A Summer Salad At Yet Nal House: Refresh Yourself With Sashimi With Rice And Vegetables

Stretch your summer dining by trying a salad that mixes fresh greens, sliced sashimi and rice for a light, but filling, bowl.

We're talking about hwae dup bop -- or "sashimi salad" as it is rendered in English on the Yet Nal House menu in Ellicott City.

We had a terrific simple dinner at Yel Nal House.  The huge bowl of sashimi salad -- a variety of greens and lettuces, topped with sliced raw fish and other vegetables and served over steamed rice.  It's a filling meal, even though it is light and perfect for summer.  Your dress your own salad with a red chili sauce -- cho go chu jang --  that is chilis mixed with vinegar, sugar and sesame seeds.  That lets you set the heat however you prefer.

Hwae dup bop is a common Korean dish, and I got the inspiration from Lisbeth who posted on Lisbeth Eats about her favorite version at Hang Sung also in Ellicott City.

Lisbeth's beautiful photos show Hang Sung's salad with shredded iceberg lettuce.  Yel Nal House does a mix of whole-leaf greens, including several lettuces and baby chard.  Lisbeth says that's just wrong!  I have to admit that I loved the variety, but next time, I might ask for a knife to chop the greens a bit.  I'll definitely ask for small plates because I realized halfway through the meal that I wasn't supposed to be eating from the metal mixing bowl.  (We think the waitress just forgot.)

The beauty of Korean dining is that you can order a salad and eat so much more.  We got a half-dozen small dishes like you do at most Korean restaurants.  Those panchan dishes provide variety in the form of kimchi, sauced tofu, marinated vegetables and more.  We augmented the hwae dup bop with an order of bi bim bop in a stone pot.  That's the rice dish topped with a variety of vegetables and an egg.  In this case, the egg was fried, and the vegetables included some perfectly-cooked mushrooms that gave an earthy, meaty flavor.

Yet Nal House is a really friendly restaurant on Rte 40 west of Rte 29.  The menu varies from the Shin Chon Garden barbecue that we would suggest as Korean 101, and Yel Nal is welcoming to anyone.  If you go, check out the freezer of takeout dumplings just inside the door.  You buy them at the cashier in back.

Finishing Touches Going On The Whole Foods: Some Shelves Stocked, Aiming For Aug. 20

Finishing touches go on the Columbia Whole Foods

They've got a store almost built in Columbia, and the Whole Foods looks like it will change the entire lakefront -- at least for us.

The Whole Food sign it up.  The parking lot looks done.  Peeking through the glass windows, it looks like some of the shelves are stocked and people are working to install, unload and generally prepare for the August 20 grand opening.

The Whole Foods coming to Columbia will be in the white building across from the Columbia Mall on Little Patuxent Parkway.  It's between the main library and the new construction site for an apartment building.

For many people, this will just be another grocery store.  But we're expecting a big change as August turns into September.  We walked around the Whole Foods on Tuesday and talked about a dozen uses -- buying groceries, grabbing dinner, picking a drink after walking around the lake, buying a picnic and sitting outside on the grass ....

That's the striking part of this location.  The Whole Foods sits next to the lakefront park -- just up from Clyde's, Le Comptoir, Sushi Sono and more.  We shopped the Rockville store Monday, and it's just a beautiful array of food at the base of an apartment building.  The Columbia store really changes the entire lakefront.  We imagine walking that path, sitting on that grass watching boats on the lake.

Whole Foods first announced its lease in July 2012.  It's amazing how long some things take, but then it's a change so large that "Whole Foods Coming To Columbia" was my April Fool's joke just four years ago.  As I walked around the building, I thought that Wordbones would have loved the real estate and the change to Columbia.

Open Doors Food Pantry -- A Highland Resource That You Might Want To Lend A Hand

If you're feeling lucky these days, you might want to think about giving back by helping out the Open Doors Food Pantry run out of the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Highland.

Paula posted about Open Doors earlier this month on the My Soup For You blog.   She noted that Open Doors could use volunteers -- maybe kids who need service hours.  I'm sure they could use donations.

Check out the My Soup blog for recipes, and consider Open Doors as you're thinking about local places that you might want to support.   Hat tip to JessieX who connected Open Doors to our bloggers.

Watch For Pisco Restaurant To Open Early Next Week; New Peruvian On Rte 108 In Elkridge

Watch for the new Pisco restaurant to open on July 28 and 29 near the Trader Joe's in Elkridge.

Pisco is a Peruvian restaurant specializing in ceviche, a marinated fish dish that seems perfect for the summertime.  We're really excited because this is the same folks who created Facci.

I heard about a July 28 date when I walked past last week on my way to Perfect Pour.  Now there is an anonymous comment on a prior post saying the grand opening will be July 28 and 29.

Pisco is in the shopping center with Perfect Pour and Trader Joe's across from Costco.  This on Rte 108 just north of Rte 175 -- right on the border with Columbia.

It's Howard County Restaurant Weeks; Who Has Suggestions For Places To Try The Specials?

It's Howard County Restaurant Weeks!  You can check out all kinds of specials through August 4.

I have to admit that I have never taken enough advantage.  Who has suggestions for places to try the specials?

I received emails from Petit Louis, Iron Bridge Wine Co. and Aida Bistro.  You can see all the participating restaurants on the county's Web site.  It's a nice line-up of restaurants, and you can click right through to their Restaurant Weeks menus.

If you have tried any of these special menus, please let folks know what you think.

Korshi Buffet Brings All-You-Can-Eat Sushi, So Stretch That Stomach And Don't Be Surprised

I admit it:  My plate is the full one in back.

The new Korshi buffet has opened in Columbia, and I will leave it to other people to debate whether you get your money's worth with all-you-can eat sushi and Korean food.

I got my money's worth at a weekday lunch.  We took out a friend out to celebrate his new job, and I ate three plates of food -- two more than anyone actually needs at noon.

Korshi is fun for about $13.  You need to know what you're getting.  One line of sushi with thin-sliced fish, and one line of Korean dishes.  We liked a few tastes of spicy tofu, and I splurged on chicken wings.  But the sushi was clearly the draw.

Some rolls.  Some pieces.  I thought the quality matched the lunch joint near my office, and I love being able to try one thin slice of a half-dozen different rolls, chased by thin slices of a half-dozen different fish.  Each time that we walked through, the chefs were offering a full array of salmon, tuna, eel, octopus and more.  Plus, I assume there are more options at dinner when the price jumps to $23.

Until they get a liquor license, you can bring your own alcohol without a corkage fee.  I grabbed a six-pack of Hite beer at the liquor store just north of Korshi's shopping center.  I actually walked there by jumping up a low retaining wall off the parking lot.

Again, please don't be surprised at an all-you-can-eat buffet.  Sushi Sono sells single rolls for more than we paid for lunch.  Shin Chon Garden and Honey Pig specialize in grilled meats.  Don't be surprised if Korshi's offerings don't match those flavors.

Korshi replaced Nichi Bei Kei, a Japanese restaurant whose Web site says that they were relocating to a spot near the Columbia Mall.  I think those plans were from 2013.  Does anyone know if or when Nichi Bei Kei will open there?

The Columbia Korshi is apparently a spin-off of a Virginia restaurant with the same name.  They have different management, folks said on the phone when I called Virginia to try to get the hours of the Maryland store.  On Yelp, someone noted that the Virginia restaurant has table-top barbecue, but charges $40 for dinner.  If you know the Virginia place, don't expect an exact copy.

Korshi
9400 Snowden River Pkwy
Columbia, MD 21045
410-309-9991

NEAR:  Korshi replaced Nichi Bei Kei in the corner of a shopping center on Snowden River Parkway.  This is the same center with Pars Market, the new Chutney restaurant, and Azul 17.  This is south of Oakland Park Boulevard and north of Broken Land Parkway.

Ananda Shifting To Regular Menu, Showing Off Another Side Of Indian Food In Fulton

Avocado appetizer at Ananda

The new Ananda restaurant in Fulton is switching to its full menu, and it's definitely a place worth exploring -- especially if you want something off the beaten path.

We ate off the "soft opening" menu Monday night, and we particularly enjoyed some dishes that we had never seen before.  An appetizer salad of cucumber, avocado and herbs was the star of the meal.  Then the cardamon-kissed desserts stole the show at the end.

The shrimp entree

Overall, Ananda seems like a worthy entry among the great Indian restaurants in Howard County.  I have chattered with friends about how it compares to Royal Taj and Mango Grove.  It's too soon to write the book on a restaurant that doesn't even have a sign yet, but people are excited by the menu and the vibe of the place.

Ananda is one of the prettier spots for dinner.  You can still hear traffic off Maple Lawn Boulevard, but the dining room with open walls makes for a beautiful spot, complete with white tablecloths and a Monday night show by a baby bunny on the grass outside.  It's nice enough for a date, but completely friendly to the kids who have been eating when we visited.

This is an ambitious kitchen.  The dal and the raita were just side dishes in our meal, but they were intensely flavorful.  Great cooks use Indian spices and herbs in a way that I have never mastered at home, and they're paying attention to those details even in the side dishes.  They hit similar successes in the chickpea entree and in our desserts -- a house-made ice cream and a rice pudding.

But Ananda stands out because they're pushing the offerings of local Indian restaurants.  I have said for years that I'd love specials or seasonal dishes because several of our Indian kitchens are among the most-inspired in town.  Ananda's avocado salad -- fresh vegetables, dressed beautifully and served with the crunch of a papadum -- was a revelation.  Simultaneously Indian, but new to us.

The chickpea entree

Beyond the menu items, Ananda is following their original Ambassador restaurant in defaulting to plating each entree.  Unless you ask for family-style service where everyone shares, you get a main course with rice, dal and a sauce like the large shrimp on the "soft opening" menu.

Overall, this is a fun place to check out.  People are loyal to their Indian favorites because they're among the deepest cuisines in Howard County.  We happily alternate between the curries at Royal Taj or House of India and the dosas and south Indian food at Mango Grove.  Ananda could create its own niche -- the same white tablecloth feel of Royal Taj, but a bar for cocktails and a menu that offers slightly different tricks.

Ananda is on Maple Lawn Boulevard just south of Johns Hopkins Road.  They don't have a sign yet, but they're across the parking lot from a Suntrust.  Ananda joins a scene with five established Indian restaurants in Columbia -- House of India, Mango Grove, Royal Taj, Flavors of India, and Nepalese-Indian Curry & Kabob -- plus the new Chutney that replaces Akbar's and the quick service Tandoor Grill on Johns Hopkins Road.

Mission BBQ Has Opened In Columbia

Mission BBQ has opened in Columbia. The Mission BBQ replaced a Chicken Out in the shopping center with Target just off Rte 175 and Dobbin Road.

Proud to welcome @MissionBBQ to #hocomd! pic.twitter.com/VDkyQukdSg
— Howard County EDA (@HCEDA) July 14, 2014

Baughers Fruits & Vegetables Has Opened In Ellicott City; Fresh Veggies Off Rte 103

The Baughers farm stand has opened for the season.  It's a stand in Ellicott City that opens in July because they sell primarily vegetables, fruit and other products from their own farm.

Marcia and Steve hooked me up with photos.  Most of the produce is from the farm -- including honey.  They're bringing up tomatoes from Virginia, but we'll get those in season soon.

They're just off Rte 103, just north of Rte 100.  It's an easy stop for fresh vegetables, snowballs and other treats.

Baughers Fruits & Vegetables
4775 Baugher Farm Rd
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 465-7053

NEAR: Baughers Farm stand is just off Rte 103.  This is east of Rte 29 and north of Rte 100.  Very easy to reach from most of the county.

Tamales At R&R Taqueria -- Another Simple Wonder From The Gas Station Taco Joint

Tamales from R&R

R&R Taqueira continues to surprise me -- years after I became an early thump in the drumbeat that took them to the Washington Post and the Food Network.

You can go for the frisson of eating in gas station on U.S. 1 at Rte 175.  But you should really drive to Jessup because they serve incredibly flavorful food up and down their menu.

I have raved about tacos, but I noticed tamales on my last visit.  Tamales are a benchmark dish for Mrs. HowChow who imprinted on rich vegetarian versions in a Los Angeles farmers market.  It's always a big deal when she thinks any tamales approach that grade.

Easy takeout. Heat at home.

I thought R&R's tamales were delicious, and they're a spectacular lunch or takeout at just $2 each.  For $2, you get a half-sandwich-sized block of steamed corn with filling.  I ordered chicken.  Then you get some red sauce to pour on top with R&R's signature mix of fresh ingredients and deep flavor.  Spicy and acid tomatoes contrasts with the smooth, slightly sweet corn.

These will make a perfectly fine lunch.  But I actually recommend them as takeout.  Your taco is best eaten right away, either on one of the R&R stools or in the front seat of your car.  But you buy the tamales straight from the refrigerator.  Tell them that you don't want them reheated.  Then microwave them yourself.  They'll last several days in your fridge, and three tamales and the sauce made lunch for two.

I can't recommend R&R's enough.  It has been more than five years since Alberto Flores turned me on to the Mexican takeout in the Shell gas station.  I've eaten breakfast.  I have eaten fish.  I have burned my tongue on lamb soup and on cochinita pibil.  I have cooled my mouth with agua frescas and horchata.  Check out all my R&R posts, and go see how much fun you can have for $10.

Kupcakes, Favorites at Johnny's And Comments About New Cajun, New Crepes, And More

Cupcakes from Kupcakes & Co.

There are still so many places that I haven't eaten!!

RDAdoc continues her run with quick reports on Cacao Lane in Ellicott City and Kupcakes & Co. in Elkridge.  She ended up with black bean tacos at Cacao Lane after she found her first choice closed on Mondays.  Good fresh ingredients with beans, Monterey jack, salsa, avocado and sliced red cabbage.  She thought the cabbage was a nice touch.

After that, RDAdoc bought cupcakes for a party, and she talked up Kupcakes & Co., which sells a bunch of sweets on top of cake.  She even compared them to Georgetown Cupcakes, which is pretty esteemed here in the HowChow house:

The assortment of flavors are great from simple chocolate and vanilla to more interesting and sophisticated flavors that are similar to Georgetown cupcakes including salted caramel, root beer float and key lime.   A daily calendar of  flavors is posted on line.  They even offer gluten free cupcakes which I heard from a friend are great.  They are served with an excessive amount of frosting but I just took some of it off.

Cronut from Weiss

Other folks are reporting about all kinds of new places.  Kevlar51, Marcia, and others have tried the bahn mi at Phubs in Hanover -- and even reported on a new banh mi shop that seems to be opening.  Kevlar 51 also reported that David Welch's barbecue stand has moved around the corner onto Corridor Road because of MARC construction at the Savage station.

CrunchDaddy seconded Jeff about Lima's Chicken, a new Peruvian place near Fort Meade.  It is just east of Howard County on Rte 175.

I went to Odenton tonight for my weekly fix at Grace Garden... and they're closed on Sundays! Yikes! What to do? Everything happens for a reason... so where am I gonna eat now? Oh yeah, that chicken place up the road! 

I got a half-chicken and two sides... perfectly fried plantains... and almost went with the black beans when I saw that they make a Peruvian fried rice, so I went with that... Yummo!! It's nearly Asian in taste, with egg, onions and diced chicken... but well done.

Adam even emailed me about a local spotting of cronuts.  They were a New York city fad a while ago. now, they're available at Weis.  "Really good, even if I have nothing to compare them too.  Worth the what, 600 or 700 calories, I guesss?"

Tacos at Cacao Lane

And there are more great comments on other HowChow posts:

• Ken Oh, Cheryl and others offered their favorite items at Johnny's Bistro on Main Street in Ellicott City.
• Steve Fine, Heather and others made similar types of recommendations about places to visit in Sykesville, including a pub Becks that does smoked brisket, pork, cocktails and more.
• Anonymous wrote a long report about dinner at the new White Oak Tavern in Ellicott City.  Simialrly, Dale53151 wrote a long report about the opening of the new Wild Cajun also in Ellicott City.
• Anonymous said that the Waffee shop in Ellicott City seemed closed a few weeks ago.  Anyone know the current report?  While we're at it, does anyone know about Frisco Grille moving or opening a second location?  Vic commented about a Frisco Grille opening in Gambrills.
• Omars reports that the taqueria inside Tere's Latin Market in Ellicott City still puts out great food -- even after those folks expanded next door with a full-sized restaurant. 
• Eric reports that the IHOP opened on Rte 175 in the East Columbia Marketplace at U.S. 1.
• Pseto, MarylandMcKeenas and others traded ideas for pho just outside the county.  I'm making notes to try those once it gets cold.
• sl100 and vinita had different experiences at Bean & Burgandy Bread.  
• In contrast both Omars and Anonymous loved the crepes at the new Cafe Mezcla in the Hickory Ridge village center in Columbia.  While you're there, Omars also loves the Meadows Custard next door.
• Anonymous reported that the Maiwand Kabob near Target in Columbia now serves a lunch buffet.  Has anyone eat there?
• David answered Adam's question about by-the-slice pizza by recommending two joints in Columbia village centers.
• SC and two Anoymouses answered Trip Klaus' question comparing Shin Chon and Honey Pig.  I'm a Shin Chon regular, but I should check out Honey Pig too.
• Kattrina and Trip Klaus seconded my thoughts on the chicharron at Lily's Mexican Market.

And finally, there is Korshi: Kate, Mark and others have reported on the new Korshi buffet that has opened on Snowden River Parkway in Columbia.  It's an all-you-can-eat joint with sushi, Asian foods and more.  DozyCat tweeted some photos below, and Kyle emailed me after two lunches:

I've been there twice for lunch and I liked it.  Not everything works but with a huge variety of dishes there's enough to like. It mostly Korean inspired food split between hot and cold dishes with sushi in between. The candied bacon wrapped rice cake was unique to me. 

The sushi is colorful, plentiful and fresh. Certainly not up to the quality of the stand alone sushi joints but it's acceptable. The jalapeño topped spicy roll is worth trying just for the super heat level. We now have easily accessible Korean buffet food in columbia.

Korshi Buffet in Columbia. Good Sushi good food! desser yam in caramel sauce. HT @marksiegal @HowChowBlog #HoCoFood pic.twitter.com/mjFO8Myk1a
— dozycat (@dozycat) July 5, 2014

Brewery Updates: Jailbreak Is Great Fun; Anyone Know More About Manor Hill Or Black-Eyed Susan

Jailbreak's tasting glasses -- four on a key-shaped plate

I need some beer-loving folks to report on the new breweries opening in Howard County.

Jailbreak Brewery in Laurel has kicked into business with both retail and bar sales.  Those bar sales are going to 40+ places like White Oak Tavern, where you can often find Jailbreak on tap.  Although it is the retail tap room just off U.S. 1 that seems like a new opportunity.

The front part of the brewery is set up like a modern bar.  A bar, long tables, huge televisions.  You can try all kinds of Jailbreak brews, including sometimes experimental ones that haven't made it yet into kegs.  You can eat from food trucks that they've recruited to work the parking lot.  You can even hear music many weeks.

Jailbreak is pushing a niche of culinary beers.  Chocolate and coffee in a stout.  Basil in a wheat beer.  Jalapeños and cilantro in an IPA.  Generally, I skip flavored beers because I came of age in the wretched Cranberry Lambic Era of microbrews.  But Jailbreak's beers are smart and delicious.  Hints of unique flavors if you're looking, but just good flavor if you just want to drink a beer.

George Berkheimer from the Business Monthly touted that Basil Wit -- saying that there was huge basil nose and flavor at the start, but it mellowed a bit in the growler.  He recommends it with pizza.

I went to a Jailbreak's opening with a beer-loving friend Satellite Dann, but I haven't had a chance to go back for regular business.  What have you thought if you tried Jailbreak beers on site or on tap?  How is the scene in the tap room?  What food trucks are they getting?

At least two more people have talked about opening breweries.  Manor Hill Brewing will open in on a farm in Ellicott City.  These are the same folks who created Victoria Gastro Pub, a terrific place for both beer and food.  Black-Eyed Susan Brewing had talked about opening in Columbia.  After initial articles over the winter, I hadn't heard anything since spring.

Anyone know the story about either?  Manor Hill has an active Twitter feed, and I eagerly await details.  Black-Eyed Susan hasn't updated its Facebook page since April, and some folks had left comments saying that their Berger Road space is empty.  I need to drive past when I'm in the area.

Aida Bistro Changing Menu And Chef, Aiming To Go Beyond Italian, To Welcome Daily Diners

Aida Bistro has been a Howard County hallmark for its Italian menu and for being a special occasions restaurant.

The Columbia restaurant sent an announcement to customers last week aiming to stay a special place, but to highlight changes to broaden their appeal.  Their executive chef left and was replaced by their incumbent sous chef.  Their menu has changed -- keeping the house-made pasta, but broadening from just Italian to a mix of small and large plates and a renewed emphasis on local products.

The email touted a chef's menu that appears to be a five-course meal served Thursdays to Saturday, paired with the wines that they have in their cool tap system.

It's a seasonal menu that changes, but you can get a flavor of the flavors from their Web page.  Aida is on my list of places to return.  Does anyone have thoughts on the new menu or the new arrangements?

Patriotic Cookies And Bacon-Beef Burgers Celebrate Independence Day With Flavor

Macarons at Le Comptoir

Happy July 4th!

Le Comptoir in Columbia is celebrating the holiday with red, white and blue macarons this week.  We hope you like them.  The HowChow Home problem in that one of the flavors is raspberry and another flavor has Chambord, which is stealth raspberry.  And raspberry around here is . . . banned from desserts.

But we love Le Comptoir, and I'll eat raspberry so nothing goes to waste.  Plus, it is always appropriate to celebrate the American Revolution with a nod to the French.

The best burger from Laurel Meat Market

The French and, of course, bacon.  This looks like a great weekend to grill, and Laurel Meat Market is open until mid-afternoon today offering a full array of beef, chicken and sausages.  And that's headlined by their custom mix of ground chuck and bacon.

I bought meat last night and made cast-iron-skillet burgers because of threatening clouds.  That's a delicious burger -- and one rich enough to make me crave vegetables and lemons for the rest of the weekend.

What else do people recommend for the weekend?  Has anyone bought local crabs this summer yet?  I hear prices are high because the catch is low.

New Blogs On Cooking And Local Restaurants; Learn Korean BBQ, Cooking From The Farm

There once was a time when I could link to every blog post about food in Howard County, but now it is hard to even keep with the new blogs.

On top of the Unmanly Chef who wrote a Trolling post last week, there are more options for local food writing.

Lisbeth Eats is a new blog that ranges from posts about Korean barbecue to Italian recipes to the weekend market in downtown Ellicott City.  Lisbeth lives a bit outside Howard County, but she came in for a great post about Shin Chon is terrific.  It's a terrific guide for people who want to try Korean barbecue.  I tried something similar with my Korean 101 and Korean 102 posts, but Lisbeth did beautiful photos that would really help you figure out a meal.  She also said there are secret panchan -- ssam moo (thinly-sliced pickled radishes) -- that they'll serve if you ask!

The new blogs are terrific if you belong to a CSA or just want to get inspired to cook vegetables.  Kitchen Scribble, AnnieRie, and others have posted for several summers about how they use their direct-from-the-farm produce, but now there are at least two more sources:

• Howard County Cook.  This blogger is getting a Breezy Willow CSA, then posting about ways to cook without recipes.  Like Lisbeth, these are terrific photos showing cool ideas.
• CSA Creations.  Jill is writing about discovering new vegetables like kohlrabi.  She is getting the Gorman Farm CSA and getting some her ideas from my master Mark Bittman.   

While you're reading, check out the Unmanly Chef's current posts for his "grilling week" -- swordfish, ribs, etc.  Also, the 2 Dudes Who Love Food got the early look at the new Chef Paolino Cafe in Ellicott City.  That opened last week, but I haven't had a chance to go.

I try to list food blogs written in Howard County in my right hard column.  Blogs come and go, so some of those haven't been updated recently.  But several are very lively, and they have a mix of terrific ideas for cooking and for eating out.  For the best listing, check out HocoBlog's food section.

Ananda Has Opened Softly, And The Open-Walled Patio Is Pretty Sweet; Full Menu In A Few Weeks

Lemon-basil sorbet at Ananda

Ananda, the new Indian restaurant in Fulton, opened softly this evening.  We already had dinner at home, but Mrs. HowChow saw that they're serving sweets.

Not just any sweets -- rice pudding, lemon-basil sorbet, and cardamom ice cream.

Next thing you know, we were sitting on the open-walled patio at sunset drinking cocktails and eating dessert.  It's a beautiful space, serving ice cream that Mrs. HowChow rated like Capogiro, our favorite gelato up in Philadelphia.

But we're getting ahead of ourselves.

This was the first night for Ananda, a new restaurant in Maple Lawn from the folks who own the Ambassador in Baltimore.  They have been building for a long time, and they're opening slowly.  For a few weeks, they'll do a $20 three-course dinner off a smaller, but pretty diverse, menu.  They'll add a sign and eventually expand to a full menu.

Our light dessert makes us optimistic.  Really terrific sorbet and ice cream -- both strong, subtle flavors and perfect consistencies.  Really nice cocktails, one with rum, blackberries and ginger beer and another with cucumber, tonic and gin.  The attention and ingredients make us look forward to actually eating a meal.

You can get such great Indian in Howard County that Mango Grove and Royal Taj both make my favorite restaurants.  But I'm an actual homer when it comes to Ananda.  We can walk here. 

As much as we look forward to the food, we're just as excited to hang out in the space.  It has taken almost two years, but they've built a beautiful space with a large bar and an entire room with garage-style doors that open to make it an open-walled patio.  In other rooms, they have fireplaces that look like they'll be cozy spots in the winter.

Ananda
7421 Maple Lawn Boulevard (I think)
Fulton, MD 20759

NEAR:  This is on Maple Lawn Boulevard just south of Johns Hopkins Boulevard.  It isn't near the other Maple Lawn restaurants.  This is a stand-alone building -- for now without a sign -- across the parking lot from a Suntrust bank.

Whole Foods To Open August 20 In Columbia

Whole Foods will open its new Columbia store on August 20, the company announced today.

The store will open in the former Rouse Company headquarters, the white office building on the lakefront and across from the mall.

You can follow some pre-opening events on Whole Foods' Facebook page.  Mrs. HowChow is super-excited about a popsicle bar.  They're making special juices and freezing them into popsicles.  We could have used those tonight.

Better Than Good Humor: Get Your Sweets From The Waffle Truck; Belgian Treats Are Real Pearls

La Pearl's mini waffle with biscoff spread

A special truck will bring you special sweets, and I'm fan enough to promote them for a quick treat or catering your party.

This is the La Pearl waffle truck.  It's a Howard County staple now serving warm waffles with various toppings like ice cream, fruit and whipped cream.  They're a treat well worth both the calories and a little work tracking them down.

I had a La Pearl waffle at a neighborhood event a few weeks ago, and I thought it was unique and delicious.  I had a mini with biscoff spread, a thick liquid made from ground cookies.  They compare it to a spread made from graham crackers.

Either way, it showed off the real talent of La Pearl.  These are fresh-made waffles made from a batter that they import from Belgium.  The plain waffle is lightly sweet and would make a terrific breakfast or snack.  Then they only get better when you add your own toppings.

La Pearl's Twitter page is the best place to follow their locations.  They post schedules.  Some days they just post where they are.

In the initial months, the truck was regularly near Howard Community College, but the summer schedule has varied more.  They go to festivals, swim clubs, schools and more.  They also rent the truck for parties and special events.  Not that you get to drive.  They will come to your party and serve waffles.

Again, you should check for La Pearl's location through its Twitter page or its Web site.  They're looking to partner with restaurants, bakeries and other businesses.  If you're wondering, check them out or check out this tweet.