Monday, November 17, 2014

Comments About A New H Mart In Ellicott City, Hang Ari's Broths, New Peruvian Chicken & More

A shrimp entree at Ananda -- on Todd Kliman's current Top 10 list
There are definitely rumors that H Mart will come to Ellicott City -- replacing closed Shopper's Food Warehouse near Rte 40 and Ridge Road.

Marcia gave the first tip.  According to comments from Sang Ahn, Anonymous and others, the new H Mart would augment the Lotte across the street and both the H Mart and Lotte in Catonsville.  I don't know what's happening.  A recent comment says that a Chinese company has bought that Lotte's shopping center and wants to replace Lotte with a Chinese supermarket, but Adam notes in a comment below that the Lotte seems to have been spruced up and renovated recently.

Does anyone know more?  That's the kind of news that keeps me blogging.  I really appreciate folks who post tips or suggestions in the comment.

H Mart to replace Shoppers?
The other big news that I learned in the comments is that the path around Columbia's downtown lake is being completed.  I had asked in passing why the path only went partway around Lake K, and Ambe, Omars and others gave me the update the construction is literally finishing up.  That makes the lakefront even better for walking, shopping and eating.

There are lots of great voices about Howard County food.  As always, I recommend the blogs that I list in the right column of every page.  Elizabeth has created a group board on Pintrest for anyone who wants to share ideas there.  Plus, there are some folks that drop in -- like the Dining Out In Baltimore review from earlier this year about the Stained Glass Pub.  I've never stopped there, so I'm glad you can hear from other folks.

And, of course, some of the best folks to hear  are professionals -- like the Sun's Richard Gorelick and Washingtonian's Todd Kliman.  Kliman had a great post last month commenting on the WPost critic's list of best restaurants.  Kliman made a broader point about the value of many restaurants in the suburbs, which don't really get love from the WPost's list.  He also knocked off a Top 10 list that includes the new Ananda in Fulton.  Pretty high praise for a restaurant so new that it still lacks a sign.

This is a sampling of what some of us amateurs have been saying in the comments or email:
My wife and I decided to try the Highland Inn for our anniversary last night. We were extremely impressed with both the decor/ambiance and the food. We both tried the Chef's Tasting Menu/Early Bird/Prix Fixe Menu that is available from 5:30-6:30pm Mon-Thurs so we could sample a variety of appetizers, entrees and desserts for a very reasonable $35 dollars.

We had caesar salad and pork belly (smoked and crispy) for appetizer, tri-tip and duck for main course, and creme brulee and truffle (very chocolate tort) for dessert. It was all excellent. The wine list selection was well thought out for menu and there were both craft beers (bottle only) and interesting looking cocktails available. One of my pet peeves with higher end restaurants (and those hoping to be) is extremely small portion sizes. That was not the case with Highland Inn - portions were appropriate for each course and provided value. We left happy and wanting to come back with friends.

11 comments:

  1. A sidenote to the new H Mart thing...the Lotte in Ellicott City is going through some major interior updating. A lot cleaner and more modular, like the Catonsville store. They have also really updated their snack foods section. Which is pretty cool, if you ask me.

    I've also seen Wegmans has updated and re-branded the Food Bar into "The Burger Bar." I haven't tried it yet, though.

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  2. Adam -- I think that food bar is seasonal. I think someone told me that it is a burger bar in the winter and something else in the summer.

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  3. You've raved so much about Ananda that I talked my book club into lunching there in December. I hope they're open for lunch during the week. Must call and check that and make a reservation.

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  4. Re: Springs Landing Fine Country Pub - I haven't eaten there since the switch, but my adult children had dinner there this weekend with extended family who were in from out of state. They report that it's the same chef, but a different owner. The food was good, but the service left something to be desired - it took 45 minutes from ordering the entrees to when the food arrived.

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  5. Yes, Wegmans has had that burger bar before. I don't follow it so could eaily be a seasonal thing.

    Was heading up Rt. 40 today so looked for that new Peruvian chicken place. The plaza is the one with the PetSmart & Babys R Us (which is closing). I saw the pho restaurant and the chicken place facing Aldi's.

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  6. According to Baltimore Sun interview with Lakeside owner, Michael So, the deli relocated to 70 Corporate Center and was expected to open last month, October.

    http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/howard/columbia/ph-ho-cf-lakeside-deli-20140620-story.html

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  7. I don't think the Burger Bar is seasonal, but it is mostly re-branding with an added emphasis on the burgers. They did the same thing in Pittsford (http://www.wegmans.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/PressReleaseDetailView?productId=793345&storeId=10052&catalogId=10002&langId=-1)

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  8. Went by the shopping center in Columbia with Garbanzo and there's a sign on the door saying that the Columbia location is permanently closed.

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  9. Last time I was at Gadsby's it was a really poor experience. Food was poorly cooked and the staff had no idea what was going on. Not surprised if they closed.

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  10. I saw an H-Mart van parked in front of the vacant SFW today...

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  11. I also saw a couple of H Mart vans parked in the old Shoppers lot on Thursday night. And a few guys in H Mart vests standing outside.

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I love comments -- especially comments that specifically recommend dishes or items to buy. Tell people what you like and why. If you can, please don't leave it as "anonymous." Just choose "name/URL" below, type in a nickname and leave the URL part blank. I like following people's comments even if I don't know your name.