Gaithersburg

Per the City of Gaithersburg: Part of the Washington Gas STRIDE program will include the installation of 2,952 feet of new gas line, replacement of 5 service connections and transferring of 21 service connections. The project area is along E. Diamond Ave from N. Summit Ave to Girard Street, as well as Teachers Way from N. Summit Ave to Girard Street. This project is scheduled to start in July of 2022.

 


Chevy Chase

Urbano Mexican Fare will be opening its first Montgomery County location when the restaurant opens inside of The Heights, an upcoming food hall scheduled to open in Chevy Chase later this year. Urbano, a restaurant by Common Plate Hospitality, has current locations in Virginia- Alexandria and Mosaic District in Fairfax. The new food hall will be opening in the space formerly occupied by Anthropologie and PF Chang’s on the 5400 block of Wisconsin Ave (Wisconsin Place).

Common Plate Hospitality opened the restaurant with chef Alam Méndez Florián- an Oaxacan chef from Mexico City. According to Eater DC, “the menu heavily features tacos, including vegetarian and fish varieties. Meat options feature a slow-cooked lamb barbacoa topped with morita chile salsa — similar to a chipotle — and avocado sauce. There are also several moles inspired by Méndez Florián’s mother, seafood ceviches, and even a walk-up window serving piping hot churros. Sparrow says there are plans to also sell tacos to-go”


Chevy Chase

Approximately one year ago, we let you know that Common Plate Hospitality would be opening its first food hall in Maryland with The Heights Food Hall at Wisconsin Place. The new food hall will be opening in the space formerly occupied by Anthropologie and PF Chang’s on the 5400 block of Wisconsin Ave and will include Turncoat- a speakeasy, with its own hidden entrance. According to a report by Washingtonian, Turncoat will have its own hidden entrance that won’t actually be accessible from the main food hall. “The designers are looking to incorporate Chevy Chase Prohibition-era history (apparently train cars in the neighborhood transported bootleg liquor).”

Per a 2021 press release, “The Heights’ contemporary design consolidates the bright open space with white walls, art murals, charming textiles, modern lighting, and greenscaping to create a vibrant culinary oasis. Some creative concepts to join the Heights include eight food stalls that will feature a variety of international cuisine, a full-service bar, a speakeasy and Urbano @ The Heights – a contemporary Tex-Mex concept from Common Plate Hospitality”.


Olney

In March we let you know that Scratch Kitchen & Bistro will be taking over the location that was formerly home to CB Acai and House of Fortune at 18062 Georgia Avenue in Olney. The new restaurant initially announced on Instagram that it planned to hold its grand opening on Sunday, May 15th, but a few permitting and construction delays pushed things back. Initially hoping to open in June, all permits have been approved and construction is ongoing. The restaurant now hopes to hold a soft opening on July 29th

Scratch Kitchen & Bistro is described as a family-owned bistro and cafe. It will serve breakfast and lunch classics made from locally sourced ingredients. Breakfast will be available all day, according to Scratch Kitchen’s Instagram account. CB Acai, the former tenant of the space, announced in November 2021 that it would be closing the Olney storefront and continue to operate its catering business and food truck. The acai bowl and smoothie spot first opened in July of 2020.


Beyond MoCo

A Connecticut man was arrested in Rockville on July 1 on a warrant for a June 6 double-murder that occurred in Maine. David Barnett, 34, of Bristol, CT is alleged to have killed Kelzie Caron (21) and Pierre Langlois (21) at a residence in Auburn, ME. Barnett is currently being held in Montgomery County pending extradition, according to FOX5.

Barnett will be held at the Montgomery County Jail pending extradition proceedings. The Maine State Police and Auburn Police Detectives have been building this case with their interstate partners at the local, state, and federal levels in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, and Maryland. The investigation into the murders continues and people with information regarding this case are encouraged to contact the Auburn Police Department or the Maine State Police.”


Gaithersburg

Construction is progressing at Isaac’s Poultry Market at 12167 Darnestown Rd in Gaithersburg, the former site of Pizza Hut. The restaurant is being opened by Rob Gresham, a lifelong MoCo resident and the former Director of Operations at CAVA, and hopes to be serving customers in September according to a recent Instagram post.

The restaurant will feature American roasted chicken, wings, sandwiches, and salads. Rob tells us that everything they sell will be made from scratch and that the menu will feature plenty of healthy options. Isaac’s will also feature frozen custards and a variety of baked goods and desserts.


Kensington

The fireworks displays will begin at approximately 9:15 p.m.. The timing of the fireworks shows may change due to weather conditions. Low lawn chairs, blankets and coolers are welcome at both events. There will be food vendors at both locations. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted. The rain date for the fireworks display only is July 5.

Sign language interpreter services and other auxiliary aids or services will be provided upon request with as much notice as possible, preferably at least three business days before the event. To request special accommodations, contact a therapeutic recreation specialist at 240-777-6870 or email [email protected].


Gaithersburg

SummerFest kicks off at 6 p.m. with Nation, one of DC’s top dance bands. Enjoy delicious offerings from food and local craft beverage vendors, including Dogfish Head, Landmade, Lone Oak, Steinhardt Brewing, True Respite, and Waredaca. ATMs available onsite. The air-conditioned Activity Center will serve as a comfort station with indoor bathrooms and space to relax up until 9 p.m.

Once it gets nice and dark (approximately 9:25 p.m.), a spectacular fireworks display will light up the night with bursts of amazing colors and styles that launch up to 500 feet. Bohrer Park is the best place to watch them, but there are several viewing options in surrounding locations. A map identifying best viewing spots is available here.


MoCo Government

Establishment of the ACC is in accordance with House Bill 670, which was approved by the Maryland General Assembly in 2021. The State law created a new uniform procedure for police accountability and discipline, including the establishment of a PAB and ACC in each county.

Appointed by County Executive Elrich to Montgomery County’s ACC are Christopher Jennison and Andrea McCoy Johnson.


Bethesda

Caruso’s Grocery will be taking over the dining room portion of Owen’s Ordinary in Pike & Rose, according to a report by Washingtonian Magazine.  The bar and patio at Owen’s Ordinary will then be rebranding as Owen’s Tavern and Garden.  Both Caruso’s and Owen’s are operated by Neighborhood Restaurant Group.  Chef Matt Adler told Washingtonian that Owen’s dining room was never as busy as its  bar and patio so it made sense to repurpose the underutilized space.

Caruso’s Grocery opened its first location at The Roost food hall in Capital Hill DC back in May 2021.  According to their website, “Caruso’s Grocery is modeled after the classic, Italian-American ‘red sauce joint. You know the one: red banquettes, a killer chicken Parm, Sinatra pouring through the speakers. If you’re looking for modern interpretations of a chef’s take on the classics, you won’t find them here. Caruso’s Grocery will be home to traditional Italian-American fare focused on execution and high quality ingredients – menu items include Chicken Parmesan, Penne alla Vodka, Mozzarella en Carozza, Sole Francaise, Garlic Bread with Four Cheese Sauce, and more old school hits. A joint venture from Neighborhood Restaurant Group and Partner Matthew Adler.”


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