Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a fire at Bassett’s Restaurant at 19950 Fisher Ave in Poolesville on Monday, June 5 around 2pm. The fire has been contained and there are no injuries reported.

According to Assistant Chief for MCFRS David Pazos on Twitter, “MCFRS units extinguished all visible fire with no extension to the main building. No injuries were reported, and units are starting to leave the scene. Fire Code Enforcement has been requested to determine when the restaurant can open.” Featured photo courtesy of@jake.porter7123 on Instagram.


The contents of the recently closed Boston Market at 494 N Frederick Ave Unit B in Gaithersburg Square are currently up for auction through Capital Online Auctions. Items include kitchen equipment, signage, furniture, fixtures, and POS computers. Capital Online will also be auctioning the contents of Lakeforest Mall later this month.

Last January we reported that Boston Market would be opening a new Rockville Pike location, according to signage that was put up at the old Katsu Go location in Towne Plaza (the shopping center that’s home to Navy Federal Credit Union and PM Pediatrics) at 12238 Rockville Pike Rockville, MD 20852. In December, we spoke with a klnb representative who told us that Boston Market signed a lease, but had pulled out of the space. The restaurant previously had a location just a couple miles away– on Randolph Road in Loehmann’s Plaza. That location closed back in February of 2019 and has since been replaced by Toosso.


Marathon Deli, a staple of College Park and life at the University of Maryland for decades, has signed on to open a new location at the upcoming Kensington Crossing shopping center on the corner of Connecticut Avenue and Plyers Mill Rd. Known for its specials, like its $6 gyros on Mondays, $6 steak and cheese on Tuesdays, and $6 chicken parm subs on Wednesdays, Marathon offers a variety of Greek specialities, subs, pizza, and more.

Construction began earlier this year at Kensington Crossing at 10619 Connecticut Avenue (at Plyers Mill Road). Since plans were approved, Kensington Crossing has also signed M&T Bank, Buffalo Wild Wings GO, and Mezeh for the upcoming shopping center. More about Marathon Deli below:


Last June we let you know that Augie’s Mussel House and Beer Garden was coming to 7747 Tuckerman Ln in Cabin John Village, taking over the space that was previously home to Lahinch. Lahinch closed permanently last May. Since then, Common Plate Hospitality has decided to bring a new concept to the space– The Grove. According to a report by Eater DC, the restaurant believes its chef, Jose Lopez-Picazo, “has the potential to win a Michelin star here,”.

According to the article, The Grove will feature Mediterranean cuisine (Spain, Italy, and Greece) and hopes to open in July. “We realized there’s nothing there to cater to a higher-end, fine-dining experience,” says (Commonplate Founder) Chad Sparrow). “People don’t have to go to D.C. — we can offer that at the Grove.” The Grove had its hearingwith Montgomery County’s Alcoholic Beverage Services on Thursday, May 4th at 11am, where it was granted its license. Construction is ongoing at the restaurant.


Red Door Escape Room has announced the opening date of its 14th location at 125 Boardwalk Place in Gaithersburg’s Rio Lakefront Shopping Center. The Grand opening event will take place on Friday, June 9th from 6pm-8pm. At the event, once the reservation system goes live,  you’ll be able to book your “episode” for 50% off.

“We are excited to bring the Red Door Escape Room experience to all of our guests and cannot wait to get involved in the local community surrounding Gaithersburg,” said CEO Nick Madden. “At Red Door Escape Room, we combine technology and puzzles to create a truly collaborative and mentally-stimulating experience for families, friends, and coworkers alike. We want our guests to successfully decipher the codes and complete the challenges; but more importantly, we want them to talk and laugh about their experience on the ride home.”


Governor Wes Moore is inviting chefs to feature local Maryland ingredients in original recipe submissions for the annual Governor’s Buy Local Cookout, to be held at the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s headquarters in Annapolis on July 20. The cookout promotes the statewide Buy Local Challenge Week, during which all Marylanders are encouraged to eat at least one local product each day of the week.

“Maryland’s farmers, watermen, and chefs produce an incredible bounty that is second to none,” said Governor Moore. “I invite chefs from across the state to submit their most creative recipes using fresh, local ingredients as I invite all Marylanders to help strengthen the state’s economy and buy local.” Recipes must be submitted by June 2 and must include 50% of Maryland-sourced products with a focus on partnering with at least one Maryland farmer, waterman, or other producer. Chefs are encouraged to submit recipes that showcase ways the average Maryland family can prepare delicious, nutritious meals with locally produced food at home.


Memorial Day weekend marks a great time to enjoy Maryland blue crabs and crab meat. To guarantee you are purchasing fresh local crabs and crab meat, the Maryland Department of Agriculture encourages you to check the container’s label to confirm that crab meat being purchased was caught in Maryland. While dining out, ask the restaurant server if the crabs being served are from Maryland or look for the True Blue logo on the menu.

“Here in Maryland, our delicious Chesapeake Bay blue crabs are second to none,” said Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. “To support Maryland’s watermen, please check that the crabs and crab meat that you are purchasing are indeed Maryland crab. And remember to pair with more local produce like Maryland sweet corn, tomatoes, lettuce, and asparagus!”


Flip’d by IHOP at 8537 Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring will be closing on June 1.  The restaurant opened on September 20, 2022 in the space that was previously occupied by Asian Bistro Cafe, between Panera and Red Lobster. Flip’d is a quick-service version of IHOP that features some of the chain’s best selling items made to order for carryout and delivery. IHOP has full service locations in Gaithersburg, Germantown, Olney, Rockville, Wheaton, Silver Spring, and Takoma Park.

Items on the Flip’d by IHOP menu include:


Do Portugal Circus is coming to Montgomery Mall ( 7101 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda) from June 9-25.  According to its website, Do Portugal Circus is, “A combination of excellence and magic takes you on a journey of laughter and pure amazement. Our talented and passionate artists will have you gasping in awe as they perform their death defying acts. And of course no circus is complete without our wonderful clown that will have you grinning from start to finish. It truly is a show that every generation can enjoy, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime!” Details and ticket information below courtesy of Do Portugal on Facebook:

tickets.doportugalcircus.com


Based out of L.A, Day & Night Cereal bar featured bowls of cereal, ice cream, and milkshakes. Menu items included the Unicorn Breath (Fruity Lucky Charms, Fruity Pebbles, whipped cream, and strawberry drizzle) and the Rooooby Snacks (Cinnamon Toast Crunch, graham cracker, Oreo bits, and peanut butter and chocolate drizzles.)

According to its website, Day and Night has additional locations in Los Angeles, CA, Charlotte, NC, Springfield, VA, and Rock Hill, SC. H/t @lillymagillys


Chicken on the Run, a Peruvian chicken restaurant located 4933 St Elmo Ave in Bethesda, has reopened in the same location after a closure that lasted over a year. The restaurant announced what seemed to be a permanent closure in April 2022, writing “SORRY, AFTER MORE THAN 20 YEARS IN BUSINESS WE ARE CLOSING OUR BUSINESS DUE TO THE LANDLORD NOT RENEWING OUR LEASE.”

The restaurant first opened its doors in 2002 and reopened earlier this month. Chicken on the Run opens at 11am daily and closes at 9pm every day except for Sundays, when it closes at 7:30pm.


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