baguettes at Kneads, which opens March 24.

By Christina Tkacik●

March 10, 2023