(Enlarge) Ellicott City residents Gary and Cindy Ouellette with their children Hannah, Brian and Nicole at the grand opening of their new Columbia restaurant, Union Jack's British Pub. (Submitted photo)

I met the Ouellette family -- Gary, Cindy and kids Hannah, Brian and Nicole -- when our sons were students at Centennial Lane Elementary School. Later, I had the pleasure of working with Cindy on several PTA's and school related projects.

Over the years, Gary and Cindy have owned several successful Washington metropolitan restaurants and clubs including Washington's Polly Esther's and Union Jack's British Pub of Bethesda and Ballston, Va.

Eager to have a Union Jack's location in their beloved Howard County, the Ouellettes had been scouring the county real estate market for an available space that would fit the mega-pub. Finally last year when the That's Amore restaurant closed near the Columbia mall, they knew they had found the ideal location.

"Howard County is home to us. We've raised all three of our kids here who are active in many sports, church and school activities. So we are thrilled to have one of our restaurants in our own backyard where we can host our family and friends," Cindy said.

When the 8,800-square-foot Union Jack's opened in February, it became one of the largest full-service food and entertainment venues in the county. The new establishment boasts a 50-foot long wrap-around bar that is reminiscent of a British-style pub complete with a bright red British phone booth, family dining area which doubles as a dance floor late at night, large outdoor patio, private dining room, cozy lounge with fireplace and generous entertainment room featuring pool tables and shuffleboard.

One feature that is consistent in every room at Union Jack's is the high definition flat- screen televisions. Gary tells me there are 25 screens strategically placed throughout the entire restaurant. They came in handy during World Cup games as the restaurant opened early to show every game to accommodate the huge crowds gathered to watch.

Although you will find the traditional British pub foods such as fish and chips, bangers and mash and cottage pie, the menu also offers American classics (hamburgers and ribs) plus upscale items such as filet mignon, Lemongrass Pork Chops and Hong Kong Salmon salad.

Beer lovers will be happy to know that the restaurant stocks more than 100 of Europe's most popular beers, with 15 available on tap.

Even before the restaurant opened, the Ouellettes signed on as the first Howard County Recreation and Parks Gold (top level) sponsor for all adult sports. This is part of their promise to give back to a community that has been a nurturing environment and positive experience for their family.

To further this mission, Union Jack's has supported or sponsored the following groups including the Centennial High School Boosters and boys lacrosse banquet, Centennial Lane Elementary School celebration for six retiring teachers, Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults, Columbia Triathlon's LifeFest Running/Cycling event, Columbia Foundation and various other nonprofit and charitable groups.

This week, Union Jack's will participate in the county's Farm2Table restaurant weeks where establishments will incorporate local farm fresh ingredients into specially designed and discounted menus.

The restaurant will feature a bill of fare including local berries, peaches, squash, pastured raised chicken, pork tenderloin, red wine and locally caught wild Rockfish.

The fresh ingredients will be carefully crafted into dishes such as Chesapeake Rockfish En Papilote, Mixed Berry Shortcake and Roasted Pork Tenderloin wrapped in bacon and topped with a peach, golden raisin compote.

So, whether you are a woman, bloke (man) or nipper (small child) and decide to enjoy Union Jack's traditional chips (french fries) or its American fare, you will certainly be getting the "full monty" (the entire take) experience at Howard County's newest British pub and restaurant. Cherrio!

In addition to Union Jack's British Pub, several other restaurants in our county will be participating in the Farm2Table Restaurant week now through Aug, 8. It's a great way to try new restaurants and support local businesses and farms.

Participating Ellicott City restaurants include Portalli's, Pure Wine Café, Tersiguel's French Country Restaurant, The Diamondback Tavern, The Trolly Stop, The Crab Shanty and The Friendly Inn.

Other Howard County restaurants include Aida Bistro & Wine Bar, Azul 17, Café de Paris, Coho Grill, Donna's Café, Eggspectation, Iron Bridge Wine Co., Morgan's Grill at the Hilton Columbia, The Kings Contrivance, The Waterside at Sheraton Columbia Town Center Hotel, The Melting Pot, Victoria Gastro Pub, Elkridge Furnace Inn, Mamma Lucia, Bistro Blanc, Town Grill at Lisbon Citgo Auto Center, Ranazul, Venegas Prime Filet, and Mangia's Italian Grill & Sports Café.

If you haven't registered to vote yet, the League of Women Voters of Howard County will offer voter registration at the East Columbia Branch library Tuesday, Aug. 3, from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 7, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at all six Howard County libraries.

On Wednesday, Aug. 4, 7 to 8:30 p.m., the Sunset Serenades Summer Concerts at Centennial Lake will host a performance by the soul, funk and pop inspired Eric Scott Band.

Consider bringing a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy the performance along with a picnic supper. Food can also be purchased at the concession stand. While this event is free, a $3 parking donation is requested.

The show is open to the general public of all ages. Inclement weather number is 410-313-4452. Use the park's South Entrance at 10000 Route 108 in Ellicott City. For more information contact Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks at 410-313-4700.

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