The Other Side Of The Tracks: Why You Need To Check Out Sykesville (And We Should Annex)

Crepe-making.  That's the balsamic glaze going on.

This post begins my plan to annex Sykesville.

The little town just across the railroad tracks in Carroll County is a terrific excursion, especially as a side trip on the way home from picking some fruit Larriland Farm.  It's half an hour from most of Howard County, and it's a cool place to explore and get some good food.

Jeff from Southern Skies Coffee turned me on to Sykesville -- and specifically emailed last month to tout the French Twist Cafe:

I wanted you to know about a really special place that just opened. It's a coffee shop just over the Carroll County line in downtown Sykesville.  Hélène, the owner, grew up in France and makes authentic crepes (both sweet and savory) and ridiculously good coffee drinks. She trained at the American Barista & Coffee School in Portland and obviously took the training to heart, as evidenced by her perfect cappuccinos. 

The crepes are made with buckwheat flour, which in spite of its name, contains no wheat and is gluten free. I've had the ham and cheese crepe and the nutella and banana crepe and both were stellar. 

The shop itself is located in a charming house with a big front porch that's perfect for lingering. If you make it up this way, please let me know and we can have coffee.

Everything that Jeff said was true, which is why we need to roll into town and annex the place.  Once Ulman is lieutenant government, Carroll County won't be able to stop us.

Crepe folded to eat

Mrs. HowChow and I stopped last weekend after picking cherries at Larriland.  I'll admit that I've followed emails into some shady joints, and Mrs. HowChow has followed me loyally into every one.  So she was pretty psyched when the French Twist Cafe turned out to be charming counter offering a superb lunch.

Crepe made to order.  The chef working two special griddles with a bottle of crepe batter and a long metal tool.  The crepes are impossibly pliable, yet crisp.  For savory one, they cover half the circle with a mix of cheese and vegetables.  Warm it through with the perfect amount of oil and balsamic glaze to dress the greens.

I lost a bet on that dressing.  The crepes come folded into fourths -- a really portable sandwich.  That made it way more fun to eat than a fussy knife and fork.  We got a Greek one -- a generous serving of greens, olives, and feta.  A light flavor from the buckwheat crepe.  The rich payoff of really good ingredients and crunch from some onion and green peppers.

Mrs. HowChow figured out that they'd added dressing.  That really brought the sandwich together, and the whole meal was light and exciting.  Crepes are exotic fun worth the drive, but the menu is completely accessible -- ranging from breakfast versions with eggs to savory items like basic ham, our Greek or a fancy crab meat.  And, of course, there are sweet crepes hyped up by butter, chocolate, Nutella, fruit and more.

Jeff's coffee shot

Remember that Jeff talked up the coffees.  Jeff roasts his own coffee, so you should listen when he says they serve a perfect cappuccino.

Overall, French Twist is a cool place to check out.  I was impressed with the quality of the ingredients.  It makes all the difference, and it means you could get all kinds of fun.  Coffee and breakfast.  A relaxed lunch.  A break on a bike ride.  A chocolate crepe to entertain some kids on an afternoon.

Notice that they start with breakfast service and cook into the late afternoon or early evening most days.  Check their hours.  Remember they're making the crepes to order.  Expect to wait a bit.  We lounged at a porch table in perfect weather, so we were content.

Up tomorrow:  The chocolate, wine and food store around the corner on Main Street that lets you turn a Sykesville trip into a full food excursion.

Can anyone tell me about the model train museum in Sykesville?  There is an old railroad car parked across from the French Twist.  As far as I can tell from the Web, it's a model train display run by a volunteer club and open on the first Sunday afternoon of every month.

French Twist Cafe
732 Oklahoma Avenue
Sykesville, MD 21784
(443) 920-3151

NEAR:  Sykesville is literally across a railroad track from northern Howard County.  From Howard County, you take Rte 32 north across I-70, then turn left onto West Friendship Road.  That curves across the border and turns into Main Street as it enters Sykesville.  Turn left at Oklahoma Avenue, but the French Twist will be on your right across from the railroad car.

Six Years Into A Completely Unreasonable Hobby: Why I Still Write About Food And Eating

Food is only what you make of it.

I fear, of course, that I have made way too much.  HowChow started because I couldn't find food when I started coming to Ellicott City.  As I have said before, I came for a woman.  Mrs. HowChow works some weekends, so I had entire days hanging alone and driving around to find something to cook for dinner.

HowChow started irregularly.  I found cool places, both markets and restaurants.  We had fun checking out new options, and I wrote some test posts before I even made the blog public.  That seems to have been in early 2008.  I had no idea what I was doing.  I had just stumbled on stuff like Produce Galore's corned beef sandwich and figured that was worth telling people.

I went public in June 2008.  Barely anyone knew for months.  Most of the comments on those early posts were from people writing in 2009.  JessieX was running a HocoLoco Girl site then with restaurant listings, and I linked a whole bunch of my posts from HocoLoco.  The crop of existing bloggers -- including Columbia Talk and others who stopped regular posts years ago -- taught me how the new medium could be full of links and compliments and letting people know when someone else started to write.

I'm indebted to them because the best part about HowChow has been how much I learned about Howard County.  Mrs. HowChow and I have wandered from one end to the other following comments about everything from pick-your-own fruit to new Chinese, from taco trucks to Korean soups.

When I started, there were regularly newspaper articles with punk ledes on the theme of "The suburbs are just full of chain restaurants, and you'd never expect to find the [fill in the blank] that I discovered for you."  I feel like that has disappeared.

Maybe that's because so much of the papers has vanished over the same years.  But I think perceptions changed, in part, because people have talked on HowChow, Yelp, Chowhound and other sites about the great options out here.  I certainly appreciate all the suggestions.  I have years of "Best Of Howard County" posts, but I still have an entire list of places that I haven't checked out yet.  Milita's Tacos on U.S. 1 needs to be my next stop, thanks to raves from Kevlar51.

Thanks, in fact, to everyone who leaves comments or sends me emails.  I love tips and suggestions.  Thanks especially to Dan, Nikki, Adam, Min and the other folks who have written guest posts with their own views.  The Trolling posts make me happy every time.  It's those connections -- and their suggestions to find great oysters, tasty egusi, or the beauty of fried chicken and house-made black-bean noodles -- that make me grateful that I have had six years to blog.

Food has helped me explore the place that I live, and it has connected me to all kinds of new people. That has made much more from this completely unreasonable hobby than I ever expected.

Pizza And Crab Soup At Johnny's Bistro: A Casual Kitchen With Real Ambition On Main Street

Pizza from Johnny's Bistro

I'm underestimating Johnny's Bistro on Main Street in Ellicott City.

A few weekend ago, I sat down planning a simple lunch, and the waitress served us tiny samples of crab soup that left me hungry for more.  Like an entire bowl, which I ordered and really enjoyed.  Suddenly, I was inspired to get a salad or a panini as something new.

But I had promised pizza to a three-year-old.

That's what we have eaten whenever we popped into Johnny's, and it didn't seem fair to abandon the pie that BigJ had been promised.  Especially when the pies are really good.  Three of us -- me, BigJ and BigJ's father -- split a pepperoni, and we happily ate every scrap.

I think Johnny's Bistro has one of the best pizzas around.  Nice crust with character and char.  Good sauce and cheese.  Johnny's is a casual joint on the hill in downtown Ellicott City, but the kitchen has real ambition.  Even a pizza for a five-year-old compared to my favorite local places like Facci or Coal Fire.

Next trip, we need to get past the pizza and try other dishes.  I'd love any suggestions.

Johnny's Bistro
8167 Main Street
Ellicott City, MD 21043
410.461.8210

NEAR:  Johnny's is in the historic downtown Ellicott City.  It's downhill from the intersection with Old Columbia Pike and just uphill from the Sweet Cascades candy shop.

Mark Your Calendar Now For A Day At Larriland; Cherries Were Magic, But You Can Get More

Yellow and red cherries from Larriland Farm

You need to mark your calendar now for a day at Larriland Farm, and you can only hope for something as glorious as last weekend.

Larriland will have a flow of great "pick-your-own" fruits and vegetables through October.  But this weekend they had cherries.

Larriland knows how to handle crowds

That's almost a miracle.  Among the trees, we talked to one of Larriland's owners who described years and years where the cherry trees don't fruit because the weather doesn't cooperate.  This year filled the grove with cherries, but this last week's rain threaten to cause them all to burst.  So the Larriland crew had been applying calcium four times a day to keep everything firm.

That's how we ended up standing inside magical trees on Saturday morning.  Mrs. HowChow had gotten a Larriland email saying the cherry trees would be open on Saturday.  We arrived before the fields open, and there were already dozens of people parked and picking.

The fruit is really fun.  Sweet cherries in deep red and dark yellow.  Trees with hundreds of ripe cherries hanging in arms length.  We picked like maniacs.  We stopped only because our boxes seemed ridiculous, and we ended up with almost 20 pounds.  I should have spent all Sunday putting them away.  I'll need to plan one project -- freeze, jam, bourbon cherries -- for each night this week.

Larriland is one of my favorite places in all of Howard County.  The family-run farm in Woodbine is an easy 30 minutes from most of the county.  They just do everything well.  Signs take you to the fields.  People direct traffic, give you bags, help you know what to pick, and check you out right next to the fields.  They were packed Saturday for cherries and strawberries, and everything was friendly and smooth.

Challah rolls from The Breadery

The cherries will disappear, but you should pencil in a day or two now to make a trip to Larriland.  Blueberries and peaches, then apples, tomatoes and pumpkins.  I post similar advice almost every year after we have a magical day.  Can tomatoes.  Go for the weekend festival atmosphere before Halloween.  It's great for a date, for taking kids, or for meeting friends out in the country.

If you do, don't miss stopping at the big barn in the main part of Larriland.  They sell all kinds of vegetables and fruits, along with some sodas, candies, and the dried fruit candy that you need to try at the register.  They also sell breads from The Breadery in Oella -- including challah rolls that looked like cousins to hot dog buns that I have deemed "the best hot dog buns you'll find anywhere."  I bought two bags in preparation for our next ground meat purchase from Laurel Meat Market.

For years, I have championed the barbecue and smoked fish from the Town Grille in Lisbon.  That's a half-block out of your way from Larriland, and you'll have a terrific lunch there.  Now, I'll add some alternatives with posts later this week.  Jeff from Southern Skies Coffee Roasters turned me on to Sykesville, and I heartily recommend a short detour for lunch and shopping.

Best Seat In The House: Chocolate Cookies, Sunset And A View Of The Columbia Lakefront

The best seat in the house

That's the best seat in the house.

Sunset.  Two chocolate cookies from Le Comptoir, the new dessert and sandwich counter next to Petit Louis.  And a view out onto the Columbia lakefront.

I can't recommend enough a night on the outdoor seats at Le Comptoir.  For a few dollars, you can enjoy an idyllic view and a delicious dessert.  Pair with a walk on the lake.  Go after dinner at Sushi Sono or before a drink at one of the bars.  You might almost be in a pedestrian spot, and in a few months . . . . Whole Foods just down the lake.

Go have fun this weekend.

New Farmers Market In Maple Lawn: Get Ful-Ton On Veggies, Eggs, Meats, Coffee, And More

Love Dove Farm

A new farmers market has started Saturday mornings on Maple Lawn Boulevard in Fulton -- vegetables, eggs, baked goods and more in a parking lot .

The market started last weekend, and it should run every other Saturday mornings into the fall.  Last weekend was fun -- and it isn't even the season for the best vegetables.

(Updated:  I added "every other" because I misunderstood.  Thanks Amber.  Look at this Web site for the dates.)

Mrs. HowChow and I got a tomato plant from Pong's Orchard.  Then we filled a shopping bag with radishes, kale, and eggs.  I bought spinach, but I think that I left it on the Love Dove Farm table.  At least, I never found it in our fridge to cook this week.

Markets are fun.  This one had two bakeries, a coffee company and used books on top of the farm stands.  Folks came out with kids and dogs.  People who live in Maple Lawn can walk over, but there is plenty of parking for anyone from Laurel to Clarksville who wanted to check it out.  We had fun, and the selection should just get better as fields ripen with tomatoes, cucumbers, melons and the great tastes of summer.

To me, the find of the morning were eggs from TLV Tree Farm.  I've been replacing some chicken dinners with dishes made with eggs, and the TLV eggs were delicious.  Folks swear by small farm eggs.  I thought these were especially bright, and the yolks were firm and tasty.  For Sunday night, I made them the stars of a dish from Yotom Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi's cookbook Jerusalem.

Shakshuka w/TLV eggs

They taught me to make shakshuka -- a Tunisian dish for breakfast or lunch.  You basically cook a sauce of tomato and peppers flavored with garlic, cumin, and a harissa paste made from spices, red pepper, red onion, garlic and hot peppers.  Then you crack eggs into indentations and let them cook in the sauce.  A great reason to try TLV eggs or to check Jerusalem out of the Howard County library.

The Maple Lawn farmers market is on Maple Lawn Boulevard just south of Johns Hopkins Road.  It is the parking lot of a medical office building across from the Maple Lawn pool.

Maggiano's Has Opened At The Columbia Mall; One Of The Two Dudes Has The Full Report

The Columbia Mall continues to add new restaurants, and Maggiano's cut the ceremonial pasta today with full coverage by the Two Dudes Who Love Food blog

Thomas got the full tour and some tastings -- while on his lunch break from school.  He liked the Italian food, and I think the place will be packed.

Here We Go Again: Folks Say Ananda Will Open In 3-4 Weeks, Bringing Indian To Maple Lawn

I don't want to be Chicken Little, but folks are saying again that the new Ananda restaurant will open in Maple Lawn in 3-4 weeks.

The latest word was a post on the Maple Lawn 2.0 Facebook page by someone who said she talked to the manager.  This will be an Indian restaurant.  The building has been going up for more than a year.  Construction has been glacial all 2014, and I don't think it has a sign or a Web site.

I sent an email to an address that someone wrote in a January ad looking for servers and kitchen help.  The restaurant was opening in February when they posted that.

(Update:  Don't count on a June opening.  On June 12, I heard back from a nice person who said they don't have an opening date yet.  The advice was that I email back in a few weeks, and they'll have a date then.")

Ananda seems like it could be terrific.  It's owned by the folks who run the Ambassador in Baltimore, and I'm infatuated by the windows on one side that open like garage doors.  Those should turn the room into almost-outdoor dining in good weather.

Does anyone know more?  Has anyone seen a Web page or any announcements? Hat tip to K8teebug, who flagged the Facebook page for me.

New Phubs Bringing Bahn Mi And Vietnamese Near Arundel Mills; We're Taking Over The Next County

Sandwiches at Phubs in Hanover

HowChow -- and the new Phubs restaurant -- are going to take over Anne Arundel, or at least the close sections.

Reader THC talked up the new Vietnamese restaurant in Hanover just of Rte 100 east of the BW Parkway.  It apparently Phubs opened recently, and she and her sidekicks, the Hubs and Stormageddon, found a casual spot focused on subs and soups with a Vietnamese style.

This isn't my normal stomping ground, but THC provided a full report -- and I know many people slide over towards Arundel Mills for work for fun.  Cafe Au Lait in Ellicott City sells the bahn mi sandwiches, but a good bahn mi is worth a serious drove.  Here is TMC's report:

A few weeks back when the Hubs and I saw the coming soon sign for Phubs we were stoked about a pho place being so close to our house.  We vowed to return immediately upon them opening. 

There is very comfortable looking outside seating (four tables). The interior of the restaurant has a clean minimalistic vibe.  A bamboo half wall separates the ordering counter from the dining room and the bamboo theme continues on a grand scale on the long wall in the dining room with a gigantic graphic of vibrant green bamboo.  There are a few high counter seats that face the parking lot as well as booths and tables. 

The menu is a good size without being overwhelming for someone unfamiliar with the cuisine.  I was pleased to see that there were plenty of options for vegetarians, vegans, gluten free folk, and of course unapologetic carnivores.

Let This Be Your Summer Of Twist Peppers

"Twist" or shishito peppers at Lotte

Even cooks who burn their food can make delicious, trendy food by grabbing a bag of magic peppers.

On fancy restaurant menus, these are shishito peppers -- a sweet green pepper that chefs dress up with all kinds of flavors.  They're mostly sweet, although a few shishito on every plate with have a spicy kick, less than a jalapeño but more than the sweet flavor in most of the dish.

For you, they're "twist peppers" for $3 a pound in Asian supermarkets like Lotte and H Mart.

This is super-easy, and the terrific side dish goes with anything from burgers to Asian food.  They're just exotic enough to be worth a drive.  But they're basically sweet peppers, so you shouldn't scare anyone off.

Literally, this is the three-step recipe to cook twist peppers:

1) Heat a film of oil in a non-stick, cast iron pan, or a wok.   

2) Add the peppers.  Cook them over medium until the skin starts to blister.  

3)  When they have a few char marks and have softened slightly, toss them in a bowl.  Add a few pinches of salt -- best with some big-grained salt like sea salt -- until you like the taste.  

The cook time is up to you.  I like the peppers to have a little bite, so I take them off as soon as them soften.  If you want shishito ideas with more flavors or more vegetables, check the Internet for articles like this Denver Post post.

Two Restaurants Closed, But The Trend Has Been Really Good Places Are Taking Over Leases

Two longtime Howard County restaurants have apparently closed -- the Copeland's near the mall and the Applebee's in the "restaurant park" off Rte 108.

I actually hadn't eaten at either.  But I know they had fans, and the Copeland's closing was a surprise when I heard about it from Eileen on the HowChow Facebook page.

The recent trend has been that restaurant space gets leased pretty quickly:

• Wild Cajun replaced Chen Hibachi in Ellicott City;
• Mission BBQ appears to be aiming to open in July in the former Chicken Out in Columbia;
• Chef Paolino does appear to be taking over the former Serafino's in Ellicott City as people were talking about earlier this year; and
• The Applebee's spot will become the new home of Royal Taj.  That's an excellent Indian restaurant now off McGaw Road near Wegmans.  They're aiming to renovate the Applebee's and move into new, larger space by October, reports Marcia who talked to the owner last week:

We got carry out from Royal Taj last night. First of all, this is the first time I remember the owner asking how hot we wanted our food. Perhaps this means they are moving toward more authentic Indian rather than Americanized??? Or, they just forgot to ask in the past. Or, my husband forgot they asked - LOL 

The time to get there for carry out is right when they open, because then the owner is in the front and not very busy, so able to talk He said they have begun construction in the new location, opening planned before October. When it is time to move, they will close the existing Royal Taj for a week and transition to the new one. His goal is that when they open in the new location everything will be running smoothly from day one. 

And by the way, I got Chicken Saag and I think it was prepared better than I remember it from the past.

Does anyone know the plan for the Copeland's space?  The company's Web site doesn't show any locations in Maryland now, so maybe they had a plan to retrench.  I assume that's a prime restaurant location just off Little Patuxent Parkway and near the lakefront scene with Petit Louis, Sushi Sono, Clyde's and Tomato Palace.

Coming Soon: Mission BBQ in Columbia, Farmers Market in Fulton; Maple Lawn Gets Veggies

Mission BBQ is coming to Columbia in the former home of Chicken Out just off Rte 175 and Dobbin Road.

(Update, it looks like Mission BBQ is aiming to open in July 2014 -- suggested by the fact that the company retweeted Kerry's tweet with that date.)

This is another restaurant into the development with Target and Dick's Sporting Goods.  This is right off Dobbin.  I first mentioned Mission BBQ in February based on a reliable source.  Last weekend, the sign was up, but it looked construction continues.  James and several other people emailed me while I was laid up.  Folks are pretty excited for the meats.

Down south, folks are excited for the vegetables at a new Saturday farmers market planned this summer in the Maple Lawn development.  Folks from Love Dove Farm in Woodbine came to the Maple Lawn community meeting earlier this month to announce that they'll offer vegetables, bread, cheese and more on Saturday mornings starting at 8:30 am.

I thought this was one of the county-run markets, but their Web site shows three markets on Wednesdays (Miller Library), Thursdays (Howard County General) and Sunday (Oakland Mills).  The reports from the Maple Lawn meeting said the farmers planned to have music, events, and sweets from a bakery, maybe called Stone House Bakery.

I have been out of commission for weeks with travel and illness. I'm trying to start up again, and I'll do a bunch of short posts about news that happened when I was home. This way, people will be able to find the posts if they're looking for a specific restaurant. Check them all out by clicking on Reset May 2014.

BricknFire Pizza Is Firing In Oella, Says Adam; Enjoy A Cool Walk To Great Food Off Main Street

BricknFire Pizza from opening day

On my list for this summer is an afternoon walk up a shady trail from Main Street to brick oven pizza.

The new BricknFire Pizza is operating from the parking lot of the Breadery in Oella.  The bakery is worth a walk on its own, but BricknFire is running a portable pizza oven that takes the place up a notch.  It all sits next to the Trolley Line #9 trail that runs up a shaded hill from downtown Ellicott City up into Oella.

When I wanted to try last weekend, BricknFire was out at winery.  But friend of the blog Adam checked out some pies at the early May opening, and he sent me a thoughtful piece that talked up the good:

The char

There’s a lot to like about BricknFire Pizza, but there are still some elements to work out. Set outside the rustic façade of the Breadery and adjacent to the Trolley Trail, Brick’n Fire has a pastoral ambiance which bolsters the ethos of rustic, Neapolitan style pizza. Based on my initial tasting, they’re not far from it.

The opening day menu consisted of three pizzas; Cheese ($9), Margherita ($10), and Soppressata ($10). A brochure promises various “Chef Creation” pizzas at “market price” for the future, although specifics weren’t enumerated on.

Strawberry Season Arrives, And You Can Get CrunchDaddy With Your Fruit At Gorman

Strawberry season has arrived, and you can get all kinds of treats at local farms.

My local spots are Gorman Farm in Laurel and Larriland Farm in Woodbine.  Larriland is the big player and very worth the drive out Rte 70, but Gorman is a stone's throw from Columbia so it's really easy to get into the fields.

Gorman opened last weekend, and they seem to be picking this week -- overcoming last week's hail storm.  Larriland seems to be opening this Saturday.

As a special bonus, you should check out CrunchDaddy popcorn for sale at Gorman.  I love that stuff.  It's made in Howard County, and it's a great match of local businesses to have CrunchDaddy at Gorman.  They're trying to stock eight varieties, including two new ones -- Smokey Cheddar Crunch and Chesapeake Peanut Crunch.

If you want to pick strawberries, definitely check the farms' Web sites because they open and close as they have ripe fruit -- Gorman Farms and Larriland Farms.

I have been out of commission for weeks with travel and illness. I'm trying to start up again, and I'll do a bunch of short posts about news that happened when I was home. This way, people will be able to find the posts if they're looking for a specific restaurant. Check them all out by clicking on Reset May 2014.

Corn Nuts & Popcorn: The Easiest Gourmet Appetizer You Can Make; Pick It All Up At Roots

Thank Roots that you can make the easiest gourmet appetizer that I have ever seen.

At Cuba de Ayer in Philadelphia, they serve a delicious snack made of popcorn and corn nuts.  Two kinds of crunchy.  Two kinds of salty.  It's a terrific dish that Mrs. HowChow recreated from Roots Market in Clarksville.

They sell a bunch of gourmet popcorns.  Or you could make your own.  And they also sell corn nuts in their house-brand package section.  They sell all kinds of sweet and savory snacks in Roots brand packages. The corn nuts are quite good, and Mrs. HowChow mixed them up Wednesday night while I grilled vegetables.

Cafe Mezcla Opened In Hickory Ridge With Waffles And Crepes, Sweet And Savory

A new cafe opened in the Hickory Ridge village center in Columbia -- bringing a menu of crepes, waffles and more to Columbia, reported several people who commented over the past week.

Cafe Mezcla opened last weekend next to Meadows Custard, according to reports from folks including Elizabeth of the Bare Midriff blog was the early reporter.  This sounds like a place for meals or dessert. They do crepes with goat cheese and mushrooms and waffles with bananas Foster.

I have been out of commission for weeks with travel and illness. I'm trying to start up again, and I'll do a bunch of short posts about news that happened when I was home. This way, people will be able to find the posts if they're looking for a specific restaurant. Check them all out by clicking on Reset May 2014.

Saturdays Call You To Main Street; Mobile Pizza Co. Installing Kitchen, Taking Over Ice Cream

The new weekly market off Main Street should call you on Saturdays to walk through downtown Ellicott City.

For several years, there was a monthly market with food stalls, vegetables stands, and some vendors selling olives, pickles, jams and other items.

But the market has gone weekly now.  It's every Saturday in the parking lot behind Tersiguel's and in the parking lot next to the Wine Bin.  Last weekend, Katie discovered news and reported in her CupcakeRN blog -- including the fact that the folks behind River Hill Pizza Co. and its mobile ovens are taking over space on Tonge Row to install a kitchen.  They're also taking over the ScoopAHHdeedoo ice cream shop in the same row.

I have been out of commission for weeks with travel and illness. I'm trying to start up again, and I'll do a bunch of short posts about news that happened when I was home. This way, people will be able to find the posts if they're looking for a specific restaurant. Check them all out by clicking on Reset May 2014.

Buffalo Wild Wings Has Opened In Columbia

Buffalo Wild Wings has opened in Columbia.  I went past Sunday on a run to Target, and they were filling the parking lot by the time that I drove home.

This is an outbuilding across from the Target on Rte 175.  Buffalo Wild Wings is next to Famous Dave's, which was flying some beer company banners in competition.

I hear good things about these wings, although I haven't actually eaten there.  Has anyone tried it yet?

I have been out of commission for weeks with travel and illness.  I'm trying to start up again, and I'll do a bunch of short posts about news that happened when I was home.  This way, people will be able to find the posts if they're looking for a specific restaurant.  Check them all out by clicking on Reset May 2014.

Open Saturday: BricknFire Brings Pizza To Oella

Opening on Saturday -- BricknFire Pizza in Oella.

This is a second-generation place from the family who own The Breadery.  They have installed a pizza oven, and they're growing their own herbs.  Check out their Facebook page.  They're a stone's throw from Howard County just up the hill from downtown Ellicott CIty.

If you're thinking about pizza, you should really consider a walk on the path that runs from Main Street up past The Breadery.  You won't find a better light exercise than enjoying a walk up the forested path and enjoying the food at The Breadery and BricknFire.

I wrote about the walk two years ago.  Duane wrote this spring in the HoCo Connect blog.

Hat tip to CrunchDaddy of CrunchDaddy Popcorn who reminded me about BricknFire and mentioned the opening.  

BricknFire Pizza
418 Oella Ave
Catonsville, Maryland 21228
(443) 851-0676

NEAR: BricknFire and The Breadery are really easy to reach from Main Street in Ellicott City. Oella and Catonsville are right across the river in Baltimore County. You wind up picturesque Westchester Avenue and end up a few doors down from The Breadery.

One Perfect Item At The Mexican Butcher In Columbia; What Else Should I Be Ordering?

Fajita meat, 

I buy one perfect thing at the butcher in Lily's Mexican Market, and I would really love some other advice.

The fajita meat at Lily's makes for a really great dinner with minimal effort.  Buy some meat, Mexican cheese, radishes and jalapeños  and a bag of the fresh corn tortillas.  If you want to splurge, get some tomatillos or some cactus.  (The cactus alone makes for great tacos, but that's getting off point.)

Take just a few minutes at home to cook the meat on a griddle or cast iron pan -- maybe char the jalapeño and tomatillos alongside before you chop them into a rough salsa.  Boom, you have easy soft tacos that are truly delicious.

Fajita meat from the Columbia market is perfect for me because I can buy a half pound of sliced meat -- as opposed to the entire skirt or flank steaks that I need to buy at Laurel Meat Market.

But I want to buy more.  What else do people buy at the Lily's butcher?  I basically asked this question in 2012, but I'm asking again because I know there are other cuts that a Latin butcher can deliver up.  I love Rick Bayless' Mexican Everyday cookbook so I'm game for whatever you suggest.