Is Chiptole Coming To Maple Lawn? Plus, New Mexican, New BGR, Closed Peruvian, Closed Thai

Anthony's New York Pizza & Pasta

The talk about Maple Lawn is that Chipotle is going into the new construction going in near the Harris Teeter.  It's been that way for months now.  People who know real estate explaining why the space and location look right.  Other folks saying that the new facade looks like a Chipotle.

I nod when they say that.

But I honestly don't know how to spot a Chipotle.  I can identify a classic Pizza Hut as I drive past, but I'm taking folks' optimism at the Chipotle and hope that we'll get an announcement soon.

I don't see anything official about the other Maple Lawn construction, but talk is about several other restaurants in the works.  Maybe a seafood place or a pub near Harris Teeter?  Maybe a new breakfast and lunch restaurant in the new office building that they're finishing up on the other side of the development?

Although we're a bit limited these days by toddler bedtimes, we're always looking for new places.  Lil' Chow and I hit up Anthony's New York Pizza & Pasta in Clarksville one night when Mrs. HowChow was out of town.  Unfortunately, this was before Lil' Chow announced "I don't like sauce."  So I ended up eating both our slices and feeding him garlic knots in desperation.

While we're at it, other local food news that built over my hiatus in the comments and emails:

• Taqueria Los Primos has opened a "brick-and-mortar" store on U.S. 1 in Laurel, reports Steve on a comment.  This is one of the highlight taco trucks, so I'm eager to get over there.  And eager for Lil' Chow to come around to Mexican food more than tortillas.
• That's an influx of new Mexican.  Cinco De Mayo is filling the space that Royal Taj vacated when it moved to expanded space in Columbia.  Junior Barnes sent me the website link that says Cinco De Mayo will open in "early 2016."
• And BGR the Burger Joint may be come to Rte 108 next to the new Urban BBQ, says Kevlar51.    On the same comment threat, SHerrington asked if anyone knows what's going into the retail built at 10000 Old Columbia Road -- visible on the south side of Rte 32 but apparently empty as far as I've seen.  Does anyone know?
• Bangkok Delight in Columbia appears to have closed while I was on hiatus.  Jim S. left a comment, and Nicole mentioned it on Facebook in November.  I'm nostalgic because it was one of the first places that Mrs. HowChow and I went out for dinner.  That was back when we lived off Rte 108.  I remember really enjoying Bangkok Delight, then feeling like the food changed.  Alicyn recommends Little Spice in Hanover as a Thai alternative.
• Also, has one or more of the Bagel Bins closed?  Folks were talking in November.  Dzoey mentioned a Cafe Bagel on Rte 103.  That's new to me.  And what about Pisco?  That was the Peruvian restaurant near Perfect Pour in Elkridge.  Katie reported last week that it was closed.
• 5485 Restaurant appears to have opened in Columbia.  This is in the Doubletree Hotel near Rte 29 and Rte 175.  The staff says they renovated and changed from Morgan's to 5485.   When I called, they said the menu isn't on-line yet.  Has anyone tried 5485 yet? 
• Starting in January, you'll be able to visit the Manor Hill Brewery on Saturdays to buy cans and growlers of their beer, says MoCo Beer.
• Black Flag Brewing in Columbia has launched a Facebook site so that you can follow the brewery that will open on Snowden River Parkway next year.  And you can watch for the web site that they're building now.
• What is Mother's Howard County Grille planned for Elkridge?  After figuring out the calendar system to check on the liquor license applications at Wegmans, I'm having fun watching the liquor board web sit.
• Dzoey hit up the new Pie Five on Rte 40 in Ellicott City.  Several new chains are opening along Rte 40.  Pie Five is in new construction just west of Bean & Burgundy, which Dzoey says still has a good lunch buffet.  This is the report:

Pie Five does not take reservations and they do not deliver, but they have a special way of cooking the pizza so that it bakes in 2 minutes and it is ready for you 5 minutes after you order. You can specify your own pizza, choosing from five different crust types and four sauces and a variety of toppings, or you can use one of their pre-arranged combinations.

I tried three (pre-arranged) pizzas: the BBQ pizza, the Buffalo Chicken pizza, and a meat pizza (I forget the name) with one of their thin crusts and two of their thick crusts. I thought the thin crust was good, better than Domino's, not as good as Ledo's, and the thick crust was good as well, better than Pizza hut, not as good as what I've had in Chicago. The BBQ sauce was on the sweet side, with a hint of smoke and went well with the chicken. The meat pizza was good, with a good balance of salt and spice. The buffalo chicken wasn't what I expected, there was not much buffalo sauce, just some jalapeno peppers. It's a pretty crowded market so I wish them well. It's worth trying out.

• And finally, you need to check out VCnearDC's long comment about the best cheesesteak in Howard County.  The family did a four-stop taste test.  They decided that Philly's Best in Columbia had the best meat and therefore the best sandwich.  Now that's on my list to try as well.

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.

Comments About Whole Foods, Ananda, New Italian On Rte 40 And Breakfast Suggestions

The crab appetizer at Ananda

It has been a big week for Howard County food.  Just a new Whole Foods would be a banner event, and people have been comments about that grocery and a bunch of other news.

Andrew Mak, StevenC, Bren and others wrote detailed reports on the opening days.  I would love hear little things that people have found.  My main purchase was a rockfish that I did roast successfully.  I made a few other finds that I'll pepper in posts.  There should be many, many trips of fun eating.

Checking on other new joints, The Minx, SHZ, and several other people wrote their first thoughts about Ananda.  I'm a huge fan of the new restaurant in Fulton, and I love Todd Kliman's description as an fusion between Indian and a local-learning bistro.  In my original post, I forgot to highlight the crab appetizer, which is small cakes that hold their own against any others that I ate this summer.

Adam reports that a Squisito will also open next to Soft Stuff in the new construction on Rte 40.  It's apparently an Italian restaurant from Anne Arundel.

My rockfish

And there is more!  People are nice enough to share opinions about all kinds of places, including these below:

• A bunch of folks added to my post about Touche Touchet's beakfast croissants with talk of breakfast, which I have to admit isn't something that I eat in restaurants that often.  Clayton highlighted brunch at the White Oak in Ellicott City and a generous breakfast at Rudy's Mediterranean in Columbia, which he said has expanded.  There are another half dozen good ideas.
• Cengiz then reported about the food at Rudy's.  He says the donor done authenticly, but not his favorite.
• Wendi and Anonymous suggested other places for hware dup bop.  I want to get back to Kimko on Rte 40 to try their version.  My last visit was all-you-can-eat sushi.
• A bunch of anonymous folks suggested items at the new Pisco in Elkridge -- including a purple corn drink that sounds right up my alley.
• Lynn Mann did not like the tamales at R&R Taqueria.  They had been a takeout success for me, but the batches may not be consistent.
• Trip Klaus, The Unmanly Chef and Jojo all chimed in on Seasons 52, one of the new restaurants in the Columbia Mall.  Trip Klaus highlighted a lunch special if you want wine and flatbreads.
• Trip Klaus also talks up the peppadew peppers at Roots Market.  These are a special South African pepper that I want to try.
• I can't get a feel for the return of Soft Stuff.  Comments go from positive to negative.  We haven't had a chance to visit.
• Frisco's Tap Room is opening a second location in Crofton, report Anonymous and Trip Klaus.  Anyone know the timeline?
• And I'm late, but you should check out the Table 2 Table series from Howard County Community College.  The July episode highlighted the local restaurants week, with talk and then a recipe from restaurants like Robert Gadsby of Gadsby Bar American and Dan Wecke of the Elkridge Furnace Inn.  Watch for the great nugget where Wecke explains why we all eat carrots that are orange.  Check out the HCC feed for prior Table 2 Table editions that highlighted specific restaurants.

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

New Peruvian Chicken Near Fort Meade, A Blogger Event At Petit Louis, And Recs For Ramen, Cuban, Sysco Shopping And More

Jeff from the Southern Skies coffee company made a new find recently just east of Howard County on Rte 175.

That's Peruvian chicken for the north county -- and just one of the great finds or bits of advice that people email me or leave in the comments.  Again, I'm trying to capture a bunch here so that more people can share.

First, Jeff's thoughts on Lima's

I wanted to tell you about a new restaurant on Rt.175. The other day, my wife and I were coming back after conducting some business on Ft. Meade and happened across a Peruvian chicken place called Lima's. It's located in the old Friendly's place at 2641 Annapolis Rd. 

We split a half chicken and had black beans and fried yucca on the side. I've been eating Peruvian style chicken for more than 20 years, so I can say with some authority that the chicken there was very good. The skin was nice and crispy and even the breast meat wasn't dried out. The beans would have benefited from more seasoning but weren't bad. I didn't try anything else on the menu, but I saw that they featured Peruvian specialties like ceviche and lomo saltado.

On Thursday, Petit Louis in Columbia will host a free event for bloggers and blog readers as part of their kickoff of their outdoor space n the lakefront.  Check out HoCo Blogs for the details and how to sign up.  Wine tasting and snacks from 4-6 pm, what more could you want?

Well, you could want ramen.  After my post last week, Anonymous reported that Nari Sushi in Columbia does a kimchi ramen, and Xani vouched for the ramen at Ichiban, which I had mentioned.  I can't wait for the new ramen restaurant to open on Rte 40.

Comments On New Restaurants, Kahlua Nachos, A Cocktail Served With Smoking Wood, And More

New options at the Great Wall supermarket in Catonsville

There are too many new restaurants opening for me to keep pace.  Can't get there to eat.  Can't get time to write.  So I really appreciate all the folks who have been emailing and commenting to report on meals.

AnnieRie and Deena took the lead by writing respectively about the new Facci in Turf Valley on AnnieRie Unplugged and about White Oak Tavern on Deena's Days.  But other people chimed in through comments -- from Eagle15 on Facci to rsi, JRick, Jess and Mike on White Oak to Anonymous on the Grille in Maple Lawn.

Kevlar51 reported on a Manhattan served at the new Gatsby's Bar American served under a bell jar with a piece of smoking cedar.  Jay, Anonymous and others described meals at the new Columbia restaurant.  At the same time, Travelinsnorkel reported on an early dinner at Petit Louis, and Gina says the Caffe Benne coming to Rte 40 had great hot chocolate and a cool atmosphere.

A few of Min's favorite things

Min and Anonymous both talked up the new Great Wall supermarket in Catonsville.  Anonymous comments about some Chinese items that aren't readily available at the Korean-run markets like Lotte.  Min emailed to say the Hong Kong roast pork was even better than Asian Cout's dim sum and to say they were happy to find some Taiwanese soy sauce brands, fermented black beans and other pickled items:

There's also this supposedly very yummy crispy skin duck (Pipa Ya 琵琶鴨) that my friends have been raving about. I was there around 2 pm, and they were all sold out! 

Chris and Edith both ate at Chutney, the Indian restaurant that replaced Akhbar's on Snowden River Parkway.  Chris commented on a post, and Edith emails:

I had dinner there last night and both food and service were excellent. Lots of freebies, too (although I'm not sure whether that's SOP while they're opening or if they just felt sorry for me, dining alone on Valentine's Day). 

Until now Royal Taj and Mango Grove have been my favorite Indian restaurants in Columbia but Chutney just catapulted to the top of the list.  Definitely going to visit their buffet lunch soon.

AnnieRie, Anonymous, Cindy, and Radha asked and got tentative opening dates for new spots --  Pisco (April), Buffalo Wild Wings (May 14) and Mission BBQ (June or July) and the new Royal Taj in "Restaurant Park" (8-9 months).  Adam even flagged another new restaurant -- or at least a Facebook page for BricknFire Pizza coming to Catonsville.  Looks like they're just getting their pizza oven and storing away wood for a spring opening.  Anyone know more?

Comments About Hawaiian Food, New Peruvian, Grille 620, "Fat Friar" Cookies, And More

An October photo of the new Nichi Bei Kei 

Steffi made my day with a comment on the post about the new Hawaiian restaurant Taste of Aloha.  I love hearing that people use HowChow to find something that they enjoy.  That powers me through when the hobby sometimes seems like freaky way to spend time.

As I have said many times, the comments include lots of great information from HowChow readers.  Check out all the folks making recommendations about Taste of Aloha and even a bakery nearby.  They have loco moco.  The mac salad is great.  Etc.

Patapsco Mike provided some other options for folks who want an oyster knife.  I still love the cast-iron knife that I bought mail order, but Mike has specific knives that you can buy for under $10.  Jeffery emailed me months ago about Salazon Chocolate Co. in Sykesville.  Has anyone been there for local cheese, wine and chocolate?

Anonymous asked whether anyone knows when the Buffalo Wild Wings will open.  The Target shopping center has that under construction and a space that used to be Chicken Out.  Does anyone know the plan there?

Does anyone know the timetable on the new Nicki Bei Kei on Sterrett Place?  Chuck sent me the photo above months ago.  I hope they'll open soon.  What about a new breakfast/coffee place in the Hichory Ridge village center that Anonymous mentioned.  While we're at it, how about the restaurant that used to be Turkshish Kebab or Kabob House -- the little place off Little Patuxent Parkway near Princeton Sports?  David noticed in November that it was closed, and neither of us knew if that was permanent or if anything was replacing it.

As always, there are many good local food voices if you look around.  We have a new food blog called My Soup For You with recipes (including a "bacon bowl").  You can find all the local food blogs on HoCoBlogs -- or look in the comments on HowChow like this sampling from recent notes:

• Dzoey and Hal Black have tried the new Pollo Feliz restaurant next to Teres Latin Market on Rte 40.  Dzoey found a mix of Mexican and Peruvian dishes and recommended variations on fried rice and pasta.  Hal reports the Mexican is similar to the market's taqeuria, but they don't actually share a kitchen.
• Jim S. suggests buying the "Fat Friar" cookies sold at the Shrine of St. Anthony gift shop in Ellicott City.  They're shortbread dipped in chocolate.
• Trip Klaus makes my life more difficult by revealing that each Whole Foods has a different sausage recipes.  That's one of my favorite items there.  He says the Kentlands market makes his favorite!  Now I need to sample.

Advice For Pizzas, Thai, Fried Chicken And More; Plus Sonic May Really Be Coming To Rte 40

Fried chicken from Harvest Fried Chicken in Woodbine

Wendy and Min have set the menu for our next visit to Yetnal House.  After I wrote Monday about the casual Korean restaurant in Ellicott City, they recommended the spicy chicken "dak galbi" to share with two or three people.  Sounds terrific.

While we are up on Rte 40, can anyone confirm that the Sonic is under construction?  I had written about the long-planned burger joint in April, and Anonymous left a comment Wednesday say that he/she had seen the architectural drawings.  The prediction was Sonic would open in 2014.

Some old posts still pick up new advice.  Kevlar51 finally tried Harvest Fried Chicken in Woodbine, and he (and his wife) loved the food even though he isn't normally a fan of fried chicken:

That opinion changed after eating this chicken. Delicious and crispy batter, together with impossibly moist chicken is the winning combination that Harvest has evidently perfected. My wife was devouring the skin she'd have otherwise cast aside and I was loving the white meat just as much as the dark (I usually avoid the breasts).

Similarly, I emailed with Eric about the closing of the Columbia Mama Luccia's.  He is a Philly guy, which I consider one of the gold standards for great pizza and sandwiches.  So I asked what he sees as alternatives to the pizza nights that his family used to eat at Mama Luccia's.

If we want to eat at home, we will order from Philly's Best in Elkridge.  Might I recommend their white pizza (no white sauce -- tasty but too greasy) with grilled chicken and brined sweet peppers (like you would get on a hoagie)?  Actually their cheesesteaks are pretty good too. 

If we want to go out, it'll be Trattoria Amore in Dorsey Search Village Center. We went there the first night we moved down here and it was a blessing to find a good Italian place quickly.  Now if we really want to treat, it's Facci or a trip into Baltimore and go to Chazz. I haven't tried Coal Fire on 108 yet mainly because I hear the crust is too thin, but I should give it a try. 

Might I also recommend 2 Amy's Wood Fire Pizza in Cathedral Heights in DC. MANY people have recommended that to me but there is one problem with their location -- its right next to Cactus Cantina, an awesome Tex-Mex place.

That puts Philly's Best on my "to do" list.  I'm a fan of many voices.  If you want some food-related fun, check out the comic music video that MoCo neighbor Russell helped create for Jackie Silvestri and "Spicify My Love."  If you want to play with local Twitter feeds, check out the "Tint Up" page that Jessie X created to collect posts tagged with #HoCoFood.  Or stay on HowChow for more of those comments.  There are great tips to pick up on lots of recent posts.

• Jim, J and others debated the local Thai options in comments on my post about Bangkok Delight in Columbia.  J strongly recommends Bangkok Garden, although SC likes the drunken noodles at Thai Aroma. 
• For Indian, Linda reported on Tandoor Grill on Johns Hopkins Road and especially a shrimp dish with pepper, onion, and almond sauce called kalimirch -- a flavor that she said she had never had in an Indian restaurant before.
• From the Howard County Fire Department's Twitter feed, I learned that two Howard County firefighters have been featured in a new "fire house" cookbook.  (Affiliate link.)
• What is Gourmet Grilling?  I found a Twitter account from what loks like a food truck that does ribs, chicken, smoked salmon and other grilled items in Columbia.  Maybe just off Rte 108 on Phelps Luck Drive?  It looks awesome.  I'd love to know more.
• Think about Friends & Farms if you're looking for local food or local gifts.  The Columbia company sells food baskets similar to a CSA, although they source the food from a variety of suppliers.  They have one-basket options for people who want to try their service.  They also have gift certificates as gifts.  Check out my prior posts about other local gift ideas, and check out the Friends & Farms Web site. 
• MS recommended cakes and cupcakes from Simply Desserts in Columbia.
• Bmorecupcake recommended the brioche at The Breadery in Oella.  She is a regular, and she says that is her current favorite.
• OmarS wasn't wowed by Chopstixx in Elkridge.  Okay beef chow fun, but not amazing.  I know Chopstixx has real fans, so it's always good to hear what they recommend to order.
• Anonymous talked up the chips and nachos platter at Wegmans.  This is the winter variation on the salad station in their restaurant area.
• Lulu Lovetoeat had cookies and popsicles from the new Shilla bakery in Ellicott City.
• Has anyone had trouble with orders at Sushi Sono?  Danya emailed to say she had been bothered when she was served blue fin tuna when she had ordered regular tuna.  It was twice as expensive, and no one flagged the difference for her.  She said the Sono folks offered to take the blue fun away once she noted the difference, but it left her troubled.  That's never happened to me, and that has been one of my "best restaurants" for years.
• On the "best restaurants" post, Dan talked up both Rumor Mill and Sushi King -- especially the eels at Sushi King.  Then Bonnie reported an entire meal at Rumor Mill, including a bourbon infused with ginger and then turned into a cocktail.
• In fact, the entire run of "best restaurant" comments has a series of nice recommendations from cdarl, K8teebug, and others.  I still need to try the smoked salmon BLT at Town Grill.
• Adam added a short review of the new Facci in Turf Valley, which has been really busy according to folks who have visited.  Adam and MyPerfectSky also reported about early days at the new Bean & Burgundy Bread on Rte 40.  I will nose around to see if they really start serving bubble tea with their own house-made syrups.

Things To Learn About The Grille In Fulton, Fresh Chips At Wegmans And A Possible New Honey Pig

Keep your eyes open in the HowChow comments because you can learn from the locals.  Four items that I saw recently seemed cool enough to highlight on their own:

• Talk on the Maple Lawn 2.0 Facebook page is that The Grille may be opening on November 4.  This is the restaurant that will replace Venegas Prime Filet just off Rte 216 in Fulton.
• You can get fresh-fried tortilla chips at the Wegmans nacho bar.  Bmorecupcake left a comment noting that the bar shifts from salads to nachos as the weather cools.  She says they'll pack a bag of fresh tortilla chips if you tell them you just want to buy the chips.  That's a cool discovery.  Anyone have thoughts on the chips?
• There may be a new Honey Pig coming to Catonsville.  Kevin left a comment about talk that Honey Pig may be taking over the space next to Panera in the Lotte shopping center.  Honey Pig had been selling fried chicken and steamed buns inside the Lotte.  Not sure what the menu would be at a new location.  Does anyone know details?

Also, Al Pong has some exotic fruit trees for sale if you want bring some excitement to your house and yard.  Al propagates 26 acres of trees in Fulton, and he left a comment noting that he has trees like kaffir limes, pink lemons, kumkuats and more available.