Hoco NomNom

Outside Yet Nal House

Tucked away at the far end of route 40 west is a great korean establishment that one can easily pass over. For those that can’t read korean (which I do not), it is very intimidating to know if you are at the right place. The sign is white with red korean characters and the only english words are “Korean Cuisine” below it. The windows are covered in vinyl decals that offer no visibility inside. You can peek through the door but you will only see a narrow hallway lined with sparse shelving to the left and the glow of fluorescent lights coming from refrigerator units to the right. This is Yet Nal House.

We have 1 coming soon and 1 open now and 1 tip. These updates are offering some great tasting treats. I’m breaking a rule on this post, hopefully you don’t hold it against me.

Manor Hill Brewery

Mrs. Nom Nom and I are not big drinkers. Social drinkers at most. Unfortunately, I won’t talk much about drinks when talking about places we go visit. But today is not the case. We went to a place that has all sorts of beer. And may I add, it had some of the smoothest tasting beer I have ever had. Although this is not a restaurant, we still had an amazing night out. When you get a chance go to Manor Hill Brewery in Columbia.

The new construction in Merriweather is adding a lot of opportunities for businesses. With the big announcement of Busboys & Poets comes the announcement of three more restaurants. The area is filling out nicely with more shops to come.

Modern Market Brings Healthy Options

Once we had Little Nom, our life changed. One of those things were how we decide what to get for dinner. Mrs. Nom Nom and I have very similar taste buds and we love every type of food. Little Nom did not get that trait. So when there’s a place that gets Little Nom’s stamp of approval, you know it’s a keeper. Modern Market is one of of our favorite places to go as a family for dinner.

Some great additions to the updates list. 2 coming soon and 1 open now. Something that we’re seriously lacking is African food and can’t wait for this new restaurant to open. We’re also in a brewery fad so plenty of choices in our area.

Beef Noodle Soup

It was a late night and I had to be the caretaker of the household. Mrs. Nom Nom was sick from whatever was going around this past month. Little Nom was low on their milk and lunch supplies, so after work I went grocery shopping. It was late by the time I got out and wondered what to pick up for dinner. That’s where this place saved the day. With their incredibly quick service and simple menu, we ate well that night. I am excited that we finally have a Jumbo Jumbo Cafe in Howard County.

Here are some updates that I’ve come across. Two restaurants have had their grand opening and are open now. Another is coming to the Clarksville Common Kitchen.

Ernesto's in Enchanted Forest

It’s not everyday that Howard County is the second choice for a restaurant that hit success somewhere else in the country. But this restaurant is just that. Ernesto’s mexican restaurant came from Texas when the owner’s nephew moved to the area. And with that move came this great Tex-Mex establishment.

One Great Burger

Hailing from New York and started just as a hot dog cart, this chain has exploded in the past couple of years. Shake Shack came to Howard County as their 3rd installment in Maryland. They are located in the Columbia Mall across from the movie theatre.

I’m excited to announce these upcoming restaurants coming to the Howard County area. All of them are local chains that have established themselves in nearby cities but not yet in Howard County.

Maryland Decor Everywhere

We are Maryland fans, both the wife and I were born here, we went to school here, and now we’re raising a family here. My wallet hopes that Little Nom goes to an in-state school. The decor of this next place is just like us: live, breathe and die, Maryland. I’m talking about The Beef Brothers Deli in Ellicott City.

Bubble Tea

Some may say it’s still trending, some say we’re at the peak, others say it’s over. Nevertheless, bubble tea is still going strong on Korean Way. You either hate it or you love it. I love it. We’ve had a an explosion of choices pop up on but my favorite is Tea Top.

Bahn Mi Traditional Sandwich

Clarksville Commons is growing their army of businesses. Strolling into the food hall, I had to circle around twice because I didn’t see it at first. But tucked into the corner, next to the water dispenser is Anh-Mazing Banh Mi, a shop that serves Vietnamese sandwiches.

Front view (left side is Anh-Mazing Banh Mi)

What is Banh Mi? It’s a sub with pickled veggies and a meat (typically ham or pork). The traditional sandwich also includes pate. In Vietnam, it is more of a breakfast food but over here it is the perfect lunch.

Main side of explosion

On Sunday there was a gas explosion that happened on Stanford Blvd. No reported injuries but there were many businesses that were affected. Restaurants that are included:

• Pub Dog - GoFundMe campaign
• Pho La Cay
• Mango Grove - GoFundMe campaign
• Katana Sushi
• Riverside Coffee - GoFundMe campaign

As of now, many restaurants are unsure when they will be able to reopen. Thoughts and prayers go out to the livelihoods of the employees who are out of work because of these closures.

Opposite side of explosion (closer to restaurants)

UPDATE (09/07/19): Pho La Cay reporting reopening Nov 6, 2019 (via yelp).

UPDATE 2 (11/07/19): Seems like it’ll still be awhile. Not much change has happened on the property.

Update 3 (12/12/19): Pho La Cay reporting reopening Jan 13, 2020 (via yelp).