New Pollo Feliz, Closed Mama Lucia? Comments On Nichi BK's Move, T-Bonz's Burger, RG's Po Boy

Pollo Feliz & Taqueria coming to Ellicott City

The restaurant wheel keeps turning with places opening and closing, so there is always more to learn about local food.

Coming soon:  Look for Pollo Feliz & Taqueria that seems to be opening next to Tere's Latin Market in Ellicott City.  They're expanding into the former Quizno's, and it looks like the taqueria inside Tere's will turn into a full-scale restaurant.

Closing down: Marylynn and others asked about Mama Lucia that used to be on the Elkridge/Columbia line near Trader Joe's.  They saw it had closed.  Does anyone know why?  Or if they're re-opening anywhere nearby?

As always, the comments on HowChow offer great advice and information.  Peter, P90Noir and others made suggestions about bourbons and cocktail recipes.  Jack, Rich and others reported on the new Ernesto's in Ellicott City -- a Mexican spot that we haven't tried yet.

Bon Chon's fried chicken. What about sliders?

And there is more to learn and share:

• Has anyone tried to bulgogi sliders or burritos at Bon Chon in Ellicott City?  TripKlaus asked the question, and I'd love to know.  I keep getting the fried chicken.
• Louis emailed me about the second episode of the Table 2 Table show created by the Howard County Community College.  This time, they created a show about Aida Bistro where you get to see the restaurant and watch executive chef Sean Riggs cook.  Look for Table 2 Table on Fridays and Saturdays on HCC_TV -- Comcast 96 or Verizon 41.  It's also on YouTube.
• Robin emailed me about the October 6 benefit by the Friends of Tapulanga.  You get a Filipino feast with pork and chicken barbecue, lumpia, roast pork and more.  Then a documentary about the sugar industry on the island of Negros -- all at the Howard County Conservancy.  Information on their Web site. 
• Unknown says that Katana in Elkridge seems to have a new sushi chef.  He says he heard folks talking about changes to the menu and that the sushi was different -- in a good way.
• Chris reported that Nichi Bei Kei seems to have moved from Snowden River to a new place on Sterrett Place near the Columbia Mall.  The new location hasn't opened yet, according to their Web site.
• Karen, Travelinsnorkel and others described their meals at the new Facci in Turf Valley.  That development looks like it could become an immediate hit with the restaurants that they plan to open.
• Anonymous, J333 and others joined the eternal discussion about local burgers after Adam wrote a guest post about Union Jack's Monday night special.  Look for suggestions about T-Bonz, Red Robin and more.  At the same time, EastCoastMatt and others joined the other eternal discussion about crab cakes and G&M.
• Jay D asked whether anyone can recommend a local place for pretzel rolls.  I have seen them at Wegmans in Columbia.  Any other suggestions?
• Does anyone know the timeline for the Highland Inn to open?  Or Bean & Burgundy in Ellicott City?  They were both under construction last time that I drove past.  Bean & Burgundy is hiring.
• JW, Dzoey and others have visited the new Shilla bakery on Rte 40 -- suggesting everything from deep-fried savory croquettes to sweets like the coffee macaroon.
• Colin wrote me about Friends & Farms.  This is a new Columbia company that I haven't had a chance to write about yet.  They're similar to a CSA, buying meats and vegetables from farmers and delivering a weekly basket.  They're offering a "pay by the week" option now.  Check out their Web site.
• Marcia reported that Wal-Mart had canning funnels -- a great tool if you're going to try to save some food into winter.
• Unknown liked the shrimp po' boy sandwich at RG's BBQ Cafe in Laurel.  Mark S recommended the Mandarin style fish at Chopstixx in Elkridge.  Neerman talked up the Nepalese food at Curry & Kabob, a new place in Columbia.
• TRC joined the "secret menu" club at Bon Fresco Sandwich Bakery in Columbia by ordering a mix-and-match sandwich -- a mozzarella and pesto grilled cheese.  Martin and Jeff reported that the second Bon Fresco has opened in Annapolis Junction.  I'm waiting on a full guest post because I love Bon Fresco.
• Junior Barnes reported that the Wegmans salad station may have become a nacho bar.
• Consider cooking classes with Alba Johnson who has a blog at EasyCookingWithAlba.  She has an October 2 class on Italian bread, then winter classes about Italian and Mediterranean-Thai.  Classes by Alba and many other teachers are available through the Howard County parks department.  They have a Web site where you can search cooking classes.