Medium Rare Opens In Howard County With Free Seconds, Special Giveaway

COLUMBIA, MD — Medium Rare opened its doors in Columbia with a special drawing of a gift card for unlimited steak meals for life for one lucky diner at its grand opening earlier this month.

Located at 6000 Merriweather Drive across from the Merriweather Post Pavilion, co-owner Mark Bucher offers a menu with a prix fixe three-course steak frites meal complete with a secret sauce, fresh mixed green salad and artisan rustic bread; vegetarian options like grilled portobello with fire roasted red pepper sauce; desserts including sweets such as seven-layer chocolate cake, a seven-layer carrot cake and a hot fudge sundae. A weekend bottomless brunch menu with offerings such as French toast, mimosas and more is also served.

"I think that Medium Rare is a special place and I am excited that Howard County is going to get their very own across from the stadium. It'll make for great picnics, pre- and post-concert meals. Medium Rare isn't just about delicious food, it's about giving back to the community and I'm excited to embrace that in Howard County," Bucher told Patch.

Medium Rare's special secret sauce sets it apart from other eateries, as does the option for free seconds.

"Customers will love more than just the delicious menu, they'll love the warm, generous atmosphere infused with a shared commitment to making a difference. They're going to love being able to hear the live music from Merriweather Post Pavilion from our patio and being able to take our meals over to the Pavilion on those warm summer nights," Bucher told Patch.

Bucher not only is a long-time restaurateur, but also a participant in Taste of the NFL Chef and a World Burger champion. He attended Johns Hopkins, Bucher told Patch, and has been involved in the culinary world for years.

"Competing on A Taste of the NFL Chef was an eye opening experience. It was a strong reminder that people who are hungry often times don't ask for help. So I am grateful to be able to help combat the food crisis we're experiencing," Bucher told Patch.

Bucher's known not just for his culinary skills but also his compassion. In 2020 when the global pandemic hit, Bucher launched several charitable efforts to fight hunger including the Feed the Fridge program.

"I've spearheaded various charitable initiatives, with one notable effort being Feed the Fridge. Born out of the COVID-19 pandemic, this program provides free, restaurant-quality meals to those in need while also supporting local restaurants," he told Patch.

Medium Rare in Howard County seats up to 100 people. The restaurant will be open for dinner daily from 5 to 10 p.m. and from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays for brunch, followed by regular dinner hours on the weekends, as well. Reservations can be made on OpenTable but walk-ins are accepted.