Romance is alive and well in Howard County restaurants.
Sure, the county is loaded with chain restaurants, fast-food joints and family eating establishments, but there are romantic choices as well - restaurants that serve sophisticated food and wine in beautiful, often historic settings.
So there's no reason to leave the county when planning a special night out with your sweetheart.
Here are six excellent choices for romantic dining in Howard.
Furnace Inn
The Elkridge Furnace Inn (5745 Furnace Ave., Elkridge; 410-379-9336) was first established as a tavern in 1744, but it was in ruins when Dan Wecker and his brother discovered it in the late 1980s. Their hard work transformed the site into an elegant and romantic country restaurant.
Wecker, a history buff, restored many of the architectural details. And his interest in the past extends to his cooking, which has classic French roots but is inspired by the Colonial history of the setting.
A salad might consist of braised greens with an onion vinaigrette, prosciutto and goat cheese, the entire thing stuffed into a cored tomato. A mixed grill features ostrich, duck and game hen, served with a sweet potato risotto and three relishes. For those craving more classic dishes, osso buco or leg of lamb are offered.
Desserts, like the rest of the menu, change frequently, but are just as creative and wonderful, with options such as a silky white chocolate mousse perched on a mild carrot cake or a decadent, fudgy chocolate torte.
The restaurant and 16-acre property are popular for weddings and other events, and its intimate rooms make it ideal for a night out with someone special. With advance notice, the restaurant offers "top of the inn" dining in the bridal suite. It's a great place to propose, we're told.
Jordan's Steakhouse
While some top-tier steakhouses feel like men's clubs, Jordan's Steakhouse (8085 Main St., Ellicott City; 410-461-9776) has embraced its feminine side. Instead of leather chairs and dark paneling, this restaurant, located in Ellicott City's cobblestoned historic downtown, has a softer look.
The steakhouse, built after a 1999 fire destroyed part of Main Street, oozes upper-crust 1920s sophistication, with its elegant jazz, plush fabrics and gentle lighting that plays off the rust-colored walls.
From flank to filet mignon, steaks are the main attraction - tender, liberally seasoned and served with salty, crispy shoestring fries. But the kitchen also creates delicious and delicate fish, chicken and vegetarian entrees.
