One good reason to brave the elements in this chilly month is the arrival of Howard County Restaurant Weeks, running from Jan. 22 to Feb, 5. This is the 10th anniversary of this popular event and to celebrate, the organizers are offering a great giveaway. Just post photos of your favorite meals or menus on the Howard County Restaurant Weeks page on Facebook and you will be entered into a chance to win great prizes like meal gift certificates and an overnight at Turf Valley. Several dozen restaurants are participating, including Georgia Grace, La Palapa and Tersiguel’s in the historic district. Speaking of restaurants in the historic district, Syriana is now offering a full menu in its spot at 8180 Main St., where Ellicott’s Country Store used to be. The dishes include falafel, hummus, souvlaki, grape leaves and a variety of kabobs.
Some of my favorite Ellicott City restaurants are just fond memories now, but I can revisit a few at Dandelion Bakery Bistro in Glenelg. The chef/owner is Keith Watson who worked for 20 years at Crab Shanty. He has brought some Shanty signature dishes to his new venue, including his fantastic crab crepes, my favorite. He has also brought together some wonderful reminders of some historic district favorites — you can sit at beautiful tile-topped tables that once graced Cacao Lane or in a booth right out of the Diamondback Tavern. There is a whole wall of assorted doors and other found objects that were saved from the destruction of the 2016 flood. It is so nice that Watson cared about saving this part of our county’s history. And the food is terrific.
The Wine Bin is celebrating nine years in the historic district with a wine dinner featuring Rick Moshin of Moshin Vineyards at Tersiguel’s on Jan. 26 at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $90 and reservations can be made at 410-465-7802.
The next Lunch Date with History will be at the Historical Society’s Museum of Howard County History on Friday, Feb. 2. The speaker will be James Robey, discussing “Daniels Mill and the life of James Robey,” including his experiences growing up in Daniels and his career as Howard County Chief of Police, County Executive and State Senator. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. with the lecture from noon to 1 p.m. Admission is free to Society members, $5 for the general public. For reservations call 410-480-3250. On Sunday, Feb.18, the Society will hold its membership meeting at the Miller Branch at 1 p.m. The speaker will be William Armstrong, author of “Maryland in World War I.”
The Howard County Arts Council, at 8510 High Ridge Road, is featuring two exhibits through Feb. 23. “The Howard County Open 2018” is a non-juried show highlighting Howard County residents. “Everyday Relics,” featuring images of nature. Call 410-313-2787 for more information.
The next Literary Pub Crawl will start at the Wine Bin at 7 p.m. on Feb. 1. Open to participants over the age of 21 the tour visits three pubs along Main Street and will feature stories about writers who worked here. The cost is $15. For tickets go to mdhistorytours.com. The next Jazz Jam at the Judge’s Bench is scheduled for Feb. 6. Attend to participate or just to listen. And there are only a few days left to see the LEGO Holiday Train Exhibit at the B&O Railroad Museum, Ellicott City Station. It closes on Jan. 28.
The Howard County Library is having its next fundraiser, a “Retro Evening in the Stacks,” in the newly-remodeled East Columbia Branch on Feb. 24 from 7 to 11 p.m. Tickets are $135, four for $500 through Jan. 31. After, tickets are $150. The event celebrates the best of the ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s. For tickets call 410-313-7750 or go to hclibrary.org.