Pandora Seafood House & Bar

When I heard Pandora Seafood House & Bar would take over the old Austin Grill/American Tap Room location in Rockville Town Square, I was excited to give it a shot. For a while, I have been looking for a classy, non-chain, traditional seafood spot to go to without having to travel too far (Rockville is pretty close for everyone in MoCo) and Pandora fits the bill!

Pandora Seafood House & Bar has been open since mid-October. It’s a very beautiful restaurant that is open for both lunch and dinner (special lunch menu). The prices are fair for the quality of food you will be getting, as entrees range from $20-$30 each. They also offer a couple non-Seafood dishes in case someone in your party is anti-Seafood 😊. I was told the bread is the only thing not made in the restaurant.

There are over 10,000 “bubbles” in the restaurant.

I’m torn when it comes to table starters because if they’re too good, I can’t stop eating them and I’m full before the first appetizer is out. If they’re terrible, my dining experience starts off with disappointment. Their bread (more of a crispy chip type of bread) and butter was in between. I liked it, but I ate one piece and was good to go until my first dish arrived.

I had a few oysters to start. The mignonette sauce that went on them was really good (I had to google the name of the sauce that goes on oysters).

The Cioppino is one of their signature dishes. It contains King crab, mussels, clams, shrimp, scallops, calamari, octopus, sourdough bread, and a spiced tomato broth. The crab legs are massive and contain a lot of meat. It actually took me a bit of time to work my way to the broth, but when I did, I was very satisfied. It was like a whole new meal beneath my original meal. If you like seafood medleys, this is the dish for you.

My favorite dish (as a whole) was the lobster linguine. There was plenty of lobster meat and I couldn’t stop eating the linguine. The presentation was really cool too.

Scallops were next on the list. They’re served over a bed of risotto. This is a difficult dish to master because if one of the two are not up to par, the entire dish is ruined. They nailed it. Scallops were a tasty and massive. Risotto was just right.

Here’s where I’m going to go out on a limb. The crab cakes I had at Pandora may have been the best I’ve ever had. It may be the recency effect, but these were 95% lump crab meat and even with all of the food that I had at dinner, I almost ordered a second plate of them. They’re served with potatoes, but I barely remember those. Just get the crab cakes, they’re amazing.

I’m not a fish guy. I want to be, but I’m just not. I did eat the Chilean sea bass, though. A friend that was with me really enjoyed it and said it was buttery. If fish is your thing, they have a couple different type.

I don’t know why, but I was a little wary of getting dessert at a seafood restaurant. That lasted as long as it took our server to tell me about the Crème Brûlèe and seasonal pumpkin pie cheesecake. I tried both. No longer wary.

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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!!!

Bethesda Film Fest

The 2024 Bethesda Film Fest will feature five short documentary films made by filmmakers from Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Screenings will be held Friday April 5 and Saturday April 6 at Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema.

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