Howard Life 2009 - (Page 23) DINING ALONG THE NATIONAL ROAD U BY LORI PADDY Prime time happy hour at Jordan’s Steakhouse Route 40. Route 144. Frederick Road. Main Street. The National Road. All of these refer to the road that built the nation. Connecting Baltimore to Illinois, construction of the National Road began in Cumberland in 1806. A patchwork of previously built landowner funded routes formed the connection to Baltimore and then proceeded westward. Funded by the federal government, the National Road provided a route to move services, goods and people across the country. Today, you can take a step back in time and let the National Road lead you on a dining tour through the historic towns and rolling countryside of Howard County. On your journey west, you will first encounter The Trolley Stop, a historic tavern that has been feeding hungry travelers since 1833. Full of both character and history, The Trolley Stop has been an inn and tavern, general store, boarding house, trolley stop and once again a tavern. From the front porch, visitors can view the original site of the Ellicott Mills and the B&O Railroad Museum: Ellicott City Station. Located just outside is the #9 trolley trail, a multipurpose trail that follows the old route of the #9 trolley into Catonsville. And just west on the National Road lays the historic town of Ellicott City, founded in 1772. At the corner of Maryland Avenue and the National Road (often referred to as Main Street), the Phoenix Emporium stands in a building that has housed a grocery store and various restaurants and bars since 1887. With fantastic live music and killer cream of crab soup, the Phoenix Emporium offers atmosphere and fare worth stopping for. Just uphill and across the street, Cacao Lane occupies three buildings built in the mid 1800s. Formerly dry goods and grocery stores, bars, taxi companies and a pool room, Cacao Lane has been offering classic American fare since 1974. With exposed locally quarried stone walls and floors dating back over 165 years, Cacao Lane takes diners back to a more elegant time. Located in one of the original mills in Ellicott City, The Rumor Mill Restaurant features Japanese-American fusion cuisine in a truly historic atmosphere. This structure once housed the first power plant in Howard County. And just west of The Rumor Mill sits Jordan’s Steakhouse. Constructed in the 1920s, this brick building has been home to a tavern, barbershop and restaurant, but today offers superb food and fine wine in a romantic setting. Next, you will come upon Johnny’s Bistro on Main, where hungry guests can enjoy creative sandwiches, specialty pizzas, fine wines and beer. A not to miss dining experience can be found at Tersiguel’s French Country Restaurant. Situated in a striking house built in the 1890s as a residence and dental office, Tersiguel’s offers divine French fare worthy of the most discerning palette. Just across the National Road, travelers will find the Ellicott Mills Brewing Company. Formerly the location of Talbott Lumber Company, the Brewing Company offers American and German fare along with a host of beers brewed on site. Other places to check out within town include Bean Hollow, Tea on the Tiber, Sweet— a bakery and café, Sarah and Desmond’s Vegetarian Café, Yates Market, La Palapa Grill and Cantina and The Judges Bench. Between Ellicott City and West Friendship, keep an eye out for The Friendly Inn on your right. Dating back over a century, this stop has become a hot spot for bluegrass music and cold drinks. Farther west, navigators of the National Road will come across the town of Lisbon and what remains of the historic Lisbon Hotel. Now nearly in ruins, this structure was once a retreat for Baltimore’s rich and famous who visited the town to escape the heat of the city. Just across the street sits the Town Grill. Don’t let appearances fool you. The Town Grill offers craveable barbeque and beef brisket, and a host of other items. Keep following the National Road west and travel through the town of Poplar Springs, once a famous stopping point to rest and water weary horses. About a half mile west of Poplar Springs is the Country Kettle, serving delicious gourmet creations. If you continue west, the National Road will lead you through Mount Airy, New Market, Frederick, Cumberland and eventually all the way to Illinois. Take a break from the highway and indulge in the slower pace and delectable food the eateries of the National Road have to offer. For more information about these and other Howard County restaurants, turn to page 28. howardLIFE 23 Kenneth Losurdo, Jr.
For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.