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:

• Joseph, Trevor, Kat and others added their advice about Howard County restaurants to eat with toddlers.  Those were on top of Sara's ideas in her guest post.
• Nicole and Trip Klaus touted the Wagon Wheel Ranch meats at David's Natural Market in Columbia.  They're the biggest local beef that I have heard about.  I haven't gotten to see the new David's store.  Can anyone report?
• Trip Klaus also told me -- months ago -- that Drover's Grill in Woodbine/Mt. Airy had rebranded as Springs Landing Fine Country Pub.  You can see their Web site here.  Again, has anyone eaten there?
• Mike W. says it looks like a Peruvian chicken place is opening on Rte 40 across from the shopping center with Aldi's.  He says "next to the pho place," but I don't think I even knew there was a Vietnamese restaurant on Rte 40.
• Folks are reporting about the noodles and soups at the new Hang Ari in Catonsville.  I really recommend it.  My favorite comments included Bmorecupcake and Lisbeth asking and answering about how Hang Ari makes its broths.
• Still no clear answer on whether a retail shop will reopen in Jessup's wholesale seafood market.  Frank's Seafood closed, and there were comments that the owner's family was trying to reopen under a different name and that a wholesaler is taking the Frank's space.
• Several anonymous commentators were asking about the status of Gadsby's Bar American in Columbia.  Has anyone been recently?  
• I heard that folks at Cava Grill are thinking about Columbia as a place to expand next year.  Nothing concrete.  But Cava Grill and Lebanese Taverna are at the top of my list of local chains that would really add something to the scene.
• Anonymous asked if anyone knows the status of a relocated Lakeside Deli.  They moved from the lakeside location as part of renovations of that building.  There had been talk that they would reopen.
• S Chou talked up some items-- including sushi and chicken terriyaki -- at the Lotte food court in Ellicott City.   Similarly, Alicyn talked up the age tofu, beef roll and mushroom soup at Sushi Sono in Columbia.  And Robin likes the mussels, pastrami and more at Frisco Tap Room.
• Anonymous and ASG recommended spots to eat dosas after I highlighted Mango Grove's spicy mysore dosa.   Another Anonymous recommended Sushi Tendou in Fulton -- while Xani asked if anyone had seen a local spot selling spicy tuna on crispy rice, apparently an LA favorite.  No Man recommended the pizza at the new Chef Paolino's in Ellicott City.
• Lisa reminded me about Tigi's for Ethiopian in Ellicott City.  She says her kids love eating there.  I wonder what Lil' Chow would think.  He seems to like crispy food over curries.
• Anonymous, Andrea and others complimented the Unmanly Chef for his tour post about the Caspian Market.  His post recommended things to buy in the Persian market, and he left a comment recommending items to buy in an Indian market as well.
• Marcia, Zevonista and others talked about eating at Asian Court in Ellicott City.  I have never smelled the tire store next door -- although I may normally be eating there on Sunday mornings for dim sum.  I need to try the clams and ground pork dish.
• Finally, Jack emailed me about the Highland Inn, a white table cloth place that has opened on Rte 216 in Highland:

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.