Bethesda Magazine: May-June 2020

MAY/JUNE 2020

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BETHESDAMAGAZINE.COM MAY/JUNE 2020

Acts of

ACTS OF KINDNESS

Kindness The worst of times has brought out the best in many local residents

BethesdaMagazine.com

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Hope you and your family are safe during these trying times.

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May/June 2020 | Volume 17 Issue 3

contents From left: Lauren, Michael and Sammy Hemann collected books, art supplies and other items from friends to donate to So What Else, a Rockville organization.

ON THE COVER The last thing most of us were expecting this spring was a pandemic. Within weeks, there was a new normal: Six feet apart. Meetings via Zoom. School days at home. Some people stepped up with acts of generosity and compassion, helping to bring strength to those around us.

BY KATHLEEN SEILER NEARY AND STEVE ROBERTS

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COVER: Getty Images

COURTESY PHOTO

42 Acts of Kindness

contents

FEATURES Best Brews There’s been an explosion of new coffee shops and craft breweries in Montgomery County in recent years.

102 Perk Up

110 Beer Boom

These independent coffeehouses offer more than great coffee—they’re also a place to gather and to escape

Nine craft breweries that are helping make Montgomery County a haven for beer lovers

BY KATE MASTERS

BY DAVID HAGEDORN

120 Love & Tragedy

128 A New Chapter

140 Bethesda Interview

For Jeffanie Rantung-Kramar, what was supposed to be a honeymoon in paradise turned into unimaginable heartbreak

How the library in downtown Bethesda is staying relevant in the age of e-books, smartphones and Alexa

Pitcher Danny Hultzen, a Bethesda native, talks about getting picked second in the major league draft, the injuries that almost ended his career, and his first trip to the mound for the Chicago Cubs

BY STEVE GOLDSTEIN

BY DINA ELBOGHDADY

BY ANDREW SCHOTZ

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MAY/JUNE 2020 | BETHESDAMAGAZINE.COM

PHOTO BY DEB LINDSEY

Elder Pine Brewing & Blending Co. in Gaithersburg

Hoachlander JohnDavis Cole Photography Photography

Home is where the heart is.

When staying safe means staying home, we’re reminded of what matters most.

At ANTHONY WILDER, we are in the business of creating spaces that provide comfort when it’s needed. From home repairs to renovations, we mind every

© 2020 Anthony Wilder Design Build. All rights reserved.

detail, so you can simply live—and love—the life you’ve built.

A N T H O N YW I L D E R .CO M

3 0 1 . 9 0 7. 0 1 0 0

contents

DEPARTMENTS 16 | TO OUR READERS 18 | CONTRIBUTORS

25

banter

P. 224

Anna Stewart, owner of Gaucha Chica

people. politics. current events. books.

34 | BOOK REPORT New books by local authors, literary events and more

38 | HOMETOWN How a Rockville writer learned firsthand about the power of cross-generational relationships

BY STEVE ROBERTS

151

home

173

health

174 | BE WELL

224 | SHOP TALK Argentine-inspired accessories from a Chevy Chase resident, plus three new shops in the Bethesda area

176 | A LASTING GIFT

228 | WEDDINGS

When a Silver Spring dad was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia, his teenage son was his best hope for survival

The wedding of a Montgomery County police officer and a former EMT included photos with alpacas, the theme song from The Office and a Mission BBQ buffet

232 | GET AWAY Your cheat sheet for a weekend away

Rounded edges are back, and the hottest new sofas are shapely and sophisticated

197

154 | WELCOMING NATURE

198 | REVIEW

160 | HOME SALES BY THE NUMBERS

etc.

A Rockville doctor on food allergies, surprising diagnoses and why some people shouldn’t get a dog

152 | HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS

By planting native species, homeowners can provide habitat for wildlife, birds and bees—and help save the planet

223

dine

Silver Spring restaurant Cubano’s brings its tasty Cuban food and flair to Bethesda

234 | DRIVING RANGE Traveling through small-town America, by bike, on the Great Allegheny Passage trail

240 | OUTTAKES

202 | TABLE TALK What’s happening on the local food scene

AD SECTIONS PROFILES: FACES 50

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MAY/JUNE 2020 | BETHESDAMAGAZINE.COM

SHOWCASE: BUILDERS & ARCHITECTS 167

PROFILES: ASK THE SENIOR EXPERTS 184

PHOTO BY JOSEPH TRAN

206 | DINING GUIDE

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to our readers

THIS TOO SHALL PASS AS I WRITE THIS in late March, I’m in my downtown Bethesda office looking out at a nearly deserted Woodmont Avenue. On a Friday morning, which would normally be bustling, there are few cars and even fewer pedestrians. The Tastee Diner, which remains open during the worst blizzards, is closed, with yellow police tape blocking the entrance. Incongruously, hundreds of construction workers continue to build Marriott’s new world headquarters adjacent to the diner. The cacophony coming from the site is in stark contrast to the near silence around it.

I still come into the office every day, and, even though I’m alone, it’s comforting to be here. It gives me the sense of being in control, of a little certainty. It may be an illusion, but I’m holding onto it. The hardest thing about the pandemic is the uncertainty—not knowing how bad it’s going to get, when it’s going to end and what our economy and lives are going to be like when it finally recedes.

We all read the same news stories about the devastation COVID-19 is wreaking on people and the economy. But we all experience the ripple effects in our own ways. My wife, Susan, and I are empty nesters, so—unlike many people— we’re not stuck inside our house with anxious and frustrated kids who just want their lives to return to normal. In countless phone calls with employees and people in the community who are working remotely, I’ve heard kids squabbling in the background. When we’re doing video meetings, I’ve noticed that the participants with kids mute the microphones on their computers until they have something to say.

I feel for the kids—and their parents.

This is a particularly anxious time for small-business owners, myself included. Thanks to booming sales in print advertising, our business was off to a great start this year. Now, seemingly overnight, sales have slowed to a trickle. We have a plan in place to ride this out, but it’s not going to be easy.

Sadly, riding it out isn’t an option for many small businesses.

Restaurants, in particular, are being hit hard. As of this writing, Cafe Deluxe in Bethesda and Urban Bar-B-Que Co. on Chapman Avenue in Rockville have already announced that they’re closing for good. A local restaurateur told me that he expects a quarter of all the restaurants in the Bethesda area will go out of business as a result of the pandemic.

There’s no doubt that this is a bleak time. For most of us,

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MAY/JUNE 2020 | BETHESDAMAGAZINE.COM

the bleakest we’ve lived through. But amid the unremitting bad news, there have been countless reminders of the goodness of people and the strength of our community. In ways big and small, our neighbors are helping people in need, connecting with strangers who are alone, and aiding health care workers and emergency personnel.

Given all the bad news, we decided in this issue of the magazine to highlight the people in our community who are rising to the occasion. In mid-March, I sent an email to our readers asking them to tell us about the good deeds they had witnessed.

Dozens of people responded.

One person sent a photo of a young girl jumping with delight over a message written in pastel chalk on the sidewalk. The message: “This too shall pass.”

I’ve been repeating those words to myself every day since receiving the photo: This too shall pass.

When the pandemic passes—and it will—the recovery isn’t going to be easy for people, our community and the economy.

But I believe we will have a new appreciation of people around us, the outdoors, the simple pleasures of our day-to-day lives, and the fragility of all that we hold dear. (Parents with kids at home will no doubt be more appreciative of solitude, silence and school.)

Most of all, I hope all of us will recognize that our highest calling, in good times and in bad, is to help people in need and to appreciate those working to protect us.

Our story on the good deeds begins on page 42. Thank you for reading Bethesda Magazine and stay well.

STEVE HULL Editor & Publisher

P.S. The rest of the stories in this issue were reported and written before the pandemic hit. The story, “Best Brews,” about the proliferation of craft breweries and independent coffee shops in the county, was going to be on the cover. As you read “Best Brews,” imagine how great it’s going to be when you can visit the places we write about.

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contributors AMY BRECOUNT WHITE LIVES IN: Arlington, Virginia IN THIS ISSUE: Wrote about how to help local birds, bees, butterflies and moths thrive in our backyards in “Welcoming Nature.” “While doing my research, I was super excited to realize how easily we can all make a difference to support biodiversity, particularly the much-needed insects, and combat some of the effects of climate changes—all while gardening, which I love.” She also wrote about biking the Great Allegheny Passage trail in “Bridging the Gap.”

FAVORITE PLANTS: “Oak trees because they support so many species.

Dogwoods because they’re gorgeous and good for birds. Joe-pye weed—I love to watch the bees and butterflies on it.”

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LIVES IN: The Petworth neighborhood of Washington, D.C. IN THIS ISSUE: Photographed Isabel Tom, the author of The Value of Wrinkles, for the “Hometown” column. “I have a background in journalism, and writing is still a huge part of my life. It was great hearing about Isabel’s process and what she did to stay inspired.”

WHAT HE DOES: Owner of Louis Tinsley Photography. “I’ve done a little bit of everything—editorial work, agency work, commercial work. My favorite part is connecting to the people in front of the camera.”

FAVORITE PLACE: “I’ve been lucky enough to travel quite a bit, but San Francisco was the first city I’d been to that I immediately loved upon arrival. That being said, I’ve always had one [favorite] spot in each city I’ve lived in that I never tell anyone about. It’s nice to have one spot that you can always go to—to either grab a drink, coffee or just crank out some work—that is yours and yours alone.”

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COURTESY PHOTOS

WHAT SHE DOES: Writes about education, the environment and her travels for various publications. She’s finishing a novel called Reality Bouquet, and she has a seasonal college essay coaching business.

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EDITORIAL EDITOR

Steve Hull SENIOR EDITOR

Cindy Rich ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Kathleen Seiler Neary DEPUTY EDITOR

Julie Rasicot ART DIRECTOR

Jenny Fischer DEPUTY ART DIRECTOR

Laura F. Goode DESIGNER

Kari Mason BETHESDA BEAT MANAGING EDITOR

Andrew Schotz BETHESDA BEAT REPORTERS

Briana Adhikusuma, Caitlynn Peetz, Dan Schere WEB PRODUCER

Erin Roby RESTAURANT CRITIC

David Hagedorn CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Eugene L. Meyer, Louis Peck, Carole Sugarman COPY EDITORS

Elisabeth Herschbach, Steve Wilder CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Caralee Adams, Jennifer Barger, Stephanie Siegel Burke, Amanda Cherrin, Deborah K. Dietsch, Dina ElBoghdady, Margaret Engel, Michael S. Gerber, Steve Goldstein, Melanie D.G. Kaplan, Rachael Keeney, Christine Koubek, Laurie McClellan, Melanie Padgett Powers, Amy Reinink, Steve Roberts, Charlotte Safavi, Mike Unger, Mark Walston, Carolyn Weber, Adrienne Wichard-Edds PHOTOGRAPHERS & ILLUSTRATORS

Edgar Artiga, Skip Brown, Laura Chase de Formigny, Thomas Goertel, Stacy Zarin Goldberg, Lisa Helfert, Eli Imadali, Alice Kresse, Deb Lindsey, Liz Lynch, Lindsey Max, Louis Tinsley, Joseph Tran, Michael Ventura

Bethesda Magazine is published six times a year by Kohanza Media Ventures, LLC. © 2009-2020 Letters to the editor: Please send letters (with your name, the town you live in and your daytime phone number) to letters@bethesdamagazine.com.

Story ideas: Please send ideas for stories to editorial@bethesdamagazine.com.

Bethesda Magazine 7768 Woodmont Ave., #204, Bethesda, MD 20814 Phone: 301-718-7787/ Fax: 301-718-1875 BethesdaMagazine.com

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MAY/JUNE 2020 | BETHESDAMAGAZINE.COM

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PUBLISHING PUBLISHER

Steve Hull VICE PRESIDENT OF PUBLISHING AND ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

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Stephanie Bragg, Adam Freedman, Heather Fuentes, Lisa Helfert, Darren S. Higgins, Tony J. Lewis, Hilary Schwab, Joseph Tran, Stephanie Williams Subscription price: $19.95 To subscribe: Fill out the card between pages 112-113 or go to BethesdaMagazine.com.

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Bethesda Magazine 7768 Woodmont Ave., #204 Bethesda, MD 20814 Phone: 301-718-7787 Fax: 301-718-1875 BethesdaMagazine.com

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people. politics. current events. books.

banter

Laura Martin (center) with her son, Zack, and daughter, Kaitlyn

On the Road Again

PHOTO BY LIZ LYNCH

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

A Bethesda family learned about more than geography while visiting all 50 states

BY CARALEE ADAMS

GROWING UP IN BETHESDA, Zack Martin and his younger sister, Kaitlyn, were often asked where they’d gone on vacation. The answers sometimes surprised their friends.

“Oklahoma? What did you do there?” Zack, 20, recalls someone asking after he returned from a trip to the state.

The siblings’ goal of visiting all 50 states before graduating from high school meant traveling to places that other local families likely wouldn’t go. While there was BETHESDAMAGAZINE.COM | MAY/JUNE 2020

25

banter

26

The Martins enjoyed beignets at the worldfamous Café du Monde in New Orleans.

Bottom right: Zack went dogsledding in Alaska.

with her mom and brother last summer.

“I liked having New Orleans as my last place to go because it was drastically different from anywhere else. It was one of my favorite places [in] all aspects— the culture, food—and everyone was so nice,” says Kaitlyn, who enjoyed eating beignets at the world-famous Café du Monde while hearing street musicians play in the French Quarter.

With all the traveling, there were bound to be some mishaps. On their way to the Hoover Dam and a kayaking trip on the Colorado River, the family ran into bad weather and roads closed to flooding. They checked into a hotel in the small town of Beatty, Nevada, only to leave almost immediately after finding they’d be sharing the room with several cockroaches. Then there was the time they got caught in a thunderstorm on a float trip in Arkansas and had to paddle to the riverbank to take shelter from the lightning.

As they passed through communities, Kaitlyn says she would notice local schools and wonder what her life would be like if she had been a student there.

During trips, she’d chat with waiters and others for tips about the area. “It helped me in terms of confidence to be able to talk with people; it was a nice byproduct of the experience,” she says.

The family collected mementos of their visits, including tickets and menus, kept individual journals, and wrote funny sayings they heard or said in a

MAY/JUNE 2020 | BETHESDAMAGAZINE.COM

family quote book. The Martins say they would like to inspire others to see the country as they did, possibly by writing a blog or a series of children’s travel books.

“Finishing the journey has definitely given me perspective on some of the dreams and life goals I have that seem insurmountable sometimes,” says Zack, who is studying acting in college.

“Having that experience reminds me that if you stick to it and you set incremental goals, whatever I try to do will happen eventually.” n

COURTESY PHOTOS

nothing quite like surfing in Hawaii or dogsledding in Alaska, riding in a pickup truck to herd cattle in Oklahoma was among the most memorable trips, says Zack, a sophomore at the University of Texas at Austin.

The Martins stayed on a working ranch in a rural part of the state and got to know the owner. They learned he had never heard of lacrosse, which surprised Zack, who plays the sport that’s popular in the Bethesda area. But Zack came to appreciate how much the rancher valued close ties with family and friends. “It made me realize what really mattered.

And to him, it was his relationships,” Zack says. “There are so many ways to lead your life all within this one country, and I never really understood that before I traveled around it.”

The idea for the 50-state adventure originated when the kids were toddlers and their mom, Laura Martin, met a neighbor who was taking trips with her children to every major league ballpark.

“I thought we needed a milestone,” says Martin, who has a background in education entrepreneurship and is pursuing her doctoral degree in education. “I think you can learn so much by traveling. The country is so diverse that I wanted them to see it.”

Zack and Kaitlyn, a 17-year-old junior at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, each began their quests at age 5. Most trips were taken as a family, but some with just one parent, and the excursions were planned around the kids’ individual interests and schedules. They’d stay at least two nights in each state they visited. “We were big on doing something very local in each state,” Kaitlyn says. “We wanted to be travelers, not just tourists.”

In 2018, Zach visited his 50th state— Hawaii—while on spring break during his senior year at St. Albans School in Washington, D.C. Highlights included first-time surfing lessons on Maui, riding in a helicopter, and driving through a rain forest with waterfalls. Kaitlyn crossed off her last state when she visited Louisiana

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HIDDEN MEMORIES WHILE DECLUTTERING HER Bethesda home this past winter, Cindy Souza found something unusual in the closet of her grown son’s former bedroom: a small hidden panel on the back wall that led to a storage space in the eaves under the roof.

“I had never gone in there—ever—in 20 years,” she says. Curious to see what was behind the panel, she opened it and found numerous dust-covered items, including a suitcase, mismatched shoes and a large box of greeting cards, letters, receipts and school papers.

“A lot of the notes centered on so and so’s son is going off to war. Or, it was hard to have a party with no boys in town,” Souza says. “There were cards between husband and wife and mother 28

and child. Very sweet things. …It was a snapshot into life as it was.”

Souza, a real estate agent, says many of the old correspondences included the names of William and Mary Potter, the original owners of the house, which was built around 1940. Souza posted her find on Facebook in hopes of reuniting the hidden treasures with any remaining relatives.

The post was shared on a BethesdaChevy Chase Facebook page, and within two weeks Souza received a phone call from Wendi Swidler of Silver Spring.

“I was thrilled, of course,” Swidler, the Potters’ youngest daughter, says of the discovery. “I was surprised to find out something was still there.”

Souza invited Swidler, 71, to pick up

MAY/JUNE 2020 | BETHESDAMAGAZINE.COM

Cindy Souza (right) with Wendi Swidler, whose parents once owned the Bethesda home where Souza lives. Souza recently discovered several dust-covered items, including a box of greeting cards, letters and school papers, that belonged to Swidler’s family.

the items and tour the house where she lived from 1949 until the early 1960s.

Swidler grew up there with her parents; her oldest sister, Mary Gay Haldeman, 74, now of Gainesville, Florida; and her other sister, Carol Hartman, who died in a car accident in 1971.

Swidler welcomed the opportunity to return to the house that her mother sold more than 40 years ago, and brought along Carol’s daughter, Joanne McNamara, 48, of Berlin, Maryland. On a Sunday afternoon in early February,

PHOTOS BY LISA HELFERT

How a discovery in a Bethesda house opened a door to a family’s past BY CARALEE ADAMS

Swidler was flooded with memories as she walked in the front door and into the living room.

“This is where my husband proposed to me. Right here,” Swidler said in the living room entryway near the fireplace.

She and her husband, Mark, had been married for 42 years when he died in 2014. “I used to do handstands against that wall and knock everything off the mantel.”

Souza had set up the items she’d found on her dining room table. In addition to the shoes and suitcase were a crumpled straw hat, a pencil drawing of the house, and a painting of three young girls.

Swidler recognized the artist’s rendition of her and her sisters, and remembered how her mother didn’t like the first version because their teeth were showing and later had it retouched so the girls’ lips were closed.

Opening the large box, Swidler removed several papers from an accounting class that her dad took in the 1940s, and a document showing that he was treasurer of the Bethesda Junior Chamber of Commerce in 1943. There also were a few photos, receipts and— most valued—personal letters.

Souza says she enjoyed watching Swidler and McNamara as they examined the pieces of their family history, and she marveled at the role social media had played in the reunion. “It’s really amazing to me how small a community we still really are,” she says.

A few weeks later, Swidler brought along some of the items on a trip to Key West for a vacation with Haldeman. The sisters read the letters aloud in their hotel room and pieced together who was who.

Swidler says the newsy letters gave her a better sense of her grandmother, who had 10 children and died when Swidler was 11. The sisters were struck by the similarities in the handwriting of their mother and grandmother, and the neatness of their father’s worksheets from his accounting courses.

“It was a little trip to the past,” Swidler says of receiving the hidden treasures.

“I’m going to keep them forever.” n

MONICA GARCIA HARMS Principal

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BETHESDAMAGAZINE.COM | MAY/JUNE 2020

29

banter

SWITCHING LANES From Capitol Hill to Hollywood, Mario Correa has figured out the write stuff

BY MARGARET ENGEL

30

Screenwriter and playwright Mario Correa, a Whitman High School alum, at the premiere of Dark Waters at Lincoln Center in New York City

concerning DuPont’s violations of two federal environmental laws. DuPont was not required to admit liability.

Four years after their doorstep meeting, Correa was a rising senior at Walt Whitman High School when he joined Morella’s first congressional campaign as a volunteer, driving the candidate to events and going door to door and to Metro stations to hand out literature.

From serving as a volunteer to later becoming an intern, Correa worked in Morella’s office while studying government and economics at Georgetown University. After graduating in 1991, he became a legislative assistant for Morella.

“She changed my life,” Correa, 52, says

MAY/JUNE 2020 | BETHESDAMAGAZINE.COM

of the former congresswoman. “She is my mentor, my role model and my inspiration. She is my third parent.”

Correa left Morella’s office to earn a master’s degree in social welfare and health care systems at the London School of Economics. Returning to Capitol Hill, he worked for the Australian Embassy for three years in congressional affairs, and later lobbied for the Business Software Alliance on copyright laws.

In 2010, a lifelong interest in theater compelled him to leave the world of public policy to pursue a career as a writer. “I thought I wanted to be an actor, but I didn’t have the courage for that,” he says. “Writing seemed the right road for

COURTESY PHOTO

THIRTEEN-YEAR-OLD Mario Correa was polite and interested when Maryland Del. Connie Morella knocked on the door of his family’s Bethesda home in the summer of 1982 as she campaigned for a second term. He was the only one at home and couldn’t vote, yet Morella, who would later serve 16 years in Congress, spent time talking with him.

That brief connection sparked an enthusiasm that eventually launched Correa’s career in government and politics, and led to his current occupation as a Hollywood screenwriter and playwright. He received his first major film credit last year with the release of Dark Waters, a drama he co-wrote that stars Mark Ruffalo, Anne Hathaway, Tim Robbins and Bill Pullman. The well-regarded movie, directed by Todd Haynes, is based on a New York Times Magazine article about a lawyer’s fight against the DuPont chemical company, which was accused of releasing harmful chemicals into the water supply in Parkersburg, West Virginia. In 2005, the Environmental Protection Agency and DuPont reached a $16.5 million settlement

me; it had always been my favorite part of any job.”

Writing for American audiences was not a natural path for Correa, now living in Los Angeles. He remembers crying nearly every day while attending first grade at Bethesda’s Wood Acres Elementary School in 1975 because he spoke Spanish and couldn’t understand his classmates or teachers.

Correa and his family had recently moved to Montgomery County from Chile after his father was appointed as that country’s cultural attaché in Washington, D.C. To help him learn English, his mother, who worked at the Organization of American States in the District, would write phrases on cards in English and Spanish, bribing him with a toy to learn them. “That, and [watching] Sesame Street, pushed me to learn English in one year,” Correa says.

In May 2010, Correa moved to New York City to pursue writing full time, starting with pilots for TV shows. From 2014 to 2016, he co-hosted a radio show for Entertainment Weekly. While living in the city, he connected with humorist Mo Rocca, a childhood pal from Bethesda who hired him to write two seasons of Animal Planet’s Whoa!

Sunday with Mo Rocca.

Correa’s first play, Tail! Spin!, satirized congressional sex scandals and starred Rocca’s friend and Saturday Night Live alumna Rachel Dratch. It launched at the New York International Fringe Festival and ran off-Broadway in 2014 and 2015. Correa then acquired an agent, who began showing his scripts around Hollywood.

Rocca says the seeds of his friend’s career move were planted in elementary school, when the pair would get together to write, casting their unknowing Wood Acres classmates as characters from the

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TV show Dallas. The two obsessively listened to albums of musicals, such as Evita, and watched Charlie’s Angels on TV. “We were campy before we knew that word,” Rocca says.

Correa says the pair also bonded when their Catholic mothers were the only parents in their fifth grade class who wouldn’t allow them to take sex education classes. “We had to square dance instead,” Correa says. “It was me, Mo, a girl from India and the girls’ gym teacher.”

Rocca attributes Correa’s keen powers of observation to his experiences as an outsider when he moved to Montgomery County. Still, “it’s a big deal to completely change professions,” Rocca says. “And he was the only one in the ’90s who could explain health care to me. But he’s really creative and was able to make the very, very rare move into success in Hollywood and entertainment.”

Morella, who sponsored Correa for U.S. citizenship, says she’s not surprised by his success. “From the halls of Walt Whitman High School, ‘shoe leathering’ and putting up posters for my campaign, Mario stood out for his passion for public service, political savvy, sense of humor and communication skills,” she says.

Correa’s years in politics continue to inform his work. His 2017 screenplay Let Her Speak is about Texas state Sen. Wendy Davis’ historic filibuster to prevent passage of an anti-abortion bill.

Sandra Bullock has expressed an interest in producing and starring in the film, according to Correa. Commander, his second play, written in 2014, is about the then-novel idea of a gay man running for president. He is currently writing a screenplay about Lawrence v. Texas, the Supreme Court case that struck down laws barring homosexual sex.

Correa says changing careers wasn’t easy, and he attributes his success to those who helped him along the way. “I’ve had the luckiest of breaks in my life—fairy godfathers and godmothers who believe in you and open their hearts to you,” he says. “Believe me, I’m grateful.” n

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BOOK REPORT

The psychological thriller You Are Not Alone (St. Martin’s Press, March 2020) by Chevy Chase’s Sarah Pekkanen and co-author Greer Hendricks, who lives in Manhattan, is about a woman who pursues the mystery behind a suicide she witnesses on a subway in New York City. “Like our other books, there are twists and turns. There is a relatable, sympathetic character who is thrown into a really dark situation and has to figure her way out of it,” says Pekkanen, who is writing a screenplay with Hendricks based on their 2018 book The Wife Between Us. The pair is executiveproducing a TV series based on An Anonymous Girl, their other 2018 novel. “Our first love is always writing novels, and we want to keep doing those for as long as we can,” Pekkanen says.

34

David and Julie Bulitt offer their take on managing money, sex, communication, parenting and a work-life balance in their self-help book The Five Core Conversations for Couples (Skyhorse, February 2020). “It’s a combination of professional insight and our own personal stuff,” says David, a divorce attorney who traded off writing chapters with Julie, a family therapist and his wife of 33 years.

The Olney couple reveal intimate details of their marriage and their own struggles in a book that’s intentionally light and casual rather than scientific, according to Julie. “I hope it provides entertainment and a basis for couples to think about and talk about their relationships,” she says.

MAY/JUNE 2020 | BETHESDAMAGAZINE.COM

The wave of women sworn into the 116th Congress after the November 2018 election intrigued Jennifer Steinhauer, a New York Times reporter for 25 years. In her book The Firsts: The Inside Story of the Women Reshaping Congress (Algonquin Books, March 2020), she chronicles the first year of one of the most diverse congressional classes by race, ethnicity, religion and gender.

“It’s definitely changed the look and feel of the Hill,” says Steinhauer, who lives in Northwest Washington, D.C. While assessing the impact of the women can be difficult because they represent a small percentage of the legislative body, Steinhauer says they are developing a camaraderie.

“Women seek each other,” she says. “They find a kinship and they bond around issues.”

The idea for Lauren Francis-Sharma’s second novel came to her while she was listening to a radio interview with Willie Nelson as she waited in the carpool line at Norwood School in Bethesda. She thought of her parents, who grew up in Trinidad loving country music, and an idea hit her for a character in what would become Book of the Little Axe (Atlantic Monthly Press, May 2020). It’s a family saga set against the backdrop of colonialism, violence and slavery in the 1800s in Trinidad and the United States. The quest to belong and the meaning of home remain relevant today, says Francis-Sharma of Kensington, an attorney who became a full-time author after the success of her debut novel ’Til the Well Runs Dry (Henry Holt and Co., 2014).

“We’re still interconnected globally, and we have been forever,” she says.

ALL BOOK COVERS FILE PHOTOS

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banter

READING LIST

DATA PROVIDED BY

The top-selling books in our area. Data is based on books sold at Politics and Prose’s Connecticut Avenue location in Upper Northwest D.C., from March 4 to 18, 2020.

Note: Author event sales may influence the presence of some titles on these lists.

1.

The Mirror & the Light (Wolf Hall Trilogy, No. 3), Hilary Mantel

2.

The Night Watchman, Louise Erdrich

3.

1.

Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland, Patrick Radden Keefe

Trace Elements (A Commissario Guido Brunetti Mystery, No. 29), Donna Leon

2.

The Overstory, Richard Powers

3.

Normal People, Sally Rooney

4.

Deacon King Kong, James McBride

4.

Girl, Woman, Other, Bernardine Evaristo

5.

Apeirogon, Colum McCann

5.

6.

The Hidden Girl and Other Stories, Ken Liu

7.

The Dutch House, Ann Patchett

Madame Fourcade’s Secret War: The Daring Young Woman Who Led France’s Largest Spy Network Against Hitler, Lynne Olson

8.

Weather, Jenny Offill

6.

The Women in Black, Madeleine St John

9.

Writers & Lovers, Lily King

7.

Machines Like Me, Ian McEwan

8.

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, Yuval Noah Harari

9.

Anything Is Possible, Elizabeth Strout

10. The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, Charlie Mackesy

HARDCOVER NONFICTION 1.

The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz, Erik Larson

2.

John Houbolt: The Unsung Hero of the Apollo Moon Landings, William F. Causey

3.

The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas, Gertrude Stein

4.

10. The River, Peter Heller

CHILDREN’S 1.

Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You, Jason Reynolds, Ibram X. Kendi

2.

Winterborne Home for Vengeance and Valor, Ally Carter

3.

We Are Water Protectors, Carole Lindstrom

All This Marvelous Potential: Robert Kennedy’s 1968 Tour of Appalachia, Matthew Algeo

4.

The Dragon Egg Princess, Ellen Oh

5.

When You Were Everything, Ashley Woodfolk

5.

Untamed, Glennon Doyle

6.

Fetch-22 (Dog Man Series, No. 8), Dav Pilkey

6.

Recollections of My Nonexistence, Rebecca Solnit

7.

Chick and Brain: Egg or Eyeball? Cece Bell

The Firsts: The Inside Story of the Women Reshaping Congress, Jennifer Steinhauer

8.

Good Night, Gorilla, Peggy Rathmann

9.

Major Impossible (Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales, No. 9), Nathan Hale

7.

8.

The Yellow House, Sarah M. Broom

9.

A Very Stable Genius: Donald J. Trump’s Testing of America, Philip Rucker, Carol Leonnig

10. A Citizen’s Guide to Beating Donald Trump, David Plouffe

36

PAPERBACK

MAY/JUNE 2020 | BETHESDAMAGAZINE.COM

10. More to the Story, Hena Khan

ALL BOOK COVERS FILE PHOTOS

HARDCOVER FICTION

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banter | HOMETOWN

BY STEVE ROBERTS

THE GIFT OF GRANDPARENTS A Rockville writer learned firsthand about the power of cross-generational relationships

38

Isabel Tom at Bethesda’s Davis Library, where she spent time working on her book, The Value of Wrinkles

at local institutions ever since. Now 38, with three small children of her own, she has just published a book, The Value of Wrinkles, which came out in March and distills the lessons she’s gleaned from her personal and professional experience.

Part memoir and part meditation, it’s filled with practical advice about crossgenerational relationships.

“I want people to understand that when we have an older person in our life, it’s a gift. It’s a gift that they’re here for us to care for them and to value them,” she

MAY/JUNE 2020 | BETHESDAMAGAZINE.COM

explains. “The ultimate thing we have to do is remind them that they’re loved.

Sometimes we get bogged down thinking about the logistics, when we need to step back and think, does this person know that they are loved?”

“The way our culture sees beauty,” valuing youthful vitality over ancient wisdom, makes it hard to embrace growing old, Tom says. “Maybe we have more white hairs, we have more wrinkles, we’re hunched over a little bit more, but I feel there is such growth that happens

PHOTO BY LOUIS TINSLEY

WHEN ISABEL TOM WAS growing up in the Ashburton neighborhood of Bethesda, she lived in the same house with two of her grandparents, both immigrants from China. Her grandmother, who spoke little English and lived to 102, would sit in the same chair every day, often knitting or crocheting gifts for her grandchildren. And Isabel, the youngest of three sisters, would sit with her, chatting in Chinese and helping with her projects. “She would need somebody to thread her needle because she couldn’t see anymore,” Tom tells me.

That simple task, threading a needle for an aging grandmother, helped inspire Isabel’s life work. After graduating from Houghton College, a small Christian school in upstate New York, she found her first job at Riderwood, a large retirement community in Silver Spring. As a wellness coordinator, she did personal training and taught classes on fitness and health, and she’s cared for the elderly

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banter | HOMETOWN

inside of us. My grandma, when she passed away, she was one of the most beautiful people I knew, because she had such gratitude for life.”

Tom’s story is typical of many in Montgomery County, where the Asian population is over 15% and growing steadily. The student body at Thomas S. Wootton High School, in the Rockville community where Tom now lives, is almost 40% Asian. Her father came to America for an education, earning an engineering degree from Virginia Tech and working for years at the Environmental Protection Agency before becoming a Christian minister. Her mother worked in family-run restaurants, and relatives still operate the Hollywood East Cafe in Wheaton. As a child, Isabel recalls long Metro rides to see relatives in downtown

Washington and says, “If you reach into the Chinatown culture, my family is related to everybody.”

All four of Tom’s grandparents moved to America to be near their children, a common pattern in this county. But often these elderly relatives, who grew up during a time of great scarcity in China, have trouble adjusting to a very different culture. “This is a really wealthy area, but living with my grandpa, it felt like I grew up in wartime,” Isabel laughs.

He hoarded sugar, bread and Coca-Cola, and constantly pestered her to take him to the store so he could buy more. “He got really nervous,” she recalls. “He was always afraid there wouldn’t be enough.”

Tom admits that as a teenager she sometimes “felt smothered and stuck” by all the attention she received from

her grandparents. She tells the story of walking home from Walter Johnson High School: “I would literally be down the street and the door would open right away. They were right there at the window, waiting for me to come home, because I was like the highlight of their day, so it was not easy. But it also gave me a greater compassion and awareness for what old people go through.”

Tom’s own children have two grandmothers living in Montgomery County and see them constantly. After the coronavirus curtailed those visits, Tom introduced a new idea—talking on the telephone. “We practice every day,” she tells me, “and I think it’s adding a new layer to the kids’ relationship with their grandmas.” When grandparents don’t live nearby and can’t see their

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grandchildren regularly, they can still play an important role for the younger generation, Tom says. “Make the effort to encourage them and cheer them on.

Children can always use more cheerleaders. Everyone loves care packages.

Everyone loves snail mail. Consider being their pen pal.”

I share Isabel’s compassion, and not just because I’m 77, with plenty of white hairs and well-earned wrinkles. Like her, I grew up with a grandparent in the house, my mother’s father, Harry Schanbam, an immigrant from Russia. He was a carpenter, and actually built our home in Bayonne, New Jersey. My other two living grandparents, Abe and Miriam Rogow, lived three blocks away. All were a central part of my childhood: Harry drove me to baseball practice; Miriam cooked Sunday

dinner. Abe told me tales of his youth that inspired me to become a writer. I never had a babysitter I wasn’t related to.

Today, with six grandchildren of my own, I totally understand Isabel’s idea that youngsters have “superpowers” to enchant and enrich their elderly relatives. “What I say is that grandchildren can bless without baggage,” she explains.

And those superpowers can be conveyed with “very simple gestures [like] telling them what you did today or calling them and saying happy birthday, or holding their hand and sitting next to them while watching TV. You can have such an impact just by honoring and reaching out to your own grandparent.”

Grandparents, I tell her, have to reach back. They too can make “very simple gestures” with very large benefits. I

You’ll be ready when your dream home is.

drove three of my grandkids to school for 12 years, until they had the lack of consideration to grow up and get their own licenses. Those times together were so special because they were so ordinary.

And you get one shot at being a grandparent. No do-overs.

Tom sums up her advice this way: “You won’t know everything. You don’t know what path every person is going to take as they decline. But if people leave this earth and know that they are loved, that makes a huge difference.”

Yes, it does. And not only that. Isabel’s pretty good at threading a needle. n Steve Roberts teaches journalism and politics at George Washington University. Send ideas for future columns to sroberts@gwu.edu.

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41

Acts of

Kindness

The last thing most of us were expecting this spring was a pandemic. Within weeks, there was a new normal: Six feet apart. Meetings via Zoom. School days at home.

Some people stepped up with acts of generosity and compassion, helping to bring strength to those around us.

BY KATHLEEN SEILER NEARY AND STEVE ROBERTS

When Sammy Hemann, 16, overheard his mom chatting with friends about decluttering while they were stuck at home during the coronavirus outbreak, he talked to his family about finding a way to donate items to families who could use them. Through online research, the Hemanns, who live in Potomac, landed on So What Else, a Rockville nonprofit that normally runs after-school and summer programs for underserved children but has been setting up distribution sites in the area to get food and other items to people in need. “We really wanted to make an From left: Sammy, Lauren and Michael Hemann with impact directly with other children,” Megan Joe of So What Else says Sammy, a sophomore at Landon School in Bethesda. our house to drop things off as their outing for the day.”

Sammy’s mom, Jennifer, emailed friends at Norwood Lauren asked for jobs around the house to earn money, School in Bethesda, where she works in admissions and and then bought snacks to donate. her other children—Michael, 13, and Lauren, 11—go to Within two weeks, the Hemanns had transferred school, and asked for donations of games, books, healthy items piled in their foyer into their minivan and driven to snacks, and art and cleaning supplies. “Every time we So What Else’s collection spot three times. On the third come home from a walk or an adventure through the trip, they also headed to a distribution site to help with neighborhood, we find more bags of items at our front door,” Michael says. “We also offered to pick things up for handing out items. “If it’s just a few granola bars, it can make a big difference,” Lauren says. people…but I think people are really enjoying a trip to 42 MAY/JUNE 2020 | BETHESDAMAGAZINE.COM

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KID TO KID

HERE TO HELP

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Early in the COVID-19 crisis, Cora and Francisco Cartagena posted a note on the listserv for The Promenade, a high-rise community in Bethesda where they’ve lived for three years. The couple offered to help seniors in the building with their smartphones, computers or TVs, and said they could also pick up food or medications.

We can coordinate via call/text for drop off right outside your door, they wrote. There is absolutely no cost for any of these services.

Cora, 33, has a master’s of public health from the University of Maryland; Francisco, 29, is getting his master’s in cybersecurity from UMBC at The Universities at Shady Grove. Both have full time jobs— Cora works at the NIH; Francisco works for the City of Gaithersburg—but they knew that many of their neighbors are older and some live alone. The response was

immediate. One senior needed help finding his Wi-Fi password. Another man ordered a stationary bike online after the gym shut down, but he couldn’t put it together. So the couple assembled the bike and carried it to his apartment. “I wanted to make sure that it was sanitized before I gave it to him,” Cora says.

Some neighbors sent grocery lists and prescriptions. At first, Cora and Francisco would do the shopping. Then they started using the pharmacy drive-thru, placing orders in advance from Whole Foods or Balducci’s, or giving neighbors quick tutorials via FaceTime. “Now, instead of going into grocery stores, we’re trying to help them learn to shop online because they’re not experienced with Amazon Prime and such,” Cora says. “At times, neighbors sound really nervous on the phone.” Her own mom lives by herself in Gaithersburg. “My mother told me she feels afraid at times, so I

can only sympathize with my senior neighbors here if they’re feeling anywhere like my mom is feeling.”

One resident asked for help with his computer. “The operational system was done,” Francisco says.

“I told him that over FaceTime, and he was like, ‘I work from home so I need a device ASAP.’ ” Francisco ran to the Apple store, picked up an iPad Pro, set it up with gloves on—“which is very challenging,” he laughs—cleaned it, and left the box at the man’s door.

The couple has received texts and voicemails from neighbors expressing their gratitude, and one left a handwritten note. Cora gets to see some of her neighbors from a distance. “Some of the senior neighbors are coming out to their balconies and windows for a wave at 5 p.m.,” she says. “I thought it was such a fun idea. Someone else mentioned it and I was like, ‘I’m in.

See you at 5!’ ”

“A gal in my neighborhood is doing outdoor yoga classes (six feet plus apart). Instead of charging, each attendee is making a donation to a food bank. It was very fun, very peaceful and nice community building in the midst of all this crazy.”

—Cheryl Leahy, Bethesda

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REACHING OUT

SWEET SINGING

Town of Kensington Mayor Tracey Furman got a text from a neighbor that Harley Higgins, who’s lived in Kensington since 1968, had his 98th birthday coming up. Furman hatched a plan to surprise him and got Higgins’ daughter on board. A note went out on the neighborhood listserv asking others to meet outside Higgins’ house at 5 p.m. on March 18 to sing “Happy Birthday.” Says Higgins, “The lady that takes care of me took me outside to get some fresh air, she said, but

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what she was doing was taking me out to where the group had congregated. It was a surprise party.” About 25 neighbors, spaced at a distance from each other, sang to the retired U.S. Navy commander as he was in his driveway. One neighbor brought him a chocolate milkshake from Five Guys. “I have good neighbors who watch out for me and help me out a lot,” Higgins says. The only thing he can think of that compares to the special birthday wishes? “When I met President Eisenhower,” he says.

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“I wanted to share this with you because I think our community is really trying to support us and I can’t be more thankful and this almost brings tears to my eyes. This is my first to-go today and the tip ($50 on a $55.78 bill) will go to my staff. I think another message is that people can support all restaurants by also buying food for homeless people, construction workers, neighborhoods in need and older [people]. I really hope we can get through this.”

—Alessandro Ferro, co-owner Pizzeria Da Marco, Bethesda

When Marty Wuerstlin came to John Sclavounos’ house in Ashton to fix his ice maker in early March, the two men fell into conversation. Sclavounos, now 69 and retired, had lost his wife to Alzheimer’s disease, and Wuerstlin’s mother-in-law is suffering from the same illness. “We had a little bond there,” Wuerstlin recalls.

Some days later, Wuerstlin called Sclavounos to say he had the right part and would be over in the morning. But during the night, Sclavounos had woken up “with a severe case of chills, throwing up, headaches, the whole works.” So when Wuerstlin arrived, “I turned him away,” Sclavounos says. “It was not in his best interest to come into the house.”

Later that day, Wuerstlin left Sclavounos a phone message saying he remembered that he was a widower and lived alone. He wanted to bring over soup from his wife, who had also offered to stay with Sclavounos to help him get better. “I said to myself, this is probably the kindest thing I’ve ever heard,” Sclavounos says. “To me, it’s overwhelming that there’s such kindness out there.”

Wuerstlin gives his wife, Connie, a teacher, all the credit. “She’s an awesome cook and she has a heart of gold,” he says. He also credits their Christian faith: “The Good Book says to be generous and help others, so we try to practice that, especially with the current environment of course.”

Wuerstlin never did deliver the soup—Sclavounos’ daughter had moved in to care for him. (He tested negative for COVID-19.) But the gesture was the important thing. As Wuerstlin says, “There’s a lot of good people in the world, and nobody hears about it.”

FLOWER POWER

“A lady walked 2 miles to our restaurant to pick up a steak and a burger. She did have Uber Eats. When we told her to order from Uber Eats so she didn’t have to walk 2 miles, she told me she couldn’t leave a tip on Uber Eats to the restaurant, [and] left [us] a 100% tip. Gave us chills from her response.”

—Macon Bistro & Larder, Northwest D.C.

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BUDDY SYSTEM

Andy Harney is the village manager for Section 3, a small slice of Chevy Chase nestled between Connecticut Avenue and Brookville Road. The neighborhood of close to 800 people has many seniors— some couples, others living alone. Harney, a recent widow herself, quickly realized the hardships posed by the coronavirus and asked for volunteers to aid the elderly. “Within six hours I had 60 people volunteering, and more after that,” she says. “It’s really impressive how many people wanted to do something.”

She created a system of “isolation buddies,” pairing older shut-ins with younger folks who could then do small tasks such as buying groceries or filling prescriptions. But she soon encountered a problem. Many seniors were reluctant to accept help if it looked and felt like charity. “People don’t want to take a handout if they don’t need it,” Harney says.

So she set down some rules: When volunteers went shopping, they’d put an itemized receipt in the grocery bag they left at their buddy’s front door. The senior could then return the bag to their shopper with a check inside, or mail it to them. The volunteers get as much out of the system as the people they serve. “People feel helpless in the face of this,” Harney says, “so they want some way to be able to control their situation or contribute or feel useful in the face of the unknown.”

When real estate agent Kristy Deal Hayzlett went to Costco in Wheaton on Friday, March 13, she was planning to pick up some things for her clients. Then she spotted the flowers. Her kids’ schools had just closed for two weeks, and she’d already noticed increasing anxiety among her Bethesda neighbors. “People just looked lost,” she says. So she ended up filling her entire cart with bulbs, more than 50 bags of them, along with gardening gloves to go with each bag. Later that afternoon she posted a note on the Nextdoor app.

Hi Bethesda!

I went and bought a bunch of pretty bulbs in large bags and packs of gloves from Costco. Let me know if you want me to leave a bag on your front porch with a pair of gloves. Something different while we are staying home. :) “Flowers are happy, and they’re cheery,” Deal Hayzlett says. “It was a crazy time, so I thought, why not deliver some goodness?” By the next day she’d received 72 responses, all from people she’d never met. One neighbor wrote, “I’m over public places for the time being, but working in the yard sounds amazing. If your thoughtful offer has been snatched up by others, thank you so much for bringing joy in such uncertain times.” Deal Hayzlett delivered the bags—including one to a person who lives 20 miles away and heard about her kind gesture— and refused to accept any money. A few people told her they would pay it forward. As stores, parks and restaurants began closing, she had only one regret: “I wish I’d bought more bulbs.”

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“I’d like to relay the story a good friend created with her (and her family’s) kindness. This friend is working hard in D.C. every day to help bring relief through efforts in the U.S. Senate. As tired as she must be as she helps navigate through this rough period, she sent a text out to our friend group on Thursday.

My family and I were spending time together in the backyard. We had a fire smoldering in the fire pit. We spoke about how we felt fortunate to have each other and our health. We rejoiced as we talked about the friendships we share with our neighbors and in our community. But we were emotionally tired. We were exhausted from all that has happened and changed over the past few weeks. As parents, we have been working hard to stay positive in front of our kids. As the flames of our fire began to fade into the night, I heard a ding from my phone. The text was: ‘Check your front porches. (Heart emoji) your socially distant friend-family.’ I read the text out loud. Our kids were the first to jump up and rush to the front door. On the other side of that door was a little woven-grass basket. It had some chocolate candies in it—and a handwritten card. The card said, ‘Thinking of you friends during this time. Love, hugs & chocolates - The Baileys.’ It was a beautiful gesture. Even three days later, the memory brings a smile to my face.”

—Adam Murphy, Rockville

Missy Lieber describes herself as a “recovering addict” and says, “One of the things I’ve learned on my journey is service to others.” So when the coronavirus struck, she texted 20 friends in the Wildwood section of Bethesda: “We need to do something for the people in our neighborhood that help us and save our lives.”

Their first project was to buy lunch, Chick-fil-A sandwiches, for the staff in the emergency room at Suburban Hospital, where Lieber’s 10-year-old daughter had recently been treated for a virulent virus. (She was never tested for COVID-19 but “could very well have had it,” says her mother.)

A Facebook page quickly attracted 87 members and more than $500. Lieber and friends Sharon Watts and Liz Weirshowsky went looking for more targets.

They brought barbecue dinners to the firefighters at Station 20 on Old Georgetown Road near Cedar Lane, and bagels and coffee to the teachers at Ashburton Elementary School.

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Lieber, who works in advertising, wants the group, now called Helping Our Heroes, to have a “hyperlocal focus on the people in our own backyard.” They wasted no time planning their next project—delivering pizza to the first responders at Station 26 on Democracy Boulevard. “It’s crazy times,” she says. “I’m really amazed how wonderful people are coming together.”

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SPECIAL DELIVERIES

MCPS staff distributing Chromebooks at Ashburton Elementary School enjoyed bagels and coffee that Missy Lieber and some friends delivered.

VIRTUAL THERAPY

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FROM A DISTANCE

The day after kindergarten teacher Megan Llewellyn said goodbye to her 23 students when Maryland schools were ordered closed for two weeks by Gov. Larry Hogan, she started thinking, “How can I stay in touch with them, let them know that I’m thinking about them?” At Woodlin Elementary School in Silver Spring, she’d have a 15-minute meeting with her class every morning, where they’d share what they did the night before or things to look forward to that week. So she decided to start a website and host a version of that meeting online.

She sent parents the link and posted a note to her students every couple of days.

“I spent some time painting today (you know Ms. Llewellyn loves her art!) and hope that you all are still making good use out of your crayons and markers and creating some of your own beautiful artwork at home!

Keep drawing!” she posted one day, along with a photo of a painting she made of flowers. In another post, she wrote about going on a hike. “I had a little boy write me a sweet note back and he said, ‘It was a beautiful day, I also hiked with my family, I miss you.’ It was really sweet. It had an elaborate picture,” she says. Other times, students just wanted to send her a note or drawing to let her know what they were up to. “I lived in Texas and taught there for a few years, and I had a student send me a picture. He had done this map of the United States and he had circled Texas and said, ‘I know you love Texas, Ms. Llewellyn. I’m thinking of you too.’ ”

Marjorie Kreppel’s elderly parents were living in downtown Bethesda, and after the pandemic started they received an email from a young woman they did not know.

I’m healthy, she wrote, and I’m happy to buy your groceries. “I was inspired by that,” says Kreppel, founder of The Counseling Center of Maryland in Bethesda. “So I got together with my group and said, ‘Why don’t we do something?’ ” She and her staff offered a free online therapy session for folks struggling with the emotional fallout from social isolation. “This is a really difficult time for people,” Kreppel says. “We were already struggling before all of this with an epidemic of loneliness. We have so many more connections than we’ve ever had, yet they are so much less meaningful, and now all of a sudden the physical connection is taken away. It’s a scary, scary time.”

Kreppel started with one session for 30 people and four therapists, exchanging suggestions and coping strategies. “We all got together afterwards,” she recalls, and said to each other, “this is working, this is helping people, we had great feedback.” So the center set up a regular schedule, offering free one-hour Zoom sessions three mornings a week to anyone in the community.

The therapists share some key takeaways. “Get outside every day, even if it’s raining, preferably a couple of times a day,” Kreppel says. “We’re not trapped in our houses, we just can’t be in physical contact with other people.” Equally critical is to stick to a routine. “Get up and do whatever you do. Do your exercises, still take a shower, still start your day. It feels better.”

Kreppel says offering the sessions sends a message to the lonely and isolated: “You’re not in this alone.”

“One of our loyal customers, Christina Gross, cancelled her appointment earlier this week due to Covid-19 fear and popped by yesterday to give the stylist, Sharice Pina, a $40 tip without getting a service. We felt this was a very kind gesture from a very kind individual. We truly have a great professional clientele, but this was above and beyond the usual normal niceness we were accustomed to. I feel a time like this calls for this kind of humanitarian love.”

—Bruce Johnson, owner Avatar Salon & Wellness Spa, Silver Spring

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acts of kindness Far left: Gina Semeraro picking up food from Smoke BBQ in Bethesda to deliver to Suburban Hospital’s ER Left: Suburban ER staff filling plates with food from Chef Tony’s

While Gina Semeraro, a nurse, was picking up food at Mastiha Artisan Greek Bakery in Kensington in late March, the shop’s owner, Katerina Georgallas, offered to donate some items for Semeraro to share with other health care workers. Semeraro, who works at an orthopedic surgery center in Bethesda, told Georgallas that she would love to take a meal to her former colleagues in Suburban Hospital’s emergency room, where she’d worked for 13 years. “What most people don’t realize is what a dangerous job it is working in the emergency room,” says

Semeraro, who considers the staff “superheroes.” Georgallas offered to prepare hummus and spanakopita for her to deliver to the hospital the next day. Semeraro later posted on Facebook about Georgallas’ donation, and Roberto Pietrobono, co-owner of Olazzo, reached out to say that he’d like to contribute dinner. “I had asked him, ‘If I can get you some donation money, should I just have people call you?’ And he said, ‘No, I don’t want the money,’ ” Semeraro says.

Then she posted a note on the page of a Facebook group called Bethesda Bar Buddies and heard from other

“Our CrossFit gym, Tough Temple, had to close this week. Before we closed, we offered to allow members to take a piece of equipment home, like dumbbells, kettlebells, etc. We are posting workouts and live streaming with coaches daily to keep members fit and engaged through all of this. Well, the day we were closing, a young couple came into the gym and offered to pay for anyone who couldn’t pay their membership during the closure—knowing we are a small business that will be affected by closing and that many people are losing their incomes. It was very touching to see there are people willing to support others, even in the smallest measures. It was [a] touching gesture and true testament to how close our community has become.”

—Victoria Karolenko, coach Tough Temple, Rockville n

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FEEDING HER HEROES

Bethesda restaurants, including Chef Tony’s, Smoke BBQ and Caddies on Cordell, saying they wanted to donate food, too. Strangers contacted her to contribute money so she could buy food from local restaurants. “It just snowballed from there,” Semeraro says. Within a week she had made five deliveries of dinner and dessert for the ER staff—from nurses and doctors to security workers and the cleaning crew.

Food also came from Flanagan’s Harp & Fiddle and Hanaro Sushi.

“It makes my heart so full that people I don’t know are messaging me saying, ‘Where I can send money to, who can I call?’ ” says Semeraro, who worked in the restaurant industry while she was in nursing school.

“It makes it so touching to know that these restaurant owners aren’t super wealthy, they’re struggling, too, and yet they’re still going to help—that’s what I love about this so much.”

Our community, like the rest of the world, is in uncharted waters. Our lives are disrupted. Each day, we become aware of someone else who needs support in its many forms. During these moments, we look for evidence of hope.

And we look to see what remains the same.

A MESSAGE FROM The Montgomery College Foundation

For the past 38 years, the Montgomery College Foundation has had one consistent commitment: to provide access to the education that will change lives and lift up our community members.

Under the leadership of President DeRionne Pollard; Foundation Chair Ken Becker; Campaign Chairs Ashley Cheng, Jeffrey Slavin, and Linda Youngentob; and Honorary Campaign Chair Catherine Leggett, we reached a seven-year fundraising goal of $30 million, which represents the largest campaign in the foundation’s history.

We thank our community for the incredible generosity you have shown. We know many generations will be changed for the better. We pause, for a moment, to celebrate the impact this will have on the future of our community—and on the lives of countless students and their families.

But pausing for more than a moment is not an option. The work of our foundation is in full force. We are doing all we can to keep students enrolled—and headed toward their goals—despite the obstacles they now face.

Please join us and help make a lasting difference in the lives of students who will be Montgomery County’s future nurses, engineers, teachers, and leaders. Let’s be there now for those who will be there to help us in the coming years.

montgomerycollege.edu/onlinegiving

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L-R: Ashley Townsend, Judi Casey, Jared Maites, Amy Gordon, Margie Halem, Harrison Halem, Elizabeth Melzter, Lori Silverman and Justin Stuart

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(Standing: Left to Right) Rama Taib-Lopez, Pat Dragga, David Bulitt, Stephen Friedman, Reza Golesorkhi, Christopher Castellano (Sitting: Left to Right) Darin Rumer, Lindsay Parvis, Jeffrey Hannon, Allison McFadden (Not pictured: Jeffrey Greenblatt and Anne Grover)

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Real Estate Experience Trent Heminger & Mary Noone | Trent & Co. at Compass Real Estate It’s hard to predict the real estate market in the metro region. Every spring (typically the busiest time of the year) brings challenges, and this year was no exception: some neighborhoods and price points saw multiple offers and bidding wars for properties that flew off the market in hours, while others sat with very few showings. While hard to predict, one thing remains constant: there are still buyers who have to find a home and sellers who have to sell.

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The Face of

Audiology Experience Dr. Gail Linn not only offers highly experienced services like real ear measures through her practice, Potomac Audiology has an important presence among other medical professionals and audiology organizations.

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train under her tutelage, as well as other students from around the country. For the past 12 years, Dr. Linn has served on the Maryland Academy of Audiology Board of Directors.

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Gail Linn, Au.D. | Potomac Audiology

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Authentic Connections

LISA HELFERT

Language Arts, 7th Grade with Susan Hearn | Edmund Burke School In the library and lab, in the gym and theatre, animated conversations between teachers and students are commonplace here. Burke faculty forge close, supportive bonds with students that endure beyond graduation.

With 300 students in Grades 6-12 and more than 50 faculty, no one flies under the radar. Each teacher serves as an advisor for just 5-7 students and has time built into their day to meet outside class – about anything from a problem set in physics to an ambitious project in history to a

conversation about friendships.

As a progressive school, Burke places the intellectual, physical and creative lives of students at the center.

“Students are well known and valued by teachers,” says Head of School Damian Jones. “Bonds among parents, faculty, staff, administrators and students are meaningful and long-lasting.” admissions@burkeschool.org www.burkeschool.org

BETHESDAMAGAZINE.COM | MAY/JUNE 2020

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The Face of

Best Dog Boarding Care Blue Dog offers dog boarding, daycare and dog spa grooming services for your beloved companion. Recognized for excellence by local pet owners and publications for several years, Blue Dog goes above and beyond for pet owners. Dogs enjoy companionship with the staff and meet up with other fun-loving furry friends. Owners can watch their dog on webcams on an iPhone, iPad or computer.

“We know your pooch is a part of your family,” says

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owner Janet Sidebottom. “So, we treat them with special care throughout their stay with us.”

Conveniently located in Kensington, Blue Dog offers a free first day of dog daycare for nervous first-time boarders— a great way to ease your pet into Blue Dog and meet and greet the Daycare attendants.

301-217-0010 www.dogboarding.net

STEPHANIE BRAGG

Janet Sidebottom | Blue Dog Boarding & Daycare

2020 FACES

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The Face of

Bethesda’s Best Builder

COURTESY PHOTO

Phil Leibovitz & Mimi Brodsky Kress | Sandy Spring Builders, LLC For over 30 years, Phil Leibovitz and Mimi Brodsky Kress have been building and renovating award-winning homes throughout the Washington-area. Sandy Spring Builders has been chosen “Best Builder” in the Best of Bethesda Readers’ Poll every year since its inception.

Their team of dedicated employees are among the most talented and passionate in the industry. Whether a new home or renovation, each project is built with great pride. “We are full-service builders and our expertise is unmatched in the

industry,” says Leibovitz. “Our clients, including friends and family, are the biggest testament to an enduring theme that everyone at Sandy Spring Builders goes by, ‘We are your builder for life.’”

301-913-5995 www.sandyspringbuilders.com L-R: Tyler Abrams, Ray Sobrino, Phil Leibovitz, Mimi Brodsky Kress, Brian Abramson, Tom Bennett

BETHESDAMAGAZINE.COM | MAY/JUNE 2020

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The Face of

Bilingual Divorce & Custody Law “I have seen my efforts make a difference in the lives of my clients and that is why I always put forth my best effort,” says Sandra Guzman Salvado.

Clients trust that Ms. Salvado will help them get through the most difficult time of their lives. She is known for patiently explaining legal concepts and options to clients, while seeing the best in them. She enjoys collaborating with other experts, such as therapists, coaches and CPAs.

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She utilizes her skills and abilities daily, working with the bilingual community who trust her advice. Part of her success, as a mediator and attorney, is that she never stops learning and maintains an optimistic attitude.

“I enjoy my work and I believe this is what I was meant to do,” she says.

301-340-1911 www.guzmansalvadolaw.com

STEPHANIE WILLIAMS

Sandra Guzman-Salvado | Law Offices of Sandra Guzman-Salvado

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

2020 FACES

The Face of

Boarding

COURTESY PHOTO

Olde Towne Pet Resort There’s no place like home—but with the love and attention the Olde Towne Pet Resort team devotes to pets in its care, a stay there is as close as it gets.

“Your pets are part of your family, and our family too,” says Olde Towne Pet Resort owner Leah Fried Sedwick. “We designed our resorts with your pet’s well-being in mind.

That care includes 24/7 staffing, premier spacious suites, and features such as webcams, sound proofing, filtered auto-fill water dishes and hospital-grade air system. We offer a choice of activities such as day camp, swimming and cardio to help keep them engaged and fit.”

From thoughtful creature comforts to extra cuddle time, every stay at Olde Towne Pet Resort is just like being at home…maybe even better.

888-475-3580 www.otpets.com

BETHESDAMAGAZINE.COM | MAY/JUNE 2020

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The Face of

Commercial Technology Support Steven Freidkin, Chief Executive Officer | Ntiva, Inc.

703-891-0131 www.ntiva.com

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LISA HELFERT

“All businesses need what we do. Having the right technology in place is mission-critical for the growth and success of every organization,” says Freidkin.

“After 20 years of providing IT services in the D.C. area, we’ve seen the positive impact that technology can have.”

“Businesses now face some unique challenges,” Freidkin says. “Technology changes so fast that it’s difficult to keep up, especially when it comes to cyber security. This is a serious issue that needs to be proactively addressed—nobody is immune from attacks.”

Ntiva offers services including managed IT, managed security, cloud services, business voice services and strategic consulting. Recognizing that outstanding customer service is the core of their success, they put a huge emphasis on nurturing business relationships.

“As you grow, we grow,” Friedkin says.

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The Face of

Complex Family Law

ERICK GIBSON

Feldman Jackson At Feldman Jackson, the entire practice concentrates on family law. “Routinely, our cases involve complex financial and valuation issues related to a party’s or family’s assets and business interests, as well as issues regarding custody of children,” says Darryl Feldman. “While a negotiated settlement is almost always preferable,” Anne Marie Jackson points out, “we strategically pursue litigation if that is the best way to achieve our client’s goals or protect their interests.”

Firm attorneys are recognized among the top family

law professionals nationally and in the metro area. With a reputation for integrity, judgment and skill, they offer clients compassion, guidance, advocacy, and most importantly, a sense of control over their future. Feldman Jackson helps their clients manage change with integrity.

301-715-8110 www.FeldmanJackson.com L-R: Marc A. Isaacs, Rebecca Shankman, Darryl Feldman, Anne Marie Jackson, Rachel De Rose, John S. Dame

BETHESDAMAGAZINE.COM | MAY/JUNE 2020

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The Face of

Concierge Living Palisades of Bethesda Team Members

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dryers, closet systems and limited access entry–plus all utilities are included! The Palisades Penthouses at 4835 offer a step up in lifestyle with maid service, premium parking and distinctive floor plans. Their signature finishes and layouts are the most breathtaking in the area.

Stop by and say hello to any of the team!

844-235-8173 www.penthousesbethesda.com

TONY J. LEWIS

These are the friendly faces you’ll find at The Palisades Apartments and Penthouses in downtown Bethesda. Our Concierge and team members are the people you’ll see daily, maintaining our community and servicing your needs around the property. They are on-call for emergencies 24 hours a day.

The Palisades is an oasis in the concrete of downtown Bethesda. Apartments are equipped with en-suite washer/

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The Face of

Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry

HILLARY SCHWAB

Jason A. Cohen, DDS Dr. Jason Cohen’s patients embrace the artistry that goes into his dentistry. His practice offers a caring and gentle atmosphere, and aims to preserve, protect and enhance their patients’ dental health, while Treating Your Family Like Family. This integral philosophy allows patients to receive the most optimal care for their individual needs and desires.

Ranging from simple aesthetic bonding to complex implant dentistry, Dr. Cohen’s office utilizes digital

radiography and photography to ensure the ideal aesthetic results. In addition, Dr. Cohen and his team’s commitment to continuing education enables them to provide the most current, state-of-the-art, comprehensive care for his patients.

Practicing in the area since 2003, Dr. Cohen lives in Bethesda with his wife Stacy and sons Corey and Blake.

301-656-1201 www.cosmeticdds.com

BETHESDAMAGAZINE.COM | MAY/JUNE 2020

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The Face of

Couples Therapy When your relationship is in distress, you deserve a therapist specifically trained to understand complicated relationship dynamics. A licensed marriage and family therapist, Cara is passionate about helping couples at every stage of life repair past hurts and deepen their connection.

“On average, couples trudge through six years of unhappiness before considering therapy,” she says. “The fear that seeking counseling means the relationship is doomed,

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or the belief that some problems are ‘normal,’ keeps people away from therapy. We need to shift how we think: therapy is not an emergency room; we’re your primary care physician.”

Adds Cara: “How would your relationship be different if you looked at therapy as a first- or second-line solution instead of a last resort?”

240-560-2261 www.caranazareth.com

MICHAEL VENETURA

Cara Nazareth, MS, LCMFT | Cara Nazareth Therapy

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The Face of

Criminal Law

LISA HELFERT

Rene Sandler | Sandler Law LLC Rene Sandler is proud to be the only female named to Bethesda Magazine’s Top Criminal Lawyer list. For more than 20 years, Rene has represented those facing traffic, juvenile and criminal matters in Maryland. Rene is the face of criminal law because of her tenacity and passion for criminal issues exemplified by her tireless advocacy on behalf of her clients to obtain the desired results. Rene’s legal talents were

recently showcased in best-selling author David Kirby’s book, “When They Come For You”, and in the major motion picture, “Unbridled”, where Rene made her acting debut playing herself as a criminal lawyer. Rene Sandler is regularly recognized as a top lawyer in Maryland and nationwide.

301-610-9797 www.sandlerlawllc.com

BETHESDAMAGAZINE.COM | MAY/JUNE 2020

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The Face of

Custom Homes Twenty years ago, Doug Monsein blended his passion for building, deep knowledge of construction and eye for fine design with his business acumen and created DCG. Since then he’s built over 170 homes in the Bethesda area, and his many happy clients became his best ambassadors.

Fundamental to the DCG custom-build process and projects are: 1. Extraordinary communication before, during and after construction, built around the client’s vision and dream home.

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2. A fanatically organized and stress-free fixture and finish selection process allowing clients to thoroughly enjoy the homebuilding experience.

3. Experienced trades and vendors dedicated to upholding DCG’s high expectations.

4. Deep commitment to green building practices from “Bethesda’s Best Green Builder,” as voted by Bethesda Magazine readers in the Best of Bethesda Readers’ Poll.

301-983-6947 www.dcghomes.com

LISA HELFERT

Doug Monsein, Founder | Douglas Construction Group (DCG)

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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The Face of

Day Camp

STEPHANIE BRAGG

Olde Towne Pet Resort Play is better with friends! Olde Towne Pet Resort welcomes dogs of all types and sizes to full or halfday Day Camp. To ensure safety and fun, each dog is carefully evaluated and separated by temperament and size.

“Whether your dog is the leader of the pack, a wallflower or something in between, they’ll benefit from the socialization and human interaction they’ll find inside our Day Camp,” says Ron Hallagan, CEO of Olde Towne Pet Resort. “We know that your dogs are part of your family, and our family, too. With staff engagement, inside and outside play options, and additional activities such as swimming, cardio and grooming available, our goal is to have you pick them up completely tuckered out with a smile on their face.”

888-475-3580 www.otpets.com

BETHESDAMAGAZINE.COM | MAY/JUNE 2020

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The Face of

Democracy in Action A recent alumnus of Green Acres, Michael is a dedicated community activist—a direct reflection of his time with the school and its focus on democracy in action. “I was a founding member of MoCo Students for Gun Control,” he says. “We organized a large-scale student walkout on the Capitol Lawn, and other events pushing for gun safety. I also coordinated a protest outside the Governor’s Mansion in Annapolis, accelerating gun reform in Maryland.”

“At college in Philadelphia, I founded my school’s chapter

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of March for Our Lives and pushed for universal background checks,” Nevett says. “I recently introduced March for Our Lives’ Pennsylvania Peace Plan, a 27-point policy platform to reduce gun violence.”

He adds: “I’ve used skills learned at Green Acres to fight for meaningful policy change.”

301-881-4100 www.greenacres.org

HILARY SCHWAB

Michael Nevett, Alumnus | Green Acres School

2020 FACES

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The Face of

Dental Implants

TONY J. LEWIS

Israel Puterman, DMD, MSD When you need specialized care, you deserve a team with the highest level of expertise and care. In addition to being a periodontist, Dr. Puterman completed a three-year residency in Implant Dentistry, giving him rare expertise in all aspects of dental implants.

Treating the simplest to the most complex cases involving implants, gum grafting, bone grafting and laser periodontics, Dr. Puterman emphasizes precision with 3D microscopy and the least invasive techniques to achieve

superior results. He also provides IV sedation, so that you can rest comfortably during any procedure. Voted by peers as a Washingtonian Top Periodontist since 2011, his goal is to provide world-class care in the gentlest and most relaxing atmosphere. Read his rave reviews online and see what his patients say.

301-652-0939 www.implantsdc.com

BETHESDAMAGAZINE.COM | MAY/JUNE 2020

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The Face of

Dyslexia Education The Siena School serves bright, college-bound students with language-based learning differences in grades 4 through 12.

The multisensory curriculum explores students’ incredible strengths and creativity, seamlessly integrating technology within the learning experience. As one parent recently noted, “I continue to be amazed and grateful at how clearly the teachers see our child’s gifts and identify ways to address their challenges.”

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Siena utilizes the latest research to best understand how its students think and learn. The school offers consistent approaches to teaching strategies and skills to help the students thrive and prepare its graduates for mainstream colleges and universities. Siena assists students from the broader community through its summer program.

301-244-3600 www.thesienaschool.org

ERICK GIBSON

The Siena School

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The Face of

Employment Law

STEPHANIE WILLIAMS

Deyka Williams Spencer, Esq, Founder & Managing Partner The Spencer Firm, LLC Focusing primarily on employment law, Deyka Spencer has successfully represented numerous employees in employment law and counsels and defends businesses, too. She founded her firm in 2010 to give all clients representation with compassion and excellent communication.

Fluent in Spanish and an area native, Deyka guides clients through legal processes and assures they stay informed. She assists with litigation, mediations, legal advice, severance and employment-related agreements, including discriminationbased lawsuits. Other issues include breach of contract, leave

(including coronavirus leave), overtime and unpaid wages/ commissions. The firm helps businesses avoid disputes and minimize exposure with the EEOC, Unemployment Offices, Maryland Civil Rights Commission, DC Human Rights Commission and in state and federal court lawsuits.

Named a “Super Lawyers Rising Star,� she is on the National Trial Lawyers Top 100.

301-637-2866 www.spencer-firm.com

BETHESDAMAGAZINE.COM | MAY/JUNE 2020

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The Face of

Experience & Integrity in Real Estate You won’t find many Realtors with such deep knowledge of the homes, neighborhoods and markets of Bethesda and the metro area. Along with creating an extraordinary Realtor team, Andy and her daughter Jessie are also 5th and 6th generation Washingtonians. They bring strong community connections from being born and raised in Bethesda and are licensed in the District, Maryland and Virginia.

Consistently a star performer in her top-producing

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Bethesda office, Andy has achieved regional and national status, as well. She was honored as “A Top Vote Getter” for Best Real Estate Agent in Bethesda Magazine’s 2019 Best of Bethesda Readers’ Poll and, as a member of the Long & Foster Luxury Alliance, is affiliated with the 2020 Best for Bethesda winner for Best Brokerage for Luxury Homes.

301-466-5898 www.Andy4homes.com

JAMES KIM

Andy & Jessie Alderdice, Realtors, Long & Foster | CHRISTIE’S International Real Estate

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The Face of

Experienced & Compassionate Family Law

COURTESY PHOTO

Spencer M. Hecht | Hecht & Associates, LLC Hecht & Associates is a boutique family law firm in downtown Rockville serving spouses experiencing challenges in their marriage that cannot be overcome for one reason or another.

With over three decades of experience in family law, our attorneys and staff understand the need for compassionate representation as our clients engage in a difficult process meant to bring them happiness in their post-divorce life.

Understanding the profound impact of divorce on our clients and their families is often just as important as our extensive knowledge of family law. The proper balance between

compassion and zealous representation is the hallmark of our law firm. While the goal is to always avoid the courtroom while going through divorce, ensuring the proper outcome when it comes to children, support and property is absolutely paramount.

Rockville Metro Center I, 111 Rockville Pike, Suite 740 301-587-2099 shecht@hechtassociates.com www.hechtassociates.com

BETHESDAMAGAZINE.COM | MAY/JUNE 2020

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The Face of

Facelifts Cosmetic Surgery Associates offers the very latest in face-lift, neck-lift, eyelid surgery and facial rejuvenation procedures in a safe, caring environment. The doctors are board-certified, fully trained plastic surgeons specializing in this unique art and science.

The practice strives to ensure patients feel completely confident that their comfort and well-being are foremost priorities – before, during and after procedures.

Communication is open, direct and honest. All surgery is

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performed in their own accredited outpatient surgical operating suites. There are usually different options available for any patient, and the doctors will carefully explain the procedures they recommend to help you reach your individual goals.

If you can specifically identify traits you want to improve and have an idea of how you want to look, see the experts at Cosmetic Surgery Associates.

301-493-4334 www.cosmeticplastics.com

HILLARY SCHWAB

Franklin D. Richards, MD, FACS; A. Dean Jabs, MD, PhD, FACS; & Keshav Magge, MD, FACS | Cosmetic Surgery Associates

2020 FACES

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The Face of

Family Law

COURTESY PHOTO

Feldesman Tucker Leifer Fidell LLP The Family Law Group of FTLF delivers sophisticated, client-centered representation to enable their clients to move forward with a sense of well-being and confidence.

FTLF family lawyers know from deep experience the importance of protecting children, safeguarding financial assets and preserving dignity at every stage of separation and divorce. Through negotiation, Collaborative Law, mediation and litigation, they develop successful strategies for meeting clients’ needs today and in the years ahead.

Serving the entire D.C. metropolitan area, FTLF family lawyers are repeatedly recognized by Bethesda Magazine,

Washingtonian and Northern Virginia Magazine, Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers. FTLF was named a Tier 1 Family Law firm by U.S. News-Best Lawyers and Sarah Zimmerman was recently voted “Best Family Law Practitioner in Bethesda” in Bethesda Magazine’s 2020 Best of Bethesda Readers’ Poll.

301-232-1252 www.feldesmantucker.com L-R: Jennifer Davison, Katherine O’Rourke, Emily Baker, Daniel Bousquet, Marina Barannik, Sarah Zimmerman, Jonathan Dana, Elizabeth Selmo, Molly Saxon, Alice Ahearn (Not Pictured: Cierra Vaughn)

BETHESDAMAGAZINE.COM | MAY/JUNE 2020

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The Face of

Gray Divorce You’ve had more years to accumulate assets but less time left to make up for the financial losses occasioned by divorce. ”Gray Divorce” creates a unique set of challenges, including increased expenses for two households, changes in tax liability and division of pensions. Prior estate planning becomes useless, and in Maryland, alimony is neither automatic nor deductible by the payor.

Offering more than 40 years of experience with emphasis helping well-established individuals through

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this difficult time, Jeffrey N. Greenblatt represents clients in the areas of divorce, alimony, complex marital property and pension divisions, business valuations, and Separation Agreements. He is a renowned family law attorney backed by his team of peers with expertise in estate planning, accounting and valuations to protect and secure his clients’ financial future.

240-399-7894 www.jnglaw.net

HILARY SCHWAB

Jeffrey N. Greenblatt | Joseph Greenwald & Laake PA

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The Face of

Home Lending

COURTESY PHOTO

Deb Levy, Senior Home Lending Advisor | Chase | NMLS ID: 481255 I began my career with the then Chase Bank of Maryland and Chase Personal Financial Services in 1985 while attending The University of Maryland at night. It’s exciting to see Chase expanding our banking services to the Washington, DC area. As a native Washingtonian, my family and I are personally invested in this community and see it as a wonderful place to live.

Buying a home or refinancing can seem overwhelming. So much has changed since I started in the industry. Technology has made the process simpler and streamlined. However,

remaining the same is the customer experience; the personal understanding, listening and advising our clients for their important home financing decisions. If you’re looking for a mortgage or financing solutions, I’ll guide you every step of the way, from application through closing.

301-332-7758 deb.levy@chase.com L-R: Lisa Bennett (Home Lending Assistant) and Deb Levy

All home lending products are subject to credit and property approval. Rates, program terms and conditions are subject to change without notice.

Not all products are available in all states or for all amounts. Other restrictions and limitations apply.

Home lending products offered by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. ©2020 JPMorgan Chase & Co.

BETHESDAMAGAZINE.COM | MAY/JUNE 2020

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The Face of

Home Renovations One of the most exciting young building and remodeling firms in the area, STRUCTURE. is leading a new generation in home construction.

At the core of the team are Matt Covell and Omar Shawqi, renovation specialists who bring a fresh take on home aesthetics and a soulful, creative approach to how home improvement is experienced. Rising talent in the local building scene, they have built a reputation for high quality and highly customized projects that shine with undeniable

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style. Thanks to this reputation, STRUCTURE. was voted “A Top Vote Getter” for Best Builder for Home Renovations and Best Builder for Custom Homes in Bethesda Magazine’s 2020 Best of Bethesda Readers’ Poll.

With more and more STRUCTURE. signs appearing in yards across the area, home envy is becoming more prevalent with Covell and Shawqi working next door!

240-994-1520 www.structurecustomhomes.com

MICHAEL VENTURA

Omar Shawqi & Matt Covell | STRUCTURE.

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The Face of

Immigration Law

COURTESY PHOTO

Ignacio A. Donoso | I.A. Donoso & Associates, LLC Immigration has become more complex than ever. Navigating the immigration systems of the United States and Canada requires carefully designed strategies executed by a team of lawyers attuned to a constantly evolving regulatory landscape.

Donoso & Associates has helped thousands of businesses, investors and families from all over the world successfully work and live in the U.S. and Canada. Their superb services put the goals of your business or your family

at the forefront of our minds. “We work with businesses, investors and families to create a personalized strategy, handling each client’s unique needs with dedication and decades of experience,” says Mr. Donoso. “We are honored to be a part of this important journey in building the future for our clients, and look forward to working with you.”

301-276-0653 www.donosolaw.com

BETHESDAMAGAZINE.COM | MAY/JUNE 2020

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The Face of

Invisalign We’re looking at you Bethesda! Do you want a beautiful smile, straight teeth and a healthy bite? Dr. Murphy and the other certified orthodontic specialists are experts in moving teeth and are in the top 1% of all dentists in the world treating smiles with Invisalign. Did you know that it isn’t Invisalign treating you? The success of your treatment relies solely on the expertise of the doctor using Invisalign. Trust your care with the leading orthodontic specialists and the

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amazing team at Orchin Orthodontics.

Visit orchinorthodontics.com; read the practice’s online reviews at Yelp, Google, Healthgrades, etc.; and give the office a call to find out more about the affordable excellence of Orchin Orthodontics.

202-686-5100 orchinorthodontics.com

HILLARY SCHWAB

Chelsea M. Murphy, DMD | Orchin Orthodontics

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The Face of

Kitchen & Bath Design

COURTESY PHOTO

Jonas Carnemark, CKD, CLIPP | CARNEMARK design + build Got hygge? Jonas Carnemark has delivered on the latest health and happiness craze from Scandinavia for more than 30 years. The design aesthetic comes naturally for the owner of CARNEMARK design + build, who was born and spent his childhood years in Sweden. He calls it livability: design that maximizes a home’s comfort and convenience for everyone: women and men, tall and short, young and old.

His award-winning kitchen and bathroom designs center

on functional beauty, natural materials, and clean lines— with a pragmatic approach to sustainability and enduring value. Carnemark also owns KONST SieMatic, a flagship showroom for the German lifestyle cabinet brand, as well as his newly minted exclusive bath showroom called KONST Union, a merger with the venerable Union Hardware.

301-657-5000 www.carnemark.com

BETHESDAMAGAZINE.COM | MAY/JUNE 2020

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The Face of

Leadership in Home Care Brian Rodgers, COO | Capital City Nurses

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leadership in home care. Clear communication, teamwork and an unwavering belief in our ability to help families is the Capital City Nurses Way. Contact us today to learn more about what makes Capital City Nurses stand out as the leaders in home care.

301-652-4344 www.capitalcitynurses.com L-R: Susan Rodgers, RN and Brain Rodgers, COO

HILLARY SCHWAB

Leadership in Home Care begins with creating a culture of excellence that focuses our energy on improving our clients’ home care experience. Leading the way during turbulent times attracts people that share similar values and wish to be part of something greater than themselves. Our heroic caregiving family displays this commitment every day. Our ability to be nimble and to adapt processes to provide the safest and best home care, to leverage technology and to relieve our clients’ anxiety are the cornerstones of true

2020 FACES

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The Face of

A Lifelong Love of Learning

LISA HELFERT

Geneva Day School Talon... Aerie… Raptor! These words fly to mind as students turn to their science notebooks when observing the National Arboretum Eagle Camera.

Trained on a nest high in a tree, this live camera reveals how eagles prepare to be parents. “Every Friday is a big science day with experiments and questions. Students also use the EagleCam to make use of technology,” explains PreKindergarten teacher Mrs. Pyle.

Again named “Best Preschool” in the Bethesda Magazine

Best of Bethesda Readers’ Poll, the school is delighted to engage its “student scientists” through programs powered

by STEAM. “Alumni cite this project as a highlight,” Mrs. Pyle says. “Many continue to follow the eagles on their own computers!” Truly, this Eagle Study grants wings to scientists who embrace a lifelong love of learning.

301-340-7704 www.genevadayschool.org

BETHESDAMAGAZINE.COM | MAY/JUNE 2020

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The Face of

Long-Lasting Posture Improvements Poor posture leads to a wide variety of musculoskeletal and pain issues and Dr. Daniel Kraus is an expert in fixing them. Utilizing less-invasive treatments first and only then graduating to more invasive therapies, if needed, he tailors posture correction programs to fit each patient’s needs and goals. He may use biophysics adjustments, mirror image exercises, Active Isolated Stretches, physical therapies, deep tissue laser and many forms of traction—all of which can

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improve mobility, decrease pain and restore proper function.

“Our best patients are looking to make long-lasting posture improvements for overall health and wellness,” he says. “I don’t turn away people looking for pain management, but I want my patients to truly understand the relationship between proper poster and proper function.”

301-656-2435 www.bethesdaspineandposture.com

ERICK GIBSON

Daniel Kraus, DC | Bethesda Spine & Posture

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The Face of

Making a Difference, One Child at a Time

MICHAEL VENTURA

Libby Dubner King, Executive Director | Westmoreland Children’s Center Libby absolutely loves her job. Bringing a sense of wonder to a child is magical for her. “I’m a strong believer in early childhood education and I’m truly committed to our children, families and the community,” she says.

“Children learn best by direct hands-on experience. The need to actively explore and manipulate materials and toys; discovering answers, relationships, skills and concepts for themselves,” Libby says. “We lay the foundation for a lifelong love of learning in every child that comes through WCC.

Children are naturally playful, and that play builds strong selfconfidence.”

WCC programs inspire children to learn through play and the thrill of discovery. Classrooms are warm, nurturing and exciting, which makes learning fun. At the three locations along Massachusetts Avenue, preschoolers develop a love of play, exploring and lifelong friendships.

301-229-7161 www.wccbethesda.com

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The Face of

Neurosurgery Johns Hopkins neurosurgeons (L to R) Jared Marks, MD and Shih-Chun (David) Lin, MD, Ph.D bring the quality and expertise of Johns Hopkins to the greater Washington area. Patients are seen at their Bethesda office at 6420 Rockledge Drive, Suite 4920 and, if needed, most surgeries are performed at Suburban Hospital.

The doctors practice patient-centered care treating the patient and not just the signs and symptoms. They offer comprehensive, tailored treatment for neurosurgical conditions,

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including minimally invasive treatments for spinal disorders, and promote personalized care before and after surgery.

Following any consultation and throughout the course of treatment, the team works with your physicians to determine the best plan for you. To learn more about their services please call or visit the website.

301-896-6069 www.hopkinsmedicine.org/neuro/bethesda

MICHAEL VENTURA

Johns Hopkins Medicine | Suburban Hospital

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The Face of

Pediatric Dentistry

HILLARY SCHWAB

Karen Benitez, DDS | Chevy Chase Pediatric Dentistry

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Chevy Chase Pediatric Dentistry has created an inviting and engaging pediatric dental environment to meet your child’s unique needs. Upon entering, vibrant colors welcome them and immediately our little patients sneak away into their little utopia: the kid’s nook. They are greeted by name every step of the way to our exam area where they select their favorite toothbrush,toothpaste, vitamins and animal to polish their teeth. These decisions help kids gain confidence that the entire experience involves them.

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“They kick back, relax and are introduced to all of my dental toys in their language,” says Dr. Karen. “Did I mention our ample toy selection?”

“Consideration of your child’s unique needs is our core philosophy,” says Dr. Karen. “It is palpable, personal and loving because I cannot help but feel you are family!”

301-272-1246 www.chevychasekids.dentist

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The Face of

Play-Based Learning Miriam Ybarnegaray, Teacher | Georgetown Hill Early School

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approach to learning is evident as happy teachers create happy children, and in return, happy parents. Voted “Best Preschool” in Family Magazine 2019 and 2020, and “A Top Vote-Getter” in Bethesda Magazine’s Best of Bethesda Readers’ Poll, 2020, call today to discover why the school is a “family and not a franchise!”

301-284-8144 www.georgetownhill.com

LISA HELFERT

Love Where They Learn... Georgetown Hill Early School is beyond excited that it will be opening its doors in the heart of Bethesda this fall, 2020. Their preschool program and before/after care programs have led the childcare industry with a play-based, joyful approach to learning. The school’s P.L.A.N. curriculum is research-based and time-tested, all revolving around a child- and family-first environment. Since Georgetown Hill is a non-profit organization, they believe in giving back to families and the community. Their whole-child

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Technology Integration

HILLARY SCHWAB

Avi Benaim & Jeff Bell | A.B.E Networks A.B.E Networks is the metro area’s premier provider for residential and commercial technology design and custom integration and has been for over 30 years. The awardwinning firm takes a holistic approach to projects by utilizing the design phase to focus on collaboration, the spaces’ aesthetics, and to propose a system that emphasizes both current and future use cases. Avi Benaim, founder and president, has built his reputation on exemplary customer service from project inception to continuing care because

the client bond doesn’t end when the project does.

Their services and offerings include custom automation solutions, audio/video systems, wireless and wired enterprise-grade data networks, security cameras, integrated security systems, access control, automated lighting control, motorized window treatments, energy monitoring, structured wiring, consulting and more.

301-495-0964 www.abenetworks.com

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The Face of

A Top Divorce Lawyer & Author Married to a family therapist and a father of four daughters, David Bulitt brings unique perspective to every client’s case.

A skilled mediator and litigator, he maintains the highest rankings on national, regional and local top divorce lawyer lists. Much of his work involves direct discussions and negotiations with opposing counsel, both with regard to children and finances. “People should take the opportunity to make their own decisions—before leaving their family’s future up to a judge,” he says.

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Blending their professional practices with personal experiences, David and Julie’s book, “The 5 Core Conversations for Couples,” is available in paperback by Skyhorse Publishing and eBook format on Simon & Schuster eBooks. “What the two of us have learned about saving a marriage could fill a book — and it did,” says David.

240-399-7888 jgllaw.com

HILLARY SCHWAB

David Bulitt | Joseph Greenwald & Laake PA

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The Face of

Wealth Management

MICHAEL VENTURA

Scott Berman | Lido Advisors Locally led by Bethesda-native Scott Berman, independent RIA Lido Advisors provides unique wealth management strategies to help investors in the Washington, DC area navigate the complexities of the current investment climate.

Lido Advisors is a nationally ranked wealth advisory firm headquartered in Los Angeles with over $5.3 billion in assets under management and offices through the United States, including Bethesda. Lido provides comprehensive investment and wealth solutions designed to grow, protect and maximize our clients’ legacies while navigating

the post-coronavirus investment landscape with due consideration to the tax and estate-planning facets of our clients’ lives.

Through innovation and integrity, Lido Advisors offers an array of investment opportunities focused on alternative, core, and tactical strategies coupled with exemplary service for wealthy families and select institutions.

301-468-2330 www.lidoadvisors.com

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The Face of

Westbrook Neighborhood Homes Specializing in the unique collection of “Westbrook” neighborhoods (Westmoreland Hills, Westgate, Brookdale, Green Acres, Crestview, among others), Dana Rice is a familiar and trusted resource in Bethesda and Chevy Chase real estate.

“Homes in these neighborhoods are well-built, and extremely desirable for their proximity to Friendship Heights and D.C.,” says Rice. “My team lives and works here, which makes a huge difference as we serve our clients.”

From small bungalows to expansive custom new homes,

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through Bethesda, Chevy Chase and D.C., Dana Rice brings a depth of community knowledge that makes a difference to sellers and buyers alike.

With unmatched marketing insight, an on-staff stager, interior designer and a roster of go-to experts, the Dana Rice Group brings concierge service to each client.

O: 301-298-1001 | D: 202-669-6908 www.compass.com/agents/dc/dana-rice

COURTESY PHOTO

Dana Rice | Compass Real Estate

Best Brews

PHOTO BY LAURA CHASE DE FORMIGNY

There’s been an explosion of new coffee shops and craft breweries in Montgomery County in recent years.

These are the spots we’ll be going back to once life returns to normal.

Clove & Cedar Coffeebar baristas Carter Allen and Helen Kovary crafted this latte (right) at the Bethesda coffee shop.

Also pictured is a Glass Castle pilsner from Silver Branch Brewing Co. in Silver Spring.

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caption

A sample of the drinks offered at Java Nation in North Bethesda

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Best Brews

Perk Up These independent coffeehouses offer more than great coffee— they’re also a place to gather and to escape

BY DAVID HAGEDORN PHOTOS BY LAURA CHASE DE FORMIGNY

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T

en years ago, you’d have been hardpressed to find an independent coffeehouse in Montgomery County much beyond Mayorga Organics, Quartermaine Coffee Roasters and Kefa Café.

Now, we have plenty of options.

The eight independent coffee shops highlighted here all sell coffee, of course.

Some source from reputable distributors, others roast their own, perhaps even personally knowing some of their coffee growers. Some are into the latest trends, such as nitro (nitrogenated cold brew coffee, foamy like beer), some keep it simple.

All, except Mayorga Organics, sell food of some sort, be it pastries, sandwiches, salads or more complicated fare.

When you talk to these entrepreneurs, it is clear that providing a place of community is more important to them than anything else.

When we decided to take a look at what they do, we never imagined that the idea of gathering at their businesses would have to be put on hold.

Let’s raise a single-origin cappuccino to these great coffeehouses.

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Java Nation opened in North Bethesda in January.

The new breed: JAVA NATION In January, Kensington couple Simona and Henry Cabana opened their second Java Nation, this one in the former Helen’s location (which was Addie’s before that) in North Bethesda. The welcoming space, which seats 70 inside and 80 outside, features black and white hexagon tile and wood flooring, natural wood finishes and contemporary furniture. There’s also full bar service, so you can try their version of an espresso martini (tequila, Campari, peach schnapps and Peruvian espresso). An iced caramel latte or iced horchata with a shot of espresso makes for a perfect summertime coffee buzz.

Placing a high value on food service, the Cabanas hired a culinary director, chef Briea Nathan, to develop high-end, well-presented casual foods, such as crepes, Belgian waffles, French toast, a jalapeno steak sandwich, a beef carnitas omelet, and three-cheese spinach flatbread.

Henry Cabana, now 31, opened the first Java Nation in 2014 after he noticed a vacant storefront in the Kensington Shopping Center. In 2016, he met and married Simona, who is now 24, in Belarus, where she was working as a barista. When they returned to the U.S., they joined the Specialty Coffee Association and started going to coffee expos. At first, they sourced coffee from outside roasters; now they roast their own. The beans they roast originate in Colombia, Costa Rica, Peru, Guatemala, Ethiopia and Brazil.

“We work with small farmers only, small communities where I can meet the producer directly, the mothers, the cousins, and know they are doing well,” Simona says.

The Cabanas have taken over the space adjacent to their Kensington location, which will double its size and expand the seating capacity to 70.

The renovation should be complete this summer. By the end of the year, they hope to open a Java Nation in the Kentlands.

Java Nation, 11120 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, 301-836-6022; 10516 Connecticut Ave., Kensington, 301-327-6580; java-nation.com

Designed for Sipping: CAR WASH COFFEE

One of the things that sets Kensington’s Car Wash Coffee apart is its inviting design. A surfeit of picture windows fills the space with light. Midcentury-modern chairs and sofas feature a color palette of teal, mustard, gray and red. There are plenty of books and games on hand to entertain adults and children, plus a large wall-mounted TV. Bethesda residents Steve and Maddie Harris started Car Wash Coffee, which seats 100 inside and 30 outside, in 2018. They thought a coffee shop would be the perfect complement for Mr Wash, the Kensington car wash Steve’s father opened in 1972 near the intersection of Connecticut Avenue and University Boulevard. (Steve and his son Nathan now run the seven-outlet chain, founded in 1958.) The coffee shop is in a building Steve owns 50 yards away that previously was home to Savannah’s American Grill.

Maddie threw herself into the design work.

“I wanted there to be a community feel, to have a bar, a community table and different seating areas for more privacy. For the patio, we want people to ride their bikes here or bring their dogs and hang out,” she says.

Order a “K Town cappuccino” flavored with sweetened condensed milk, vanilla syrup and cinnamon, and take in the artwork. (They source coffee from Vigilante Coffee Co. in Hyattsville.)

On the brick wall at the entrance, a Mr Wash logo reminiscent of a Where’s Waldo peeks out of a large mural of sunflowers created by Splash

by Paula in Chevy Chase. In a seating area near the entrance, a graphic pop art painting of a steaming cup of coffee might remind you of the Central Perk logo from the television show Friends. That’s because both were created by Burton Morris, a friend of Maddie’s from her childhood in Pittsburgh.

Car Wash Coffee, 10700 Connecticut Ave., Kensington; 240-669-8531; carwashcoffee.net

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The Ethiopian Cup: BLACK LION CAFÉ

When you walk into Rockville’s Black Lion Café, you can’t help but notice a computerized Diedrich roaster, its arm slowly stirring freshly roasted Ethiopian beans to cool them before they are released into a bin. Co-owner Emmanuel Manolis explains the process. “Every two days, we start in the morning to get the aroma emanating through the duct work. You can smell the coffee roasting half a mile away,” he says. “Roasting takes 12 to 13 minutes for medium roast. Once it’s cooled, we put it in containers and store them for two days. That’s how the aroma and juices come out. Then we package or use it.”

Manolis, who lives in Rockville, opened Black Lion in 2016 with three other Ethiopian families. Each contributes in various ways; Manolis is in charge of running the 40-seat store. All have ties to the coffee world in Ethiopia. Manolis’ family members were tradesmen and traded coffee. “We focus a lot on fair trade,” he says. “All our coffee comes from small farms.

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We have been to these farms, and so do our best to provide for them. Your conscience could not let you go on living if you didn’t do the best you can.”

The cozy cafe has a denlike feel thanks to its wood paneling and gas fireplace. Large graphics on the wall educate you about Ethiopian coffee, explaining that the word coffee derives from Kaffa, a medieval Ethiopian kingdom that purportedly introduced the world to the beverage. You learn the tasting notes of the three kinds of beans they carry—Harrar, Yirgachaffe and Sidama—and other tidbits of information.

Manolis is all about the bean, so don’t look for an extensive list of trendy coffee drinks here. They have blend or singleorigin drip coffee, espresso drinks and frappes.

Black Lion Café, 9705 Traville Gateway Drive, Rockville; 240-907-2994; blacklioncafe.com

Community Through Coffee: KEFA CAFÉ While indulging in a coffee drink at Silver Spring’s Kefa Café—say, a cafe mocha made with lush espresso, steamed milk and just a bit of chocolate syrup—don’t break out your laptop and try to hook up to the Wi-Fi. There isn’t any. “We did a survey of our customers. Ninety-nine percent said they didn’t want it,” says Lene Tsegaye, who, along with her sister Abeba, opened the charming two-room coffee shop in Silver Spring in 1996. “Maybe one person out of a hundred complains, but then they sit and have coffee and thank us for not having it when they leave.”

The sisters (Abeba lives in Silver Spring; Lene in Hyattsville) are Ethiopian refugees who fled that country for the United States during political turmoil in the ’80s, eventually settling in Washington, D.C., where one of their two brothers attended Howard University. He had the idea for a coffee shop and its location, and remains an adviser. “We wanted to create a space for people to come and talk to each other and learn about different cultures, but I thought he was out of his mind when he showed us the Silver Spring space,” Lene says.

Abeba explains that Silver Spring at the time was not developed much beyond an expanse of empty lots, but the idea of a smaller community did appeal to them. “Our motto is ‘Community Through Coffee.’ Coffee is a social culture in Ethiopia.

People from all walks of life come here. The Gandhi Brigade [a youth media nonprofit] started here, and so did Impact Silver Spring [which advances racial equity]. This was their office.”

A fire next door in 2015 damaged Kefa, which was closed for 10 months. “Almost every day, customers came to see how we were doing. They helped put pictures up. When we won the contract for the [kiosk in the Silver Spring] library, people came together and raised the $50,000 we needed in one month,” Abeba says.

The work of local artists (it’s for sale) adorns the lemon-yellow walls, as do countless photos of customers’ children (some of their parents went to Kefa Café when they were kids). Products come from local purveyors as much as possible, including Green Plate Catering in Silver Spring for vegan fare, and Nagadi Coffee roastery in Silver Spring, which supplies beans from Ethiopia, Honduras, Tanzania, Indonesia and El Salvador.

Kefa Café, 963 Bonifant St., Silver Spring; 240-641-8023; kefacafelove.com

The Career Change: CLOVE & CEDAR COFFEEBAR

After more than two decades working as an attorney, Bethesda resident Janet Forlini, 48, decided it was time for a career change. She wanted to do something community oriented, and she saw an opening in the Bethesda coffeehouse market. “We didn’t have nearly as many specialty coffee shops as D.C.,” she says. “Quartermaine is a legend that led the way, but there was room for more.” She turned her interest as a casual coffee drinker into something deeper and attended a Specialty Coffee Association national conference four years ago. “It was exciting,” she says. “They had breakout sessions with research papers on coffee. There were thousands of people there—growers, business owners—and I realized there was a lot to learn.”

Learn she did, eventually opening her bright 25-seat shop, Clove & Cedar Coffeebar, in June 2019. “On Sunday at 7 a.m., there may be a baby crawling on the floor, but we have every age,” Forlini says. “It’s a cozy feeling, a place to read the newspaper. People are getting work done, meeting up with friends or colleagues.

My definition of success is familiar faces.”

Clove & Cedar buys from Ceremony Coffee Roasters, an Annapolis-based company that has a strong reputation for single-origin coffees. Order a turmeric, ginger and coconutlaced latte and have them put in a shot of espresso. Or an oat milk cortado made with equal amounts of espresso and oat milk.

Forlini sources items from D.C.-area suppliers, including Soupergirl (soups), Wellfound Foods (breakfast burrito, egg sandwiches, oats, chia pudding, yogurt), The Red Bandana Bakery (gluten-free treats), Henry’s Sweet Retreat (biscotti) and Fresh Baguette (croissants).

Clove & Cedar Coffeebar, 4918 St. Elmo Ave., Bethesda; 301-718-9400; cloveandcedarcoffeebar.com

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Keeping it Fresh: All About Fairness: MAYORGA ORGANICS

Martin Mayorga, the sole owner of Rockville’s Mayorga Organics, founded the company in 1995 to support fair trade for small coffee growers in Nicaragua by cutting out middlemen between growers and consumers. To further the goal, he opened a roasting facility in Rockville in 1997. The company’s stated mission now is to eliminate systemic poverty in rural Latin America.

The 18,000-square-foot facility is on display behind glass windows. Its 20-seat cafe is more a spot to sip a double macchiato, chill, watch the action on four machines cranking out freshly roasted beans, and appreciate the larger mission behind the joe—and less a place to hang out, work and eat a breakfast sandwich (they don’t sell food). The coffee menu is about quality over quantity: espresso drinks (latte, cappuccino, cortado, etc.), drip, pour-over, cafe con leche and cold brew. Mayorga goes through 1 million pounds of roasted coffee a year, most of which goes to wholesale accounts, such as Amazon, Costco, MOM’s Organic Market and Giant Food.

Mayorga’s director of coffee is Derwood resident Eduardo Choza, 36, who started with the company in 2017. Touring coffee farms in El Salvador opened his eyes to how unfairly many companies treat farmers. “We work with nine different organic co-ops or family farms in Central and South America and one in Sumatra, Indonesia,” Choza says. “We go to them, check the collecting, drying, sorting and bagging process. We see what their needs are, maybe achieving better financing rates, helping with certifications or dealing with agronomists.

We are very directly involved. It’s not just the beverage, it’s the people.”

Mayorga Organics, 1029 E. Gude Drive, Rockville; 301-315-8093; mayorgaorganics.com

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QUARTERMAINE COFFEE ROASTERS Of the eight coffee shops we chose to feature, Quartermaine Coffee Roasters is definitely a Montgomery County institution, having arrived at the beginning of the specialty coffee craze here. The Rockville-based company was founded in 1991; the Bethesda Avenue coffee shop opened the following year. (Its location in Bethesda’s Georgetown Square closed in January.)

The company is now co-owned by Carolyn Weinberg and Roger Scheumann. In Quartermaine’s early years, Weinberg worked on wholesale accounts and then oversaw the construction of the roasting plant in Rockville. Scheumann was the coffee buyer and roaster (he’s also the stepson of Jerry Baldwin, a co-founder of Starbucks and former owner and chairman of Peet’s Coffee). “We were all so passionate about coffee. Starbucks wasn’t really here yet,” Weinberg says. The first East Coast Starbucks opened in Washington, D.C.’s Cleveland Park in 1993. Micro-roasteries—coffee shops roasting on-site instead of buying prepackaged coffees—started popping up in the early ’90s, too.

The service counter and coffee bins run down one side of the narrow and bustling Bethesda Avenue store, with tables seating 36 lined down the other.

Enjoy the good weather when the windows are open at the five-seat counter in the front. Perusing the back-of-the-store coffee bins during our last visit to Quartermaine we saw beans from the Americas, Africa and the Pacific, and several blends, among them lighter roasts (Aromatica, Papua New Guinea Aromatica) and darker roasts (Viennese, espresso, French). Steve Brown, the company’s coffee specialist, says relationships with farmers and importers built over almost 30 years translate into controlled costs and reliable bean quality.

Even though Quartermaine has old-school roots, the coffee drink selection is abundant and up to date. Along with the usual espresso-based drinks, you’ll find frozen frappes, flat whites, nitro and cold brews, and pour-overs.

Quartermaine Coffee Roasters, 4817 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda; 301-718-2853; quartermaine.com

Record Sales:

BUMP ‘N GRIND Looking to combine his love of music with his work skills in community development and marketing, David Fogel, now 44, hit upon the idea of combining a coffee shop with a record store. The former host of multimedia music events in the D.C. area opened Bump ‘n Grind in Silver Spring in 2015 on East West Highway, a five-minute walk from his home.

The “bump” part is vinyl records, more than 1,500 of them, mostly new releases but some used—funk, soul, hip-hop, opera, techno, house, reggae and more. There’s a turntable with headphones for customers to check out records before buying them. The first Thursday of every month from 7 to 9 p.m. is Vinyl ‘n Tell night, when you bring in a record to share over the sound system. DJs and live artists perform several nights a month.

The “grind” part is the coffee, in which Fogel gave himself a crash course.

He works directly with people who have ties to farms in El Salvador, Honduras and Ethiopia, and also uses a distributor. “I’m only interested in farms that are good environmental stewards and

good to their workers,” Fogel says. “They aren’t all necessarily fair-trade certified, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t being fair to their workers; it means there are barriers to certification.” Beans are roasted at a facility Fogel has in Silver Spring. He hopes to switch to a new roastery he’s opening in Kensington by this summer and will eventually add an espresso bar there.

Bump ‘n Grind, which seats 55 inside and 20 outside, has high ceilings, lots of windows and 2,100 square feet of

space. Tables are spaced far apart, so many people use Bump ‘n Grind as their office. Sip and do good by downing house-bottled, lavender-infused “Purple Rain” cold brew, made with 734 Coffee, a company whose profits support Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia.

Bump ‘n Grind also operates a kiosk at Dawson’s Market in Rockville.

Bump ‘n Grind, 1200 East West Highway, Silver Spring; 301-588-8000; bumpngrind.co n

David Hagedorn is the restaurant critic for Bethesda Magazine.

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Best Brews

beer boom

Nine craft breweries that are helping make Montgomery County a haven for beer lovers

BY KATE MASTERS PHOTOS BY DEB LINDSEY FIVE YEARS AGO, Montgomery County was still behind the curve when it came to the national obsession with craft beer.

Fast forward to 2020, and the trend is reversing—and quickly. The county is now home to nine craft breweries with open taprooms. If Silver caption Spring and Rockville are the epicenter of the movement, with six breweries within a 10-mile radius, the up-county area is close behind, with three excellent farm breweries in Montgomery County’s agricultural reserve.

You can find a craft taproom nearly everywhere (Bethesda is notably quiet when it comes to craft breweries; Rock Bottom, on Norfolk Avenue, is part of a national chain). And while nine might seem like a lot to try, we’ve put together a guide to match a brewery with every need. Have a friend who loves IPAs? We have a brewery for you. Looking to try something you can’t find anywhere else? We’ve got a recommendation for that, too.

Here are my picks for the best of the local brews.

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At Saints Row Brewing in Rockville, a self-described “nanobrewery,” there are a handful of beers on tap at a time.

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Best Overall Beer saints row brewing A small, drafty taproom hidden inside an industrial park in Rockville, Saints Row Brewing offers little in the way of amenities. But don’t be dissuaded—its catered menu of craft beer is on par with Denizens Brewing Co. and better than many of the county’s bigger players.

The brewery sells a handful of beers at a time (six on the day I visited), and they’re all well crafted and original. I felt like I was sipping summer with the “Careless Whispers,” a hazy coconut pale ale with a creamy mouthfeel and unapologetically tropical flavor. It paired perfectly with the “Beast and the Harlot,” a lightbodied white ale with notes of sea salt and Key lime pie.

Easy to drink at 4.5% ABV, it was the perfect beach brew.

Darker beers were full-bodied without being overwhelming. I particularly liked “Beating the Kobayashi,” a hazy, heady double IPA that started bitter and finished smooth. The self-described “nanobrewery” rotates its beers regularly, which means there’s always more to discover.

denizens brewing co.

Denizens Brewing Co. has gotten glowing write-ups for its vast beer garden—an oasis of umbrellas amid the urban sprawl of downtown Silver Spring—and its LGBTQ-inclusive space (co-owners Emily Bruno and Julie Verratti, who founded the brewery with brother-in-law Jeff Ramirez, are married, and Denizens often hosts drag performances and Pride events).

But don’t overlook the beer itself, which is consistently among the best in Montgomery County. Bruno, Verratti and Ramirez have been honing their wares since 2014, when they opened one of the few woman- and minority-run breweries in Maryland. They’ve since expanded to a second location in Prince George’s County, but still offer the same quality suds from

Saints Row Brewing, 1211 Taft St., Rockville; saintsrowbeer.com

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their low-slung building.

Excellent offerings include the “A Petit for $400” bourbon barrel-aged sour—a surprisingly mellow brew with a distinct apricot fruitiness. Tart, but not mouthpuckering, it even had my sour-hating friend reaching for a second sip.

Other favorites included a clean, crisp Czech-style pilsner—dubbed “Born Bohemian”—and a bourbon barrel-aged Russian imperial stout. The latter, saucily named “The Chapless Horseman,” balanced a touch of bitterness with smooth notes of coffee liqueur.

Denizens Brewing Co., 1115 East West Highway, Silver Spring; 301-557-9818; denizensbrewingco.com Saints Row Brewing’s taproom lead, Liam Collins

Best Ambience brookeville beer farm I had serious FOMO when I visited Brookeville Beer Farm in the dead of winter, wishfully eyeing the spacious back patio and its sheltered stage for live events.

Luckily, the inside is just as charming—trellised and lofty with a circular wooden bar polished to a high sheen.

It’s a great place to spend an hour or three, sampling beer that often features ingredients grown on the 14-acre property.

As one of Montgomery County’s first farm breweries, Brookeville should appeal to anyone curious about the brewing process itself. Trellised hop vines create an idyllic backdrop, yes, but they’re also a good way to discover how terroir can shape beer as much as it does wine. Head brewer Kenny Borkman is happy to answer questions, and free tours are available upon request. They’re a good way to learn more about the berries, mushrooms and even the honey harvested on-site.

Of course, the beer is worth a mention, too. Brookeville produces one of my favorite Belgians in the county—a fruity and complex blend simply called “The Quad.” Anything with lactose is also a sure bet. The “Brookeville Creamery” was indulgent, brewed with chocolate malt and milk sugar for a smooth and creamy finish.

Brookeville Beer Farm, 20315 Georgia Ave., Brookeville; 301-2601000; brookevillebeerfarm.com

Best Spot for IPA Lovers astro lab brewing IPAs took up half the tap list on the afternoon I visited Astro Lab Brewing in downtown Silver Spring—a win for anyone who prefers their beer bracing, hoppy and strong.

Head brewer Matt Cronin somehow manages to make several standout versions of the same omnipresent style. I preferred the hazier offerings, including the “No Mates-Amarillo,” a single-hop New England-style IPA with bold citrus flavors and a smooth finish. I learned the latter was due to the addition of oats, which helped cut the hops and softened the final mouthfeel of the brew.

If you’re a West Coast purist, I suggest the “James Whirl Jones,” which offers a healthy dose of the piney undertones that often mark the style. But they’re balanced by almost tropical aromas of orange and grapefruit, which elevate the final experience of the beer. The finish is bitter, yes, but not overwhelming.

Astro Lab also earns a nod for being the most family-friendly of all the local breweries. I’m not sure that can be attributed to the taproom, which offers the same picnic-table seating and sparse industrial decor as most of its counterparts. But the location, just a few blocks from the Ellsworth Place shopping center, undoubtedly makes a difference, as do events that seem tailored to the millennial set. Think a Tuesday night runner’s club that ends with a glass of beer in the taproom and a March Madness-style bracket to determine the best Disney song.

Astro Lab Brewing, 8216 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring; 301-273-9684; astrolabbrewing.com

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Paul Davidson, Elder Pine’s head brewer

Most Interesting Beer elder pine brewing & blending co.

The craft beer world is stocked (the more curmudgeonly among us might say inundated) with breweries making IPAs. So it’s refreshing to visit a taproom where well over half of the menu features other styles.

At Elder Pine Brewing & Blending Co. in Gaithersburg, those styles are unlike anything I’ve tasted. Head brewer Paul Davidson puts a modern twist on ancient varieties like barley wines and farmhouse ales.

One of Davidson’s latest takes is the “Gjaerkauk,” a Nordic-inspired beer with a name that roughly translates to “yeast scream.” Legend has it that Norse brewers would scream at their beer to promote a stronger fermentation, resulting in full-bodied brews perfect for withstanding bitter winter temperatures.

The beer is highly drinkable with a slightly malty finish—likely thanks to smoked barley that’s added during the brewing process. Even better is the barrel-aged “Chinwag,” a smoked barley wine with a whopping 10% ABV. Rich and plummy with a distinct aroma of cherry, it’s a beer that seems designed for sipping in front of a roaring fire.

Be careful not to drive past Elder Pine.

The brewery’s corrugated aluminum taproom seems to spring up out of nowhere along a narrow rural road in Montgomery County’s agricultural reserve. There’s a trellised outdoor patio that’s perfect for people-watching in warmer weather.

Elder Pine Brewing & Blending Co., 4200 Sundown Road, Gaithersburg; elderpine.com

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Best First-Date Spot silver branch brewing co.

Maybe it’s the lofty, light-filled tasting room—so incongruous with the severe office building that shelters it. Whatever gives a place its certain je ne sais quoi, Silver Branch Brewing Co. has it.

Conveniently located in a monolithic mixed-use office building next to the Silver Spring Metro stop, the brewery has all the components of a great first-date spot: plenty of seating, shareable snacks, and a draft list that encourages lots of experimentation.

A large part of the menu’s appeal is the sheer variety. For a young brewery (Silver Branch had its grand opening in March 2019), it has expanded fast. When I visited, there were an impressive 20 beers on tap in a dazzling assortment of styles and flavors. And with the option to mix and match up to eight different samples on a flight board, there was endless room to improvise—and to share.

For drinkers of light beer, the brewery’s “Glass Castle” Czech pilsner is an easy first stop—a balanced blend of soft-bodied malt that yields to a crisp, hoppy finish. If the conversation seems to be going well, consider graduating to the “Silver Century Abbey Quadruppel,” a spice-packed brew with a distinctly rummy kick.

For the beer aficionado, Silver Branch has plenty of special releases—including a series of cask-aged IPAs. But the brewery even caters to nondrinkers with all-day coffee service that starts at 7 a.m. on weekdays. Split a flight, down a coffee, and meander a few blocks over to downtown Silver Spring for a bite to eat. There’s no better way to share a date.

Silver Branch Brewing Co., 8401 Colesville Road, Suite 150, Silver Spring; silverbranchbrewing.com

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Best Food brookeville beer farm (with an honorable mention to astro lab brewing) Food options vary widely from brewery to brewery—some have no menu at all, and others only offer a small variety of prepackaged food. A welcome exception is Brookeville Beer Farm, where a wood-burning pizza oven turns out thin-crusted pies with delicately charred crust.

The brewery tops its addictive pizzas with fresh mozzarella and other ingredients from local farmers. I’m thinking particularly of the “Boarman’s Butcher” pizza, with sausage from a nearby butcher, and the margherita pizza with basil from a local greenhouse.

Brookeville also makes a mean beer cheese with its own “Corny Uncle,” a light-bodied Mexican lager with a maltiness that pairs well with the accompanying soft pretzels.

It’s hard to beat made-toorder pizza, but Astro Lab in Silver Spring comes close with its own menu of flaky hand pies (served with mashed potatoes, peas and gravy for a few extra dollars). Inspired by the respective New Zealand and British heritages of founders Matt Cronin and Emma Whelan, the pub staple gets an upgrade with fillings such as roasted lamb and chicken portobello. Astro Lab also offers a kid-friendly charcuterie tray with salami, cheese, apple sauce and an Honest juice box.

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The Place with a Beer for Everybody 7 locks brewing Though it’s only a short drive from True Respite and Saints Row, 7 Locks Brewing—its cementfloored taproom accented with wooden barrels and shining steel tanks—is a completely different drinking experience. While those breweries keep their tap lists short and simple, 7 Locks offers a wide array of brews on a single chalkboard menu. It also offers a way to try them all: an “Around the World” flight with at least 15 different tastings on a single circular board.

Among the best were a chai milk stout with notes of cardamom and the “Grubby Thicket” brown ale, mellow and malty with just a hint of cinnamon. The “Sandy Point Blonde” was another crowd-pleaser, clocking in at 5.6% ABV. Others were more divisive. I personally liked the “Sauna Society” sahti, a Finnish-style beer flavored with juniper instead of hops. But the unique brew—reminiscent of a funky lager—wasn’t such a hit with my companion. Equally polarizing was the “Altered Vision” blonde stout, an uncharacteristically lightcolored beer brewed with green coffee beans.

On the plus side, a trip to 7 Locks is never boring. And with such an abundance of flavors and styles, everyone can find something to enjoy. Love IPAs? Try a hazy New England-style with plenty of complex hops and a smooth mouthfeel. The brewery also makes a series of nose-tingling sours with a different fruit for every season.

7 Locks Brewing, 12227 Wilkins Ave., Rockville; 301-841-7123; 7locksbrewing.com

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Best Place for a Day Trip waredaca brewing co.

Down-county folks will have to make a bit of a trek to experience the beer at Waredaca Brewing Co., which shares a dirt road with a horse farm in Laytonsville. But it’s easy to make a day trip out of it thanks to the stables next door, which offer escorted trail rides ending with a flight of beer in the Waredaca taproom (check schedule and reserve in advance).

The expansive farm brewery makes a good gose, usually featuring locally grown fruit. A mouth-puckering peach option was the perfect blend of sweet and sour, and an ideal counterbalance to a spicy chai ale with hints of nutmeg. For the full experience, try a beer brewed with estate-grown hops. The “Beecher” IPA features unique notes of lemon verbena and a balanced profile that appeals to a wide range of drinkers.

The food on-site is basic: think soft pretzels and a simple charcuterie board. But there’s a frequent rotation of food trucks, especially in warmer months—the best time to visit the brewery. A regular flow of horseback riders is fun for the kids to watch, and summer performances will keep parents entertained, too. Grab a beer, settle at a picnic table, and watch horses nibble in the field next door. It’s the quintessential summer experience.

Waredaca Brewing Co., 4017 Damascus Road, Laytonsville; 301-774-2337; waredacabrewing.com

Bal

Summer Rocks at Soak in the long days of summer and create long lasting memories at Live from the Lawn, Strathmore’s free summer outdoor concert series.

COOL CONCERTS FOR KIDS

A NIGHT OF STEVIE WONDER HITS

JAZZY ASH & THE LEAPING LIZARDS

WITH MARK G. MEADOWS & THE MOVEMENT

July 8

THE GHOST OF PAUL REVERE July 15 Rock and bluegrass with heart

SHAYNA STEELE July 22 Powerhouse vocalist

HUNTERTONES Aug 12 Explosive, horn-driven grooves

UKEFEST GRAND FINALE Aug 19 Strum along at this fantastically fun concert

July 9

JUSTIN ROBERTS & THE NOT READY FOR NAPTIME PLAYERS July 23

LISA LIU GYPSY JAZZ QUARTET

THE LUCKY BAND

Aug 26

Aug 6

STRIKING MATCHES

Justin Roberts

July 29 A meld of country, rock, and blues

CISSA PAZ Aug 5 Brazilian singer-songwriter Live from the Lawn and UkeFest photos by Jim Saah

MUSIC CENTER Fall Highlights JOHNNY MATHIS Sat, Sept 12

SAMIN NOSRAT & YOTAM OTTOLENGHI Fri, Oct 16

DJAVAN Tue, Sept 15

SARAH BRIGHTMAN Tue & Wed, Oct 27 & 28

BÉLA FLECK Wed, Sept 23

LEA SALONGA Fri, Oct 30

BRIAN McKNIGHT Sun, Sept 27

Samin Nosrat by Boris Zharkov, Yotam Ottolenghi

by Jacqueline de Haas, Music Center by Judy Davis, Brian McKnight

STRATHMORE.ORG | 301.581.5100 | 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD 20852

Strathmore_BethesdaMag_MayJune.indd 1

3/26/20 1:22 PM

Best Place to Bring Friends true respite brewing co.

Taproom yoga at True Respite Brewing Co.

Another tiny brewery tucked into an industrial park, True Respite Brewing Co. distinguishes itself with an impressive lineup of events. Beer releases, weekly trivia nights, live music, taproom yoga—they’ve got the standards covered.

But the brewery also offers unique pop-ups, from chocolate and beer tastings to local art fairs. Keep an eye out for the occasional beer dinners, too, with menus from local chefs and food trucks.

Beer-wise, True Respite offers a solid Belgian dubbel—the “Two Seater”—with a distinct yeastiness and faint notes of dark chocolate. I was less enamored with the brewery’s lactose vanilla porter (the “Do It For The Smiles”), which had an

unpleasantly astringent body for such a smooth style of beer.

Head brewer Kenny Allen is also mixing up a series of unconventional releases, including the X:Experimental IPA on tap this past winter. Brewed with oats and four varieties of hops—plus a surprise hit of lactose—it made for a smooth drinking experience (especially for an IPA). It’s the unexpected brews that are often among the most memorable. When I visited, I was struck by the brewery’s “Tart Cherry Stout,” a unique twist on a wintertime staple.

True Respite Brewing Co., 7301 Calhoun Place, Suite 600, Rockville; 301-284-8447; truerespite.com n

Former Bethesda Beat reporter Kate Masters is a writer based in Richmond, Virginia. She previously worked as the restaurant critic and food writer for The Frederick News-Post in Frederick, Maryland.

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PHOTO PHOTO

BY LISA

BY HELFERT; LISA HELFERT SMALL IMAGE COURTESY PHOTO

Love & Tragedy For Jeffanie Rantung-Kramar, what was supposed to be a honeymoon in paradise turned into unimaginable heartbreak

BY DINA ELBOGHDADY

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routes together with the hopes of finding one that wouldn’t be too challenging for Jeffanie, who had collapsed from dehydration the previous week on a local trail.

While hiking was not her thing, Stephen was an avid backpacker who once summited a 14,000-foot mountain in Colorado. That Monday morning, Sept. 17, he woke up raring to go, but after a restless night’s sleep, Jeffanie wasn’t up for it.

“He said, ‘We’re on our honeymoon, so I’d rather spend time with you,’ ” Jeffanie recalls. “He was so sweet, but I knew he really wanted to go. He’s outdoorsy, and he can’t sit still. We kept going back and forth. Finally he said: ‘Yeah, I do want to go.’ So I said, ‘You should go.’ He loved hiking.”

Stephen left around 9:30 a.m. with his cellphone and a large bottle of water.

About 30 minutes into his trek, he texted Jeffanie to say that cell reception was bad.

Two hours later, around noon, he called to tell her that he thought he could see their condo from where he was. She picked up the binoculars and scanned the mountains from the balcony, but couldn’t spot him. At that point, she thought he was heading back. Then she heard from him again at 2:24 p.m.

“Travel is slow,” the text read. “But I’m on my way still” “take ur time n be safe,” she replied.

But by sunset, no Stephen. Perhaps he

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took a longer route home, she thought.

She called him, no answer. Over the next hour or so she kept dialing his number until the calls started going straight to voicemail. She contacted the police around 9 p.m. and kept texting her husband. “where r u,” she wrote. “i’m starting to worry”

HAWAIIAN AUTHORITIES ARRIVED at the couple’s condo about 15 minutes later and started asking questions about Stephen. What was he wearing? What was his mental state? Did he hike often?

A detective checked flights to make sure he hadn’t left the island, Jeffanie says. For a few hours, police searched for Stephen in easy-to-reach places, but it was too dark to check the mountain trails. The officers urged Jeffanie to stay calm. The weather was good. The mountains were free of dangerous predators. Based on what she’d told them, they knew that Stephen, 27, was an experienced hiker with military training so he probably wouldn’t navigate unfamiliar territory in the dark.

Maybe he was lost and waiting for daylight to find his way back. They told her an aerial search would begin in the morning, when helicopters could fly in from Maui, nearly 9 miles away. Jeffanie called Stephen’s parents later that night, but with a six-hour time difference, she

COURTESY PHOTOS

THEY ALMOST DIDN’T MAKE it to Hawaii for their honeymoon. Stephen Kramar and his new wife, Jeffanie Rantung-Kramar, missed their early flight out of BWI that rainy Sunday morning in September 2018 because the driver of their shuttle bus to the airport got lost.

Then a ticketing agent scrambled to book them on another plane to Los Angeles so they could make their connecting flight to Honolulu en route to the island of Molokai. They probably would’ve missed the first leg of that trip, too, had the flight not been delayed two hours.

But none of that mattered to the newlyweds once their nine-seater plane touched down in Molokai. Even before they left the small airport, Stephen had a smile on his face, pleased by the sunshine and the hassle-free car rental—no agent, just an email directing them to the key under the driver’s mat of their Toyota Echo.

“I’m so glad we picked this island,” he told Jeffanie as he got behind the wheel.

Molokai’s low-key vibe suited Stephen, who wasn’t a fan of crowded cities or tourist traps. He wanted a honeymoon spot off the beaten path. Sparsely populated Molokai, at the center of the eight islands that make up the main Hawaiian chain, fit the bill. No upscale restaurants or fancy shops, not even a traffic light or a high-rise building. For a week, they stayed at the island’s only hotel, located on the south shore. The couple walked the beaches, explored the town, and on rainy days hung out in their room watching movies or Stephen’s favorite skateboarding videos. At the local post office, known for its “Post-a-Nut” service, they decorated a coconut and mailed it to Stephen’s parents in lieu of a postcard to thank them for helping bankroll the trip.

Stephen and Jeffanie moved to the more verdant east end of the island for the second week of their honeymoon, settled into a rented condominium at the Wavecrest Resort, and resolved to hike the nearby mountains. But first, Stephen wanted them to scout potential

COURTESY PHOTOS

Opposite page: Jeffanie and Stephen at their rehearsal dinner in Rockville Left: The couple married on Sept. 8, 2018, and left for Hawaii the morning after the wedding.

Below: Stephen and Jeffanie in Huntington Beach, California, in January 2018

didn’t hear back from them until they woke up a few hours later.

As the night went on, Jeffanie sat on the couch alone, crying and praying, until she heard the sound of helicopters at sunrise. Over the next few days, her in-laws, mother, sister and cousin would arrive. News outlets in Hawaii and back home in the D.C. area would report on Stephen’s disappearance, and locals would show up at her door to say their loved ones were out looking for him.

All along, Jeffanie kept wondering what might have happened if they’d missed their flight or chosen another honeymoon spot, maybe San Diego or Colorado. What if she’d encouraged him to stay with her that morning? She replayed their last conversation in her head a million times as she waited for word on Stephen’s whereabouts—and then a million times more after the lead detective showed up at the condo on Friday, Sept. 21, four days after Stephen went missing, to say a local resident had found Stephen’s body in a gulch about a half-mile northeast of the condo. Investigators concluded that he was peering over a boulder and it gave way. He dropped 150 feet to his death. She clung onto her father-in-law and sobbed.

MORE THAN A YEAR and a half after Stephen’s death, Jeffanie says she’s in a good place, all things considered. She doesn’t cry on her drive to work and back anymore, at least not every day. She was promoted twice last year at Freddie Mac, the McLean, Virginia-based mortgage company where she’s an information technology analyst, and has been seeing an on-site therapist at the suggestion of her managers to help her cope with her grief. She’s also won a companywide Shark Tank-style competition that invited employees to come up with a plan for how to increase staff engagement and improve the overall experience at work.

Her team’s winning idea: creating a program that allows employees to break out of their silos, experience a day in the life BETHESDAMAGAZINE.COM | MAY/JUNE 2020

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of another team, and see the operation through a different lens.

Perhaps subconsciously, she says, the initiative was inspired by Stephen’s gift for empathizing with different points of view, or maybe her own reframing of the tragedy. Instead of second-guessing her decision to let him hike alone, “I now realize we were both showing so much love for one another in that moment,” says Jeffanie, 28, who lives in North Potomac. “That conversation was about how much we each wanted the other person to be happy.”

Ken Weiner, a longtime mentor to Jeffanie, asked a lot of questions when she initially told him about Stephen months earlier. He’d known Jeffanie since 2011, when she enrolled in Future Link, a Rock-

dered how her corporate ambitions would mesh with Stephen’s desire to travel as a missionary. “On paper, they were a mismatch,” Weiner says. “I took her out to dinner and we talked it through. At one point, she leaned over, looked me straight in the eye and said: ‘I’ve never been more sure about anything in my life.’ ”

FOR DRAMATIC EFFECT, Jeffanie likes to tell people that she met Stephen at a blackjack table in December 2017. But it was really at a casino-themed holiday office party, no actual money involved.

She and Stephen were new dealers for a local entertainment company. She was assigned to the Texas Hold’em poker table, but wasn’t trained in that game. As

Hawaiian authorities arrived at the couple’s condo about 15 minutes later and started asking questions about Stephen. What was he wearing? What was his mental state? Did he hike often? ville-based nonprofit he co-founded that provides academic and career support to low-income and first-generation college students. He started tutoring her in calculus during her last semester at Montgomery College, and pretty soon she was a “surrogate daughter,” Weiner says.

“I’ve never been involved with a young person as ambitious, as organized, as gritty as Jeffanie,” says Weiner, a retired math professor who taught at Montgomery College for 37 years. He was especially impressed by how she cultivates relationships. “In well-to-do families, where you’re raised by professionals, you learn those skills by osmosis. But Jeffanie is not coming from that environment. She’s just a natural at it.”

Against that backdrop, Weiner won124

she was explaining that to her supervisor, Stephen came from behind and offered to swap jobs with her, so she worked his blackjack table instead, and they chatted between games.

Later that evening, she accepted a shift at a Friday event that week, then realized she couldn’t do it. Jeffanie told Stephen she’d double-booked herself and asked if he wanted to fill in for her. He responded with a so-you’re-that-kind-ofgirl sort of quip that irked her a bit. She scribbled her phone number on a napkin and told him to let her know if he’d do it. “If he were sitting here, he’d point out that I gave him my number first,” Jeffanie says, laughing.

What she didn’t want to tell Stephen was that she was already juggling five

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other jobs to help pay her way through the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business. On weekends, she was a concierge at a luxury apartment building in Rockville and a waitress at night. She interned for a leadership consulting firm on weekdays, and when she could squeeze in extra work, she’d deliver food for Postmates and write resumes for a fee.

Jeffanie desperately needed the work because of her immigration status. She moved to the D.C. area from Indonesia in 1991, when she was just a few months old, returned to her homeland in 1996 after her parents divorced, and then came back to the United States with her mother and younger sister in 1999. She was a “dreamer,” the term that came to describe undocumented immigrants who are shielded from deportation because they were brought into this country as children. She renewed her status and work permit every two years, but was not eligible for citizenship—or federal aid, including student loans. Money was tight, and her working-class family couldn’t afford much, let alone college tuition. Given the bureaucratic and financial hurdles, her mother and stepfather discouraged her from pursuing higher education.

But Jeffanie didn’t listen. Instead, she sought help from CollegeTracks, a nonprofit that specializes in advising lowincome and first-generation college students in Montgomery County. “I always told students that I can help them open the door, but I can’t walk through it for them,” says Liz McLeod, the CollegeTracks program director who worked with Jeffanie at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School. “Jeffanie was the type of person who would walk through any door. She was meticulous about following up on everything she needed to do.”

After graduating from B-CC in 2010, Jeffanie enrolled at Montgomery College that fall and transferred to the University of Maryland in 2015, though she took nearly all of her classes at a satellite campus at The Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville. She was days away from graduating—after a seven-year

Jeffanie pictured in March at The Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville, where she took college courses toward her degree from the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business

PHOTO BY LISA HELFERT

journey—when she met Stephen at that holiday party.

Jeffanie didn’t want to share all that detail with Stephen, a virtual stranger, so she stuck to her line about being doublebooked and didn’t elaborate. They texted soon after. He took her shift that Friday, and when they worked another event together a few days later, he asked her out for coffee.

JEFFANIE AND STEPHEN PLANNED to meet at a Panera in Rockville, in the apartment building where she worked.

She’d been cramming for exams that week, preparing for graduation, and hadn’t washed her hair in days, so she suggested rescheduling. The texts between them read something like this: Maybe we should meet after the holiday rush, she wrote.

Why, are you feeling sick?

Um, no, well, I just don’t look so “dashing.”

That’s when she realized she wanted to look good for Stephen, and now he knew that, too. Don’t go down this road, she told herself. You don’t have time. She needed to reroute the conversation, so

she resolved to cast their get-together as a business meeting. She suggested working with him on his resume, and showed up in her work suit and big eyeglasses with a laptop in hand. The first words out of Stephen’s mouth: “Are we here for a tutoring session?”

The conversation flowed from there— for more than four hours. Jeffanie learned that Stephen didn’t care much for academics. He worked some odd jobs after graduating from Rockville’s Thomas S. Wootton High School in 2010 and took a few courses at Montgomery College before serving in the Navy for two years, first in Pensacola, Florida, then San Diego. She also learned they were both Christian. Stephen had spent the better part of the previous year at a discipleship training program, first in Denver and then in Lebanon and Greece. “He was very spiritual,” she says. “He had a real passion for missionary work, and that’s the kind of work he wanted to do.” But he was in limbo, exploring his options.

It was during their second outing a few days later, while they were browsing through museums at the National Mall, that she told him she didn’t have time

for a “normal” relationship that involved dinner and movies. A relationship with her would be nothing more than quick coffee breaks—unless he stopped in at her various jobsites, she joked.

At 7 a.m. the next morning, he showed up for her double shift at the apartment building and kept her company for 16 hours. It became their thing. On New Year’s Day, he showed up again, with coffee and some pancakes his mother had made.

“I teared up when I saw him,” Jeffanie says.

“I thought, this guy is the real thing.”

Nine months later they were married in a small outdoor ceremony at an upscale Falls Church restaurant. She wore a traditional Indonesian batik and kebaya wedding dress, and he had on a black suit with purple and white orchids pinned to his lapel. They had a reception that evening in a party room at a Rockville apartment building. As the festivities came to an end, guests locked hands to form a tunnel, and before Stephen ran through it with his new bride, he turned to his brother and best man, Gavin, and hugged him, a wide smile on his face.

Gavin carries that memory with him.

“What makes this tragedy so remark-

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love & tragedy able is how things went from very good to very bad, very quickly,” Gavin says.

“Everyone was left confused, unsure how to pick up the pieces.”

WITH SEARCH-AND-RESCUE efforts underway in Molokai, each new day filled Jeffanie with hope for her husband’s safe return and fear that yet another day had passed without any sign of him. “I was pretty much tracking time with each sunrise,” Jeffanie says. Everything in between was a blur.

On Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018, the first full day of the search, Jeffanie made three trips to town and bought a bag of rice each time so she could make some for Stephen once he returned. She was at loose ends, and still alone, when Jan Place, a retired local business owner, knocked on her door that afternoon. Place had heard about Jeffanie’s situation at a church prayer meeting after the pastor’s wife received a text from an off-island friend. “She was just a scared little girl,” Place says. “So I introduced myself, took her into my arms and held her as she cried.”

A little more than 7,000 people live on Molokai, a small fraction of Hawaii’s population of about 1.4 million, and the island is 38 miles long and 10 miles across at its widest point, according to a Smithsonian magazine article that describes Molokai as a “throwback to an older, simpler Hawai’i.” The island’s unspoiled nature is part of its charm. A single main road runs from one end of the island to the other, and directions are given based on the nearest mile marker.

“We don’t all know each other, but you kind of know who belongs here and who doesn’t,” Place says. “It’s a close community, and if there’s a need, people jump in the way they did with Jeffanie and they start helping.”

Place took Jeffanie to her home, cooked for her and had her stay the night so she wouldn’t be alone until her family arrived. Locals donated two extra rental units at the condo building so her relatives would have a place to stay.

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base for the search team, which included at least 12 firefighters who canvassed the area on foot while the department’s Air One helicopter covered a larger stretch of land from above, according to The Baltimore Sun. They were joined by members of the Police Special Response Team and a tracking dog.

In Facebook posts on her own account and that of the Maui County Police Department (which serves Molokai), Jeffanie urged people to help look for Stephen, fearful that the 72-hour window for the official search-and-rescue effort would end too soon.

“I cannot leave the island without him,” Jeffanie wrote. She emailed friends and Stephen’s extended family—including her father-in-law’s seven siblings and their children—to ask if they knew of anyone on neighboring islands who might join the search. When an executive at Freddie Mac called, she asked if the company could help generate news coverage, hoping that would bring out more volunteers. “I was desperate,” Jeffanie says. “I didn’t want to speak to 30 reporters a day and repeat the story over and over again, but I did it.”

Jeffanie, her cousin and her sister kept themselves busy hanging “missing honeymooner” posters in town, with two photos of Stephen on the couple’s wedding day. Jeffanie’s cellphone number and on-island address were listed on the posters. On occasion, she’d ride with the lead detective as he searched, and a young local woman Jeffanie met took her into the mountains, where they looked for Stephen together one afternoon.

Lian Chong Kalima saw a report about Stephen’s disappearance, connected with Jeffanie on Facebook, and arrived at her condo unit shortly after the detective delivered the news of Stephen’s death. “She looked so broken,” says Chong Kalima, 31, who works part time as a teacher and owns a local cleaning business. Many locals showed up to pray alongside Jeffanie and her family, drop off food and pay their respects. Later that day, on Sept. 21, Jeffanie cancelled Ste-

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phen’s flight home and helped arrange for the transfer of his body from Molokai to Maui to Maryland.

Chong Kalima and her husband kept Jeffanie company during her last two days on the island. They took her riding on their ATVs and showed her scenic spots, anything to get her mind off the tragedy. When Jeffanie said she wanted a tattoo of a tropical scene similar to one Stephen had on his right arm, Chong Kalima connected her with a tattoo artist. The tattoo on Jeffanie’s upper right arm—which took three hours to finish— captures the Molokai sun rising on water flanked by mountains and shining on a small black cross in the center.

ABOUT TWO WEEKS AFTER she arrived in Molokai, Jeffanie flew home with her family. Waiting in the McLean apartment that she and Stephen had planned to share were unopened boxes of his and piles of mail, a mix of congratulatory wedding notes and condolences. Jeffanie would not be returning to work for another two weeks. She had a funeral to plan.

Jeffanie says God pulled her through those dark times, though she acknowledges her faith was tested when Stephen died. “I felt like I was being asked: Do you still believe in God or not?” she says. “But I know God is here.”

She says the signs have been there all along. She saw God at work when private scholarships came through in desperate financial times, when mentors guided her on school and her career, when the locals on Molokai embraced her, when her in-laws bonded with her like a daughter, and when her green card came through in December 2019 after two decades of uncertainty.

Jeffanie also felt God’s presence when mourners gathered for Stephen’s funeral on Sept. 29, 2018, at Christ Our Shepherd Church on Capitol Hill, his lifelong place of worship, she says.

At the service, Stephen’s friends spoke about his love of the guitar, his passion for Frisbee and skateboarding tricks, his quest to solve a Rubik’s cube as fast as

humanly possible, and his antics. “When I cut my hair, I think of the first time he came back [from the Navy] and had shaved his head,” said Marco Mayo, a childhood friend. “He begged me to let him shave mine, which I did.”

Stephen’s father, John Kramar, said the second oldest of his four children was a deep thinker from an early age. As a child, Stephen was the one to interrupt a bedtime story when a detail didn’t fit in, the first to get depressed on Christmas afternoon because it meant having to wait a full year for the next one. And he never bought into the Santa Claus story.

When his mother, Connie, shared it with him, “he just looked at her like she was crazy, and said: ‘uh-uh,’ ” John said.

But his love of God stood out as the recurring theme. As a kid, the highlight of Stephen’s year was an annual overnight service camp sponsored by his

church, John said. In high school, he returned to the camp as a counselor and enjoyed connecting and praying with the kids. He developed a habit of keeping a list on his phone of people he prayed for, people that God had healed, because it reminded him of God’s power, his father said. Stephen struggled academically, bouncing around from school to school.

Without a college degree, his career choices were limited, but he wasn’t interested in an office job anyway. Stephen never tied success to money and material possessions, his father said. Everything he owned could pretty much fit in his car. His dream was to live in a van and travel the country.

“Other than Jesus, the best thing that ever happened in Stephen’s life was Jeffanie,” John said at his son’s funeral. “It is a rare woman who would not immediately run if a man told her that his

life’s dream was to live out of a van.” The church erupted in laughter. “They were good for each other spiritually.”

Jeffanie says she believes with all her heart that Stephen is experiencing more joy in heaven than he ever did on Earth.

After their wedding ceremony, Stephen told Jeffanie how happy he was that they had the rest of their lives together.

But she told him what he already knew, that life on Earth was short, that what matters is the eternal life with Jesus.

“Promise me that you’ll be my friend in heaven, whether I check in first or you check in first,” she told him. “Promise me that we’ll unite as souls.”

He cried, and he promised. n Dina ElBoghdady spent more than two decades as a journalist at several newspapers, most recently The Washington Post.

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A New Chapter How the library in downtown Bethesda is staying relevant in the age of e-books, smartphones and Alexa

BY STEVE GOLDSTEIN PHOTOS BY THOMAS GOERTEL

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The English Conversation Club typically meets twice a week at the library in downtown Bethesda.

O

N A WEDNESDAY A F T E R N O O N in September, an Italian man and three women—Chinese, French and Turkish—are sitting around a conference room table at downtown Bethesda’s public library discussing the finer points of camping. As unlikely as it may sound, it’s actually just another weekly meeting of the English Conversation Club, which brings together local residents from other countries who want to improve their command of English and knowledge of American social customs.

“Do you know what an RV is?” asks Alicia Tompkins, the group’s facilitator, as she reads from a prompt sheet containing questions for today’s topic. “Have you ever used one to go camping? Does it really seem like camping to you?”

Arzu, the Turkish woman wearing a head scarf, is drawing a blank, but Gerrardo, the Italian, says he’s been in an RV, but never actually gone camping.

Amelie chimes in that the French are au

You can use a computer or borrow a laptop at the library, which also has wireless printing capabilities.

courant with the RV. “I don’t drive,” says Martha from Hong Kong. Tompkins takes them through the list of prompts until they hit a showstopper.

“Do you know what glamping is?” she asks. Giggles all around. Glamping, or glamorous camping, strikes them as an oxymoron, as well as a foreign notion.

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Occasional bursts of laughter come from the eight tables, each staffed with a facilitator for the four to six “students” who are refining—or sometimes maligning—English-language conversations.

Tompkins, a library volunteer, worked overseas during her career in communications at the Department of Defense.

“So I know what it’s like to be living in a place where you don’t speak the language and are feeling a bit isolated,” she says.

Prompt sheets are devoted to a single topic, from famous American holidays such as the Fourth of July to hardto-explain traditions like Groundhog Day. “We don’t correct pronunciation or grammar—we want to keep the conversation going,” Tompkins says.

For almost all of the students, it’s as much about networking as nuance. “This is how I made friends—and my conversation improved,” says Midori Unten, who is from Okinawa, Japan. Three years ago she arrived with her husband, a government official, with little English and a lot of trepidation. “Everything was a shock,” she says. “I watched TV to learn: Oprah, Dr. Phil and The View.” She heard about

the conversation club after taking an English class at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School. Now she’s become a leader among the students. “After class, we all go to La Madeleine cafe,” she says. “Sometimes I invite classmates to my apartment and we cook. I showed them how to make soba noodles, but they couldn’t learn how to slurp them!”

IN THE AGE OF Alexa, Siri, smartphones and other know-it-all technology delivering information via a spoken command, how does a library compete? The answer: It doesn’t. What the library provides is a onestop shop for many services, at no cost.

“One of our missions throughout the years has been to evolve so we remain relevant,” says Nancy Benner, the manager of the Bethesda library. “The access

to information hasn’t changed, but the robust programming and the attention given to early literacy and readiness to read—that has really evolved and come to the forefront of what we’re doing here. We also offer the ability to get a high school degree through online programs.” The Montgomery County Public Libraries’ (MCPL) Career Online High School started in 2016, pairing eligible students with an academic coach independent of the school system. So far, 30 students have received high school diplomas, Benner says.

Public libraries in the county have greatly expanded their collections of digital downloads, audio books and new formats such as Playaway, a business card-size digital recording that can be played through headphones or vehicle speakers. Users can

Nancy Benner (left) is the library’s manager. She’s worked in the Montgomery County library system for more than three decades and says she never tires of answering questions or helping people find books.

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There’s an emphasis on children’s programming at the Bethesda library, where kids have the opportunity to read to therapy dogs like Carly, pictured with her owner, Marlene Schooler.

remotely access databases, language programs and streaming services—all without setting foot in the building.

And libraries serve a function that is easily taken for granted, says Laura Briskin-Limehouse, outgoing chair of the county’s Library Advisory Board, an advocacy group. “They are a public space, one of the few places in society where you can just exist without having to pay money.”

The building may look the same, but downtown Bethesda’s public library—and indeed most, if not all, of the 22 sites in the MCPL system—is a dramatically different institution than it was even a decade ago.

For one thing, MCPL’s operating budget has doubled during that time to just over $57 million. Partly through design and partly demand, libraries now function more like community centers, still circulating books and other material, but also offering many services you would not expect from the library you grew up with.

Inside the single-story brick building—renamed the Connie Morella Library in 2018 for the former U.S. Representative from Maryland—you can polish your English conversation, use a computer or borrow a laptop, reserve a private conference or study room, get help with a job application, take your toddler to story time, purchase a Senior SmarTrip Card for Metro, and buy a nearly new book for $1.

You may also borrow a book, an e-book or an audiobook. Or 100 books.

At one time.

JUST INSIDE THE ENTRANCE of the Bethesda library, a continuous book sale of items donated by the public brings in modest revenue. The donated books are put on shelves; a cashbox operates on the honor system. Despite the fire-sale prices—$1 for hardcover, 50 cents for paperback—volunteers have routinely observed one eager reader filling a shop-

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ping bag and taking a 100% discount.

A daily rhythm persists. Parents and nannies with preschoolers arrive early for children’s programming; authors and writers’ groups work in glass-walled collaboration rooms; tutors meet with their clients; job seekers ask library staff for help preparing applications and resumes; and homeless people use the library for shelter. Libraries have evolved into service centers and a “third place” in sociologists’ parlance—not home, not work, but a gathering spot that fills a social need.

Elaine Cooperman is at the library today, as she is three or four times a week, tutoring students in math and SAT prep.

Shortly after 2:30 p.m., her clients begin arriving from Walt Whitman and B-CC high schools. “Apart from being close to the schools, this library welcomes tutors, which is not the case with all libraries,” Cooperman says. Some libraries find the tutors disruptive; some library systems (not MCPL) even forbid for-profit

One of the improvements from a refresh at the Bethesda location was the addition of glass-walled rooms, four that are designated for collaboration and the largest one for quiet study.

tutoring. “I’ve seen as many as six tutors here, but it’s a welcoming place, as long as we speak softly.”

Benner has worked in the Montgomery County library system for more than three decades—the last seven years in Bethesda—and says she never tires of answering questions or locating books.

“I like helping people get information,” she says. Among the questions she’s been asked: Who’s the better poet, Yeats or Keats? How can I get a real estate license?

“As far back as I can remember, that is what interested me,” Benner says. “I’ve worked at school libraries and a special trade association library, but they don’t have the variety of going from one topic to another in minutes; they are more routine. Public libraries are anything but routine.”

Once, Benner was approached by a young man who said he was about to receive a graduate degree in architecture.

He had met his girlfriend, also a student of architecture, while working on a project to design and build a public library. “He asked my permission to hide clues inside

some of her favorite books throughout the library collection,” Benner recalls. “The clues led her back to the lobby, where he was waiting on one knee with a beautiful ring and a proposal. She said yes!”

AT MIDDAY THIS PAST New Year’s Eve, scores of parents and their small children crowded into the meeting room near the entrance to the Bethesda library for the fifth annual “Happy Noon Year.”

“Since kids don’t typically stay up until midnight, we decided to have an event where they get to celebrate,” says Cassandra Malik, head of children’s services at the library. Partygoers played games until the noon “balloon drop,” then busied themselves at crafts tables.

“It’s a lot of work; we started planning two months ago,” Malik explains. “But the feedback we get is terrific, and we had about 150 people this year, many of them international families.”

Malik, a Midwesterner who studied library science at the University of Illinois, came to Bethesda from the Baltimore library system five years ago. In

Bethesda, there is a heavy emphasis on children’s programming due to the high concentration of families with young children, she says. In addition to overseeing the children’s collection, she plans and implements programming while also collaborating on joint programs with schools and community groups. Children and their families can choose from a buffet that features Toddler and Preschool Storytime, Play Date at the Library, Baby Storytime, Family Movie Night and Pajama Storytime. Elementary school-age children can play board games and use LEGO toys each week.

Malik’s favorite program, however, requires a four-legged volunteer. On a Monday afternoon in January, 6-yearold Clara Soheili, wearing her favorite furry vest, walks into a small conference room, sits down next to Winnie, who is a year younger, and begins reading to her from an oversize Elephant & Piggy book. Winnie, a gray and white Shih Tzu mix, yawns and appears uninterested in the story but is very happy about Clara’s hand resting on her haunch. Winnie’s

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a new chapter owner, Margie Tommer of Bethesda, volunteers her own and Winnie’s services through People. Animals. Love. (PAL), a D.C.-based organization that provides therapy dogs to schools, hospitals, nursing homes and other libraries that offer this program.

“We usually have four certified therapy dogs, and the children come in and they get to read for 10 or 15 minutes,” Malik says. “Research has shown that children feel more comfortable reading to a dog because dogs are nonjudgmental. So it’s really for beginning readers or those who may be struggling a bit. Parents have told me that their kids hate reading otherwise, but they really look forward to this.”

THEORETICAL PHYSICIST ALBERT Einstein once said, “The only thing that you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library.” Connie Morella Library is located on Arlington Road, but it took

some time getting there. In 1925, the Newcomb Club of Bethesda sponsored a traveling library with 50 books based in a hardware store on Wisconsin Avenue. Six years later, the Newcomb-Bethesda Public Library was established with a collection of 600 books and housed in the old Bank Building on Wisconsin Avenue and Edgemoor Lane. From there, the library hopscotched to the Masonic Temple, then to a building adjacent to the Bank of Bethesda and, when the Depression hit, to nonexistence. A 1940s revival was housed in the basement of B-CC High School before the library moved to its current location in 1976.

Bethesda’s library is one of the many branches in Montgomery County that has undergone or is slated for a facelift. In 2015, MCPL launched a program to “refresh” the libraries rather than overhaul them. After the first two projects were completed, MCPL estimated it would cost $20 mil-

lion to refresh 16 branches, compared with about $203 million to renovate them.

Turnaround time would be much shorter: months not years. Bethesda was closed for several months in 2017-2018 for a $3.2 million facelift that included new collaboration spaces, brighter lighting, a larger circulation desk and improved access for disabled individuals. Parking is metered at the large Bethesda lot due to its proximity to downtown shops and the Metro station.

Silver Spring and Wheaton both have new buildings and have seen increases in attendance. The Wheaton branch, which is attached to a community center, attracted almost 83,000 visitors in October 2019, according to MCPL. Four years earlier, that number was about 59,000.

ON SATURDAY, FEB. 1, the Bethesda branch kicked off Library Lovers Month with special programming for kids and a “community conversation” with at-large

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county Councilmember Will Jawando.

The first-term councilmember is the designated point person for MCPL. To gain a better perspective on library funding, he’s been visiting all the branches.

As people filed into the meeting room, Jawando noted privately, “There are people who get great use out of the libraries, and others who have no clue about what libraries have to offer.”

Jawando told his audience that his goal is to assess library staffing, hold hearings and make recommendations for the next fiscal year’s operating budget. Bethesda has nine full-time and six part-time employees; many activities, such as the conversation club, are run by volunteers.

The fiscal 2021 budget is $57.2 million for 22 library sites, including the Noyes Library for Young Children in Kensington and the Montgomery County Correctional Facility Library in Boyds.

“I’m the librarian at Lafayette Ele-

mentary School [in D.C.], and here in Bethesda you have a much better collection of books for young readers than I find in the District,” said Rachel Leese of Chevy Chase. Another woman—one of the 15 or so visitors in the room— requested more e-books.

“You have all these services and new technology, but nobody knows about them—you don’t advertise them,” another resident said. MCPL Director Anita Vassallo agreed that they can do a better job of marketing the library system. “We have many things we want you to take advantage of,” she said.

Jawando, a lawyer who worked on education issues in the Obama administration, says he’s already concluded that library funding and functions do not match up— in other words, the system is underfunded.

“In some branches, the staffing levels are inadequate. In others, the collection needs work. I think the libraries are being asked

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to do a lot with a little.”

ASK VASSALLO IF LIBRARIES are keeping pace with the times and she cites a 2017 Pew Research Center study showing that about 75% of county residents ages 18 to 29 said they read “physical books.” The report also stated that millennials are the most likely generation to use public libraries—they had the highest percentage of any age group that visited a public library or bookmobile in a 12-month period.

Visitors are still checking out books, or using them in the library. MCPL statistics show a printed materials circulation of 9,715,578 items during fiscal year 2015 and 10,232,348 in fiscal year 2019.

Among the innovations that Vassallo says have kept libraries relevant and vital are self-checkout machines, wireless printing capabilities, a steadily growing e-book and audiobook collection, access to streaming video (classes, concert

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a new chapter performances), and language-learning applications such as Rosetta Stone. The Silver Spring, Long Branch and Rockville branches offer workshops and resources for digital content creation.

In 2019, MCPL stopped charging fines on overdue children’s materials and Vassallo hopes to eliminate late charges altogether. “Public libraries play a vital role in the development of children’s early literacy skills, and the removal of fines on materials for children is a significant reduction of barriers to accessing library materials for children,” she says.

Vassallo claims that “even with all the apps and advances in tech, young people still want to be in the physical library, so as our branches undergo refreshes and renovations, we design modern spaces with our community needs in mind.”

RESEMBLING A BANQUET TABLE in a mansion’s great hall, a pair of long desks,

each holding eight Dell computers, occupies the center of the large open room at the Bethesda library. The screens are often fully occupied, whether by job seekers, retirees working on investment portfolios, teens playing Minecraft or Fortnite, or homeless individuals with shopping carts. Users sit no more than a foot apart.

With little warning, a screaming match erupts at one end of the pod.

A highly agitated woman wearing a woolen watch cap curses her neighbor, who apparently was complaining about the woman’s loud talking and acting out.

Manager Nancy Benner arrives, and her efforts to calm the overwrought person are met with vitriol.

“Do you want me to call the police?”

Benner asks.

“Do what you want!” the woman yells.

Benner calls the police, but the woman leaves before they arrive. Due to repeated incidents, Benner says, staff has had “a

lot of recent training in how to de-escalate things like that. But sometimes you can’t de-escalate, you have to get help.

I think it was out of the loud woman’s control. There are people who come in here and do and say things but they can’t handle themselves. It’s our responsibility to keep everyone in the room safe and secure while not trampling on the rights of the person having the meltdown.”

Often, Benner’s first call is to John Mendez, the executive director of Bethesda Cares, an agency that provides services for homeless people. “From 10 years of experience, I know the library is [a] default shelter for the homeless who have no other place to go,” Mendez says. “The library staff is very good about accepting everyone; they are nonjudgmental, no matter your social class or status in society. I knew also the staff was facing challenges from folks with mental issues. So they would call me and I’d go

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a new chapter to the library to engage that person or try to get them to a service that treats them so they won’t have to stay at the library.”

Mendez says efforts to find housing are reducing the homeless population that frequents the library. In 2010, he says, roughly 40 people in Bethesda were using the library for shelter from time to time. Now there are about 10. Vassallo often says that all library personnel “are to some degree social workers.” One of the chief attributes she looks for in new hires, she says, “is the ability to get along with people.”

An environment open to all inevitably produces friction, and the ability to manage those conflicts, small and large, is prized among the staff. Briskin-Limehouse of the Library Advisory Board— essentially a liaison between the central administration and the 22 branches—says libraries must be viewed as a safe space.

“Libraries are one of the forces for equal access,” she says, “so they are

important for maintaining access to information that is not dependent on your socioeconomic status.”

ONE OF THE SIGNIFICANT post-refresh improvements to the Bethesda library was the addition of glass-walled rooms in the rear, four that are designated for collaboration and the largest one for quiet study. Rooms may be booked a week in advance through an online system and are often used by clubs or groups.

Inside Room 4 on a Thursday afternoon, seven people sit around the rectangular table, all writing: some steadily, others contemplatively. But for their gray hair, they could be high school students.

“OK, let’s start reading,” says Michael Scadron, the leader of a group called the Freedom Writers, now in its 10th year.

He points to Nancy Derr, a Bethesda resident who’s working on a novel about Russia’s Czar Alexander III. Derr reads

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what she’s written in the last half-hour, and when she finishes, the others offer praise or gentle suggestions.

“We used to meet at The Writer’s Center in Bethesda and paid a fee for the space,” Scadron says. “When they started a renovation last year, we moved to the library, and the rooms are light, the staff is welcoming and…we don’t pay a fee.”

As they file out of the room, a young woman carrying a briefcase and what appears to be a court stenographer’s machine waits to enter. She explains that she’s there to take a deposition for a client’s court case. “Could you tell me,” she asks, “what’s the cost to book this room?”

“Oh, it’s free,” a writer in the group replies. “You just need a library card.” n

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A CONVERSATION WITH

DANNY HULTZEN The Bethesda native and left-handed pitcher talks about getting picked second in a major league draft, the injuries that almost ended his career, and his first trip to the mound for the Chicago Cubs

BY ANDREW SCHOTZ | PHOTO BY ELI IMADALI

AFTER YEARS OF INJURIES and disappointments, this was the moment Danny Hultzen had dreamed of since he was 5. He’d made it to the major leagues.

The day after the Chicago Cubs called him up from their top minor league team, the phone rang in the Cubs’ bullpen.

“Hultzen, you’re in,” a coach said.

All right, he thought. Here we go.

On Sept. 8, 2019, Hultzen threw his final warmup pitches, stepped through a gate and headed toward the mound at Miller Park in Milwaukee, where the Cubs were playing the Brewers. After a few steps into the outfield, something felt off. The crowd was silent. He looked around, then figured it out. It was the seventh-inning stretch; the singing of “God Bless America” was beginning. Hultzen stopped where he was, took off his hat, and waited.

That’s a hell of a way to start, he remembers thinking.

A pitch by Hultzen, a left-hander, hit the first batter he faced—prolific home run hitter Christian Yelich. The second batter singled. Then Hultzen recorded three straight strikeouts and his work for

the day was over.

“Getting back in that dugout after that last strikeout and shaking everyone’s hand and then going in my locker, sitting down and just being like, You did it. You f****** did it, man. You did it. And just crying. That one inning and that one phone call made all those years of rehab and work 100% worth it,” he says.

Growing up in Bethesda, Hultzen was a star player in the Bethesda Chevy Chase Baseball league, then at St. Albans School in Washington, D.C., and for a summer travel team. Besides pitching, he sometimes played in the outfield or at first base. He was a three-time All-American at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, helping lead the team to two berths in the College World Series.

He and his family had agreed that he should hold off on trying to play professional baseball long enough to attend UVA and pursue a college degree.

When the Arizona Diamondbacks picked Hultzen, a high school senior, in the 10th round of the 2008 amateur draft, he and his parents declined.

Pro scouts remained glued to Hultzen in college,

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interview

where his record over three seasons was 32-5 with a 2.08 ERA. He holds UVA career records in strikeouts (395) and wins. In 2011, the Seattle Mariners made him the second player chosen in the amateur draft—ahead of future stars such as former Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon, shortstop Francisco Lindor of the Cleveland Indians and outfielder George Springer of the Houston Astros.

The only player picked ahead of Hultzen was Gerrit Cole, the former Astros pitcher who now plays for the New York Yankees.

Hultzen signed a five-year contract for a guaranteed $8.5 million and left college early. But at Triple-A—one step from the Mariners and the major leagues—his pro ambitions took a disastrous turn. In 2013, he injured his pitching shoulder in three places. He tried to pitch through it,

but eventually required surgery.

Despite low odds of playing professionally again, Hultzen worked on a comeback. It would take 12 to 18 months for his shoulder to recover. But he struggled with discomfort again in 2015, and by 2016 had trouble lifting his arm. An alternative treatment helped get Hultzen pitching again, but he later needed additional surgery.

After the Mariners did not re-sign him, Hultzen returned to UVA in 2017 to rehab his arm and finish his degree in history. When he was back in pitching shape, the Cubs made him an offer in 2018. He reached the organization’s Triple-A team in Des Moines, Iowa, before getting that call he’d longed for—from the big leagues—last September. Hultzen pitched three and a third innings in six games for the Cubs that month. He

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gave up no runs, four hits, walked two and struck out five.

Bethesda Magazine spoke with Hultzen, 30, in the offseason, after the Cubs offered him a minor league contract and invited him to spring training in Arizona with a chance to make the team.

He pitched one inning in a spring training game this year and then was sent to the minors—right before the coronavirus pandemic put baseball on hold. He stayed in Arizona to wait for play to resume.

How did you get into baseball?

I started when my older brother, Joe, was into baseball. He was three years older. By the time he was playing, I was going to games and playing catch with my dad in the outfield and just fell in love with the game. When my brother was away, my dad and I would go to the

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interview

elementary school at Carderock Springs [in Bethesda]. He’d hit grounders and fly balls for hours and hours. If my brother and my dad were busy, a brick wall on the front of the house took a beating from me throwing a ball against it. My target area was right above a hose spigot.

that I had maybe a better chance than I thought of playing pro ball and maybe making the major leagues. But I had zero intention of signing out of high school. I really wanted to go to college and become more mature before I went off into professional baseball.

What did you do after playing Little League?

Travel ball. It got more serious and we would play at national-level tournaments. That was probably ages 10 to 15.

A high school friend connected me with the Richmond Braves, out of Virginia, to play in the summer. I played with friends and traveled the country.

Were you surprised the Diamondbacks drafted you out of high school?

We made it clear that I was going to college. The 10th round is high to be drafted like that. They made a few offers. You’d have to ask my dad—I don’t even know what the concrete offers were. There wasn’t really a price that would drive me away from college.

How often were you scouted in high school?

I was a late bloomer. My time with the Braves and my first few years in high school I was probably 5-foot-9 and 160 pounds of pure baby fat. Junior and senior year of high school I hit my growth spurt, and that kind of was the time I was getting recruited by colleges, and pro scouts. My senior year, I went from 5-9 to 6-2. Maybe I grew more in college. I went from 160 to 190 pounds maybe. After that growth spurt, I threw a lot harder. I was probably throwing in the high 80s as a freshman and sophomore in high school. Then, junior and senior year I was in the low 90s pretty consistently.

Was college what you expected?

Everything I’ve learned about baseball, or 99% of it, has been in college. Unbelievable lifelong relationships. Learning to live on your own, manage yourself.

Growing as a man. I would have had no shot living on my own as an 18-year-old in the minor leagues.

When did the scouting intensify?

I had committed to UVA. St. Albans was playing at St. Anne’s-Belfield in Charlottesville. Kyle Long, who became a Pro Bowl lineman for the Chicago Bears, played baseball in high school and was a 6-5 monster throwing 97-mile-an-hour heat bombs. There must have been 15 scouts there for him. I pitched that game and everything went well. He didn’t pitch, but he batted. The pro scout attention for me really escalated after that. It wasn’t like they were there to see me—I happened to be there. There was definitely scouts at almost every game after that. It signaled 144

What did you think about Seattle drafting you second at UVA? We went into it thinking I might be picked later—maybe by the Nationals, who picked sixth [and took Rendon].

Coach said it would be good for our program, so we had a draft-watch party, which I wasn’t totally comfortable with.

I don’t like being the center of attention. After a few minutes, my name gets called. I remember being shocked, putting my hands on my head. I had a little earpiece in. The TV was delayed a few seconds, so I heard it first. They see me react and everybody starts to explode.

What was it like to be picked so high?

My physical skills I was very confident about. Especially my junior year, I knew that you could put me against any team in the nation and I would give our team a chance to win. But whether I deserved that success was something I struggled with. I worried way more about people’s

MAY/JUNE 2020 | BETHESDAMAGAZINE.COM

opinions of me than I worried about my opinion of myself, which had avalanching effects on my career. It stemmed from getting drafted way higher than I thought I would and signing for a lot more money than I thought I would.

Which is fantastic—don’t get me wrong.

I know it sounds like I’m biting the silver spoon. But it was something I struggled with, thinking these guys picked me this high, I’ve gotta strike everybody out. If I struggle, I’ll disappoint the front office, my coaches, the Seattle fans.

What effect did it have on your pitching?

I walked 20 or 25 guys a year in college [per roughly 100 innings]. In pro ball, I tried to not disappoint people. That led me to do too much on the mound, and try to strike everybody out. The guys at this level figure that out quickly. They’ll sit there and watch me walk them [75 walks in 124 innings in 2012].

Was the coaching staff trying to help you?

No. Which sucked, honestly. It’s something I should have spoken up more about during that time. I was going through mental battles affecting my physical performance. Because I got drafted so high, coaches don’t want to mess with you. I didn’t receive a lot of coaching, and that’s my own fault. They make it clear that it’s your career, your job to figure out what’s best for you. All the insecurities I had about not deserving to be there fed into that.

When did your shoulder start hurting?

A little in 2012, toward the end of the year. I attributed it to being my first pro season. In the beginning of 2013, I was in serious discomfort, but pitching through it because that’s the mentality I had. Everyone’s arm bothers them.

You’re pitching well. The only way for my arm to feel good is to step way across my body, kind of sling it. I threw with my upper body and not necessarily

my arm. The only reason I said something was because I don’t care if this is Game 7 of the World Series, I cannot lift my arm up to pitch tonight. I ended up having my first shoulder surgery by Dr. James Andrews at the end of the 2013 season.

Did you think your career was over?

They told me the extent of the injury, which was incredibly rare, and my chances of pitching again were very low.

I always knew I wanted to give it a shot.

My attitude my whole career was that I do not want to look back in 20 years and say: What if I had done a little more? Kept going? They said it was a 10% chance to pitch again. The surgery was Oct. 1, 2013.

I spent two weeks in Florida because the surgery was extensive. My mom and dad came down. We fished when we weren’t rehabbing. I went back to Arizona, where the Mariners’ spring training complex is.

I rehabbed basically that whole following year. All my strength, mobility, physical tests were great. There were very short periods of anxiety and doubt, but I would not dwell on it. The cliché is ‘control what you can control.’ I focused on the work I had to do.

What was your recovery period?

They give it a wide range of a year to a year and a half. Going into 2015, my arm felt fantastic until a certain point. Once I hit that point of throwing one, two, three, four innings at a time, I pushed it too much. I had similar feelings. I’m going to prove these guys didn’t make a mistake. I’m not going to be a bust. Then I went back to Jackson, Mississippi, the Mariners’ Double-A team, to play three games. But it got to the point again where I said: This isn’t going to work.

What did you do?

I went back to Arizona and tried to rehab, took time off, tried to get back to pitching again. It just never felt good.

I probably could have gone out and pitched a little, but I knew it wouldn’t

have lasted long. We had to shut down that entire rest of 2015. That was a really frustrating year because all of the rehab before it had gone well.

Did the rest help you?

I was excited moving into 2016. I threw one or two live batting practices in spring training, just a guy in the box, no fielders.

I remember going to my locker and trying to reach my phone to check something. I genuinely could not lift my arm. I went in the training room and said, here we go again. I got another MRI and everything was torn again, in different spots.

Did you decide on surgery?

They suggested I try this alternative to platelet-rich plasma injections. It’s called Regenokine. A guy in Arizona shot me up and I had a brand-new arm. Even though I knew all this damage was in there, I was feeling good.

How long did that last?

This must have been in July when I was pitching again. I remember not feeling quite myself, but knowing I was able to work into it. But the second pitch in, I felt something. The first pitch, I think, was 90, 91 miles an hour. That second pitch after that was 82, me trying to throw as hard as I can. I remember being on the mound thinking this is the last time I’ll ever pitch. Just try to get these guys out.

I gave up a triple, then somehow got three outs. I remember walking off the mound, and that was the only time I’ve really thought, this is it, this is over.

What happened?

I had to get another MRI. It showed that Regenokine worked a bit. But it was certainly a point where I needed to get this fixed again. The same tears in my labrum, rotator cuff and capsule. This led to the second surgery in July 2016. The Mariners’ doctor said, ‘You need to retire. You need to stop throwing baseballs. The damage in your shoulder is super extensive.’ Dr. Andrews said it looked horrible

and my chances of coming back were not good, but I had a chance. That’s all I needed to hear. Disappointment and frustration set in, but it dissipates quickly.

I really had to shift my mind to what I can do about it. It’s easy to play the victim, but I never allowed myself to feel that way. The willingness to keep going was instilled in me as a kid. You do everything you can, without making excuses.

How did you rehab this time?

It worked out perfectly because I could go back to UVA to finish my degree.

Not being with a pro team, I wasn’t responsible to be at their facilities. Our trainer at UVA, through the kindness of his heart, rehabbed me. I was a student coach with the team, so I was there anyway. It was hitting a reset button for me, getting away from pro ball. I took time, going extra slow. I was in a better place mentally. I wasn’t worried about making people happy. I spent 2017 there, with an eye on 2018. Around December, I tried to get my name out again and say I wanted to keep playing.

How did you do that?

Our coaches at UVA know all the scouts in the area. My agent was putting my name out there as much as he could. I was making videos of myself. I’d throw a pitch and show the velocity and my mechanics. Send that to teams to show I can throw a ball without my arm falling off. My college pitching coach has a radar gun. I throw a pitch and he comes back and shows me it’s 91 miles an hour.

I thought, if I’m throwing that hard in a bullpen right now, that’s incredible.

How did you connect with the Cubs?

The guy I knew with the Cubs was Terry Clark, a coach I was close with on the Mariners. The Cubs made an offer. That was February 2018, when spring training was starting. I did the physical there. The doctors said the MRI does not look good.

This does not look like a healthy shoulder, but if you’re out there and you’re willing

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to go, then we’ll have you. I had one frustrating setback in the middle of that year.

That led me to this new type of working out I’m doing called EVO UltraFit. It’s super intense and painful, but worked for a lot of guys. I attribute a lot of my shoulder health to that treatment.

How did you start out with the Cubs?

I pitched in the rookie Arizona League in August 2018, the first time in more than two years in a competitive game.

I’m amped up. The first batter hits a home run. Second batter, triple. Third batter, single. Fourth batter, maybe a strikeout. The last hitter, single. I just get torched against much younger competition. That was incredibly discouraging.

My buddy said, ‘At least you’re in a position to get crushed. At least you’re out there.’ That kind of opened my eyes. I

went to Triple-A and my arm was feeling great. But because I hadn’t thrown a whole lot these past five, six years, my shoulder started bothering me again in August. I talked to the trainer and said I need a week or two to just calm down.

In Triple-A, did you wonder about being called up to the Cubs?

It’s hard to call somebody up with 15 innings in Triple-A. I talked with a front office guy. He’s like, ‘Yeah, we love what we see, but we need to see more.’ I pitched a couple more times in the playoffs with our Triple-A team. By Sept. 1, they had called other guys up. We were playing catch to warm up for one of those playoff games. We finish up and I go to the weight room to do some stuff.

The pitching coach calls me in. I’m either getting released or something very good

is happening. They tell me I’m going up. I kind of stumbled backward, almost falling into the sofa.

What went through your mind?

All this work. All this disappointment.

All these frustrations. The belief in myself. All the help I’d gotten from my family, my friends, my pitching coaches.

The waves of confidence and waves of hope. I started crying. It was a shock. I remember calling my dad and not even being able to talk to him on the phone. It was literally a dream come true.

Where did you connect with the Cubs?

I flew into Chicago, then we drove to Milwaukee. I’m on cloud nine, soaking it in. I am nervous and excited, trying to enjoy everything. It’s just me and the driver. That was the first taste of the big

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interview

How did Cubs players receive you?

Everyone in that locker room had been in my position. These guys were unbelievable about saying hi and congratulating me. I got good advice from a handful of guys. The best was from Derek Holland.

He said to not have tunnel vision. Go out there and literally look around. Enjoy it.

Soak it all in.

awkwardly at it. I can hang here. I can do this. I get two strikes and throw a twoseam fastball. It rides in. He swings and it hits him in the hand and ricochets and hits the umpire in the knee. The umpire goes down like he gets shot. There’s a three-, four-minute delay to get this guy back on his feet. There’s another coupleminute argument about whether Yelich swung. I gave up a hit to the next guy, so there’s first and second, nobody out. But I struck those next three guys out.

How was it to get in a game?

It was nerves, excitement. The first batter was Christian Yelich. I’d faced big league hitters before. I still wasn’t sure how my stuff would match up. All it took was the first pitch. Fastball away. Arguably the second-best player in baseball swings really

Were your family or friends there?

My mom, dad, brother, his fiancée, my high school friend, and Jarrett Parker, my college friend. I called all of them and they booked the next flight. The following Saturday at Wrigley Field in Chicago, I had people there representing all parts of my

leagues. A cool decked-out Escalade, I think. Water and snacks in the back.

life—high school friends, college friends, Arizona friends, high school coach, Little League coach. Everybody that helped me get to that point. I hadn’t pitched in four, five days, but the one day they were all there, I pitched. It was awesome.

What are your chances with the Cubs in the future?

Obviously, for seven years, that was the motivating factor—just to get there, achieve this dream, say you’re a major league baseball player. That was beautiful, and that all worked out. Now that end goal has to change. I want to stay there. n Andrew Schotz is the managing editor of Bethesda Beat. The Bethesda Interview is edited for length and clarity.

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Homeowners can provide a habitat for wildlife, birds and bees by planting native species. These flowers, called fire pink, attract hummingbirds and butterflies. For more, turn to page 154.

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home | HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS

PRETTY IN PINK The glamorous little Ada sofa offers big style for small spaces. A crescent shape, brushed gold legs, buttontufted back and piping trim are nods to midcentury modern. It is 72 inches long and covered in synthetic linen that’s pale pink or ivory. Find it for $1,930 at Urban Country Designs in Bethesda (301-654-0500; urbancountrydesigns.com).

GREAT CURVES Rounded edges are back, and the hottest new sofas are shapely and sophisticated

BY CAROLYN WEBER

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RETRO RADIANCE A dramatic serpentine silhouette makes this three-piece sofa a showstopper. The Bellevue right arm chaise sectional is perfect for entertaining. It has brushed brass legs and can be covered in an array of fabrics, including this lush teal velvet called Como Capri.

It is 172½ inches long and retails for $4,697 at Crate & Barrel in the Spring Valley neighborhood of Upper Northwest D.C. (202-3646100; crateandbarrel.com).

LOUNGE LIFE A curved sofa is a great solution for a tricky corner. The sleek, low-slung profile of the leather Goleta sofa has a bohemian chic vibe. It’s 98 inches long and comes in 14 bold colors, including a rich gold called Lager. Prices start at $4,698 at Anthropologie in Bethesda (240345-9413; anthropologie.com).

STAY NEUTRAL The graceful soft lines and subtle asymmetry across the back of the Moderne curved soda from Bernhardt is on trend but not a huge design risk. It is 105 inches long, features a neutral mineral blue upholstery, comes with six throw pillows and is priced at $4,179 through Neiman Marcus in Friendship Heights’ Mazza Gallerie (202966-9700; neimanmarcus.com).

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MOD SQUAD This contemporary two-piece sectional is designed to promote conversation. The Edito modular corner sofa measures 140.9 inches long, and buyers can mix and match inside and outside colors, with more than a dozen combination choices in Techno 3D fabric or wool. The high style Europeanmade beauty is $11,735 at Roche Bobois in Chevy Chase, D.C. (202686-5667; roche-bobois.com). n

Carolyn Weber lives in Silver Spring and frequently writes about architecture and home design.

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Welcoming

Nature

By planting native species, homeowners can provide a habitat for wildlife, birds and bees—and help save the planet

BY AMY BRECOUNT WHITE

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PHOTO BY GETTY IMAGES

W

WHEN CHEVY CHASE RESIDENTS Anna Holloway and Tejinder Singh built their new home in 2017, they weren’t interested in planting a typical grass lawn on their property, which has multiple levels and a creek.

“We wanted to have wildlife and birds and insects in our garden,” Holloway says.

Water conservation was also a concern, so they didn’t want to choose plants that required significant irrigation. For help, the couple turned to Moody Graham, a landscape architecture firm in Washington, D.C., and then followed the firm’s suggestions to put in mostly native plants, including purple coneflowers, yarrow and native grasses.

Ongoing construction of the adjacent light-rail Purple Line had required the removal of some trees from their land, so the couple took advantage of the Tree Montgomery program, which plants shade trees for free in Montgomery County, to add six native elms and oaks to their backyard. Now their yard “brings them an immense amount of joy” during the summer, Holloway says. Their two young boys often play outside while she’s gardening and love the nesting goldfinches that visit the property.

By implementing their ideas, the family joined a nationwide trend toward reevaluating both the purpose and aesthetic of American yards and public green spaces.

“We’ve had this notion that humans and nature are separate—that humans are here and nature is someplace else,” says Doug Tallamy, an entomology professor at the University of Delaware and the author of the influential 2009 book Bringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants.

“There is no someplace else anymore. Now we have to share where we are with functioning ecosystems, and that’s why we have to welcome nature to where we are.”

At the same time, the “natural” areas of many county parks and private yards have become overrun by invasive species—English ivy, porcelain berry and lesser celandine to name a few—that don’t nurture local fauna, experts say. In addition, the widespread use of pesticides is killing the insects that both pollinate and sustain larger species, such as birds. After a 2015 law was upheld last year, many pesticides are now banned

in most of Montgomery County—some incorporated municipalities, such as the Town of Chevy Chase and the cities of Rockville and Gaithersburg, are exempt from the law unless they opt to accept it.

Tallamy warns that communities risk ecosystem collapse if people don’t act quickly to reconfigure both their personal and public land use. There are plenty of warning signs. Forty percent of all insect species are threatened with extinction worldwide, according to a 2019 study in the journal Biological Conservation. The journal Science reports that since 1970, North America has lost 29% of its bird population—that’s approaching 3 billion birds. And while monarch butterflies registered an uptick in population last year, their overall numbers have declined rapidly, according to the World Wildlife Fund.

Grim statistics like these can easily discourage and overwhelm, but all is not lost. “There’s a lot you can do about it, particularly insect declines,” says Tallamy, whose latest book, Nature’s Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation That Starts in Your Yard, was published in February. “It’s totally reversible.” Moreover, supporting native birds, bees and butterflies is an effective way to combat some of the negative effects of climate change, Tallamy says.

The worldwide decline of pollinators is “an issue that is so fundamentally foundational for all ecosystems and for the health of the planet, but also for human health,” says Laurie Adams, the president and CEO of the Pollinator Partnership, based in San Francisco, which advocates for awareness and pollinator-friendly practices in farming and government. Some of humans’ most nutrient-rich foods, she points out, are seeds, berries and nuts—all of which rely on pollinators.

TO REVERSE THE TROUBLING statistics, experts advise us to envision our yards differently—seeing them as tiny oases that grow and support bees, butterflies and birds, and also the vital caterpillars and moths. Nonnative azaleas, nandinas, crepe myrtles and boxwoods may have curb appeal, but they aren’t nurturing the insects that are the foundation of the local ecosystem.

“When you have plants in your yard that have no

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home Below: Swallowtail butterflies feed on joe-pye weed.

Right: Rochelle Bartolomei, the native plant program manager at Pope Farm Nursery in Gaithersburg, a division of Montgomery County Parks, plants roundleaf thoroughwort. The nursery grows mostly native trees, shrubs and flowers to plant in the county’s parks and sell to the public at nature centers.

feeding damage, no little holes in them, that means you have a dead landscape,” Tallamy says. “These plants that we picked because they were pest free—meaning nothing eats them— they might as well be plastic. They’re not contributing to local food webs and the creatures that run our ecosystem.”

Local bees, butterflies, birds and moths coevolved with the native plants. To understand this, think of the monarch butterfly, which only lays eggs on one type of plant—milkweed. If milkweed no longer populates gardens or roadside areas, then there won’t be any more monarchs. Ninety percent of planteating insects are host-plant specialists, meaning they don’t exist without a particular plant, Tallamy says.

“To keep those native species alive, we need to have native plants,” says Rochelle Bartolomei, the native plant program manager at Pope Farm Nursery in Gaithersburg, a division of Montgomery Parks. The nursery grows mostly native trees, shrubs and flowers to plant in the county’s 423 parks and also to sell to the public at sales held at the parks department’s nature centers. “It’s critical that we create these kinds of environments in our gardens to help create corridors of vegetation that the insects need to live,” she says.

Planting a variety of native flowers, shrubs, vines and trees in yards—such as mountain mint, arrowwood viburnum and oak trees—provides much-needed nectar, pollen, foliage, nuts and berries for local fauna.

Across the county, there’s a surge in homeowners who are rethinking the ecological role of their yards, says Ann English, the RainScapes program manager for the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection. “The urgency has really ramped up in the last three years. People are alarmed at climate change. They’re alarmed at not seeing the butterflies they used to see, and now people are actively soliciting plants that will attract bees.”

The RainScapes program works with homeowners, churches and other groups to strategize how they can both 156

MAY/JUNE 2020 | BETHESDAMAGAZINE.COM

reduce stormwater runoff from their properties and contribute to local ecosystems, in part by adding native plants. Rebates for conservation landscaping and other changes are available from the county for approved projects. “People feel so powerless, but this is something they can do at home,” English says.

“And that’s tremendously satisfying.”

Some concerned residents go even further. Last year, Rockville resident Wayne Breslyn, a former science teacher who’s always been fascinated by insects, grew 100 milkweed plants from seed on his patio, and then used the social networking site Nextdoor to offer neighbors the 8-inch-tall plants for free so they could also support the monarch population.

Through that effort, Breslyn met others who were interested in supporting birds and insects, and has exchanged plants with several people.

ACCORDING TO EXPERTS, two types of insects drive our ecosystems. “Pollinators keep the diversity of plants there and pollinate,” Tallamy explains, while insects in the food webs, including caterpillars, provide energy by becoming food for other animals, such as birds.

The alarming decline of honeybees (U.S. beekeepers lost 40% of their colonies in the winter of 2019 alone)—due to pesticides, the loss of habitats, parasites and climate change—gets a lot of press, but there are more than 400 other species of native bees in the region that will busily pollinate wherever we welcome them, experts say.

“Mason bees are really important pollinators, and they don’t sting,” says Arlington resident Nancy Striniste, author of Nature Play at Home. She specializes in designing natural play areas for children with native plantings, including Constitution Gardens Park, a public recreation area in Gaithersburg. “Attracting mason bees to your yard and having the opportunity to observe them is something that kids are naturally drawn to.”

While the plight of monarchs, with their striking

THIS PAGE: REGIS LEFEBURE (BACKYARD AND PHLOX); BEN ISRAEL WITH AUDUBON (BARBARA SCHUBERT); GETTY IMAGES; OPPOSITE PAGE: MARILYN STONE (ROCHELLE BARTOLOMEI); DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Clockwise from right: Barbara Schubert, in her native garden in Silver Spring, suggests choosing plants that bloom every season; phlox, a perennial flower; Backyard Bounty in Silver Spring creates sustainable backyards, such as this one featuring echinacea, phlox and more.

Ways to make your yard more eco-friendly • Reduce the lawn area and add native plants. “Lawn is a dead zone,” entomologist and author Doug Tallamy says.

Using native plants also reduces or eliminates the need for fertilizers, pesticides and watering.

• Stop or minimize the use of pesticides, which can kill insects indiscriminately, including pollinators and the insects that birds eat. To control mosquitos, Tallamy recommends trapping them during their larval stage. You can do that in your yard by putting some straw in a bucket of water and then adding a mosquito dunk (a small disc sold at garden centers that kills only mosquito larvae). “Mosquitos will find that an irresistible place to lay eggs—and you have stopped mosquito reproduction in your yard,” he says. Spraying soapy water on plant leaves is often a safe and effective solution for many pests, such as aphids and mites.

• Turn off outdoor lights or use motion detectors and yellow bulbs instead of white to boost the moth population. Many

moths don’t eat as adults and have a limited energy supply.

If they’re flying around a bulb (they’re more attracted to white than yellow), they’re not mating and laying eggs.

• Leave leaf litter under your bushes and borders in the fall “to support insect communities that are the base of the food chain for birds and other wildlife,” says Alison Pearce of the Audubon Naturalist Society in Chevy Chase. Insects shelter, overwinter and reproduce there.

• Cut invasive ivy off trees and remove other invasive plants.

Ivy can steal sunlight and nutrients from trees, attract fungus, and cause mature trees or branches to fall in storms because they’re heavier, according to the Rock Creek Conservancy in Bethesda.

• Put bells on cats that spend time outdoors. Outdoor cats (mostly feral) kill between 1.3 billion and 4 billion birds annually in the U.S., according to a 2013 study in the journal Nature.

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Choose the Right Plants Rochelle Bartolomei, a native plant specialist for Montgomery Parks, stresses the importance of choosing “native plants with the right ecotype for our region” to ensure that they match the needs of local fauna. Barbara Schubert, who’s nurtured her native garden in Silver Spring for the past 16 years, suggests choosing plants that bloom every season. She’s partial to golden ragwort, a ground cover: “The deer don’t kill it, it flowers profusely in the spring, and it can vanquish the lesser celandine [an invasive ground cover].” Native plants need water the first two years after planting, but once established they will be easier to maintain than nonnatives, Bartolomei says. Some nonnative plants, such as butterfly bushes, do provide nectar for butterflies and moths, but entomologist and author Doug Tallamy compares planting those to putting out sugar water in hummingbird feeders. Those plants don’t support the whole life cycle and aren’t the best choice, he says.

Perennial flowers

Thirteen species of native bees need goldenrod pollen, and there are varieties for any site, from sunny to shady. Milkweed (ask for native varieties) provides critical egg-laying territory for monarch butterflies.

Also try asters, sunflowers, purple coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, boneset, ironweed, cardinal flowers, mountain mint and phlox.

Shrubs, vines and ground cover

Arrowwood viburnum, highbush blueberry, Virginia creeper and coral honeysuckle support local pollinators, caterpillars and birds. Other choices include serviceberry, spicebush, Virginia sweetspire, American beautyberry, inkberry holly, chokecherry, elderberry, buttonbush, sweet pepperbush and witch hazel. Options for vines and ground cover are green-and-gold, wild geranium, native sedges, golden ragwort and purple passion flower.

Trees

“No plant makes more moths than oaks,” Tallamy says. Oak trees also store carbon and reduce runoff and erosion with their roots. Black cherry supports pollinators, moths and birds. Also consider planting American holly, birch, Eastern redbud, Eastern red cedar, black willow, beech and native plum.

For more information, check out these online sources:

Native plant sources

The Maryland Native Plant Society lists regional vendors and plant sales. mdflora.org. Find plants native to the Chesapeake Bay watershed on this database from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay: nativeplantcenter.net.

Native plant finder

The National Wildlife Federation used the research of Tallamy and his students to rank native plants on how many moths and butterflies they support. nwf.org/nativeplantfinder.

Plants for birds

The National Audubon Society’s native plant database ranks the best plants for birds. audubon.org/ plantsforbirds.

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Above: Flowering plants such as these attract bees.

THIS PAGE: ERICK GIBSON (EDAMARIE MATTEI); REGIS LEFEBURE (PLANTS); GETTY IMAGES (ILLUSTRATIONS)

Right: Edamarie Mattei is the owner of Backyard Bounty in Silver Spring, a landscaping firm that focuses on sustainability.

orange-and-black coloring, is concerning, many other insects that aren’t as flashy also need to be nurtured, Tallamy says.

“Butterflies are essentially day-flying moths that taste bad.

They’re pretty and we love them, but it’s those ugly brown moths that are driving the food webs.” Many moths also pollinate at night and are rarely seen, he says.

To help the bird population rebound, experts say we need to grow more caterpillars. Raising just one clutch of six to eight chickadee chicks, for example, requires at least 6,000 caterpillars, according to the Audubon Naturalist Society, which is headquartered in Chevy Chase. “If you want to attract birds to your yard, you can do it in artificial ways, like putting [in] a bird feeder, or you can plant what they actually eat and what they feed to their young,” says Renee Grebe, a conservation advocate for Audubon. “That’s native seeds in the fall or oak trees that support over 500 species of caterpillars that they feed to their young.”

Migratory birds—including at-risk songbirds such as the golden-winged warbler, the Baltimore oriole and wood thrushes—also require feeding way stations as they travel. Productive native trees can help build the canopy of neighborhood ecosystems. “If you have property big enough to support one tree, and you make that a productive tree, you’ll support the migrating birds that desperately need that food,” Grebe says.

Such trees include native oaks and some plum trees.

TO SAVE LOCAL ECOSYSTEMS, experts say we also need to let go of misconceptions about native plants. “One of the things that can really discourage people is the idea that a native plant garden is a wild meadow that’s overgrown and

looks disorderly,” says Edamarie Mattei, the owner of Backyard Bounty in Silver Spring, a landscaping firm that focuses on sustainability. “The truth is that you can create a habitat-rich native landscape that is incredibly formal or really modern looking.”

Espousing a sustainable aesthetic means viewing our yards and public green spaces as locations to nurture wildlife, rather than sources of eye candy, experts say. “We can be growing caterpillars and birds and butterflies and bees instead of growing grass,” says Alison Pearce, the Woodend Sanctuary restoration leader at Audubon’s headquarters.

“To me, a beautiful flowering bush is not one that is completely symmetrical or trimmed, but it’s one that when it’s flowering, those flowers are in constant motion because of the insects feeding on them,” says Rockville gardener Anne Goodman, a card-carrying “weed warrior.” Through the Montgomery Parks Weed Warriors program, she was trained to eradicate invasive species from local parks and lead others in doing the same. The invasives can then be replaced with faunanurturing native plants.

Master naturalist Ken Bawer, a former board member of the Maryland Native Plant Society and the incoming president of the West Montgomery County Citizens Association, removed the grass and invasive species from his 1-acre property in Rockville and installed native plants. “The thing I enjoy most,” he says, “is just the knowledge that I’m helping to save the world in my own yard, to the small extent that I can.” n Amy Brecount White replaced most of her Arlington lawn with pollinator- and bird-friendly native plants this spring.

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home | BY THE NUMBERS

Data provided by

FEBRUARY’S MOST EXPENSIVE at A peek rea’s f the a some o pensive x most e sold n rece tly s house

HOME SALES

SALE PRICE: SALE PRICE:

$3.2 million LIST PRICE: $3.5 MILLION

Address: 5402 Goldsboro Road, Bethesda 20817 Days on Market: 1 Listing Agency: Washington Fine Properties Bedrooms: 6 Full/Half Baths: 6/3

$2.3 million LIST PRICE: $2.3 MILLION

Address: 4015 Bradley Lane, Chevy Chase 20815 Days on Market: 120 Listing Agency: Washington Fine Properties Bedrooms: 6 Full/Half Baths: 4/1

SALE PRICE:

$2.2 million LIST PRICE: $2.2 MILLION

SALE PRICE:

$2.6 million LIST PRICE: $2.8 MILLION

Address: 10131 Counselman Road, Potomac 20854 Days on Market: 225 Listing Agency: Compass Bedrooms: 6 Full/Half Baths: 6/3

Address: 3607 Spring St., Chevy Chase 20815 Days on Market: 319 Listing Agency: Long & Foster Real Estate Bedrooms: 6 Full/Half Baths: 5/1

SALE PRICE:

$2.1 million LIST PRICE: $2.2 MILLION

Address: 5907 Aberdeen Road, Bethesda 20817 Days on Market: 237 Listing Agency: Long & Foster Real Estate Bedrooms: 5 Full/Half Baths: 4/1

SALE PRICE:

$2 million LIST PRICE: $2 MILLION

$2.3 million LIST PRICE: $2.5 MILLION

Address: 7076 Oregon NW, Washington, D.C. 20015 Days on Market: 136 Listing Agency: McEnearney Associates Bedrooms: 6 Full/Half Baths: 6/1

Address: 4800 Montgomery Ave., Bethesda 20816 Days on Market: 4 Listing Agency: Compass Bedrooms: 7 Full/Half Baths: 7/1

SALE PRICE:

$2 million LIST PRICE: $2 MILLION

Address: 10115 Bentcross Drive, Potomac 20854 Days on Market: 1

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COURTESY PHOTOS

SALE PRICE:

CHEVY CHASE $10,000,000 | The Corby Mansion Maryland’s Highest Recorded Sale in Nine Years Daniel Heider +1 703 785 7820

DARNESTOWN $6,375,000 | 15325 Masonwood Drive BETHESDA $6,900,000 | 8880 Bradley Boulevard Corey Burr +1 301 346 3345 SOLD - The Highest Bethesda Home Sale in Six Years Daniel Heider +1 703 785 7820

POTOMAC $2,250,000 | 11617 Highland Farm Road Lee Arrowood +1 202 251 3175

WASHINGTON, DC $5,750,000 5295 Partridge Lane NW Michael Rankin +1 202 271 3344

BETHESDA $3,495,000 | 6415 Dahlonega Road Lauren Davis +1 202 549 8784

CHEVY CHASE $1,729,000 | 7115 Edgevale Street David DeSantis +1 202 438 1542

BETHESDA $2,950,000 | 9118 Redwood Avenue Dana Cruz +1 301 825 2382

BETHESDA $1,749,000 | 6200 Walhonding Road Lauren Davis +1 202 549 8784

CHEVY CHASE $1,725,000 | 7600 Glendale Road Corey Burr +1 301 346 3345

BOYDS $2,995,000 | Friends Advice 19001 Bucklodge Road Lee Arrowood +1 202 251 3175

POTOMAC $4,500,000 | 12025 Evening Ride Drive Merry-Go-Round Farm’s Only New Construction Offering Daniel Heider +1 703 785 7820

POTOMAC $1,429,000 | 11700 Le Havre Drive Stephanie McGovern +1 202 386 7198 Corey Burr +1 301 346 3345

BETHESDA $1,325,000 | 8111 River Road #125 Angela Hoyos +1 202 438 7910 Lee Goldstein +1 202 744 8060

POTOMAC $715,000 | 42 Orchard Way N Frank Snodgrass +1 202 257 0978 Kirsten Williams+1 202 657 2022

C H EV Y C H AS E , M D •

T T RS I R .CO M | B RO K E RAG ES : B E T H ES DA R OW — 4 8 0 9 B E T H ES DA AV E N U E , B E T H ES DA , M D — + 1 3 0 1 5 1 6 1 2 1 2 A N N A P O L I S, M D • G EO RG E TOW N , D C • D OW N TOW N , D C • M c L E A N , VA • A L E X A N D R I A , VA • A R L I N GTO N , VA • T H E P L A I N S, VA

©2020 TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, licensed real estate broker. Sotheby’s International Realty and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission.

Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. Equal housing opportunity. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Price and availability subject to change.

home | BY THE NUMBERS Listing Agency: Washington Fine Properties Bedrooms: 6 Full/Half Baths: 6/2

SALE PRICE:

$1.9 million LIST PRICE: $2 MILLION

Address: 9904 Potomac Manors Drive, Potomac 20854 Days on Market: 34 Listing Agency: Long & Foster Real Estate Bedrooms: 6 Full/Half Baths: 6/3

SALE PRICE:

$1.9 million LIST PRICE: $2.2 MILLION

Address: 9904 Potomac Manors Drive, Potomac 20854 Days on Market: 44 Listing Agency: Long & Foster Real Estate Bedrooms: 6 Full/Half Baths: 6/3

SALE PRICE:

$1.9 million LIST PRICE: $2.2 MILLION

Address: 9904 Potomac Manors Drive, Potomac 20854 Days on Market: 245 Listing Agency: Long & Foster Real Estate Bedrooms: 6 Full/Half Baths: 6/3

SALE PRICE:

$1.9 million LIST PRICE: $1.9 MILLION

Address: 11217 River View Drive, Potomac 20854 Days on Market: 1 Listing Agency: Compass Bedrooms: 6 Full/Half Baths: 5/1

SALE PRICE:

$1.7 million LIST PRICE: $1.7 MILLION

Address: 5910 Namakagan Road, Bethesda 20816 Days on Market: 65 Listing Agency: TTR Sotheby’s International Realty Bedrooms: 5 Full/Half Baths: 5/1

162

SALE PRICE:

SALE PRICE:

LIST PRICE: $1.7 MILLION

LIST PRICE: $1.5 MILLION

Address: 6609 Brookville Road, Chevy Chase 20815 Days on Market: 189 Listing Agency: Washington Fine Properties Bedrooms: 5 Full/Half Baths: 3/2

Address: 9316 Ewing Drive, Bethesda 20817 Days on Market: 1 Listing Agency: RLAH Real Estate Bedrooms: 5 Full/Half Baths: 4/1

SALE PRICE:

SALE PRICE:

LIST PRICE: $1.7 MILLION

LIST PRICE: $1.5 MILLION

Address: 10032 Avenel Farm Drive, Potomac 20854 Days on Market: 138 Listing Agency: Washington Fine Properties Bedrooms: 5 Full/Half Baths: 4/2

Address: 3814 Jenifer St. NW, Washington D.C. 20015 Days on Market: 1 Listing Agency: Washington Fine Properties Bedrooms: 3 Full/Half Baths: 2/2

SALE PRICE:

SALE PRICE:

LIST PRICE: $1.6 MILLION

LIST PRICE: $1.6 MILLION

Address: 5803 Melvern Drive, Bethesda 20817 Days on Market: 1 Listing Agency: RE/MAX Realty Services Bedrooms: 5 Full/Half Baths: 4/1

Address: 8586 Brickyard Road, Potomac 20854 Days on Market: 119 Listing Agency: Washington Fine Properties Bedrooms: 5 Full/Half Baths: 5/2

SALE PRICE:

SALE PRICE:

LIST PRICE: $1.8 MILLION

LIST PRICE: $1.4 MILLION

Address: 5431 Mohican Road, Bethesda 20816 Days on Market: 403 Listing Agency: Gerlach Real Estate Bedrooms: 7 Full/Half Baths: 5/1

Address: 3202 Cummings Lane, Chevy Chase 20815 Days on Market: 5 Listing Agency: Compass Bedrooms: 5 Full/Half Baths: 4/0

SALE PRICE:

SALE PRICE:

LIST PRICE: $1.6 MILLION

LIST PRICE: $1.5 MILLION

Address: 4817 Park Ave., Bethesda 20816 Days on Market: 7 Listing Agency: RE/MAX Realty Services Bedrooms: 5 Full/Half Baths: 4/1

Address: 10922 Brent Road, Potomac 20854 Days on Market: 80 Listing Agency: Long & Foster Real Estate Bedrooms: 6 Full/Half Baths: 5/3

$1.7 million

$1.6 million

$1.6 million

$1.6 million

$1.5 million

MAY/JUNE 2020 | BETHESDAMAGAZINE.COM

$1.5 million

$1.5 million

$1.5 million

$1.4 million

$1.4 million

Note: Some sale and list prices have been rounded.

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home | BY THE NUMBERS

REAL ESTATE TRENDS

BY ZIP CODE

FEBRUARY 2019

FEBRUARY 2020

20015 (Upper NW D.C.) Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

6 $1.4 Mil. 24 0 4 4

10 $1.2 Mil. 34 4 5 7

20016 (Upper NW D.C.) Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

14 $1.7 Mil. 29 3 7 12

14 $1.6 Mil. 30 7 6 13

20814 (Bethesda) Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

13 $1.1 Mil. 61 5 7 6

4 $1 Mil. 64 1 2 2

20815 (Chevy Chase) Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

13 $1.1 Mil. 73 3 9 7

11 $1.2 Mil. 85 3 6 4

20816 (Bethesda) Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

10 $1.2 Mil. 67 4 4 6

13 $1.2 Mil. 44 7 4 8

27 $1.1 Mil. 54 5 17 12

18 $1.2 Mil. 61 1 12 8

20817 (Bethesda) Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

164

FEBRUARY 2019

FEBRUARY 2020

FEBRUARY 2019

FEBRUARY 2020

20832 (Olney)

20855 (Rockville)

Number of Homes Sold 5 5 Average Sold Price $546,060 $838,145 Average Days on Market 35 47 Above Asking Price 1 3 Below Asking Price 4 0 Sold Over $1 Million 0 2

Number of Homes Sold 8 12 Average Sold Price $584,613 $556,970 Average Days on Market 53 51 Above Asking Price 1 4 Below Asking Price 5 6 Sold Over $1 Million 0 0

20850 (Rockville)

20877 (Gaithersburg)

Number of Homes Sold 12 15 Average Sold Price $602,718 $631,935 Average Days on Market 55 25 Above Asking Price 1 7 Below Asking Price 8 6 Sold Over $1 Million 2 2

Number of Homes Sold 5 5 Average Sold Price $383,580 $410,400 Average Days on Market 47 43 Above Asking Price 2 2 Below Asking Price 3 2 Sold Over $1 Million 0 0

20851 (Rockville)

20878 (North Potomac/ Gaithersburg)

Number of Homes Sold 4 10 Average Sold Price $421,725 $439,350 Average Days on Market 22 19 Above Asking Price 2 4 Below Asking Price 0 5 Sold Over $1 Million 0 0

Number of Homes Sold 17 20 Average Sold Price $610,494 $674,410 Average Days on Market 48 53 Above Asking Price 2 4 Below Asking Price 12 14 Sold Over $1 Million 1 1

20852 (North Bethesda/Rockville)

20879 (Gaithersburg)

Number of Homes Sold 11 14 Average Sold Price $552,591 $604,050 Average Days on Market 31 37 Above Asking Price 6 0 Below Asking Price 4 11 Sold Over $1 Million 1 1

Number of Homes Sold 8 7 Average Sold Price $382,438 $531,185 Average Days on Market 53 51 Above Asking Price 2 1 Below Asking Price 6 5 Sold Over $1 Million 0 0

20853 (Rockville)

20882 (Gaithersburg)

Number of Homes Sold 20 12 Average Sold Price $516,038 $519,000 Average Days on Market 40 40 Above Asking Price 5 5 Below Asking Price 9 6 Sold Over $1 Million 0 0

Number of Homes Sold 5 9 Average Sold Price $657,800 $541,888 Average Days on Market 134 63 Above Asking Price 0 2 Below Asking Price 5 6 Sold Over $1 Million 0 0

20854 (Potomac)

20886 (Gaithersburg)

Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million

MAY/JUNE 2020 | BETHESDAMAGAZINE.COM

27 $1.1 Mil. 64 3 15 14

37 $1.2 Mil. 62 6 28 19

Number of Homes Sold 2 4 Average Sold Price $527,500 $504,875 Average Days on Market 37 39 Above Asking Price 0 1 Below Asking Price 1 1 Sold Over $1 Million 0 0

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home | BY THE NUMBERS FEBRUARY 2019

FEBRUARY 2020

FEBRUARY 2019

FEBRUARY 2020

FEBRUARY 2019

FEBRUARY 2020

20895 (Kensington)

20902 (Silver Spring)

20910 (Silver Spring)

Number of Homes Sold 12 17 Average Sold Price $627,750 $677,514 Average Days on Market 39 42 Above Asking Price 2 6 Below Asking Price 9 11 Sold Over $1 Million 1 2

Number of Homes Sold 16 24 Average Sold Price $461,916 $457,935 Average Days on Market 54 38 Above Asking Price 4 5 Below Asking Price 8 15 Sold Over $1 Million 0 0

Number of Homes Sold 8 4 Average Sold Price $556,031 $619,875 Average Days on Market 56 40 Above Asking Price 2 2 Below Asking Price 5 2 Sold Over $1 Million 0 0

20901 (Silver Spring)

20903 (Silver Spring)

20912 (Silver Spring/Takoma Park)

Number of Homes Sold 17 17 Average Sold Price $498,762 $496,081 Average Days on Market 47 33 Above Asking Price 4 8 Below Asking Price 10 7 Sold Over $1 Million 0 0

Number of Homes Sold 4 5 Average Sold Price $371,975 $457,800 Average Days on Market 42 56 Above Asking Price 1 2 Below Asking Price 2 2 Sold Over $1 Million 0 0

Number of Homes Sold 9 6 Average Sold Price $543,571 $555,000 Average Days on Market 58 102 Above Asking Price 2 0 Below Asking Price 6 5 Sold Over $1 Million 0 0

Information courtesy of Bright MLS, as of March, 16, 2020. The Bright MLS real estate service area spans 40,000 square miles throughout the mid-Atlantic region, including Delaware, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and parts of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. As a leading Multiple Listing Service (MLS), Bright serves approximately 85,000 real estate professionals who in turn serve more than 20 million consumers. For more information, visit brightmls.com. Note: This information includes single-family homes sold from Feb. 1, 2020, to Feb. 29, 2020, as of March 16, 2020, excluding sales where sellers have withheld permission to advertise or promote. Information should be independently verified. Reports reference data provided by ShowingTime, a showing management and market stats technology provider to the residential real estate industry. Some sale and list prices have been rounded.

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PROJECT

Inspired by the New England seaside, this eclectic shingle-style home modestly boasts approximately 11,000 square feet. Lowering the roof eave and housing the second floor and attic within the cedar shingle-clad roof assembly helps reduce the visual scale; while the low, slung roofline creates a dramatic presentation to the flanking pair of roof gables, gently curved eyebrow dormer and bowed attic windows recessed within each gable.

A slightly contemporary twist of vibrant color contrasts pastel blue toned shingles against white trim and achieves a punctuation of depth in the form of black window frames and vibrant indigo entry door.

The home’s floor plan was designed in the form of a bent “L” shape with the garage wing angled from the main body of the house. This form allows the front, with its angled garage appendage, to act as a dividing wall and enclosure to the private rear-yard garden and pool beyond.

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Chase Builders Chase Builders 8750 Brookville Road Silver Spring, MD 20910 301-588-4747 www.ChaseBuilders.com

BIO

Built in 2019, this exceptional 5 bedroom/4.5 bath spec home in Bethesda has many quality and luxury features including refined open spaces, exposed wood beams, a large screened porch, custom natural stone fireplace surround and much more! Every house we build is unique in its tile work, exceptional trim detail, and finishes including designer lighting, premium countertops and crisp paint colors.

This home features a custom hood, top-of-the-line stainless appliances and Brookhaven cabinetry by WoodMode. Built with the homeowner in mind, our goal with every project is to create an inviting, spectacular home where friends and family can gather for many years to come.

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Chase Builders Inc. is an awardwinning builder in Maryland. Every Chase Builder’s home is custom designed and built with top quality, luxury features. Although they differ in style, floor plan, size and features, our unique homes have this in common— they are thoughtfully designed and well built.

PROJECT

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:  &  SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Meridian Homes Meridian Homes, Inc. 4938 Hampden Lane, #330 Bethesda, MD 20814 301-652-4440 Info@MeridianHomesInc.com www.MeridianHomesInc.com

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BIO

At Meridian Homes, we specialize in luxury renovations and custom home building. Our mission is to create exceptional residences that exceed expectations. Our highly personalized design process and careful management of every project has earned us a reputation over many years for outstanding client service and solid, beautiful craftsmanship.

OUR WORK

We are obsessed with quality and the personal touch. From the first conceptual sketch through our meticulous construction process, you will notice our exacting attention to detail. If you, too, are obsessed with quality done right, you have found your design/build soulmates at Meridian Homes. In our vocabulary “quality” is more than shorthand for expensive finishes. It’s in the uncompromising integrity of construction. Quality shows in the subtle finesse of fine craftsmanship. Quality expresses itself in a nook, a room, an entire home that feels totally satisfying because every detail is simply the way it should be.

Let’s obsess about quality together on your renovation or custom home.

To see more photos of this project and our many others, visit www. meridianhomesinc.com/portfolio.

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Classic Homes of Maryland Classic Homes of Maryland 50 W. Edmonston Drive, Suite 402 Rockville, MD 20852 240-396-1106 ClassicHomesMD.com

BIO

Classic Homes of Maryland is an awardwinning builder with over 35 years of experience. Partnering with top area architects such as "Best of Bethesda" award winner Carib Daniel Martin, Classic Homes melds our design build methodology with exceptional quality to achieve singular results for its clients.

PROJECT

With its magnificent craftsman-style elevation and nearly 4,500 finished square feet, this gorgeous custom residence from Classic Homes of 170

Maryland is a recent highlight of Bethesda's established Woodburn neighborhood. The spectacular custom elevation includes a generously wide front porch with a distinctive balcony centered above.

Entering through the front door into the two-story foyer reveals a spacious transitional layout. The breathtaking kitchen features a quartz waterfall island and tile mosaic, creating a more contemporary feel. Upstairs, an expansive master suite stretches the entire width of the home, including a sitting room and private balcony.

The standard smart home features add a further touch of modernity, including WiFi-enabled appliances, thermostats, pedestrian and garage doors, a video doorbell, and window sensors. Additionally, a robust network package with access points helps keep families connected.

Classic Homes takes pride in the quality of their work and designs, as well as building homes for next-gen buyers.

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:  &  SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Mid-Atlantic Custom Builders Mid-Atlantic Custom Builders 11611 Old Georgetown Road, 2nd Floor Rockville, MD 20852 301-231-0009 ext. 235 www.MidAtlanticCustomHomes.com

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BIO

Mid-Atlantic Custom Builders brings over 40 years of homebuilding expertise to carefully craft luxury homes in Bethesda and Chevy Chase. Offering spectacular design innovations, the company has been awarded the highest honors by industry experts, homeowners and trade partners alike for service, quality and value.

PROJECT

This 5 bedroom single-family home reinvents Bethesda luxury and stands tall as an impressive example of what Mid-Atlantic Custom Builders brings to the table on its signature projects. The sprawling main level is outfitted with a gourmet kitchen that leads into a wide open family room. Separate areas are reserved for formal living and dining rooms and a spacious morning room boasts natural light from a perfectly placed wall of windows. Moving upstairs, the spacious owner’s suite covers nearly half of the second floor, complete with double walk-in closets and a signature spa bath. On the ground floor is a bonus room dedicated for media or fitness, in addition to a larger recreation space and the home’s fifth bedroom with an en suite bath. The home’s stellar exterior also provides unmatched outdoor living with covered porches in both the front and rear.

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Natelli Homes, LLC Natelli Homes, LLC 506 Main St. Gaithersburg, MD 301-938-5933 Bob@NatelliHomes.com www.NatelliHomes.com

BIO

Natelli Homes’ projects range in size from bathrooms, kitchens and additions to fully custom homes. We offer a competitive bid on your plans or provide effective turn-key design and construction services. Our process is well defined and simple. We guide and assist you through every aspect of the design and construction process.

Transparency, trust, quality and exceptional value are the cornerstones of our success. Contact Natelli Homes now for a complimentary consultation and begin planning for a spring construction start. We look forward to helping you achieve your goals.

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For over 25 years, Natelli Homes has designed and built award-winning custom homes and residential renovations in Bethesda, Chevy Chase and Potomac neighborhoods. We successfully empower our clients with the tools needed to explore design possibilities, maximize their budget and achieve their vision.

OUR WORK

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fitness. wellness. medicine.

PHOTO BY LIZ LYNCH

health

Dr. Rachel Schreiber, an allergist/ immunologist in Rockville, treats patients of all ages for asthma and environmental and food allergies.

For more, turn the page.

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health | BE WELL

THE DETECTIVE A Rockville doctor on food allergies, surprising diagnoses and why some people shouldn’t get a dog

BY KATHLEEN SEILER NEARY | PHOTO BY LIZ LYNCH

A 16-YEAR-OLD who needs an insulin pump once told Dr. Rachel Schreiber, an allergist/immunologist in Rockville, that his peanut allergy bothered him more than his diabetes. “He was always afraid of something hidden and surprising,” Schreiber says. After she started him on oral immunotherapy (OIT), a process of food desensitization that involves giving patients increasing doses of the food they’re allergic to (starting with miniscule amounts), the boy came to Schreiber’s office every other week for peanut flour, which he also took at home. Nine months after OIT began, he ate three peanut M&M’s.

“He went to the Montgomery County fair and he said, ‘I was stepping on peanut shells and I wasn’t scared,’ ” Schreiber, 48, says. “It’s these little things that you and I do every single day that scare patients with allergies and their families.”

Schreiber started offering OIT three years ago after parents kept asking if there was any option for their food-allergic children besides avoidance. “The idea is that it will give you protection if you have an accidental exposure. It’s not a cure,” Schreiber says. She offers OIT for peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, wheat, milk, eggs and soy. She tells parents that the treatment is intense, so it’s not for everyone. But when patients complete the process, she says, it’s exciting for all involved. “This really has changed our lives,” parents tell her.

Schreiber decided to become a doctor when she was an undergraduate at the University of Maryland, but medicine had made an impact on her years earlier.

When Schreiber was 12, her mother was in a car accident and suffered a spinal 174

cord injury. She spent three months in the hospital, went through lots of physical therapy, and is able to walk with leg braces and a cane. “I saw the power of medicine and the power of healing, and how that could really affect not only one person, but when one person is sick, their entire family’s affected,” Schreiber says. After med school at the University of Maryland in Baltimore, she completed her residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in allergy/immunology at the University of Pittsburgh.

She worked for practices in Pittsburgh and Montgomery County, then opened Schreiber Allergy five years ago. She and her husband, Dan, met as 12-year-olds at Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School in Rockville, then lost touch in college and reconnected at a high school reunion. They have two teenage sons. She see patients of all ages (about 60% are pediatric) for asthma and allergies, including environmental allergies, which she treats with allergy shots if other medications don’t work. If Schreiber thinks a patient has outgrown a food allergy, she has them do a “food challenge” at her office. As with OIT, there’s a risk of an allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis.

“It’s something that we’re prepared to deal with, but it’s not something we ever want to have to deal with,” she says.

Schreiber often has to do some digging to find the right diagnosis. When a 13-yearold went into anaphylaxis at school, Schreiber learned that the episodes were happening in PE, and figured out that the girl was eating foods with wheat before the class. The diagnosis was wheat-dependent, exercise-induced anaphylaxis. “Sometimes my patients say to me, ‘You’re like a detective,’ ” Schreiber says. n

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IN HER OWN WORDS...

DEEP BREATHS “I had a patient and I put her on a new medication for asthma and she came in and was like, ‘I felt better the first day I took that medicine.’ She said, ‘I didn’t even realize that I couldn’t take a deep breath until I went on the medicine.’ I think so many people walk around with symptoms and they don’t even realize how bad they feel until we put them on something and they feel better.”

DOG DILEMMA “I have patients who say, ‘Our family wants to get a dog, do I have a dog allergy?’ I’ll test them.

And I’ll say, ‘Well, you don’t have a dog allergy but you have 10 pollen allergies, and the problem with that is you have to walk your dog outside. And then your dog’s gonna track the pollen back into your house. So you have to be really careful with that.’ ”

CONNECTING THE DOTS “Allergies are genetic. It’s been mapped to certain chromosomes. But one of the things that really fascinates me is we can see first-generation American patients with allergy.

And their parents, let’s say, are from Africa or Asia. And there’s no allergy at all in the family.

Yet these babies come in and they’re very allergic. And why is that? There has to be some environmental trigger. We know that there’s a gene but that gene got triggered, and what is that trigger? I think that’s the million dollar question.”

LOOKING FOR ANSWERS “One of the toughest things is when patients come in with hives. They say, ‘There has to be something that’s causing this.’ I say, ‘I know you think that. We all think that.’

But in general it’s very hard to find a source for hives, and most patients at some point will have hives in their lifetimes, like greater than 90%. We look for answers, but it can be really hard to find a source, and I always say to my patients, ‘That’s frustrating for you and it’s frustrating for me, but we’re gonna help you.’ ”

ON DETERMINATION “We have a patient who came to us for peanut OIT. His parents drove him in every other week from Capitol Hill. He was having trouble tolerating his doses. We said, ‘We’re just going to really slow your schedule down.’ I gave him the option of giving up. They said, ‘We will do whatever we can.’ It took him 2½ years to switch from eating peanut flour to peanut M&M’s. It was like giving birth that day. The mother was crying, we were crying, the nurses were crying, the grandmother was here.”

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Stew Tewksbury and his father, Paul

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PHOTO BY MICHAEL VENTURA

health

PHOTO BY MICHAEL VENTURA

A Lasting Gift When a Silver Spring dad was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia, his teenage son was his best hope for survival

BY MIKE UNGER

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health

bonded over music. Paul, a singer-songwriter, taught Stew the piano and the drums, though his son’s stellar voice, Paul is quick to point out, probably comes from his wife, Julie. When it was time to teach Stew how to drive, it was Paul who nervously clutched the passenger door handle while his son took the wheel.

Stew made sure to take it easy on his old man that day at the rec center. Now a 17-year-old pitcher and outfielder on Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School’s varsity team, his arm strength was apparent from a young age. When Stew was 10, his father was catching him as he prepared to enter a game. Paul lost track of

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a pitch in the sun and the ball smacked him right in the face, breaking his nose and causing a concussion. The parent of another player on the team was a doctor, and she told Paul to go to the hospital. He did—after staying to watch Stew pitch.

“After that, I ordered a catcher’s mask,” says Paul, now 50.

For most of the summer of 2017, life couldn’t have been more blissfully routine for Paul, Julie and their sons, Stew and Pierce. Paul worked as a mental health counselor at the House of Representatives’ employee assistance office.

Julie was an instructor at the Bethesda Boxing & Kickboxing Academy. Most of

PHOTO BY MICHAEL VENTURA

O

ON A HOT AND buggy afternoon in September 2018, Paul Tewksbury and his son Stewart, then 15, walked to a rec center field near their Silver Spring home. Paul slipped a mitt onto his right hand, Stew put one on his left, and, as they had countless times before, they played catch.

Nothing—except for the fact that it was happening at all—was remarkable about this father-son pastime, especially for a father and son as close as these two.

Paul started teaching Stew the game of baseball when he was a toddler, tossing him little plastic balls that he’d whack with a plastic bowling pin. They also

Paul, a singer-songwriter, with his wife, Julie, and son Stew

COURTESY PHOTO

PHOTO BY MICHAEL VENTURA

their free time was spent shepherding the kids to travel league baseball games. Both teens hope to play in college.

That all changed on Aug. 17, when Paul, who had been suffering from a mysterious onset of intense fatigue, got a call from his doctor that marked the start of a brutal battle in which Stew ultimately provided a lifeline.

“I realize what it’s like to be that ‘other,’ because this is that ‘thing’ that happens to other people,” Paul says. “Then you find yourself as the guy in the hospital with the mask, in the wheelchair with the IV stick getting carted around for all sorts of tests.

You can’t do anything. You are a ghost.

You find this deeper empathy for people’s hardships. You see the best in people, from the medical people, to people at work, to your immediate sphere. There’s a lifetime of profound gratitude for that.”

PAUL TEWKSBURY WAS IN solid shape. He’d often walk the mile and a half from the family’s Rosemary Hills home to the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit Center in Silver Spring, where he caught the Metro to his office in downtown D.C. At night, he’d return home from the station on foot, and he usually found time to squeeze in 30 minutes of cardio at the gym.

But in July 2017 he began feeling unusually tired. Twenty minutes on the treadmill or stair-climber wore him out. He lost about 15 pounds and started taking naps after work.

“One day I recall calling Julie and saying, ‘I just can’t walk home today,’ ” he says.

At night, he’d sweat so profusely that it woke him up. It was as if someone had sprayed a hose onto the bed.

“You know how guys tend to do it: ignore and deny until you can’t do that anymore,” he says. “But I just had a sense that something was off.”

Two or three weeks after his symptoms emerged, Paul went to his primary care physician, who ordered a battery of tests. The CT scans of his head, chest and vital organs came back negative, but his platelet count

was disturbingly low, so he was referred to a hematologist. On Aug. 14, that doctor ran blood tests and told Paul he needed a second round of lab work a few days later. His theory was that Paul was suffering from some sort of virus. Paul was scheduled to return to the hematologist on Aug. 17. As he was leaving his office early that Thursday to get to the appointment, his phone rang.

I’m sorry to tell you this, the doctor said, but it’s cancer.

“He emphasized that it’s curable,” Paul recalls, “but I was pretty freaked out and scared.”

Julie was also shocked when she learned of Paul’s condition, but she was determined to downplay it to her sons, the same strategy she’d taken several Paul was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia, an aggressive cancer of the white blood cells, in August 2017. He underwent treatment at Johns Hopkins and eventually needed a bone marrow transplant.

years earlier when she had surgery for thyroid cancer. (She’s fine now.)

“I just remember that I asked if he was going to be OK,” Stew says. “She said it was treatable.”

When Paul got home that night, the family huddled in the hallway near the front door. “He was really pale,” Stew says. “He walked in and it was like a big group hug.”

Later that night, instead of packing for a beach vacation the family was supposed to leave for the next day, Paul checked into Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore to begin a 30-day inpatient program of induction chemotherapy to treat acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), an aggressive cancer of the white blood cells. “[AML] has several consequences,” says one of Paul’s physicians, Dr. Jonathan Webster, an assistant professor of oncology at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins. “When the white blood cells don’t function properly, you get infections. Because the white blood cells are growing out of control, it actually squeezes out production of other things that the bone marrow does, so as a result you don’t make red blood cells and you don’t make platelets. When you don’t make red blood cells, you become anemic to the point that you need blood transfusions. If you become too anemic, you can die.”

Without treatment, AML can prove fatal in a matter of days or months. The five-year survival rate is about 40%, according to Webster.

However, once someone reaches five years without leukemia, they very rarely relapse, he says.

Following a painful bone marrow biopsy that Paul describes as “torture beyond your wildest imagination, but mercifully short,” doctors implanted a port in one of his veins and delivered chemotherapy drugs (primarily cytarabine and idarubicin) intravenously.

He also was given a host of antibiotics, anti-fungals, anti-virals and anti-nauseas. “You had to go to the bathroom a lot, you didn’t want to eat a lot, you

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health didn’t want to get up a lot,” he says. “You started seeing strange rashes form on your body. You kind of get your butt kicked.”

After several days of chemo, Paul began experiencing chest pain. Doctors gave him antacids, which didn’t help. “There was pressure in my chest, down my arms.

Deep within,” he says. “I’d never experienced it before. It was day seven of chemo, Julie was there as she always was, holding my hand. I was in a lot of pain, and the cardiologists were checking on me all the time. They knew something wasn’t right.

Then at one moment in the middle of the afternoon my eyes rolled back and I went into cardiac arrest. I was unconscious.”

At this point, only Julie can tell the story.

“When it happened, I yelled for the nurse and she came running,” Julie recalls. “He was down for like 35 minutes, and they couldn’t resuscitate him, so they sent the chaplain and the social worker to me. We were outside in the hall because I didn’t want to watch.”

Paul had suffered chemotherapyinduced cardiac arrest, which Webster calls “exceedingly rare.”

A nurse told Julie later that a doctor working on Paul insisted on trying to revive him by shocking his heart one last time. Somehow it worked, but Paul did not regain consciousness for a few hours. “I called my family because they said he was going to be brain damaged and wouldn’t be able to come back from it,” Julie says, her voice wavering. “I didn’t tell the boys that. When they came to the hospital, I just said, ‘Daddy wants to see you.’ He was intubated and couldn’t talk, but the boys talked to him. They told him they loved him and they hugged him. We were all in tears. I thought it was the last time they would see him alive.”

Paul was heavily drugged (he remembers looking at an IV bag and hallucinating that it was filled with ramen noodles), but he could communicate with Julie by squeezing her hand in response to questions she asked about his well-being. One squeeze for yes, two for no.

The next morning, she got him a note-

book. His first written message was a plea to remove a catheter. Slowly his heart began to regain strength. He had dodged a bullet, but he still had leukemia. “The day they thought I was good enough to go back to the leukemia section—that was a real positive day,” he says.

BECAUSE PAUL’S CARDIAC ARREST was caused by a toxic reaction to chemo, his best hope for recovery was a bone marrow transplant.

“The big concern in Mr. Tewksbury’s case was he had this horrible complication from the chemotherapy, and so one of the questions was, are we willing to go back and use those same chemotherapy drugs again knowing what had already happened with his heart problem?” Webster says. “It’s conceivable that he would not have died without the transplant, but I think in all likelihood, without some sort of additional therapy for his leukemia, it eventually would have come back.”

Historically, doctors have preferred that bone marrow donors be full matches to recipients, Webster says. Essentially, a recipient’s siblings have a 25% chance of being a full match, a 50% chance of being a half-match, and a 25% chance of not matching, he explains. Paul has one older brother, but he was considered a less-than-ideal candidate because he was over 40 years old.

Hopkins was a pioneer in the area of bone marrow transplants using halfmatches—children are a half-match for their parents—and started performing the procedure in the late 1990s. Today, Hopkins’ Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center does more than 100 a year, according to Webster. Donors need to be at least 13 or 14 years old, and generally at least 130 pounds. In Paul’s case, fortunately, there was one person who fit that profile: his son Stew.

“Initially, I felt very scared and very worried, but then I did all of my research and I found out that it was safe for Stewart to do,” says Julie, 49. “We spoke to pediatricians, we spoke to oncologists at Johns Hopkins, we spoke to a psycholo-

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gist. Everyone reassured us that the biggest risk was the anesthesia.”

Next, she approached Stew, who was 14 at the time, holding back the information that he was perhaps his father’s best chance at survival. “I wasn’t like, ‘Daddy’s going to die if you don’t do this,’ ” she says.

“I tried to frame it as if he had a choice.”

Before she even launched into the specifics, Stew had made that choice. “I was a million percent that I would do it,” he says. “Even if there was a risk for me, I would have done it, but there was no risk.

It wasn’t even a decision.”

Paul and Julie are quick to point out that Pierce also volunteered to help his dad, but he was 11 at the time, too young to donate. No father envisions relying on his son for help, but for Paul, Stew was perhaps his last shot at a long and healthy life. “I made it very clear that what he was doing was extraordinary, and there’s no way to repay that,” Paul says. “I hated to put him in that position, but there were no other reasonable options. I commended him for his courage, and of course his brother, too, for being eager to step up.”

Aside from two hernia operations he underwent at the ages of 2 and 5, Stew has been blessed with good health. The night before the transplant, he was “a little nervous,” and instead of celebrating Halloween the next day, he headed to Baltimore for a roughly 90-minute procedure in which about 1 liter of his bone marrow was extracted. It’s supposed to be a relatively painless procedure, but as doctors tried to anesthetize him, the needle hit a nerve in his wrist. “That was the worst part,” Stew says. “After that, I didn’t want to do it again, but I had to, obviously.”

The next attempt, this time through the back of his hand, was successful, and as he listened to Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” (the song he picked), the drugs took effect.

During what is called a bone marrow harvest, Stew lay prone on his abdomen while doctors inserted needles in his pelvis and back around 100 times, withdrawing about 10 milliliters of marrow from his bones each time. He received fluids to replace the marrow that was

We’re with you every step of the way.

As you’re coping during these unprecedented times, we want to assure you that Holy Cross Health is here for you. We’re committed to responding to the needs of our community, working tirelessly to deliver high-quality care to you when you need it most, and supporting your well-being in new ways. Check out a virtual class, or start a virtual visit with a provider, at HolyCrossHealth.org.

health extracted, which caused standard postprocedure swelling.

The thick, dark marrow, which looks like blood, was taken to a lab before being placed into Paul hours later through an IV in the same manner as a blood transfusion.

“We’re essentially inserting a new immune system,” Webster says. “Most cancer is a result of the failure of the immune system. The new immune system can fight the cancer, in this case leukemia, and hopefully prevent it from coming back.”

When Stew returned home that night, the Tewksburys’ next-door neighbor, Rose Marie Martinez, was waiting. Her husband, Donald Shriber, had driven Julie and Stew to and from the hospital.

“I remember them coming up the stairs and thinking, ‘Oh my God.’ [Stew] didn’t look good,” Martinez recalls. “He wasn’t

walking very well—he was very stiff. His face was still very swollen. Besides that, he was fine. He was just a little tired.”

And hungry. After wolfing down a steak, Stew went to bed. The next morning, his back was sore, but otherwise he felt good. As a precaution, he stayed home from school that week—mostly passing the time by playing the new Nintendo Switch game console a family friend had given him—and missed two baseball games. Other than occasional pain in his wrist, which doctors say will go away as he grows, he made a swift and full recovery.

“My dad and I have established a certain connection and bond that barely anyone else in the world can achieve,” he says. “It’s not like we wanted that to happen. We had no choice. It’s something that can never be removed.”

The months following the transplant

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were not all smooth for Paul, who still needed to wear a mask when he left the house for medical appointments, which he jokes were the extent of his social life. By the end of January 2018—three months after the transplant—his energy was waning again, and in February he developed a searing pain in the back of his leg. That turned out to be from an E. coli infection that was related to the transplant, requiring three weeks in the hospital for treatment.

Paul finally began feeling like himself again by the middle of the year. He ate at one of his favorite restaurants, Parkway Deli in Silver Spring. He traveled to Cooperstown, New York, to watch Pierce play in a baseball tournament. In July, he started doing some work from home, and in December he returned full time.

He played ball with Stew.

“I was a bit emotional as the simple

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act of playing catch…was such a joy,” Paul says.

On Sept. 22, 2019, he crossed a critical benchmark—two years with clean biopsies. The roughly weeklong waits for test results don’t scare him much anymore.

For a reason he doesn’t fully understand, he never thought he was going to die.

The only medical treatment he receives now is a monthly phlebotomy to remove excess iron from his blood, which he’ll need for the rest of his life.

“The fact that he was able to recover from the heart issue, and that he was then able to go on and get more therapy for his leukemia in the form of his bone marrow transplant, is rather miraculous to me,” Webster says.

At his lowest moments, his body ravaged by disease, Paul leaned on his background in mental health. “I had some strategies in my thinking process to stay in the moment, so to speak,” he says. “It’s hard not to get too wrapped up in all of the possible scenarios and outcomes.

Living the one-day, one-hour-at-a-time approach was a way to stay calm when I was uncomfortable or downright scared or in pain.”

He also turned to music for solace.

“One positive about all of this is pretty decent, above average songs were coming out of me while I was in the hospital,” he says. “That really kept me going. It was as easy as it’s ever been.”

He recorded one, called “Gratitude,” in his basement studio. He says it’s a tribute to everyone who stood by him through his darkest days.

I wanna write a song for you, and call it Gratitude, ’cause there’s nothing in this world you know I wouldn’t do for you…

Paul sent a digital copy to friends and performed it for family members when they visited over Christmas in 2017. They couldn’t have been happier to hear him play it live. n Mike Unger is a writer and editor who grew up in Montgomery County and lives in Baltimore.

DENTIST

FINDER

Your Guide to Leading Dentists in the Bethesda Area

PERIODONTICS, DENTAL IMPLANTS

DR. ROY ESKOW

Bethesda Dental Implant Center

5626 Shields Drive Bethesda, MD 20817 301-493-6200 www.bethesdadentalimplantcenter.com

Dental School: University of Maryland School of Dentistry Expertise: We provide state of the art periodontal therapy in a comfortable and caring environment. 30 years experience in dental implant surgery, periodontics, oral medicine, dental sleep apnea. Paramount is building a quality relationship with each and every patient.

GENERAL DENTISTRY, COSMETIC DENTISTRY

DR. JOHN J. HIGGINS

John J. Higgins, DDS PA 5648 Shields Drive Bethesda, MD 20817 301-530-8008 www.johnjhigginsdds.com

Dental School: Georgetown University Expertise: Provide patients with excellent care and health education in a contemporary and comfortable atmosphere

TOP DOCTORS

TOP ATTORNEYS Have you been recognized

by Bethesda Magazine?

TOP PRODUCERS

BEST OF BETHESDA

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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BayWoods of Annapolis BayWoods of Annapolis 7101 Bay Front Drive Annapolis, MD 21403 443-837-1208 www.baywoodsofannapolis.com

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Q: What are the top three criteria for choosing a continuing care retirement community?

A: Your priority should be location and the surrounding areas. People want a community that is close to their family and friends. You want to be in a place that has an appealing location like BayWoods on the water. Important medical facilities such as John Hopkins and Ann Arundel Medical Center are in close proximity. You’ll also find yourself surrounded by major colleges, universities, sporting events and theatre that lends itself to an active adult life.

Second, you should consider the size of the community, balancing one that serves all your needs without being overwhelming.

Choose a vibrant, active community that should feel like a neighborhood featuring high staff-to-resident ratio.

Third, you should choose a community that provides a good return on your investment. Find out if the community has a good reputation for its own financial management and good health care

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provided on-site with enrichment programs.

You should tour every community and meet existing residents to find out why they chose BayWoods. Most tours will invite guests to stay for a meal. Take them up on that offer and talk to residents who should be happy to answer your questions.

Q: What are the advantages of a co-op living?

A: Every decision that is made at BayWoods has the residents’ best interests at heart, because the residents are shareholders who own the community. They receive all the benefits of home ownership, plus tax advantages and property appreciation. BayWoods is one of only two continuing care retirement community coops in Maryland.

TONY J. LEWIS

JAMES HARRINGTON, DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

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Advanced Nursing & Home Support SAMUEL R. LISH, PRESIDENT & CEO

HILLARY SCHWAB

Advanced Nursing + Home Support 15800 Crabbs Branch Way, Suite 205 Rockville, MD 20855 240-430-1500 www.advancedhomesupport.com

FROM LEFT:

Q: As a leader in the home health care industry, how did you get started?

A: I founded Advanced over 25 years ago when my father needed home care services.

Later, when my mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, I knew who to turn to for help: the Advanced team of caregivers we had screened, hired and trained.

I know firsthand how stressful and frustrating it can be to navigate home health care for a loved one, and I know that Advanced is truly a committed partner in care. It isn’t just a business—it’s personal.

My goal was to create a company that provides expert care and exceptional service at every level. I believe in deep connections in my work and personal life, and restoring dignity to those in need of care.

Q: How are you positioned for the

rapidly increasing number of seniors that need care?

A: To prepare for the future, Advanced has grown to provide services through the entire continuum of care, from companion and respite care to skilled care with specialties in ALS, MS, Parkinson’s and memory care.

Advanced Nursing + Home Support is able to handle every client’s care needs, and able to be there when those needs change.

We use a team approach for every client.

From the initial contact to a comprehensive needs assessment with our clients and their families, we design a very specific plan of care with the best interests of our clients and their families in mind. We make the best possible match of care providers, for both needs and personalities, and our staff works diligently to deliver care that allows our clients to thrive in place and live with dignity, fulfillment and purpose.

GRACIE ROY, RN, DIRECTOR OF NURSING MAIMOUNA FOFANA, CERTIFIED NURSING AIDE SAM LISH WITH HIS MOTHER, FRANCESA

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Premier Residences of Chevy Chase Five Star Premier Residences of Chevy Chase 8100 Connecticut Ave. Chevy Chase, MD 301-915-9217 www.fivestarseniorliving.com

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Q: How has your background in the

luxury hospitality industry influenced your work in senior care?

A: One area in which I feel my background within luxury hospitality has benefited the community here at Five Star Chevy Chase would be my recent focus on menu architecture and our food and beverage experiences. Within luxury hospitality, food and beverage is an important part of the guest stay and here at Five Star this is also true. The food and beverage team and I have curated the seasonally focused menu, adding frequent changes while maintaining favorite core offerings. This in combination with a focus on service blurs the line between luxury hospitality and luxury senior living.

Another component of luxury hospitality is the anticipation of guest needs. I noticed early on that bridge is a popular card game within our community, and wholly competitive! Every day, many of our residents sit at tabled to share stories,

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speak of their grandchildren and wager pennies. They kept score on scrap paper and on the backs of envelopes.

I decided to order lined note pads with a section for players’ names, along with decks of Five Star playing cards. This little gesture has delighted our community.

Sometimes small things are very meaningful.

My primary focus is to ensure that I always remain close enough to my community so I can see the pain points and take anticipatory action to address or mitigate as best as possible. It is a great honor to be a part of such wonderful people's daily lives, and that is something I and my team here take most seriously.

ERICK GIBSON

ABDEL CHAHI, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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Maplewood Park Place BARBARA HARRY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND RICHARD BALOGH, ASSOCIATE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

COURTESY PHOTO

Maplewood Park Place 9707 Old Georgetown Road Bethesda, MD 20814 301-530-0500 www.maplewoodparkplace.com

Q: How can senior communities best

prepare for disasters?

A: With coronavirus on everyone’s mind, preparation has taken on a new urgency.

Disaster preparedness should be part of operating procedures in every senior living community to minimize potential disruptions and save lives.

At Maplewood Park Place, preparedness starts with regular and consistent training of all team members. It includes procedures to care for residents in an emergency, protect themselves and those they serve, mitigate the consequences of adverse events, and ensure an abundant stock of supplies, including food, medications, medical supplies and personal protective equipment. With regular disaster drills, Maplewood is focused on instilling confidence in residents and team members.

Q: In the COVID-19 outbreak, what

should families expect from their senior care provider to keep loved ones safe?

A: Make sure your loved one’s community is following recommended practices to minimize risk and make sure they stay up to date on the latest guidelines, as procedures evolve almost daily. Ensure mandatory screening protocols are being followed, including monitoring the temperatures of residents, team members and essential visitors.

With the disruption of normal visiting among family and friends, staff can help residents communicate with family and friends through technology, such as video chats on Skype and FaceTime or participation in Facebook Watch Parties.

With a little help, even in this time of “social distancing,” seniors can still feel connected to their loved ones and to the outside world.

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Family & Nursing Care Q: For someone who is looking for a caregiver, what advice would you give?

A: Connie: It’s a learning process. When looking for a caregiver, make sure it feels right, that this person is someone who you get along with very well and who you feel understands you right from the start. Of course, you will want someone who has the skills to provide the care you need. It’s a very personal relationship but the bottom line is that it is like hiring anyone for something you need: you want to be on the same wavelength. Great communication and understanding go a long way. Don’t accept the first person, or the second, if you feel that they are not the right match for you and your needs. Don’t settle if you don’t think it is the right match.

FROM LEFT: CLIENTS, ARTHUR AND HELEN POPPER CAREGIVER CONNIE KUEVEY 188

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Q: Based on your experience, what’s the secret to creating a strong bond with your caregiver?

A: Arthur and Helen: Creating a strong bond requires great communication and trust from both parties. Connie’s strength is when we ask her something, she actually listens. The main thing we appreciate about our relationship with Connie is that we’re able to talk things through. There is always a dialogue. She has great ideas and we listen to them because we respect her experience and we trust her. We try to support her in every way we can as well.

TONY J. LEWIS

Family & Nursing Care 1010 Wayne Ave. Silver Spring, MD 20910 301-588-8200 www.familynursingcare.com

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Kensington Park MARY MELL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

COURTESY PHOTO

Kensington Park Senior Living 3620 Littledale Road Kensington, MD 20895 301-946-7700 www.kensingtonparkseniorliving.com

FROM LEFT: CYNTHIA PARK KYOKO MARRONE GLORIA BERNSTEIN

Q: What is The Kensington Club and

why was it established as your first of three levels of memory care?

A: The Kensington Club is a specialized program for our assisted living residents experiencing early memory loss. This mild dementia can include forgetfulness, losing track of time and confusion while completing complex tasks, but is not so significant that it requires transition to our memory care environment. To ensure that these residents can still thrive in assisted living, we established The Kensington Club as our first level of memory care. This small group of 10-12 assisted living residents meet with our designated, dementia-trained coordinator daily. They remain an integral part of the larger assisted living community through mealtimes, daily happy hours, outings and celebrations while benefiting from K-Club services. These services include a full schedule of diverse activities like daily exercise, brain fitness, discovery outings and sessions with our board-certified music therapists.

Q: What social and emotional impact

does The Kensington Club have on residents?

A: Sometimes, when early dementia sets in, individuals can become anxious because they are still aware of their forgetfulness, so they may self-isolate. The Kensington Club’s special focus on relationships is the most powerful antidote to that loneliness.

Members are inseparable, often strolling across our eight-acre campus together.

Robin Taub, daughter of resident Gloria Bernstein, shared that the club has been life-transforming for her mother. She feels that mom is more self-confident because there is no judgement among peers. Instead, they find the humor in their shared experiences. Kyoko Marrone, our Kensington Club coordinator, fosters this sense of belonging lovingly through her structured, meaningful programming.

Her unique ability to make residents feel successful each day is an invaluable tool in respecting and honoring their dignity.

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Olney Assisted Living JANELL HUGHES, REGIONAL SALES MANAGER

Q: How can I help my mother, who has dementia, with her care, medications and meals, to avoid the upset she exhibits whenever I step in?

A: It is key not to take away from her what she can do for herself for as long as she can. At Olney Assisted Living, a key point of our philosophy is the “ability to have a voice.” Even people with dementia deserve a say and some control. Get her input.

Instead of telling mom it’s time for her shower, ask if she wants to shower before or after breakfast.

Instead of announcing it’s time for her medications, ask if she prefers juice or water. Although they seem like simple questions, they are the ones that will allow her to feel independent.

COURTESY PHOTO

Olney Assisted Living 16940 Georgia Ave. Olney, MD 20832 240-389-9451 www.olneymemorycare.com

SmithLife Homecare KATHLEEN MCGUINNESS, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS

Q: What additional, specialized training do you give your caregivers to enhance the care of different types of seniors?

A: As a partner in care with Charles E. Smith Life Communities, we have always been committed to respond to the needs and circumstances of all types of individuals and families. In addition to extensive dementia and hospice training, our CNA caregiver employees are taught how to be respectful and mindful of Jewish culture, including the practice of keeping Kosher. Serving D.C. and the metropolitan area, we naturally want to provide respectful care to the LGBTQ community. In fact, we were only the second homecare agency in Montgomery County that invested in LGBTQ Cultural Competency Gold Training for our caregivers.

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STEPHANIE WILLIAMS

SmithLife Homecare 6101 Montrose Road, Suite 203 Rockville, MD 20852 301-816-5020 kmm@smithlifehomecare.com www.smithlifehomecare.com

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Asbury Methodist Village MICHELE POTTER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

COURTESY PHOTO

Asbury Methodist Village 201 Russell Ave. Gaithersburg, MD 20877 301-591-0748 www.AsburyMethodistVillage.org

Q: What do you consider the greatest value of community living during challenging times like these?

A: While the majority of the residents at Asbury Methodist Village live independently, they still benefit from support services and associates that will help ensure their needs are met in a crisis like the nation has found itself in with COVID-19. I started in this position just two months ago, and I am in awe of the camaraderie and support that is evident everywhere I go. Associates are redoubling their efforts to meet residents’ needs and lighten this situation. Residents are helping residents and supporting associates. In many ways, it’s similar to the feeling we had in college.

Q: Can you share some particularly inspiring stories?

A: One that really leaps out is a resident who began teaching law courses to students in China after retiring from Catholic University. This year, he set up a virtual classroom in his apartment because he could not travel there. I see so much resilience. Residents in our Villas neighborhood held a short St. Patrick’s Day parade maintaining social distance.

Another group is writing notes to those in our skilled nursing neighborhood.

Associates are delivering food door-todoor and facilitating other deliveries.

They’re helping people set up Netflix.

And at our assisted living and memory care neighborhoods, they’re facilitating FaceTime with family and filming a weekly show through our on-campus TV studio. You can literally feel the spirit of community here.

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Riderwood DEBBIE BRUMBACH, SALES COUNSELOR

Q: What should seniors consider about continuing care retirement communities?

A: A continuing care retirement community, or CCRC, offers independent living, assisted living, long-term nursing care, respite care and memory care. If you are looking to meet new people and stay active, choose a community that’s large enough to offer variety in people and activities. Residents of Riderwood often refer to the community as a “small town under one roof” for its wealth of amenities, including a pool, medical center and multiple restaurants—all connected through climatecontrolled walkways. Over the past few years, the community has undergone significant renovations including a new standalone wellness center. To enjoy peace of mind for the future, a continuing care retirement community like Riderwood may be the right choice.

COURTESY PHOTO

Riderwood 3140 Gracefield Road Silver Spring, MD 20904 1-800-610-1560 www.Riderwood.com

Senior Connection SUSAN GIRARD, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS L-R: Jennifer Dott-Crouse, Susan Girard, Juanita Jarrett

Q: How do you manage to help so many seniors for free?

A: Volunteers and partnerships with county government and other nonprofits have made it possible for the Senior Connection to provide programs and services for people who are 60 or older.

Volunteers drive people to and from social, religious and medical appointments and to do grocery shopping. If the senior chooses, we can shop for them and help them put everything away.

We also come to visit. In our 30 years, with more than 3,000 volunteers, we’ve provided more than 325,000 free services to over 7,000 county seniors.

Of course, with the current public health emergency, we have fewer volunteers and are adapting by limiting our services to the greatest medical and nutritional needs, following CDC safety guidelines.

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STEPHANIE WILLIAMS

Senior Connection 3950 Ferrara Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20906 301-962-0820 | info@seniorconnectionmc.org www.seniorconnectionmc.org

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Brightview Woodmont SALOME Y. ATAPAGREM, DIRECTOR Brightview Woodmont Wellspring Village 4907 Rugby Ave. Bethesda MD 20814 240-800-7566 www.brightviewwoodmont.com

Q: How do you create great days for

residents with dementia?

A: I start by learning the hobbies and interests that make them happy and incorporating those things into structured and meaningful activities. I teach my team at Brightview Woodmont to reduce residents’ anxieties by acknowledging the different phases they are going through.

We never seek to bring them into our reality, but instead join them in theirs.

Q: What advice do you have for

someone exploring a career in senior living?

A: Learn the best, most up-to-date techniques to help mal-oriented and disoriented residents live with dignity.

My path was to get all the credentials I could, so I became a Certified Dementia Practitioner, a Certified Validation Worker and a Certified Validation Group Practitioner. Those credentials, plus increasing experience, allowed me to grow throughout my professional career. I have served as a life enrichment manager, memory care coordinator and assisted living manager.

COURTESY PHOTO

dementia caregivers?

A: Educate yourself about the condition and ask for all the help you can get.

Consistent, meaningful and interesting activities are key to keeping the brain engaged, possibly delaying progression.

Q: What advice do you have for

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Tribute at Black Hill BETH SANCHEZ, COMMUNITY RELATIONS DIRECTOR DOMINIC FABRIZIO, COMMUNITY RELATIONS LEAD

Q: Can you explain why your website says, even as a community with assisted living and memory care, you don’t focus on giving great care?

A: Because that’s what everyone else says. We believe that when you focus on great care you tend to look at people as objects in need of care. That bar is way too low. We’ve built a new community where older adults can build worthwhile, meaningful relationships with our team members and new friends. Great care is the natural byproduct of a meaningful relationship, so at Tribute, we dedicate ourselves to ensure there’s purpose for each resident we’re honored to serve. They depend on us not only to live, but to live well. It’s a challenge we welcome every day.

TWINS. TWO MORE GOOD REASONS WHY WE SHOULD SUPPORT JOEY, A HERO WOUNDED IN SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY. The Combat Soldiers Recovery Fund gives 100% of every donation it receives to service families like Joey’s. Every dollar makes a difference.

Will you help thank the heroes who have answered the call?

THEY GAVE 100% so WE GIVE 100% combatsoldiersrecoveryfund.org

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STEPHANIE WILLIAMS

Tribute at Black Hill 312 Baltusrol Drive Germantown, MD 20874 410-401-5262 www.tributeatblackhill.com

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Chevy Chase House NICKI BEEKMAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

MICHAEL VENTURA

Chevy Chase House 5420 Connecticut Ave. NW Washington, DC 20015 202-684-7204 www.chevychaseseniorliving.com

Q: How important is location when selecting a senior living community?

A: Very important! It should be relatively close, or have easy access, for family and friends to visit. Just inside the Maryland/D.C. line inside the Beltway, our neighborhood is attractive to seniors, especially younger and more independent seniors who like the feeling of having an apartment in the city rather than living in a place that feels like a facility. Because Chevy Chase House was built in 1929 as an apartment building, our apartments are spacious. Some even have sunrooms and two exposures. Meridian Senior Living executed a $12 million renovation that added modern updates while maintaining the building’s vintage charm.

Q: What is an unusual exercise or enrichment program that Chevy Chase House offers?

A: Definitely it would be Boxing for Parkinson’s! Kristen Sahd, our life

enrichment director, added this specific kind of boxing class to the activities calendar. It was developed by the Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area (PFNCA), with whom we partner. Therefore, the classes are open to our residents and to the general public through registration with PFNCA. Kristen, who has a master’s degree in dance/movement therapy, works with two assistants to keep residents busy with a full calendar of education, fun and wellness options. At least twice a week we take our residents, in our wheelchair accessible bus, to museums, the Kennedy Center and other cultural venues. Vibrant city living is just outside and all around our front door in northwest Washington. Our immediate neighborhood has restaurants, shops, a library and community center, and the historic Avalon Theatre. We take full advantage of all D.C. has to offer.

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restaurants. cooking. food. drinks.

PHOTO BY DEB LINDSEY

dine

Cubano’s debuted in Bethesda in February with fare including plantain chips and pina coladas. For our review, turn the page.

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A WARM EMBRACE Silver Spring restaurant Cubano’s brings its tasty Cuban food and flair to Bethesda

BY DAVID HAGEDORN | PHOTOS BY DEB LINDSEY

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Overall Rating:

B+

Cubano’s Authentic Cuban Cuisine and Beyond 4907 Cordell Ave., Bethesda, 301-347-7952, cubanosrestaurant.com Cubano’s in Bethesda serves Cuban cuisine, such as a Spanish tortilla and fried seafood (opposite). The restaurant was open barely six weeks before it had to close to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

WALKING THE HALF BLOCK from the Cordell Avenue parking garage to Cubano’s restaurant (known formally as Cubano’s Authentic Cuban Cuisine and Beyond) in late February, it is so cold I have to pull my wool cap down over my ears. To take the chill off, I opt for a comfort food dinner—a casserole of perfectly cooked rice and seafood (whole shrimp, squid rings, mussels, octopus morsels and clams in shells popped wide open) commingling with piping hot seafood broth, garlic, onions, bright green peas, and strips of red and green bell pepper.

A slice of country bread perched on the side of the stainless-steel pot comes in handy to mop up every remaining drop of the dish, which has just embraced me like a long-lost friend’s hug.

It’s a hug I may have to forgo for quite some time. As I write this review, Cubano’s is closed, per Gov. Larry

Hogan, who in response to coronavirus ordered Maryland’s restaurants to stop dine-in eating on March 16, barely six weeks after the Bethesda location debuted. (The other Maryland location of Cubano’s, a Silver Spring mainstay, opened in 2001 and as of this printing was offering carryout; a Fort Lauderdale location opened last year.)

Co-owner Adolfo Mendez, who is Cuban-born but grew up in Venezuela, supports the closures. “I have been in contact with my family in Italy, Spain and France and they have opened my eyes,” he says. He advocates a total shutdown of weeks, or perhaps months, to make the community safe and virusfree. Ironically, before he went into the restaurant business, Mendez was a pharmacist. “I used to sell drugs; now I sell food and drinks,” he says.

On my visits to the Bethesda restaurant, Mendez and co-owner José Manuel Mendez, one of Adolfo’s nephews, greet guests warmly at the door, then chat with them throughout the night, treating firsttimers as regulars and the dining room as their living room. “The whole family was in on the design,” Adolfo says. “José Manuel got the long wood tiles for the floors. His wife, Carolina, put up all the

FAVORITE DISHES: Cuba pina colada; plantain chips with garlic oil; fried calamari and shrimp; Spanish tortilla; seafood and rice casserole; sea bass with garlic butter; flan with berries PRICES: Appetizers: $8 to $17; Entrees: $16 to $32; Desserts: $8 to $10 LIBATIONS: Cubano’s has a collection of 12 mostly rumbased craft cocktails ($8 to $14), plus 18 top-shelf rums to sip, such as El Dorado 15 year from Guyana ($24), Flor de Caña 18 year from Nicaragua and Haitian Barbancourt 5 year ($14). There are five white wines by the bottle ($35 to $65), 10 reds ($36 to $70) and seven wines by the glass ($8 to $9), mostly Spanish and Argentinian.

SERVICE: The friendly servers use small computers to take your order, place it and perform the credit card transaction right at your table, which is very efficient.

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family photographs on the walls.” Faux ferns hang from the low ceilings. Jungle print wallpaper accents a front wall.

Spanish tiles and a stunning contact paper mural of Cuban singer Celia Cruz make the eight-seat bar a focal point.

José Guzman, a chef who has been at the Silver Spring location since it opened, oversees the Bethesda kitchen and the execution of Adolfo’s grandmother’s Cuban recipes. Because the kitchen is much smaller than the one in Silver Spring, the menu is too, says Adolfo.

Still, there is an ample selection of snacks, appetizers, casserole dishes and entrees.

Once you’re seated, order the long, thin, crispy plantain chips, served with roasted garlic oil; they are a suitably salty snack to pair with rum-based cocktails, such as a pina colada with orange overtones or a Tio Wicho sidecar made with orange and lime juices and Captain Morgan.

For appetizers, the Spanish tortilla, a 200

Top left: An appetizer of fried, lightly battered calamari and whole, head-on shrimp Above: Traditional flan with berries

skillet omelet rife with thinly sliced potatoes and draped with roasted red pepper, is a must-order. The texture is souffle-like and the tortilla’s accompanying smoked paprika aioli (garlic mayo) adds a flavor boost. That aioli gets a workout, showing up on two other starters: small, tasty red Spanish piquillo peppers stuffed with blue crabmeat; and fried, lightly battered calamari and whole, head-on shrimp,

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which are easier to peel than you’d think and garnished with a grilled lemon half for spritzes of acid and char.

In addition to the seafood casserole, I’m partial to the sea bass Varadero entree, named after a Cuban beach town. Two skin-on boneless fillets are well seasoned and seared just right so the skin is crispy and the flesh is brown and crusty on the outside and moist and flaky on the inside. Its simple sauce of butter, lemon, garlic and capers is all that is needed to complement the fish’s sweetness. Accompaniments are crispy plantain patties (tostones) and sauteed spinach. For heartier fare, suckling pig, slow roasted for 12 hours and then shredded and topped with olive

oil, garlic and lime juice, fits the bill. It comes with moros y cristianos (Moors and Christians), a vibrant combination of black beans and rice, and plantains browned in butter.

I’m hesitant to come down hard on restaurants given the current circumstances, but let’s just say that when Cubano’s returns, I’m likely to steer clear of its pasty Serrano ham croquettes and its avocado salad with very little avocado for a very big price tag ($15), but I’d give the braised then deep-fried chunks of pork known as masitas de puerco another shot in the hopes that their overcooking and dryness were anomalies. I will, however, reorder the creamy, silken, caramel-crowned flan, one of the best renditions I’ve had of that classic dessert, and the cheesecake made with Manchego sheep’s milk cheese—it strikes the right balance between sweet and savory. n David Hagedorn is the restaurant critic for Bethesda Magazine.

Top: A seafood and rice casserole is served with a slice of country bread.

Bottom: The sea bass Varadero entree includes two fillets in a sauce of butter, lemon, garlic and capers served alongside crispy plantain patties and sauteed spinach.

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BAKING WITH PASSION WHEN I WALK INTO Passion Bakery Café in Sandy Spring in early March, my eyes and smile widen as I fixate on a display case filled with layer cakes, eclairs and napoleons stuffed with custardy pastry cream, cupcakes piled high with swirls of icing, and colorful tarts teeming with shiny slices of glazed strawberries, grapes, pineapple, kiwi and mango. Other cases offer croissants, pains au chocolat and a vast assortment of cookies.

Salvadoran brothers Melvin and Huber Mendoza own Passion Bakery Café, which has three locations—the Sandy Spring flagship opened in December 2012, Belts202

ville in 2017 and Silver Spring in October.

Melvin, 48, explains how the bakeries came to be. “My father sent me to live with an aunt in Arlington [Virginia] in 1990.

It was during the civil war in El Salvador, a very difficult time. I was the oldest. It was dangerous for me to stay. There was no future there,” he says. Through his aunt, he got a job at Washington’s Watergate Pastry and worked there for 15 years.

“They taught me how to bake. They let me make cookies, doughs, icings, everything.

I worked seven days a week then and still do now. That’s the only way to get the American dream.”

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Melvin’s brothers Huber, Elmer and Inmar came to the States one by one over the following six years, as did sister Aleyda. All worked for the company that owned Watergate Pastry. In 2004, Melvin opened Flowers Bakery in Silver Spring with partners. In 2012, driving past a French bakery he knew in Sandy Spring, he noticed it had closed. He saw this as a good opportunity to go into business with family. He and Huber bought the business and its equipment for $60,000. Passion Bakery Café opened that December.

At first, Huber, now 46, did everything— the baking, the buying, working the cash

BY DAVID HAGEDORN | PHOTOS BY LINDSEY MAX

Brothers Huber (left) and Melvin Mendoza run three locations of Passion Bakery Café.

register. After two months, business really picked up and Melvin sold his share of Flowers and joined Huber. They hired more staff. Now all of the siblings work in the stores, as do some of their children.

In addition to sweets, the cafes serve breakfast items and sandwiches. They have many wholesale accounts, but that wasn’t always the case. Melvin speaks of being discriminated against for being Hispanic when he’d make sales calls to hotels and country clubs in the early days. “Many people treated me very badly. They didn’t take me seriously as a businessperson, but once they got to know us and our product, the

business grew.” Now Passion Bakery Café has roughly 40 employees. “The customers come in and leave happy. We have a lot of business, so we help a lot of families bring food to the table every day,” Melvin says. “I think we are in the American dream.”

Passion Bakery Café, 2277 Bel Pre Road, Suite 205, Silver Spring (Plaza Del Mercado), 301-460-0600; 816 Olney Sandy Spring Road, Sandy Spring, 301-570-4583; 11120 Baltimore Ave., Beltsville, 301-9311900; thepassionbakerycafe.com

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Bowled Over ON A THURSDAY NIGHT in early March, my husband and I walk into The Eleanor, a bar and grill meets arcade and bowling lounge that opened on Silver Spring’s Ellsworth Drive in February. A cheerful host escorts us to one of five mini-bowling lanes for a one-hour session we reserved through the Resy app, which charged a $10 per person lane fee to my credit card.

Adam Stein, 39, is the founder and managing partner of The Eleanor, whose other outpost opened in June 2018 in Washington’s NoMa neighborhood.

“A lot of my friends in the last five years were getting married, leaving D.C. for Silver Spring and starting families,” Stein says. “When my broker showed me the location, I noticed people walking around all day, every day. And the [Regal Majestic] movie theater is one of the biggest in the region.”

The 7,700-square-foot space, which seats 165 but holds 300 (including in the large outdoor patio), is designed with adults in mind. Black walls, lipstick-red faux tin ceilings and dramatic frosted art deco pendant lights on a low setting contribute to a nightclub vibe. A large rectangular 20-tap bar with seating on all four sides is a focal point of the space. Arcade games—such as table hockey, arcade hoops, a wall-size Pac-Man (billed as the world’s largest) and pinball machines—are scattered throughout. (You activate games with a plastic card you purchase at a kiosk.)

At the mini-bowling lanes (not duckpin bowling, Stein emphasizes, which requires much more space), we settle into faux leather black tufted hassocks and settees and start to play. A server takes our order. Stein, who is a chef, designed the food menu, which features raw bar items, lots of bar food snacks, sandwiches and full-fledged American bistro entrees. While we bowl, we sip excellent martinis and Manhattans and sup on sesame and soy glazed General Tso’s chicken wings, black bean nachos, steak frites with garlic butter and a lobster roll.

On the way home, we remark on the good time we just had at The Eleanor, not knowing yet that it will be one of our last nights out for a very long time as COVID-19 tightens its grip.

The Eleanor, 931 Ellsworth Drive, Silver Spring; 240-641-4955; eleanormd.com n

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The Eleanor in Silver Spring offers cocktails and a full menu along with five mini-bowling lanes.

A RESTAURANT ROSTER THAT’S TOTALLY SPOT ON.

So much delicious to choose from, like Sushiko, Clyde’s, Little Beet Table, and Potomac Pizza.

Coming soon: Hunter’s Hound, Junction Bakery & Bistro, and Urban Plates. Hungry yet?

C O L L E C T I O N C H E V YC H A S E .C O M • 5 47 1 W I S C O N S I N AV E N U E , C H E V Y C H A S E , M D 2 0 8 1 5

dine

DINING GUIDE

CHECK OUT THE ONLINE VERSION OF THE DINING GUIDE AT BETHESDAMAGAZINE.COM Editor’s Note: At press time, all restaurants in Maryland were closed for dine-in service as a result of an order by Gov. Larry Hogan in March. Due to the closures, some restaurants are expected to go out of business.

After the order is lifted, we suggest you call ahead before going to a restaurant to make sure it is open.

BETHESDA AJI-NIPPON 6937 Arlington Road, 301-654-0213. A calm oasis on a busy street, where chef Kazuo Honma serves patrons several kinds of sushi, sashimi, noodle soups, teriyaki and more. Try a dinner box, which includes an entree, vegetables, California roll, tempura and rice. L D $$

ALATRI BROS. (EDITORS’ PICK) 4926 Cordell Ave., 301-718-6427, alatribros.com.

The folks behind Olazzo and Gringos & Mariachis bought Mia’s Pizzas and revamped it with a new name and decor. They kept the Naples-style pies that come from a wood-burning oven, but added small plates and healthy options. Sit in the cheery dining room with green, gray and white accents or under an umbrella on the patio. J L D $$

&PIZZA 7614 Old Georgetown Road, 240-800-4783, andpizza.com. Create your own designer pizza from a choice of two crusts (both are vegan and one is also gluten-, soy- and dairy-free), three cheeses (including a vegan option) and five sauces or spreads. Toppings for the thin, crispy crusts range from the usual suspects to Beyond Meat sausage and tater tots. This location of the hip, fast-casual chain has limited seating. L D $

ANTHONY’S COAL FIRED PIZZA 7776 Norfolk Ave., 240-781-6943, acfp.com. A fullservice restaurant in Woodmont Triangle serving coal-fired pizzas and other Italian fare, Anthony’s is part of a Florida-based chain. The corner restaurant includes a large bar area with TVs. L D $

BACCHUS OF LEBANON (EDITORS’ PICK) 7945 Norfolk Ave., 301-657-1722, bacchusoflebanon.com. This friendly and elegant Lebanese staple has a large, sunny patio that beckons lunch and dinner patrons outside when the weather is good to try garlicky hummus, stuffed grape leaves, chicken kabobs, veal chops and dozens of small-plate dishes. L D $$

BANGKOK GARDEN 4906 St. Elmo Ave., 301-951-0670, bkkgarden. com. This real-deal, family-run Thai restaurant turns out authentic cuisine, including curries, soups and noodle dishes, in a dining room decorated with traditional statues of the gods. L D $

THE BARKING DOG 4723 Elm St., 301-654-0022, barkingdogbar.com. A fun place for young adults, with drink specials nearly every night and bar food such as quesadillas and burgers. Karaoke night is held weekly. L D $

BARREL + CROW 4867 Cordell Ave., 240-800-3253, barrelandcrow. com. Contemporary regional and southern cuisine served in a comfortable setting with charcoal gray

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banquettes and elements of wood and brick. Menu highlights include Maryland crab beignets, shrimp and grits and roasted trout. R L D $$

Key

BEEFSTEAK 7101 Democracy Blvd. (Westfield Montgomery mall), 301-365-0608, beefsteakveggies.com. The fastcasual spot from chef José Andrés is heavily focused on seasonal vegetables for build-your-own bowls and salads (or pick one of their suggested combinations).

Toppings such as poached egg, chicken sausage and salt-cured salmon are also in the lineup. L D $

Price designations are for a threecourse dinner for two including tip and tax, but excluding alcohol. $ $$ $$$ $$$$

BENIHANA 7935 Wisconsin Ave., 301-652-5391, benihana. com. Experience dinner-as-theater as the chef chops and cooks beef, chicken, vegetables and seafood tableside on the hibachi. This popular national chain serves sushi, too. The kids’ menu includes a California roll and hibachi chicken, steak and shrimp entrees. J L D $$

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BETHESDA CRAB HOUSE 4958 Bethesda Ave., 301-652-3382, bethesdacrab house.com. In the same location since 1961, this casual, family-owned dining spot features jumbo lump crabcakes, oysters on the half shell and jumbo spiced shrimp. Extra large and jumbo-sized crabs available year-round; call ahead to reserve.

L D $$

BETHESDA CURRY KITCHEN 4860 Cordell Ave., 301-656-0062, bethesda currykitchen.com. The restaurant offers lunch buffet and Southern Indian vegan specialties, served in a spare and casual setting. There are plenty of choices from the tandoor oven, as well as vegetarian, seafood and meat curries. L D $$

BGR: THE BURGER JOINT 4827 Fairmont Ave., 301-358-6137, bgrtheburger joint.com. The burgers are good and the vibe is great. Protein choices include beef, chicken and Beyond Meat. Pick your own toppings or choose from a handful of selected combos, such as the Wagyu Wellington, with caramelized onions, roasted mushrooms, black truffles, blue cheese and BGR’s mayonnaise-horseradish “mojo” sauce.

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THE BIG GREEK CAFE 4806 Rugby Ave., 301-907-4976, biggreekcafe. com. Owned by the Marmaras brothers, the cafe serves Greek specialties, including a top-notch chicken souvlaki pita. L D $

BISTRO PROVENCE (EDITORS’ PICK) 4933 Fairmont Ave., 301-656-7373, bistroprovence.org. Chef Yannick Cam brings his formidable experience to a casual French bistro with a lovely courtyard. The Dinner Bistro Fare, served daily from 5 to 6:30 p.m., offers a choice of appetizer, main course and dessert for $35.

R L D $$$

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up to $50 $51-$100 $101-$150 $151+ Outdoor Dining Children’s Menu Breakfast Brunch Lunch Dinner

BLACK’S BAR & KITCHEN (EDITORS’ PICK) 7750 Woodmont Ave., 301-652-5525, blacksbar andkitchen.com. Customers count on the impeccable use of fresh and local ingredients and enjoy dining on the expansive patio. The bar draws crowds for happy hour. R L D $$$

BRICKSIDE FOOD & DRINK 4866 Cordell Ave., 301-312-6160, brickside bethesda.com. Prohibition-era drinks meet Italian bar bites and entrees. Dishes range from fried pork and waffles to short ribs. Try one of the colorfully named punches, which include Pink Murder Punch and Snow Cone Punch. R L D $$

CADDIES ON CORDELL 4922 Cordell Ave., 301-215-7730, caddieson cordell.com. Twentysomethings gather at this golfthemed spot to enjoy beer and wings specials in a casual, rowdy atmosphere that frequently spills onto the large patio. Voted “Best Bar/Restaurant to Watch a Caps Game” by Bethesda Magazine readers in 2019. J R L D $

CASA OAXACA 4905 Fairmont Ave., 240-858-6181. The focus is on tacos at this family-owned Mexican restaurant, but you’ll also find fajitas, salads, quesadillas and more on the menu. There’s an indoor bar and an outdoor beer garden. J L D $$

CAVA 7101 Democracy Blvd., Suite 2360 (Westfield Montgomery mall), 301-658-2233; 4832 Bethesda Ave., 301-656-1772; cava.com. The guys from CAVA Mezze restaurant have created a Greek version of Chipotle. Choose the meat, dip or spread for a pita,

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dine bowl or salad. House-made juices and teas provide a healthful beverage option. (Bethesda Avenue location) L D $

CESCO OSTERIA 7401 Woodmont Ave., 301-654-8333, cesco-osteria.com. Longtime chef Francesco Ricchi turns out Tuscan specialties, including pizza, pasta and focaccia in a big, jazzy space. Stop by the restaurant’s Co2 Lounge for an artisan cocktail before dinner. L D $$

CHEESY PIZZI 8021 Wisconsin Ave., 240-497-0000, cheesypizzibethesda.com. In addition to the standard offerings of a pizza joint, this spot (formerly Pizza Tempo under different owners) has sandwiches and boat-shaped Turkish pizza known as pide. L D $

CHEF TONY’S 4926 St. Elmo Ave., 301-654-3737, cheftonys bethesda.com. Chef-owner Tony Marciante focuses on Mediterranean seafood tapas, offering dishes ranging from fish and seafood to chicken, steak and pasta. Desserts include Drunken Strawberries and Classic Creme Brulée. J R L D $$

CHERCHER ETHIOPIAN 4921 Bethesda Ave., 301-652-6500, chercherrestaurant.com. The second branch of a D.C. Ethiopian spot, this restaurant and bar took over the space housing Suma. The decor is moderncontemporary and the menu features dishes—from beef to vegan—served on one large platter, meant for sharing, and Ethiopian wine. L D $

CITY LIGHTS OF CHINA 4953 Bethesda Ave., 301-913-9501, bethesda citylights.com. Longtime Chinese eatery serves familiar Sichuan and Beijing fare, including six types of dumplings and seven handmade noodle dishes. Red walls and chocolate-colored booths give the place a sharp look. L D $$

COOPER’S MILL 5151 Pooks Hill Road, 301-897-9400, coopersmillrestaurant.com/bethesda. The restaurant showcases a modern, stylish menu with stone-oven flatbreads, homemade tater tots and locally sourced produce. Local beers on draft and by the bottle, plus regional bourbon and gin.

Happy hour and private dining are offered.

B R L D $$

THE CORNER SLICE 7901 Norfolk Ave., 301-907-7542, thecornerslice. net. New York-style pizza, available by the slice or as a 20-inch pie. Specialty pizzas include the spinachartichoke white pie with ricotta, mozzarella and parmesan and the Buffalo Chicken Pie with blue cheese and hot sauce. L D $

CUBANO’S (NEW) 4907 Cordell Ave., 301-347-7952, cubanosrestaurant.com. Find authentic Cuban cooking with dishes such as ropa vieja (shredded beef in onions, peppers and garlic) and fried plantains. See our review on page 198. L D $$

CURRY PLACE 7345-A Wisconsin Ave., 301-656-4444, curryplacebethesda.com. Northern Indian and Nepali specialties such as butter chicken and fresh flatbreads known as naan shine here. The extensive menu ranges from soups and salads to tandoori and kabobs.J L D $

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DAILY GRILL One Bethesda Metro Center, 301-656-6100, dailygrill.com. Everyone from families to expenseaccount lunchers can find something to like about the big portions of fresh American fare, including chicken pot pie and jumbo lump crabcakes.

❂ J B R L D $$

DOG HAUS BIERGARTEN 7904 Woodmont Ave., 301-652-4287, bethesda. doghaus.com. This fast-casual California-based chain serves hot dogs, sausages, burgers and chicken sandwiches. The hot dogs are all beef and hormone- and antibiotic-free. The industrial-chic space includes picnic tables, TVs, a bar and more than two dozen beer choices. J L D $

DON POLLO 10321 Westlake Drive, 301-347-6175; donpollogroup.com. Juicy, spiced birds and reasonable prices make this Peruvian chicken eatery a go-to place any night of the week. Family meals that serve four or six people are available.

LD$

DUCK DUCK GOOSE (EDITORS’ PICK) 7929 Norfolk Ave., 301-312-8837, ddgbethesda. com. Thirty-five-seat French brasserie owned by chef Ashish Alfred. Small plates include steak tartare, and squid ink spaghetti with Manila clams and Fresno chilies. Among the entrees, look for updates of French classics, such as dry-aged duck with Bing cherries, and halibut with scallop mousse and puff pastry. L D $$

EJJI RAMEN 7101 Democracy Blvd. (Westfield Montgomery mall), 240-534-2842, ejjiramen.com. At this outpost of a Baltimore ramen shop, you’ll find build-your-own ramen and various spins on the noodle soup (pork, vegetarian, seafood). There’s also the Ejji Mac & Cheese Ramen Dog, a hot dog wrapped in ramen and cheese, then fried. J L D $

FARYAB AFGHAN CUISINE 4917 Cordell Ave., 301-951-3484. After closing for more than a year, Faryab reopened in 2017 and serves well-prepared Afghani country food, including Afghanistan’s answer to Middle Eastern kabobs, vegetarian entrees and unique sauteed pumpkin dishes, in a whitewashed dining room with native art on the walls. D $$

FISH TACO 7251 Woodmont Ave., 301-652-0010; 10305 Old Georgetown Road (Wildwood Shopping Center), 301-564-6000, fishtacoonline.com. This counterservice taqueria features a full roster of seafood as well as non-aquatic tacos, plus margaritas and other Mexican specialties. Voted “Best Tacos” by Bethesda Magazine readers in 2020. J L D $

FLANAGAN'S HARP & FIDDLE 4844 Cordell Ave., 301-951-0115, flanagansharp andfiddle.com. This stylish pub features live music several days a week, Tuesday night poker and Monday quiz nights. In addition to traditional stews and fried fish, Flanagan's offers smoked ribs, salmon and traditional Irish breakfast on weekends. ❂ J B L D $$

FLOWER CHILD 10205 Old Georgetown Road, 301-664-4971, iamaflowerchild.com. A fast-casual restaurant that’s part of a national chain, Flower Child has an emphasis on vegetarian eating (grain-based bowls, vegetable plates, salads) but also offers protein add-ons such as chicken, salmon and steak. Voted

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“Best New Fast-Casual Restaurant” by Bethesda LD$ Magazine readers in 2020.

GARDEN GRILLE & BAR 7301 Waverly St. (Hilton Garden Inn), 301-6548111. Aside from a breakfast buffet featuring cooked-to-order omelets, waffles, fruit and more, the restaurant offers an extensive menu, from burgers to pasta dishes. J B D $$

GEORGE’S CHOPHOUSE 4935 Cordell Ave., 240-534-2675, georgesbethesda.com. This modern bistro with pop-culture decor features a seasonally changing menu of house-made pastas, plus a raw bar and a variety of steaks. The braised beef cheek fettucine combines two specialties: house-made pastas and slow-cooked meat. L D $$$

GRINGOS & MARIACHIS (EDITORS’ PICK) 4928 Cordell Ave., 240-800-4266, gringosand mariachis.com. The owners of the popular Olazzo Italian restaurants in Bethesda and Silver Spring trade in the red sauce for salsa at this hip taqueria with edgy murals and plenty of tequila.

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GUAPO’S RESTAURANT 8130 Wisconsin Ave., 301-656-0888, guapos restaurant.com. This outpost of a local chain has everything you’d expect: margaritas and chips galore, as well as a handful of daily specials served in festive Mexican surroundings. Perfect for families and dates. J R L D $

GUARDADO’S 4918 Del Ray Ave., 301-986-4920, guardados.com.

Chef-owner Nicolas Guardado, who trained at Jaleo, opened this hidden gem devoted to Latin-Spanish cooking in 2007 and has developed a following with tapas specialties like shrimp and sausage, stuffed red peppers and paella. J L D $

GUSTO FARM TO STREET 7101 Democracy Blvd. (Westfield Montgomery mall), 301-312-6509; 4733 Elm St., 240-3966398; eatgusto.com. The fast-casual eatery aims to serve healthy fare, with a focus on pizzas and salads. The menu includes suggested combos but you can also build your own. Pizza crust comes in cauliflower, whole grain or traditional. (Elm Street location only) L D $

HANARO SUSHI 7820 Norfolk Ave., 301-654-7851, hanarobethesda. com. The restaurant’s modern dark woods combined with a light-filled dining room brighten its corner location, and the menu includes sushi and Asian fusion main courses such as pad Thai and galbi (Korean ribs). The bar offers a daily happy hour. ❂ L D $$

HIMALAYAN HERITAGE 4925 Bethesda Ave., 301-654-1858, himalayan heritagebethesda.com. The menu includes North Indian, Nepali, Indo-Chinese and Tibetan cuisines, featuring momos (Nepalese dumplings), Indian takes on Chinese chow mein and a large selection of curry dishes. L D $

HOUSE OF FOONG LIN 4613 Willow Lane, 301-656-3427, foonglin.com.

The Chinese restaurant features Cantonese, Hunan and Sichuan cuisine, including chef’s recommendations, low-fat choices and lots of traditional noodle dishes. L D $$

HOUSE OF MILAE 4932 St. Elmo Ave., 301-654-1997. The Kang family, who own Milae Cleaners in Bethesda, bring

simple Korean dishes to their first food foray. Chef “M&M” Kang prepares home-style fare such as bulgogi, galbi and bibimbap. The kids’ menu has one item: spaghetti, made from the recipe of owner Thomas Kang’s former college roommate’s mother.

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THE IRISH INN AT GLEN ECHO 6119 Tulane Ave., 301-229-6600, irishinnglenecho. com. This historic tavern has been a family home and a biker bar, but its incarnation as the Irish Inn has been delivering smiles and hearty food since 2003. Traditional Irish music on Monday nights, The 19th Street Band or other live music on Wednesday nights and live jazz on Sunday nights.

J R L D $$

JALEO (EDITORS’ PICK) 7271 Woodmont Ave., 301-913-0003, jaleo.com.

The restaurant that launched the American career of chef José Andrés and popularized Spanish tapas for a Washington, D.C., audience offers hot, cold, spicy and creative small plates served with outstanding Spanish wines. Voted “Best Small Plates” by Bethesda Magazine readers in 2019. R L D $$

JETTIES 4829 Fairmont Ave., 301-769-6844, jettiesdc. com. The only suburban location of the popular Nantucket-inspired sandwich shop, which has five restaurants in Northwest Washington, D.C. Aside from the signature Nobadeer sandwich (roasted turkey and stuffing with cranberry sauce and mayonnaise on sourdough), look for large salads and an innovative children’s menu. J L D $

KADHAI (EDITORS’ PICK) 7905 Norfolk Ave., 301-718-0121, kadhai.com.

This popular Indian restaurant formerly known as Haandi serves a variety of traditional chicken, lamb and seafood dishes, plus rice and vegetarian dishes and a selection of breads. An extensive lunch buffet is offered daily. L D $$

LA PANETTERIA 4921 Cordell Ave., 301-951-6433, lapanetteria. com. La Panetteria transports diners to a quaint Italian villa with its impeccable service and Old World atmosphere, serving Italian and Argentinian dishes, such as homemade pasta, pizzas and Argentinian meats. There are vegan options on the menu. L D $$

LE PAIN QUOTIDIEN 7140 Bethesda Lane, 301-913-2902; 10217 Old Georgetown Road (Wildwood Shopping Center), 240-752-8737, lepainquotidien.com. New Yorkbased Belgian-born bakery/restaurant chain with farmhouse vibe, featuring organic breads, European breakfast and dessert pastries, savory egg dishes, soups, Belgian open-faced sandwiches, entree salads, wine and Belgian beer by the bottle.

JBRLD$

LE VIEUX LOGIS 7925 Old Georgetown Road, 301-652-6816, levieuxlogisrestaurantmd.com. The colorful exterior will draw you into this family-run Bethesda institution, but classic French dishes such as Dover

sole meunière and mussels in a white wine broth will keep you coming back. D $$$

LEO & LIV 8120 Wisconsin Ave. (Bethesdan Hotel), 301652-2000, tapestrycollection3.hilton.com/tc/thebethesdan-hotel. Set in a hotel, this farm-to-table restaurant serves Mediterranean and American cuisine, from filet mignon and Moroccan lamb shank to butternut squash ravioli. There are also flatbreads and sandwiches, and a bar called But First Drinks (BFD). B D $$

LOTUS GRILL & BAR 4929 Elm St., 301-312-8191, lotusbethesda. com. You have your pick of traditional Indian fare (including pork chops, chicken and other items cooked in a tandoor oven), tacos (lunch only) and pizza (some with elements of Indian food) at this downtown Bethesda spot. L D $$

LUCY ETHIOPIAN RESTAURANT 4865 Cordell Ave., 301-347-7999, lucyrestaurantmd.com. The authentic Ethiopian menu here includes beef and lamb plates, such as kitfo (raw beef) sandwiches and boneless braised yebeg alicha (Ethiopian mild lamb stew). The interior is decorated with Ethiopian-inspired art and features a full bar. Beef and vegan samplers are available at the Bethesda location. L D $

LUKE’S LOBSTER 7129 Bethesda Lane, 301-718-1005, lukeslobster. com. This upscale carryout features authentic lobster, shrimp and crab rolls; the seafood is

Exquisite French food, charming atmosphere, and attentive service. In the heart of Chevy Chase, the charm of the country side at your door step.

“La Ferme is one of the area’s most pleasant places to catch up with friends, do business or toast a big day.”

Tom Sietsema, Food critique of the Washington Post (March 4, 2018)

7101 Brookville Road Chevy Chase, MD 301-986-5255

LaFermeRestaurant.com

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dine shipped directly from Maine. Try the Taste of Maine, which offers all three kinds of rolls, plus two crab claws. L D $

MAKI BAR 6831 Wisconsin Ave. (Shops of Wisconsin), 301907-9888, makibarbethesda.com. This tiny 30-seat Japanese restaurant and sushi bar offers 60-plus kinds of maki rolls, categorized as Classic (tuna roll), Crunch Lover (spicy crunch California roll) and Signature (eel, avocado, tobiko, crab), along with sushi, sashimi, noodle bowls and rice-based entrees. L D $$

MAMMA LUCIA 4916 Elm St., 301-907-3399, mammalucia restaurants.com. New York-style pizza dripping with cheese and crowd-pleasing red sauce, and favorites like chicken Parmesan and linguini with clams draw the crowds to this local chain. Gluten-free options available. L D $$

MATCHBOX 7278 Woodmont Ave., 240-465-0500, matchboxrestaurants.com. At this local chain, look for mini-burgers, a “ginormous meatball” appetizer and thin-crust pizza with toppings, including herbroasted chicken, roasted mushrooms, fire-roasted red peppers and Spanish onions. J R L D $$

MEDIUM RARE 4904 Fairmont Ave., 301-215-8739, mediumrare restaurant.com. A prix fixe menu that comes with bread, salad, steak and fries is the sole option at this small chain outpost (there are two Medium Rares in D.C.). Desserts cost extra. Weekend brunch also features a prix fixe menu. D $$

MOMO CHICKEN & GRILL 4862 Cordell Ave., Bethesda, 240-483-0801, momofc.com. Skip the breasts, and head for the wings or drumsticks at Bethesda’s first Korean fried chicken spot. Options such as seafood pancakes, bulgogi and bibimbap are part of the extensive offerings, all served in a hip space with framed record albums gracing the walls. J L D $$

MON AMI GABI (EDITORS’ PICK) 7239 Woodmont Ave., 301-654-1234, monamigabi. com. Waiters serve bistro classics such as escargot, steak frites and profiteroles in a dark and boisterous spot that doesn’t feel like a chain. Live jazz Thursday nights. Voted “Best Restaurant Wine List” by Bethesda Magazine readers in 2019.

J R L D $$

MORTON’S, THE STEAKHOUSE 7400 Wisconsin Ave., 301-657-2650, mortons. com. An ultra-sophisticated steak house serving pricey, large portions of prime-aged beef and drinks.

The restaurant is known for a top-notch dinner experience but also offers lunch and a bar menu.

L D $$$

MUSSEL BAR & GRILLE 7262 Woodmont Ave., 301-215-7817, musselbar. com. Kensington resident and big-name chef Robert Wiedmaier serves his signature mussels, plus wood-fired tarts, salads and sandwiches. Wash them all down with a choice of 40 Belgian beers.

R L D $$

NOT YOUR AVERAGE JOE’S 10400 Old Georgetown Road, 240-316-4555, notyouraveragejoes.com. This Massachusettsbased chain’s moderately priced menu offers burgers, big salads and stone-hearth pizzas, plus entrees including Anything But Average Meatloaf.

J L D $$

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OLAZZO (EDITORS’ PICK) 7921 Norfolk Ave., 301-654-9496, olazzo.com.

This well-priced, romantic restaurant is the place for couples seeking red-sauce classics at reasonable prices. Founded by brothers Riccardo and Roberto Pietrobono, it was voted “Best Italian Restaurant”

by Bethesda Magazine readers in 2020. L D $$

THE ORIGINAL PANCAKE HOUSE 7700 Wisconsin Ave., Store D, 301-986-0285, ophrestaurants.com. Along with the classic flapjacks on this chain’s menu, you’ll find flavorpacked items such as apple pancakes with a cinnamon sugar glaze. And it’s not just pancakes to pick from: The restaurant serves a variety of waffles, crepes, eggs and omelets. J B L $

PASSAGE TO INDIA (EDITORS’ PICK) 4931 Cordell Ave., 301-656-3373, passagetoindia. info. Top-notch, pan-Indian fare by chef-owner Sudhir Seth, with everything from garlic naan to fish curry made to order. R L D $$

PASSIONFISH BETHESDA 7187 Woodmont Ave., 301-358-6116, passionfish bethesda.com. The second location of Passion Food Hospitality’s splashy seafood restaurant features stunning coastal-themed decor and an extensive menu of shellfish, caviar, sushi, chef’s specialties and fresh catches of the day. Voted “Best Happy Hour” and “Best Restaurant for Eating at the Bar”

by Bethesda Magazine readers in 2020.

J L D $$$

PAUL 4760 Bethesda Ave., 301-656-3285, paul-usa. com. Fifth-generation, family-owned French bakery becomes an international chain, with locations in close to 35 countries. Aside from breads and pastries, look for soups, sandwiches and quiche.

BLD$

PINES OF ROME 4918 Cordell Ave., 301-657-8775. Longtime Italian restaurant, formerly on Hampden Lane, still serves traditional pasta, pizza, fish and seafood at prices that are easy on the wallet. The white pizza is a hit, and don’t forget the spaghetti and meatballs.

LD$

PIZZERIA DA MARCO (EDITORS’ PICK) 8008 Woodmont Ave., 301-654-6083, pizzeria damarco.net. Authentic Neapolitan pizzas fired in a 900-degree Italian brick oven range from the Siciliana with eggplant confit and black olives to the Solo Carne with sausage, pepperoni and salame.

Salads, antipasti and calzones available, too.

LD$

POKE DOJO 7110 Bethesda Lane, 240-696-0990, pokedojo. com. The owners of Bethesda’s Hanaro Sushi opened this poke place at Bethesda Row. The menu includes a handful of signature bowls, or you can build your own from the raw fish, rice and toppings offered. L D $

POSITANO RISTORANTE ITALIANO 4940-48 Fairmont Ave., 301-654-1717, epositano.com. An authentic Italian, family-run restaurant popular for private events, large and small. Colorful rooms are decorated with Italian landscapes, copper pots and hanging plants, and the outdoor patio is one of the most beautiful in the county. L D $$

PRALINE BAKERY & BISTRO 4611 Sangamore Road, 301-229-8180, praline-bakery.com. This sunny restaurant offers a

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tempting bakery takeout counter, full dining service and a patio. The food, which includes chicken pot pie and pralines, is French with an American accent.

J B R L D $$

PRIMA 7280 Woodmont Ave., 301-215-8300, craveprima. com. Renowned chef Michael Schlow aims to put a healthful spin on Italian food at this fast-casual eatery featuring bowls (no pizza or pasta here). Pick a suggested bowl (the della nonna has meatballs, ricotta, brown rice, roasted cauliflower, roasted zucchini and spicy tomato-basil vinaigrette) or create your own. Menu items are gluten-free and include local vegetables, fresh herbs, legumes and sustainable meat and fish. L D $

Q BY PETER CHANG (EDITORS’ PICK) 4500 East West Highway, 240-800-3722, qbypeterchang.com. Notable chef Peter Chang’s high-end flagship restaurant offers traditional Chinese dishes in an attractive, modern space.

Peking duck, double-cooked pork belly and other authentic Sichuan cuisine are served, and some dishes are “ultimate spicy” for brave palates.

J L D $$

RAKU (EDITORS’ PICK) 7240 Woodmont Ave., 301-718-8680, rakuasian dining.com. Voted “Best Sushi” by Bethesda Magazine readers in 2020, this casual restaurant has bamboo walls that do little to dampen the noise, but the menu satisfies with everything from sushi to kung pao chicken.

L D $$

RICE PADDIES GRILL & PHO 4706 Bethesda Ave., 301-718-1862, ricepaddies grill.com. This cute copper-and-green eat-in/carryout makes quick work of Vietnamese favorites such as pork, beef and vegetable skewers infused with lemongrass and the classic beef noodle soup known as pho. L D $

ROCK BOTTOM RESTAURANT & BREWERY 7900 Norfolk Ave., 301-652-1311, rockbottom.com.

India Pale Ales and specialty dark brews are among the award-winning beers crafted in-house at this cavernous yet welcoming chain, which offers a vast menu. The burgers are the real deal. J L D $$

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE 7315 Wisconsin Ave., 301-652-7877, ruthschris. com. A dark and clubby feel makes this elegant chain popular with families as well as the happyhour crowd. Don’t skip the fresh seafood choices, which include Caribbean lobster tail and barbecued shrimp. D $$$

SALA THAI 4828 Cordell Ave., 301-654-4676, salathaidc. com. This Thai mainstay cooks the classics and offers diners a nearly panoramic view of Woodmont Avenue through huge, curved windows. Live jazz Friday and Saturday evenings. L D $$

SAPHIRE CAFÉ 7940 Wisconsin Ave., 301-986-9708. A relaxing spot for tasting everything from Maryland-style crab soup to Argentine skirt steak, Saphire pumps it up a notch on Friday and Saturday nights with drink specials and DJs. Tiki bar open Wednesdays through Saturdays. L D $

SATSUMA 8003 Norfolk Ave., 301-652-1400, satsumajp. com. Bethesda’s first yakiniku (Japanese barbecue) restaurant has built-in grills at each table. Diners select a cut—short rib, chuck rib, skirt or tongue—

and prepare it themselves. There’s also an extensive sushi and sashimi menu, as well as interesting cooked dishes. L D $$

SILVER (EDITORS’ PICK) 7150 Woodmont Ave., 301-652-9780, eatatsilver. com. Upscale, tonier version of the homegrown Silver Diner chain, with modern takes on American classics and an emphasis on healthy, local and organic ingredients. Sleek interior takes its cue from the 1920s. ❂ J B R L D $$

SMOKE BBQ BETHESDA 4858 Cordell Ave., 301-656-2011, smokebbq.com.

Pulled pork, beef brisket, smoked chicken, ribs and all the fixin’s, plus starters including smoked tomato soup and fried pickles served in a friendly, casual space. J L D $

ST. ARNOLD'S MUSSEL BAR 7525 Old Georgetown Road, 240-821-6830, starnoldsmussel.com. Czech, German and Belgian brews served in an authentic beer-hall setting, furnished with the same benches as those used in the Hofbrau brewhouse in Munich. Pub menu features mussels, hearty sandwiches, schnitzel and goulash. R L D $$

SWEETGREEN 4831 Bethesda Ave.301-654-7336, sweetgreen. com. The sweetgreen fast-casual chain—with its focus on local and organic ingredients— concentrates on salads (devise your own, or pick from a list) and soups. Look for eco-friendly decor and a healthy sensibility. L D $

TAKO GRILL 4914 Hampden Lane (The Shoppes of Bethesda), 301-652-7030, takogrill.com. Longtime, popular sushi destination relocated to the space formerly occupied by Hinode Japanese Restaurant. Look for the same traditional sushi menu, plus some new options, such as griddle-cooked teppanyaki at lunch, and more varieties of yakitori at dinner. L D $$

TANDOORI NIGHTS 7236 Woodmont Ave., 301-656-4002, tandoorinightsmd.com. Located in the heart of downtown Bethesda, the restaurant serves traditional Indian fare ranging from tandoori chicken, marinated in yogurt and spices, to a biryani flavored with saffron, nuts and raisins. L D $$

TARA THAI 7101 Democracy Blvd. (Westfield Montgomery mall), 301-657-0488, tarathai.com. Thai cuisine goes high style at Bethesda Magazine readers’ pick for “Best Thai Restaurant” in 2020. With colorful murals of ocean creatures looking on, diners can try dishes ranging from mild to adventurous. L D $$

TASTEE DINER 7731 Woodmont Ave., 301-652-3970, tasteediner. com. For 80 years, this crowd-pleasing if slightly sagging spot has served up everything from breakfast to burgers to blue-plate specials such as steak and crabcakes to crowds of loyal customers.

Open 24 hours. J B L D $

TERRAIN CAFÉ (EDITORS’ PICK) 7228 Woodmont Ave., 240-345-9492, shopterrain.

com/restaurants. Located inside the Anthropologie & Co. at Bethesda Row, this quaint cafe changes its menu with the seasons. Look for cheese boards; salads; toast topped with eggplant, smoked salmon or fig; and entrees such as duck breast and a fried cauliflower sandwich. R L D $$

TIA QUETA 4839 Del Ray Ave., 301-654-4443, tiaqueta.com.

This longtime family and happy-hour favorite offers authentic Mexican food such as moles and fish dishes, as well as the usual Tex-Mex options. Drink menu includes American and Mexican beers.

J L D $$

TOMMY JOE’S 7940 Norfolk Ave., 301-654-3801, tommyjoes.com.

This Bethesda institution is now in the space formerly housing Urban Heights. The second-floor, window-filled corner location suits its sports bar persona, and the vast rooftop is ideal for outdoor drinking and snacking. Fare includes wings (Pohostyle, grilled and smoky, are a good option), burgers, crabcakes and ribs. Chunky brisket chili, on its own or on nachos, is a winner. ❂ L D $$

TRATTORIA SORRENTO (EDITORS’ PICK) 4930 Cordell Ave., 301-718-0344, trattoriasorrento. com. This family-run Italian favorite offers homemade pastas, baked eggplant and fresh fish dishes. Half-price bottles of wine on Wednesdays.

D $$

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dine TRUE FOOD KITCHEN (EDITORS’ PICK) 7100 Wisconsin Ave., 240-200-1257, truefoodkitchen.com. Health-focused chain prides itself on serving fresh ingredients and features an open kitchen. The eclectic, multicultural menu changes from season to season, and includes sandwiches, salads and pizza. Beer, wine and freshfruit and vegetable cocktails are also available.

Voted “Best Restaurant for Vegetarian Dishes” by Bethesda Magazine readers in 2020. R L D $$

URBAN PLATES 7101 Democracy Blvd. (Westfield Montgomery mall), 301-690-9540, urbanplates.com. The fastcasual chain’s wide-ranging menu includes salads, soups, sandwiches, entrees such as grass-fed steak and striped sea bass, plus seasonal items.

Meals are offered at stations—customers grab a plate and get in their desired line where chefs serve the made-from-scratch dishes. J L D $

UNCLE JULIO’S 4870 Bethesda Ave., 301-656-2981, unclejulios. com. Loud and large, this Tex-Mex eatery packs in families and revelers fueling up on fajitas, tacos and more. Kids love to watch the tortilla machine. Voted “Best Mexican Restaurant” by Bethesda Magazine readers in 2020. J R L D $$

VÜK 4924 St. Elmo Ave., 301-652-8000, vukpinball. com. VÜK owner (and MOM’S Organic Market CEO) Scott Nash consulted restaurateur Mark Bucher for the only thing offered on the short menu of his Bethesda pinball arcade other than Trickling Springs Creamery’s soft-serve ice cream: thin-crust New York-style pizza and thick-crust Sicilian pizza sold by the slice or as whole pies: cheese, sausage, pepperoni and mushroom/onion. L D $

WANG DYNASTY 4929 Bethesda Ave., 301-654-1188. A mix of dishes from Shanghai and Taiwan—sweet and sour chicken, crispy shrimp with minced pork, Peking duck, pan-fried noodles with beef—fill the long menu at this Chinese restaurant in the space that housed Shanghai Village. Weekend dim sum is offered. R L D $$

WILDWOOD KITCHEN (EDITORS’ PICK) 10223 Old Georgetown Road (Wildwood Shopping Center), 301-571-1700, wildwoodkitchenrw.com.

Chef Robert Wiedmaier’s attractive neighborhood bistro serving fresh and light modern cuisine.

Entrees range from Amish chicken with a scallion potato cake to grilled Atlantic salmon with creamy polenta. L D $$

WOODMONT GRILL (EDITORS’ PICK) 7715 Woodmont Ave., 301-656-9755, hillstone. com. Part of the Houston’s chain, the eatery offers such classics as spinach-and-artichoke dip and its famous burgers, but also house-baked breads, more exotic dishes, live jazz and a granite bar.

Voted “Best Restaurant in Bethesda” by Bethesda Magazine readers in 2019, and “Best Overall Restaurant,” “Restaurant With Best Service” and “Best Burger” by readers in 2020.

L D $$$

WORLD OF BEER 7200 Wisconsin Ave., 240-389-9317, worldofbeer. com. Craft beer-focused tavern chain offers 50 brews on tap rotating daily and hundreds of bottled options. Food is classic pub fare, including hamburgers, wings and bratwurst sandwiches, as well as flatbreads and salads. J R L D $

YUZU 7345-B Wisconsin Ave., 301-656-5234, yuzu

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bethesda.com. Diners will find authentic Japanese dishes, including sushi, sashimi and cooked tofu, vegetable, tempura, meat and fish dishes, prepared by sushi chef and owner Yoshihisa Ota. L D $$

CABIN JOHN FISH TACO 7945 MacArthur Blvd., 301-229-0900, fishtacoonline.com. See Bethesda listing. ❂JLD$

SAL’S ITALIAN KITCHEN (EDITORS’ PICK) 7945 MacArthur Blvd., 240-802-2370, salsitalian kitchen.net. Persimmon and Wild Tomato owners Damian and Stephanie Salvatore replaced their Asian concept Indigo House with a return to their roots. Find traditional Italian fare, such as bruschetta, risotto balls, Caprese salad, meatball subs, fettuccine Alfredo, chicken cacciatore and shrimp scampi. ❂ L D $$

WILD TOMATO (EDITORS’ PICK) 7945 MacArthur Blvd., 301-229-0680, wildtomatorestaurant.com. A family-friendly neighborhood restaurant from Persimmon owners Damian and Stephanie Salvatore, serving salads, sandwiches and pizza. Voted “Best Neighborhood Restaurant” by Bethesda Magazine readers in 2019. J L D $

CHEVY CHASE ALFIO’S LA TRATTORIA 4515 Willard Ave., 301-657-9133, alfios.com.

This Northern Italian classic on the first floor of The Willoughby of Chevy Chase Condominium has been feeding families and casual diners for more than 30 years. Look for traditional pasta, veal and chicken dishes (plus pizza), served in an Old World environment. J L D $$

THE CAPITAL GRILLE 5310 Western Ave., 301-718-7812, capitalgrille. com. The upscale steak-house chain, known for its He-Man-sized portions and extensive wine list, is located in The Shops at Wisconsin Place.

Entrees also include chicken, lamb chops, salmon and lobster. Voted “Best Private Dining Room” by Bethesda Magazine readers in 2020. L D $$$$

CLYDE’S 5441 Wisconsin Ave., 301-951-9600, clydes. com. The popular restaurant features a frequently changing menu of American favorites and a collection of vintage airplanes and cars, as well as a model train running on a track around the ceiling.

J R L D $$

DON POLLO 7007 Wisconsin Ave., 301-652-0001, donpolloonline.com. See Bethesda listing. L D $

LA FERME (EDITORS’ PICK) 7101 Brookville Road, 301-986-5255, laferme restaurant.com. This charming Provence-style restaurant serving classic French cuisine is a popular choice for an intimate dinner. Cognac Le Bar at La Ferme, a bar within the restaurant, opened in fall 2016. The bar serves small plates and cocktails. Voted “Best Romantic Restaurant”

by Bethesda Magazine readers in 2020 and “Best

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Restaurant in Chevy Chase” and “Best SpecialOccasion Restaurant” by readers in 2019.

R L D $$$

LIA'S 4435 Willard Ave., 240-223-5427, chefgeoff.com.

Owner Geoff Tracy focuses on high-quality, low-fuss modern Italian-American fare at this modern space with a wine room. Pizzas, house-made pastas and fresh fish please business lunchers and dinner crowds. J R L D $

LITTLE BEET TABLE 5471 Wisconsin Ave., 240-283-0603, thelittlebeettable.com/chevychase. Part of a small chain that started in New York City, Little Beet Table serves an entirely gluten-free lineup of dishes, including chicken, salmon, Korean rice cakes, a mushroom-and-black-bean burger and a whole branzino fish. The 100-seat full-service restaurant is in The Collection shopping area in Chevy Chase’s Friendship Heights neighborhood.

L D $$

MANOLI CANOLI RESTAURANT 8540 Connecticut Ave., 301-951-1818, manolicanoli.com. Italian and Greek specialties abound at a fun family eatery that features a large prepared foods section, dishes made with olive oil from owner Stavros Manolakos’ family farm in Greece and homemade mozzarella on pizza and subs. J L D $

MEIWAH RESTAURANT 4457 Willard Ave., 301-652-9882, meiwah restaurant.com. This modern restaurant on the second floor of a Friendship Heights office building offers top-quality Chinese dishes that are hard to beat. There’s also a sushi bar with an extensive menu. A fountain sparkles on the outdoor patio.

L D $$

MOBY DICK HOUSE OF KABOB 7023 Wisconsin Ave., 301-654-1838, mobyskabob. com. This kabob takeout/eat-in mainstay was one of the first kabob places in the area. It makes its own pita bread. The menu includes a variety of salads and vegetarian sandwiches and platters.

LD$

PERSIMMON (EDITORS’ PICK) 7003 Wisconsin Ave., 301-654-9860, persimmon restaurant.com. Owners Damian and Stephanie Salvatore’s popular restaurant offers casual fare from salads to sandwiches to meat and seafood entrees in a bistro setting featuring a lively bar, cozy booths and bright paintings on the walls.

R L D $$

POTOMAC PIZZA 19 Wisconsin Circle, 301-951-1127, potomac pizza.com. This cheery, casual dining room provides a break from the ultra-posh shopping surrounding it. In addition to pizza, subs and pastas are popular.

Beer and wine available. J L D $

SUSHIKO (EDITORS’ PICK) 5455 Wisconsin Ave., 301-961-1644, sushiko restaurants.com. Known as one of the Washington, D.C., area’s most respected sushi restaurants, Sushiko offers a wide range of sushi and other dishes. Kōbō, a restaurant within the restaurant, allows eight people to dine on 12- to 15-course tasting menus. L D $$

TAVIRA 8401 Connecticut Ave., 301-652-8684, tavira restaurant.com. Fish stews and several versions

of bacalhau (salted cod) figure prominently on the menu of this intriguing Portuguese restaurant, which manages to be charming and attractive despite its location in an office building basement. L D $$

GARRETT PARK BLACK MARKET BISTRO (EDITORS’ PICK) 4600 Waverly Ave., 301-933-3000, blackmarket restaurant.com. Sublime American bistro fare served in a restored Victorian building next to railroad tracks; the building once served as a general store and still houses a post office.

Entrees range from swordfish to a burger and pizza, including several vegetable options. Voted “Best Restaurant in Garrett Park/Kensington” by Bethesda Magazine readers in 2019.

J R L D $$

KENSINGTON THE BIG GREEK CAFE 5268 Nicholson Lane, 301-881-4976, biggreekcafe.com. See Bethesda listing.

LD$

THE DISH & DRAM 10301 Kensington Parkway, 301-962-4046, thedishanddram.com. The owners of The Daily Dish in Silver Spring serve comfort food made with

local ingredients in a 2,800-square-foot space in Kensington. Steak frites, Maryland crab soup, burgers and house-made desserts are on the menu. J R L D $$

FRANKLY…PIZZA! (EDITORS’ PICK) 10417 Armory Ave., 301-832-1065, franklypizza. com. Owner Frank Linn turns out high-quality pizza in a rustic brick-and-mortar restaurant. The menu offers wood-fired pies topped with home-cured meats and tomato sauce made from an 80-yearold family recipe. Wines and homemade sodas served on tap, too. Voted “Best Pizza” by Bethesda Magazine readers in 2020. L D $

JAVA NATION 10516 Connecticut Ave., 301-327-6580, javanation.com. There’s a brunch menu at this coffee shop tucked into a strip mall. Beer, wine and liquor are served, along with coffee that’s roasted on-site.

R L $$

K TOWN BISTRO 3784 Howard Ave., 301-933-1211, ktownbistro. com. Try filet mignon, duck breast à l’orange, chicken marsala and other classic continental dishes from this family-run eatery owned by Gonzalo Barba, former longtime captain of the restaurant in the Watergate Hotel. L D $$

KNOWLES STATION WINE & CO. 10414 Detrick Ave., Suite 100; 301-272-9080; knowlesstation.com. Part retail wine shop, part restaurant, part bar, this spot near the intersection

of Knowles and Summit avenues features a short menu with meat and cheese plates, appetizers, salads and sandwiches (including grilled chicken, roast pork and crabcake). Find more than a dozen beers on draft and more than two dozen wines by the glass, plus lots of beer and wine to go.

J L D $$

GAITHERSBURG / NORTH POTOMAC &PIZZA 258 Crown Park Ave. (Downtown Crown), 240-4998447, andpizza.com. See Bethesda listing. ❂ L D $

ASIA NINE 254 Crown Park Ave. (Downtown Crown), 301-3309997, asianinemd.com. Pan Asian restaurant with a first location in Washington, D.C.’s Penn Quarter offers dishes from Vietnam, China, Thailand and Japan. Specialties include grilled lamb chops served with mango-soy coulis and miso honey duck breast drizzled with a sake butter sauce. R L D $$

ATHENS GRILL 9124 Rothbury Drive, 301-975-0757, athensgrill. com. This casual, friendly, family-run restaurant specializes in authentic Greek cooking, using recipes handed down through generations.

Specialties such as rotisserie chicken, chargrilled

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dine salmon with a lemon dill sauce and lamb kabobs are cooked on a hardwood grill. L D $

BARKING MAD CAFE 239 Spectrum Ave., 240-297-6230, barkingmad cafe.com. Cooking from a wood hearth and selecting vegetables, herbs and edible flowers from its aeroponic (grown in air/mist but without soil) organic garden, Barking Mad Cafe has a corner spot in Watkins Mill Town Center. Look for madefrom-scratch brunch, lunch and dinner sweets and savories, such as breakfast pizza, watermelon salad and farro salad. ❂ R L D $$

BGR: THE BURGER JOINT 229 Boardwalk Place (Rio), 301-569-7086, bgrtheburgerjoint.com. See Bethesda listing. ❂JLD$

BONEFISH GRILL 82 Market St., 240-631-2401, bonefishgrill. com. While fresh fish cooked over a wood fire is the centerpiece of this upscale Florida chain, the steaks, crab cakes and specialty martinis make it a fun option for happy hour and those with hearty appetites. R L D $$

BUCA DI BEPPO 122 Kentlands Blvd., 301-947-7346, bucadibeppo. com. The Kentlands outpost of this national chain serves huge, family-style portions of Italian specialties from fresh breads to antipasti and pasta dishes amid a sea of Italian kitsch. Desserts include Italian Creme Cake and tiramisu.

J L D $$

CAVA 213 Kentlands Blvd., 301-476-4209, cava.com.

See Bethesda listing.

LD$

COAL FIRE 116 Main St., 301-519-2625, coalfireonline.com.

Homemade crusts fired by coal and topped with your choice of toppings and three different sauces: classic, spicy and signature, which is slightly sweet with a hint of spice. Salads, sandwiches and pasta also available, plus a full bar. L D $

COASTAL FLATS 135 Crown Park Ave. (Downtown Crown), 301869-8800, greatamericanrestaurants.com. First Maryland locale for Great American Restaurants, a Fairfax-based chain. Seaside-inspired decor extends to the menu, which offers lobster and shrimp rolls, fried grouper and Key lime pie. Steaks, pasta and burgers also served. J R L D $$

COPPER CANYON GRILL 100 Boardwalk Place (Rio), 240-631-0003, ccgrill. com. Large portions of American classics such as salads, ribs and rotisserie chicken prepared with seasonal ingredients at family-friendly prices are the bill of fare at this spacious and casual chain restaurant. J L D $$

DOGFISH HEAD ALEHOUSE 800 W. Diamond Ave., 301-963-4847, dogfishale house.com. The first Maryland outpost of the popular Rehoboth Beach brewpub, the restaurant is packed with revelers and families clamoring for the Dogfish Head brews, burgers, pizzas and ribs. Check out the burger of the week. J L D $$

DOG HAUS BIERGARTEN 644 Center Point Way, 240-690-6090, kentlands. doghaus.com. See Bethesda listing. L D $

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DON POLLO 9083 Gaither Road, 301-990-0981, donpollogroup. com. See Bethesda listing. L D $

FIREBIRDS WOOD FIRED GRILL 390 Spectrum Ave., 301-284-1770, gaithersburg. firebirdsrestaurants.com. Part of a chain, this restaurant in the Watkins Mill Town Center cooks steaks and seafood over a wood-fired grill. Designed to look like a Colorado lodge, the eatery tends toward classic fare for entrees (surf-and-turf, salmon, burgers) and dessert (chocolate cake, Key lime pie, carrot cake). J L D $$

GUAPO’S RESTAURANT 9811 Washingtonian Blvd., L-17 (Rio), 301-9775655, guaposrestaurant.com. See Bethesda listing.

JRLD$

HERSHEY’S RESTAURANT & BAR 17030 Oakmont Ave., 301-948-9893, hersheysat thegrove.com. Fried chicken that tastes like it was made by an aproned elder is served up in a clapboard building constructed in 1889. Besides the fab fried chicken, Hershey’s serves up warm rolls, inexpensive prices and live music.

J B R L D $$

IL PORTO RESTAURANT 245 Muddy Branch Road, 301-590-0735, ilporto restaurant.com. A classic red-sauce menu, elegant murals of Venice and an authentic thincrust pizza are hallmarks of this friendly, unfussy Italian restaurant tucked in the Festival Shopping Center. Fried calamari and the white pizza are among customer favorites. Voted “Best Restaurant in Gaithersburg/North Potomac” by Bethesda Magazine readers in 2019. L D $

INFERNO PIZZERIA NAPOLETANA (EDITORS’ PICK) 12207 Darnestown Road, 301-963-0115, inferno-pizzeria.com. Tony Conte, former executive chef of Washington, D.C.’s Oval Room, goes casual with his first restaurant, an authentic Neapolitan pizzeria offering sophisticated toppings such as shaved truffles and garlic confit. Cozy dining room seats 39, with a tiled, wood-burning pizza oven as the centerpiece. D $$

IXTAPALAPA TAQUERIA 411 N. Frederick Ave., 240-702-0217, ixtataqueria.com. The owners of Taco Bar (in a Gaithersburg gas station) serve Mexican street food at this fast-casual spot. Pick a protein to go on corn tortillas, then head to the fixings bar. Or try a taco that comes already topped (the alambre with bacon, grilled onions and red peppers and Oaxaca cheese is good).

LD$

KENAKI SUSHI 706 Center Point Way, 240-224-7189, kenakisushi. com. This sushi counter at Kentlands Market Square offers what the owners call a “modern take on traditional sushi.” Experiment with the Black Magic roll, which comes with truffle oil and black sushi rice. Lunch is more informal, but at dinner there’s full service. L D $

LANZHOU HAND PULL NOODLE 3 Grand Corner Ave. (Rio), 240-403-7486, lanzhounoodlemd.com. The made-to-order noodles (choose hand-pulled or knife-sliced) at this fastcasual spot are served in soups and stir-fries with beef, chicken, duck and other proteins. Rice dishes, dumplings and pork buns are also available. L D $

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THE MELTING POT 9021 Gaither Road, 301-519-3638, themeltingpot. com. There’s nothing like dipping bits of bread, vegetables and apples into a communal pot of hot cheese to get a date or a party started. The Melting Pot chain also offers wine, oil or broth to cook meat tableside and chocolate fondue for dessert.

J D $$

MOBY DICK HOUSE OF KABOB 105 Market St., 301-978-7770, mobyskabob. com. See Chevy Chase listing. L D $

MOD PIZZA 145 Commerce Square Place, 240-552-9850, modpizza.com. The Bellevue, Washington-based chain offers design-your-own fast-casual pies (hence, Made on Demand, or MOD). Pizzas, cooked at 800 degrees for three minutes, can be topped with a choice of nearly 40 sauces, cheeses, meats, spices and veggies.

LD$

NOT YOUR AVERAGE JOE’S 245 Kentlands Blvd., 240-477-1040, notyouraveragejoes.com. See Bethesda listing.

J L D $$

OLD TOWN POUR HOUSE 212 Ellington Blvd. (Downtown Crown), 301-9636281, oldtownpourhouse.com. One of the eateries from Chicago’s Bottleneck Management restaurant company, this place features more than 90 local and international brews on tap. Classic American cuisine is served in a setting with copper-inlaid bars and high ceilings.

L D $$

PALADAR LATIN KITCHEN & RUM BAR 203 Crown Park Ave., 301-330-4400, paladarlatinkitchen.com. This Cleveland-based chain covers the spectrum of Latin cuisine, with dishes from Cuba, the Caribbean and Central and South America. From Brazil, there’s feijoada stew; from Cuba, ropa vieja; and from Jamaica, jerk chicken. Bar selections includes 50 varieties of rum, 15 tequilas and six types of mojitos.

J R L D $$

QUINCY’S BAR & GRILLE 616 Quince Orchard Road, 301-869-8200, quincysgroup.com. Energetic neighborhood pub with a sports bar atmosphere, Quincy’s also has an extensive menu with wings, pizza, build-yourown burgers and chicken sandwiches, plus entrees including Guinness-braised brisket. Live music is also a big draw. L D $

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE 106 Crown Park Ave. (Downtown Crown), 301-9901926, ruthschris.com. See Bethesda listing.

D $$$

SILVER DINER 9811 Washingtonian Blvd. (Rio), 301-321-3530, silverdiner.com. This branch of the trendy diner includes a full bar and brasserie-style interior. The latest food trends (think quinoa coconut pancakes) share company on the enormous menu with diner staples such as meatloaf and mashed potatoes.

J B R L D $$

SIN & GRIN 353 Main St., 301-977-5595, singrintacos.com.

Located in the heart of Kentlands Market Square, Sin & Grin is a fast-casual restaurant owned and operated by the Hristopoulos family, which also runs Vasili’s Kitchen. Pick from eight tacos, rotisserie chicken and an assortment of Mexican cuisine. L D $

TACO DADDY 555 Quince Orchard Road, 240-261-9777, tacodaddycantina.com. Tacos and tequila are the focus at this branch of a restaurant based in Frederick, Maryland. Other Mexican food (such as enchiladas and fajitas) round out the offerings in the brightly painted space with kitschy decor. A mariachi band plays on Thursdays. L D $$

TANDOORI NIGHTS 106 Market St., 301-947-4007, tandoorinightsmd. com. See Bethesda listing. L D $

TARA THAI 9811 Washingtonian Blvd., L-9 (Rio), 301-9478330, tarathai.com. See Bethesda listing. L D $$

TED’S BULLETIN 220 Ellington Blvd. (Downtown Crown), 301990-0600, tedsbulletin.com. First Maryland location of the modern diner chainlet from the folks at Matchbox Food Group. Boozy milkshakes, homemade pop tarts and the Cinnamon Roll As Big As Ya Head (served weekends only) are among the specialties. J B R L D $$

TED’S MONTANA GRILL 105 Ellington Blvd. (Downtown Crown), 301-3300777, tedsmontanagrill.com. First Maryland location of billionaire and bison rancher Ted Turner’s restaurant chain, which uses bison as the showpiece in a humongous selection of dishes, including burgers, meatloaf, nachos and chili.

Soups, salads, American classics and spiked milkshakes also available at this saloon-style eatery. J L D $$

THAI TANIUM 657 Center Point Way, 301-990-3699, thaitanium restaurant.com. Authentic Thai food laced with lots of chilies and garlic as hot as you like. Try one of the Thai street food dishes, such as roasted pork with Thai herbed sweet sauce and noodle soups.

JLD$

UNCLE JULIO’S 231 Rio Blvd. (Rio), 240-632-2150, unclejulios.com.

See Bethesda listing.

J R L D $$

UNION JACK'S 9811 Washingtonian Blvd. (Rio), 240-780-7139, unionjacksrio.com. With a British pub theme, this spot includes lots of drink specials, live music events and a menu with fish and chips, citrus salmon, burgers, pizzas and pub fare. Billiards, darts and a slew of TVs are also here. R L D $$

VASILI'S KITCHEN 705 Center Point Way, 301-977-1011, vasilis kitchen.com. Tan and brown decor lends a cozy vibe to this 4,700-square-foot Kentlands restaurant.

The owners ran the popular Vasili’s Mediterranean Grill in another Kentlands location for more than a decade before closing it to focus on Vasili’s Kitchen.

The Mediterranean menu is heavy on seafood dishes. J D $$

YARD HOUSE 211 Rio Blvd. (Rio), 240-683-8790, yardhouse.com.

Part of a chain with locations in California, Illinois and Texas, this RIO Washingtonian Center spot is big: The 13,000-square-foot restaurant has more than 100 beers on draft, and more than 100 items on its menu, from poke nachos and Nashville hot chicken to Parmesan-crusted pork loin and gingercrusted salmon. J L D $$

GRINGOS & MARIACHIS (EDITORS’ PICK)

YOYOGI SUSHI 317 Main St., 301-963-0001. yoyogisushi.wixsite. com/yoyogisushi. A no-nonsense neighborhood sushi place offering the familiar sushi, teriyaki, tempura and green tea or red bean ice cream.

LD$

ZIKI JAPANESE STEAK HOUSE 10009 Fields Road, 301-330-3868, zikisteakhouse. com. This large steak house on a busy corner charms patrons with its fountains, stone Buddhas and geisha mannequins. Food offerings include sushi, as well as meats cooked on a tableside hibachi. J L D $$

POTOMAC ADDIE’S (EDITORS’ PICK) 12435 Park Potomac Ave., 301-340-0081, addies restaurant.com. Longtime North Bethesda restaurant from the Black Restaurant Group that closed in 2013 is reborn in the Park Potomac development. Date nights call for the signature entrees for two. R L D $$

BROOKLYN’S DELI & CATERING 1089 Seven Locks Road, 301-340-3354, brooklyns delimd.com. From chopped liver to chicken soup, Brooklyn’s serves all the deli specialties, plus more.

Think hot pastrami with coleslaw and Russian dressing on pumpernickel. J B L D $

CAVA 7991 Tuckerman Lane (Cabin John Village), 301200-5398, cava.com. See Bethesda listing.

LD$

ELEVATION BURGER 12525-D Park Potomac Ave., 301-838-4010, elevationburger.com. Fast-food burgers go organic and grass-fed at this Northern Virginia-founded chain. Veggie burgers, chicken sandwiches, grilled cheese and a BLT available, too. Shake flavors range from banana to Key lime and cheesecake.

LD$

GRAND FUSION CUISINE 350 East Fortune Terrace, 301-838-2862, grand fusionrestaurant.com. Diners will find something for everyone seeking a taste of the Asian continent, a full sushi bar, and Chinese, Malaysian and Singaporean specialties. Chef’s specials include Crispy Eggplant in Spicy Orange Sauce and Double Flavored Shrimp. L D $

GREGORIO’S TRATTORIA 7745 Tuckerman Lane (Cabin John Village), 301296-6168, gregoriostrattoria.com. Proprietor Greg Kahn aims to make everyone feel at home at this family-owned restaurant serving a hit parade of traditional Italian favorites, with all the familiar pasta, pizza, chicken, veal and seafood dishes; the gluten-free menu offers pizza, cheese ravioli and quinoa pastas. J L D $$

THE GRILLED OYSTER CO. (EDITORS’ PICK) 7943 Tuckerman Lane (Cabin John Village), 301299-9888, thegrilledoystercompany.com. This Chesapeake-style seafood eatery features small plates, salads, sandwiches and entrees. The sampler of four grilled oysters—with ingredients such as coconut rum and cucumber relish— showcases the namesake item. J R L D $$

12435 Park Potomac Ave., 301-339-8855, gringosandmariachis.com. See Bethesda listing.

This location voted “Best New Restaurant” by Bethesda Magazine readers in 2019. D $

HUNTER’S BAR AND GRILL 10123 River Road, 301-299-9300, huntersbarandgrill.com. At this Potomac institution and popular English hunt-themed spot, try a big salad or hamburger for lunch and a traditional pasta dish or filet mignon for dinner with the family.

J R L D $$

LAHINCH TAVERN AND GRILL 7747 Tuckerman Lane (Cabin John Village), 240499-8922, lahinchtavernandgrill.com. The menu of this sister restaurant to The Irish Inn at Glen Echo commingles Irish standards (traditional sausage roll, shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash, lamb stew) with fare such as Alaskan halibut. Lahinch is a coastal town in Ireland’s County Clare.

J R L D $$$

LE PAIN QUOTIDIEN 7991 Tuckerman Lane (Cabin John Village), 240205-7429, lepainquotidien.com. See Bethesda listing. J B R L D $

LOCK 72 KITCHEN & BAR (EDITORS’ PICK) 10128 River Road, 301-299-0481, lock72.com.

Well-known chef Robert Wiedmaier’s RW Restaurant Group runs this upscale American pub (formerly called River Falls Tavern). Entrees include panroasted duck breast, crabcake, rockfish and New R L D $$ York strip steak.

MOBY DICK HOUSE OF KABOB 9812 Falls Road, 240-660-2626, mobyskabob.com.

See Chevy Chase listing. L D $

MOCO’S FOUNDING FARMERS 12505 Park Potomac Ave., 301-340-8783, wearefoundingfarmers.com. Farm-inspired fare in a modern and casual setting; this is the sister restaurant to the phenomenally popular downtown D.C. Founding Farmers. Try the warm cookies for dessert. Voted “Best Craft Cocktails” and “Best Brunch” by Bethesda Magazine readers in 2020, and also “Best Brunch” in 2019. B R L D $$

NORMANDIE FARM RESTAURANT 10710 Falls Road, 301-983-8838, popovers.com.

This fine-dining French restaurant, open since 1931, strives to preserve its classical heritage while embracing new traditions. Dinner entrees run from seafood to beef and lamb. The restaurant offers quick service, a casual cafe option and a violinist at afternoon tea. J R L D $$

O’DONNELL’S MARKET 1073 Seven Locks Road, 301-251-6355, odonnells market.com. This market, from the family that ran O’Donnell’s restaurants in Montgomery County for decades, features a 10-seat bar for lunch and happy hour. The menu includes a raw bar, salads and many O’Donnell’s classics, among them a lump-filled crabcake sandwich, salmon BLT, seafood bisque and crab gumbo. L $

OLD ANGLER’S INN 10801 MacArthur Blvd., 301-365-2425, oldanglers inn.com. Open since 1860 and known for its refined American food and beautiful fireplaces and grounds, it features live music on weekends.

Signature cocktails include hard cider sangria and a pumpkin pie martini. Voted “Best Outdoor Dining”

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215

dine

by Bethesda Magazine readers in 2020.

R L D $$$

POTOMAC PIZZA 9812 Falls Road, 301-299-7700, potomacpizza. com. See Chevy Chase listing. J L D $

RENATO’S AT RIVER FALLS 10120 River Road, 301-365-1900, renatosatriver falls.net. The Italian restaurant offers fish dishes among its menu of pastas and classics such as penne with eggplant, and chicken parmigiana.

Traditional Italian desserts include tiramisu, profiteroles and cannolis. Voted “Best Restaurant in Potomac” by Bethesda Magazine readers in 2019.

J L D $$

SISTERS THAI 7995 Tuckerman Lane (Cabin John Village), 301299-4157. The owners of a Thai restaurant and bakery in Virginia serve classic Thai dishes in a setting that mixes several decor styles (one room has a fireplace and looks like a living room filled with books). A dessert counter offers coffee and tea drinks along with ice cream, snow ice and other treats. L D $$

SUGO OSTERIA 12505 Park Potomac Ave., 240-386-8080, eatsugo.com. This stylish spot starts you off with honey-thyme butter on rustic bread. The menu focuses on Italian small plates, meatballs, sliders, pizza and pasta. Chef specialties include blue crab gnocchi and charred octopus. R L D $$

TALLY-HO RESTAURANT 9923 Falls Road, 301-299-6825, tallyhorestaurant. com. A local fixture since 1968, the eatery serves an expansive diner-style menu with Greek and Italian specialties. Choose from options ranging from burgers and deli sandwiches to pizza, calzones and dinner entrees. J B L D $

THE WINE HARVEST 12525-B Park Potomac Ave., 240-314-0177, thewineharvest.com. Stop by this popular Cheerslike wine bar for a glass of wine or a Belgian beer.

The menu includes salads, sandwiches and cheese plates. L D $

ROCKVILLE/ NORTH BETHESDA A & J RESTAURANT (EDITORS’ PICK) 1319-C Rockville Pike, 301-251-7878, aj-restaurant. com. Northern dim sum is the specialty at this hard-to-find cash-only spot in the Woodmont Station shopping center. Warm-colored walls surround the crowd digging into thousand-layer pancakes and fresh tofu. R L D $

AKIRA RAMEN & IZAKAYA 1800 Rockville Pike, 240-242-3669, akiraramen. com. This minimalist Japanese eatery serves house-made noodles and vibrant food such as a poke salad. The sleek establishment, located on the first floor of the Galvan at Twinbrook building, features an open kitchen and several variations of ramen to choose from. L D $

AL CARBÓN 200 Park Road, 301-738-0003, alcarbonrestaurant. com. Serving authentic Latin American fare across the street from the Rockville Metro station, this

216

unassuming roadhouse has a loyal following for its arepas, empanadas, tapas and more. Try one of the natural juices including mango and tamarindo.

BLD$

AL HA'ESH 4860 Boiling Brook Parkway (Randolph Hills Shopping Center), 301-231-0839, al-haesh.com.

Kosher Israeli grill serves vegetable and protein skewers (including chicken, lamb, beef, chicken livers and sweetbreads). All entrees come with small ramekins of salads (think curried chickpeas; marinated red cabbage; and balsamic marinated mushrooms). L D $$

AMALFI RISTORANTE ITALIANO 12307 Wilkins Ave., 301-770-7888, amalfirockville. com. A family-run, red-sauce Italian restaurant with specialties including white pizza and lasagna. Lots of antipasti choices, too. The gazebo is a charming spot to dine during the summer. J L D $$

AMICI MIEI RISTORANTE 6 N. Washington St., 301-545-0966, amicimieiristorante.com. Previously located at the Potomac Woods Plaza, this upscale Italian restaurant serves wood-fired pizzas, homemade pastas and creative salads. The new, smaller establishment is cozier than the last with a menu that changes twice a year. L D $

AMINA THAI RESTAURANT 5065 Nicholson Lane, 301-770-9509. Pleasant and bright, Amina Thai is run by a husband-andwife team and bills itself as the first Muslim Thai restaurant in the area, using only halal meats and serving familiar Thai dishes. Chef’s specials include pineapple fried rice and grilled salmon. L D $

&PIZZA 11626 Old Georgetown Road (Pike & Rose), 240621-7016, andpizza.com. See Bethesda listing. ❂LD$

BANGKOK GARDEN THAI STREET EATS 891-D Rockville Pike (Wintergreen Plaza), 301-5452848. This fast-casual spot is a sister to Bangkok Garden in Bethesda and offers Thai classics (drunken noodles, pad Thai, fried rice, and curries served with chicken or pork belly) alongside Thai street fare, such as a mussel omelet. L D $

BARONESSA ITALIAN RESTAURANT 1302 E. Gude Drive, 301-838-9050, baronessarestaurant.com. Pizzas made in a woodburning oven and more than two dozen Italian entrees star on the menu at this 100-seat stripmall restaurant. Trivia nights and kids pizza-making classes are offered. J R L D $$

BB.Q CHICKEN 9712 Traville Gateway Drive, 301-309-0962, bbqchickenrockville.com. This Korean chain uses olive oil for frying its chicken, which you can order as whole, half, wings or boneless. Other Korean and fusion entrees and sides—including kimchi fried rice, calamari and fried dumplings—are on the menu too. There’s also a full bar. L D $

THE BIG GREEK CAFE 4007 Norbeck Road, 301-929-9760; 5268 Nicholson Lane, 301-881-4976, biggreekcafe.com.

See Bethesda listing. L D $

THE BLOCK 967 Rose Ave. (Pike & Rose), theblockfoodhall.com.

This Asian food hall is a sibling of an Annandale spot that helped launch the food hall trend. Find poke, Korean barbecue, shaved ice cream and more

MAY/JUNE 2020 | BETHESDAMAGAZINE.COM

from a half dozen stalls. The center of the space houses a bar with TVs. ❂ L D $

BOB'S SHANGHAI 66 305 N. Washington St., 301-251-6652. Dim sum and rice and noodle dishes are the specialties at this popular eatery offering Taiwanese, Shanghai and Sichuan cuisine. It’s also one of the area’s top destinations for soup dumplings, where you can even watch the chefs making them in a glassenclosed booth. R L D $

BOMBAY BISTRO 98 W. Montgomery Ave., 301-762-8798, bombaybistro.com. Bombay Bistro opened in 1991 as one of the first Indian restaurants in the area to combine high style, reasonable prices and a fresh take on traditional Indian, and it has been packed ever since. House specialties include tandoori lamb chops and shrimp and scallops masala. J L D $$

BONCHON CHICKEN 107 Gibbs St., Unit A (Rockville Town Square), 301637-9079, bonchon.com. International fried chicken franchise with Korean roots serves up wings, drumsticks and strips with soy-garlic or spicy hot garlic sauce, plus other traditional offerings such as bulgogi, bibimbap and scallion seafood pancakes.

LD$

BOTANERO 800 Pleasant Drive, Suite 160, 240-474-5461, botanerorockville.com. Located in the King Farm neighborhood, this small plates restaurant and wine bar features cuisine that changes seasonally.

Some recent offerings include a fig and prosciutto flatbread and quinoa grilled salmon. B L D $

CAVA 12037 Rockville Pike (Montrose Crossing), 240235-0627; 28 Upper Rock Circle, 301-200-5530; cava.com. See Bethesda listing.

LD$

CAVA MEZZE (EDITORS’ PICK) 9713 Traville Gateway Drive, 301-309-9090, cavamezze.com. The dark and elegant CAVA Mezze offers small plates of everything from fried Greek cheese, octopus and orzo in cinnamon tomato sauce to crispy pork belly and macaroni and cheese. There are martini specials, too. Voted “Best Middle Eastern Restaurant” by Bethesda Magazine readers in 2020. R L D $$

CHINA BISTRO 755 Hungerford Drive, 301-294-0808. Extensive Chinese menu features many familiar favorites, but this is the place to go for dumplings. With tender dough wrappers and chock-full interiors, these beauties come 12 to an order and with 16 different filling choices. Fresh, uncooked dumplings are also available for carryout. L D $

CHINA GARDEN 11333 Woodglen Drive, 301-881-2800, chinagardenhg.com. The Cantonese restaurant moved from Rosslyn, Virginia, to the former Paladar Latin Kitchen & Rum Bar space. The lunch menu includes dim sum items (they are on a pushcart on weekends). L D $$

CITY PERCH KITCHEN + BAR 11830 Grand Park Ave. (Pike & Rose), 301-2312310, cityperch.com. Located above the entrance to the iPic Theaters at Pike & Rose, City Perch offers creative, seasonal American cuisine in a rustic, inviting space. The menu includes raw-bar selections, small plates, shareable salads and entree options such as grilled shrimp and Long Island duck. R L D $$$

CLYDE'S TOWER OAKS LODGE 2 Preserve Parkway, 301-294-0200, clydes.com/ tower. Here is Clyde’s version of a lodge in the mountains. Well-prepared food runs the gamut of American desires, from burgers to fish, plus a raw bar. Check out the twig sculpture spanning the ceiling of The Saranac Room. J R L D $$

COMMONWEALTH INDIAN 11610 Old Georgetown Road (Pike & Rose), 240833-3055. The owner of two Bollywood Bistro restaurants in Virginia opened this fine-dining spot that serves traditional Indian favorites such as curry chicken and butter chicken, along with fresh-baked bread and Indian salad. The bar has Indian-inspired cocktails and Indian beers and wines.

R L D $$$

COOPER'S HAWK 1403 Research Blvd. (Research Row), 301-5179463, chwinery.com/locations/maryland/rockvillemd. Part of a national chain, this restaurant and winery lists which of its wines to pair with the contemporary American dishes on the sprawling menu (pasta, steak, seafood, burgers, 600-calorie or less dishes). There’s also a tasting room and a retail space. J L D $$$

CSNY PIZZA 1020 Rockville Pike, 301-298-3650, csnypizza. wixisite.com/sneaksite. Carry out a New York-style pizza from this spot by the owners of Pizza CS. Their second Rockville location also offers six seats for guests to dine in, and serves whole pies, hot subs and pizza by the slice. L D $

DOMOISHI 201 E. Middle Lane, 301-666-6685, domoishi. com. This Rockville Town Center restaurant lets diners customize their bowls of ramen, and also sells poke and wings. The eatery shares an address with Pearl Lady, a bubble tea shop.

LD$

DON POLLO 2206 Veirs Mill Road, 301-309-1608, donpollogroup.com. See Bethesda listing. L D $

EAST PEARL RESTAURANT 838-B Rockville Pike, 301-838-8663, eastpearl restaurant.com. Choose from many options of Hong Kong cuisine, including familiar dishes featuring chicken, beef, poultry, pork and even duck, as well as those for adventurous tastes. Try the soups ranging from egg drop to seafood with bean curd.

LD$

EL MARIACHI RESTAURANT 765-D Rockville Pike, 301-738-7177, elmariachi rockville.com. Serving Tex-Mex and South American food in a bright, pleasant space made lively with colorful art. In addition to the usual enchiladas, tacos and burritos, look for Peruvian seafood and Cuban beef specialties. L D $

EL PATIO 5240 Randolph Road, 301-231-9225. This bustling cafe with pretty green umbrellas on the patio serves up the traditional meat-heavy dishes of Argentina, as well as pizzas and freshly made baked goods.

Look for mouth-watering empanadas, beef tongue and sausage specialties. J B L D $

FAR EAST RESTAURANT 5055 Nicholson Lane, 301-881-5552, fareastrockvillemd.com. Owned and operated by the same family since 1974, this classic Chinese restaurant greets customers with two royal stone

lions out front and sticks to the familiar ChineseAmerican basics. Check out the daily specials and dim sum menu. L D $$

FARMSOOK 800 King Farm Blvd., 301-258-8829, farmsookthaikitchen.com. A tastefully modern dining room soaked in a soothing yellow light. The usual suspects are on the menu here, but chef’s suggestions include an intriguing broiled fish wrapped in banana leaf and stir-fried duck. L D $$

FINNEGAN’S WAKE IRISH PUB 100 Gibbs St. (Rockville Town Square), 301-3398267, finneganswakerockville.com. Irish pub with a nice selection of bourbons, whiskeys and Irish beers and a very limited bar menu offering such fare as bangers and mash, poutine (french fries, gravy and cheese curds), a chicken club sandwich, fish and chips, wings and a burger. L D $

FLOR DE LUNA 11417 Woodglen Drive, 240-242-4066, flordeluna md.com. Latin American fare includes tamales and lomo saltado (a stir-fry of beef and peppers) at this 75-seat restaurant near Whole Foods Market.

Tacos, nachos and quesadillas are also in the lineup. Finish off your meal with the tres leches (three milks) cake. J R L D $$

FLOWER CHILD 10072 Darnestown Road (Travilah Square Shopping Center), 301-545-6750, iamaflowerchild.com. See Bethesda listing.

LD$

FOGO DE CHÃO 11600 Old Georgetown Road (Pike & Rose), 301841-9200, fogodechao.com. Part of an international chain, the Brazilian steakhouse offers cuts of meat—plus a salad and vegetable station—at allyou-can-eat prices.

R L D $$$

FONTINA GRILLE 801 Pleasant Drive, 301-947-5400, fontinagrille. com. A trendy spot with its curvy maple bar and wood-burning pizza oven, Fontina Grille is a favorite gathering place for the King Farm neighborhood.

Pizza, pasta and salads are the main attractions.

Three-dollar pasta dishes available on Monday nights and half-price bottles of wine on Tuesdays.

J R L D $$

GUMBO YA YA 101 Gibbs Unit C (Rockville Town Square), gumbo-yaya.com. Fusing New Orleans and Puerto Rican cuisine, this casual spot offers empanadas, jambalaya, po’ boys, blackened catfish and more.

JRLD$

GYROLAND 1701-B3 Rockville Pike, 301-816-7829, gyrolandmd.com. Build-your-own salads, open-face and wrapped sandwiches, and other Greek choices star at this fast-casual spot near Congressional Plaza. For dessert, Gyroland serves loukoumades, a bite-size fluffy Greek doughnut soaked in hot honey syrup. L D $

HARD TIMES CAFÉ 1117 Nelson St., 301-294-9720, hardtimes.com.

Good American beer selections, hearty chili styles ranging from Cincinnati (cinnamon and tomato) to Texas (beef and hot peppers), and hefty salads and wings bring families to this Wild West-style saloon for lunch and dinner. L D $

HINODE JAPANESE RESTAURANT 134 Congressional Lane, 301-816-2190, hinode restaurant.com. Serving traditional Japanese cuisine since 1992. All-you-can-eat lunch and weekend dinner buffet offers 40 types of sushi, 14 hot foods and a salad bar. Check out the patio with full bar service. L D $$

IL PIZZICO (EDITORS’ PICK) 15209 Frederick Road, 301-309-0610, ilpizzico. com. Setting aside the strip mall location and lack of pizza (il pizzico means “the pinch” in Italian), chef-owner Enzo Livia’s house-made pasta dishes, gracious service and extensive wine list of mainly Italian wines make even a weeknight meal feel special. L D $$

IRON AGE 1054 Rockville Pike, 301-424-1474, ironagekoreansteakhouse.com. Part of a small chain of all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue restaurants, this branch opened in 2012. Garlic pork belly, spicy chicken and beef brisket are among the dozen-plus offerings. There are two menu options (the pricier one includes a few more items, such as steak and octopus). J L D $$

JAVA NATION 11120 Rockville Pike, 301-836-6022, java-nation. com. An offshoot of a coffeeshop in Kensington, this Rockville Pike restaurant in the space that once housed Addie’s serves a full-service menu of fish, oysters and other seafood. There’s a 10-seat bar for beer, wine, liquor—and coffee. J R L D $$

JINYA RAMEN BAR 910 Prose St. (Pike & Rose), 301-816-3029, jinyaramenbar.com. A 74-seat eatery that’s part of a chain, Jinya serves 12 different types of ramen, ranging from the classic wonton chicken to a creamy vegan option. Try the Jinya Mini Tacos, which come with a choice of salmon poke, pork chashu and kimchee, or spicy tuna. Voted “Best Ramen” by Bethesda Magazine readers in 2020. J L D $

JOE’S NOODLE HOUSE 1488-C Rockville Pike, 301-881-5518, joesnoodlehouse.com. Chinese expats and many other customers consider the Sichuan specialties (soft bean curd with spicy sauce and hot beef jerky) among the area’s best examples of gourmet Chinese cooking. L D $

JULII (EDITORS’ PICK) 11915 Grand Park Ave. (Pike & Rose), 301-5179090, julii.com. A French Mediterranean bistro from the owners of CAVA, Julii looks like a glass box from the outside and serves fare such as salmon crudo, roasted bone marrow, crispy trout, New York strip au poivre and tableside nitrogen ice cream.

Voted “Best New Restaurant” by Bethesda Magazine readers in 2020. L D $$

KUSSHI 11826 Trade St. (Pike & Rose), 240-770-0355, kusshisushi.com. The owners of Hanaro Sushi, a Japanese restaurant in Bethesda, serve up similar sushi offerings here. A boat-shaped platter with 64 to 128 pieces of sushi or sashimi is a fun shareable option. L D $$

KUYA JA’S LECHON BELLY 5268-H Nicholson Lane, 240-669-4383, kuyajas. com. This fast-casual restaurant that started as a pop-up in the Rockville area specializes in serving lechon, a Filipino pork belly dish. Chef and owner Javier J. Fernandez, a native of the Philippines, shares the flavors of his home country through rice-

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dine bowls, spiced wings and homemade pastries.

LD$

LA BRASA LATIN CUISINE 12401 Parklawn Drive, 301-468-8850, labrasa rockville.com. A bold, yellow awning marks the unlikely industrial location of the popular La Brasa.

Customers rave about the rotisserie chicken, lomo saltado (Peruvian marinated steak), Salvadoran pupusas and Tres Leches. L D $

LA CANELA (EDITORS’ PICK) 141-D Gibbs St. (Rockville Town Square), 301-2511550, lacanelaperu.com. Sophisticated, modern Peruvian cooking shines in a regally furnished dining room in a yellow stucco building graced with curvy black ironwork. The menu includes artfully prepared seafood, pork, chicken and beef dishes. L D $

LA LIMEÑA GRILL 1093 Rockville Pike, 301-417-4922. An offshoot of nearby La Limeña Restaurant, this Peruvian eatery with a spacious patio serves several traditional seafood dishes, including Ceviche Mixto, an appetizer of lime-marinated tilapia served with glazed potatoes and crispy dried corn kernels.

The Chicha Morada, a sweet corn-based drink, pairs nicely with authentic and tender braised-beef J L D $$ entrees.

LA LIMEÑA RESTAURANT 765 Rockville Pike, 301-424-8066, lalimena restaurant.com. Diners can choose dishes such as beef hearts, tripe and homemade pastries in this tiny but well-appointed eatery. Desserts include passion fruit mousse and vanilla flan. And of course, there’s rotisserie chicken to go. L D $

LA TASCA 141 Gibbs St., Suite 305 (Rockville Town Square), 301-279-7011, latascausa.com. The Rockville location of this regional chain strives to keep things interesting with 45 tapas dishes and six kinds of paella, including Paella Mixta with chicken, shrimp, chorizo, scallops, mussels, squid and clams.

R L D $$

LEBANESE TAVERNA CAFÉ 115 Gibbs St. (Rockville Town Square), 301-3098681, lebanesetaverna.com. A casual and pleasant family spot for lunch or dinner, the cafe is a more casual offshoot of the local Lebanese Taverna chain, serving hummus, pita, falafel, lamb kabobs, salmon and chicken. J L D $

LEBTAV 1605 Rockville Pike, 301-468-9086, lebanesetaverna.com. LEBTAV has a shorter menu than its fast-casual sibling Lebanese Taverna Café.

You’ll find sandwiches, bowls, hummus, falafel, chicken and lamb kabobs. L D $

LIGHTHOUSE TOFU & BBQ 12710 Twinbrook Parkway, 301-881-1178. In addition to the numerous tofu dishes ranging from Mushroom Tofu Pot to Seafood Beef Tofu Pot, diners at this Korean stalwart can try barbecue, stirfried specialties and kimchee, the national dish of pickled cabbage. L D $

MAMMA LUCIA 12274-M Rockville Pike, 301-770-4894; 14921-J Shady Grove Road, 301-762-8805; mammalucia restaurants.com. See Bethesda listing. L D $$

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MATCHBOX 1699 Rockville Pike, 301-816-0369, matchbox restaurants.com. See Bethesda listing.

J R L D $$

MISSION BBQ 885 Rockville Pike, 301-444-5574, mission-bbq. com. This outpost of a national chain, known for its support of U.S. military troops and veterans, serves its barbecue—including brisket, ribs and pulled pork—alongside a slew of add-your-own sauces.

Come for lunch and stay to recite the national anthem at noon. J L D $

MOBY DICK HOUSE OF KABOB 14929-A Shady Grove Road, 301-738-0005, mobyskabob.com. See Chevy Chase listing. L D $

MOD PIZZA 12027 Rockville Pike, 301-287-4284. modpizza. com. See Gaithersburg/North Potomac listing.

LD$

MOSAIC CUISINE & CAFÉ 186 Halpine Road, 301-468-0682, mosaiccuisine. com. A diner with a soft European accent. Try the fresh Belgian waffles for breakfast. For those with hefty appetites, the waffle sandwiches are worth the trip, but don’t overlook the homemade soups or light dinner entrees. J B R L D $$

MYKONOS GRILL 121 Congressional Lane, 301-770-5999, mykonosgrill.com. An authentic Greek taverna with whitewashed walls with Mediterranean blue accents on a busy street, Mykonos Grill turns out legs of lamb and fresh seafood expected at any good Greek L D $$ restaurant.

NADA 11886 Grand Park Ave. (Pike & Rose), 301-7714040, eatdrinknada.com/n-bethesda. Part of a small national chain, Nada serves street tacos with fillings such as caramelized cauliflower, fried tofu and pork carnitas. The brief menu also includes soups, salads and a fajita plate. Margaritas and seasonal cocktails are available. R L D $$

NAGOYA SUSHI 402 King Farm Blvd., Suite 130, 301-990-6778, nagoyasushirockville.com. Cheery yellow walls decorated with shelves of Japanese knickknacks greet customers who come for the large selection of sushi at this unassuming sushi spot in King Farm.

L D $$

NANTUCKET’S REEF 9755 Traville Gateway Drive, Rockville, 301279-7333, nantucketsreef.com. This casual New England-style eatery offers a wide range of reasonably priced seafood dishes, including raw and baked oysters, stuffed cod, fried Ipswitch clams, seafood tacos, tuna and salmon salads, and lobster items. Signature cocktails are made with Nantucket Nectars juices. R L D $$

NICK’S CHOPHOUSE 700 King Farm Blvd., 301-926-8869, nickschop houserockville.com. Aged Angus beef cooked over an open fire is the specialty at this upscale spot, but seafood lovers can get their fill from big crabcakes.

Signature steaks include slow-roasted prime rib weighing 10 to 32 ounces. Separate bar menu.

L D $$

NIWANO HANA JAPANESE RESTAURANT 887 Rockville Pike, 301-294-0553, niwanohana. com. Clean Asian decor and elegant wooden

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screens greet diners at this friendly and busy sushi spot located in Wintergreen Plaza. There are the usual sushi rolls, plus creative options such as a Spicy Scallop Roll with mayonnaise and chili peppers, noodle dishes, teriyaki and yakitori.

L D $$

THE ORIGINAL PANCAKE HOUSE 12224 Rockville Pike, 301-468-0886, ophrestaurants.com. See Bethesda listing. This location stays open until 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. J B L D $

OWEN’S ORDINARY (EDITORS’ PICK) 11820 Trade St. (Pike & Rose), 301-2451226, owensordinarymd.com. This Americanstyle restaurant, barroom and beer garden from Neighborhood Restaurant Group boasts 50 rotating drafts and more than 150 types of bottled beer. The 175-seat restaurant serves salads, burgers, pork, seafood and fondue entrees, and those looking to grab a drink can make the most of the space’s 60seat beer garden. Voted “Best Restaurant Beer Selection” by Bethesda Magazine readers in 2019.

R L D $$

PETER CHANG (EDITORS’ PICK) 20-A Maryland Ave. (Rockville Town Square), 301838-9188, peterchangarlington.com. Chef Peter Chang’s Sichuan specialties are showcased in an apricot-walled dining space. Garnering a cult-like following over the years, Chang is best known for dishes such as dry-fried eggplant, crispy pork belly and duck in a stone pot. L D $$

PHO 75 771 Hungerford Drive, 301-309-8873. The restaurant is one of the Washington area’s favorite spots for the Vietnamese beef noodle soup known as pho. Soup can be customized with bean sprouts, Thai basil, chilies, lime, and hot and hoisin sauces.

Beverages include interesting options such as Iced Salty Pickled Lemon Juice. L D $

PHO HOA BINH 11782 Parklawn Drive, 301-770-5576. This pleasant pho restaurant offers the full gamut of variations on the beef noodle soup, plus about a dozen grilled entrees. The Adventurer’s Choice features “unusual” meats, including tendon, tripe and fatty flank. The Vietnamese iced coffee is divine. L D $

PHO NOM NOM 842 Rockville Pike, 301-610-0232, phonomnom. net. As the name suggests, the specialty is pho, but there are also grilled dishes, noodles and the Vietnamese sandwich known as banh mi. House specials include Vietnamese beef stew and pork and shrimp wontons. L D $

PHOLUSCIOUS VIETNAMESE GRILL 10048 Darnestown Road, 301-762-2226, pholuscious.com. This casual restaurant and bar is home to traditional Vietnamese cooking, with fresh ingredients, minimal use of oil and many herbs and vegetables. The menu features pho, noodle dishes, rice plates and lots of protein dishes. Beverages include bubble tea, smoothies, beer and wine.

L D $$

PIKE KITCHEN 1066 Rockville Pike, 301-603-2279, pikekitchen. com. The 6,200-square-foot, 100-seat Asian food hall at the Edmonston Crossing shopping center includes eateries dishing up Vietnamese banh mi

sandwiches, pho, poke, ramen, bibimbap and more.

LD$

PIZZA CS 1596-B Rockville Pike, 240-833-8090, pizzacs.com.

Authentic Neapolitan pies are offered in a sub-shop atmosphere. Choose from a list of red and white pizza options, or build your own pie with herbs, cheeses, meats and vegetables. J L D $

POTOMAC PIZZA 9709 Traville Gateway Drive, 301-279-2234, potomacpizza.com. See Chevy Chase listing.

JLD$

QUINCY’S SOUTH BAR & GRILLE 11401 Woodglen Drive, 240-669-3270, quincysgroup.com. See Gaithersburg/North Potomac listing. L D $

SADAF HALAL RESTAURANT 1327-K Rockville Pike, 301-424-4040. An elegant alternative to the run-of-the-mill kabob places dotting Rockville Pike, Sadaf is pristine, with lace curtains and glass mosaic tiles in front. In addition to kabobs, it offers Persian curries and fish dishes.

JLD$

SAM CAFÉ & MARKET 844 Rockville Pike, 301-424-1600, samcafemarket. com. Fill up on the kitchen’s juicy skewered meats or interesting entrees, including pomegranate molasses stew and marinated grilled salmon, then have a gelato and check out the hookahs.

LD$

SEASONS 52 11414 Rockville Pike, 301-984-5252, seasons52. com. A fresh, seasonal menu featuring items under 475 calories. Choose from flatbreads including Blackened Steak & Blue Cheese and Grilled Garlic Pesto Chicken to entree salads to meat and seafood dishes. Nightly piano music.

L D $$

SHANGHAI TASTE 1121 Nelson St., 301-279-0806. Co-owner and chef Wei Sun, a Shanghai native, specializes in preparing three different flavors of soup dumplings at this small restaurant in a strip mall. The menu also includes traditional Chinese-American dishes, such as General Tso’s chicken and fried rice.

LD$

SHEBA RESTAURANT 5071 Nicholson Lane, 301-881-8882, sheba rockville.com. The menu features authentic Ethiopian cuisine with lots of vegetarian and vegan options. House specialties include Dulet Assa, chopped tilapia mixed with onion, garlic and jalapeno and served with a side of homemade cheese. L D $

SICHUAN JIN RIVER 410 Hungerford Drive, 240-403-7351, sichuanjin river.com. Customers find terrific Sichuan cuisine served in a no-frills setting. Take the plunge and try something new with the authentic Chinese menu, including 23 small cold plates. L D $

SILVER DINER 12276 Rockville Pike, 301-770-2828, silverdiner. com. Customers flock to this trendy diner that still offers tableside jukeboxes. The latest food trends (think quinoa coconut pancakes) share company on the enormous menu with diner staples such as meatloaf and mashed potatoes. Voted “Best

Kid-Friendly Restaurant” by Bethesda Magazine readers in 2019. J B R L D $

SPICE XING 100-B Gibbs St. (Rockville Town Square), 301-6100303, spicexing.com. Chef and owner Sudhir Seth, who also owns Bethesda’s Passage to India, serves up small plates and dishes that reflect the history of culinary influences on India. Try the all-you-can-eat lunchtime buffet.

J R L D $$

THE SPOT 255 N. Washington St., thespotdmv.com. This 6,200-square-foot, 200-seat Asian food hall, not far from Rockville Town Square, includes a handful of vendors, including Mian Pull Noodle (dumplings and noodle dishes), Poki DC (the Hawaiian-inspired raw fish dish called poke) and Alpaca Dessert (shaved snow ice and ice cream-filled waffle cones).

LD$

STANFORD GRILL 2000 Tower Oaks Blvd., 240-582-1000, thestanford grill.com. From the Blueridge Restaurant Group, owner of Copper Canyon Grill restaurants, comes this 300-seat American eatery on the ground floor of an office building. Salads, burgers, steaks and seafood, plus sushi, with an eye toward high quality.

R L D $$

STELLA BARRA PIZZERIA 11825 Grand Park Ave. (Pike & Rose), 301-7708609, stellabarra.com. Adjacent to its sister restaurant, Summer House Santa Monica, Stella Barra is an artisan pizzeria with a hip, urban vibe.

Look for crisp crusts with chewy centers topped with butternut squash and candied bacon or housemade pork sausage and fennel pollen. Italian wines available. R D $$

SUMMER HOUSE SANTA MONICA (EDITORS’ PICK)

11825 Grand Park Ave. (Pike & Rose), 301881-2381, summerhousesm.com. An airy, light and stunning space sets the scene for modern American cuisine with a West Coast sensibility.

Fare includes salads, sushi, tacos, sandwiches and steak frites. Do not miss the bakery counter. Voted “Best Restaurant in Rockville/North Bethesda”

by Bethesda Magazine readers in 2019, and “Restaurant With Best Decor” by readers in 2020.

J R L D $$

SUPER BOWL NOODLE HOUSE 785 Rockville Pike, 301-738-0086, superbowl noodlehouse.com. Look for a large variety of Asian noodle dishes in super-size portions, plus a wide selection of appetizers. Also, bubble tea and desserts, including Sweet Taro Root Roll and Black Sugar Shaved Ice. L D $

SUSHI DAMO 36-G Maryland Ave. (Rockville Town Square), 301340-8010, sushidamo.com. A slice of New York sophistication, this elegant restaurant offers sushi à la carte or omakase, chef’s choice, plus beef and seafood entrees and an impressive sake list.

L D $$

SUSHI HOUSE JAPANESE RESTAURANT 1331-D Rockville Pike, 301-309-0043, sushihouse1331.com. A tiny, plain restaurant serving a large selection of fresh sushi, including sushi and sashimi combinations. Lunch specials for under $7. It’s popular, so be prepared to wait.

L D $$

SUSHI OISHII 9706 Traville Gateway Drive, 301-251-1177, sushioishii.com. This charming sushi bar in the Traville Gateway Center offers friendly service and 24 specialty sushi rolls, bento boxes and a few grilled items, including beef, poultry and seafood teriyaki. L D $$

TAIPEI TOKYO 14921-D Shady Grove Road (Fallsgrove Village Center), 301-738-8813; 11510-A Rockville Pike, 301-881-8388; taipei-tokyo.net. These sister restaurants offer a sizable roster of Chinese, Japanese and Thai dishes. The Fallsgrove Village location is the younger and sleeker of the two, with full sit-down service. The older sister, opened in 1993, is more like a noodle shop/cafeteria.

L D $$

TARA THAI 12071 Rockville Pike, 301-231-9899, tarathai.com.

See Bethesda listing. L D $$

TEMARI CAFÉ 1043 Rockville Pike, 301-340-7720. Deep-fried oysters, classic rice balls, ramen noodle soup, sushi and sashimi and comic books to peruse while you await your order set this Japanese restaurant apart from the rest. L D $$

THAI PAVILION 29 Maryland Ave., Unit 308 (Rockville Town Square), 301-545-0244, thaipavilionrestaurant.com. The soaring ceilings decorated with red chandeliers shaped like giant, stationary spinning tops give the feel of a modern museum. When the menu says spicy, believe it. J L D $$

THAT’S AMORE 15201 Shady Grove Road, 240-268-0682, thatsamore.com. This local chain focuses on familystyle portions of classic Neapolitan dishes such as lasagna and chicken Parmesan in a more elegant setting than might be expected. Good for groups and large families. J L D $$

TRAPEZARIA 11 N. Washington St., 301-339-8962, thetrapezaria. com. This down-to-earth and hospitable Greek/ Mediterranean restaurant serves top-notch and unfussy small plates and entrees. Choose among a variety of dips, vegetarian mezze, souvlaki, sausages and more-involved fish and lamb dishes.

Save room for the baklava. L D $$

URBAN BAR-B-QUE COMPANY 5566 Norbeck Road, 301-460-0050, urbanbarbq. com. Urban Bar-B-Que Company, a tiny joint run by a couple of local friends, has a winning formula and features finger-licking ribs, burgers and wings, plus salads, chili and smothered fries. Staff is friendly, too. J L D $

URBAN HOT POT 1800 Rockville Pike, 240-669-6710, urbanhotpot. com. On the first floor of the Galvan at Twinbrook building, this hot pot spot features a conveyor belt where food travels to diners. A prix fixe all-you-caneat menu allows you to create your meal at your table using one of the stationed iPads. Choose from a selection of noodles, vegetables and meat to add to a bowl of hot stock, then do it again if you’re still hungry. L D $$

VILLA MAYA 5532 Norbeck Road (Rock Creek Village Center), 301-460-1247. Here you’ll find all the traditional Mexican and Tex-Mex favorites from quesadillas to

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dine fajitas that are sure to please the whole family.

R L D $$

THE WOODSIDE DELI 4 N. Washington St., 301-444-4478, thewoodside deli.com. Though the original location of the venerable Silver Spring eatery and caterer that dished up matzo ball soup from 1947 to 2019 closed, this location is still open. Choose from a wide selection of sandwiches, burgers and entrees.

JBRLD$ There’s also a pickle bar.

WORLD OF BEER 196B East Montgomery Ave., 301-340-2915, worldofbeer.com. See Bethesda listing.

JRL D $

XI’AN GOURMET 316 N. Washington St., 301-875-5144, xian-gourmet.business.site. This casual diner prides itself on its comfort food. Named after an ancient city, Xi’an heavily features Sichuan and Shaanxi cuisines, after the chefs’ regional heritage. Go for the Shaanxi cold steamed noodles or the Shanghai soup dumplings. L D $

YEKTA 1488 Rockville Pike, 301-984-1190, yekta.com.

Persian cuisine, including a selection of beef, chicken and lamb kabobs, is served in a beautiful dining room. Try a dessert such as frozen noodle sorbet or saffron ice cream. Check out the adjacent market after polishing off your kabob. L D $$

YUAN FU VEGETARIAN 798 Rockville Pike, 301-762-5937, yuanfuvegetarian.com. From tea-smoked “duck” to kung pao “chicken,” the whole menu is meatless, made from Chinese vegetable products. There is a large selection of chef’s specials, including Pumpkin Chicken with Mushrooms in a hot pot. L D $

SILVER SPRING ADDIS ABABA 8233 Fenton St., 301-589-1400, addisababa cuisine.com. Authentic Ethiopian-style vegetables and fiery meats are served atop spongy bread in communal bowls. Traditional woven tables and a roof deck add to the ambience. There’s a weekday RLD$ lunch buffet, too.

ALL SET RESTAURANT & BAR 8630 Fenton St., 301-495-8800, allsetrestaurant. com. American cuisine with a focus on New England specialties. Look for clams, oysters and lobster, plus crabcakes, and beef and vegetarian options.

J R L D $$

AMINA THAI 8624 Colesville Road, 301-588-3588, aminathai silverspring.com. See Rockville/North Bethesda listing. L D $

ASTRO LAB BREWING 8216 Georgia Ave., 301-273-9684, astrolabbrewing.com. A menu of about a dozen items—including handheld savory pies, a sausage roll and a hummus platter—are served in the downtown Silver Spring brewery’s taproom. Grab one of the hop-forward beers brewed on-site to sip at the communal tables or on the patio.

JLD$

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AZÚCAR RESTAURANT BAR & GRILL 14418 Layhill Road, 301-438-3293, azucarrestaurant.net. The name means sugar, and it fits: The colorful Salvadoran spot is decorated in bright purple and orange with Cubist-style paintings.

The pork-stuffed corn pupusas are stars. Also look for more elegant dinners, including fried whole trout.

L D $$

BETE ETHIOPIAN CUISINE 811 Roeder Road, 301-588-2225, beteethiopia. com. Family-run Ethiopian restaurant with a modest dining room but some exemplary cooking. Don’t miss the vegetarian sampler, and in nice weather, opt for eating outside in the lovely, shaded back patio. J B L D $$

THE BIG GREEK CAFE 8223 Georgia Ave., 301-587-4733, biggreekcafe. com. See Bethesda listing. L D $

BUENA VIDA (EDITORS’ PICK) 8407 Ramsey Ave., 301-755-6132, buenavidarestaurant.com. The second-floor fullservice restaurant (its sister restaurant Tacos, Tortas & Tequila fills the first floor) has a menu with à la carte items, or you can pay a set price for unlimited Mexican small plates. Offerings include ceviche, guacamole, salads, tacos and enchiladas.

The space is light-filled, with vibrant murals and a 720-bottle tequila and wine rack. R L D $$

CAVA 8515 Fenton St., 301-200-8666, cava.com. See Bethesda listing.

LD$

COPPER CANYON GRILL 928 Ellsworth Drive, 301-589-1330, ccgrill.com.

See Gaithersburg listing. J R L D $$

CRISFIELD SEAFOOD RESTAURANT 8012 Georgia Ave., 301-589-1306, crisfieldseafood.com. With its U-shaped counter and kitschy, oyster-plate-covered walls, this landmark seafood diner has customers lining up for the Eastern Shore specialties such as oysters and crabmeat-stuffed lobster that it has served since the 1940s. L D $$

CUBANO’S 1201 Fidler Lane, 301-563-4020, cubanos restaurant.com. See Bethesda listing.

L D $$

THE DAILY DISH 8301 Grubb Road, 301-588-6300, thedailydish restaurant.com. A neighborhood favorite serving seasonally inspired, locally sourced comfort food, including bar bites and brunch dishes. Full-service catering is available, too.

J R L D $$

DENIZENS BREWING CO. (EDITORS’ PICK) 1115 East West Highway, 301-557-9818, denizens brewingco.com. The bright-orange building houses Montgomery County’s largest brewery, featuring core beers and seasonal offerings, along with drafts from other regional breweries. Menu of snacks, sandwiches and salads includes vegetarian options.

There is a large outdoor beer garden and indoor seating overlooking the brewery. D $

DISTRICT TACO 1310 East West Highway, 240-531-1880, districttaco.com. This branch of a local chain of eateries that grew out of a food truck serves fastcasual fare, from egg-filled tacos for breakfast to quesadillas, burritos and tacos for later in the day.

JBLD$

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DON POLLO 12345 Georgia Ave., 301-933-9515; 13881 Outlet Drive, 240-560-7376, donpollogroup.com. See Bethesda listing. L D $

EGGSPECTATION 923 Ellsworth Drive, 301-585-1700, eggspectation. com. This Canadian import features fresh and creative egg plates in an elegant yet casual dining room complete with a fireplace and colorful Harlequin-themed art. It also serves great salads, dinners and dessert.

B L D $$

EL AGUILA RESTAURANT 8649 16th St., 301-588-9063, elaguilarestaurant. com. A cheery bar and generous plates of TexMex favorites such as enchiladas and Salvadoran seafood soup make this eatery popular with families and others looking for a lively night out. L D $

EL GAVILAN 8805 Flower Ave., 301-587-4197, gavilan restaurant.com. The walls are bright, the music’s upbeat, the margaritas are fine and the service is friendly. The usual Tex-Mex fare is here, as well as Salvadoran specialties such as tasty cheese- or pork-filled pupusas. J L D $

EL GOLFO 8739 Flower Ave., 301-608-2121, elgolforestaurant. com. Friendly, home-style Latin service is the hallmark, as attested to by the many Salvadorans who stop in for lunch and dinner. Pupusas, soups and beef dishes such as carne asada as well as more adventurous choices can be found in the charming, raspberry-colored dining room.

JRLD$

EL SAPO CUBAN SOCIAL CLUB (EDITORS’ PICK)

8455 Fenton St., 301-326-1063, elsaporestaurant. com. Cuban specialties are the focus at this restaurant from owner and chef Raynold Mendizábal, who also owns Urban Butcher in Silver Spring. Small bites such as empanadas and cod croquettes are on the menu with dishes that Cuba is known for, including the beef entree ropa vieja and puerco asado (roasted pork). L D $$$

FENTON CAFÉ 8311 Fenton St., 301-326-1841, fentoncafesilver spring.com. An out-of-the-way crêperie serving 31 kinds of sweet crêpes and 16 varieties of savory crêpes. Savory versions range from cheese and ham to roasted eggplant with zucchini, bell pepper, sundried tomato, garlic and onion. B L D $

FIRE STATION 1 RESTAURANT & BREWING CO. 8131 Georgia Ave., 301-585-1370, firestation1md. com. A historic firehouse made over as an eatery serves 21st-century pizza, sandwiches, meat, seafood and vegetarian entrees. Try the Cuban sandwich with seasoned pork, chipotle mayo, Dijon mustard, pickles and Swiss cheese on a ciabatta roll. L D $

GHAR-E-KABAB 944 Wayne Ave., 301-587-4427, gharekabab.com.

This spot offers a mix of authentic Indian and Nepali cuisine. From Indian staples such as chicken tikka masala and lamb curry to Nepalese appetizers such as furaula (vegetable fritters) and cho-e-la (marinated duck), there are a variety of South Asian flavors. J L D $$

THE GREEK PLACE 8417 Georgia Ave., 301-495-2912, thegreekplace. net. Here are big portions of better-than-average

food at reasonable prices. The bifteki pita sandwich, a seasoned ground lamb and beef patty with tzatziki, tomatoes and red onions, is especially good. L D $

GUSTO FARM TO STREET 8512 Fenton St., 301-565-2800, eatgusto.com.

See Bethesda listing. ❂ J L D $

ITALIAN KITCHEN 8201 Fenton St., 301-588-7800, italiankitchenmd. com. Casual, attractive pizzeria with bar seating also turns out homemade sandwiches, calzones, salads and pasta dishes. L D $

JEWEL OF INDIA 10151 New Hampshire Ave., 301-408-2200, jewelofindiamd.com. Elegant decor and excellent northern Indian cuisine make this shopping center restaurant a real find. Diners will find a good selection of curries, and rice and biryani dishes.

L D $$

KAO THAI 8650 Colesville Road, 301-495-1234, kaothai restaurant.com. This restaurant turns out top-notch curries, noodle dishes and vegetarian options, plus house specialties, such as Siam Salmon with Spicy Thai Basil Sauce and Thai Chili Tilapia. Dishes are cooked medium spicy. L D $$

LA CASITA PUPUSERIA & MARKET 8214 Piney Branch Road, 301-588-6656, lacasita pupusas.com. Homemade pupusas, tamales and other Salvadoran specialties are available, plus a full breakfast menu and a small selection of grocery items. B L D $

LA MALINCHE 8622 Colesville Road, 301-562-8622, lamalinche tapas.com. Diners will find an interesting selection of Spanish and Mexican tapas, plus a full Saturday and Sunday brunch featuring huevos rancheros, variations of tortillas Espanola and more.

R L D $$

LANGANO ETHIOPIAN RESTAURANT 8305 Georgia Ave., 301-563-6700, langano restaurant.com. Named for the popular Ethiopian vacation spot, Lake Langano, this longtime restaurant offers fine Ethiopian cuisine such as doro wat (spicy chicken stew) and tibs (stewed meat) in a cozy white- and red-accented dining room. Lunch specials on weekdays. L D $

LEBTAV 8535 Fenton St., 301-588-1192, lebanesetaverna.

LD$ com. See Rockville listing.

LOCAVINO 8519 Fenton St., 301-448-1819, locavino.com. In the space that overlooks Veterans Plaza and that once housed Adega Wine Cellars & Cafe, this wine bar focuses on local wines and beer but includes offerings from other regions. Salads, burgers, sandwiches, pasta and flatbreads fill the menu.

LD$

LUCY ETHIOPIAN RESTAURANT 8301 Georgia Ave., 301-589-6700, lucyrestaurantmd.com. See Bethesda listing.

LD$

MAMMA LUCIA 1302 East West Highway, 301-562-0693, mammaluciarestaurants.com. See Bethesda listing.

L D $$

MANDALAY RESTAURANT & CAFÉ 930 Bonifant St., 301-585-0500, mandalay restaurantcafe.com. The modest dining room is packed most evenings with families and large groups who come for the Burmese food, a cross between Indian and Thai. L D $

MATCHBOX 919 Ellsworth Drive, 240-247-8969, matchboxrestaurants.com. See Bethesda listing.

J R L D $$

MCGINTY’S PUBLIC HOUSE 911 Ellsworth Drive, 301-587-1270, mcgintys publichouse.com. Traditional Irish pub and restaurant features corned beef and cabbage, live music and dancing. Early-bird special, three-course menu for $15, from 5 to 7 p.m. J R L D $$

MELEKET 1907 Seminary Road, 301-755-5768, meleketrestaurant.com. This family-owned, Ethiopian-Italian restaurant serves classic vegetarian, beef and chicken Ethiopian plates, alongside Italian entrees such as pesto pasta with chicken. For breakfast, try a traditional Ethiopian dish of kinche (a buttery grain porridge) or firfir (bread mixed with vegetables in a red pepper sauce). B L D $

MI RANCHO 8701 Ramsey Ave., 301-588-4872, miranchomd.com. You'll find a boisterous party atmosphere every night at a place where customers can count on standard Tex-Mex fare at good prices. The outdoor patio, strung with colorful lights, is the place to be in nice weather. L D $

MIX BAR & GRILLE 8241 Georgia Ave., #200, 301-326-1333. Modern American bistro with charcuterie and cheese plates, brick-oven flatbreads, ceviche and other light fare.

Look for lots of wines by the glass and beers on tap.

J R L D $$

MOD PIZZA 909 Ellsworth Drive, 240-485-1570, modpizza.com.

See Gaithersburg/North Potomac listing. L D $

MRS. K’S RESTAURANT 9201 Colesville Road, 301-589-3500, mrsks.com.

Here’s an elegant, antique-filled option for special occasions and brunch. This historic restaurant beckons a younger crowd with the Wine Press, a European-style wine bar downstairs, which has its own more casual menu. R L D $$$

NOT YOUR AVERAGE JOE'S 8661 Colesville Road, 240-839-3400, notyouraveragejoes.com. See Bethesda listing.

J L D $$

OLAZZO (EDITORS’ PICK) 8235 Georgia Ave., 301-588-2540, olazzo.com. See Bethesda listing. J L D $

PACCI’S TRATTORIA & PASTICCERIA 6 Old Post Office Road, 301-588-0867, paccis trattoria.com. Diners will find a range of classic Italian dishes, including homemade meatballs and sausage. L D $$

PARKWAY DELI & RESTAURANT 8317 Grubb Road, 301-587-1427, theparkway deli.com. Parkway features a bustling back dining room that makes this popular spot so much more than a deli. Longtime waitresses greet regular

customers and kids with hugs during busy weekend breakfasts. All-you-can-eat pickle bar. B L D $

PHO TAN VINH 8705-A Colesville Road, 301-588-8188, photanvinh. com. A family-owned Vietnamese restaurant, Pho Tan Vinh was opened in 2014 by Tiffany Chu, who sought the traditional food she ate in her youth.

She and her chef mother serve emergent classics such as pho and put their own spin on items such as the Tan Vinh special, a “deconstructed” banh mi sandwich. L D $

PLNT BURGER 833 Wayne Ave. (Whole Foods Market), 301-6089373, plntburger.com. This vegan fast-casual eatery within Whole Foods Market serves cooked-to-order plant-based Beyond Meat burgers, fries and softJLD$ serve dairy-free ice cream.

PORT-AU-PRINCE AUTHENTIC HAITIAN CUISINE 7912 Georgia Ave., 301-565-2006, paphaitiancuisine.com. The eatery serves a small menu of Haitian fare: five appetizers, five entrees (plus an entree salad) and two desserts. Chicken wings, fritters, whole red snapper, fried turkey and legume casserole are among the highlights. A Sunday brunch buffet draws crowds. R D $$

QUARRY HOUSE TAVERN (EDITORS’ PICK) 8401 Georgia Ave., 301-844-5380, facebook. com/quarryhouse. Closed for nearly three years after a fire, this basement-level dive bar reopened in its original space. The inside holds the same 1930s-era feel as the original bar, and burgers and Tater Tots are still on the menu. D $

SAMANTHA’S 631 University Blvd. East, 301-445-7300, samanthasrestaurante.com. This white-tablecloth, Latin-Salvadoran spot in an industrial neighborhood is popular because of its welcoming attitude toward families with young children. The steak and fish specialties are good. L D $$

SERGIOS RISTORANTE ITALIANO 8727 Colesville Road, 301-585-1040. A classic red-sauce Italian restaurant that manages to feel special, with soothing wall murals and high-quality service, despite a basement location inside the DoubleTree Hotel. Ravioli with asparagus and cheese in a tarragon sauce is popular. L D $$

SILVER STRINGS 8630 Colesville Road, 301-587-0596. Serving classic American food in downtown Silver Spring, this spot features live music in the evenings by mostly jazz, blues and classic rock musicians.

L D $$

SLIGO PIT BBQ 9701 Sligo Creek Parkway (Sligo Creek Golf Course), 301-585-9511, sligopit.com. This opento-anyone spot at Sligo Creek Golf Course serves meats—turkey, pork, brisket and chicken—cooked in wood-fired smokers. Burgers, hot dogs, classic sides and beer are available.

J B L D $$

THE SOCIETY RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 8229 Georgia Ave., 301-565-8864, societyss. com. A sleek and modern atmosphere catering to a nightlife crowd, Society offers fare with a Caribbean accent. Check out the rooftop seating and daily drink specials, which include $25 beer buckets.

L D $$

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dine SUSHI JIN NEXT DOOR 8555 Fenton St., 301-608-0990, sushijinnextdoor. com. The eatery is spare, clean and modern, and offers terrific udon noodle soup and impeccable raw fish. Choose from 11 appetizers and seven soups and salads. L D $$

SWEETGREEN 8517 Georgia Ave., 301-244-5402, sweetgreen. com. See Bethesda listing. L D $

TACOS, TORTAS & TEQUILA 8407 Ramsey Ave., 301-755-6132. Also called TTT, this first-floor fast-casual spot is below its fancier sister restaurant, Buena Vida. The focus is on quesadillas, tortas and tacos—carne asada, garlic shrimp and house-made chorizo among them.

There’s a full-service bar and an outdoor patio.

BLD$

TASTEE DINER 8601 Cameron St., 301-589-8171, tasteediner.

JBLD$ com. See Bethesda listing.

THAI AT SILVER SPRING 921-E Ellsworth Drive, 301-650-0666, thaiatsilver spring.com. The Americanized Thai food is second to the location, which is superb for people-watching on the street below. A modern and stylish dining room with a hip bar in bold colors and good service add to the appeal. L D $$

URBAN BUTCHER (EDITORS’ PICK) 8226 Georgia Ave., 301-585-5800, urbanbutcher. com. Hip, eclectic setting is the backdrop for this New Age steak house, with its home-cured salamis, sausages and other charcuterie, plus meat dishes made from local animals of yesteryear breeds.

There’s a lounge, bar, meat curing room, retail counter and dining area. Voted “Best Restaurant in Silver Spring” by Bethesda Magazine readers in 2019. R D $$

URBAN WINERY 949 Bonifant St., 301-585-4100, theurbanwinery. com. This tasting facility offers craft wines made with local and international grapes, and customers can even create their own wines (by appointment).

Light menu includes artisan cheese, charcuterie and smoked seafood platters, plus Greek mezze. D $

VEGETABLE GARDEN 3830 International Drive (Leisure World Plaza), 301598-6868, vegetablegarden.com. The popular vegan, vegetarian and macrobiotic Asian restaurant features a wide variety of eggplant and asparagus dishes, plus vegetarian “beef,” and “chicken” dishes often made with soy and wheat gluten. L D $$

VICINO RISTORANTE ITALIANO 959 Sligo Ave., 301-588-3372, vicinoitaliano.com.

A favorite neighborhood red-sauce joint that hasn’t changed in decades, Vicino features some fine seafood choices in addition to classic pasta dishes.

Families are welcome. L D $$

UPPER NW D.C. THE AVENUE 5540 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-244-4567, theavenuedc.com. A family-friendly neighborhood restaurant and bar with dishes such as crab pasta, poutine, burgers and baby back ribs. Fun decor includes classic posters and a giant magnetic scrabble board. J B L D $$

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BLUE 44 5507 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-362-2583, blue44dc.com. The menu features classic American favorites infused with the flavors of Italy and France, including ratatouille, pork schnitzel and bouillabaisse. J R L D $$

BUCK’S FISHING AND CAMPING 5031 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-364-0777, bucksfishingandcamping.com. Diners can enjoy a seasonal menu that changes daily, and offers hip takes on comfort food such as roast chicken (locally raised) in an artsy-chic setting. D $$$

CAFÉ OF INDIA 4909 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-244-1395, cafeofindiadc.com. Here’s a cute corner cafe with two levels of dining and an extensive menu that includes vegetarian and tandoori entrees, dosas, L D $$ samosas, tikkas, curries and kabobs.

CAPITAL CRAB AND SEAFOOD CO. 5534 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-966-2722, capitalcrab.com. The owners of a food truck and catering business opened this Chevy Chase, D.C., restaurant. There’s a large patio for cracking crabs and eating classic crab house fare, including hush puppies, corn and coleslaw. Carryout with curbside pickup available.

D $$$

COMET PING PONG (EDITORS’ PICK) 5037 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-364-0404, cometpingpong.com. Landmark fun spot where you can play Ping-Pong or admire local art while you wait for your wood-fired pizza. Choose from more than 30 toppings to design your own pie. R L D $

DECARLO’S RESTAURANT 4822 Yuma St. NW, 202-363-4220, decarlosrestaurant.com. This is a family-owned neighborhood staple, with a traditional Italian menu and upscale/casual atmosphere. Signature dishes include agnolotti, veal scallopini, broiled salmon and hand-made pasta.

L D $$

GUAPO’S RESTAURANT 4515 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-686-3588, guaposrestaurant.com. See Bethesda listing.

R L D $$

I’M EDDIE CANO (EDITORS’ PICK) 5014 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-890-4995, imeddiecano.com. A play on the way “Americano” is pronounced, I’m Eddie Cano is an Italian joint with nostalgic 1970s-themed decor. The standouts on executive chef James Gee’s menu include fried zucchini, spaghetti and meatballs, spaghetti with clams, escarole salad and eggplant parmigiana. D $$

JETTIES 5632 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-364-2465, jettiesdc.com. See Bethesda listing. J L D $

LE CHAT NOIR 4907 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-244-2044, lechatnoirrestaurant.com. This cute, cozy neighborhood bistro is run by French restaurateurs, who cook traditional fare such as steak frites, bouillabaisse and braised lamb cheeks. R L D $$

LE PAIN QUOTIDIEN 4874 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 202-459-9141, lepainquotidien.com. See Bethesda listing.

JBRLD$

LITTLE BEAST CAFÉ & BISTRO 5600 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-741-4599, littlebeastdc.com. At this dinner spot on the corner of McKinley Street NW, find pizza cooked in a wood-

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burning oven, sharable dishes such as Brussels sprouts, and entrees such as lamb ragu. D $$

MACON BISTRO & LARDER (EDITORS’ PICK) 5520 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-248-7807, macon bistro.com. Southern and French cuisine converge at this airy, charming restaurant in the historic Chevy Chase Arcade. Appetizers include raclette and fried green tomatoes, and steak frites is offered alongside short ribs with grits for main courses.

R L D $$

MAGGIANO’S LITTLE ITALY 5333 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-966-5500, maggianos.com. The restaurant features oldstyle Italian fare that’s a favorite for large groups and private celebrations. Check out the signature flatbreads and specialty pastas, including lobster carbonara. J R L D $$

MASALA ART 4441-B Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-362-4441, masalaartdc.com. Here is fine Indian dining featuring tandoor-oven specialties and masterful Indian spicing. Start off by choosing from a selection of nine breads and 17 appetizers. L D $$

MILLIE’S (EDITORS’ PICK) 4866 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 202-733-5789, milliesdc.com. This eatery in the Spring Valley neighborhood may be from up north—it’s the second location of a popular Nantucket restaurant—but its flavors are distinctly south-of-the-border. The menu offers coastal takes on tacos, quesadillas and salads that are as summery as the bright, nautical décor of the dining room. Voted “Best Restaurant in Upper Northwest D.C.” by Bethesda Magazine readers in 2019. J R L D $$

PARTHENON RESTAURANT 5510 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-966-7600, parthenon-restaurant.com. This is a neighborhood eatery taken up a couple notches, with an extensive menu full of authentic selections familiar and exotic, including avgolemono (egg/lemon soup), tzatziki, L D $$ moussaka, dolmades and souvlaki.

PETE’S NEW HAVEN STYLE APIZZA 4940 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-237-7383, petesapizza.com. The crunchy-crusted New Havenstyle pizzas can be topped with a choice of almost three dozen ingredients. There's also pasta, panini, salads and house-made desserts. J L D $

PIZZERIA PARADISO 4850 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 202-885-9101, eatyourpizza.com. An outpost of the small chain started by chef and owner Ruth Gresser, this Spring Valley spot has the same style of woodfired Neapolitan pizza as the original Paradiso that opened in D.C. in 1991. Try the Di Mare pizza, which has spicy garlic pesto, mussels, shrimp, spinach, red onions and Grana Padano cheese. L D $$

SATAY CLUB ASIAN RESTAURANT AND BAR 4654 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-363-8888, asiansatayclub.com. The restaurant prides itself on providing a comfortable/casual setting with a menu that spans Japanese sushi, Chinese moo-shi vegetables, Thai curries and Vietnamese spring rolls. L D $

WAGSHAL’S RESTAURANT 4855 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 202-363-5698, wagshals.com. Longtime popular deli expands grocery and carryout section, and adds a casual sit-down restaurant in the Spring Valley Shopping Center. Same high-quality fare, including the overstuffed sandwiches. L D $ n

shopping. beauty. weddings. pets. travel. history.

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etc.

Biking the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) trail, a converted rail line that boasts 150 miles of pathways from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland, offers glimpses of Americana. For more, turn to page 234.

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SHOP TALK

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BY ADRIENNE WICHARD-EDDS | PHOTOS BY JOSEPH TRAN

COWBOY CHIC From leather cuffs to sculptural handbags, Chevy Chase’s Anna Stewart looks to her Argentine roots for inspiration

ANNA STEWART MAY HAVE been born in Washington, D.C., but the first-generation daughter of Italian and Argentine parents says some of the most formative time in her life was spent on her grandparents’ farm in Argentina. “My grandfather was a gaucho, an authentic Argentine cowboy, and I used to watch him weave his own lassos and whips, and train his own horses,” says the 46-year-old Chevy Chase resident. “I have a special connection to the country, both the culture and the craftsmanship.”

So in 2017, after rebounding from a cancer diagnosis and reevaluating her career options (“I’m doing fine now,” she says), Stewart left her job in nonprofit fundraising and launched Gaucha Chica, an online boutique selling gifts, accessories and home goods with Argentine flair. Everything is made by vendors who have a connection to Argentina—either they’re from there or they live there, or they make

their products in the traditional Argentine style. “I wanted to bring a little bit of Argentina here for the U.S. to appreciate,” Stewart says.

Some of her most popular items include laser-cut leather cuffs and necklaces, home decor hewn from cowhide, and sleek, sculptural handbags. She also sells homemade seasonal soups and stews made from traditional Argentine recipes.

Gaucha Chica items are available at gauchachica. com, Core72 in Chevy Chase, D.C., and pop-up events in the area.

Chevy Chase resident Anna Stewart sells a variety of items, including the die-cut leather leaf collar she’s wearing (opposite), and wallets, totes, key rings and cuffs (right).

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SHOP TALK

NEW ON THE SCENE Here’s the scoop on three businesses that recently debuted in the Bethesda area

EVOLUXXY 11811 Grand Park Ave. (Pike & Rose), North Bethesda; 301-281-2999; evoluxxy.com Opened in late February, this clothing and accessories boutique aims to outfit the chic suburban woman. The Pike & Rose location is the sole brick-and-mortar outpost of the website of the same name; look for designers such as Weekend Max Mara and Vince, as well as high-end denim from familiar labels such as MOTHER and AGOLDE.

MADISON REED 7254 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda; 301-683-7298; 1607 Rockville Pike, Rockville; 240-219-8349; madison-reed.com This online company that specializes in affordable, longlasting hair color free of the harsh ingredients typically found in permanent dyes opened its first area Color Bar, a salon offering only coloring treatments, on Bethesda Row in December. A second location in Rockville’s Congressional Plaza opened in March. Coloring services performed by licensed professionals start at $30 and can be booked online.

SW7

Kensington-based sisters Margaret Curry and Catherine Heffley opened this gift shop in their neighborhood last November to showcase the work of local artisans and small-batch producers. The shop—which gets its name from the postal code of South Kensington, London, where the sisters grew up—carries housewares, jewelry, art and handmade gifts.

Heffley, who is a working artist, creates handmade sweaters and quilts from repurposed wool and sells them in the shop under her label (and maiden name) Catherine Coloney. n

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3750 Howard Ave., Kensington; 240-274-6448; sw7.design

Handcrafted

Drapery

Reupholstery

Pillows

Fabrics

Visit Showroom Mon-Sat 8am-6pm • 5414 Randolph Road, Rockville 20852 301-830-6447

www.RockvilleInteriors.com

etc.

BY LEIGH MCDONALD

PHOTO BY SARAH HOUSTON

WEDDINGS

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Schmidtten The wedding of Montgomery County police officer Mike Schmidt and former EMT Alivia Crawford included photos with alpacas, the theme song from The Office and a Mission BBQ buffet

THE COUPLE: Alivia Schmidt (maiden name Crawford)

grew up in Finksburg, Maryland. Mike Schmidt, 35, grew up in Silver Spring and graduated from James Hubert Blake High School. He is a Montgomery County Police officer stationed in Bethesda and assistant coach for Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School’s varsity baseball team. Alivia, 28, is a stay-at-home mom to the couple’s 9-month-old son, Easton.

They live in Gaithersburg and plan to move to Frederick.

HOW THEY MET: Mike went to happy hour with his brother and his brother’s girlfriend (now wife) at Howl at the Moon, a piano bar in Baltimore, in the spring of 2014. Alivia was their bartender and server. She was also a volunteer EMT, so she noticed Mike exhibiting familiar behavior, including visually checking entrances and exits. “I was like, ‘So what are you, police or military?’ ” Alivia says. Mike couldn’t believe she had him pegged. They bonded over their experiences as first responders, and Mike asked Alivia to dance.

At the end of the night, they made plans to get together over Memorial Day.

THEIR FIRST DATE: When the crab feast they’d planned

to attend was canceled, Mike suggested they have dinner at Phillips Seafood in the Baltimore Inner Harbor. Alivia didn’t know it at the time, but Mike doesn’t even eat crabs—his brother’s allergic, so he didn’t grow up eating them. After dinner, they walked around the Inner Harbor, and the conversation turned to the latest X-Men movie. “He was like, ‘Let’s go. Let’s go see this movie!’ ” Alivia says. They jumped in the car and drove to a movie theater in Hanover. “It was an all-day affair,” Mike says. “I was impressed with how much fun we were having.”

THE PROPOSAL: After nearly two and a half years of

dating, Mike planned a surprise proposal. He reached out to a friend of a friend who plays guitar, and they practiced performing One Direction’s “Olivia.” (Alivia’s name is pronounced the same way.) Mike planned a dinner at Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Gaithersburg’s Downtown Crown, where Alivia used to work. As they were walking up to the restaurant, the guitarist, who was standing by the front door,

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started to play “Olivia” and Mike joined in. “I thought he was just randomly singing with a street performer because that’s something he would do,” Alivia says. But when she saw some of their relatives walking up to them, she realized Mike was proposing.

After she said yes, they all went inside for a celebratory dinner.

PHOTOS BY SARAH HOUSTON

THE WEDDING: The couple had 130 guests at their ceremony and reception on Oct. 13, 2018, at Elmwood Farm Bed and Breakfast in Williamsport, Maryland. They came up with a hashtag for the wedding: #theyreschmidtten.

THE CEREMONY: Alivia’s father passed away when she was a child, so she asked her grandfather to walk her down the aisle.

She gave him a tie with a patch inside that read, “Thanks for walking beside me today and always.” “We both cried like a baby when I gave it to him,” Alivia says. The bride and groom incorporated beloved pop-culture references into their ceremony and vows. “Mike said he would go through the depth of Mordor to find me, which is a reference to The Lord of the Rings,” Alivia says.

They exited the ceremony to the theme song from The Office.

THE RECEPTION: After the outdoor ceremony, guests went inside the venue’s barn for dinner and dancing. The bride and groom performed a choreographed entrance dance they’d learned

at Arthur Murray Studio in Silver Spring. There was a Mission BBQ buffet. “We both love Mission BBQ and what they stand for,” Alivia says. “They’re very pro-police and pro-fire department and military.” A photobooth was set up next to the farm’s alpaca pen. “They walked right up to people as they were taking photos,” Alivia says. “The alpacas were super social.”

THE BABYMOON: Alivia got pregnant a little more than two

months after their wedding. They’d planned on going to Antigua for their honeymoon in the spring but learned there had been an outbreak of the Zika virus, which is known to be especially dangerous to pregnant women. Instead, they babymooned in Aruba in July when Alivia was seven months pregnant. During their five-day trip they enjoyed snorkeling at the site of a submerged shipwreck, a couple’s massage and a five-course dinner at an exclusive restaurant.

VENDORS: Barber, The Suite Barbershop; bartenders, Creme de la Creme; bridal party hair and makeup, UpDos for I Dos; catering, Mission BBQ; ceremony and reception music and photobooth, AJDJ Entertainment Services; florist, Maryland Bay Blossoms; gown, Essense of Australia; invitations and programs, Your Wedding Project on Etsy; photographer, Sarah Houston Photography; tuxedo, Joe by Joseph Abboud; videographer, BE Videography. n BETHESDAMAGAZINE.COM | MAY/JUNE 2020

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GET AWAY

CARTOON FAMILY FUN PACK YOUR PAJAMAS FOR a cartoonthemed sleepover at the new Cartoon Network Hotel in East Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Opened earlier this year, the colorful-as-abox-of-crayons hotel is next door to Dutch Wonderland, an amusement park geared toward young children.

Each of the hotel’s 159 guest rooms and suites incorporates Cartoon Network characters in the pillows, wallpaper, art and more. Four spacious “dream suites”—themed after cartoons Adventure Time, Ben 10, The Powerpuff Girls and Steven Universe— fit families of six to eight, complete with kitchenettes and colorful living areas (picture pink carpet dotted with yellow stars).

On-site entertainment includes an outdoor

Land of P’Oool zero-entry pool (inspired by Adventure Time), a waterslide and a splash play area; an outdoor movie screen shaped like Adventure Time’s Finn; an indoor pool and hot tub; an arcade; and an opportunity to draw your own cartoon and see it come alive on-screen. The Cartoon Kitchen restaurant serves dishes inspired by shows, including Adventure Time bacon pancakes. The Bearista Cafe is the place for coffee, snacks and adult beverages.

Rates begin at $189; $289 after Memorial Day. Guests can buy discounted tickets to Dutch Wonderland.

Cartoon Network Hotel, 2285 Lincoln Highway East, East Lancaster, Pennsylvania; 833-8666485; cartoonnetworkhotel.com

MOUNTAIN HIGH

Shenandoah National Park’s Skyland

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YOUR MOUNTAIN DEN FOR overnight stays at Shenandoah National Park in Virginia just got cozier. The park’s Big Meadows and Skyland lodges were spruced up over the past two years with new mattresses and bedding for all rooms.

Skyland, which can be accessed from mile 41.7 and mile 42.5 at Skyline Drive’s highest elevation, offers small cabins and a wide array of guest rooms and suites in 28 buildings nestled along a ridge. The 94 renovated premium category rooms have new wood plank vinyl flooring and 46-inch flat-screen TVs, plus great views. After hiking, grab a coffee or a bowl of chili at

SKYLAND AND CARTOON NETWORK COURTESY PHOTOS; THE REEDS PHOTOS BY DON PEARSE (TOP) AND JESSICA ORLOWICZ (BOTTOM)

SPA TIME AT THE SHORE

Addie’s Corner, a grab-and-go cafe across from Skyland’s gift shop, and head for the adjacent registration building. Here you can rest in a rocking chair by the stone fireplace and gaze out at birds, trees, huge rocks and the valley below.

Located near a large meadow at mile 51 on Skyline Drive, Big Meadows has renovated shower and laundry facilities at its 224-site campground, and restored 1939 oak flooring in 23 of its 29 historic lodge accommodations.

At both lodges, some of the accommodations include an in-room fireplace.

Park activities include astronomy events, twilight hikes, lessons in basic outdoor survival skills, rock climbing and rappelling. Rates begin at $112.50 per night for rooms at Big Meadows Lodge; Skyland rooms begin at $135.

Pets are welcome ($25 per dog or cat, per night). While you can likely find availability two to three weeks out in early summer months, plan 10 to 12 months in advance for October weekends.

Shenandoah National Park Lodging, along Skyline Drive outside of the town of Luray, Virginia; 888-767-1379; goshenandoah.com/lodging

ESCAPE FOR A WELLNESS weekend or a romantic retreat at The Reeds at Shelter Haven, voted New Jersey’s Best Hotel in 2019 by Condé Nast Traveler readers. The 58-room boutique hotel is located in Stone Harbor, a quaint shore town where Taylor Swift summered as a girl and played acoustic shows at Coffee Talk, a local cafe. The hotel opened in 2013 with 37 rooms. A twostory Salt Spa wellness center and 21 more coastal chic rooms were added last year.

Rejuvenate your skin with a body scrub or mud treatment at the spa, which features a Turkish bath with iridescent tiles, a fitness center, Brine Lounge (a light-therapy room with tranquil music and a waterfall) and a living roomlike nail treatment sanctuary.

Options for free outdoor fun include a beach (two blocks from the hotel) with chairs and umbrellas, a roof garden with morning yoga, kayaks and paddleboards to take out on the bay, and a plunge pool.

The hotel’s five places for nourishment include Sax at the Reeds for breakfast, lunch and dinner; Buckets Margarita Bar & Cantina, a taqueria-style restaurant with graffiti wall art and outdoor seating overlooking the bay; and Stone Harbor Pizza Pub for a good slice, craft brews and panoramic views.

The Reeds offers a variety of room types and suites, each with white oak floors, Frette bathrobes and frameless glass showers with rain showerheads.

Midweek rates in May begin at $229; weekend rates begin at $369; prices are higher in summer.

The Reeds at Shelter Haven, 9601 Third Ave., Stone Harbor, New Jersey; 609368-0100; reedsatshelterhaven.com n

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DRIVING RANGE

Bridging the Gap Traveling through small-town America, by bike, on the Great Allegheny Passage trail AMY BRECOUNT WHITE

Scenic views abound on the bike-friendly GAP trail, a converted rail line running from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland.

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O

ON A SUNNY SATURDAY in June, Ohiopyle is a happy jumble of hikers, cyclists, rafters and kayakers. Located at Horseshoe Bend on the Youghiogheny River, aka “the Yock,” this Pennsylvania town of 59 permanent residents thrives as a jumping-off point for outdoor experiences.

My friends Janet and Margit and I arrive midday, ready to start biking the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) trail, a converted rail line that now boasts 150 miles of pathways running from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland (there, it joins the C&O Canal Towpath, which goes all the way to D.C.). Our plan is to ride 65 miles over three days on our hybrid bikes, which combine features from road, touring and mountain bikes.

We’ve chosen Ohiopyle as our starting point for a reason. Experienced riders have advised us to avoid the westward stretch of trail between Cumberland and Meyersdale, Pennsylvania—unless you’re a masochist or an ironwoman—and a quick glance at an elevation diagram reveals why. That’s where the trail crosses the Eastern Continental Divide, hitting its highest point, at 2,392 feet, and the incline is brutal.

While this isn’t meant to be a leisurely girls’ getaway, we don’t want to kill ourselves, either.

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Above: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Kentuck Knob in Chalk Hill is a one-story home designed on a hexagonal module that appears to be built into the side of a mountain.

Right: In Meyersdale, the turreted Levi Deal Mansion offers elegant rooms for overnight guests.

We start off easy with a low grade, 9-mile ride on a crushed limestone path under a canopy of mature trees that still afford frequent views of the river. Minutes in, Margit rides up beside me.

“Are your tires OK?” she asks. “They look flat.”

“My bike just had a full checkup,” I reply. “They must be fine!” Still, my quads are feeling the burn from the slight uphill climb (although it looks flat), and I worry I haven’t trained enough.

Taking our time, we roll into the “trail town” of Confluence, where three bodies of water merge. At Confluence Cyclery, shop owner Brad Smith squeezes my tires, shakes his head and pumps them up. I instantly feel better about the 30 miles we are planning to cover on Day 2.

THE HAMLETS THAT DOT the GAP trail were originally built on coal, coke (a purified fuel made from coal), steel and logging—industries that prompted the creation of the Western Maryland Railway (WMR) to transport valuable

MAY/JUNE 2020 | BETHESDAMAGAZINE.COM

goods eastward. (The whole trail combines several former railway beds, but we rode mostly on the old WMR.) Mansions once owned by industrial barons now serve as inns or businesses that cater to trail users, providing a new lifeline for otherwise fading small towns.

With its charming park and Victorian bandstand, Confluence offers more than 20 lodging options for bikers, paddlers and cross-country skiers. After rewarding ourselves with pecan pie and Italian lemon-cream cake at the popular River’s Edge Cafe, we settle into our comfy rental home, Pedalers’ Rest, for the evening.

From 1973 until 2013, when the GAP trail’s full 150 miles opened, various entities—local governments and nonprofit foundations—purchased land or secured easements and converted pieces of the trail through a mix of private funds, foundation awards and competitive state grants. To enhance the visitor experience, several historic tunnels, viaducts, bridges and other railroad

WHERE TO EXPLORE The Ohiopyle trailhead of the Greater Allegheny Passage (GAP) trail (gaptrail.org) is about 3½ hours from Interstate 495. Pennsylvania’s Ohiopyle State Park (laurelhighlands.org/outdoors/ohiopyle) offers more than 20,000 acres of rivers, mountains, woods, waterfalls, zip lines and trails to explore. Get permission from the ranger station to leave your car overnight in a remote lot.

All in all, we rode 71 miles over 2½ days. Feeling tentative about your endurance? E-bikes are permitted if they are 750 watts or less and have operating pedals (pedal assist). Note: The Big Savage Tunnel closes every winter from early December until the first week of April, so that part of the ride isn’t doable those months; the rest of the trail is open and also great for cross-country skiing in the winter.

Two Frank Lloyd Wright masterpieces near Ohiopyle exemplify the architect’s desire to create harmony with nature. Fallingwater (fallingwater.org), a UNESCO World Heritage site in Mill Run, Pennsylvania, is perhaps his most famous work of organic architecture.

We toured nearby Kentuck Knob in Chalk Hill (kentuckknob.com), a one-story home designed on a hexagonal module that appears to be built into the side of a mountain. The onsite wooded sculpture walk includes works by artists Andy Goldsworthy and Claes Oldenburg. Both sites require tickets for house tours ($30 for Fallingwater, $25 for Kentuck Knob).

The recently completed Flight 93 National Memorial (nps.gov/flni/ index.htm) in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, is about an hour from Ohiopyle.

The site honors the 40 crew members and passengers of Flight 93 who thwarted a terrorist attack on the U.S. Capitol on Sept. 11, 2001. The visitor complex includes a learning center, bookstore and flight path overlook.

The site also includes walking trails, a guided audio tour that you can access via smartphone, and the 93-foot-tall Tower of Voices, which has 40 wind chimes.

The Cumberland Visitor Center (nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/cumber landvisitorcenter.htm), located in the 1913 Western Maryland Railway Station, provides interactive exhibits on the history of Cumberland, Maryland, Flight 93 National and the C&O Canal.

Memorial

Tusculum Farm was created as a space to gather and celebrate life. For now, we celebrate the moments spent at home.

THIS PAGE: COURTESY NPS (FLIGHT 93 MEMORIAL); OPPOSITE PAGE: AMY BRECOUNT WHITE (KENTUCK KNOB); COURTESY PHOTO (LEVI DEAL MANSION)

We look forward to the day when we can welcome you all back to The Farm in person. We’ll be here to help celebrate the beautiful days ahead.

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etc.

DRIVING RANGE

WHERE TO EAT

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Top: Falls Market in Ohiopyle Above: Falls Market’s cowboy burger Left: Writer Amy Brecount White (right) and one of her co-riders, Margit Nahra, at the Eastern Continental Divide, the GAP trail’s highest point at 2,392 feet

artifacts were rehabilitated—or even moved, as in the case of the ornate Bollman iron bridge near Meyersdale.

Pedaling the rail trails offers glimpses of Americana that roads cannot. It’s heartening to see this formerly industrial area now celebrating and thriving on its natural attractions.

Day 2 brings us more immersion in nature. According to the GAP trail guide ($10 in most trail towns), George Washington walked these paths as he and others searched for a westward passage through the Allegheny Mountains.

We ride past blooming rhododendrons, gushing waterfalls and over sturdy trestle bridges. Along the way we spot a scarlet tanager and a large turtle as we breathe in the sweet scents of honeysuckle and hawthorn.

In retrospect, I wish I’d ridden the captivating 1,908-foot-long Salisbury Viaduct—a crossing atop a 101-foothigh steel trestle that spans the Casselman River Valley—over and back

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again, retracing my path. You can’t take in the panoramic vista of farmland and a wind farm, along with the river and train tracks below, in just one pass. It’s common to see or hear modern trains on the nearby CSX line, which now runs on the old Baltimore & Ohio line.

By midafternoon, with some 30 miles behind us, we arrive in Meyersdale, where we are welcomed by a bright mural highlighting the town’s history.

We take a tour of the elegant Levi Deal Mansion, then relax on the front porch of Yoder’s Guest House, relishing the fact that we beat the rain.

When we tell our host, Denise Gehringer, about our plan for Day 3 (to head east to the Mason-Dixon Line and then double back, logging 24 miles round trip), she suggests riding the full 30 miles to Cumberland instead. “It’s all downhill,” she says. “Really.”

Her husband, Chuck, who is providing our post-ride transport back to our car in Ohiopyle, agrees to pick us up in

PHOTO BY AMY BRECOUNT WHITE; PHOTO COURTESY OF FALLS MARKET

Ohiopyle is home to several tempting spots for sandwiches and treats, including burgers at Falls Market (fallsmarketrestaurant.com), which also has rooms and a hostel in town (fallsmarketinn.com). On the way to Kentuck Knob, we enjoyed caffeine and sweets at Rustic Joe’s Coffee House (facebook.com/rusticjoe).

In Confluence, the River’s Edge Cafe (riversedgecafebnb.com), located in an 1890s farmhouse that also includes lodging, serves savory pastas, pork chops, steaks and amazing desserts. Reserve a spot on the veranda.

Mitch’s Fuel & Food (facebook.com/ mitchsfuelandfood) is possibly the nicest gas station you’ll ever see, and a worthy stop for coffee, omelets and sausage gravy with biscuits. Lucky Dog Café (luckydogcafe.net) serves up nachos, burritos and fish tacos in an outdoor setting.

Stop at the Rockwood Mill Shoppes (rockwoodmillshoppes.com) in Rockwood for ice cream, salads and train-themed pizzas, such as the vegetarian “Skinny Train” or the meatier “Whole Caboose,” along with madein-America goods and an opera house with entertainment options. (Note: The entire complex is closed on Sundays.)

In Meyersdale, at the fun Pit Stop Kremery (the-pit-stop-kremery.business. site), treat yourself to soft-serve or a vegan, fat-free Dole Whip. The mapleflavored offerings are popular. Check out the spacious and historic Morguen Toole Co. (morguentoole.com), previously the town hardware store and mortuary (yes, really), for ribs and casual food in a pub setting. The White House Restaurant (facebook.com/ thewhitehouserestaurantpa) is a local favorite with a bread and soup bar.

WHERE TO STAY

The Salisbury Viaduct, a crossing atop a 101-foothigh steel trestle that spans the Casselman River Valley

GAP TRAIL ELEVATION

Bikers like to hit the trail early, so many lodgings offer kitchen access or self-serve breakfast provisions. In Confluence, The Parker House (theparkerhousecountry inn.com) has seven rooms, many with local antiques and lovely fireplaces. At Pedalers’ Rest (pedalersrestonthegap.com), you’ll have a house to yourself (sleeps eight) with a full kitchen, dining room and sitting area.

In Meyersdale, Yoder’s Guest House (yodersguesthouse.com) has 11 en-suite guest rooms and cold drinks in the fridge to enjoy on the front porch. The turreted Levi Deal Mansion (levideal mansion.com) offers elegant rooms and a gorgeous wood staircase, along with locally sourced breakfasts. The Morguen Toole Co. (morguentoole.com/hotel--inn. html) has affordable, comfy rooms in its main structure and the nearby Trailside Inn. Nemacolin Woodlands Resort (nemacolin.com), which offers a spa, golf courses and zip lines, is about 8 miles from the Ohiopyle trailhead.

PHOTO BY BRADLEY FISHER (LHVB/GAP); ILLUSTRATION BY LAURA GOODE

TRANSPORT SERVICES Cumberland the next day.

It proves to be good advice. The route takes us through picturesque tunnels originally blasted to shorten train routes, including the cool and spooky Big Savage Tunnel. With its intermittent ceiling lights, it feels like a Victorian prison and seems even longer than its 3,294 feet.

Continuing on, we cross the famous Mason-Dixon Line, which is demarcated by a brick path, and stop at the Eastern Continental Divide to cheer ourselves on, knowing that the rest of the day’s journey is downhill. We can see the college town of Frostburg, Maryland, in the distance.

The Borden Tunnel, just north of Frostburg, is so dark I can’t see my bike; I can focus only on the light at the end

of...you know. Emerging from the pitch black, we cycle into a deep mist and miss out on what are surely amazing views. Next time.

Janet, a Peloton devotee who’s left Margit and me in the dust a few times, is skeptical that we can stay on schedule to beat Beltway traffic home (it’s Monday). But we likely exceed the trail’s 15 mph rule as we fly down the steepest stretch of the route.

As we roll into Cumberland right on time, Chuck is waiting, and the now steady rain feels like a baptism of accomplishment. n Arlington resident Amy Brecount White hears the GAP trail is gorgeous in the autumn and can’t wait to ride it again.

We wanted to bike unencumbered, so we used transport services to schlep our luggage from lodging to lodging. Chuck Gehringer of Yoder’s Guest House (see above) and Angela Bonnell of Sunshine Luggage Shuttle (sunshineluggage shuttle.com) made our rides easier. Maple Leaf Outfitters (mapleleafoutfitters.net) also offers shuttle, camping and hiking services on the trail.

Take the Train: If you’re an early riser, Amtrak will transport you and your bike from D.C. or Rockville to several towns on the trail, including Connellsville (beyond Ohiopyle) and Pittsburgh. gaptrail.org/plan-a-visit/amtrak

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etc.

Photographer Thomas Goertel, who took pictures for the story on the Connie Morella Library in downtown Bethesda (“A New Chapter,” page 128), was expecting “a room full of kids and dogs on the brink of chaos” at the library’s read-to-a-dog program. But he found a much calmer scene. “It was well organized and there were no dust-ups between the canines,” Goertel says. “My biggest challenge was capturing the dog and the child both engaged and looking good— not that different from any other group shot, but this time with kids and dogs.”

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PHOTO BY THOMAS GOERTEL

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