A Salute to Baltimore Bars, Certifying Japanese Cuisine, and More Intel

Kickstartin'

Buttercream Bakeshop fans can help push Tiffany MacIsaac's bakery over the edge if they choose. The Shaw bakery just started crowdfunding. [KS]

Collabs

Denizens Brewing Company and Black Restaurant Group are collaborating on a new beer called Black's One-Eye'd Bock. It will be found at several Black Restaurant Group restaurants and at the taproom. They'll host a release party with oysters on Saturday at Denizens.

Is Baltimore better?

For a more relaxed drinking experience, Going Out Guide's Fritz Hahn heads to Baltimore. Whether it's craft cocktails or dive bars, there's just something more low-key about a night out there. [WaPo]

Sushi burritos need not apply

The Japanese government is developing a certification program to determine whether restaurants outside the country are living up to traditional washoku standards. It's voluntary, though, so sushi burrito places and the like aren't truly in any danger. [NPR]