Anne Arundel Restaurant Roundup

One of the first restaurant closings of the new year took place at Westfield Annapolis mall: Punk's Backyard Grill closed unexpectedly on Sunday after owners said they were unable to renegotiate their lease.

In other dining news at the mall, a new restaurant called La Madeleine—billed as a country French cafe—is under construction with signs saying it will open in the spring. La Madeleine offers a menu with bakery items, crêpes, quiche, soup, pasta, hot and cold sandwiches and salads. The restaurant is located across from California Pizza Kitchen near Nordstrom.

Four Seasons Grille, which also has a location in Gambrills, is open at the mall where Austin Grill was (it closed December 2011). Nothing has replaced McCormick and Schmick's, which shut down a year ago. Other 2012 closings in Annapolis included Philly Flash and 3 Brothers Italian Restaurant.

More Annapolis restaurant news:

• Annapolis SmokeHouse Opens for Business
• City Dock Restaurant Closes One Month After Opening

Severna Park and Broadneck

The former Rod N Rydz is now the Severna Park Taphouse with a family-friendly atmosphere.

If you're a Ravens fan, you probably already know about the recent opening of Mother's Peninsula Grille in Broadneck. The restaurant and bar opened in the fall and attracts fans for football and live music.

Note that Cantler's will be closed in January for painting but plans to reopen.

West County

Italian Market in Gambrills closed unexpectedly this week with a sign on the door claiming that the business is closed due to renovations. However, an employee who answered the phone at the Italian Market in Annapolis said the Gambrills restaurant is closed for good, but could reopen with a different concept.

While the Bonefish Grill at Annapolis Towne Centre at Parole is open, the new location at Waugh Chapel Towne Centre in Gambrills has been hiring for positions and is set for a grand opening Jan. 21.

Already open at Waugh Chapel Towne Centre is Nando's Peri-Peri, Fuji Japanese Steakhouse, Coal Fire Pizza and the Greene Turtle. Coming soon: Houlihan’s.

South County

In south county, the Edgewater location of Bill Bateman's Bistro closed last week.

Do you know of any other recent restaurant openings or closings in Anne Arundel County? Tell us in the comments.