1. What made you start this blog?

I started “HowChow” because I met a woman and moved to Howard County. I missed the restaurants and stores that I had known in Virginia, and my wife works many weekends. So I explored and just pulled into shopping centers to check out places that looked interesting. The blog started because I couldn't find anyone else writing about these local places. It has continued because I'm enjoying myself and because people seem to really respond with comments.
 
2. Before featuring a restaurant, what do you look for in it? How do you deem it as good?

I just eat at places. I don't have any special criteria. My wife and I eat at places, and I write about the places that we like. Our interests vary. Some restaurants are great for a special adult night (like ‘Bistro Blanc’ in Glenelg). Sometimes, I'm just looking for a great take out dinner (like ‘Bon Fresco's Sandwiches’ in Columbia or ‘Kloby's Pulled Pork’ in Laurel).
 
3. Which areas of the County would you say have the best restaurants?

There are good things to eat all over, but some of the best areas are outside of central Columbia, especially if you're looking for shopping as well as restaurants.  The village centers don't seem to lend themselves to enormous variety. I actually posted a series of tours that you could read and then drive - like a run from Elkridge to Laurel along U.S. 1 that has Middle Eastern and organic groceries, spectacular tacos and more or a run along Rte 108 from Elkridge to Clarksville that offers Fatburger to organic shopping. For something really different, I recommend the Korean restaurants along Route 40.
 
4. Which locations would you recommend as having the best Oriental cuisines in Howard County?

The best Chinese is actually just over the border. I love ‘Jesse Wong's Asean Bistro’ in Columbia for Americanized-Chinese, but ‘Hunan Taste’ in Catonsville and ‘Grace Garden’ in Odenton are spectacular and authentic. There is great sushi at several price points. I’m infatuated right now with ‘Sushi Sono’ in Columbia, but I always love ‘Sushi King’ in Columbia as well. You can also get more casual meats at ‘Hanamura’ and several other places. On top of those, I used to love ‘Bangkok Delight’ in Columbia for Thai. I used to think it was one of the best restaurants in the county, have had some mixed experiences, but I still really enjoy the curries.

 
5. What advice can you give our readers on finding the best organic markets in Howard County?

Three options: ‘David's Natural Market’ in Columbia, ‘Roots’ in Carksville and ‘Mom's Organic Market’ in Jessup.  All the markets are good, although they differ slightly.  You can also check out the farmers markets during the summer or the ‘Gorman Road Produce Farm’ off Route 29, which isn't officially organic but does not use pesticides.
 
6. Which dishes would you say can only be found in its prime form in Howard County?

Around here, Howard County clearly has the best Korean restaurants. People in Baltimore trot out the same two or three old standards when they recommend Korean barbecue, but Ellicott City along Route 40 has an entire range of places; from the busy, classy ‘Shin Chon Garden’ to ‘Rainpia’ serving fried chicken and drinking food, to the new ‘Honey Pig’ that aims for a younger, 24-hour crowd. I have posted several times about Korean food and recommended how people can explore. I recommend it for anyone who eats meat and who can eat some level of spiciness.  Grilled meats and delicious vegetables - both fresh and pickled. It's a really great cuisine, and there are people at every Korean place willing to explain the food in English.
 
7. Can you name some places in Howard County where families can enjoy all day long?

Looking for a place where someone could take their kids for lunch or dinner? I think most Howard County restaurants are child-friendly. My go-to place is the King's Contrivance village center. In good weather, the courtyard has a fountain and you can get a slice of pizza at the pizza joint and then Italian ice at Rita's. They have tables. It's shaded. It's terrific. If you want something for your adult side, my current recommendation is ‘Facci Ristorante’ on Johns Hopkins Road at Route 29. It's a classy, casual Italian place with great pizza and pasta. They're packed at night, but they're very relaxed during the day and have been really friendly when our group included kids. The pizza is gourmet (and a bit expensive by the slice), but it's an escape if you want to meet a friend and not sit on a plastic seat.

But then, you can eat well on a plastic seat.  My nephews don't want ethnic food, but I have seen many kids enjoying themselves at places like ‘Maiwand Kabob’ in Columbia (grilled meats, great bread and amazing vegetable side dishes), ‘Hanamura’ in Columbia (good, reasonably-priced sushi), or ‘Bare Bones’ in Ellicott City (ribs and burgers).