North Bethesda

“The Eater 38 offers a selection of defining culinary destinations that showcase the diversity of D.C. (and its many suburbs).” While there are many wonderful restaurants here in Montgomery County, just two made Eater DC’s list of “38 Essential Restaurants (videos of both available below).

Caruso’s Grocery (Pike & Rose): Caruso’s Grocery opened its Pike & Rose location in December (first location is in DC). The restaurant is located at 11820 Trade St. in the dining room space that was home to Owen’s Ordinary and currently home to the recently rebranded Owen’s Tavern and Beer Garden. According to its 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.


Bethesda

The Salt Line opened this past week in Bethesda Row, taking over the location at 4900 Hampden Lane that was previously home to Greek restaurant Kapnos until 2018. The restaurant held its grand opening on Tuesday, July 11th. We stopped by for dinner on opening day and put together a little video to see just some of what you may experience (videos below).

According to the restaurant, the opening menu at features a selection of beloved New England favorites also found at The Salt Line’s Navy Yard and Ballston locations, as well as additions from Executive Chef Eric McKamey and Long Shot Hospitality Chef/Partner Kyle Bailey. Highlights include the Local Heirloom Tomato Salad, Bucatini and Clams, Maine Peekytoe Crab Roll, and more. In addition to full beer and wine lists, the cocktail program is heavily influenced by the New England lifestyle and showcases imaginative twists on timeless classics such as the Cape Codder G&T, The Blue Cheese Martini, Sbagliato Spritz, and more. The interior evokes a nautical feel, with mahogany paneling, brass fixtures, booths inspired by yacht seats, a huge u-shaped bar, and vintage coastal ephemera throughout.


Bethesda

In honor of National Ice Cream Day (Sunday, July 16th), I wanted to share my current 15 favorite ice cream spots in MoCo. I say current because this list often changes with places moving in and out of my rotation. While I love just about every ice cream place there is, I’m choosing the 15 that appeal to me the most right now. I’m also including places that offer “frozen treats” because I consider it all in the ice cream family. If there’s a place not listed, it’s just not currently in my top 15, which is likely to look different than yours (I’m only one person and can only eat so much ice cream, so there are also likely places I haven’t been to yet 😊). The list you’ll see below is accurate as of July 16th, 2023:

15. Sprinkles (Potomac): A Potomac Village staple since the late 80s, I first tried Sprinkles at some point in the 90s. It’s a bit out of the way in terms of things I’ve done in general so I haven’t been lately, but I enjoy it when I go.


Sponsored

It’s Asian American Pacific Islander Month, and what better way to celebrate the culture than to immerse oneself at the Anne Arundel Asian American Festival outside of Annapolis on May 31st?

Or didn’t get enough Irish last month? Two of the biggest Irish acts returns to the stage with Gaelic Storm and Carbon Leaf. See below for more details and information!

All events are family-friendly, packed with food, live music, interactive experiences, and now even more ways to get active.

To kick things off, you can save 20% on tickets with code MOCOSHOW (valid through May 31 for general admission tickets).

2026 Festival Lineup

Annapolis Irish Festival

May 29 & 30

Experience the spirit of Ireland right here in Annapolis with two days of live music, great food, and high-energy performances. Headlined by internationally recognized acts like Scythian, Gaelic Storm, and Carbon Leaf, the Annapolis Irish Festival blends traditional Irish culture with modern rock festival vibes.

Haven’t heard of Gaelic Storm? Are you sure? They were the band in James Cameron’s Titanic and went from local stars to national powerhouses. We are lucky to have them right here in Maryland so don’t miss out!

Enjoy Guinness, Irish whiskey tastings, craft beverages, local vendors, and nonstop entertainment in a setting that brings thousands together to celebrate Irish heritage.

Anne Arundel Asian American Festival

May 31

Celebrate culture, community, and cuisine at the Anne Arundel Asian American Festival, a vibrant showcase of food, performances, and traditions from across Asia!

Come hungry and enjoy authentic dishes from a wide range of vendors, cultural performances throughout the day, and interactive experiences for all ages. This family-friendly event highlights the diversity and energy of the Asian American community during AAPI Heritage Month.

Food vendors include:

Namit Filipino, Ekiben, Bun’d Up, E-San Thai, MD Brad Butcher and Central Asian dishes, Thai Pinto, Pho Wheels, and The Sister House! (more…)


Beyond MoCo

Champion Billiards, located at 5205 Buckeystown Pike in Frederick, has announced that it has permanently closed its location in the Westview Promenade. The company won’t be leaving Frederick, however, as it will soon be opening a location nearby on Holiday Drive. Champion Billiards opened its first location in Silver Spring in the 80s (closed permanently in 2005h and later opened a second Montgomery County location at 1776 E Jefferson St in Federal Plaza (Rockville) back in 1992. The company also had locations in Laurel and Virginia. Below is their announcement:

It is with a heavy heart that we must announce our closing and departure from our location here in the Westview Promenade. We are not yet operational at our new location on Holiday Drive. We appreciate the many years of loyal support we have received, and we look forward to serving you at our new location. Our last day of business here in the promenade will be tomorrow, Sunday July 16th. Please stay tuned to our Facebook for updates. We will miss you all. It’s not goodbye, but see you later.”


Event

Beautiful venue; great art, gifts and hand-crafted items; refreshments; and meet the award-winning painters, photographers, mixed media artists, ceramicists, fiber artists, and more – some 40 artists in all. It’s an extraordinary array of framed wall works, 3-d media including sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, and fiber pieces, and unframed prints.

Among them, you’ll see:


Restaurants

Last October we let you know that Peet’s Coffee would be closing its Silver Spring location with a Starbucks taking over the storefront at 1316 East-West Highway at The Blair’s Shopping Center in Silver Spring. Construction began back in March and has come pretty far with the location looking very close to being ready (photos below). An opening date is not yet available.

The Berkeley, California-born Peet’s coffee chain that closed, originally planned to open 23 locations in the DC area in 2014/2015, with the first debuting at 1701 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. MoCo locations included the Silver Spring location and two Bethesda locations– one in Montgomery Mall that closed in 2017 and one at 7629 Old Georgetown Rd that closed in 2020 after 6 years. Photos courtesy of Instagram user @_zainyyy_


Maryland

Per the State of Maryland (7.14.23): Today, members of Maryland’s federal, state, and local governments including Governor Wes Moore, Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller, U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, David Trone, and Glenn Ivey, and Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks released the following statement regarding the General Services Administration’s updated criteria for the selection of the new FBI headquarters site:

“From day one, we have been united in advocating for a fair, transparent site selection process that advances the mission of the FBI and the equity goals outlined by the Biden-Harris Administration. We are encouraged to see today’s announcement from the General Services Administration corrects the flawed approach released in September that ignored taxpayer costs and the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to equity. Today’s revised guidelines are a critical step in the right direction. This update is in line with the language we secured in last year’s omnibus funding bill that both delegations supported.


Maryland

Per the State of Maryland: Governor Wes Moore today announced that the Maryland Department of Commerce has approved three new Enterprise Zones – Woodlawn in Baltimore County; the towns of Betterton and Worton in Kent County; and the town of Snow Hill in Worcester County. The department also approved the redesignation and expansion of an existing zone in the town of Princess Anne, and has approved the redesignation of existing zones in Baltimore County’s Southwest area, Cecil County, and the City of Cambridge in Dorchester County.

“Maryland’s Enterprise Zone program has a tremendous impact on communities throughout our state, serving as a catalyst for growth and revitalization in areas that need it the most,” said Gov. Moore. “We are pleased to designate three new zones, which will be an important tool to attract new investment, encourage businesses to expand, and create new jobs.”


Crime

Montgomery County Police are investigating a shooting that occurred on Saturday, July 15, 2023, at the parking lot of the Silver Spring Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Station at 8100 Georgia Avenue. 

According to MCPD, “At approximately 1:54 p.m., 3rd District officers responded to the Montgomery County Fire Rescue Station at 8110 Georgia Avenue for the report of a person who walked into the station, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. 


MoCo

A Montgomery County ban on firearms in public spaces passed by the County Council and signed into law last year was upheld by the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland last week. The law strictly prohibits the carrying of firearms within 100 yards of places of public assembly, including parks, churches, schools and public buildings.

Last week, the court denied the request for a Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction, which attempted to put an immediate halt to the law. County executive Marc Elrich wrote, “This victory is an important first step in defending our law.”


Events

Montgomery County Recreation is hosting a “Pooch Pool Party” on August 26th and 27th from 11am until 3pm at the Upper County Outdoor Pool, located at 8211 Emory Grove Rd. in Gaithersburg. Additional information can be found for this paid event below, per Montgomery County Rec:

“We’ve closed the pool to humans and opened it to dogs! Dogs will be allowed to swim and frolic at the pool before it is closed and cleaned for the winter. Each dog MUST be accompanied by a responsible adult. Any dog displaying any signs of aggression will be asked to leave immediately. ALL DOGS MUST PROVIDE WRITTEN PROOF OF A CURRENT RABIES VACCINATION before they will be allowed into the event, and dogs owned by county residents must have a current Montgomery County dog license, available from the County Police Department. Please register in the name of the responsible adult who will accompany the dog. Due to health concerns, humans may wade only up to the knees at your own risk. For more info, call 240-777-6840.” Anyone interested can register here.


Potomac

The long awaited Kema by Kenaki is currently in its soft opening phase at 11325 Seven Locks Rd. STE 115 in Cabin John Village. The restaurant will be open from 11:30am until 8:30pm from Wednesday through Sunday (closed on Monday and Tuesday).

The almost 2,000 square foot restaurant will be very similar to what Kenaki in Kentlands offers, but will be more “fast paced,” in what will be a hybrid between Kenaki and AKO. Kenaki is a full-service restaurant while AKO is a sushi counter at a food hall. Kema will offer signature rolls from Kenaki/AKO such as the Black Magic roll- made with “forbidden rice”, spicy tuna, pickled jalapenos, and truffle oil, the Donkey Kong roll- made with eel, fried plantain, cream cheese, cucumber, tempura flakes, togarashi spice mayo, and sweet shoyu, among others.