With a strong selection of Filipino cuisine in the DC area, Eater put together a list that includes some places to “find fantastic Filipino food around DC.” While there are additional restaurants that serve Filipino cuisine in Montgomery County, three were included in the list by Eater– Gwenie’s Pastries, Kuya Ja’s Lechon Belly, and the worldwide fast-food chain Jollibee.

Gwenie’s Pastries (12113 Nebel St., Rockville): “Overseen by Stella Fernandez, whose brother Javier runs Kuya Ja’s Lechon Belly, this storefront supplies other local Filipino restaurants and markets with sweets developed by their mother, Gwendolyn. Try the ube cupcakes, with a vibrant color coming from the purple yam that’s a staple of Filipino desserts.


Garden of Lights officially opens on November 18th and runs until January 1 (closed Nov. 21-24 and Dec. 24-25), 5-pm9:30 p.m. Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton (video preview below).

Garden of Lights display transforms Brookside Gardens into a dazzling winter wonderland. The one-half mile outdoor exhibit features one-of-a-kind light displays decorating flower beds and the grounds. Visitors can buy unique seasonal items at the gift shop. Hot chocolate and light snacks will be available for purchase.


A Montgomery County man won $20,000 playing Mega Millions with a ticket he purchased at the Wheaton Exxon at 11310 Georgia Avenue, according to the Maryland Lottery. The same individual also won $100,000 playing Powerball in 2021.

Per MD Lottery: Monday’s visit to Lottery headquarters wasn’t the first for a Montgomery County man who chose the alias “Moe” to tell his winning story. “Moe” was on familiar ground when he turned in a Mega Millions ticket worth $20,000. While he doesn’t buy tickets for every Mega Millions and Powerball drawing, he told Lottery officials that he always plays one of these two jackpot games. “I won $100,000 playing Powerball just last year,” he said. The 40-year-old electrician discovered his recent win last weekend when getting coffee. “I checked the Mega Millions results as I was waiting. Then, I looked at my ticket.” The father of three didn’t react when he saw several matching numbers on his quick-pick ticket for the Oct. 28 drawing. He matched four of the five white balls and the Mega Ball and then doubled his prize with a 2x Megaplier.


As part of its Veterans Day schedule, Montgomery Parks will hold a Veterans Day Skate on Sunday, November 13, that includes all military personnel (veterans and active duty) and their families skating for free during public sessions at:

Additional facilities open during the holiday include: 


Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) are investigating a fatal single vehicle collision that occurred on Sunday, November 6, 2022.  At approximately 1:49 a.m., 4th District officers and Montgomery County Fire Rescue personnel responded to the area of Georgia Ave. and Kayson St. for the report of a single vehicle collision.

The investigation by detectives has revealed, that for reasons still under investigation, the driver of a white 2010 Nissan Sentra was traveling northbound on Georgia Ave. when he lost control and struck a curb. The vehicle continued traveling northbound on Georgia Ave., striking several trees and a utility pole before stopping in the roadway.


Nick’s Diner at 11199 Veirs Mill Rd has announced it will re-open on Mondays beginning November 7.  The Wheaton staple had announced via social media in September that it would begin closing on Mondays and Tuesdays, citing a staff shortage as the reason.  The restaurant will continue to remain closed on Tuesdays.

Nick’s recently celebrated its 40th anniversary and serves diner classics like pancakes, French toast, omelettes, hot & cold sandwiches, chili, souvlaki, and gyros.


A single vehicle collision occurred Sunday morning on Georgia Ave. and Kayson St. in Wheaton-Glenmont. According to MCPD, “on Sunday, November 6, 2022, at approximately 1:46 a.m., 4th District officers and Montgomery County Fire Rescue personnel responded to the area of Georgia Ave. and Kayson St. for the report of a single vehicle collision.

For reasons still under investigation, the adult male driver, unknown age, and sole occupant of the vehicle, hit a pole. He was pronounced dead at the scene.   This an active and ongoing investigation.  A formal news release will be distributed as more information becomes available. The decedent’s name will be released following proper notification of next of kin.”


Many of us have been in a position where we have to find a restaurant to accommodate a larger group of people for dinner, and as fun as they can be, the task isn’t always easy. Eater DC put together a list of “18 DC Area Restaurants That Are Great For Big Groups” and two MoCo establishments made it on the list. “Large group dinners are fun, but they also require a bit more planning and preparation. When everyone RSVPs “yes” to the invite and suddenly the party has gone into 10-12 person territory, not every restaurant is equipped to meet the demand.”

Summer House Santa Monica in Pike & Rose (11825 Grand Park Ave, North Bethesda, MD 20852): “With a sprawling, light-filled interior, this Bethesda spot is beloved for its brunch and dinner offerings alike. Whether you have a big party or an intimate gathering to plan, the full restaurant can be booked for larger groups; a banquette table in the main dining room is available for smaller parties. Summer House also offers full-service catering for off-site events, with menu choices like taco bars and sushi platters.”


The event also will have a beer garden, which will have charges. All proceeds from beer/wine sales will go to Mid-County United Ministries, a local nonprofit organization that provides emergency food and assistance to people in need.  The costume contest will begin at 2 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Wheaton Urban District and Montgomery County Recreation. More information about HalloWheaton is available at www.wheatonmd.org.

We hope to see you at HalloWheaton this weekend! 👻 Learn more ➡️ https://t.co/gvxaAjjUut. @WheatonMD pic.twitter.com/I4bGQf20gj


Montgomery County Police held a press conference today regarding a hit-and-run that occurred on Sunday, October 23rd at approximately 11 p.m., in the area of Georgia Avenue and Janet Road in Wheaton-Glemont. It was announced that the victim, William Villa Vicencio, 19, had passed away due to his injuries. He was described as a happy young man, the son of a single mom who raised three boys, that was looking forward to his 20th birthday. Assistant Police Chief Marc Yamada and the family’s pastor spoke at the conference.

William was coming home from work on his bicycle when he was struck by a vehicle on Georgia Ave.  Police are searching for a dark red or maroon vehicle, possibly a 2003-2007 Honda Accord, that is missing its right side view mirror and has damage to its front bumper. The driver did not remain on scene and detectives are asking anyone in the community with information to contact detectives at 240-773-6620. There were no cameras in the area of the accident.  Police are offering a reward of up to $10,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to an arrest and conviction.


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