Never went to that one but its been many other things and I went to some of them. Like Tomato Palace which is close to it.

Went several times. It was always a good experience with good food!

That location would be ideal for a Bonefish Grill
http://www.bonefishgrill.com/

I say it's time for a "Cracker Barrel", or another "Eggspectation", or a place that also serves breakfast .

It was always empty but I always enjoyed the food. I always wondered why all the tables were empty.

I'd like to see something DIFFERENT! Not another Asian or Italian place. How about Spanish Tapas?

I have to agree with Sara Spanish Tapas sounds great!!!

My sons and I stopped by last weekend for their dim sum (appetizers and entrees on rolling carts). Totally SHOCKED to see it closed. It was the best dim sum place between Columbia and Towson. Now, I don't know where to get great dim sum anymore. So sad!!

I like the idea of Spanish tapas. Greek or Thai would be nice too.

Yes, it was the best dim sum place in this part of Maryland. The problem was with their prices - too high. It was the same problem with its predecessor. I wonder why the prices are always too high there? Is it because of the cost of the lease?

The problem with ethnic food is you have to have the population to support it. The big three (Chinese, Italian, and Mexican) are already all over Columbia. Japanese food (specifically sushi and/or teppanyaki) and Indian cuisine are also in abundance in the area. Thai food can be found in three Thai restaurants as well as every "Asian Fusion/Bistro" place.

So, we'd need something different, yet that a significant portion of residents like. In addition, the location will be expensive to rent and would likely cater to a higher income crowd. So, food that is usually found in basic chains, roadside restaurants, diners, etc. is not likely. I don't think Greek will fit in because I rarely see large Greek restaurants; I theorize most people's interaction with Greek food comes down to gyros and small eateries.

Spanish tapas would fit in perfectly... but I hope not because I can't stand the amount of food you get for the price (Jaleo comes to mind). I would prefer something a bit different and yet filling (even if pricey).

What about Korean? I know there are good Korean eateries a county away, but there are none in Columbia. The food is good, just as popular as Japanese (or so it seems to me), and quite filling.

Perhaps the possible obsolescence of the lakefront as a restaurant venue might be considered? Not, of course, what Hughes and County planners want to hear as millions are invested in a new "Town Center". Yet the volume of business is away from Old Columbia to the eastern rim of I-95, to the west towards Marrriotsville, and even to Maple Lawn. Planners need to consider what real people want; this vacancy,, like crisis in the village centers, wonderful as these concept are in theory, may be a symptom of the market prevailing over centralized planning unrelated to consumer needs. In the meantime, real cities like DC and eastern Baltimore revive, and that is where the young of Columbia and Howard County have already relocated in large numbers and will continue to flock. Artificial Columbia will always be an artificial city, though a fine, better than average suburb..

Having Bone Fish come to Columbia would be nice. I think it would make the Lakefront more vital.

I feel that having Bone Fish to Columbia would be nice. It would make the Lakefront more vital.

I would like to see a seafood restaurant come there! Right now all we have is Red Lobster!!!

This last Sunday I learned about the bad news but decided to go to the Tomato Palace with my family for their Sunday Brunch. Absolutely fantastic. It wasn't dim sum but the brunch menu items were all delicious & the service was fantastic. Highly reccomended.

The problem is that the rent will be very high so therefore it will have to be pricey to even stand a chance of making a profit. With Clydes right there it will have stiff competition if the menus are even similar. Korean won't work for 2 reasons...one, there are a lot of Korean restaurants in Ellicott City like Bethany Square and Golden Triangle. Secondly, most non-Asians aren't that familar with Korean foods and would tend to go with something they are more comfortable with. I personally like the Bonefish suggestion or even a Bubba Gump Shrimp Company or Legal Seafood.

Why not a "non-chain" restaurant? Perhaps a local seafood, or high-end steakhouse? Even better would be a natural food (i.e.: Vegetarian and Vegan dishes served too!) restaurant!