ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Today, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and Visit Howard County announced Summer Restaurant Weeks & Craft Beverages will be July 12-25th, 2021. Ball was joined by Maryland First Lady Yumi Hogan to also share a new partnership with the Asian-American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Workgroup to include more locally-owned restaurants this year. More than 35 restaurant and craft beverage creators are featuring specialty menu items and beverages during the two weeks. A full list of participating locations is available here. Restaurants can register to participate online here. Photos of the event can be found here.
“This summer, with our vaccination progress and record low COVID-19 cases, is the perfect time to step back out and experience everything our community has to offer – delicious food, amazing drinks, and good company. You can travel the world through the food and ambiance here in Howard County – and we’re encouraging more of our locally-owned restaurants to use the platform of restaurant weeks.”
“This restaurant week is more special than ever. Businesses have been hit hard, faced many challenges, but have not given up,” said First Lady Yumi Hogan. “As the first Asian American First Lady in Maryland, I am truly excited about this partnership that recognizes that diversity is the first step for inclusion but also promotes growth for our local economy.”
“We are beyond excited and grateful for this new partnership with the AAPI Economic Development Committee'', said Amanda Hof, Executive Director for Visit Howard County. “This is a wonderful beginning to better showcase Howard County’s diverse cultural culinary offerings to visitors and residents alike.”
“We are excited that Asian American Pacific Islander owned restaurants are joining other Howard County restaurants in this annual event and how it highlights the rich diversity of our community as well as the delicious options that are available,” said Larry Twele, CEO for Howard County Economic Development Authority. “The past year has been very difficult on our restaurant industry and we applaud the tenacity of the proprietors and workers who struggled and persevered through the pandemic and are now eager to host this community that enjoys eating out.”
“Restaurant Weeks are always great times to spend with the family while supporting Howard County small businesses,” said Leonardo McClarty, President and CEO for the Howard County Chamber of Commerce. “It is even more important that we support our restaurant community this year in light of the challenges they have faced due to the pandemic. The fact that we can add Asian American restaurants is a major coup as it allows us to embrace the diversity that is Howard County.”
“Hang Ari decided to participate in Howard County Restaurant Week to showcase its unique Korean cuisine items to the non-Korean population of Howard County,” said Charley Sun, Hang Ari Spokesperson. “It is particularly important to do that now because Hang Ari is right in the heart of what will become Koreatown. Having this section of Route 40 designated as Koreatown is very important for the large Korean-American population of Howard County as well as the many Korean restaurants in the area. It is a great opportunity for us to share our culture and heritage through food, and Restaurant Week is a great way to invite everyone to come and try true Korean comfort food at Hang Ari.”
“Now as we gradually enter the post pandemic period, the AAPI group is actively involved in the recovery and revitalization of our economy,” said Jodie Wang, Co-Chair of the AAPI Workgroup. “For the first time in Howard County Restaurant Weeks, international restaurants are participating with hundreds of crafted beverages and menus.”
In partnership with the AAPI community the following Korean-American owned establishments, located along Baltimore National Pike in Ellicott City are participating this year:
- Bonchon Columbia
- ChoSun Hwaro
- Han Joong Kwan
- Hang Ari
- Honey Pig
- Nan Xiang Express soup dumpling
- Tous Les Jours Bakery
- Slurpin Ramen
- Tiger Sugar
- UmaUma
- Yama Sushi
- Zen Garden
There are also several new and first-time-ever participating restaurants:
- Aida Bistro & Wine Bar
- Bolder Food/Drink
- Bonchon Columbia
- Bushel and a Peck Kitchen & Bar
- ChoSun Hwaro
- Clove and Cardamon
- Cured/18th & 21st
- EC Diner
- Elkridge Furnace Inn
- Galliano Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar
- Great Harvest Bakery Cafe
- Han Joong Kwan
- Hang Ari
- Honey Pig
- Hudson Coastal Raw Bar & Grille
- Kloby's Smokehouse
- Lib's Grill Maple Lawn
- Manor Hill Tavern
- Nan Xiang Express soup dumpling
- Neo Pizza & Taphouse
- Ranazul Tapas. Wine. Bistro
- Rathskeller
- Slurpin Ramen
- The Ale House Columbia
- The Greene Turtle
- The Iron Bridge Wine Co.
- The Walrus Oyster & Ale House
- The White Oak Tavern
- Tiger Sugar
- Tino's Italian Bistro
- Tous Les Jours Bakery
- UmaUma
- Victoria Gastro Pub
- Walker's Tap & Table
- Yama Sushi
- Zen Garden
Visit Howard County is also offering more than $500 worth of prizes throughout Restaurant Weeks. Beginning July 12th, diners can enter to win restaurant gift certificates by:
- Following @VisitHoCoMD on Instagram
- Sharing a photo of your dining experience or a photo of your meal on Instagram with the hashtag ##hocorwcb More details and full Giveaway rules can be found at https://www.visithowardcounty.com/howard-county-restaurant-weeks/giveaw…