Open and Closed

 

The restaurant that everyone - - and I mean, everyone - - told me I should go to has closed. And I never managed to get there. Ugh. Amanda Yeager of the Baltimore Business Journal brings word that R & R Taqueria in Elkridge has closed its doors. Chef Rodrigo Albarran shares his future plans with Yeager but sadly none of them include Howard County. Well, it’s nobody’s fault but my own. Clearly I need to get out more.

After the pandemic, of course.

And yet, despite the current environment, some local restaurants are taking the plunge. Grillmarx, known to me from their location in Olney adjacent to the popular splash pad, has opened for business in Downtown Columbia. From a post by Costello Construction:

Whet your appetite! Grillmarx Steakhouse and Raw Bar is officially open and ready to serve you. The new restaurant features 2-levels of dining, a massive bar + lounge, outdoor patio, great food, and cool vibes. Welcome to the neighborhood. 

Bushel and a Peck, the new restaurant in Clarksville from Rob Wecker (think Iron Bridge and Mutiny Pirate Bar and Island Grille) is in preparations to open later in the month.  They must be having some soft open sorts of events because I’ve seen folks raving about their creme brûlée with chocolate and peanuts. Bushel and a Peck will be taking over the space once filled by Food Plenty (Victoria Restaurant Group)  in Clarksville Commons. 

I went to Food Plenty several times and liked everything about it except that it was far too pricey for me to make it a regular thing, I suspect the new restaurant will be the same, but probably a great fit for the River Hill/Clarksville location. Once I am able to get out more, you’ll probably find me frequenting the vendors in the Common Kitchen. I’m a huge fan of the variety of choices, reasonable pricing, and the casual and friendly atmosphere. 

At our house these days we are more likely to be bringing food in. Tonight we’ll be celebrating my son-in-law’s birthday with dinner from an old favorite, Maiwand. I’d be interested to know how many of my readers are still avoiding in-restaurant meals in favor of the safety of home. As much as I want our local restaurant community to survive - - thrive, even - - I can’t risk the exposure to COVID-19 that a restaurant visit might bring. 

Today is the very last day for The Second Chance Saloon in Oakland Mills. I was there on the night they opened but, sadly, I will not be there tonight. If you make it over there to wish them farewell, please give them my very best. The Second Chance has been a part of our lives for twelve years and I will miss them.