Potomac, MD October 2022

2022 READERS' CHOICE

Food, Love, and Community

Welcome Fall! With the changing seasons comes a change in what we are craving, and with fall that often means comfort food. October is our most delectable issue of the year, filled with some of our favorite dishes and bev erages available in Potomac. We had the pleasure of sitting down with the chefs and owners at Aroma Latin Fusion restaurant and at The Market At River Falls and learned about what their fall menus will be boasting—so get your tastebuds ready, you are in for a treat.

We are also celebrating the love for our community with our 2nd annual "Best of" issue to call out the small businesses that keep our region thriving. From entertaining our loved ones (Ultimate Amusements) to nourishing our families with fresh meals (Mykonos Grill), we are indebted to these establishments that make up the fabric of Potomac and beyond. A big thank you to all readers who participated in voting for our winners in all categories.

Within these pages, you will not only find a directory of the neighbor hood favorites but several stories that shine a spotlight on what they do and why they do it. You'll meet Semra Tanrikulu of Semra DC Knows Brows, the esthetician that boasts a long list of VIP clients. Lastly, plan a trip for some much-needed relaxation. In this issue, you'll find Potomac Lifestyle's top picks for staycations in and around the area.

There is an art to creating a flavorful dish that not only satisfies our taste buds but evokes memories. The aroma of certain spices and foods can bring us right back to our childhood kitchen table, which can be incredibly powerful and comforting. Food brings us all together, and whether we are sharing a meal with loved ones or enjoying a night out on the town, the time spent while enjoying food is invaluable.

As always, thanks for reading, and we’ll see you around town!

KC COLE,

PUBLISHER

COPY

EDITORIAL

Anicia

SOCIAL

Bousa

INTERN

LAYOUT

CONTRIBUTING

Tony Powell, Ankit Sharma, Ryan Corvello, Scott

Laura Chase de Formigny, Andrew Metcalf, Roma Vista Photography, Robert Ausura,

Vidal, Peggy McEwan, Jack Hartzman

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

CHIEF SALES

CHIEF

CHIEF

DIRECTOR

Schowengerdt

Perry

Radosevich

Mindy Hargesheimer

Thompson

Learn

Potomac

The Grandview

Ryan

Beautiful…

Steven H. Oram, Esquire

Principal

Licensed in Maryland and District of Columbia

Building the Best

Lesley A. Moss, Esquire

Principal

Licensed in Maryland, District of Columbia, Virginia & Florida

When Steve Oram met Lesley Moss 17 years ago, Steve quickly knew that Lesley would be an integral part of his plan to build the best Estate Planning and Administration Law Boutique Firm in the region. Together, they have grown to serve as counsel to nearly 2,000 families throughout the United States.

For over 35 years, Oram & Moss has been designated by Martindale and Hubbell as a Preeminent National Law Firm. With a focus on representing multi-generation families, they design and implement complex wealth transfers from one generation to another.

Estate Planning

Estate & Trust Administration

Planning & Preservation Marital

Business Succession

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

La Casita Pupuseria at La Cosecha

Iris Veronica Jimenez is the Chef and Culinary Director of La Casita Pupuseria, a popular Latin American restaurant with multi ple locations in Maryland and at Union Market’s La Cosecha in D.C. The Washington, D.C native now lives in Silver Spring, Md. with her husband Samuel Jimenez, and four kids. She has always been passion ate about cooking since cooking and running restaurants are in her blood. Jimenez believes that food is a universal language that brings people together.

Navina Wine

While in Costa Rica after writing a year-long column about wellness and what makes for great health and happi ness, Nana Meriwether was inspired to create a wellness company focused on alcohol alternatives. Navina uniquely combines herbalism with winemak ing by creating wine using plants and botanicals known to be healthful, functional, and adaptogenic (e.g. hibiscus and marigold flowers).

Nourished + Well

Meghan Punda, NP is the founder of Nourished + Well, an integrative health company born from her per sonal discovery of the power nutri tion has to heal and restore balance to the body. Her company exempli fies her desire to share the effec tiveness of functional nutrition with others. Meghan believes in bio-in dividuality and the idea that one specific diet is not right for all based on personal preference, beliefs, and genetic makeup.

Photography by Roma Vista Photography

Photography by Jack Hartzman

Photography by Robert Ausura

ROBERT

COLLINS

Ben's Chilli Bowl

The original Ben’s Chili Bowl on U Street in Northwest DC is in a build ing that once housed a silent movie house in 1910. It later became a pool hall before newlyweds Ben and Virginia Ali transformed it into Ben’s Chili Bowl in 1958. Patrons who enter the iconic eatery immediately recog nized that there is more to the place than what’s on the menu.

Photography by Ankit Sharma

Colada Shop

Daniella Senior founded the Colada Shop in 2016 to share the vibrant fla vors and colors of the Caribbean with Washingtonians. Her love for food and hospitality began at the early age of 13 when she founded a successful catering business from her home in the Dominican Republic. Colada Shop brings people together by transporting them into a space

S

Creating a Beaut iful, Healthy S mil e in the Safest Set ting

P

Photography by Colada Shop

Hunter’s Bar and Grill

“Brothers Fred and Murray Berman are Montgomery County natives with roots in the community and family history in the restaurant busi ness. Formerly Hunter’s Inn, which opened its doors in 1977, the local eatery was purchased and renamed in 2002 by Fred and Murray Berman. Hunter’s Bar and Grill became an instant success, local papers named Hunter’s “The best place to meet,” “The best place to make a deal” and “The most romantic restaurant.”

by Monica Vidal

Want to be featured?

over

Whitening

As a Washingtonian Top Dentist and The Face of Smile Makeover, Dr. Markogiannakis and her practice, Smiles of Chevy Chase, is known to be the most innovative practice in the area providing Advanced General and Implant Dentistry to the world through technology, experience and artistic skill.

WE LOOK FOR WARD TO SEEING YOU SOON!

Being at the leading edge of digital dentistry allows her to complete smile makeovers and full mouth reconstructions seamlessly while guiding you through the process towards an optimal result. In as little as two weeks, the years of hiding your smile because of misalignment, discoloration, and decay could be taken away and the confidence you deserve regained.

From technology guided dental procedures for crowns and fillings, to sophisticated implant and cosmetic treatments, the Smiles of Chevy Chase experience is unmatched. Just as technology is always changing, so are they; always pushing beyond the extra mile by using their minds and bodies to think outside the box and lead the way.

Dr. Markogiannakis and her team look forward to welcoming you into their dental family!

the

local experiences

The best places and things to do in our area.

Fall is here and we are ready for a foodie experience to usher in the new season. We are sharing some of the best spots around town with great atmosphere, seasonal menus, outdoor seating, and an elevated experience. Treat your taste buds this month and get out and experience what our area has to offer.

Stylish & Upscale Foodie Establishments

HIP FLASK ROOFTOP BAR: Hip Flask Rooftop Bar is an elegant bar with floorto-ceiling windows on three sides, It's one of the most scenic hotel dining options in Bethesda. 7707 Woodmont Ave, Bethesda, Maryland

LOCK 72 KITCHEN & BAR BY ROBERT WIEDMAIER: Lock 72 Kitchen & Bar is tucked away in the heart of Potomac Village. The casual American dining restaurant uses local ingredients prepared daily from scratch. 10128 River Rd, Potomac, MD

OLD ANGLERS INN: From the freshest steaks and seafood to creative pasta and salad dishes to delicious seasonal menus Old Angler’s Inn has got some thing for everyone.  10801 Macarthur Boulevard Potomac, MD

DUCK DUCK GOOSE: Nestled in the heart of Bethesda, Duck Duck Goose adds approachable elegance into your daily life. They're a contemporary small plates brasserie with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients. 7929 Norfolk Ave, Bethesda, Maryland

THE MINA GROUP AND CO FINE WINE AT THE FOUR SEASONS GEORGETOWN TO BENEFIT WORLD CENTRAL KITCHEN: Chef Michael Mina, Bourbon Steak DC Chef Robert Curtis and sommelier Winn Roberton, and Matt Wilson of Company Fine Wine announce Wine & Dine Weekend on November 4-6, 2022. 2800 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC

Four Seasons

Scan for more photos and the full list.

Want to recommend a local experience? Scan the QR code and message us on Instagram.

Aras

COMBINED STAFF EXPERIENCE

COMBINED STAFF EXPERIENCE

CERTIFIED DIAMOND SALES

DIAMOND SALES

SHOWROOM

SHOWROOM

BUY GOLD

GOLD

LASER REPAIR

LASER REPAIR

CUSTOM DESIGN

CUSTOM DESIGN

BEST ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE REGENERATIVE ORTHOPEDICS & SPORTS MEDICINE

11200 ROCKVILLE PIKE, SUITE 300, NORTH BETHESDA | 240-766-8984 ROSM.ORG

Using state-of-the-art regenerative thera pies, the team at R.O.S.M. focuses on treat ing patients holistically. They use mini mally invasive therapies, including plasma injections to help the body heal itself, prolotherapy to stop joint and spine pain and shock treatment. R.O.S.M.’s goal is to treat their patients without surgery, which has led to appearances on NBC News, “60 Minutes” and The Washington Post.

BEST WORKOUT

RTR PILATES

9812 FALLS ROAD, FLOOR 2, POTOMAC 301-983-3745 | RTRPILATES.COM/ LOCATIONS/POTOMAC

R.T.R. - or Rock the Reform - Pilates helps reduce pain and tension, while improving mobility and core control for its partic ipants. With five locations across the D.M.V., and a variety of levels for people of different abilities, R.T.R. provides oppor tunities for everyone. R.T.R. focuses on empowering and wellness, in addition to the physical side of pilates.

BEST PEDIATRIC DENTIST

DR. BEN LIU, DDS, SUPER KIDS DENTISTRY

10220 RIVER ROAD, SUITE 305, POTOMAC | 301-299-4400

SUPERKIDSDENTISTRY.COM/DR-BEN-LIU

Dr. Ben Liu began his career in psychology, but quickly realized it was not what he was meant to do: pediatric dentistry was his call ing. After attending Columbia University’s dental school, and a specialty program through New York University for pediatric dentistry, he founded SuperKids Pediatrics in 2013. Nearly a decade in, SuperKids has four local locations and many happy kids (and parents) as customers.

Photo Credits: Monica Vidal

BEST FAMILY RESTAURANT GREGORIO’S TRATTORIA

LANE, POTOMAC

Total Wine & More is the country's largest independent fine wine retailer. Featuring thousands of wines, spirits, beers and other beverages, the company is owned by Potomac residents and brothers, Robert and David Trone. The Trones founded their business in 1991 and expanded across the country. Its headquarters are in Bethesda and there are local locations in Virginia (Total Wine & More, like all private alcohol sellers, is banned in Montgomery County).

Gregorio’s emphasizes fast service, a friendly atmosphere and good food at their three local locations. The menu includes Italian classics, meats and pasta dishes. It was founded by Greg Kahn, a graduate of Winston Churchill High School, who was inspired by his grandmother’s cooking. Kahn says the recipes served have won his family’s taste tests, after being served at family dinners. He also operates the fund raiser program Greg’s Food 4 Cause.

BEST OYSTER BAR KING STREET OYSTER BAR

PARK POTOMAC

The oyster bar in the Park Potomac estab lishment features nearly a dozen fresh ly-caught varieties. Some of the more eye-catching names include Fat Babies, Sweet Jesus oysters and, the ever-racy, Wild A** Ponies from the Eastern Shore.

happy hour prices - every day from 3 to 6:30 p.m. - include $7 drinks, $7 snacks and $1 oysters.

BEST VEGAN RESTAURANT PLANTA

4910 ELM STREET, BETHESDA 301-407-2447 | PLANTARESTAURANTS.COM

Whether it is sushi, pasta or a bowl, Planta puts plants first. The North American restaurant chain was founded on the prem ise of creating plant-based dining. Items traditionally made with meat are made with plants, like the mushroom-based Bao Sliders, while vegetables get the star treat ment with Tomato Tartare, Cauliflower Tots and Eggplant Rollatini.

BEST CRAB CAKES O’DONNELL’S MARKET

1073 SEVEN LOCKS ROAD, POTOMAC | 301-251-6355 ODONNELLSMARKET.COM

BEST SEAFOOD & GOURMET MARKET THE MARKET AT RIVER FALLS

10124 RIVER ROAD, POTOMAC | 301-765-8001 MARKETRIVERFALLS.COM

BEST INTERNATIONAL CUISINE MYKONOS GRILL

121 CONGRESSIONAL LANE, ROCKVILLE | 301-770-5999 MYKONOSGRILL.COM

BEST NEW RESTAURANT YIRASAI SUSHI

12525 PARK POTOMAC AVENUE, POTOMAC 301-654-5599 | YIRASAISUSHI.COM

BEST MARTINIS & BURGERS HUNTER’S BAR AND GRILL

10123 RIVER ROAD,

BEST SPORTS BAR QUINCY’S POTOMAC BAR & GRILLE

BEST BRUNCH JAVA NATION

ROCKLANDS

FARM WINERY

BEST COFFEE FILICORI ZECCHINI

ANDRÉS

BEST YOUTH CHARITY ROBIN BALI, CHARITY 4 THE CHILDREN

Robin Bali first learned about child pov erty in the U.S. for an eighth-grade current events assignment, which sparked him to look for a solution. Focusing on what he could do to elevate the issue in the D.M.V. area, Bali created Charity 4 the Children (C4C), a non-profit that raises money to buy school supplies for children in need, includ ing books, compasses and protractors.

BEST YOUTH ENTREPRENEUR AMANDA KOSSOFF, POP FOR A CAUSE

POPFORACAUSE.ORG

During the initial stages of the pandemic, Amanda Kossoff got annoyed with artificial popcorn she ate while watching movies. She came up with a solution: good-tasting popcorn that would help the world. Pop for a Cause, which she founded and serves as President-C.E.O., donates every penny of profit to local charities. There are seven flavors that can go in bags

tins.

BEST FAMILY ATTORNEY ERIN KOPELMAN, ESQ., LERCH, EARLY & BREWER

7600 WISCONSIN AVENUE, SUITE 700, BETHESDA | 301-347-1261

LERCHEARLY.COM/ATTORNEYS/ ERIN-L-KOPELMAN/ ELKOPELMAN@LERCHEARLY.COM

Erin Kopelman is a divorce attorney who handles cases involving domestic relations and family law, including divorce, custody, child support, property settlement, ali mony, post-judgment issues, prenuptial agreements, and postnuptial agreements. She is a principal at Lerch, Early & Brewer, a leading law firm in the area with more than 60 attorneys. Erin practices in in Maryland and the District of Columbia.

BEST REAL ESTATE ATTORNEY MICHAEL FAERBER, PARTNER, MCMILLAN METRO, P.C.

7811 MONTROSE ROAD, SUITE 400, POTOMAC | 301-251-1180

MCMILLANMETRO.COM/OUR-PEOPLE/ MICHAEL-A-FAERBER/

Michael Faerber’s practice focuses on com mercial real estate, including development and leasing matters, in addition to issues for restaurants as McMillan Metro’s Managing Partner. With more than three decades of experience, Faerber prioritizes clients’ needs first, whether it is a developer trying to con struct a new building or a landlord drafting a contract with tenants. Faerber is a graduate of American University’s law school and prac tices law across the region.

BEST WEALTH MANAGER MICHELLE P. COOPER, XML FINANCIAL GROUP

ONE PRESERVE PARKWAY, SUITE 130, ROCKVILLE | 301-770-5234

Michelle Cooper is the Director and Co-founder of XML-W, a Division of XML Financial Group that focuses on the finan cial needs of women at all stages of their lives. She has over 25 years of experience in the estate planning, finance and tax fields. Michelle lost her husband at the young age of 36 and wrote a book titled I’ve Still Got Me - A Widow’s Journey to Love, Happiness & Financial Independence. By sharing her journey she hopes to empower women to take an active role in their finances.

Photo by Monica Vidal

Photo by Jack Hartzman

Photo by Jack Hartzman

elementary

be

afternoon

school students, infant and tod dler care and pre-K programs. This sum mer, they partnered with Seneca Academy

form a summer camp, in addition to the

run in their

BEST PRIVATE SCHOOL BULLIS SCHOOL

teacher-student

average

The school has state-of-theart buildings and plenty of opportunities for students to learn, including experi ential education at the beginning of the school year; “Discovery Days” for middle school students to explore science in the Chesapeake Bay, Key West, Fla. and Costa Rica; and signature programs in S.T.E.M.,

and performing arts.

BEST CONSTRUCTION COMPANY HOPKINS & PORTER

12944-C TRAVILAH ROAD, SUITE 204, POTOMAC | 301-840-9121 |

HOPKINSANDPORTER

Hopkins & Porter is a full-service design, build and remodeling company that is committed to their clients. When working on a remodeling project, they consider the client’s budget, goals and wish-list while providing a smooth commu nication path for projects to move from concept to completion. The recent pandemic had many reevaluating their home & living spaces; many chose to expand kitchens, bathrooms and add multifunctional rooms such as gyms, offices, and additional bedrooms to accommodate more family members working & living at home.

BEST SENIOR LIVING FACILITY BRANDYWINE LIVING AT POTOMAC

10800 POTOMAC TENNIS LANE, POTOMAC 301-417-3000 | BRANDYCARE.COM/ OUR-COMMUNITIES/POTOMAC

With views of Falls River Golf Course, a variety of educational and recreational activities, and full-time, on-site nurses, Brandywine Living at Potomac has it all. Brandywine’s thirtieth community overall, and second in the D.C. region, has a variety of services. Residents have access to a movie theater, beauty salon, and dining on-prem ises, with fresh meals, served all day.

BEST REALTOR

JENNIFER CHOW

LONG & FOSTER

10121 RIVER ROAD, POTOMAC 301-299-6000 | LONGANDFOSTER.COM/

JENNIFERCHOW

Jennifer Chow knows how to pair homes on the market with buyers. The team leader of the Long & Foster Potomac Village Office works across Montgomery County and the D.M.V. area, and has earned numer ous awards including being named one of the company’s Top 100 Agents named top agent for many years. A native of Montgomery County, Chow volunteers during her free time in the area.

Jennifer Chow and her L&F team Photo By: Ryan Corvello

Katie

THE MARKET AT RIVER FALLS:

ARTICLE BY MARIE ROBEY WOOD | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

How They Maintain a Close Relationship with Dedicated Customers

Question: How Can a High-End, Local Food Market Keep Its Loyal Customers When It Must Raise Prices Due to Inflation?

Answer: You start with transparency– educate shop pers on how you’re handling the rising costs of food and restaurant products. Jim McWhorter and his wife, Yasmin Abadian, owners of The Market at River Falls in Potomac, tackled this issue head-on by sending their loyal customers an email in July, explaining why they needed to add a 3% charge to offset inflationary prices.

Their email started out by acknowledging that inflation is running close to 9%. What customers may not know is that a number of animal proteins (beef, chicken, pork and seafood) have risen in price 15+% from pre-Covid times.

The high cost of fuel has become the primary rea son that the price of seafood has risen. The Market offers at least twenty types of fresh fish and ten types of shellfish. An example cited in the email was of one ship captain who is paying $1,000 more for fuel now than he was in February, increasing his overall costs. Ultimately, this cost gets passed onto the wholesaler, retailer and the customers.

When possible, The Market sells local products in an effort to support the community. But when the highest quality cuts of meat aren’t available locally, they import from elsewhere –including lamb from

Australia and veal from France. In addition to trans port, grain and labor are more expensive.

Regular shoppers love that 90% of the store’s pre pared food is made in-house daily. Yet they might not be aware that the essential ingredients used to make these foods have become more expensive – such as Mayonnaise (up 40%) and Fryer Oil (up 55%). Plus, who would think that the cost of ancillary items such as paper bags, containers, aluminum foil, and even vinyl gloves are 30% more than they were a few years ago?

The Market’s owners rely heavily on their loyal staff to help run the store. They are sensitive to the fact that with rising inflation, their employees need a steady and reasonable income. Consequently, they have given all of their full-time staff four raises since 2020. And in return, The Market has seen zero turnover.

Their email received approximately fifty responses, most of which were positive. As one loyal customer wrote, “There wasn’t a lot in it that we didn’t already know but thank you for connecting the dots.”

Finally, supporting their community is central to McWhorter and Abadian. In the height of the pandemic, with the support of their customers, The Market dis tributed free food to five local fire stations, the local hospital and disadvantaged children. Earlier this year, they also held a fundraiser that raised $38,000 for the people of Ukraine.

Hilari

“I WORK WITH THE CLIENT’S NATURAL SHAPE AND GO FROM THERE.”

Semra Tanrikulu

ARTICLE BY MARIE ROBEY WOOD PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONY POWELL

Semra Tanrikulu

SEMRA DC KNOWS BROWS

THE ESTHETICIAN BOASTS A LONG LIST OF VIP CLIENTS

Where do White House staff, famous journalists, ambassadors, and Middle Eastern princesses go to look their very best? Semra DC. Washington’s elite have been flocking to award-winning estheti cian, Semra, for years to get beautiful, evenly-shaped brows.

Semra arrived to the US from Turkey 32 years ago and started working in Washington first as a make-up artist and then as an esthetician, counting eyelash extensions and waxing among her specialties. For the last twenty years she has owned her own space and business – Semra DC. Most salons include eyebrow grooming with other services, but Semra decided to focus solely on eye brows (and eyelash lifts). Her loyal clientele of 700 to 800 women attest to Semra’s ability to make their brows look their best.

Semra’s salon services focus on three aspects of eyebrow grooming: First, eyebrow shape. Semra emphasizes the art of eye brow shaping: “I don’t go by the book,” she explains. “I work with the client’s natural shape and go from there.”

Next is  eyebrow tinting, a technique used to semi-perma nently color brow hairs, which can make the client’s eyebrow look fuller, and thus more youthful. Semra explains that her work is anything but routine: “Tinting is an art – you need to have an eye for it and a steady hand.”

Another service she offers is brow lamination , a very popular treatment in demand from her customers. Lamination is the

process of straightening and lifting the eyebrow hairs. The result is a fuller and longer look to the brows.

The one service the salon offers for boosting eyelashes is what is known as the keratin lash lift. This procedure involves lifting the lash from its base to the tip, showing the full length of the lift. And unlike lash extensions or fake lashes, the lash lift lasts weeks longer than the other options.

Semra DC offers its clients total privacy, which is one reason why it’s preferred by so many high-profile Washingtonians. Semra does not accept walk-ins – registration is online and the majority of her clients hear about her services from word of mouth. She is solidly booked from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and many of her clients have been for more than fifteen years. In addition to individual clients, she also assists with many of DC’s fundraising events.

Semra DC is located at 1070 Thomas Jefferson St NW Ste 202 Washington, DC. To make an online appointment, visit semradc. com and @browsbysemra on Instagram.

Choosing

lawyer

STAYCATIONS & VACATIONS LIKE NO OTHER

ARTICLE BY MARIE ROBEY WOOD

Like butterflies shedding their cocoons, we’re finally ready to travel, socialize, and relax. If you are looking for a short-term staycation for some much-needed R & R, here are some of our favorite spots to consider:

LOCAL

The Four Seasons Hotel, Washington, DC – Nominated Best of Potomac 2021 and 2022: Long the go-to hotel for celebrities and international VIPs, the Four Seasons Hotel in DC straddles Georgetown on one side and downtown DC on the other. Its amenities include a heated, saltwater pool, a three-tiered fit ness center, a sumptuous spa, (utilized by visitors and locals as well), and a four-star restaurant: Chef Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak. Ask about the Festive Sweet Suite Staycation Package! fourseasons.com/washington

The Inn at Perry Cabin: The Inn is a top-rated retreat located in St. Michaels on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Activities include tennis, golf, and swimming. Guests can enjoy a fitness center, a unique spa, and Stars, its top-rated restaurant. In addition, the Inn’s new Skipjack offers a group sail across the Chesapeake Bay ideal for sunset cocktails and unforgettable views. innatperrycabin.com

The Salamander Resort & Spa: Located in Virginia’s wine country, Salamander’s guests can participate in countless outdoor activities on its 340 acres including golf, lawn games, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis, horseback riding and even ziplining. Its Forbes FiveStar spa even includes a couple’s suite. Dining facili ties include the popular Harrimans Virginia Piedmont Grill, the Gold Cup Wine Bar and Market Salamander. salamanderresort.com

FLORIDA

Playa Largo Resort and Spa: Why travel to the Bahamas when you can get the same tropical vibe in Florida at the Playa Largo Resort and Spa? Special touches include meals served on a private beach, snorkeling and countless other aquatic adventures. Four onsite restaurants, and its cele brated Ocean Spa and Lounge are a few of the many amenities Playa Largo offers guests. playalargoresort.com

H20 Suites Hotel: Ready for a staycation at a resort that caters to individuals 25 and over? Then consider H20 Suites Hotel in Key West. Amenities at this luxury retreat include a rooftop pool and nearby bar, a great spa, and a wet bar and private balcony in your suite. An always-ready concierge will help you plan nearby adventures by land or sea. H20suites.com

Southernmost Beach Resort : Calling itself Key West’s “best-kept secret”, the Southernmost Beach Resort offers countless amenities on its six acres which include four bars, three heated pools, two beaches, a private tanning pier with ocean access, fitness center, spa, and an amazing oceanfront restaurant. Other resort activities include live music, daily activities, and concierge-booked excursions and tours. https://www.southernmostbeachresort.com

The Hammocks at Marathon: The Hammocks at Marathon, located in Marathon Key, Florida, is a time share property that is part of the Blue Green Vacations Club. Accommodations feature studios or one- or two-bedroom suites. Vacationers can enjoy pools, a tiki bar, and a grill overlooking the onsite marina. Kayaks, jet skis, and a fishing boat are available for rent.   bluegreenvacations.com/resorts/florida/hammocksat-marathon

MEXICO

Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancun: Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancun is an adults-only hotel designed for a restful and enchanting vacation. The Health and Wellness Pavilion area consists of a spa, gym, beauty salon and barbershop. The resort’s guests can enjoy a rich variety of restaurants and pubs that offer Mexican, Italian, Asian and informal meals cooked on the grill. liveaqua.com

Inn At Perry Cabin

Sensira Resort and Spa Riviera Maya: Welcome to Sensira, an all-inclusive resort for every age that overlooks a semi-private beach. Included in its price are all its restaurants and bars, beach lounge chairs, non-motorized water sports, entertain ment, the kids’ club, baby club, mini-golf, zip line, and water parks. Weddings and meetings are welcome. sensiraresorts.com

Hotel Xcaret Mexico : Overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Hotel Xcaret Mexico is a relaxed Five-Diamond, all-inclusive resort. Access to several nearby amusement parks is complimentary, as are meals and drinks served in 10 restaurants and 8 bars. Additional amenities include a spa, multiple outdoor pools, three gyms, tennis courts and a kids’ club. hotelxcaretmexico.com

CURAÇAO

Papagayo Beach Hotel and Resort : The Papagayo Resort is the first of its kind on the island of Curaçao. Opened in 2013 it consists of a modern hotel along with private villas ranging from two to five bedrooms. Overlooking the glit tering Jan Thiel Bay, the resort offers endless dining options in restaurants and bars including the Kyoto Sushi and Grill located in the main hotel. papagayo.com

JAMAICA

Half Moon: Having earned a Forbes Four-Star rating by Forbes Travel Guide, Half Moon Resort in Jamaica boasts two beau tiful beaches outside of Montego Bay. Friendly to families, couples and singles alike, this sprawling resort has it all: a huge spa, three restaurants, multiple pools, a large gym, free tennis courts, great golf, and a kids’ club.

Secrets Wild Orchid: Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay is an adults-only Jamaican resort, which takes its inspiration from the Ethiopian roots of Jamaica’s African ancestors. It offers a diverse array of activities. An added perk is that guests have free access to Secrets St. James right next door and Preferred Club guests have access to Breathless Montego Bay Resort & Spa. amrcollection.com/en/resorts-hotels/secrets/jamaica/ wild-orchid-montego-bay/

Finally, for enjoyable nearby destinations plan visit to two of the Best of Potomac sites: Lone Oak Brewery in Olney, Md. for “great brews and historic views (loneoakbrewingco.com) and Rocklands Farm Winery. located in the historical Agricultural Reserve of Montgomery County in Poolesville (rocklandsfarmmd.com).

Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancun

NO FEARS · NO TEARS

JUST SUPER SMILES!

“By far the best pediatric dentist that I’ve come across. Dr. Liu goes above and beyond in his services as well as putting my child at ease. All the staff are professional, warm and friendly. The office is extremely clean and I always can rest assured that my child is in the best care there. Highly recommend them! It is the BEST.”

Best Pediatric Dentist

Potomac

Years in a Row!

VOTED THE INDUSTRY’S

FUSION

BY ANKIT SHARMA

It began almost fourteen years ago. Summoning her business skills and entrepreneurial spirit, Liliana Orozco dreamed of bringing a bakery to Springfield in an attempt to share her Colombian heritage with the Latin commu nity in the Northern Virginia area. Her husband, German Noriega, supported the idea and used his experience as a civil engineer and his Master’s degree in Finance to make Liliana’s dream a reality. As with any start-up, the duo had challenges sourcing the proper products, selecting and training staff, and adjusting menu items to find the per fect combinations. Perseverance paid off and Aroma Café opened to the community in November 2014. Empanadas, Pandebono y Buñuelos and Colombian dishes like the Bandeja Paisa, Ajiaco and Sancocho de Gallina were immediately adopted as favorites by customers.

The success of Aroma Café and the popularity of Latin food in the area dared Liliana and German to dream big ger. This time, they set their sights on building a full-ser vice restaurant to promote South American gastronomy. Aroma Latin Fusion was a concept creation designed to present a fusion of Colombian, Peruvian, and international cuisine to the community. As with everything they do, Liliana and German were determined to incorporate qual ity products and innovative culinary techniques into their new concept. Highlighting these features would demand a unique space, and the duo engaged a prestigious archi tectural and engineering firm to bring their ideas to life. In 2019, the inviting space opened to the public. Designed by an experienced Peruvian chef, the menu is full of surprises combining exotic flavors from Colombia and Peru.

Building on all this success, Liliana and German are now engaged in their biggest project ever. Expanding both their menu and their ambiance, they have partnered with the powerhouse in construction and development, Fernando Guedes Jr. – locally known as the ace of the industry. Their new spot on 14th Street NW in Washington, DC is the ideal location and perfect setting for the 5,800-square-foot restaurant and stunning rooftop bar designed and built by Fernando Guedes Jr. Both the food menu and the drink menu will surprise and delight your senses. Here on 14th Street NW, fans of Aroma will find more of the exotic flavor combinations they’ve come to know, love, and absolutely crave. Everything will be expertly crafted by your favorite duo of Peruvian chefs, Antonio and Juan Paul Poggi.

Follow @aromalatinfusion on Instagram and Facebook and bookmark AromaLatinFusion.com to stay up to date on the restaurant’s opening slated for early 2023.

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