Savor European Pastries at Renata’s Tasty Bites

Growing up along the Adriatic Coast in Croatia, Renata Alanovic learned the art of baking and cooking as a young girl. The older she got, the more she came to cherish her time in the kitchen. She even began to draw up her own recipes for baked goods, which were always met with acclaim by her friends and families. When she came to Maryland, she brought her talents with her, and she opened Renata's Tasty Bites.

At the bakery, she crafts the breads and cakes she grew up making, as well as some savory pastries. On your way to work in the morning, swing by to grab one of the sweet, crumbly blueberry scones to dunk in your cup of coffee. Or savor the sweet flavors of an almond pastry on your midday break. You can also take a fork to a personal-sized quiche if you're looking for something more substantial at Renata's Tasty Bites.

Food and Wine Pair Beautifully at Iron Bridge Wine Company

The Iron Bridge Wine Company is a wonderful wine bar and restaurant located on Route 108 in Columbia. This spot is one of the area’s best places to enjoy the artful wonders of pairing food and wine together and should definitely be a summer bucket list item for practically anyone who loves a special dining experience.

This acclaimed restaurant boasts an impressive array of wines across a great many styles. At the same time, the folks behind this concept remain playful and unpretentious in the way these wines are showcased. This is evident in the wine flights available for you to sample. The food menus embody a similar attitude, using top-notch ingredients to create remarkable dishes that refuse to be boxed in by any one label. Whether you’re here for brunch, dinner, or just a snack, your taste buds will be well-taken care of at Iron Bridge Wine Company.

Maiwand Kabob: Authentic, Affordable Afghan Cuisine

In only a little more than a decade, Maiwand Kabob has already expanded into four separate locations. That's thanks to the family who owns it and strives to meet just one, simple goal: dish out fresh, authentic Afghan food at affordable prices. They're doing just that at all four branches, including the Columbia restaurant near Monarch Mills.

Unsurprisingly, the menu features many authentic Afghan kabobs. Chefs marinate lamb in a special blend of spices, slice it into chunks, and spear it and sear it. They do the same with beef, ground beef (AKA "kofta"), and chicken. If you want some greens with your dinner, order the chicken salad. The same boneless morsels of chicken are tossed atop a bed of greens with grilled veggies, olive oil, and balsamic. You can always go with the classic gyro sandwich, a mix of sliced beef and lamb in tandoori bread and served with fries and a drink if you're looking for something quick and simple at Maiwand Kabob.

Enjoy Upscale American Fare at the Stanford Grill

It doesn't matter what night of the week you come to Stanford Grill, there's always jazz music playing in the dining room. A jazz trio graces the main dining area with soft tunes as guests enjoy happy hour specials and cocktails or dig into a dinner of upscale American cuisine.

Stanford Grill offers a selection of steak, seafood, and burgers, but a few dishes stand out as house specialties. One of them is the wood-fired rotisserie chicken, which is roasted slowly to perfectly tender and then dished out alongside mashed potatoes and green beans. The Danish barbecue pork ribs are also seared very slowly in order to seal in the juices. They come with fries and cole slaw. Your other options range from spicy "rattlesnake" pasta with chicken to hardwood-grilled salmon served with tabouleh and house-made dressing. Stop by Stanford Grill to try one of the inventive dishes here!

Black Flag Brewing Company: An Ever-Changing Lineup of House-Brewed Beers

Black Flag Brewing Company switches up its tap list constantly so that the brewmasters get a chance to show off what they've been working on using their small-batch system. Of the 10 beers on tap, five are always the signature brews: the Flagship IPA, the Alpha Pale, the Mambo Sauce Double IPA, the Belgie Saison, and the Brunch Breakfast Stout. But the other five are a toss-up.

Black Flag is currently showcasing the Outback Haze, a Northeast-style IPA, as well as an unfiltered IPA. If you prefer something lighter, order a pint of the Z Morris Blonde, named for the straw-haired protagonist on Saved By the Bell. You can also indulge in a pint of the Belgian Waffle, which is part Brunch Stout and part Belgie Saison. Rounding out the current selection is the Rainbow Road, a hazy pale ale, and the Amber Waves, a warm amber ale. Sample one of the inventive brews this summer at Black Flag Brewing Company!

Public Domain/Pixabay/stocksnap

Mission BBQ: Don’t Miss the Brisket

Mission BBQ's moniker is fitting because its founding team is on a mission—and not just to serve stellar barbecue. They're working hard to support U.S. veterans and active military through organizations like the USO, the Special Operations Warrior Fund, and the Navy Seal Foundation. They also support local police officers and firefighters and love to hire veterans to help them get back on their feet.

The eatery's many philanthropic efforts only make its food taste even better. The brisket comes highly recommended. It's slowly smoked over oak wood and evokes authentic Texan cuisine. Enjoy the meat solo or try it on a sandwich. You can also sink your teeth into tender pulled pork, sliced turkey, pulled chicken, sausage, or even seasoned and smoked salmon. Add a side made from scratch, like the mac and cheese, baked beans, or fries for the full Mission BBQ experience.

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Enjoy an Inventive, Upscale Sandwich at Bon Fresco

The bakers at Bon Fresco take their time when it comes to the most important component of their sandwiches: the ciabatta bread. In fact, from the time they craft the dough to the time the bread comes hot from the oven, about 30 hours pass. That's how long it takes to create a product worthy of the Bon Fresco reputation.

Patrons rave about the London Broil sandwich. Two slices of ciabatta filled with steak, provolone cheese, dijonnaise, mixed greens, and red onions. It's the perfect sandwich to grab and take on a picnic to the park—but then again, so is every sandwich on the menu. If you're looking for something meat-free, try the baguette filled with brie, sun-dried tomato pesto, and caramelized onions at Bon Fresco. Will you be visiting this local eatery this week?

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

It’s Worth the Wait for a Table at Columbia’s Victoria Gastro Pub

The next time you’re planning a fun night out with friends in Columbia, Victoria Gastro Pub is one of the best places to see and be seen. This hip, elegant pub is the perfect combination of comfortable and upscale, from its warm wood furnishings to its spacious bar and intimate dining tables.

While the wait can be lengthy on busy weekend evenings, it’s worth your patience to sample Victoria Gastro Pub’s creative American menu of duck fat French fries, lobster grilled cheese, and gourmet burgers with premium toppings. There’s always a selection of ever-changing seasonal favorites made with fresh, local ingredients, as well as a full bar with lots of spirits and other libations. You’ll find local IPAs and high quality craft beers, handmade cocktails, and fine wines that pair well with your meal.

With its lively atmosphere and decadent menu, Victoria Gastro Pub is the perfect place to kick back on the weekend!

Victoria Gastro Pub
8201 Snowden River Parkway
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 750-1880
www.victoriagastropub.com

Make Lunch a Treat at Bon Fresco Bakery and Cafe

When you’re looking for a quick lunch in Columbia that’s still fresh and healthy, Bon Fresco is the place to go. This local bakery and cafe has a clean and modern atmosphere complete with bakery cases filled with fresh-baked pastries and a convenient ordering counter that makes it easy to order your food and get on your way. If you choose to eat in, Bon Fresco also has a comfortable dining area with a number of cafe tables and free Wi-Fi throughout.

The menu includes hearty sandwiches in styles like the London broil, chicken picante, and vegetarian hummus topped with fresh veggies and pesto, as well as fresh, daily soups and sides of Israeli couscous and lentil salads. Everything is available for affordable prices that are perfect for a casual lunch, and there are even whole loaves of bread that you can take with you for dinner at home!

Bon Fresco
6945 Oakland Mills Road
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 290-3434
www.yelp.com/biz/bon-fresco-columbia

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