Two Montgomery County eateries have earned a spot on Washingtonian Magazine’s latest “The Hot List: 10 Restaurants Around DC We’re Loving Right Now.” The September roundup highlights standout dining destinations across the DC region, and this time, Rockville and North Bethesda are in the spotlight. They were the only two Maryland restaurants featured in the list.
Bao Bei, located at 12055 Rockville Pile in the Montrose Crossing shopping center, has quickly gained a reputation for its stylish atmosphere and creative takes on Chinese and Taiwanese comfort food. Known for dumplings, bao buns, noodles, and a menu that fuses tradition with modern presentation, Bao Bei has become a favorite for both casual meals and special nights out since opening.
Owner Kevin Hsieh’s grew up in Montgomery County and graduated from Gaithersburg High School. A former financial analyst, Hsieh decided to pursue his passion for food, inspired by his family’s culinary traditions. He launched Bao Bei as a “ghost kitchen” in a shared commercial space in North Bethesda, quickly gaining a reputation for his authentic Taiwanese flavors.
Bouboulina, located at 921 Meeting Street in Pike & Rose in North Bethesda, brings the flavors of Greece to Montgomery County with a lively, contemporary flair. Its menu features seafood-forward dishes, mezze, grilled meats, and a fresh Mediterranean wine list, making it a popular destination in the growing Pike & Rose dining district.
Montgomery County natives Ted Xenohristos (Paint Branch High School), Dimitri Moshovitis (Quince Orchard High School) and Ike Grigoropoulos (Gaithersburg High School) are behind Bouboulina, the team’s third restaurant at Pike & Rose, that joins a collection of popular and award-winning dining choices available in the neighborhood. Melina, which opened in 2021, is name after Dimitri’s daughter and is located on the street level of 909 Rose near the group’s first restaurant, French Mediterranean concept, Julii, which opened in 2018. The partners are also the co-founders of CAVA, the Mediterranean fast-casual concept, which is publicly held.
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