Nora’s Kabob: Mezze and Other Mediterranean Cuisine

Nora’s Kabob specializes in those succulent skewers of grilled meat and veggies, plus Mediterranean mezzes, or small plates. The menu features an assortment of kabobs, served with grilled tomato, onions, sumac, pickled cabbage and your choice of salad, saffron basmati rice, bread or extra veggies.

Choices at Nora's Kabob include Barg Kabob – filet mignon strips, Kabidi Kabob – a mixture of lamb & beef, Baby Lamb Chop Kabob with five baby lamb chops, Lamb Kabob, Chicken Kabob, and Veggie Kabob with zucchini, onions, tomato, & peppers, served with eggplant dip. Seafood lovers can choose from Salmon and Shrimp Kabobs. Mezzes include Dolmades – stuffed grape leaves, Mirza Ghazzemi – smoked eggplant, tomato, peppers, & fresh garlic dip, and Pomborn Mezze – grilled filet mignon marinated in pomegranate & crushed walnuts.

Beer and wine are served at this Ellicott City restaurant.

Nora's Kabob
9338 Baltimore National Pike
Ellicott City, MD 21042
(410) 418-5911
http://www.noraskabob.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/noras-kabob-ellicott-city

BonChon: Korean Fried Chicken in Ellicott City

BonChon regulars all agree that the chicken is so good, you want to eat it fast. However, if you have any experience eating chicken wings, you know that it’s not the easiest food to eat, so be prepared to get a little messy in the name of delicious Korean cuisine. The owner named his restaurant BonChon because it means “hometown” in Korean, which perfectly suited his desire to bring his favorite fried chicken from Korea to the United States.

The wings, drumsticks and strips are made fresh with only the highest quality meat, so you get tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken every time you order. The soy garlic and hot sauces may be the only two sauces that BonChon offers, but they’re the only two you’ll need. This chicken is incredibly flavorful and just spicy enough, and it’s perfectly complemented by sides like crispy French fries, edamame, kimchee and fried rice. If fried chicken isn’t your thing, BonChon also serves Korean dishes like bibimbob, bull dak, and japchae to give you a real taste of the traditional cuisine.

BonChon
3419 Plum Tree Drive
Ellicott City, MD 21042
(410) 465-0515
www.bonchon.com
www.yelp.com/biz/bonchon-ellicott-city

Try the Bridal Veil Roll at Sushi Sono in Columbia

If you’re searching for a new date-night spot, try Sushi Sono located on the lake with sprawling lakeside views. You’ll be welcomed by authentic Japanese decor and waitresses wearing traditional kimonos to immerse you in the Japanese culture while you dine.

Making a decision is always tricky, as their menu is extensive. Local favorites for appetizers are the wonderfully crunchy and flaky veggie tempura, or the rich, perfectly seasoned beef teriyaki. According to reviews, they have some of the best sashimi and creative special rolls around, so you’ll want to pick a few to share. One of the most popular rolls is the bridal veil roll, which is made of spicy lobster salad and tempura flakes for a little crunch and topped with tuna. If that doesn’t strike your fancy, don’t worry as there are dozens of options to choose from.

If you’re not in a sushi mood, they also cook up a variety of tempura, nabe mono and teriyaki dishes served aside a salad and rice for a great meal combo. Don’t forget to try the green tea tempura ice cream!

Sushi Sono
10215 Wincopin Circle
Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 997-6131
www.sushisonocolumbia.com
www.yelp.com/biz/sushi-sono-japanese-restaurant-columbia

Eat With Your Hands at Tigi’s Ethiopian Restaurant in Ellicott City

If you ask for utensils at Tigi's Ethiopian Restaurant, you'll be immediately outed as a first timer. True to Ethiopian tradition, a spongy flatbread called injera is used to scoop up the authentic fare here, which consists mostly of savory stews known as "wot." Whether they're veggie- or meat-based, the stews all emanate spicy flavors that evoke the cuisine's African origins.

The eatery boasts a large selection for vegans, from the popular gomen wot—a stew of collard greens with green peppers and onions—to the kik alicha, a blend of yellow split peas and garlic, onions, and green peppers. But meat-eaters can also find something to suit their tastes. Try the quey wot, a stew of beef and ginger, or quanta firfir, which consists of beef jerky in house-made sauces and berberé sauce.

Tigi's Ethiopian Restaurant
8459 Baltimore National Pike
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 750-1500
www.tigisethiopianrestaurant.webs.com
www.yelp.com/biz/tigis-ethiopian-restaurant-and-market-ellicott-city

Portalli’s: An Ellicott City Spot for Brunch and Italian Cuisine

Looking for some delicious Italian cuisine in Ellicot City? Portalli's offers traditional Italian fare at reasonable prices. The dining room is intimate and classy, and the service is attentive.

Start with an appetizer like the Apple Torretta with apples, crumbled Gorgonzola, walnuts, basil and a lemon Dijon vinaigrette drizzle or the Prince Edward Island Mussels. The menu has a nice mix of pasta and entrees like Cheese Tortellini & Roasted Chicken, Surf & Turf Penne, and Braised Lamb Shank.

Visit on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a delightful brunch buffet featuring bottomless mimosas and bloody marys, a made-to-order omelet station, pancakes, eggs, fresh fruit, home fries, breakfast meats, and more. Brunch is $21.95 per person. Reservations are recommended.

Portalli's
8085 Main Street
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 720-2330
http://portallisec.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/portallis-ellicott-city

Pure Wine Cafe: An Ellicott City Wine and Tapas Bar

Pure Wine Cafe is a cozy spot to enjoy some live music and delicious wine in Ellicot City. Sit and relax with a glass of wine. If you're not sure what wine to order, start off with a small 2.5 ounce glass to sample before choosing. With so many wines to choose from you're sure to find one you like. Really like the wine you enjoyed? You can purchase a bottle of that same wine for 50% off. The wine bar also has a nice menu featuring tapas style meals. Favorite meals include the Pork Belly & Waffles, Fish Tacos, Truffle Fries, and Hummus Platter. Plenty of vegetarian options are available like Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad, Asparagus Bisque, and Medley of Roasted Exotic Mushrooms. Meat and cheese plates round out the menu. Ask the attentive wait staff to recommend a wine to go with your delicious food.

Pure Wine Cafe is closed on Mondays.

Pure Wine Cafe
8210 Main Street
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 480-5037
http://purewinecafe.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/pure-wine-cafe-ellicott-city

Matcha Time Cafe: Serving Japanese Tea With a Side of Charm

Even if you’ve never been to Japan, Matcha Time Cafe will make you feel as though you’ve hopped a plane without ever leaving Ellicott City. This quaint, casual cafe is decorated with light wood paneling, simple ceramic serving plates, and colorful Japanese artwork that pops out against the white walls. The atmosphere is soothing and serene, and the flavorful sushi rolls make for a laid-back lunch at an affordable price.

Matcha Time Cafe is known more for its drinks than for its food, however, and the teas are especially popular here. The friendly owners dole out samples of spiced apple cider to curious customers, and you can also take a taste of any of the specialty teas before ordering. Hot beverages are served in traditional ceramic teapots with simple handle-free mugs, and each one gives off a wonderful aroma that’s almost as good as its taste.

Matcha Time Cafe
3785 Hamilton Street
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 418-4832
www.facebook.com/MatchaTimeCafe
www.yelp.com/biz/matcha-time-cafe-ellicott-city

Stained Glass Pub: A Great Night Off

Whether you’re looking for a spot to watch the big game with friends or to get dinner, stop by the Stained Glass Pub. Located just a short trip from Monarch Mills in Elkridge, Maryland, the Stained Glass Pub bills itself as a family restaurant and sports bar. On the sports bar front, it hits all the right marks. A big bar and big screens mean you can get a drink without missing a play. Don’t miss the game time drink specials, either! Every day features a food or drink special, and try not to miss the Sunday brunch. There are lots of special holiday events throughout the year, so the Stained Glass Pub is nice nearby spot to celebrate a special occasion.

If you're craving food, the Stained Glass Pub has a broad selection of tasty favorites, including chicken wings, pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, and entrees like stuffed shrimp, meatloaf, and lasagna. Click here to see a full menu.

Stained Glass Pub
6751 Dorsey Road
Elkridge, MD 21075
(410) 796-4345
http://stainedglasspub.net/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/stained-glass-pub-elkridge

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El Hidalgo: Where Modern and Traditional Mexican Fare Meet

If Elkridge, Maryland and Mexican and Latin American cuisine are not all synonymous yet, rest assured that El Hidalgo aims to change that. There's a certain elegant modernity to the restaurant, with dark stained wood tables and chairs amidst the off-white walls and bright colors of Mexico. Bring the whole family for tacos, enchiladas, and carne asada. More adventurous eaters will also find traditional and specialty dishes on the menu. Many residents flock to El Hidalgo for its lunch specials, which take place between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. El Hidalgo has taken traditional aspects of regional Mexican and Latin American food and modernized them without losing any of the spark. Also available for dinner, El Hidalgo is an excellent place for small groups, families, and couples. Take out is available, too! Come to El Hidalgo for a culinary celebration of the Mexican and Latin American spirit and culture. You may not be south of the border, but your taste buds won't know the difference.

El Hidalgo
6060 Marshalee Drive
Elkridge, MD 21075
(410) 540-2999

Mid-Atlantic Seafood Restaurant: Where Lands Meets Sea in Laurel

When you feel like a home-cooked meal but don't want to do the cooking yourself, try heading over to Mid-Atlantic Seafood Restaurant. This Laurel eatery is a favorite among seafood lovers and landlubbers alike. The battered and fried haddock filet is a popular meal and can be ordered either as a sandwich or as a full dinner meal with a couple of side dishes (regulars recommend you try hush puppies, candied yams, and string beans). Value-oriented diners should consider ordering a combination platter, which allows you to mix fish, crab cakes, shrimp, oysters, scallops, and more in just about any combination you can imagine.

And if seafood just isn't your thing, don't worry. Despite its name, Mid-Atlantic Seafood Restaurant has plenty of non-seafood options, including a classic cheeseburger piled high with lettuce, tomato, and onion, hot Philly-style cheesesteaks, and delicately spiced lamb gyros served on a folded pita.

Mid-Atlantic Seafood Restaurant
13718 Baltimore Avenue
Laurel, MD 20707
(301) 776-0805
www.mid-atlanticseafood.com/locom.php#laurel
www.yelp.com/biz/mid-atlantic-seafood-restaurant-laurel

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