Comments on Azul 17, Frisco Tap Room, And A Host Of Other Places That Got People Excited

Comments are a great part of HowChow because people report news and provided detailed reports or sugestions about what you might want to try.

Chicken Stirfry w/ Cumin at Red Pearl

Jade's Mama suggests the E2 Sliced Lamb Stirfry at Red Pearl in Columbia -- and reported that they'll soon add authentic Cantonese and Mandarin dishes to the Sichuan menu. Michelle, Laura, Jagsters and others have given their early comments about the new Frisco Tap Room in Columbia, Bon Appetit Cafe in Ellicott City, and El Hidalgo in Elkridge.

But many great comments fall on old posts. For example, Bboyneko wrote a long review of dinner at Azul 17 in Columbia -- an ambitious restaurant where I had some mixed experiences. Bboyneko says the prices are fair for unusual goods like the bar drinks:

For example, the Mojito is made with Mexican ingredients for a very unique take on the classic drink. Then there are other surprises like using very hard to find Colombian juices for their drinks. (read, colOmbian, NOT ColUmbian.) Ever had Maracuya, Lulo or Guanabana juice? Well those use it in their Margaritas with very good effect. . .

I try to collect comments regularly so you get to hear from more than one mouth.  This is just a blog about food, and everyone has different taste and a different voice.  Here is a sample of the recent thoughts:

• Lisa, bl86, Sam and others talked up the bubble tea that Mrs. HowChow enjoyed at Ichiban in Columbia.
• Linda reports that Laurel Meat Market's meats are grass-fed, no hormone and no antibiotics.
• k8teebug, Sherrington and others recommended their favorite places to lunch in Columbia.
• Barbi enjoyed Mimi's Kabobs in Clarksville -- overall it doesn't beat Maiwand Kabob, but delicious chicken kabob and pizza.
• Marcia and a crew of anonymous commentors report on the goods at the new Kolache Korner in Ellicott City.
• MaybeKathy didn't like Smokin Hot in Glenwood. But she loves JW Trueth, especially the skirt steak.
• Steve reported that China Chefs in Columbia has a sign saying they're remodeling and will reopen in February 2011. (Update: But it looks like it will be a different name and restaurant.)
• Marcia recommends the Lisbon Grille for smoked meat and especially the club.
• Courtney, several Jens and others listed the high-end places where they think Howard County food is worth paying big city prices.
• PizzaPoPo liked the pizza at Facci, but questioned some claims on the menu.
• Mo stumbled on the Twist & Turn Tavern. She liked the wings and chips, but had some warnings. Mo also reported that J.W. Trueth's meat comes from Pennsylvania Amish country.
• Charles recommended the pork shoulder sliders at Pure Wine Cafe in Ellicott City.
• Al Pong -- who runs an exotic tree nursey in Fulton -- reported that he does have kaffir lime trees that people requested.
• Ray F provided his techniques for cooking the crab cakes from Boarman's in Highland.
• SpikeyD didn't like his first visit to Victoria Gastropub. Chris was similarly down on his first visit to Honey Pig.
• Mary questioned whether Donna's in Columbia depends on whether Donna is in Columbia when you eat there.
• Laila suggested how to find the best deals at Ann's House of Nuts in Columbia.
• AlPal3 recommends the kofta kabob and the bowlani at Maiwand Kabob, and Morty Abzug confirms the suggestion to call ahead.
• Sarah, emkenton and a host of anonymous folks talked last fall about their CSA deliveries.