Perhaps one of the most controversial figures in Maryland politics at the moment is former Baltimore mayor Sheila Dixon. On the one hand, she was convicted of fraudulent misappropriation in 2009 and forced to resign. On the other, during her tenure as mayor, the city’s homicide rate dropped for the first time in 30 years. All of which made her the perfect guest for the Elevate Maryland podcast last fall.

The Howard County-based podcast is approaching its third anniversary, and by bringing provocative and underserved voices to the table, it continues to serve its mission: “Build Community. Present Solutions.”

It is co-hosted by Candace Dodson-Reed, 46, chief of staff and executive director in the office of equity and inclusion at a local university, and Tom Coale, 38, a land issue and zoning attorney.

“We’ve tried to address some of the most controversial issues that face the county and state,” says Dodson-Reed. “We are unapologetic in having thoughtful, spirited dialogue on these topics.”

A look through the past guest list attests to that. Former education secretary Dr. John B. King, Jr. spoke on education equity. “Just Up the Pike’s” Dan Reed addressed advocacy for inclusive housing in Montgomery County. And state senator Dr. Clarence Lam discussed topics ranging from immigration to his op-ed on Governor Hogan.

Maryland state delegate Brooke Lierman was a guest on the podcast’s first live show, which Dodson-Reed and Coale host bi-weekly from the welcome center in Columbia’s Merriweather district.

“It was the first podcast I’ve ever been part of, and having a live audience made for a full and robust conversation,” she says. “One of the reasons I’m a follower, as well as a guest, is that they bring on voices from such a wide range of backgrounds and jobs. They tackle the issues that challenge us here in Maryland.”

Coale points out that, because he is white and Dodson-Reed is black, they also have the opportunity to bring in a wider ranging audience. “There are plenty of white content creators catering to white audiences, and vice versa,” he says. “We use our chemistry to create a bigger audience and the reception we get is reflective of that.”

In doing so, the podcast has become a must stop for politicians across the region. Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski, Jr. has made two appearances to date, the first as candidate and the second in his leadership role.

“Tom and Candace have a similar philosophy as mine, to bring as many voices as possible into public discourse,” he says. “Thoughtful conversations can build community, and they’re accomplishing that.”

Because the podcast doesn’t shy away from controversy, it has received its share of blowback on social media, but that doesn’t deter the hosts. “We might get beat up at times, but it’s important to talk about these things,” says Dodson-Reed.

It also means people are listening, to a tune of approximately 1,500 downloads per episode, according to Coale.

And while the co-hosts will continue to bring on the underrepresented voices of the region, Dodson-Reed does have a dream guest in mind for the future: “My big goal would be to have a presidential candidate on,” she says. “But ultimately, as long as a guest is challenging the community and presenting solutions in an innovative way, we want them on the show.”

OPEN

Cazbar Columbia: Howard County diners can now experience the same authentic Turkish cuisine—and weekend belly-dancing shows—that Charm City locals have enjoyed in Mt. Vernon for years. The North Charles Street staple has expanded with a second location in Columbia, which officially opened its doors late last month. Decorated with textured wallpaper, comfy lounge chairs, and glowing lanterns, the spinoff highlights Cazbar’s signature mezzes and kebabs. Standout entrees include Turkish beef dumplings with garlic butter, eggplant stuffed with caramelized onions and pine nuts, and flaky baklava topped with toasted pistachios.

Love at First Bite Cafe: The Locust Point shop that was formerly Hoof Cafe on Fort Avenue is now home to this all-day kitchen from husband-and-wife duo Antonio and JosLynn Jones. The owners, who previously operated a soul food restaurant in Northeast Baltimore, specialize in comfort foods like crab pretzels, shrimp and broccoli pasta, and smothered pulled turkey over rice. The cafe is also a go-to for sweet tooth lovers, who can indulge in loaded ice cream sundaes topped with everything from Oreo crumbles to a whole Nutty Buddy ice cream cone.

COMING SOON

Bambao: Come October, diners will be able to sip bubble tea while learning origami in Harbor East. The long-vacant home of Manchurian Rice Co. on the corner of Aliceanna Street and Central Avenue will soon be transformed into this Asian-fusion concept that aims to offer diners a “sense and taste of zen.” Highlights at Bambao will include an array of bubble teas, rice and buddha bowls, and steamed bun sandwiches. In keeping with the wellness mantra, the spot will also feature family-friendly origami classes and collaborate with local yoga studios to host community events.

Char’d City: A grand opening date for this long-awaited addition to the Hamilton dining scene is set for this Friday, September 6. Husband-and-wife owners Yassine Rmadhnia and Sindee Gibson have turned the former home of Clementine on Harford Road into a cozy BYOB spot featuring warm woods, rustic decor, and a custom wood-fired oven that churns out the duo’s take on a classic Neapolitan pizzas. Char’d City will also serve colorful salads, vegan entrees, and seafood dishes that make use of Maryland crab. The menu is meant to fuse Southern Italian recipes with North African flavors inspired by Rhamdhnia’s roots in Tunisia.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

Sept. 18, 20, 23, 26: Ekiben’s End of Summer BBQ Pop-Up Series
The summer temperatures might be starting to drop, but things are definitely heating up in the Ekiben kitchen. On the heels of launching a recurring Taiwanese noodle bar pop-up, owners Steve Chu and Ephrem Abebe are collaborating with a group of stellar chefs to host four can’t-miss lunch pop-ups at their Fells Point restaurant throughout September. The end of summer barbecue-themed series will kick off with visiting chef Johnny Spero of Reverie in Washington, D.C. on September 18, and continue with the team from farmers’ market favorite Blacksauce Kitchen on September 20, James Beard Award nominee Jerome Grant of Sweet Home Cafe inside the National Museum of African American History and Culture on September 23, and our own Carlos Raba of Clavel on September 26. Menu details haven’t been released as of yet, but judging by Ekiben’s track record of creative collaborations, we can only anticipate that the dishes will be epic.

SHUT

The Dizz: Remington locals were heartbroken to hear that this decades-old neighborhood fixture had suddenly closed its doors earlier this week. “We would like to thank all our wonderful customers for your support over the years,” co-owner Thomas L. Basta Jr. wrote in a Facebook message announcing the closure Wednesday. Last fall, the Basta family put their restaurant on the market, but ultimately decided against selling. “This place has been here forever,” longtime general manager Elaine Stevens told us in May. “I think [the owners] were ready to just get out of the business, but then they saw how much it means to everybody and that made them say, ‘You know what, we’re not giving up. We’re going to hang in there.’” Unfortunately, the owners have once again decided it’s time to move on. Throughout the years, the 85-year-old staple gained a reputation for its famous burgers, crab soup, and one of the best BLTs in the city.

For more than 20 years, city dwellers have gotten to know the The Brewer’s Art as a dimly lit, dichotomous destination for pairing house-brewed drafts of Resurrection and Beazly in both its posh upstairs setting and its cavernous basement below.

Come spring, a second location in Howard County will offer a middle ground between the two in the form of a rustic tavern in Highland.

“It isn’t super modern out here in Western Howard County,” says Ryan Roth, a Highland resident who owns The Brewer’s Art building in Mt. Vernon. “It’s a little more traditional, so we’re definitely going to keep it casual.”

Aptly named The Brewer’s Art Tavern, the 85-seat sister spot will add some casual charm to the former home of the Twist and Turn Tavern, then Highland Tavern, off of Clarksville Pike. Roth—who estimates that he lives about 200 feet from the new restaurant—took over the lease last fall, and approached his Brewer’s Art tenants about teaming up to open a second location in the space soon after.

“I was always a big fan of theirs,” he says. “And I figured, ‘Hey, these guys probably know a lot about running a restaurant.’ They’re a cautious group. They’ve been doing the same thing for a long time, and it’s worked for them, but I think they saw the advantages and were excited about it pretty quickly.”

Brewer’s Art co-owner Volker Stewart explains that the team was uncertain of the Mt. Vernon restaurant’s fate when the building was up for sale a few years back. But after Roth became the new landlord in 2017 and later presented his expansion plans, it seemed like the right time to widen the footprint.

“It was kind of a serendipitous thing,” Stewart says. “Ryan was a fan of The Brewer’s Art, which all of the partners thought was pretty great. He reached out to us about reopening his local bar with a new concept, and after a number of conversations, we thought it would be a great fit.”

Roth expects that 50 percent of the menu in Mt. Vernon will carry over to the new tavern, which will dedicate six of its 14 taps to Brewer’s Art beers. Executive chef Andrew Weinzirl will oversee both kitchens, bringing approachable staples like the rosemary-garlic fries, poutine with pickled chilis, and soft pretzels with Resurrection mustard to the new space.

Aside from the local craft beer and cider, the beverage offerings will include a selection of house cocktails and a 180-bottle wine list that Roth is curating with the help of the staff at Highland Wine & Spirits next door. “We want to offer some nice bottles that people can just walk over and buy for themselves after dinner if they’re so inclined,” he says.

Though most of the building was equipped with proper plumbing and electrical systems, construction crews have been hard at work restaining woods, bringing in new furniture, and adding fresh coats of paint in advance of the early-April opening. The goal is to tone down the horse country feel of the previous inhabitant to make way for a more inviting, warm interior. The spot also features a 20-seat outdoor patio that Roth plans to convert into a beer garden.

As the Howard County dining scene continues to grow with new concepts like The Turn House, Manor Hill Tavern, and Cured 18th & 21st, Roth is looking forward to adding yet another dining destination to the area. For his part, after two decades, Stewart feels the timing is finally right for the expansion of Brewer’s Art.

“Ryan is committed to creating a space that offers the same high-quality product and experience that we offer here,” Stewart says. “We are excited to have a sister restaurant.”

Though Randy Marriner has looked to expand his restaurant business beyond Howard County in the past, there’s just something about the tight-knit community that keeps drawing him in.

Five years ago, after opening Victoria Gastro Pub in Columbia with his wife, Mary, and daughters Rachael and Tori, Marriner started his search in the Annapolis area—but couldn’t find the right spot to open a second location. Later, a real estate partner told him about the plans for Clarksville Commons, an environmentally sustainable, mixed-use center from local developers George and Holly Stone.

“I told him, ‘I can’t do a Victoria Gastro Pub number two in Howard County. That makes no sense,’” Marriner recalls. “And he said, ‘So do something else.’ That got me thinking.”

In keeping with the developers’ green focus (the commons feature solar panels, cisterns for rain water, and a living green wall), the Marriner family dreamed up a comfort food concept that makes use of locally sourced ingredients—some from their 54-acre working farm located 10 minutes away in Ellicott City. That property is also home to the taproom and production facility for the family’s farm brewery, Manor Hill Brewing.

They decided to name the Clarksville restaurant Food Plenty, after an old Windsor Mill farm of the same name that Randy and Mary raised their daughters near. Slated to open in December, the eatery will highlight breakfast, lunch, and dinner dishes, Manor Hill brews, and an interior that is meant to pay homage to the Food Plenty property.

Local artist Linda Roberts—Marriner’s former neighbor who still owns the Windsor Mill land—was commissioned to paint a six-foot-tall mural of the Food Plenty grounds that will welcome guests at the entrance of the new restaurant. To further the farm feel, the 280-seat spot will emphasize century-old reclaimed barn wood throughout the interior.

“It’s going to be stunning,” Marriner says of the space. “It really tells the tale.”

Under the helm of corporate executive chef Chad Wells—who oversees restaurant operations for Victoria Gastro Pub and the Marriner’s Ellicott City eatery Manor Hill Tavern—the kitchen will offer all-day service, as well as curbside pickup options.

“The menu won’t have anything out of a bag,” says Marriner, listing offerings like classic fried chicken, meatloaf and mashed potatoes, chicken noodle soup, grilled cheese, and Mary’s banana cream pie. “It’s going to be everyday comfort food, but all made from scratch.”

Food Plenty joins other local food businesses in the mixed-use development, including DIY spot You Pizza (a spinoff of Facci Italian Restaurant in Howard County) and a second location of Elkridge bakery Kupcakes & Co. Although construction saw multiple delays with permitting and county approvals throughout the five-year process, Marriner says he is excited to “sprint toward the finish.”

Next month’s opening comes at a joyous time for the owners, who will celebrate Victoria Gastro Pub’s 10-year anniversary on December 10. They are also planning to expand Manor Hill Brewing’s facility in the coming months. Though details are still in the works, Marriner assures that the expansion will, of course, remain in Howard County.

“We’ve really focused our energies into this one geopolitical universe,” he says of the community. “And the cool thing is, we’re not finished.”

Fifty years ago, revolutionary real estate developer Jim Rouse set out to transform 14,000 acres of Howard County farmland into a hub for diversity, tolerance, and growth. Still today, Columbia maintains Rouse’s vision with more than 100,000 residents, a top-notch school system, beautiful urban green spaces, and a vibrant arts scene.  

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the city’s official founding on June 21, neighborhood leaders have organized a number of events this month to showcase the people and places that make Columbia so unique.

To 6/9: Posters of Wilde Lake
Back in the ’60s, Rouse commissioned California-born printmaker Gail Holliday to create colorful posters marketing his new community. At this ongoing exhibition, the Rouse Company’s former artist-in-residence showcases a collection of works dedicated to the image of Wilde Lake. Slayton House, 10400 Cross Fox Lane, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., 410-730-3987

6/4: Of Stars and Hurricanes: Two Columbia Novelists Return
The Howard County Poetry and Literature Society (HoCoPoLitSo) is partnering with the Wild Lake Community Association to present an evening with two of the community’s most notable authors. Head to the Slayton House Theatre to hear excerpts from the most recent works of husband-and-wife novelists—and former Columbia residents—Carrie and John Gregory Brown. The society will also honor community leaders Padriac and Ellen Kennedy for their work to strengthen Howard County’s literary scene. Slayton House, 10400 Cross Fox Lane, 4-6 p.m., $20, 410-730-3987

6/10: The HeART of Columbia
A number of Columbia’s art organizations are coming together to present this exhibition of artifacts from the city’s history. Howard Community College, 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., 443-518-1000

6/11: Books in Bloom
Dubbed Columbia’s first-ever book festival, this get-together will highlight readings, panel discussions, a poetry wall, and its own pop-up book store spanning a variety of genres. The family-friendly event will also serve as a launch party for the Howard County Library’s new summer reading program, offering crafts, story time areas, and panels geared toward young adults. Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, 12-5 p.m., 410-715-5550

6/16-18: LakeFest
Gather around the landmark People Tree for this annual spring festival, which is going all out this year in honor of Columbia’s big birthday. Aside from checking out the juried arts show, stroll around Lake Kittamaqundi to get creative with kids crafts, experience an inflatable multi-room sculpture, and dance along to live jazz, blues, and funk music. There will also be plenty of eats onsite, including boxed lunches from Whole Foods and crab cake made from Rouse’s favorite recipe. Lake Kittamaqundi, Columbia, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., 410-423-1878

6/19-7/29: Columbia Portraits
Enjoy stories of the community’s past and present from the perspective of realist painter Mary Jo Messenger at this art show, which will showcase her portraits of Columbia residents. Slayton House, 10400 Cross Fox Lane, 9 a.m.-8 p.m., 410-730-3987

6/21: Columbia Orchestra Summer Concert
This acclaimed community orchestra will assemble on the new Chrysalis Stage at Merriweather Post Pavilion in celebration of Columbia’s actual anniversary on June 21. Pack a picnic dinner, spread out a blanket, and enjoy highlights from My Fair Lady, familiar hits by The Beatles, the iconic outdoor “1812 Overture,” and an epic “Happy Birthday” singalong. Chrysalis at Symphony Woods, 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, 7 p.m., 410-465-8777

6/23: Stoop Storytelling
As part of the 30th annual Columbia Festival of the Arts—which runs June 16-25—this migrating storytelling series will present an evening focused on cinematic events and experiences. Hear from seven non-professional speakers who will share true tales about movies that have significantly impacted their lives. Smith Theatre at the Horowitz Performing Arts Center, 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway, 8-10 p.m., $18, 410-997-2324

6/24: Sprout Film Festival

View a selection of short films presented in partnership with the Howard County Autism Society and Arc of Howard County—a nonprofit that provides services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The thought-provoking pieces, which share the poignant stories of individuals with disabilities, will all feature post-screening Q&A sessions. Monteabaro Hall at Howard Community College, 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway, 4-8 p.m., $15, 443-518-1000

6/25: River Romp
Bring the whole family to enjoy this summer program at Robinson Nature Center, an education facility nestled on 18 acres of land adjacent to the Middle Patuxent River. Following a picnic lunch, splash around, search for animals, and race handmade boats down the stream. Robinson Nature Center, 6692 Cedar Lane, 12:30-2:30 p.m., 410-313-0400, $6-25

7/4: Howard County 4th of July Festival and Fireworks
Don your patriotic patterns to dance along to live music and indulge in seasonal eats and drinks before watching the annual fireworks display light up the lakefront. Downtown Columbia Lakefront, 5-10 p.m., Free, 410-313-4700

7/15: Merriweather 50th Anniversary Concert
Back in 1967, a 40-acre plot in the woods of Howard County was transformed into Merriweather Post Pavilion, the hallowed amphitheater that has since showcased performances by everyone from Janis Joplin and Jimmy Buffet to Led Zeppelin and The Grateful Dead. To celebrate the venue’s 50th year of bringing live music to the community, Merriweather has organized this show featuring an epic lineup of Americana icons. Enjoy old favorites from Willie Nelson, Father John Misty, special guest host Grace Potter, and Jackson Browne—who recorded three tracks off of his 1977 album Running on Empty at the pavilion. Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, 6 p.m., $55-125

For more information about Columbia’s 50th anniversary, pick up a copy of our June issue on newsstands now.