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”


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”.


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.”


“When crisis strikes, we help get the community back on its feet!” That was the quote from local restaurant Medium Rare as they prepared to deliver 600 meals for campers at Camp Airy in Frederick, after a fire destroyed the camp dining hall, causing $2 million in damages on Wednesday.

“Today in partnership with Feed the Fridge, we will be preparing and delivering 600 meals for campers at Camp Airy in Frederick Co., MD after their mess hall was destroyed in a large fire yesterday. Meals include Steak and Grilled Chicken with Salad, along with a vegetarian option.


Three MoCo restaurants have made it onto Eater DC’s “Hottest New Brunches to Try Around D.C.” list that includes some of the most popular new restaurants that offer “D.C.’s most cherished meal.” The restaurants are listed geographically, which puts the three Montgomery County restaurants in the top 3 spots.

Listed first is Melina in Pike & Rose:


Detectives are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect who committed multiple thefts in Bethesda. Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 2nd District Patrol Investigations Unit have released surveillance video of the suspect.

On Wednesday, April 27, 2022, at approximately 4:30 p.m., the suspect entered an office suite in the 4300 block of East West Highway. The investigation by detectives determined that the suspect stole a victim’s credit cards and used them at an Apple store and Safeway.


A person who was doing yard work in their backyard unearthed what appeared to be a grenade at approximately 5:30 pm on Wednesday evening on the 5300 block of Worthington Drive in Bethesda on Wednesday evening, according to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Serviced (MCFRS) Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer.

ICYMI (~530p) 5300blk Worthington Dr., Bethesda, @MontgomeryCoMD A person doing some yardwork unearthed what looked like a grenade, @mcfrs Fire/Explosive Investigator & Police Patrol Officers checked it out (investigated) & determined the device to be inert. (non-explosive) pic.twitter.com/JZ1eNBqKu2


Pizza TBD, a new pizza concept from Steve Salis and Catalog restaurants (Ted’s Bulletin, Federalist Pig), will open within Ensemble Digital Kitchen at 4856 Cordell Ave in Bethesda on July 5. Pizza TBD will serve a hybrid style pizza that combines the light and airy texture of Roman-style pizza with the pan cooking technique synonymous with Detroit Style pizza.

“We look forward to the launch of Pizza TBD, expanding the already wide range of options that our guests have to choose from when they order at Ensemble,” said Steve Salis, founder & CEO of the Catalogue house of consumer brands. “One of our values is the spirit of discovery, we never want to stop experimenting, creating and elevating our items to make them better. We wanted to tap into our roots and provide an authentic pizza product using unique methods and natural ingredients to bring a premium experience at an approachable price point. This isn’t your average slice.”


Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, announced earlier this month that its Builder Fund invested $150,000 in AudioOne, Inc., a technology start-up based in Bethesda. TEDCO’s Builder Fund invests in and provides executive support to Maryland-based technology companies run by entrepreneurs who demonstrate economic disadvantage.

“We greatly appreciate TEDCO’s investment in our team and exciting new techology,” said Mark McMahon, CEO of AudioOne. “TEDCO’s funding support and resources will help AudioOne on our mission to bring personalized radio listening experiences to consumers in Maryland and across the country.”


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