The Highland Inn featuring locally grown veggies worth a visit
If you like The Milton Inn on York Road in Sparks Maryland, then you’ll also enjoy the newly opened (January 2014) Highland Inn, at 12857 Highland Road in Highland, Maryland.
That happens to be in Howard County. I say that because both are under the control of chef/owner Brian Boston, under the banner of Brian Boston Properties.
This comfortable space was once a farm house. It has been converted into a popular dining spot in this part of Howard County. It is indeed a lovely spot where, in season, you can enjoy dining on the lower outside patio. This area is enclosed during colder months. Beyond that, there’s a lawn which is ideal for weddings and parties. The inside includes seating for 120, private rooms, a lounge, the Terrace Room on the lower level, a wine room and two beautiful murals depicting horse scenes.
Wilbur Cox Jr, the chef at Highland Inn while Brian takes care of The Milton Inn, told me the menu does change seasonally. Usually those changes are based on requests from diners and the chefs personal taste. For lunch I had the salad trio (shrimp, salmon, chicken) and also had what might be the best filet I have ever tasted.
Chef Cox went on to say just about everything is made from scratch. The veggies are locally grown and he made a point to emphasize they buy only the best products available. You might want to try the Chef’s Tasting Menu (Monday-Thursday, 5:30 p.m. -6:30 p.m.) that includes an appetizer, entree and desert for $35.00 Three examples of the entrees are duck, ocean trout and filet mignon.
Highland Inn is open seven days for lunch and dinner with a Sunday Brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The restaurant was described to me as casual fine dining. A perfect way to explain how you don’t need to be dressed up to dine here, yet there is a certain degree of elegance within. There is an extensive wine list, reservations are definitely recommended on weekends and plenty of free parking.
You can reach the restaurant at 443-276-3202 or at highlandinnrestaurant.com. I’ll conclude with this tip, through September 30 try the lobster special – one and a half pounds, two sides and champagne for $26.00.
Eddie Applefeld is a Baltimore native and a graduate of Towson University. He has been in the broadcasting profession for over 30 years. Currently he is the Promotions Director of WCBM radio. Before that, he was part of the Rouse & Company show on WQSR, host of a cable TV show called Dining Out and adjunct instructor at Towson.
His past accomplishments include being named a finalist in Baltimore Tourism’s Employee of the Year Program and winner of Toastmaster’s Speaker of the Year contest. He was also twice a heartthrob for the American Heart Association’s gala fund raiser.