Grilled chicken is one of the healthiest options that you have for protein, as it’s light on fat and heavy on nutrients. Unfortunately, if it’s not done right it can also be pretty bland. Thankfully, the chefs at Grille Chick'n Pollo know exactly what to do to wring the utmost in flavor out of the bird. Cooked in the Peruvian style over charcoal, chicken here is incredibly moist and tasty. Don’t take our word for it, though: If you stop in, they’ll give you a free sample. (Make sure to get the dark meat!)

The menu features some other options, including very delicious chicharrones (fried pork skins) and sides. Try the yucca fries. Made from a South American root, they’re a little denser than normal potatoes but have exceptional flavor. The antichuco, marinated sliced beef hearts skewered and grilled, are also super tasty. Make sure to leave some room for dessert, as the house-made flan here is creamy and delicious.

Grille Chick'n Pollo
6470 Freetown Road
Columbia, MD 21044
(240) 755-0079
www.grillechicknpollo.com
www.yelp.com/biz/grille-chickn-pollo-columbia

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/free-stock

If you’re looking for something a little healthier, visiting the Tropical Smoothie Café is a fine idea. This national chain has several outposts in the Mid-Atlantic area (including one in Columbia, Maryland), and they work hard to deliver a high-quality menu made with fresh ingredients. As you’d expect, smoothies are the big attraction here, and regulars rave about the flavorful, nutrition-packed combinations.

Some favorites include the Sunrise Sunset, made with strawberries, pineapple, orange, and mango for an energy-filled blast, as well as the Blue Lagoon which is full of antioxidant-powered blueberries, strawberries, and banana. If you feel like having a solid meal, the Tropical Smoothie Café boasts a good selection of salads and sandwiches as well. Regulars rave about the toasted hummus veggie wrap, which is a heart-healthy collection of rice with corn, black beans, asparagus, onions, romaine lettuce, and salsa with pepper jack cheese and hummus in a toasted garlic tortilla, and the Ultimate Club sandwich is also exceptional.

Tropical Smoothie Café
6455 Dobbin Road
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 730-6564
http://www.yelp.com/biz/tropical-smoothie-cafe-columbia-2

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/elizaraxi

Fresh mozzarella, house-made sauce, and thin crust pizzas make Coal Fire a popular place for a tasty lunch or dinner not far from Monarch Mills. A coal fired 900 degree oven bakes your pizza to sizzling perfection. You can adorn your pie with your choice of three different sauces – classic, slightly sweet, or spicy — and an array of toppings like sundried tomatoes, fresh basil, sausage, peppers, mushrooms, and more.

Other dining options include Oven Baked Wings, salads, and pastas. Hero sandwiches are also on hand, including the Ribeye with grilled steak, grilled onions, and melted provolone, and the Italian Cold Cut with sliced deli meats, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and oil & vinegar dressing.

Visit Coal Fire's website to find out more about this Ellicott City restaurant!

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/reivax