Comments About Turkshish Kebap, Pong's Orchard, And A Few Dozen Places To Buy Wings

So much to learn from all the comments and the emails that people send.  I appreciate them all and try to highlight a few in case you want to check them out.

For example, Rob emailed me about Turkshish Kebap House in Columbia.  He had eaten Turkish food in Europe, so he went with expectations.  On the first visit, he ordered lamb and got a sandwich that was a little bland -- and was beef.  But he called back for delivery --

We ordered a Doner Kebab platter, a falafel sandwich, sigara borek, and a Doner Kebab sandwich. I would say all were acceptable, but dry, well past serving. I am hopeful that they reach that critical mass that restaurants need to reach in order to stay in business. Right now, it seems they are forced by economics to keep product around too long to be fresh, which hurts their long-term prospects at gaining a good reputation. Delivery also took over one hour. Howard County residents seem to be a bit more worldly than some and can be unforgiving of a new restaurant's mistakes, so I hope they get it straight before going out of business. Turkshish could fill a culinary gap in town. 

Al Pong of Pong's Orchard posted a long comment about the unusual fruits and trees that they offer in Fulton. They do have calmonsi, lemons and kaffir limes. Pong also talked up Hunan China in Fulton.

Icolithic recommended the tamales at Lily's Mexican Market in Columbia. He likes the ones filled with seasoned chicken. They sell out. So he calls ahead and places an advanced order. Those sound wonderful, and they're just the start of people's recommendations:

• More than 20 people gave advice about where to buy wings -- including Pastino's, Second Chance Saloon and Wing's To Go in Columbia, Bare Bones and the Trolley Stop in Ellicott City. I'm intrigued by the idea of wings from Chick N' Friends.
• What other advice do you have? Little Audrey asked for a place to eat crab cakes, and Anonymous asked for suggestions on delivery pizza.
• What about great challah? We taste-tested Bon Fresco versus Great Harvest. Trevor nominated his mother as having the best recipe. Check out the Pizzablogger comment below that with his visual analysis of the crumb.
• The Pizzablogger also commented on Coal Fire Pizza. It used to be great, but he'd say that now it's just better than delivery pizza. Good if you're nearby. But not for pizza enthusiasts.
• Ray introduced me to the recipes, photos and great writing on the Korean American Mommy Blog.
• Carotte liked the mocchi, white bean donut and other cakes at Bon Appetit Bakery in Ellicott City.
• Anonymous recommended the oysters at Today's Catch in Columbia.
• Penny recommended a way to steam whole fish that she learned from a Chinese restaurant chef.
• John talked up the gnocchi -- the ciocarra specifically -- at Trattoria E Pizzeria de Enrico.
• K8teebug, Chris, Anthony and others talked about the good and bad at Kloby's Smokehouse. Similarly, lots of people commented on the Korean restaurants on Rte 40and Kevin's terrific description of places to try. 1ltkls tried the kalbi at Kimco, formerly Bethany Seafood.
• Susie recommended Yama Sushi in Columbia, especially the Sweet Mom roll with lobster salad.
• Morty talked up the Indian food at Gateway Pizza -- and the fusion items like pizza with paneer as a topping.
• Lee Biars asked if anyone remembers a BBQ truck that used to set up on U.S. 1 between Laurel and College Park. Lee remembers the ribs. Lee and Trip Klaus both wrotethoughtful descriptions of restaurants and restaurant week.