MoCo Hidden Gems: Gardenia’s Café
When you enter Gardenia’s Café in Gaithersburg you are immediately given a warm welcome from owner, baker, and lifelong Gaithersburg resident Gardenia Ortega. She, along with her parents Fernando and Maritza, opened Gardenia’s Café this past February. Gardenia says “walking in those doors is just like walking into my house. From the bright colors, cleanliness, flowers, the smell of fresh food, and fresh ingredients.”
The menu is described as homemade, multicultural cuisine made with clean ingredients. Breakfast is served all day and they feature a rotating selection of cakes, pies, muffins and whatever else Gardenia feels like baking that day. For lunch and dinner, they offer a variety of burgers (veggie, lamb, beef), cheesesteaks, seafood, pastas, salads, and pastelles (Mom’s recipe). The café also includes a wide variety of vegan and gluten free dishes to choose from.
Both of Gardenia’s parents immigrated to the United States from El Salvador in the 1980’s. Before opening the café, Gardenia’s father Fernando worked as a sous chef at Columbia Country Club; “My Father Fernando decided to quit his job of 30 years to pursue a dream of ours. Our dream has always been to spread love and happiness through food. I have always dreamed of having my own bakery, but I did not imagine I would be owning a business at the age of 23 with my family. To be honest, I did not think I was ready for the challenges and responsibilities. Until one day I realized that you are never really ready and if you wait until you are, it’ll probably be too late. All I could do was give my business everything I have in me in order to succeed and to keep an open heart.”
The food is delicious, but the genuineness of the family is what will make you a regular after the first visit. We recommend the banana bread pudding, wings with yuca, and anything off the breakfast menu.
Visit them at 8377 Snouffer School Road in Gaithersburg.
https://gardeniascafe.com
301-355-7144
Hours
Mon 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tue Closed
Wed 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Thu 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Fri 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
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FREE Shred Day
Join us at Lafayette Federal Credit Union for a Free Community Shred Day, an event dedicated to helping you protect your privacy and the environment! Bring your old bank statements, bills, medical records, and any other paper documents that need secure disposal, and we'll take care of them on the spot.
Why You Should Come:
Protect Your Privacy: Safely shred sensitive documents to help prevent identity theft.
Eco-Friendly: All shredded material will be recycled, supporting our commitment to sustainability.
Complimentary Breakfast: Enjoy a free breakfast on us--start your day right with good food and good company!
Exciting Giveaways & Prizes: Don't miss out on giveaways and be sure to enter our drawing for a chance to win one of four $100 gift cards.
This event is open to all! It's a fantastic opportunity to clean out those old documents cluttering up your home, safe in the knowledge that they will be disposed of securely. Plus, it's completely free!
Don't miss out on this chance to declutter safely, enjoy some free treats, and possibly win a great prize. We look forward to seeing you there, rain or shine!
For more information, contact us at www.lfcu.events/shred.
FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival
Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.
Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.
Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.
Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.
As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.
Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.
LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!
MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME
2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES
KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!
