tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12427765788832063292024-03-14T00:21:34.173-04:00Live in Howard CountyThe best of Howard County, Maryland for residents and newcomers.billzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282065146967568066noreply@blogger.comBlogger189125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242776578883206329.post-38057045030087953512009-10-09T09:00:00.001-04:002009-10-09T09:00:08.228-04:00Howard Magazine Best of Dining 2009, Part 2The Howard Magazine Best of Dining reader's poll results have 43 categories. I listed what I considered the top 11 in <a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2009/10/howard-magazine-best-of-dining-2009.html">yesterday's post</a>. Here is a set focused on some of the more "everyday" food categories.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Bar Food: Victoria Gastro Pub</span><br />Honorable Mentions: The Green Turtle, Clyde's of Columbia, Bare Bones, Looney's Pub South, Rams Head Tavern, Shannon's<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Value: Double-T Diner</span><br />Honorable Mentions: Maiwand Kabob, Shannon's, Mimi's Cafe<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Breakfast: Eggspectation</span><br />Honorable Mentions: Mimi's Cafe, Double-T Diner, Bob Evans<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Brunch: Clyde's of Columbia</span><br />Honorable Mentions: Eggspectation, Victoria Gastro Pub, Waterside<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Burger: Red Robin</span><br />Honorable Mention: Cheeburger Cheeburger, Victoria Gastro Pub, Fuddruckers<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Crab Cake: Clyde's of Columbia</span><br />Honorable Mentions: Crab Shanty, LeeLynn's, Coho Grill, Shannon's<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Deli: Charter Deli</span><br />Honorable Mentions: Columbia's Best Deli, Nora's Cafe, Bagel Bin, Panera<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Dessert: The Cheesecake Factory</span><br />Honorable Mentions: La Madeleine, Bonaparte Breads, Iron Bridge Wine, Touche Touchet<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Lunch Menu: Shannon's</span><br />Honorable Mentions (3-way tie): Cheesecake Factory, Nordstrom's Cafe, Panera<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Pizza: Ledo</span><br />Honorable Mentions: Trattoria E Pizzaria Da Enrico, Bertucci's, PastaBlitz<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Ribs: Bare Bones</span><br />Honorable Mentions: Famous Dave's, Kloby's, The Rumor Mill, T-Bonz<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Sports Bar: Champps</span><br />Honorable Mentions: The Green Turtle, Looney's Pub South, River Hill Sports Grill<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Takeout: Maiwand Kabob</span><br />Honorable Mentions: Akbar, Panera, Pei Weibillzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282065146967568066noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242776578883206329.post-59887887415583276392009-10-08T09:00:00.001-04:002009-10-08T09:00:08.616-04:00Howard Magazine Best of Dining 2009Howard Magazine has published the results of its 2009 readers' poll of dining in the county. It's still very hard to find this information anywhere online, so I'll share some of the winners. With 43 different categories it seems like there's room for everyone to win something. But there are some categories that seem to be more significant than others. Herewith, some of the key category winners and honorable mentions.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Restaurant (Overall): Clyde's of Columbia</span><br />Honorable Mentions: The Kings Contrivance, Victoria Gastro Pub, Aida Bistro<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Fine Dining: The Kings Contrivance</span><br />Honorable Mentions: Tersiguel's, Elkridge Furnace Inn, Jordan's Steakhouse<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best New Restaurant: Bistro Blanc</span><br />Honorable Mention: Looney's Pub South<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Chinese: Hunan Manor</span><br />Honorable Mentions: P.F. Chang's, China Chefs, Asean Bistro, Hunan Legend<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Sushi: Sushi Sono</span><br />Honorable Mentions: Sushi King, Sakura, Fuji<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Asian (other than Chinese): Asean Bistro</span><br />Honorable Mentions: Noodles Corner, Nichi Bei Kai, Pei Wei<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Indian: House of India</span><br />Honorable Mentions: Akbar, Bombay Peacock Grill, The Mango Grove<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Italian: Aida Bistro</span><br />Honorable Mentions: Carrabba's, Strapazza, Olive Garden<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Mexican: El Azteca</span><br />Honorable Mentions: Zapata's, La Palapa, Don Pablo's, MiCasa<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Steak: Jordan's Steakhouse</span><br />Honorable Mentions: Outback Steakhouse, Longhorn Steaks, Greystone Grill<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Wine List: Iron Bridge Wine Co.</span><br />Honorable Mentions: Victoria Gastro Pub, The Wine Bin, Aida Bistro, Bistro Blanc<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">To see how the 2009 list changed from last year, see our summary of the </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/11/howard-magazine-best-of-dining-2008.html">2008 Howard Magazine list</a><span style="font-style: italic;">.</span>billzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282065146967568066noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242776578883206329.post-15755208524424938922009-08-31T09:00:00.001-04:002009-08-31T09:00:03.889-04:00HoCo Chefs in Restaurant Weeks VideosI just came across two videos of local chefs that were produced for Howard County's Restaurant Weeks. The theme for this summer's promotion was fresh local produce and suppliers. That's why one video is Bistro Blanc's Chef Marc Dixon preparing a hamburger using local beef, and the other is the Elkridge Furnace Inn's Executive Chef and owner Dan Wecker's Chicken Ventura featuring herbs straight from his garden. Have a look. Next stop: Food Network!<br /><br /><object width="340" height="285"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/NpcPXxZG018&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/NpcPXxZG018&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="340" height="285"></embed></object><br /><br /><object width="340" height="285"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/swiRApaOIlg&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/swiRApaOIlg&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="340" height="285"></embed></object>billzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282065146967568066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242776578883206329.post-4624720280682126102009-08-29T09:00:00.002-04:002009-08-29T09:00:01.655-04:00Jordan's Steakhouse RIP (?)What a long, strange couple of weeks it must have been for Jordan Naftal. First he and Carlos Venegas (of Ranazul) announce they are <a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2009/08/oz-chophouse-sold-to-jordans.html">taking over the space</a> of oZ Chophouse in Maple Lawn. Then a dispute with his landlord leaves Naftal <a href="http://www.explorehoward.com/news/64596/ellicott-city-steakhouse-closed-over-rent-dispute/">locked out</a> of his namesake restaurant, <a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/10/jordans-steakhouse.html">Jordan's Steakhouse</a> in Ellicott City. And soon followed criminal charges filed against Naftal due to <a href="http://www.explorehoward.com/news/64764/jordans-steakhouse-owned-charged-with-not-paying-wages/">nonpayment of wages</a> to a former worker, along with reports of unpaid taxes. The latest news is that Jordan is <a href="http://www.explorehoward.com/news/64913/jordans-owner-no-longer-part-maple-lawn-venture/">pulling out</a> of the Maple Lawn venture with Venegas, and it seems that Jordan's Steakhouse is closed permanently. <div><br /></div><div>It's a series of sad developments, not only for Jordan, but also for what appears to many former employees who have not been paid for weeks or months. Jordan has been a fixture in the Howard County restaurant scene, including active roles with the Restaurant Association and the board of Howard County Tourism. It remains to be seen if and how he will rebound. </div><div><br /></div><div>You can find some virulent comments about Jordan and his restaurant on some other sites, but I can't believe he was trying to con or deceive anyone. The reputation, identity, and presumably financial well being of Jordan and his family were wrapped up in Jordan's Steakhouse. I hope he finds a way to "figure out how to take care of everyone and to figure out our plan." It can't be easy. And the Howard County community is a poorer place for his absence.</div><div><br /></div>billzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282065146967568066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242776578883206329.post-74736382053392614392009-08-12T09:00:00.003-04:002009-08-12T09:00:01.081-04:00Bon Fresco Brings Great Bread and Sandwiches to ColumbiaIt took me a little while to get around to trying Bon Fresco, but once I did, it's been hard to stay away. The place makes great fresh breads baked on the premises in several varieties -- baguette, ciabatta, foccacia, a delicious plain white loaf, and my recent favorite, a soft, pillowy flatbread. We were recently offered a cinnamon bun that put the gloppy mall versions to shame.<br /><br />Sandwiches at Bon Fresco are inventive with fresh, top quality ingredients including fresh roast turkey, pork loin, nice grilled vegetables and much more. The sandwiches come out hearty but not over-stuffed. You can feel good that you're eating well, but not eating too much. Sandwiches are served with a little side of lentils or cous-cous, which I like for a change of pace. But some folks really wanted chips, so now Bon Fresco offers a choice of good-quality potato chips if you get a drink, too.<br /><br />In addition to the sandwiches, Bon Fresco has some terrific salads (the curried chicken salad is especially good) and you can choose your own mix of toppings and greens. They also have several freshly made soups that look great but I frankly haven't tried yet. The counter staff is friendly and eager to make suggestions to help you make the best choice. Bon Fresco has enough seats to eat right there or you can take your treasures back to your home, office, picnic or wherever. <br /><br />Bon Fresco is precisely the type of fresh, home grown eatery that folks often say they want as a quality alternative to fast food chains. If you're one of those folks, seek Bon Fresco out and put your money where your mouth is. If you're not one of those folks, give it a try anyway and you may find yourself coming back, too.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: bold;">Location</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />6945 Oakland Mills Road</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />Columbia, MD 21045</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />410-290-3434</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />(no website I can find)<br /><br />From Snowden River Parkway, go west on Oakland Mills Road and take the first right into the shopping/office park. Bon Frescos is tucked in to the right, and they've put up a few small signs to help you find them. It's worth looking for!</span><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: bold;"><br />Reviews</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">How Chow has two positive posts (</span><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="http://howchow.blogspot.com/2009/06/bon-fresco-sandwich-bakery-in-columbia.html">post 1</a><span style="font-family: verdana;">, </span><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="http://howchow.blogspot.com/2009/07/tomatoes-and-bon-frescos-baguette.html">post 2</a><span style="font-family: verdana;">) about Bon Fresco.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/31/1455951/restaurant/Baltimore/Bon-Fresco-Columbia">Urbanspoon</a> readers give Bon Fresco a <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">100%</span> rating based on 19 votes and 3 user reviews (as of 8/11/09) </span></span><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/31/1455951/restaurant/Baltimore/Bon-Fresco-Columbia"><img alt="Bon Fresco on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1455951/minilogo.gif" style="border: medium none ; width: 104px; height: 15px;" /></a></li><li style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Yelp readers five Bon Fresco <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">5/5 stars</span> based on 2 reviews as of 8/11/09.<br /></span></li><li style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/630378">Chowhound</a> has 5 comments about Bon Fresco as of 8/11/09.<br /></span></li></ul>billzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282065146967568066noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242776578883206329.post-72023849408631340362009-08-11T09:00:00.005-04:002009-08-11T09:00:04.908-04:00B&O American BrasserieWe ventured into Baltimore last weekend to try the brand new <a href="http://www.bandorestaurant.com/">B&O American Brasserie</a> at the brand new <a href="http://www.monaco-baltimore.com/">Hotel Monaco Baltimore</a>. This is a formidable restaurant with a high-powered chef, E. Michael Reidt, whose <a href="http://www.chefwear.com/news/chef/chef.asp?CHEF_ID=44&F_PG=1">resume</a> includes Food & Wine's Best New Chef of 2001 and top restaurants in Boston, Miami and Santa Barbara. It's a welcome addition to the Baltimore scene, and far more than a typical hotel restaurant, though it is saddled with the responsibility of offering breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. The B&O American Brasserie is a destination in its own right and provides ample reasons for locals to give it a try.<br /><br />The restaurant, located in what used to be the headquarters building of the B&O Railroad, has a handsome bar, lounge, kitchen and a few tables on the ground floor, with more seating in a loft area upstairs. We were initially seated at the rail of the upstairs loft, but found the noise and music from the bar area a little overpowering, so we moved further back into one of the more secluded banquettes. The restaurant wasn't full, so it was easy to move, but one wonders what the sound level might be like on a truly busy night. And it probably will get busy.<br /><br />The focus here is on Chesapeake regional food and ingredients. The menu is not as extensive or adventurous as the Woodberry Kitchen, but there is a welcome emphasis on local farms and suppliers. As their website says, the restaurant is "committed to sustainable and socially responsible practices...[using] non-intrusive, high quality, eco-friendly products, ingredients and services as well as organic and local foods whenever possible." Their menu is not yet available online, but includes starters and salads, brick oven flatbreads ($8-11), sandwiches ($11-15), and main couses ($17-27, or up to $34 for a ribeye steak). You can also get a number of interesting-looking snacks at the bar from $6 up.<br /><br />Our meal started with Summer Corn Chowder soup that was a smooth and satisfying beginning. Smoked Carolina Trout was good, not great, but complemented with a wonderful potato salad that left us wanting more. A Ricotta Flatbread with asparagus and a fried egg on top was a disappointment, with the bread coming out tough and too crunchy, and the flavors nondescript.<br /><br />Our entrees were top-notch. The Chesapeake Rockfish was well prepared, but the smoked shrimp-pea risotto with arugula pesto upon which it arrived was a dream. BBQ Beef Shortrib was succulent with a delicious, smoky barbeque sauce and rich, creamy potatoes. The Culoutte Steak from Vande Rose Farms (in Iowa, not exactly local, but plenty good) was cooked just right, as were the accompanying Duck Fat Fries which put all others I've had to shame. The Rice-Crusted Diver Scallops were fine and recommended by the waitress, but were frankly were the only entree that didn't competely win us over. The Garlicky Spinach we had as a side was certainly fresh, but not very garlicky.<br /><br />The desserts were inventive and we couldn't resist trying a few. My daughter had a lot of fun with a Pop Rocks Root Beer Float. Apple Tart with Honey Ice Cream proved to be a mini apple pie that would have been a meal in itself (most of it's still in our fridge) but the honey ice cream was very satisfying. Another dessert, which I can't recall, featured Pepper Ice Cream. We ordered just a scoop of the ice cream and it was a revelation -- I've never had that combination of ice cream sweetness with black pepper tang. I'll be on the lookout for it again.<br /><br />The restaurant has not yet completely found its feet. Our server was pleasant, but it took a while for utensils and other items to appear. Music volume and lighting levels seemed to vary up and down through the evening. And one last quibble: there's only a single unisex bathroom for the entire bar and restaurant. That's going to be a problem that I hope they can soon remedy.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The B&O American Brasserie is located at 2 N. Charles, between Baltimore and Fayette Streets. Valet parking is $5 for restaurant guests. Take a few minutes and wander up the marble steps to the lobby of the Hotel Monaco -- there's a very nice lounge area and it's great to see this landmark building restored.<br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Location</span><br /></span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" >2 North Charles Street<br />Baltimore, MD 21201<br />443-692-6172<br /><a href="http://www.bandorestaurant.com/">www.bandorestaurant.com</a><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/31/1464873/restaurant/Downtown/B-O-American-Brasserie-Baltimore"><img alt="B & O - American Brasserie on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1464873/biglogo.gif" style="border:none;width:104px;height:34px" /></a><br /></span></span>billzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282065146967568066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242776578883206329.post-57019811680836113092009-08-10T10:00:00.003-04:002009-08-10T10:00:00.868-04:00oZ Chophouse Sold to Jordan'soZ Chophouse in Maple Lawn closed its doors August 8 and sold the restaurant to Jordan Naftal, owner of Jordan's Steakhouse in Ellicott City. The sale is confirmed by the <a href="http://ozchophouse.com/">oZ website</a>. <a href="http://howchow.blogspot.com/2009/08/is-oz-chophouse-closing.html">How Chow</a> via <a href="http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/dining/reviews/blog/2009/08/two_more_restaurant_closings.html">Elizabeth Large</a> reports that the new restaurant in the space will be a joint project between Jordan and Carlos Venegas, owner of Ranazul's, called "Carlos and Jordan's Steakhouse." We were fans of oZ's, as our <a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2009/03/dining-update-oz-chophouse.html">most recent review</a> in March indicated, but word of mouth even then was turning against the restaurant, not to mention the economy. We will miss oZ but look forward to a collaboration between the owners of <a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/10/jordans-steakhouse.html">Jordan's</a> and <a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/10/ranazul.html">Ranazul</a>, targeted for November 2009 according to a tweet from Jordan. Burning questions: will the tree remain in the dining room and will the rocks still be in the bathroom sinks?<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Also see our </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/10/oz-chophouse.html">original thumbnail post on oZ Chophouse</a><span style="font-style: italic;">.</span>billzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282065146967568066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242776578883206329.post-23046023876001233262009-08-10T09:00:00.001-04:002009-08-10T09:00:02.054-04:00Get thee to the Fair!The Howard County Fair is underway through August 15. Head on out to the fairground from 8am - 11pm each day for a dose of food, fun and farm animals. The <a href="http://www.howardcountyfair.org/Howard%20County%20Fair.htm">Fair website</a> could use a little help with its schedule information, but there's plenty going on each day. Guess you just have to wander down to find out. If anyone knows of a better schedule posted online, please let me know.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">While you're in the neighborhood, consider a stop at <a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2009/05/jennys-market.html">Jenny's Market</a> or <a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/10/bistro-blanc.html">Bistro Blanc</a> (but not on Mondays for either one...though Bistro Blanc is hosting a special wine dinner tonight featuring Mt. Airy's Elk Run Winery). </span>billzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282065146967568066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242776578883206329.post-71827312182666074992009-06-06T15:20:00.000-04:002009-06-06T15:20:02.125-04:00Saturday and Sunday Restaurant Specials in Howard County, Jun '09<div style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" >Here's a list of restaurant specials in Howard County for Saturdays and Sundays in June</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" >. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Also see our post on <a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2009/01/brunch-in-howard-county.html">Brunches</a> for Saturday and Sunday brunch options in Howard County.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" > Check <a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/search/label/Monthly%20Restaurant%20Events">here</a> for specials on other days of the week.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" ></span></div><div style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:verdana;font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturdays</span></span><br /></span></span></span><ul style="font-family:verdana;"><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.turfvalleyresort.com/dining/alexevents.jsp"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Alexandra's Restaurant</span></a> at the Turf Valley Resort has your choice of steaks for $20.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The <span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2009/01/coho-grill.html">Coho Grill</a> </span>offers prime rib specials in 14, 16 or 18 oz. cuts, plus any bottle of wine for $15.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2009/01/kelseys.html">Kelsey's</a> has discounted wings and beer before 5:00 pm, and 1/2 price desserts and coffee drinks after 5:00</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/11/mangia-morphs-into-waverly-grill.html" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 204);">Waverly Grill</a> has 1/2 price bottles of wine and 1/2 price appetizers (excluding seafood).</span></span></span></li></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:verdana;font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sundays</span></span><br /></span></span></span><ul style="font-family:verdana;"><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/11/bare-bones-grill-brewery.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bare Bones</span></a> has a special rib & chicken dinner, salad and dessert for $17.99.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:85%;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/10/iron-bridge-wine-company.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Iron Bridge Wine Company</span></a> has 3 for $30, pick any appetizer, entree and dessert for $30.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2009/01/kelseys.html">Kelsey's</a> </span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(51, 102, 204);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;">has discounted oysters, shrimp and burgers all day.</span></span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/11/greystone-grill.html" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 204);">Greystone Grill</a> has Prime Rib for $19.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/11/mangia-morphs-into-waverly-grill.html" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 204);">Waverly Grill</a> offers 10% off your entire dine-in check.</span></span></span></li></ul></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:'Trebuchet MS';font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;font-family:Georgia;" ><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></span></span></div>billzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282065146967568066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242776578883206329.post-28704156126574778442009-06-05T15:18:00.001-04:002009-06-05T15:24:15.371-04:00Friday Restaurant Specials in Howard County, Jun '09<div style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-STYLE: italic;font-size:100%;" >Here's a list of restaurant specials in Howard County for Fridays in June</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-STYLE: italic;font-size:100%;" >. Check <a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/search/label/Monthly%20Restaurant%20Events">here</a> for specials on other days of the week.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="LINE-HEIGHT: 20px"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></span></span><ul style="font-family:verdana;"><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="LINE-HEIGHT: 20px"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.turfvalleyresort.com/dining/alexevents.jsp"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Alexandra's Restaurant</span></a> at the Turf Valley Resort has 1/2 price ribs for dinner.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="LINE-HEIGHT: 20px"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2009/01/coho-grill.html"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Coho Grill</span></a> offers prime rib specials in 14, 16 or 18 oz. cuts.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="LINE-HEIGHT: 20px"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/10/kings-contrivance.html"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">The King's Contrivance</span></a> offers 1/2 off any glass or bottle of wine for parties of 8 or fewer.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="LINE-HEIGHT: 20px"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(51,102,204); TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/11/mangia-morphs-into-waverly-grill.html">Waverly Grill</a> has Early Bird special 10% off entire bill between 4-6pm.</span></span></span></li></ul><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="LINE-HEIGHT: 20px"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,51);font-family:'Trebuchet MS';font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="LINE-HEIGHT: 20px;font-family:Georgia;" ><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></span></span>billzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282065146967568066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242776578883206329.post-38893463935581458822009-06-04T09:00:00.000-04:002009-06-04T09:00:08.310-04:00Thursday Restaurant Specials in Howard County, May-June '09<div><div style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >Here's a list of restaurant specials in Howard County for Thursdays in June</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >. Check <a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/search/label/Monthly%20Restaurant%20Events">here</a> for specials on other days of the week.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></span></span></span><ul style="font-family:verdana;"><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/11/bare-bones-grill-brewery.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bare Bones</span></a> has all-u-can-eat prime rib from 4pm.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2009/01/coho-grill.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Coho Grill</span></a> has Mini Dini night, featuring small plate versions of many of its favorite entrees.</span></span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:85%;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/10/iron-bridge-wine-company.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Iron Bridge Wine Company</span></a> has no corkage fee for wines bought on site, and offers a cheese and wine flight combo for $20.99.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:85%;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2009/01/kelseys.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kelsey's</span></a> </span></span><span style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(51, 102, 204);font-size:85%;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">has 1/2 price quesadillas and nachos, and discounted beer and margaritas.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/10/la-palapa.html" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 204);">La Palapa</a> offers Free Dessert.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2009/01/pachanga-grill.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pachanga Grill</span></a> features any chimichanga for $9.95.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.ramsheadtavern.com/savage/index.html">Ram's Head Tavern in Savage Mill</a> has homemade meatloaf dinners for $11.95.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.riverhillsportsgrille.com/" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 204);">River Hill Sports Grille</a> has a steak and shrimp combo for $15.95.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.tbonzgrille.com/index.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">T-Bonz</span></a> offers crab cake dinners for $14.99.<br /></span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/12/ten-oaks-tavern.html" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 204);">Ten Oaks Tavern</a> has Prime Rib night: various cuts from $14.99 - 22.99.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/10/victoria-gastro-pub.html" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 204);">Victoria Gastro Pub</a> has 1/2 Price Bottle of Wine night after 5pm.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/11/mangia-morphs-into-waverly-grill.html" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 204);">Waverly Grill</a> has 1/2 price pasta (excluding seafood).</span></span></span></li></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:verdana;font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" ></span></div>billzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282065146967568066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242776578883206329.post-88737617909551060722009-06-03T09:00:00.000-04:002009-06-03T09:00:07.240-04:00Wednesday Restaurant Specials in Howard County, May-June '09<div style="font-family:verdana;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >Here's a list of restaurant specials in Howard County for Wednesdays in June</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >. Check <a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/search/label/Monthly%20Restaurant%20Events">here</a> for specials on other days of the week.<br /></span></div><ul style="font-family:verdana;"><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.turfvalleyresort.com/dining/alexevents.jsp"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Alexandra's Restaurant</span></a> at the Turf Valley Resort has crab cake dinners for $15.95.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/11/bare-bones-grill-brewery.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bare Bones</span></a> has all-u-can-eat Texas style spare ribs from 4pm.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:85%;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2009/01/coho-grill.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Coho Grill</span></a> has fresh salmon entrees from $9.95.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:85%;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/10/iron-bridge-wine-company.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Iron Bridge Wine Company</span></a> has 3 for $30, pick any appetizer, entree and dessert for $30.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:85%;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2009/01/kelseys.html">Kelsey's</a> </span></span><span style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(51, 102, 204);font-size:85%;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">has 1/2 price bottles of wine. </span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/10/la-palapa.html" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 204);">La Palapa</a> offers 1/2 priced appetizers.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/11/leelynns.html" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 204);">LeeLynn's</a> has 1/2 price bottles of wine.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/12/mamma-lucia.html" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 204);">Mama Lucia</a> has Wine Night: 1/2 off any bottle with purchase of an entree.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2009/01/pachanga-grill.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pachanga Grill</span></a> offers any fajita for $11.95.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.ramsheadtavern.com/savage/index.html">Ram's Head Tavern in Savage Mill</a> has baked stuffed shrimp dinners for $15.95.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.riverhillsportsgrille.com/" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 204);">River Hill Sports Grille</a> has 1/2 price wine and 1 and 1/2 pound lobsters for $18.95.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/12/serafinos.html" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 204);">Serafino's</a> has 1/2 price appetizers.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.tbonzgrille.com/index.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">T-Bonz</span></a> has steak night, a 10-oz. sirloin for $14.99.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/12/ten-oaks-tavern.html" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 204);">Ten Oaks Tavern</a> has crab cake dinner special for $14.99</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/11/mangia-morphs-into-waverly-grill.html" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 204);">Waverly Grill</a> has 1/2 price bottles of wine and kids under 10 eat free (with adult entree).</span></span></span></li></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:verdana;font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:'Trebuchet MS';font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;font-family:Georgia;" ><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></span></span></div>billzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282065146967568066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242776578883206329.post-78409931704062212712009-06-02T09:05:00.000-04:002009-06-02T09:05:00.255-04:00Tuesday Restaurant Specials in Howard County, May-June '09<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >Here's a list of restaurant specials in Howard County for Tuesdays in June</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >. Check <a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/search/label/Monthly%20Restaurant%20Events">here</a> for specials on other days of the week.</span></div><div style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></span></span><ul style="font-family:verdana;"><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.turfvalleyresort.com/dining/alexevents.jsp"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Alexandra's Restaurant</span></a> at the Turf Valley Resort has 1/2 price burgers</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"> and discounts on beer</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;">.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/11/bare-bones-grill-brewery.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bare Bones</span></a> has all-u-can-eat beef ribs and barbeque chicken from 4pm.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The <a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2009/01/coho-grill.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Coho Grill </span></a>has 1/2 price burgers.</span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.thefriendlyinn.com/index.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Friendly Inn</span></a> </span><span style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:85%;">has 1/2 price appetizers and a bluegrass jam session from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/11/greystone-grill.html" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 204);">Greystone Grill</a> </span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(51, 102, 204);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;">has 1/2 price bottles of wine.</span></span></span></span></li><li><span style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(51, 102, 204);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/10/iron-bridge-wine-company.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Iron Bridge Wine Company</span></a> has steak night, $20.99 for one of four steak preparations plus soup or salad.<br /></span></span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2009/01/kelseys.html">Kelsey's</a> has 1/2 price wings and discounted beers of the world.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/10/la-palapa.html" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 204);">La Palapa</a> offers All You Can Eat Tacos.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/11/leelynns.html" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 204);">LeeLynn's</a> Burger Night, $6 burgers with any two toppings.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/12/mamma-lucia.html" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 204);">Mama Lucia</a> offers Pizza Night: buy one large pizza and get the second for $2.99.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2009/01/pachanga-grill.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pachanga Grill</span></a> features carne asada T-bones for $12.95.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.ramsheadtavern.com/savage/index.html">Ram's Head Tavern in Savage Mill</a> has prime rib dinners for $14.95 or $18.95.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.riverhillsportsgrille.com/" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 204);">River Hill Sports Grille</a> has 1/2 price wings and discounted beers in the bar.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.2ndchancesaloon.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Second Chance Saloon</span></a> has 1/2 price burgers.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/12/serafinos.html" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 204);">Serafino's</a> has 1/2 price bottles of wine.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.tbonzgrille.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">T-Bonz</span></a> offers baby back ribs for $14.99.<br /></span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/12/ten-oaks-tavern.html" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 204);">Ten Oaks Tavern</a> offers Lobster night: 1 and 1/4 pound lobster for $15.99.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/11/mangia-morphs-into-waverly-grill.html" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 204);">Waverly Grill</a> has 1/2 price burgers.</span></span></span></li></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:'Trebuchet MS';font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;font-family:Georgia;" ><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></span></span></div>billzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282065146967568066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242776578883206329.post-22640510086981894812009-06-01T14:30:00.000-04:002009-06-01T14:31:09.841-04:00Bistro Blanc to be reviewed by Elizabeth LargeOne of my favorite restaurants, <a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/10/bistro-blanc.html">Bistro Blanc</a>, will be reviewed next Sunday in the <em>Batimore Sun</em> by Elizabeth Large, according to her <a href="http://http//weblogs.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/dining/reviews/blog/2009/05/next_sundays_review_bistro_bla.html">blog</a>. From the looks of the blog post, it looks like it will be a positive review ("the food is well worth the drive"). Hope so. I'll keep my fingers crossed until Sunday.billzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282065146967568066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242776578883206329.post-39738179738487816972009-06-01T09:00:00.004-04:002009-06-01T09:00:08.775-04:00Monday Restaurant Specials in Howard County, June '09<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >Here's a list of restaurant specials in Howard County for Mondays in June</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >. Check <a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/search/label/Monthly%20Restaurant%20Events">here</a> for specials on other days of the week.<br /></span></div><ul style="font-family: verdana;"><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/10/aida-bistro-and-wine-bar.html" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 204);">Aida Bistro</a> hosts Neighborhood Pasta Night, with a range of pasta entrees from $9.99 up.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.turfvalleyresort.com/dining/alexevents.jsp"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Alexandra's Restaurant</span></a> at the Turf Valley Resort has 1/2 price bottles of wine.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/11/bare-bones-grill-brewery.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bare Bones</span></a> has all-u-can-eat babyback ribs from 4pm.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/11/clydes-of-columbia.html" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 204);">Clyde's of Columbia</a> has 1/2 price bottles of wine.</span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2009/02/friendly-inn.html?showComment=1238779080000"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Friendly Inn</span></a> has 1/2 price burgers and discounted beer and tequila.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/10/iron-bridge-wine-company.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Iron Bridge Wine Company</span></a> offers any of three gourmet burgers with any glass of wine for $20.99.<br /></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2009/01/kelseys.html">Kelsey's</a> has discounts on crab cakes.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/10/la-palapa.html" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 204);">La Palapa</a> offers 1/2 price pitchers of sangria and margaritas.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/11/leelynns.html" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 204);">LeeLynn's</a> has Crab Cake Monday, $11.50 for a sandwich or $13.50 for dinner.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/12/mamma-lucia.html" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 204);">Mama Lucia</a> has Pasta Night: buy one pasta entree and get the second for $3.99.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2009/01/pachanga-grill.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pachanga Grill</span></a> has all-u-can-eat combos for $11.95.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.ramsheadtavern.com/savage/index.html">Ram's Head Tavern in Savage Mill</a> has one and one-half pound lobster dinners for $19.95.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/12/river-hill-sports-grille.html" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 204);">River Hill Sports Grille</a> has 1/2 price burgers and discounted beers.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/12/serafinos.html" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 204);">Serafino's</a> has 1/2 price entrees, excluding specials.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.tbonzgrille.com/index.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">T-Bonz</span></a> has prime rib for $14.99.<br /></span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/12/ten-oaks-tavern.html" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 204);">Ten Oaks Tavern</a> </span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(51, 102, 204);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;">has discounted burgers, chicken breasts and martinis</span></span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/10/victoria-gastro-pub.html" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 204);">Victoria Gastro Pub</a> has its <a href="http://www.victoriagastropub.com/beerClub/" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 204);">Beer Club</a> night from 5pm to close.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/11/mangia-morphs-into-waverly-grill.html" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 204);">Waverly Grill</a> has 1/2 price pizzas.</span></span></span></li></ul><div style="font-family: verdana;font-family:verdana;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:13;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div>billzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282065146967568066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242776578883206329.post-45555052186041859052009-05-27T09:00:00.002-04:002009-05-27T09:00:04.784-04:00Soiree for Howard County TourismNext Tuesday, June 2, Howard County Tourism will host its annual fundraiser, <span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.howardcountymd.gov/HCT/HCT_SOIREE.htm">Soiree!</a>,</span> at the Belmont Conference Center from 5:00 - 9:00 pm. The event will feature food from 17 of the county's best restaurants and culinary resources. There will also be a live and silent auction for exciting travel packages, and a "Dancing with the Howard County Stars" competition featuring four brave <a href="http://www.howardcountymd.gov/HCT/hct_dancers.htm">couples</a> from the local business community.<br /><br />This benefit supports Howard County Tourism operations to promote the county, and 10% of the proceeds go to Howard County Community College's Culinary and Hospitality Management scholarship program. If you'd like to support this worthy cause, tickets are <a href="http://www.howardcountymd.gov/HCT/HCT_SOIREE.htm">available</a> in advance for $80 ($85 at the door) or buy a four-ticket bundle for $275.billzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282065146967568066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242776578883206329.post-39203886538249911332009-05-26T09:00:00.005-04:002009-05-26T09:00:04.903-04:00Studio Inspire Summer Workshops and 2010 CruiseI first <a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/11/studio-inspire-dance-and-fitness-for.html">wrote</a> about Studio Inspire when it opened last September. Since then, despite the tough economy, the studio has built a membership base of folks seeking fun, fitness and health through dancing in all sorts of styles. The owner, Shara Darden, even won a business achievement <a href="http://www.hceda.org/newsDetail.aspx?id=151">award</a> from the Howard County Economic Development Council.<br /><br />This July and August, Studio Inspire is running a series of short <a href="http://www.studioinspire.net">workshops</a>, some for beginners and others for intermediate or advanced dancers, taught by an impressive roster of guest instructors. Workshop styles include jazz, ballet, belly dancing, modern and tap. The workshops offer a great way to sample the studio, and there are early bird deadlines that let you save money on registration. <br /><br />Studio Inspire is also booking spots on its "<a href="http://www.studioinspire.net/clubportal/ClubStatic.cfm?clubID=1769&pubmenuoptID=26764">Boogie in the Bahamas</a>" cruise, slated for May 17-21, 2010. This is a cool way to take a break with friends, have a lot of fun, and stand a fighting chance burning off as many calories as you'll consume on-board.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: verdana;">Location</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />Studio Inspire</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />6656 Dobbin Road</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />Columbia, MD 21045</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />410-381-0407</span><br /><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="http://www.studioinspire.net">www.studioinspire.net</a><br /><br /></span>billzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282065146967568066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242776578883206329.post-41263669517442962112009-05-23T08:00:00.003-04:002009-05-23T08:00:05.486-04:00Kloby's SmokehouseFor quite a while, I've been <a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/12/2009-restaurant-wish-list.html">wishing</a> for a respectable local barbeque place, and in Kloby's Smokehouse I've found it. It had taken me a little while to get to Kloby's, partly because I was confused about its location due to the Laurel address (or is it West Laurel, North Laurel, or North Maple Lawn...and what ever became of Scaggsville, anyway? If Scaggsville's been marketed out of existence, someone should change the exit sign on I-95...but I digress). Thanks to positive comments from <a href="http://howchow.blogspot.com/search/label/Rest%20-%20Kloby%27s%20Smokehouse">HowChow</a> and loyal reader John Boyle, I finally made a little effort and was pleasantly surprised by Kloby's convenient location and easy access from Rt. 29, just south of Rt. 32 at the Johns Hopkins Road exit.<br /><br />Once inside I was even more pleased with the casual, friendly vibe of the place, and it smells great. It's place-your-order counter service, but there are plenty of tables and a couple of TVs in a seating area festooned with NASCAR banners. I liked the separate Hershey's ice cream counter, too.<br /><br />People get very fussy about ribs, and I'd say Kloby's baby backs are very good -- maybe not lights-out great, but real good and better than the beef ribs. You can choose mild or spicy sauce; both are smoky, and while the spicy is still pretty tame, there are bottles of hot sauce at the ready to make adjustments. The real winner for me was the pulled pork sandwich and the sides. The Carolina-style pulled pork was fresh, moist, and handmade with a tasty dab of cole slaw. The BBQ beans, red-skin potato salad, and boardwalk-style fries were all above average. I haven't had the brisket yet, but it looked good and gets a lot of positive comments. The specialty burgers, loaded up with pulled pork, brisket or other BBQ toppings look positively dangerous. And there's also chicken, turkey, spicy sausage, wings and St. Louis style ribs that will have to wait for future visits.<br /><br />Kloby's has a good backstory, too. The pitmaster and owner, Steve Klobosits, is a former paramedic/firefighter who shifted to culinary school and put in his time at high volume theme restaurants before opening his own place. Kloby's Smokehouse is well worth seeking out, and you'll probably find it very easy to keep coming back.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:verdana;">Reviews</span><br /></span><ul style="font-family:verdana;"><li style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Howard County Times <a href="http://www.theviewnewspapers.com/dining/61097/front-burner-klobys-smokehouse/">article</a> on Kloby's Smokehouse from 4/16/09.</span></li><li style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">HowChow has three <a href="http://howchow.blogspot.com/search/label/Rest%20-%20Kloby%27s%20Smokehouse">posts</a> about Kloby's Smokehouse with 5 comments as of 5/22/09.</span></li><li style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/7/661361/restaurant/DC/Klobys-Smokehouse-Laurel">Urbanspoon</a> readers give Kloby's Smokehouse a <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">100/100</span> rating based on 9 votes, with one review (HowChow's) as of 5/22/09.<br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/7/661361/restaurant/DC/Klobys-Smokehouse-Laurel"><img alt="Kloby's Smokehouse on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/661361/minilogo.gif" style="border: medium none ; width: 104px; height: 15px;" /></a><br /></span></li><li style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/klobys-smokehouse-laurel">Yelp</a> readers give Kloby's Smokehouse <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">3.5/5 stars</span> based on 4 reviews as of 5/22/09.</span></li><li style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g41224-d1088798-Reviews-Kloby_s_smokehouse-Laurel_Maryland.html">TripAdvisor</a> readers give Kloby's Smokehouse <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">3.5/5 stars</span> based on 2 reviews as of 5/22/09.<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Kloby's Smokehouse discussion on </span><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/596844">Chowhound</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"> with 5 replies as of 5/22/09.</span><br /></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" >Location</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Kloby's Smokehouse</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">7500 Montpelier Road</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">West Laurel, MD 20723</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">301-362-1510</span><br /><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="http://www.klobysbbq.com/index.htm">www.klobysbbq.com</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" ><br />Specials and Other Details</span><br /></span><ul style="font-family: verdana;font-family:verdana;" ><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Kloby's is open for Memorial Day and offering $2 off a full rack of St. Louis ribs or a whole chicken.</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span>billzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282065146967568066noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242776578883206329.post-29915498953045386882009-05-12T13:00:00.001-04:002009-05-12T13:00:04.035-04:00Wine in the WoodsThe 17th annual <a href="http://www.wineinthewoods.com/">Wine in the Woods</a> festival will be held in Columbia's Symphony Woods this weekend, May 16-17 from 12:00 - 6:00 pm. The festival is a celebration of wine, food, music and crafts and general Springtime fun featuring tastings from more than two dozen Maryland wineries (who knew?). There's food from nearly 20 restaurants and vendors, including Greystone Grill, Bombay Peacock Grill and Serafino's. And more than 70 artisans and craft stalls, too.<br /><br />Music is a keystone of Wine in the Woods. There are two stages, each stocked all day with a variety of styles, literally something for everyone. Featured performers include guitarist <a href="http://www.carlfilipiak.com/">Carl Filipiak</a>, <a href="http://www.damonforeman.net/">Damon Foreman</a> and Blue Funk, and singer/songwriter <a href="http://www.victoriavox.com/">Victoria Vox</a> and her ukelele.<br /><br />Tickets are $25 at the gate, but can be had for $20 in advance from three walk-up locations: the HoCo Recs & Parks office, Glenwood Community Center or the Bain Center. Look for directions <a href="http://www.wineinthewoods.com/information/tickets/#locations">here</a>. Kids 4-20 are $5, under 4 are free.billzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282065146967568066noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242776578883206329.post-567181285023004532009-05-12T09:00:00.000-04:002009-05-11T21:06:46.543-04:00Revised Profiles for Bistro Blanc, Jordan's Steakhouse and Tersiguel's<span style="font-style: italic;">The format of my restaurant profiles has evolved to include links to other reviews, contact data and other (hopefully) useful information about each establishment. I've decided to revise the older profiles but keep their original posting date and any comments. I've recently completed these:</span><br /><ul><li><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/10/bistro-blanc.html">Bistro Blanc</a></li><li><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/10/jordans-steakhouse.html">Jordan's Steakhouse</a></li><li><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/10/tersiguels.html">Tersiguel's</a></li></ul>billzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282065146967568066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242776578883206329.post-33423823411690442072009-05-11T09:00:00.006-04:002009-05-11T09:43:42.188-04:00Sushi SonoSushi Sono holds down a primo location on Columbia's downtown lakefront and serves primo sushi and other Japanese specialties. It's one of the prettier restaurants in the county, with picture windows of the lake, a sizable sushi bar and two private rooms. But it's the sushi, both the rolls and nigiri, that brings in the crowds. <br /><br />Sushi Sono recently revised its website and has done a good job maintaining a high profile all over the internet. It is one of the most widely reviewed restaurant in the county, and most of the reviews are very positive.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" >Reviews</span> </span><br /><ul style="font-family:verdana;"><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Sushi Sono is included in our list of <a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/11/howard-countys-nearly-best-restaurants.html">Nearly Best Restaurants in Howard County</a>.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/11/howard-magazine-best-of-dining-2008.html">Howard Magazine</a> (formerly Columbia Magazine) has ranked Sushi Sono as the Best Sushi Restaurant in the county for the last 9 consecutive years.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.baltimoremagazine.net/article.asp?t=1&m=1&c=32&s=478&ai=68133">Baltimore Magazine</a> includes Sushi Sono as one of six restaurants in Howard County in its list of Neighborhood Specials places to eat.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/dining/reviews/blog/2008/06/top_ten_most_controversial_top.html">Dining@Large</a> incudes Sushi Sono in its June 2008 list of Top 10 Howard County Restaurants.<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.gayot.com/restaurants/sushi-sono-columbia-md-21044_29ba99173.html">Gayot</a> rates Sushi Sono <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">12/20</span>.<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g41081-d439108-Reviews-Sushi_Sono-Columbia_Maryland.html">TripAdvisor</a> readers give Sushi Sono <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">4/5 stars</span> based on 31 ratings and 14 reviews, ranking it #1 in Columbia as of 5/10/09.<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/31/352516/restaurant/Baltimore/Sushi-Sono-Columbia">Urbanspoon</a> readers give Sushi Sono <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">93/100</span> based on 73 votes, ranking it #14 in Baltimore and #2 in Columbia as of 5/10/09. <a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/31/352516/restaurant/Baltimore/Sushi-Sono-Columbia"><img alt="Sushi Sono on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/352516/minilogo.gif" style="border: medium none ; width: 104px; height: 15px;" /></a><br /></span></li><li><a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/sushi-sono-japanese-restaurant-columbia"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://local.yahoo.com/info-12529690-sushi-sono-columbia">Yahoo! Local</a></span><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span><span style="font-size:85%;">readers give Sushi Sono <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">4.5/5 stars</span> based on 21 ratings as of 5/10/09.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/sushi-sono-japanese-restaurant-columbia">Yelp</a> readers give Sushi Sono <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">4/5 stars</span> based on 39 reviews, ranking it #3 in Columbia as of 5/10/09.</span></li><li><a href="http://www.zagat.com/Verticals/PropertyDetails.aspx?VID=8&R=86443"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.zagat.com/Verticals/PropertyDetails.aspx?VID=8&R=86443">Zagat</a> has 58 member reviews of Sushi Sono as of 5/10/09.<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.boorah.com/restaurants/MD/columbia/sushi-sono/97668AAA76-reviews.html">BooRah</a> readers give Sushi Sono <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">89/100</span> based on 66 reviews, ranking it #2 in Columbia as of 5/10/09.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://baltimore.citysearch.com/review/4930310">CitySearch</a> readers give Sushi Sono <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">3.5/5 stars</span> based on 14 reviews as of 5/10/09.<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Sushi Sono garners frequent comments on <a href="http://www.chow.com/places/16310">Chowhound</a> in discussions regarding best sushi in the area.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://howchow.blogspot.com/2008/07/sushi-sono-in-columbia.html">HowChow</a> reviewed Sushi Sono in July 2008.<br /></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" >Location</span> <span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />10215 Wincopin Circle</span> <span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />Columbia, MD 21044</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Phone: 410-997-6131</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Website: </span><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="http://www.sushisonomd.com/index.html">sushisonomd.com</a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Blog: <a href="http://www.sushisono.blogspot.com/">sushisono.blogspot.com</a></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" ><br /><br />Specials and Other Details</span></span><br /><ul style="font-family:verdana;"><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Sushi Sono has been running month-long discounted specials since March. Check their <a href="http://www.sushisono.blogspot.com/">blog</a> for more details.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Sushi Sono has a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=54552712249&ref=ts">Facebook</a> page.<br /></span></li></ul>billzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282065146967568066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242776578883206329.post-6534982123738030942009-05-08T09:00:00.005-04:002009-05-08T09:00:05.422-04:00Jenny's Market<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bJKhTxa6mZ0/SgPDYgI-GRI/AAAAAAAAAF4/mB78SMq2GUE/s1600-h/iphone+007.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bJKhTxa6mZ0/SgPDYgI-GRI/AAAAAAAAAF4/mB78SMq2GUE/s200/iphone+007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333321209448634642" border="0" /></a>A harbinger of spring and summer farm-fresh produce, Jenny's Market is a roadside stand that just re-opened last week. Jenny's Market used to be just off Route 32 near Burntwoods Road, enticing drivers with handmade signs. With the completion of the new traffic circles at the Route 32 - Burntwoods <a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/11/rt-32-burntwoods-interchange.html">interchange</a>, Jenny's has had to move a few hundred yards onto Andrea Drive, but the signs are still there to guide you.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bJKhTxa6mZ0/SgPEBL7lYnI/AAAAAAAAAGA/1c2iRk8bdMw/s1600-h/iphone+005.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bJKhTxa6mZ0/SgPEBL7lYnI/AAAAAAAAAGA/1c2iRk8bdMw/s200/iphone+005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333321908398416498" border="0" /></a>For the moment, Jenny's produce is coming by truck from farmers in the Carolinas and further south. But I can attest that the corn is sweet and the tomatoes are ripe. As we get further toward summer, the produce comes from farms that are more local. The family that runs Jenny's have always been friendly when I come through and rummage around, and help me pick out the best veggies and fruits.<br /><br />So stop by Jenny's any day except Mondays. Just follow the signs.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Note: </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://howchow.blogspot.com/search/label/Market%20-%20Jenny%27s%20Market">HowChow</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> did a nice post about Jenny's last summer.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bJKhTxa6mZ0/SgPHQezxKgI/AAAAAAAAAGY/kh_Qo8sWNjg/s1600-h/iphone+009+-+Copy.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 140px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bJKhTxa6mZ0/SgPHQezxKgI/AAAAAAAAAGY/kh_Qo8sWNjg/s320/iphone+009+-+Copy.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333325469698828802" border="0" /></a>billzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282065146967568066noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242776578883206329.post-55192519262987419442009-05-06T09:00:00.000-04:002009-05-06T09:00:04.119-04:00Crossroads PubIn the mood for crabs? Fresh fried seafood? A killer crab soup? The Crossroads Pub, tucked way out of the way in Western Howard County, could be the spot for you. It's another one of those places I've driven by for years and finally stopped in, only to find something quite different than what I'd thought.<div><br /></div><div>Seafood, specifically crab, is the name of the game at the Crossroads Pub. You can order fresh steamed crabs and start pounding and picking like you were at the Eastern Shore. Or you can order off a menu filled with fried seafood entrees and sandwiches, along with a few traditional landlubber options. The soups, either Maryland Crab or Cream of Crab, are hearty, rich and tasty. The crab cake platter or sandwich stands up with the best in the area. The fried clam strips were fresh and meaty. The shrimp salad is also listed as a specialty, but I haven't tried it yet. Whatever you get, you're not likely to leave hungry.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Crossroads Pub is small, but with a back room of picnic tables is a little bigger than it appears from the street. It's not fancy, and the crowd and service can feel like a trip back to an older time in Maryland that may not appeal so much to the trendy set. But the Crossroads Pub seems to be proud to serve a down home meal to those that seek it out.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Reviews</span></span></span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:13;" ><a href="http://www.restaurantdb.net/restaurants/view-176874.html">Restaurantdb.net</a> rates the Crossroads Pub <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">8.7/10</span></span> for food, based on 9 reviews as of 5/1/09.</span><br /></li></ul></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;font-size:13;" >Location</span><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">4809 Ten Oaks Road</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Dayton, MD 21036</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Phone: 410-531-7485</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Website: (none)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The Crossroads Pub is just west of Route 32 on Ten Oaks Road where it intersects Howard Road and Green Bridge Road. Exit Route 32 at Linden Church Road West, then turn right on Ten Oaks Road.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><br /></div>billzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282065146967568066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242776578883206329.post-42935168638647671862009-05-05T08:00:00.001-04:002009-05-05T08:00:08.377-04:00Cinco de Mayo in Howard County<a style="font-style: italic;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bJKhTxa6mZ0/Sf9nrHgQuBI/AAAAAAAAAFw/LOBFWAoTrpk/s1600-h/cincodemayo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 115px; height: 105px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bJKhTxa6mZ0/Sf9nrHgQuBI/AAAAAAAAAFw/LOBFWAoTrpk/s200/cincodemayo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332094474276354066" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Happy Cinco de Mayo, everybody! Where can you go to celebrate in Columbia, Ellicott City or elsewhere in Howard County? Here are a few ideas. If you have some others, please post a comment. </span><br /><ul style="font-family: verdana;"><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/10/el-azteca.html">El Azteca</a> in Clarksville is at the top of our list for Best Mexican restaurant in the County. They are having "drink and food specials all day."</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/10/la-palapa.html">La Palapa</a> in old town Ellicott City is a cousin of El Azteca's, but larger. Not sure of what specials they're having, but Tuesdays are all-you-can-eat taco nights.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2008/10/micasa.html">Mi Casa</a> on Route 40 in Ellicott City is a small but friendly Mexican restaurant and a personal favorite.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">The <a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2009/01/pachanga-grill.html">Pachanga Grill</a>, further west on Route 40 in Ellicott City, is also an El Azteca cousin and is also offering drink specials for the night.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">The <a href="http://www.friscogrille.com/index.php">Frisco Grille</a> in Columbia has a great beer and tequila selection to go with its good Mexican food menu. <br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.sonomasbar.com/index.php">Sonoma's Bar & Grille</a> in Columbia has live music from <a href="http://www.myspace.com/sonsoftheradio">Sons of the Radio</a> from 9:00 pm and lunch and dinner <a href="http://www.sonomasbar.com/specials_outside_seating_dining_columbia_howard_county_maryland_md.php">specials</a> as well.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">The <a href="http://liveinhowardcounty.blogspot.com/2009/02/second-chance-saloon.html">Second Chance Saloon</a> in Columbia has taco, beer and margarita specials tonight.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.elnayarusa.com/index.php">El Nayar</a> in Elkridge has a nice selection of Mexican meals, and Tuesdays are 1/2 price burrito nights.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">If you're in more of a do-it-yourself mood, stop into <a href="http://howchow.blogspot.com/2008/11/take-out-tacos-at-lilys-mexican-market.html">Lily's Mexican Market</a> in Columbia and stock up on all you need.<br /></span></li></ul>billzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282065146967568066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242776578883206329.post-67347608475303158462009-05-04T09:00:00.000-04:002009-05-04T09:00:03.578-04:00Coal Fire PizzaFull marks to <a href="http://howchow.blogspot.com/2009/04/coal-fire-pizza-in-ellicott-city.html">HowChow</a> for being all over the recent opening of the Coal Fire Pizza restaurant in the Shipley Grant development of Ellicott City. This place is a welcome addition to the local restaurant scene and I agree it jumps near the top of the list for best pizza in Howard County. <div><br /></div><div>The thin, handmade pizzas feature fresh sliced mozzarella and a choice of three tasty sauces. The 580-degree coal fire oven produces a crisp, bubbly, slightly charred pie that's distinct from any others in the county. The selection of toppings is limited, but Coal Fire suggests no more than two toppings per pie "to ensure a perfect bake." I haven't gotten beyond the pizzas yet, but the pastas, sandwiches and wings look intriguing and worth a try.</div><div><br /></div><div>The restaurant itself is suburban modern, with the oven prominently visible. It's fun to watch your pizza being made and see the coals glowing. Coal Fire Pizza is not especially exotic, but offers good quality everyday eating and is off to a strong start in its first few weeks.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Reviews</span></span></span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><a href="http://howchow.blogspot.com/2009/04/coal-fire-pizza-in-ellicott-city.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">HowChow</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> has an excellent review that has generated 10 additional comments as of 5/2/09.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><a href="http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/614878"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Chowhound</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> has a lengthy discussion of Coal Fire Pizza with 15 replies as of 5/2/09.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/31/1442270/restaurant/Baltimore/Coal-Fire-Ellicott-City">Urbanspoon</a> readers give Coal Fire Pizza <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">100/100</span></span> based on two votes and has one user review as of 5/2/09. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/31/1442270/restaurant/Baltimore/Coal-Fire-Ellicott-City"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><img alt="Coal Fire on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1442270/minilogo.gif" style="border: medium none ; width: 104px; height: 15px;" /></span></a></span></span></li><li><a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/coal-fire-pizza-ellicott-city"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Yelp</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> readers gives Coal Fire Pizza <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">5/5 stars</span></span> based on 1 review as of 5/2/09.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></li></ul></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Location</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">5725 Richard's Valley Road</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Ellicott City, MD 21043</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Phone: 410-480-2625</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Website: not yet</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The Shipley's Grant location is on Route 108 between Snowden River Parkway and Route 100.</span></span></div><div><br /></div>billzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282065146967568066noreply@blogger.com2