Bethesda Magazine • BethesdaMagazine.com • January/February 2015
More than 140 Editors’ & Readers’ Picks January/February 2015 $4.95
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Helping you create a life and legacy you desire Robert J. Collins
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Pictured (L to R): Frank Byskov, CFA®, CFP®, Portfolio Administrator; Stefanie Krzeminski, Client Services Specialist; Fletcher Perkins, CFA,® Portfolio Strategist; Jordan VanOort, CFA®, CFP®, Financial Advisor; David Clark, Financial Advisor; Robert Collins, Managing Director; Steve Cimino, Client Services Specialist; Stephen Clagett, Portfolio Administrator; Sally Mullen, Client Services Specialist; Kristian Price, Chief Operating Officer
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contents
January/February 2015
volume 12/ issue 1
74 Best of Bethesda From delicious chocolate chip cookies and wintry drinks with a kick to beautiful hikes and a cool summer camp for kids, here are some of our favorite things about the Bethesda area. Plus—readers’ picks of dining, beauty, schools and more.
FEATURES 126 Grading Joshua Starr
154 Our Turn
The superintendent hopes to spend another four years running the county’s schools. Does he deserve to keep the job? By Miranda S. Spivack
After years of shuttling kids to practice and freezing in the stands, these hockey moms were ready to get on the ice. By Julie Rasicot
134 A Place to Start
161 Weddings of the Year
144 Meet Andy Raymond
Have you ever wondered who owns a gun shop in Montgomery County? By Eugene L. Meyer
We introduce several couples who got married in style—from a bash at the beach to a ceremony at a French chateau.
184 Bethesda Interview
NBC4 meteorologist Doug Kammerer on landing his dream job, chasing hurricanes, and Jim and Doreen By Cindy Rich
drink PHOTO BY erick gibson
Most people don’t know what happens to the old couches, tables and lamps they donate to charity. Karen Murley uses them to create a home. By Amy Reinink
COVER by Amanda Smallwood 12 January/February 2015 | BethesdaMagazine.com
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F I N E P RO P E RT I E S I N T E R N A T I O N A L
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contents 210
290
266
208 House Appropriations Seven light fixtures that add a warm, stylish glow By Carolyn Weber
210 Small Wonders Three local homeowners make the most of small living spaces. By Carolyn Weber
218 Where the Designers Shop We asked top local interior designers for their picks on the best places to find pillows, lamps, rugs and more. By Christine MacDonald
224 The Mini Masterpiece Tasteful ideas for displaying children’s art By Jennifer Sergent
230 By the Numbers The most expensive home sales in the area
243 Health 246 Follow the Leader
285 DINE 285 Dine Review
How a local obstetrician maintained healthy habits during pregnancy By Leah Ariniello
Gringos & Mariachis hits nearly all the right notes. By Carole Sugarman
248 Stronger Together
288 Table Talk
After she had breast cancer surgery, Lisa Feldman hired a personal trainer. She had no idea the woman who would be helping her was on a mission of her own. By Cindy Rich
258 When Everything Changed Twenty-three-year-old Jennifer Vasquez has lived through devastating tragedy. She wants to use her experiences to help others. By Kathleen Wheaton
266 Mom Talk Local support groups are helping new moms stay connected. By Rebecca Gale
272 Health & Fitness Calendar Seminars, running events and support groups Compiled by Cindy Murphy-Tofig
A new way to get good local produce in winter . . . Fresh granola from a Potomac kitchen . . . Top Chef’s Mike Isabella has big plans in Bethesda, and more By Carole Sugarman
290 Cooking Class A L’Academie de Cuisine chef prepares a tasty menu for the Super Bowl: St. Louis-style spare ribs, cornbread and vinegar slaw. By Brian Patterson
292 Dining Guide Write-ups on more than 200 restaurants
small wonders photo by angie seckinger; mom photo and ribs photo by stacy zarin-goldberg
205 hOME
14 January/February 2015 | BethesdaMagazine.com
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Thank You Bethesda Readers’ Pick
Steve Wydler ASSOCIATE BROKER
Best Of Arlington Clarendon BA-Dartmouth, JD-Vanderbilt McLean Football Champs Thanks Arlington!
Best Realtor
Hans Wydler ASSOCIATE BROKER
Best Of Bethesda Bethesda Row BA-Yale, MBA-Harvard Whitman Boys State Soccer Champs Thanks Bethesda!
When it comes to Real Estate, these brothers stand together. We have many reasons to be thankful. We have been fortunate enough to be recognized by three distinguished organizations: Bethesda Magazine (Readers’ Pick, Best Realtor), Arlington Magazine (Readers’ Pick, Best Realtor) and Inman News (Most Innovative Realtor for 2015). Quite frankly, we're humbled and flattered by the honors and are eternally grateful to our team, and all of you, for making these accolades possible.
Maryland Office 301.986.6405 Virginia Office 703.873.5020 DC Office 202.600.2727 General 301.215.6444 x 6405
www.WydlerBrothers.com
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contents Departments 20 To Our Readers 22 Contributors 28 Letters 30 Hometown Brian Frosh learned a lot about law from his father, a Bethesda attorney and longtime public servant. By Steve Roberts
34 Suburban•ology Taking inspiration from the French By April Witt
38 People Watcher How a 13-year-old from Rockville is making a difference . . . The B-CC crosscountry coach shows how it’s done . . . new books by local writers, and more By Maura Mahoney
48 Story of My Life Over the years, I had come to love the classic simplicity of black, gray and beige. But do the colors we wear mean more than we think? By Christine Koubek
56
52 Re•Invention By Jackie Judd
56 Work Related Is school closed today? MCPS’s Todd Watkins helps make that decision. As told to Joi Louviere
58 Person of Interest Timothy Firestine may not be a household name, but the county’s chief administrative officer plays a big role in local government.
sweater for your body type, stylish stud earrings, and more. By Sarah Zlotnick
327 To-Do List Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations, Seinfeld’s Jason Alexander comes to Strathmore, and more
put you in the mindset for spring. By Charlotte Safavi
344 Once Upon a Time The beautiful manor that’s now part of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute was once the country home of a wealthy pastor. By Mark Walston
By Cindy Murphy-Tofig
331 What Bethesda’s Reading
By Louis Peck
Best-selling books in the area vs. those nationwide
324 Shop Talk
339 Driving Range
The Rockville-based aesthetician to first lady Michelle Obama offers tips on how to soothe itchy winter skin. Plus, the right
During the winter months, we often suffer from more than dry skin. An overnight spa trip can remedy the post-holiday blahs and
Special Advertising Sections 61 193 237 273 308 332
Financial Services Profiles Long & Foster Ad Section Before and After Home Makeovers Dentist Profiles Camp Chart and Ad Section Private School Ad Section
todd watkins photo by stacy zarin-goldberg
From the computer room to the classroom
16 January/February 2015 | BethesdaMagazine.com
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THE NATION’S LEADER IN
WOMEN’S HEALTH Congratulating Our Doctors For Making Us The National Leader In Screening Our Mothers, Sisters And Daughters For Breast Cancer Breast Cancer Screening* KAISER PERMANENTE MID-ATLANTIC1 Aetna HMO2 Aetna MD/DC PPO3 Aetna VA PPO4 Anthem HMO5 Anthem PPO6 CareFirst HMO7 CareFirst PPO8 Cigna MD9 Cigna VA/DC10 Hopkins TriCare11 Hopkins Employer12 Optima HMO13 Optima PPO14 United HMO15 United MD PPO16 United VA PPO17 United DC PPO18 Optimum Choice United19 MD IPA20 National Average 60%
PERMANENTE MEDICINE
88.84% 69.36% 70.04% 71.04% 71.65% 71.66% 71.47% 71.45% 68.25% 70.43%
THE #1INNATION
Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group
WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR MOTHER TO GET HER HEALTH CARE?
77.84% 76.33% 74.69% 73.30% 70.63% 68.73% 66.65% 70.74% 67.20% 67.47% 72.01% 65%
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85%
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Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group Physician Recruiting physiciancareers.kp.org/midatl (800) 227-6472
Percentage of eligible women who received a timely mammogram
* The source for data contained in this publication is Quality Compass® 2014 Commercial data and is used with the permission of the Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). Quality Compass 2014 includes certain CAHPS data. Any data display, analysis, interpretation, or conclusion based on these data is solely that of the authors, and NCQA specifically disclaims responsibility for any such display, analysis, interpretation, or conclusion. Quality Compass is a registered trademark of NCQA. CAHPS® is a registered trademark of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Official plan names per Quality Compass: (1) Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Mid-Atlantic States, Inc., (2) Aetna Health Inc. (Pennsylvania)–Maryland, (3) Aetna Life Insurance Company (MD/DC), (4) Aetna Life Insurance Company (Virginia), (5) HealthKeepers, Inc., (6) Anthem Health Plans of Virginia, Inc. dba Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Virginia, (7) CareFirst BlueChoice, (8) Group Hospitalization and Medical Services, Inc. (GHMSI), (9) Connecticut General Life Insurance Company–Maryland, (10) Connecticut General Life Insurance Company–Virginia/District of Columbia, (11) Johns Hopkins US Family Health Plan, (12) Johns Hopkins Employer Health Programs, (13) Optima Health Plan, (14) Optima Health Insurance Company, (15) UnitedHealthcare of the Mid-Atlantic, Inc., (16) UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company (Maryland), (17) UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company (Virginia), (18) UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company (Washington, DC), (19) Optimum Choice, Inc., (20) MD–Individual Practice Association, Inc.
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BethesdaMagazine.com what’s online Our daily news briefing features stories about the community, restaurants, Montgomery County politics and more—every weekday at 11:30 a.m.
Archives
digital Edition
Social Seen
Explore past issues and stories using our searchable archives.
Share photos from community events by emailing them to website@ bethesdamagazine.com and we’ll post them to our gallery page.
Subscribers get free access to the digital edition at www.bethesdamagazine.com/digital.
CLICK HERE AUDIO
Listen to a song by the 19th Street Band, our pick for best local band in Best of Bethesda, which begins on
page 74.
The 19th Street Band: Caolaidhe Davis, Meghan Davis and Michael Scoglio perform at the Irish Inn at Glen Echo.
Giveaways
JAN.
1
Starting Jan. 1, enter for a chance to win a $250 giftcard to Progression Salon Spa Store.
Social Media Find us on Facebook and Twitter to learn about community news, special offers and contests. Follow us on Instagram to get the scoop on happenings in the Bethesda area at instagram.com/ bethesdamag.
Newsletters Sign up to receive emails from our daily news service, Bethesda Beat, and to receive special offers from local businesses. Gmail users: Make sure to add Bethesda Magazine as a contact to ensure you receive our emails.
FEB.
1
Starting Feb. 1, enter for a chance to win a “Friends and Family Night Out Package” from ArcLight Cinemas, which is valued at $300.
HOW Pinteresting! See what Bethesda Magazine is pinning at pinterest.com/bethesdamag.
band photo by Alan Boudreau
exclusives
enter our
18 January/February 2015 | BethesdaMagazine.com
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Service that defies the job description.
Annette Stertzer (left) and Marny McCain arrived at Chevy Chase Trust by unique paths. Annette has more than 30 years’ experience in administering estates, and Marny has more than 30 years’ experience as a trust officer.
At Chevy Chase Trust, we take an unconventional approach to client service. It starts with experience— an average of 20 years, to be exact. But what’s truly unique is how these consummate professionals transcend traditional roles to become like members of their clients’ families. It means when they need it the most, our clients enjoy a level of attention that defies description. To learn more, contact Stacy Murchison at 240.497.5008 or visit ChevyChaseTrust.com
INV E ST M E N T MA N AGEMEN T
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F I N A N C I A L & E STATE PLAN N I N G
F I DUCI ARY & TRUST
FAM I LY W E ALTH S ERVIC ES
12/4/14 11:13 AM
to our
readers
Inside the ‘Best of’ Based on newsstand sales—and the amount of buzz—our annual “Best of Bethesda” issue is our most popular. When we published our first “Best of ” issue in 2007, we used paper ballots for the “Readers’ Poll”— and were thrilled when more than 1,000 people voted. (Thrilled, that is, until we had to tabulate that many paper ballots!) Since then, the Readers’ Poll has been conducted online, and the number of voters has increased steadily. This year, nearly 10,000 people participated—the most ever. Several years ago we added “Editors’ Picks,” and this year we offer as many picks by our editors as we do by our readers. As the “Best of Bethesda” issue has grown in popularity (and in complexity), the number of questions we get about the issue has increased, as well. Here are answers to some of the questions we get most often: Why do you allow businesses to send out emails urging their customers to vote for them? First, we couldn’t control that even if we wanted to. Second, we don’t want to. In fact, we encourage people in the community to “campaign” and even provide them with tools to do so. The Readers’ Poll is a popularity contest—and we want as many people as possible to vote. Why do you require people who take the Readers’ Poll to answer at least five questions? We want the Readers’ Poll to reflect the views of people who know the Bethesda area well. Frequently, people who run local businesses will email friends and relatives outside the area to solicit their votes. By requiring people to vote in at least five categories, out-of-towners can’t just write in the name of the one business they know about.
How do you make sure that voters abide by the rules? It’s a painstaking and time-consuming process, but we check each ballot to make sure that voters follow the rules. On average, we disqualify between 20 percent and 25 percent of the ballots. The most common offenses are failing to vote in at least five categories and voting as part of a large bloc, when a significant number of people all vote the same way. In that case, it’s clear that voters didn’t know who or what to vote for and were following the instructions of someone who did. Each year we also get a small number of fictitious voters, such as Daffy Duck, Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin. (We assume it would be difficult for Daffy Duck to vote in an online poll with webbed feet, and that Obama and Putin probably have more important things to do.) Why did you decide to start making Editors’ Picks? One of the best things about working at Bethesda Magazine is that we constantly get to experience what the area has to offer. That gives us a unique perspective and the ability to let our readers know about the best of what we’ve found. For example, our food editor, Carole Sugarman, dines out several times a week and tries multiple dishes wherever she goes. In the “Best of ” issue we ask her to share some of the most notable dishes and experiences she had. (This year, Carole weighs in on everything from “the best dishes in a year of eating” to her picks for best deviled eggs.) More than anything, our “Best of Bethesda” issue is meant to provide our readers with a yearlong guide on how and where to experience the best the community has to offer. I hope you enjoy our readers’ and editors’ picks, which begin on page 74.
Steve Hull Editor-in-chief and publisher steve.hull@bethesdamagazine.com
20 January/February 2015 | BethesdaMagazine.com
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contributors Jennifer Sergent Jennifer Sergent writes in this issue about creative ways to incorporate kids’ art into a home. A career journalist, Sergent has covered home design for more than 10 years. She started her blog, DC by Design, in 2010 as a way to focus on the local design community. Most recently, she’s been writing about homes and design for Bethesda and Arlington magazines, in addition to Washingtonian, Home & Design and DC Modern Luxury. She lives in Arlington with her husband and two sons, whose many ceramic creations prominently grace an end table in her family room.
Miranda S. Spivack
12211 Nebel Street Rockville, Maryland 20852 301.231.8757
www.progressions.com Established 1984
JUSTIN TSUCALAS Photographer Justin Tsucalas took the photos for this issue’s story on kids’ art. A Baltimore native, Tsucalas has an 18-month-old son and is expecting a second child in January. He has spent the last year and a half decorating his home with pictures of his family. “I am excited to allocate some of that decorative responsibility to my son,” he says. “Each of the homes I was invited into found different but clever options for showcasing their kids’ art in organic and tasteful ways.” A graduate of Goucher College in Towson, Tsucalas chronicles his son’s eating adventures on his blog, lookatthismessybaby.com.
All courtesy photos
Haircuts styling color smoothing Treatments nails make-Up Facials Lash extensions retail store
Like many local residents, Miranda S. Spivack moved to Bethesda because she and her husband wanted to send their two daughters to good public schools. Spivack, who writes this month about Montgomery County Public Schools Superintendent Joshua Starr, says she’s not surprised that many of the problems she saw two decades ago still persist. “As the Washington area has become more diverse, so have the county schools,” she says, “and that brings all kinds of challenges—and potential rewards—to anyone running the system.” Spivack grew up in Fairfax County, where she attended public schools before heading to Sarah Lawrence College in New York. After covering federal courts in Portland, Maine, she won a Ford Foundation fellowship to Yale Law School. She has worked for Legal Times, Newhouse News Service, the Washington bureau of The Hartford Courant, Gazette Newspapers and The Washington Post.
22 January/February 2015 | BethesdaMagazine.com
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editorial Editor-in-Chief
Steve Hull Design Director
Maire McArdle managing Editor
Mary Clare Glover senior Editors
Julie Rasicot, Cindy Rich Food Editor
Carole Sugarman Deputy Art Director
Laura F. Goode Associate Art Director
Amanda Smallwood Bethesda beat editor
Andrew Metcalf Web producer
Lindsay Lithgow Contributing Editors
The hospital you trust for primary care is expanding its specialty and urgent care services. You already know Friendship offers comprehensive, quality care for your companion. Now we’re adding to our family of services and to our building with new specialties, state-of-theart facilities and technology, and more board-certified specialists. From orthopedic surgery to acupuncture, your companion will have access to the best and most
Eugene L. Meyer, Cindy Murphy-Tofig, Louis Peck Copy Editors
Sandra Fleishman, Steve Wilder EDITORIAL Interns
advanced veterinary care all under one, new ruff…er…roof. And that means more convenience for you, too. Whether you need us for primary or advanced care, Friendship has you covered from head to tail.
Cydney Hargis, Joi Louviere DeSiGN Intern
James Mertz Contributing Writers
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letters
‘Like Comparing Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig’ Gene Meyer’s recent article, “Bad for Business?” (November/December 2014), on Montgomery County’s business climate got some things right, many others wrong. The county isn’t just “beginning” to listen on making Montgomery more business-friendly. For the past eight years, under County Executive Ike Leggett, the county has streamlined permitting, changed fire inspections to shave weeks off the process, and made changes that save up to a year on development projects getting the go-ahead. That means more business sooner— more jobs and a bigger tax base. Meyer compares the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority with the infancy of the Montgomery Business Development Corporation (MBDC). What he didn’t say is that MBDC supplements the already existing work with 33 staff and the $13 million budget of the county’s Department of Economic Development. Fairfax has no such department. On the energy tax, the biggest difference between energy costs for companies in Virginia and Montgomery has to do with the relative charges by Pepco and Dominion. Pepco costs are 40 percent higher without the county energy tax. Two-thirds of the difference in energy costs has nothing to do with county taxes. A quick review of the permits of the developer that bemoaned the county’s Department of Permitting Services shows that his nine permits took the following amount of time: four same day, one next day, one in four days and one each for 15, 17 and 20 days. Most of what needs to be done with permitting services can now be done online— a huge improvement that saves time,
money and travel. And permitting services staff have won industry kudos for their “business-friendly” approach. The county’s wall-bracing requirement for developers referenced in the article is a national code standard—and the same as in Fairfax and Arlington. No difference or advantage there. And, contrary to the “study” cited by the article, there was in fact no $3.2 million county permitting fee, nor would there be. For the cited hypothetical 250-unit apartment building within a half-mile of the Metro, the fee would range from $240,000 to $366,000—nowhere near $3.2 million. Bottom line: Both Montgomery and Fairfax are among the very best places in the nation to live, raise a family and have a business. Most of America would change places with either of us in a heartbeat. Saying one is better than another is like comparing Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig—both great ballplayers. Montgomery County is changing the way we do business. That’s good for Montgomery—and the entire metro region. Patrick Lacefield
Director of Public Information Montgomery County
Don’t Forget the Trail
In “All Aboard” (November/December 2014, about the proposed Purple Line), Louis Peck failed to mention the invaluable sacrifice of the Capital Crescent Trail between Bethesda and Silver Spring. Today, anyone that walks eastward from Bethesda on the trail will walk under a mature forest canopy. Any environmentalist will tell you the value
of a mature forest ecosystem. The Purple Line’s Final Environmental Impact Statement cites 47 acres of clear-cutting. Health experts increasingly call for walks outdoors—not alongside 90decibel trains—for young and old. In the heat of the summer, the temperature is easily 10-15 degrees cooler on the trail for runners, walkers and bikers. In addition to these benefits, the trail supports an entire web of life. American University professor and amphipod expert Dr. David Culver believes that this area represents significant habitat for three endangered subterranean crustaceans. Instead of public environmental stewards performing due diligence to ensure the survival of these species, science is being pushed aside by a race for development and greed. In between the two largest commercial business districts in Maryland, where is the call for new parks? Can anyone in this day afford to build a new 47-acre park inside the Beltway? That loss is not included in the $2.4 billion in construction plus the additional $6 billion over 30 years. Supreme Court Justice William Douglas saved the C&O Canal. It’s time for today’s political leadership to save the Capital Crescent Trail.
Ajay Bhatt
President, Friends of the Capital Crescent Trail
Giving Thanks
Every year I look forward to the November/December issue of Bethesda Magazine that features the Guide to Giving and the story on the Philanthropist of the Year. Congratulations to the 2014 Philanthropist of the Year, Tammy
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Darvish. Her generosity and engagement inspire me to do more and give more. For the past 6½ years, I have represented Montgomery County on the Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism. My term ended in December, and I wanted to share some thoughts. I have come to know many of the nonprofits based in Montgomery County and have been a tireless advocate and cheerleader for their missions. Food, shelter and the environment are my passions. I admire the efforts of A Wider Circle, Interfaith Works, Shepherd’s Table and GreenWheaton. Over the years, I have gained an appreciation of nonprofits that support the arts and history, including Arts on the Block, the Button Farm Living History Center and
Strathmore. Along the way, I have met thousands of Rotarians, corporate citizens, AmeriCorps members, Girl Scouts and people working at faith-based organizations who help our neighbors in need and create a more vibrant community. I am especially grateful for the partnership and collaboration with Bruce Adams from the Office of Community Partnerships, Molly Callaway from the Montgomery County Volunteer Center, the Corporate Volunteer Council of Montgomery County and Leadership Montgomery. A million thanks to the countless volunteers on Team Testoni for never saying no when asked to help. Thank you Montgomery County volunteers for your time, talent and trea-
sure—it has been an honor and privilege to serve as your commissioner.
Theresa Testoni
Commissioner, Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism
Correction
In the November/December 2014 issue’s Guide to Giving, the photo of the Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless should have been credited to Marleen Van den Neste. Bethesda Magazine welcomes letters to the editor. Please email your letter to letters@bethesda magazine.com and include your daytime phone number. Bethesda Magazine reserves the right to edit letters for length and clarity.
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STEVE ROBERTS’
The Family Business Brian Frosh learned a lot about law from his father, a Bethesda attorney and longtime public servant
Brian Frosh, the state’s attorney general-elect, sees himself as “the people’s lawyer” with the power to prosecute bad guys who defraud consumers, degrade the environment and deny equal rights.
In his new job as Maryland’s attorney general, Brian Frosh will be driven to his Baltimore office by a state trooper— which means he can no longer ride his bike from his home in Somerset to his law practice in Bethesda. “That is a major disappointment,” he confesses, a small smile creeping out from behind a bushy mustache that’s grown gray during his 28 years in the state legislature. At 68, Frosh has suffered few disappointments lately. He won a tough battle for the Democratic nomination last June against Jon Cardin, nephew of Maryland’s popular U.S. senator, Ben Cardin. Since Maryland has not elected a Republican attorney general in almost a century, Frosh was able to buck the national trend in November and cruise to victory. Now he’s responsible for enforcing many laws he helped to write in Annapolis. And those laws reflect his unabashed commitment to a liberal agenda—gun control and consumer protection, environmental regulation and same-sex marriage. David Ferguson, former executive director of the state Republican Party, warned during the campaign that the Democrat would make a “dangerous attorney general…taking Maryland in a radical direction.” But Frosh describes his goal differently: “I will fight like hell for justice.” I’ve known Brian a long time. Since state legislators serve part-time, they can have other jobs, and he’s been my brother’s lawyer for years. My sister-in-law worked in his campaign and I knew his wife, Marcy, before he did—when she was a young lobbyist on Capitol Hill in the early ’80s. Only recently, however, did I learn that justice is the Frosh family business. His father, Stanley, a local lawyer, moved his young family to a house on Bradley Boulevard near Landon School in Bethesda in 1954. “Across the street was all woods,” Frosh recalls, and he used
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hometown
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to “slip through the fence” and watch Landon baseball games. “It was really cool and it was free.” When he attended Walter Johnson High School, “it was surrounded by farms, and you didn’t have to have a very good arm, if you had a rock you could hit a cow.” His father led a less idyllic life. He once represented a federal employee, a bookbinder at the Government Printing Office, who was accused of being a Communist by Joe McCarthy, the redbaiting senator from Wisconsin. Stanley Frosh was summoned by Roy Cohn, chief counsel for McCarthy’s Senate investigations, and as Brian tells the story: “Roy Cohn says to my dad, ‘Your client’s in a lot of trouble, and if you represent him, you’re going to be in a lot of trouble. My advice is, get rid of this guy.’ My dad declined to follow that advice.” The elder Frosh told his client to take the Fifth Amendment before McCarthy’s committee. When the man did so, he was fired from his job and “literally run out of town,” says Brian, while his dad was “ostracized by the Montgomery County bar.” “They had these monthly lunches, they still do, and my dad would go to the lunches and nobody would sit with him,” Brian says. “They were terrified to be associated with him.” A few years later Stanley Frosh was elected to the county council and staunchly supported legislation banning discrimination in public accommodations. Critics saw him as a dangerous radical—there’s a theme here—and he was defeated for re-election but he left an indelible mark on his son. “I watched firsthand, as a kid, this going on and it inspired me,” Frosh tells me. “I learned the importance of standing up for people who cannot stand up for themselves, and sticking to principles when you know you’re right.” Brian went away briefly—college at Wesleyan, law school at Columbia—but then he returned home and took staff jobs in Annapolis and on Capitol Hill. By 1982 he was running and losing a race for the state Senate. Four years later he won a seat in the House of Delegates, and as
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he puts it, “I’ve been running ever since.” When I ask if he always dreamed of being attorney general, he replies, “I didn’t, really. I always thought it would be great to be AG but that I could never get there.” He and Marcy—a nonpracticing lawyer who Brian describes as a “die-hard do-gooder”—had two daughters at home and the demands of a statewide campaign discouraged him. “I would have missed every dinner every night,” he says. By 2012, however, “both kids were out of the house and Marcy gave me her permission.” Doug Gansler, the incumbent, was running for governor so the job was open. In early polls Cardin’s famous name pushed him ahead—some voters actually thought his uncle the senator was running—but Frosh won the backing of key lawmakers and editorial writers. The Baltimore Sun endorsed him as “a perfect fit for the job.” One columnist, Frosh recalls, “wrote a piece saying I was like Secretariat—I’m not sure which end of Secretariat he was referring to, I was down 20 points and finished up 20 points.” Most people in Maryland, Frosh admits, “don’t know what the attorney general does.” For one thing he heads the state’s biggest law firm, with 460 attorneys who advise the governor and every state agency on legal matters. At the same time, he adds, “I think it’s really important for the AG to be independent, you have to be able to say no to the governor.” He’s also “the people’s lawyer,” with the power to prosecute bad guys who defraud consumers, degrade the environment and deny equal rights. While Frosh will now commute to Baltimore, his home and his heart remain here. His dad, who eventually became a state judge, died in 2007, but his mother still lives in the old family house. He can even ride his bike over to see her. n Steve Roberts teaches journalism and politics at George Washington University. Send ideas for future columns to sroberts@gwu.edu.
MONICA GARCIA HARMS Principal
WHAT’S ON YOUR SMART PHONE?
Family Law Attorney
In the digital age, electronically stored data can be crucial in a divorce case. A deceptive spouse should beware that most of this information can’t hide when a spouse seeking to uncover it connects with the right divorce attorney. E-discovery obtained during a divorce can reveal in someone’s own words what they would never otherwise divulge. Some common pitfalls exposed during a divorce include: •
Photo or location tags showing spouses in places they hadn’t disclosed;
•
A paper trail for the moving and/or hiding of assets;
•
Unsavory social media posts or comments; and, most commonly,
•
Communications that reveal the cheating spouse.
Hit the send/post/tweet button and even your most private messages have the potential to be broadcast to the world around you. While using smart phone technology is an integral part of modern day communication, if you are contemplating divorce, it is essential to retain a lawyer who understands how to navigate the e-discovery process and how any information uncovered can be used.
25 West Middle Lane • Rockville, Maryland 20850 301-340-2020 • www.steinsperling.com Monica Garcia Harms co-chairs the Family Law department at Stein Sperling. Her thorough knowledge and understanding of her clients’ circumstances and needs distinguish her approach to the practice of family law. Monica represents clients in complex matters including divorce, contested custody, support and property allocation. BethesdaMagazine.com | January/February 2015 33
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april witt’s
suburban•ology
Serenity Now I’m no fan of New Year’s resolutions. Every year I put “drink more water” and “serenity now”—my catchall mantra, immortalized by Seinfeld, for simplifying and enjoying life—on my long list of resolutions. Then I promptly forget them for the next 12 months. Last New Year’s, however, spurred a lifestyle makeover of sorts. I love to cook. Over decades I’ve acquired an abundance of kitchen tools, including, inexplicably, three strawberry hullers of varying degrees of uselessness. While holiday cooking with friends, I realized that my instructions for finding my favorite cake plate amounted to “stick your head in that overcrowded corner cabinet and pray.” Finally, in a moment of Newtonian inspiration, I opened a cabinet and a prized jar of Vietnamese cinnamon fell from a high shelf and hit me on the head. Soon I banished from my cabinets unmatched dishes, undated spices, lidless plastic containers and any gadget whose work could be done by a paring knife. To organize dry goods, I bought matching glass jars by Le Parfait, advertised as the brand favored by generations of French housewives. The appearance of open space in my cabinets coincided with final markdowns at Williams-Sonoma’s going-out-of-business sale at White Flint Mall in January 2014. I replaced mismatched everyday dishes with pristine white French porcelain including tiny individual gratins and lidded bowls that make eating soup feel like unwrapping a present.
Suddenly, my husband was complimenting the presentation of our morning oatmeal; girlfriends were marveling at my organized cabinets. Could this, at last, be “serenity now”? Only in a consumer culture where entire magazines are devoted to simplifying life by buying more stuff. Lifestyle guru Mireille Guiliano is the best-selling author of six books telling women the world over how to achieve her version of “serenity now”—being a slender, timelessly chic connoisseur—by becoming more like the French. Her masterwork, French Women Don’t Get Fat, explains that French women eat what they want and stay thin partly because they eat smaller portions than Americans. They seek quality over quantity. (The chain-smoking probably helps, too.) French demand for culinary excellence, in her telling, lends the simple act of buying a ripe melon the gravity of a legal deposition. In Bethesda, you don’t have to follow Guiliano’s blog to understand the French culinary aesthetic. You can visit Tout de Sweet, the bright French pastry shop on Woodmont Avenue, where small, perfect pastries line display cases like jewels. Standing at the counter selecting an assortment of fragile macarons to give a friend—two chocolate, two coffee, two salted caramel, two coconut and two rose water—is a treat for all the senses. Jerome Colin, 35, owns the shop with his wife, Sofia. At 15, Colin—the son of a professional organist—began apprenticing
with bakers and pastry chefs in his native France. He went to culinary school to earn the highest diploma in pastry-making. He worked in top French restaurants where some genius chefs made Martha Stewart look like Mr. Rogers. Occasionally they expressed their desire for perfectionism by hurling spatulas and pots. “You had to learn to make sure that everything is neat and perfect,” Colin says. By age 20, Colin’s artistic ambitions had brought him to Washington, D.C., to work at the Willard hotel and then the Sofitel. He eventually became the executive pastry chef at the Four Seasons before opening Tout de Sweet in 2011. Sitting at a café table eating one of Tout de Sweet’s diminutive Financier cakes is my current notion of “serenity now.” The Financier—so named because it looks like a gold bar—is crisp on the outside, moist at the center and measures about 1½ inches by 3 inches. It comes on a tiny, white leaf-shaped plate accompanied by a doll-size fork. Like so much in life, it’s best to stop and focus to enjoy it because it’s gone so fast. On a recent trip to New York City, with Tout de Sweet on my mind, I bought a copy of French Women Don’t Get Fat to read on the train home. I settled into a booth on an Amtrak café car and called to tell my husband I was on my way. “Are you going to be talking a lot on your mobile phone?” the man seated across from me asked wearily. He was French.
Illustration by claudine hellmuth
Taking inspiration from the French
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suburban•ology
“Was I loud?” I asked, remembering how a lone table of Americans can sound in a quiet Paris restaurant. I apologized, while in my friendly American way I tried to decipher the titles, upside down and in French, of his reading material. He had the sheet music for a composition by Franz Liszt and what looked like a biography of Joseph Haydn. I left my book in my bag—there was no way I was going to read a selfhelp book called French Women Don’t Get Fat in front of this guy. “Are you a pianist?” I asked. He turned out to be a French concert organist visiting the U.S. to teach some master classes and perform. What were the odds? He was not sorry to be leaving New York City, which he found painfully noisy. He showed me a photo on his phone of the elegant view from his Paris apartment. The sound track of his daily life is the tolling of bells at nearby Notre
pting Acce ients Pat New end Week ing & nts Also n e v E intme Appo vailable A
Dame Cathedral, his version of “serenity now.” “How did you find the food in New York restaurants?” I asked, playing the straight man. “Phhhh!” he said, blowing out air expressively in the French way. He said he got so fed up trying to find quality dining that he bought groceries and picnicked in his hotel room. We lamented the tragedy of globalization: the death of quality at the hands of fast and easy. Then he showed me where I could download recordings of his live performances from iTunes. Before he left the train in Philadelphia, I asked if he worried that in this noisy world of fast food for the body and the brain, the market for classical organ music was disappearing, as well. Not at all, he said. There will always be a place in the world for people who are passionately seeking excellence in
N OW
O P E N
I N
any endeavor. I hope so. After he was gone, young businessmen celebrating Friday piled into the booth across from me. They laughed loudly, drank Budweiser, and flirted with a blonde who cleverly managed to use a profanity as a gerund in every sentence. The coast was clear. I pulled out French Women Don’t Get Fat and read to Union Station. I made a New Year’s resolution to savor every meal I make and every delicate macaron from Tout de Sweet, as if it were my last. I also resolved to start making my own yogurt, which the author suggests we really should be eating twice a day. By the way, she says to drink more water. n April Witt is a former Washington Post writer who lives in Bethesda. To comment on this column or suggest ideas, email aprilwitt@hotmail.com.
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people
watcher
Rockville’s Ethan Copeland provides care packages to local homeless people, a project he began to help the homeless while living last year in Santa Monica, Calif.
A Helping Hand When Ethan Copeland, now 13, and his family moved to Santa Monica, Calif., for a year in August 2013, he adjusted quickly to his new surroundings, including having “the ocean in our backyard and going from the suburbs to living in the middle of a city.” But he couldn’t adjust to the sight—and plight—of the many homeless people he
saw. “Back home in Rockville,” he recalled, “you might go a week and see one homeless person. [There] it seemed like I’d see 20 in 10 minutes.” Ethan, now in eighth grade at Bullis School in Potomac, wanted to do something to help the homeless, so he and his mom, Jillian Copeland, founder and board chair-
woman of The Diener School in Potomac, went online to determine which items a homeless person needs most, and then Ethan emailed family and friends to raise money to buy toiletries and first-aid supplies. He and his mom purchased the items at Target and put together 10 packages. Accompanied by one of his parents or one of his older brothers (he is the youngest of four boys), Ethan handed out that first bunch of packages and then continued to make more and hand them out every week. “I fell in love with doing it,” he says. Within a few weeks, he had created a website, reached out to friends in Santa Monica to help him, and named his initiative “Good Hearted.” Over the next 10 months, he raised enough money to put together and deliver nearly 300 packages. Sometimes Ethan spent time with the homeless he met “because they just wanted someone to talk to.” Occasionally they would ask for specific items, such as socks, and he’d try to fill their requests. When it was time for the Copeland family to return to Rockville, Ethan “was really worried about these people he’d been helping and would be leaving behind,” Jillian Copeland says. “One day my husband was out with him, and [Ethan] told one homeless man he’d befriended that he was sorry he was leaving. The man said to him, ‘Ethan, this has been the best year of my life.’ My husband said his eyes filled with tears because he realized the incredible impact Ethan had had.” Ethan returned to Montgomery County determined to continue his mission of helping the homeless. He organized a bake sale at school and a “Good Hearted Two-Miler” in the family’s neighborhood. Ethan lined up 10 sponsors for the August race, and more than 30 people participated. He used the $2,800 he raised to pay for more than 100 hot meals and 100 packages that he delivered to homeless people in Washington, D.C., between August and October. “It makes me feel better to know I can help people,” Ethan says. “I definitely want to keep doing it.” “We see homeless people, but over time they become invisible to us,” Jillian Copeland says. “Ethan took that invisibility away. In a way, he gave us a gift, too.”
Copeland photo by michael ventura
By Maura Mahoney
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Unstuffed Every parent knows that helpless feeling of being unable to ease the misery of a baby with a stuffy nose. Nina Farzin of Potomac was no exception. Farzin recalls that her 11-year-old daughter had a lot of trouble sleeping when she was a baby because Farzin couldn’t clear her stuffy nose. “I tried an aspirator and saline solution,” Farzin says, “but it was difficult to loosen dry mucus. It was disheartening to see her so uncomfortable.” Farzin experienced the same frustration after her two younger kids were born. So the pharmacist decided to create her own solution. The result is “Oogiebear,” a tool
Farzin designed that is made of soft rubber, with a loop on one end for sticky mucus and a scoop on the other for dried. A small bear head at each end prevents the user from causing injury by digging too deep. The tool also can be used to clean a baby’s ears. “My bottom line was safety,” says Farzin, who worked on her invention at night and on weekends. Farzin sells the $9.50 tool on her website, myoogie.com, and in several local stores, including Dawn Price Baby in Georgetown, Chevy Chase CARE Pharmacy, and Daisy Baby & Kids and Bradley Drugs in Bethesda.
Chevy Chase teen Nicky DeParle displays some of the memorabilia that he’s collected from professional basketball players.
Fifteen-year-old Nicky DeParle of Chevy Chase, a ninth-grader at Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C., is a Washington Wizards fan who has “always loved basketball and sports in general.” But Nicky’s devotion to basketball goes beyond watching every game he can. He has met many players and built an extensive collection of basketball memorabilia that includes about 450 signed jerseys, basketballs, shoes and photos. A couple of years ago, Nicky began attending the Wizards’ pregame warm-ups as well as their games. “I’d watch the practice, and the players would come over and give me their shirts and shoes,” he says. Then he started going to the hotel where the opposing team was staying. “I’d show up a couple of hours before the game, and they’d come out and give me their autographs.” His favorite encounter with a star player occurred in the summer of 2013, thanks to social media. “I follow Kevin Durant [the Oklahoma City Thunder forward and 2013-14 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player] on Instagram, and I know he’s from D.C.,” Nicky says. “I saw a photo he posted of [himself] playing in a park near my school, so I went there. He signed some stuff I brought. I came back every day he was there— he’d sign everything.” Nicky says the players don’t seem to regard him as a nuisance. “They’re really nice,” he says. “I’m just a kid, I’m usually wearing a jersey of theirs or their team, [so] they know I’m a fan.”
Oogie bear courtesy photo; DeParle photo by Michael Ventura
The Collector
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Kensington resident Meryl Comer’s new book, Slow Dancing with a Stranger: Lost and Found in the Age of Alzheimer’s (HarperOne, 2014), recounts the harrowing experience of caring for both her husband, who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at the age of 58, and her mother, who suffers from the late-onset version of the disease. Comer, a veteran television producer, Emmy Award-winning journalist, and president and CEO of the Geoffrey Beene Foundation Alzheimer’s Initiative, says she wrote the book “as a political statement” rather than as a memoir. “I wanted to unlock an honest conversation about this disease,” she says. “No one knows what the disease looks like if they are not dealing with it. People who are not on the front lines of care have no clue what’s involved. Unless we are very honest about the cruelty of this disease, we won’t be able to change things. This is not a normal part of aging. It is a fatal neurodegenerative disease. We must lobby for funds for research.” After spending two decades caring for her husband, Comer says she is also deeply concerned about fellow caregivers, noting that “40 to 70 percent are clinically depressed.” “I’m trying to show caregivers how you manage your pain matters. Being an advocate is my way of ‘flipping the pain.’ Thinking that I can help another family…that’s worth the fight,” she says. Anyone caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia can participate in the Health-eBrain project, an online study to assess cognition, by going to Author Meryl Comer, right, with her health-ebrainstudy.org. husband, Dr. Harvey Gralnick
Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School cross-country coach Chad Young
Chevy Chase’s Judith Bowles says the November publication of her first collection of poetry, The Gatherer (WordTech Communications), was “thrilling.” Featuring 63 poems, the book is the culmination of the five years Bowles has spent in a poetry workshop that began at The Writer’s Center in Bethesda and a lifetime of loving words and poems. Bowles, who taught classes and ran a poetry workshop at Iona Senior Services in Washington, D.C., for many years (and who is also the mother of Veep actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus and her sister, Lauren Bowles, who appeared in True Blood), says her poems deal with “incidences… things I stored up when I was young, and now can look back on with clarity.” Bowles, who says she realized a “deep yearning to write” 13 years ago, credits classes at The Writer’s Center for providing both support and a framework for writing. “They have been there for me always,” she says.
Ahead of the Pack Members of the Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School girls and boys crosscountry teams probably weren’t too nervous as they waited for the start of Ellen’s Run, a 5K race held Sept. 28 in Chevy Chase. Team members enjoy participating in the annual community event without the pressure of an official competition, according to coach Chad Young. But Young was definitely worried—he was about to race against his students. Young, who lives in Silver Spring, ran for American University and is in his 10th year of coaching and teaching math at B-CC. Now 33, he says he gets a little more nervous every year about competing against the students. “All I can do is go out, see how I feel, do the best that I can,” Young says. “I talked trash with some of the guys [from the team] and then ran for my life.” Young needn’t have worried: He finished in first place overall, with a time of 16:38. “It felt pretty good,” he says.
Comer and Young Courtesy photos; All books courtesy of Barnes & Noble
Book Report
watcher
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Brothers Brandon, left, and Lance Kramer
Actress Annet Mahendru, left, stars in Sally Pacholok, a new feature film by Chevy Chase resident Elissa Leonard, right.
Chronicling a Cause Chevy Chase resident Elissa Leonard says her new feature film, Sally Pacholok, is “a whistleblower/romance based on the real story of a nurse who takes on the medical establishment.” The movie chronicles 15 years in the life of Sally Pacholok, an emergency room nurse in the Detroit area who learned that she had a vitamin B12 deficiency, which can cause neurologic, psychiatric, circulatory, digestive, connective tissue and immune system problems if left untreated. While researching her condition, Pacholok discovered that misdiagnoses are common, so she dedicated her life to raising public awareness about B12 deficiencies. She set up a B12 awareness website and wrote a book with her husband, osteopath Jeffrey Stuart, titled Could It Be B12?: An Epidemic of Misdiagnoses (Quill Driver Books, 2011). Leonard, 57, who worked as a producer/writer for WNET-TV’s Innovation series (winning two New York Emmys) and as a senior story editor for National Geographic Television’s Explorer series, came across Pacholok’s book in 2009. She wrote to her and then shot a “no-budget, public awareness documentary with a camcorder” on the subject of misdiagnosed B12 deficiencies for YouTube in 2011. After the video generated 100,000 hits, Leonard says she realized there might be an audience if she turned Pacholok’s story into a feature film. She bought Pacholok’s life story in 2012, co-wrote the screenplay with Patrick Prentice of Washington, D.C., brought in casting director Pat Moran of the HBO series Veep and hired a crew. The movie, which Leonard financed herself, stars Annet Mahendru (currently on the FX Networks television series The Americans) and was shot at various locations in Maryland in April and May. “Everyone involved in this story thinks it will help people,” Leonard says. “I feel a responsibility to the cast and crew to get this film out. It was such a wonderful collaboration.”
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Brothers Brandon and Lance Kramer, owners of Meridian Hill Pictures in Washington, D.C., trace their interest in “community-based filmmaking” back to their days working for the student newspaper at Walt Whitman High School in Bethesda. “Our first opportunity to learn the craft of storytelling, [including how] to interact through our community, how to write [and] be responsible to an audience, and work as a team, was at The Black & White,” Brandon Kramer, 27, says. The brothers went on to different colleges and then pursued different careers after graduation. Brandon Kramer worked for The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., teaching documentary filmmaking to middle school students, and Lance Kramer worked for a nonprofit that made environmental documentaries, and as a print journalist and a community organizer. The men, who grew up in Bethesda, say they often talked about their mutual interests in filmmaking, education and community organizing. When their grandfather, Samuel Kramer—an entrepreneur who ran a meat and produce store in the District’s Union Market—died unexpectedly in 2010, the brothers were inspired by his entrepreneurial spirit to fuse their shared passions and start a film company. “There was an open-door policy at home,” Larry Kramer, 30, says. ”We always had family and friends over. It was always very inclusive. We’ve tried to run our business with those same values.”
Leonard photo by Jonathan Mount © PCAFilm LLC; Kramer photo courtesy of meridian hill pictures
The Storytellers
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watcher Hannah Hua at The Kennedy Center
Potomac’s Louis Dubick, left, and dad Marc
All in the Family Bethesda native Max Levitt runs a nonprofit dedicated to providing local at-risk kids with donated sports equipment.
A Sporting Chance Max Levitt loved sports while growing up, and he pursued his interest at Syracuse University in upstate New York by majoring in sports management and working as the equipment manager for the university’s football team. Upon returning to school each season, Levitt would clear out the team’s old gear from the equipment shed to make room for a shipment of new equipment from Nike. “I had to throw everything out,” he recalls. “It was a huge waste.” That rankled Levitt, who grew up in Bethesda and graduated in 2007 from Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School in Rockville. “I was used to donating everything: clothes, food, etc.,” he says of his years growing up. “I started thinking that families around here must have tons of sports stuff just in their garages, and maybe I could get that stuff to kids who needed it.” The summer after his 2011 graduation from Syracuse, Levitt formed Leveling the Playing Field, a nonprofit that provides at-risk children in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area with donated sports equipment. Levitt says he put donation bins in schools, churches and community centers around Bethesda and stored the donated equipment in his parents’ basement. “It grew really fast,” he says. “Parents and kids started wanting to do collections for us, and now I get six to 12 calls from individuals wanting to help every week. Last fall, Under Armour called me with $1 million of football equipment to donate.” Levitt says Leveling the Playing Field has received 40,000 pieces of equipment that have been donated to local nonprofits that offer sports to underserved kids, saving the programs about $750,000 so far in equipment costs. ■ Maura Mahoney lives in Chevy Chase. Send People Watcher tips to peoplewatcher@bethesdamagazine.com.
Dubick and Levitt Courtesy photos
Winston Churchill High School senior Louis Dubick has been red-hot on the lacrosse field since he was a freshman. That first year, Louis led Montgomery County players in scoring with 98 points (50 goals and 48 assists). As a sophomore and junior, he led the entire All-Met region in total points—with 145 points (64 goals and 81 assists) as a sophomore and 121 points (75 goals and 46 assists) as a junior. With a total of 364 points entering his senior year, Louis is well on his way to becoming the top Maryland scorer of all time (the state record is 380). He is a two-time US Lacrosse All-American, and in the spring of 2014, he was named to The Washington Post’s All-Met Boys’ Lacrosse First Team and named the All-Gazette team’s Player of the Year. The 18-year-old attacker caught the eye of recruiters, and by the summer after his freshman year, he had verbally committed to play at the University of Maryland in College Park. “The coaches are first-class people,” Louis says, “and the school has such a rich lacrosse history. They’ve had two national championships, and make the top five every year. It will be fun to play for a contender.” Louis may have a greater appreciation for that history than most players. His father, Marc, played for the team in the early 1980s, and his grandfather Harry, who died last summer, played there in 1950 and 1951. “I also wanted to go to Maryland because my little brother, Eliot, who’s 11, plays lacrosse. I want him and the rest of the family to be able to come to my games,” Louis says. Marc Dubick is happy that the family’s lacrosseplaying tradition will continue. “We are thrilled that he decided to attend this wonderful university and play on a top-tier lacrosse program,” the proud dad says.
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story of my life
By Christine Koubek
Shifting Out of Neutral Over the years, I had come to love the classic simplicity of black, gray and beige. But do the colors we wear mean more than we think?
I’m usually too fixated on my lap-
top’s screen to notice my compatriots at Starbucks, but two girls dressed in the joie-de-vivre colors of girlhood made me pause—one in a flamingopink shirt, the other in electric blue pants and sneakers as green as fresh grass. Listening to them, I couldn’t help but remember what it was like to be 13
or 14, remember—as I sat there in blue jeans and black—what it was like before the color leaked out. As the girls whispered, my mind’s photo album flipped back to myself precollege, pre-work, pre-marriage and before becoming mother of two sons, to a time when I wandered the mall with Ferris Bueller’s mentality that leisure
rules. I’d browse through stores and inhale the crisp scent of new clothes I couldn’t afford, or visit a beloved purple jacket I’d put on layaway, a longing for something about to be. Now I was in the middle of the middle years, and so many big milestones had passed: choosing a career, getting married, buying a house, having
Koubek photo by erick gibson
Christine Koubek’s new favorite color is green.
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story of my life children. I long ago turned my focus to my sons’ interests and dreams, content to fill days with school performances, sports games and our extended family’s events. And though I could now afford more things, time spent coordinating clothes wasn’t one of them. I’d come to love the simplicity of black. Sitting over my coffee, I glanced out the window and tried to recall the last time I wore red, the color my mother always said looked best on me. There was a pair of red Reeboks in college, a red suit jacket during my first years of work in Boston, and a ruby dress that I wore to a holiday office party, which resulted in a date with a cute guy. But I slowly stopped wearing that cardinal color, or anything bold for that matter, unless I was in the Caribbean, or suddenly 10 pounds lighter, or in just the right mood. That was the real difference: mood. Recent years had offered so many opportunities to grapple with gray, from the challenges of childrearing to deaths
done with my mother?” She laughed. “No—just thought it would be fun to add some spice.” Maybe after all those years of working and raising my siblings and me alone, this was my mother’s way of finding a new side of herself. She had been out hiking and on road trips, things I’d never seen her do. The night after I got home from visiting my mother, I stood in my closet staring at rods full of neutral clothes and wondered what happened to the tomboy teenager I once was, what happened to the girl who got thrown from a horse and a Yamaha dirt bike, the latter my own fault. I had begged my high school boyfriend for weeks to try it. I wanted to feel the bike’s weight in my hands, feel what it was like to have the wind, not on my cheek as I peeked out from behind him, but across my face. It was our second time out. He was on his brother’s bike, and I on his. “Let’s go a little faster,” he yelled over
that hit closer and closer to home. Looking back, I could spot signs of fading. The girl in red had toned down to a late twentysomething who wore an occasional colorful shirt or scarf, and then was further muted during the early years of motherhood, when efficiency ruled: black, white, gray, beige, and always a little black dress. A convenient wardrobe that had morphed into a habit. As I drove to my younger son’s basketball game that afternoon, I remembered something my mother had said a few weeks earlier, when I was on my way to visit her in upstate New York. “I’m wearing brighter colors lately,” she announced. “You won’t believe it’s me.” “What kind of colors?” I asked. My mother was in her 60s and had worn dark colors for as long as I could remember. “You just wait until you see my closet,” she said proudly. Sure enough, it was full of vibrant hues. “Are you going on a trip? Has something happened? What have you
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the engine noise. “Remember, when you shift from first to second, make sure your foot doesn’t slip it to neutral.” Only that’s exactly what I did, right as I gave it gas. The bike flipped. I flew into a tall patch of grass, wind knocked out of me, but unhurt. Seconds later he was crouched beside me, his helmet off. He looked frustrated, but didn’t reprimand or say I told you so, only thank God the bike hadn’t landed on me. “I’ll walk the bike back to your truck,” I said. “Walk back?” he smiled. “You can’t just quit because you got stuck in neutral.” And here I was, more than 20 years later, in a closet dominated by neutral and with a dawning realization that I’d spent most of my 30s telling myself why I shouldn’t do something instead of thinking about how I could. That week, I spent an hour at the mall and came home with a cabernet-colored blouse, purple running shorts and
an emerald-green cardigan—not to be worn all at once. The day I wore the cardigan a friend said, “You look great!” while we waited at the bus stop. It was a day I said “yes” to an assignment I’d worried might be over my head. That evening, my husband said, “I love that green on you.” I wondered what I must have looked like before. Is it the color or how you feel when you wear it? A couple months later, I pondered that question again when a priest in a deep amethyst robe delivered an interesting take on Christmas. Instead of telling the story of Jesus’ birth, he gave a simple sermon about how all birthdays are a celebration of the number of years someone has been a light on this planet. I sat there on that hard wooden pew and thought about that, thought about the grayness of getting older and wondered if it had to be that way. If our light, like our health, naturally diminishes as we get older, or if we can continue to keep it illuminated through our choices.
Fast forward four years. Much more than my closet has changed. I went to graduate school for a Master of Fine Arts degree, spent a week with my family in Peru distributing shoes to those in need during our first service trip, and went out dancing with friends again. In the process, I discovered that paying more attention to the colors I wear (even when I choose black) reminds me to think about what’s possible. Green is my new favorite. I wore it for my first half-marathon, which I ran in part for the challenge, and perhaps to show myself, as well as my sons, that if you’re fortunate enough to grow older, life gives you many seasons to bloom. n Christine Koubek writes frequently for Bethesda Magazine. Her essays have also appeared in The Washington Post and Brain, Child. She lives in Gaithersburg and is the cofounder of Secret Sons & Daughters, an online publication for adoptee stories.
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re• INVENTION Caption
Ray Treacy teaches fourth grade at Bethesda’s Bradley Hills Elementary School.
Changing Course How one local man went from the computer room to the classroom Ever since he was a teenager,
Ray Treacy thought about becoming a teacher. “It was always present,” he recalls. As a high school student in Greenbelt, Treacy coached baseball and worked as a summer camp counselor. He says it “felt good” helping kids learn new skills. But after seeing a college friend strug-
gle to find a teaching job and then settle for a low-paying position, Treacy changed paths. “I think had I not been afraid of not making a lot of money when I was younger, I probably would have pursued teaching,” he says. “Instead, I chased after more money.” For 30 years, Treacy, now 53, worked
in corporate information technology, rising to a senior technical analyst at Marriott International in Bethesda. “I took care of people’s computer problems. Every day was the same thing,” he says. Two years ago, when Marriott announced it would begin outsourcing IT, the opportunity to do what he long dreamed about presented itself. Treacy credits his wife, journalist Sara Just, for giving him the nudge he needed. “I’m not somebody who is big into change,” he says. “I was afraid to stray away from something I knew.” Just looked into local universities that offered teaching degrees and found a program at American University, near their home in Bethesda. In 2013, while still working full time at Marriott, Treacy began taking night classes and using vacation days to student teach. His sons, currently in the sixth and 12th grades, saw a re-energized dad. “To watch me work and study and take it seriously has had a positive impact on them,” he says. Last January, Treacy was hired to fill in for a first-grade teacher who was on medical leave from Wood Acres Elementary School in Bethesda. Then, this past fall, he landed a permanent position teaching fourth grade at nearby Bradley Hills Elementary School—and found a joy that had long been missing in his professional life. “What I like most of all,” Treacy says, “is teaching kids different ways to look at things, figuring out ways to teach the kids so they understand.” He says being a parent has made him a more sensitive teacher because he understands that every kid in his classroom is the most important person in someone’s life. “When someone makes a career change, they are doing it with a lot more commitment, so you know you have someone with a lot of passion,” Bradley Hills Principal Sandra Reece says. She appreciates Treacy’s maturity and experience: “He’s past the first-year teacher
Treacy photo by michael ventura
By Jackie Judd
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angst in that he is comfortable admitting he needs help with things.” Treacy spends the school day with 28 kids who are 9 and 10 years old, exactly the ages he hoped to teach. “At this age, the kids are still respectful, engaging, willing to learn,” he says. “They are entertaining, funny, open. They haven’t become cynical yet.” The workload has been surprising. “Teaching is way harder than any job I have ever had in my life,” he says. While there were occasional stretches at Marriott when he worked long hours, he now consistently works 10 or 11 hours a day during the week, and puts in time on the weekends. “You have to be prepared, you just can’t wing it,” Treacy says. “I think more about the next day than I ever did at Marriott.” In a community like Bethesda, where people are often measured by what they do, Treacy says he has experienced only
“Teaching is way harder than any job I have ever had in my life,” Treacy says. positive feedback about leaving the corporate world in favor of teaching. “I’ve encountered many people who say teaching is what they would like to do,” he says, “but giving up bigger paychecks is hard.” Treacy, who was expected to complete his master’s degree in elementary education in December, says the past two years have taught him a lot about himself. “I have a strength,” he says. “This makes me realize change isn’t so bad.” The difference in Treacy is noticeable.
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“He comes home laughing and totally energized,” Just says. Treacy recalls a recent conversation with his sister-in-law. “She goes, ‘In the 20 years I have known you, I have never heard you talk about your job. Now you talk about it all the time.’ ” n Jackie Judd, a Chevy Chase resident, is a former journalist and health policy communications director who now works as a consultant. To comment on this story, email comments@bethesdamagazine.com.
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A Long & Foster Company
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work related
As told to Joi Louviere
The Snow Man Todd Watkins, 48, director of the Department of Transportation, Montgomery County Public Schools In 1984, I went to the University of Maryland at College Park and I wasn’t doing many of the activities other college kids were doing. So I went to look for a campus job and applied as a driver at the transit system that runs the buses. It turned out to be a wonderful job and I really loved it, later becoming a dispatcher and then a manager. I [graduated] in 1988 with a degree in economics, but also with transportation experience. I decided I needed a real job [when] my wife and I were [ready] to start having children, so I applied for a job in Montgomery County as a depot manager [for the county public schools]. I started on July 1, 1996, and I became the transportation director in 2009. I oversee 2,200 employees, the maintenance of all vehicles and the training [of drivers], routing, and purchasing of buses. The day before a snowstorm is coming, we’re worried. Many of them come overnight, but sometimes they come during the school day, which impacts us in different ways. We have 10 folks on our snow team. When the snowstorm happens overnight, six of them are up at 3 a.m., driving around different parts of the county, checking what roadway conditions are like, what the school sites are like, what condition the sidewalks are 56 January/February 2015 | BethesdaMagazine.com
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in, those kinds of things. We talk with the surrounding counties because we want to make sure. Everybody else closes and we go to school…nobody wants to do that. When we finally decide [what to recommend], it goes to my boss, the district’s chief operating officer, at 4:15 a.m., and he may ask for more data [before informing] the superintendent of schools by 4:30 a.m. We try to have a final decision by 4:45, [leaving] time to alert all the media so it’s actually on the air by 5. There are times when you think [a storm] is coming and it doesn’t arrive. Then people are really wound up—‘I could have gone to work, and now my kids are home and it’s nice and sunny out.’ Nobody wants to be in that situation. We try to wait so we can have the most up-to-date information when we make the decision. [When] President Obama had just been inaugurated, we closed schools on a day that they wouldn’t have thought about closing in Chicago. I remember [Obama] saying, ‘I woke up and I was shocked to find out my daughter didn’t go to school because Montgomery County, Md., closed their schools.’ He’s on national TV poking fun at us. We have this snow wimp thing going on. I don’t think we’re well prepared as a community to say, ‘This is a tough day, but we’re going to deal with it.’ There are snowfalls now where we close schools that, 15 years ago, we absolutely would have [kept them open]. We know that things can function, but the public outcry, if you try to go on one of those days, is just crazy. So there’s no question that public opinion has caused us to close and delay more than we have in the past. You’re never going to be completely accurate on this. It just ends up that you either made a good decision based on not having all the information or you screwed up the decision—but never because you didn’t care about kids or safety or employees. n BethesdaMagazine.com | January/February 2015 57
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person
of interest
By Louis Peck
Behind the Scenes Timothy Firestine may not be a household name, but the county’s chief administrative officer plays a very big role in local government degree in public administration from the University of Pittsburgh in hand, Timothy Firestine went to work in Pennsylvania’s Allegheny County. It didn’t take him long to decide he had to find another job. First, there was the veteran co-worker in the county controller’s office who tried to hand him an envelope with five $50 tickets to an upcoming political event, telling Firestine he either had to sell the tickets or buy them himself. Then there were the checks sitting in a desk drawer with no accounting trail. A friend who had grown up with Firestine in eastern Pennsylvania had taken a job in the government of Montgomery County, and suggested Firestine look there. Arriving in Rockville in 1979 to work in the county budget office, Firestine figured he would stay for a couple of years, then return to Pittsburgh. Nearly 36 years later, he’s still here. Promoted by then-County Executive Neal Potter in 1991 to be director of the Department of Finance, Firestine was retained in that post by Potter’s successor, Douglas Duncan, before being elevated to chief administrative officer when the current executive, Ike Leggett, took office eight years ago.
Timothy Firestine is known as a good delegator and a laid-back boss. “I do let people run their operation,” he says, “but once in a while I have to bring them in and get them back on track.”
firestine photo by Michael ventura
In 1978, with a newly-earned master’s
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“He helped me to get an understanding of the budget way back when he was just a young budget analyst,” Leggett says. “So I followed his progress.” When Leggett first offered Firestine the county government’s top appointed position, Firestine turned him down. “There was a big part of me that said finance is what I truly love to do, and I’d just be comfortable staying where I was,” Firestine says. And some people agreed with him—most CAOs have a background in city management, not finance. “The way I looked at it,” Leggett says, “I thought I had the right person. The issues that were going to confront the county, in my opinion, were going to be impacted severely by finance and budget.” Firestine, now 59, eventually took the job, making him arguably the second most powerful figure in county government—even though his name has never appeared on a ballot, and many county residents have never heard of him. With an annual salary of nearly $295,000, he is the county’s highest paid employee, and outearns Leggett by more than $100,000. Though Leggett is the public face of the county, the 33 appointed directors of the county’s various departments and agencies report to Firestine. And while Leggett ultimately sets policy, Firestine is charged with seeing that a sprawling public bureaucracy carries out those policies. “This is a $5 billion enterprise. We are larger in population than eight states,” notes County Council Administrator Stephen Farber, himself a significant behind-the-scenes force in the county. Firestine, who has a reputation as a laid-back boss, describes himself as a delegator: “My philosophy is you hire good people, you pay them well, and you hold them accountable.” The CAO post combines the role of troubleshooter with the task of keeping the trains running on time. On one day this past November, Firestine presided over a monthly meeting of senior county managers, oversaw a discussion of legislative priorities for the forthcoming session of the Maryland General Assembly, and sat in on two sessions about
CountyStat, a program that analyzes data in an effort to reassess priorities and reduce costs. Firestine generally arrives at the office between 8 and 8:30 a.m., after dropping his 12-year-old twin sons at school. (He and his wife also have a 14-year-old son.) He usually leaves work for his Darnestown home between 7 and 7:30 p.m., although some days can stretch to 9 p.m. or beyond. On days when a snowstorm is moving in, he is up at 3 a.m. for a call from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments and a 4 a.m. consult with county managers. And then there are the nights of lost sleep as he contemplates solutions to management problems. The Silver Spring Transit Center— over budget, behind schedule and a major flashpoint in the 2014 county election—falls into this category. “It should never have gotten to the point that it did, and then just trying to fix it became a nightmare,” Firestine says. He says the biggest sleep-killer of his tenure came in 2008, during the height of the recession, when Moody’s Investors Service put the county on a negative watch—jeopardizing its long-standing Triple A bond rating. “I sort of sensed the reason that Ike wanted me here was my finance background,” Firestine says, “and the last thing that I wanted was for the county to be downgraded on Ike’s watch.” Firestine brought in consultants and tapped into his own contacts at Moody’s. Eventually he was credited with playing a major role in helping to preserve the Triple A rating. After all these years, it’s clear that Firestine has found a niche as a municipal finance expert and an adept manager of public bureaucracy—and with Leggett beginning a third term, has no plans to leave. Perhaps most importantly, he always looks for ways to do things better. Says Farber: “Tim staunchly defends the executive’s positions, but on some important fiscal issues in particular, he has been open to new ideas.” n Contributing Editor Louis Peck (lou. peck@bethesdamagazine.com) writes often about politics.
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Special Advertising Section
Profiles
Financial Professionals
Bernard Wolfe mike olliver
Bernard R. Wolfe and Associates, Inc. See Profile page 71
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Special Advertising Section
Edward Geoffrey Sella, CPA, PFS / CFP®/ President & CEO* SPC Financial, Inc. Nationally Recognized Among BARRON’S 2014 ”AMERICA’S TOP 1,200 FINANCIAL ADVISORS.” (Ranking among Maryland’s Top 10 Financial Advisors) & BARRON’S 2013/2012/2009 “TOP 100 INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVISORS” SPC Financial, Inc. Independent Registered Investment Advisor/SEC 3202 Tower Oaks Blvd., Suite 400, Rockville, MD 20852 301-770-6800 | www.spcfinancial.com
Barron’s 2013 / “Top 100 Independent Financial Advisors” acknowledged Edward Geoffrey Sella as one of America’s leading “Top 100 Independent Financial Advisors” in the country, among one of three recognized in Maryland. The national ranking of distinguished financial advisors was produced by Barron’s after conducting extensive research, surveys and interviews weighing factors, such as assets under management, revenues generated for advisor’s firms and overall quality of practice.
mike olliver
Barron’s 2014: “America’s Top 1,200 Financial Advisors” acknowledged Edward Geoffrey Sella among the top 10 advisors in Maryland.
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profiles | FINANCIAL PROFESSIONALS
SPC Financial, Inc. / Our Financial Team & Associates
“
If your financial portfolio and tax status are not properly integrated you can potentially be at risk for serious tax filing surprises.”
What sets your financial advice apart from other wealth advisors with acclaimed tax planning knowledge and services? There are many qualified financial advisors in the Washington, D.C. area. Many of them possess a general understanding of income and estate tax laws. However, few of them have the actual practical experience of preparing income tax returns. Our advisors have access to our wealth management and “tax integrated” CPA tax practice+ that prepares almost 1,000 returns annually. We believe our clients benefit greatly when tax knowledge is combined with the specific practical knowledge necessary to prepare tax returns.
mike olliver
What exactly is tax integration? Tax integration is the merging of investment recommendations with the potential income and estate tax consequences of those recommendations. If greater tax efficiency is achieved, then investment results may be enhanced. In our opinion, professional designations are valuable and
distinguish the casual advisor from one who takes their career seriously. These designations may allow advisors to offer insight on potential income and estate consequences. Applying tax knowledge and preparing returns can enhance recommendations that make a significant difference to clients. It is important to have a qualified tax consultant review your overall tax situation. If your financial portfolio and tax status are not properly integrated you can potentially be at risk for serious tax filing surprises. Clients of SPC can choose to use tax services provided by our affiliated CPA firm Sella & Martinic, LLC. This allows them to benefit from over four decades of our collective wisdom of investment planning, risk management, tax integration, generational planning, estate and income tax experience. This is our definition of true tax integration and planning. Disclaimer: Securities Offered Through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. RJFS & SPC Financial ™ Do Not Provide Tax Or Legal Advice. Financial Advice Provided By SPC Financial ™ / +Tax Services & Analysis Provided By Sella & Martinic, LLC Through A Separate Engagement Letter With Clients. Sella & Martinic, LLC Is Independent of RJFS. *See wwwspcfinancial.com / About Us / Honorary Achievement Awards.
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darren higgins
profiles | FINANCIAL PROFESSIONALS
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Special Advertising Section
Collins Investment Group, LLC 6901 Rockledge Dr., Suite 730, Bethesda, MD 20817 301-915-9630 | www.collinsinvestmentgroup.com
darren higgins
What makes your client experience different? In order to create lasting relationships, we know we must do more than manage assets. We believe our clients deserve superior service, honesty, factual information and more than the capabilities of one generalist. We custom-built a team of specialists to address many aspects of an individual's financial life. Our clients meet with two to three associates who apply their particular expertise to each situation. This group approach offers checks and balances so that all aspects of a portfolio are flexible and resilient, no matter the market conditions. With more than a decade together, and over 100 years of combined industry experience, our custom-built group has loyalty rarely found in the ever-changing financial services industry. We bring this long-term commitment and dedication, along with genuine care, to every client relationship, along with the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. This is a paid advertisement
“
We’re here to make a difference in people’s lives, and we do it with passion and emotion.”
What brings the most satisfaction in your work? We’re here to make a difference in people’s lives, and we do it with passion and emotion. We are dedicated to serving our clients’ needs, which are personally tailored to their specific goals. We are not a one-size-fits-all wealth management group. Each day we come to work with one goal in mind: helping clients succeed financially, one family at a time. As a Barron’s “Top Advisor,” we have the highest regard for doing what is right. Our work is about integrity and adherence to our moral principles. Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC (WFAFN). Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. Collins Investment Group is a separate entity from WFAFN.
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Special Advertising Section
What makes your client experience unique? Each of our clients has a professional team of two certified financial planners, plus the firm’s director of investments, working for them. A paraplanner, an individual on his or her way to earning a CFP, and other support staff also contribute. This breadth of expertise allows us to perform not only the traditional reviews of retirement, estate, insurance and tax planning in concert with an investment plan, it also facilitates full understanding of unique circumstances. In recent years, one of our colleagues, Stacy Bakri, earned the designation of Certified Divorce Financial Analyst™ from the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts. Adding this specialization has enabled us to offer guidance about tax and other consequences of various settlement options.
8120 Woodmont Ave., #630, Bethesda, MD 20814 301-656-3999 | www.familyfirm.com
What brings you the most satisfaction in your work? Developing realistic, achievable roadmaps to financial success is very rewarding, as is the implementation of customized investment strategies.
james kim
Nathan Gendelman, President and
Director of Investments The Family Firm
David B. Hurwitz, CFP®, CRPC®, CRPS® Private Wealth Advisor Ameriprise Financial 6400 Goldsboro Road, Suite 550, Bethesda, MD 20817 301-263-8509 | www.davidbhurwitz.com david.b.hurwitz@ampf.com
What type of client do you specialize in? I specialize in clients who are preparing themselves for retirement or currently in retirement with a typical account size between $500,000—$5,000,000. These are often baby boomers looking for a straightforward framework to create a sound retirement plan. My professional designations are specific to the planning needs surrounding retirement: strategies for creating retirement income, wealth management and estate planning.
What makes you different than others in your profession?
Investment advisory services and products are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., a registered investment adviser. Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2014 Ameriprise Financial, Inc., All rights reserved.
Hilary Schwab
I believe I have a unique ability to present information to clients in a way that they can easily understand and that allows them to confidently take action. I carefully listen to their specific issues and concerns and recommend solutions tailored to their goals and preferences. I take a comprehensive approach to financial planning and have an ongoing service model to help ensure I am adapting to the changing needs of my clients and the market.
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Special Advertising Section
Joe Zamoiski III & Jason Zamoiski NMLS # 118525
NMLS # 204705
1st Portfolio Lending
“
7811 Montrose Road, Suite 501, Rockville, MD 20854 301-917-2229 | www.teamzmortgage.com
It makes us feel good to make sure there is no stress for clients, who commonly have final figures and an approved loan one week before closing.”
What makes your client experience unique? With almost 30 years in the mortgage industry, we take a ”hands on” approach with every client. The Internet is great for fact finding, but we prefer to meet our clients face-to-face, especially first-time homebuyers. This is the most expensive purchase consumers make. Whether it’s a purchase or refinance, we enjoy getting to know our clients. This builds loyalty and helped frame our motto of “turning clients into friends every day.” We throw a client appreciation party every year to catch up with our clients and let them know we’re always there for them and appreciate their support.
the process fun, joking that we’re dentists that use more Novocain than anyone else! We have in-house processing, underwriting and closing; our staff is incentivized to move files through our system quickly. It makes us feel good to make sure there is no stress for clients, who commonly have final figures and an approved loan one week before closing.
What services do you or your firm provide? We are licensed in MD, D.C. and VA and specialize in all residential financing: conventional, VA, FHA, bridge loans, second trusts, construction to permanent and “outside the box” programs.
hilary schwab
What brings you the most satisfaction in your work? We have a fantastic team that assists us with day-to-day operations; it’s a joy to work together. We especially enjoy working with our clients directly to ensure the process is a smooth one. The mortgage industry is continually changing and, frankly, has never been harder to navigate. Experience is more important than ever. We try and make
Corporate NMLS # 192767 | State of North Carolina Office of the Commissioner of Banks #L-152918 | Virginia State Corporation Commission MC-4367 | Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation #16309 | Government of District of Columbia DISB #7098 | State of Delaware Office of the State Bank Commissioner #011730 | State of Florida Office of Financial Regulation #MLD739 | Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities #43238 | (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org)
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Ivy League Financial Advisors LLC 11 North Washington St., Suite 250, Rockville, MD 20850 301-258-1300 | www.ivyfa.com
What made you want to become a professional advisor? Back in 1993, I was a new MBA graduate from the Amos Tuck School of Business Administration at Dartmouth College. I was also recently married to my now-wife of 21 years, Denise. We decided that it was time to buy life insurance so I met with an insurance representative to go over options. During our meeting, I got the distinct impression that instead of listening to my needs and matching me with the appropriate insurance for my situation, the agent was pushing the sale of a particular product to generate a commission. The genesis for Ivy League Financial Advisors LLC began that day, when I decided that there must be a better way to give and receive financial advice.
“
We are built on a simple principle: The client comes first.”
What do you find the most satisfying about your job? When I founded Ivy League in 1999, I wanted to avoid the confusion that I experienced in that 1993 insurance meeting, so I decided to set up Ivy League as a “Fee-Only” comprehensive financial planning and investment management firm. Being Fee-Only means that we are compensated solely from our clients and not from commissions or referral fees. We are built on a simple principle: The client comes first. This principle means that our advice as a legal fiduciary is always delivered with our clients’ best interests in mind. This is the most satisfying aspect of my job: Knowing that every day we are helping our clients reach their financial and life goals simply by providing them with comprehensive, educated and unbiased financial advice.
kevin wilson
Christopher N. Brown, MBA, CFP®, AIF®
Special Advertising Section
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Special Advertising Section
Sandy Spring Trust
“
7550 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 200, Bethesda, MD 20814 301-774-8424 | www.sandyspringtrust.com
tony lewis jr
Enduring relationships are key to your success and ours.”
What services does your bank provide?
What makes you different than others in your profession?
Sandy Spring Trust was established in 1987 as the Fiduciary Division of Sandy Spring Bank, and is a significant regional provider of exceptional, comprehensive and independent wealth management and trust services. We currently preside over $1 billion in assets in accordance with fiduciary standards, providing investment management, trust services, estate planning, risk management, private banking and retirement planning.
Enduring relationships are key to your success and ours. Sandy Spring Bank was conceived by its original founders to help people realize their dreams of a better life for themselves, their children and their community. Sandy Spring Bank has a strong allegiance to the communities where we live and serve, including volunteerism, donations and supporting crucial community development projects.
What licenses, credentials or other certifications do you hold – and why do they matter to your clients?
How would your clients describe you?
Our professional staff includes attorneys working previously in private Trust and Estate practices, and Certified Financial Planner™ professionals, all acting within the fiduciary standard for every client. The fiduciary standard ensures that we are legally and ethically committed to managing your relationship in your best interest at ALL times. Only a small percentage of financial professionals operate under fiduciary standards offering independent, fee-only services.
Our clients would tell you that we are committed to providing guidance and expertise at the highest levels of integrity, in a warm and friendly atmosphere. We believe wealth management is more inclusive than just investment management. We strive to understand clients’ comprehensive needs, and manage risk across virtually every aspect of their net worth.
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Special Advertising Section
Melanie Folstad, CFP, CRPC Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor RBC Wealth Management 5425 Wisconsin Ave., #301, Chevy Chase, MD 20815 301-907-2729 | www.rbc.com
What type of client do you specialize in? I started my career working with individuals in higher education and non-profit organizations. My business has grown beyond that, but generally I believe my clients are very smart and committed to “the greater good.”
I had a recently widowed client who needed her car’s title transferred to her name. Together we took the plates off her car and went to the DMV. We had so much fun chatting and spending time together. I think that’s the only time I’ve enjoyed the DMV! It wasn’t necessarily financial help, but she really appreciated it. Of course, a more usual rewarding experience is when a client says, “I was really anxious, but now it makes sense.” When I see a client’s concern and angst disappear in any way, that’s a good day.
james kim
What›s an example, that you›re particularly proud of, when you helped a customer/client?
Chris T. Heald, Financial Planner, Financial Advisor Heald Financial Services, An Independent Firm 51 Monroe St., Suite 1706, Rockville, MD 20850 301-279-2922 x 206 | www.raymondjames.com/chrishealdgroup/
Our job is to make life easier for our clients. We provide confident planning for business owners and families who are preparing for retirement with a base of $250,000 in investable assets. We strategize about Social Security and health care plans, including Medicare. Our team of MBAs, CFPs and CPAs integrate tax strategies with wealth management expertise, helping clients live comfortably in retirement. Our mission is to commit our energies, intellect and knowledge to attaining the financial objectives of our clients by providing the highest possible level of service and delivering superior investment alternatives. We believe that putting the financial well-being of our clients first ultimately serves the best interests of our clients’ communities and ourselves. Remaining responsive to the needs of our clients in a financial environment characterized by constant change is our continuing challenge. A life well planned is important. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/IPC
tony lewis jr
What brings you the most satisfaction in your work?
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Special Advertising Section
Bernard Wolfe Bernard R. Wolfe and Associates, Inc.
“
5550 Friendship Blvd., Suite 570, Chevy Chase, MD 20815 301-652-9677 | www.wolfefinancial.com
We promote a consistent investment approach that is built on personal and family interests with regard to risk, return and liquidity needs.�
What type of client do you specialize in?
mike olliver
We work with a diverse range of clients from young professionals to retirees to corporations and professional athletes. Although our clients may have different backgrounds and needs, they have one thing in common: they’re all in demanding professions or have complex financial situations that make it difficult or impractical to manage their finances on their own. We believe clients are entitled to an in-depth discovery process before we make recommendations. Because we do in-depth analyses, we work best with those who have a minimum of $1 million in investable assets. Our clients value our collaborative style, which helps them make informed decisions.
What brings you the most satisfaction in your work? The team at Bernard R. Wolfe & Associates feels rewarded when
we can be the steady, patient partner a client needs. By taking extreme care to learn about every client, maintain proactive communication, work collaboratively and take a personalized, partnership approach, we can align clients with the goals they may not have been best positioned to reach otherwise. Our commitment to proactive communication results in developing personal solutions and, more importantly, relationships that extend across generations.
What is the one thing that your clients should know about you? We believe in having an emotional benefit as well as financial. The team speaks to clients with sincere candor and frankness, even if it means helping break old habits or clearing up strong misconceptions about their finances. We promote a consistent investment approach that is built on personal and family interests with regard to risk, return and liquidity needs. BethesdaMagazine.com | January/February 2015 71
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Special Advertising Section
Joshua S. Halpern, CFP®, ChCF, CLU, CRPC®, AAMS® Financial Advisor Raymond James Financial Services, Inc.
Member FINRA/SIPC 1688 East Gude Drive, Suite 304, Rockville, MD 20850 240-744-7125 | www.raymondjames.com/joshhalpern
How do you employ new technology to help your clients? In an industry that is often slow to adopt new technologies, Raymond James is a leader. Our online client portal provides account information 24/7, integrates with many financial management and tax programs, and enables clients to transfer funds between accounts as needed. My practice always employs secure email systems to send sensitive information. We offer clients virtual presence meetings to avoid battling Beltway traffic and use systems so clients can sign forms electronically. New technology makes client collaboration easier and helps us transact business more efficiently and quickly.
I work with the “average” successful professional. My services are not focused on those who own private jets or mega yachts. Most clients with whom I meet are worried about preserving wealth, maintaining their lifestyle and doing good with the resources they have accumulated.
hilary schwab
What type of client do you specialize in?
What makes you different than others in your profession? We are comprehensive financial planners. Most of our new clients come from referrals or the Workplace Financial Wellness programs we provide to the community. What this means is we usually begin with an in-depth understanding of benefits provided, or not provided, by an employer. Having intimate knowledge in this area is a tremendous starting point when formulating personalized financial plans, specifically in determining whether or not someone’s on track to retire. From there, managing the plan is an ongoing, collaborative experience. We check in regularly with clients to monitor progress and make adjustments.
Thoms, Lupica and Associates 7500 Old Georgetown Road, Suite 1200, Bethesda, MD 20814 301-634-5563 | www.thomslupicaandassociates.com
What makes your client experience unique? Our goal is providing a world-class client experience rather than just formulating a plan. We meet three to four times a year with clients, not including social events and dinners. If a client needs something quickly, our team takes tremendous pride in our responsiveness.
hilary schwab
Brian Thoms, CFP, CRPC, Private Wealth Advisor Leonard Lupica, CRPC, Platinum Financial Advisor
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Special Advertising Section
Clark Kendall, President and Founder Kendall Capital Management 600 Jefferson Plaza, Suite 410, Rockville, MD 20852 301-838-9110 | www.KendallCapital.com
What type of client do you specialize in? We serve “Middle Class Millionaires,” with $500,000 to $10 million in investable assets, across Montgomery County and the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area.
What is your investment approach? We actively manage portfolios that meet our clients’ goals in a cost-effective, easy-to-understand manner. As fee-only, independent advisors, we implement custom investment models based around our clients’ near and long-term investment needs and legacy planning goals.
What licenses, credentials, or other certifications do you hold and why do they matter to your clients? At Kendall Capital Management, we have a trustworthy, reliable team that produces a unique client experience. The National Association of Board Certified Advisory Practices and the Washington Business Journal have named me one of the Washington metropolitan area’s top wealth managers. I also have over 30 years of experience in the field and am among a select few wealth managers worldwide who have earned the triple designations of Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Accredited Estate Planner (AEP).
james kim
What makes you different from others in the financial and wealth management profession? What separates us is our focus, our status and our team. Our focus is on Montgomery County’s “Middle Class Millionaires.” Our financial planning analysis, strategies and client service experience are designed with these clients in mind. As feeonly, independent financial advisors, we are fiduciaries held to the highest standard of any professional advisor in the industry. Since we are not influenced by investment commissions, we utilize our skills and talents to serve only our clients’ interests.
“
We actively manage portfolios that meet our clients’ goals in a cost-effective, easyto-understand manner.”
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More than 140
great places to go, people to know & things to do
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Best Dishes in a Year of Eating
4935 Bar and Kitchen’s tandoori pork chop
Burgers,
charcuterie plates and deviled eggs helped make 2014 a protein-packed year. And after a backlash against fried foods, they’re returning to local menus with a naughty vengeance in the form of fried vegetables, chicken and more. We asked Food Editor Carole Sugarman to name her favorite dishes of the past year—items she distinctly remembers eating and would order again without hesitation. “Please note, I did have some asparagus,” she jokes.
Asparagus Soup with Chicken-fried Egg
It’s not often that a soup is stunning, satisfying and structurally fascinating all at the same time, but this liquid beauty hit the trifecta. One half of a shallow round bowl was filled with green asparagus soup, the other half white, and in the middle sat a chicken-fried egg, which broke into a yellow stream when tackled with a spoon. As to how Old Angler’s Inn chef Nick Palermo battered and deep fried a raw egg to a golden hue without
hard-cooking it, that would make for a good science project. Old Angler’s Inn, 10801 MacArthur Blvd., Potomac; 301-365-2425; www.oldanglersinn.com
Lamb Tartare
Urban Butcher’s lamb tartare is a revelatory experience in eating raw food. Mixed with a bright, citrusy Moroccaninspired dressing, the raw ground lamb was served on a homemade oval flatbread swiped with a generous layer of
hummus. With lots of intriguing flavors, this dish is a rare combination, in more ways than one. Urban Butcher, 8226 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring; 301-585-5800; www. urbanbutcher.com
Tandoori Pork Chop
Brined, rubbed with coriander and cumin, crusted in a tandoor oven, then finished in a pan with butter and smeared with onion marmalade, the humble (and often overcooked) pork
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urban butcher Courtesy photos; kaldi’s coffee photo by erick gibson
Food & Drink
aggio photo by Stacy Zarin-goldburg; 4935 Bar and Kitchen courtesy photo
Editors’ Picks
Aggio’s meatballs
Kaldi’s Coffee Bar serves quality coffee and housemade baked goods.
Lamb tartare at Urban Butcher
chop was transformed by 4935 Bar and Kitchen owner and chef Ashish Alfred. Flavorful on the outside and juicy on the inside, the Indianspiced meat was perfectly paired with crushed sweet potatoes and earthy dandelion greens. 4935 Bar and Kitchen, 4935 Cordell Ave., Bethesda; 301-951-4935; www.4935barandkitchen.com
urban butcher Courtesy photo; kaldi’s coffee photo by erick gibson
aggio photo by Stacy Zarin-goldburg; 4935 Bar and Kitchen courtesy photo
Meatballs
Created by chef Bryan Voltaggio, these were probably the most talked-about meatballs in the metropolitan area last year. Braised in a ragu pomodoro and placed in a special oven that introduces humidity, the veal, pork, beef and mortadella balls come out incredibly soft, airy and juicy. Definitely not your mama’s meatballs. Aggio, 5335 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. (in the Chevy Chase Pavilion); 202-803-8020; www.volt-aggio.com
Korean Fried Chicken
Even if you don’t go for the American version, Korean fried chicken is worth a try. Double fried, the wings and drumsticks crackle like an electrical storm in your mouth. And that second trip in the fryer actually diminishes greasiness by rendering more of the fat, resulting in paper-thin skin. In my mind, the Bonchon chain has a leg up as far as quality and spiciness, but Bethesda’s independently-owned MOMO Chicken + Jazz suits a hankering, too. Bonchon, 107 Gibbs St., Unit A, Rockville; 301-637-9079 and 301-637-9379; www.bonchon.com MOMO Chicken + Jazz, 4862 Cordell Ave., Bethesda; 240-483-0801; www. momofc.com
Not Your Average
Joe
With free WiFi, high-speed Internet and lots of electrical outlets, Kaldi’s Coffee Bar has all the coffee shop requisites. But the quality of the food and drinks makes owner Tsega Hailemariam’s gathering spot special. The Counter Culture Coffee is brewed as espresso, regular drip or in an Alpha Dominche Steampunk (the latter resulting in a fresh-tasting, super smooth drink), and the housemade quick breads, coffeecake, bread pudding and babka are divine. Kaldi’s
is in the process of adding a rooftop lounge, expanded café space and more food offerings, a project that could be completed before spring. For now, groups of chunky wood tables, gray leather sofas and oddball chairs create spheres of seating, and there are always plenty of people on laptops, lapping up the joe and the soothing atmosphere. Kaldi’s Coffee Bar, 918 Silver Spring Ave., Silver Spring; 1-800-607-1324; www.kaldiscoffeebar.com
During the winter months, roaring flames lick the wood in Olazzo restaurants’ brick-rimmed “fireplaces.” But no need to worry about flying sparks. That’s because the fiery scene emanates from a DVD projected onto a plasma screen. “It gives the subliminal feeling of warmth,” says Olazzo co-owner Roberto Pietrobono, who got the idea from a restaurateur friend in California. Pietrobono says he’s heard criticism over the years about his “cheesy” fireplaces, but whenever he’s stopped the virtual reality, other diners complain. We tend to agree with them— though kitschy, the flaming footage sets a cozy ambiance for the endearing Italian fare. Olazzo, 7921 Norfolk Ave., Bethesda; 301-654-9496; and 8235 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring; 301-588-2540; www.olazzo.com BethesdaMagazine.com | January/February 2015 77
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Editors’ Food & Drink Picks
Five baked goods
that rise above the rest
Best Butter Cookies
Small and delicate, the butter cookies at Stella’s Bakery look like paper cutouts. Take your pick: The crescentshaped Greek kourambies, the threeeyed rounds with raspberry jam poking through the holes, or any of the cookies filled with chocolate, hazelnut or jam make for an impressive gathering. Great with tea, they taste as good as they look. Stella’s Bakery, 11510 D Rockville Pike, Rockville; 301-231-9026; www.stellasbakeryonline.com
Best Baguette
A bakery called Fresh Baguette better sell fresh baguettes, and at the Bethesda shop, they’re made throughout the day. Unlike the airy, cottony competition, the interior of these slender loaves have a good chew and irregular holes, while the exteriors have a thin and crackly crunch. Call the bakery to find out when the next batch will be ready, so you can get them when they’re hot. Fresh Baguette, 4919 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda; 301-656-0000; www.freshbaguette.net
Butter cookies at Stella’s Bakery
Stella’s Bakery photo by Erick Gibson
Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
If you’re a member of the soft school of chocolate chip cookies—rather than the crisp—Breads Unlimited’s version will be love at first bite. The rounds are littered with pockets of gooey melted chocolate that ooze into your mouth (and maybe onto your fingers). Breads Unlimited, 6914 Arlington Road, Bethesda; 301-656-2340; www. breadsunlimited.com
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Editors’ Picks
Food & Drink
Breadsmith’s traditional egg challah
Whole Foods Market’s rugelach
Best Rugelach
Best Challah
Who needs cake when there’s Breadsmith’s challah? The hand-braided loaves come in multiple flavors, but purists should stick with the traditional egg, with its rich and dense crumb. Part of a chain headquartered in Whitefish Bay, Wis., the local bakery is run by franchise owners Brenda and Tamir Bennaim, who turn out thousands of challahs each week at their Potomac shop. Breadsmith, 7937 Tuckerman Lane, Potomac; 301-983-6033; www.breadsmith.com
Best Carryout Sushi Hinata, the 20-year-old family-owned grocery store and sushi carryout, has a large and loyal following. Owner Waka Sakita once worked at Tokyo’s famous Tsukiji wholesale seafood market, and it shows. His establishment is one of those authentic ethnic joints that are nearly impossible to find in Bethesda. With a handful of café tables, the tiny, cluttered space also stocks shelves of rice, tea, dried mushrooms, gummy candies, soy sauce, vinegar and packaged ramen. Make your way to the back and order from the extensive list of fresh and reasonably priced sashimi, nigiri and rolls. Sakita’s wife and co-owner, Nobuko, will hand them to you with a smile. Hinata Sushi Carryout, 4947 St. Elmo Ave., Bethesda; 301-656-1009
Rugelach photo courtesy of whole foods; Challah photo courtesy of Breadsmith
Despite its healthy image, Whole Foods Market makes fabulous desserts. The chain doesn’t use artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, preservatives or hydrogenated fats, but—thank goodness—that still leaves sugar, butter and cream cheese, capably combined in the raspberry, apricot and chocolate rugelach. The rolled pastries are square and small, which makes it all the easier to have one more. Whole Foods Market, multiple locations. www.wholefoodsmarket.com
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Editors’ Food & Drink Picks
Devilishly Good making a major comeback, and three restaurants on Connecticut Avenue in Upper Northwest D.C. happen to offer the best in the area.
Classiest
Simple and understated but with a bit of a twist, Macon Bistro & Larder’s deviled eggs are like a black dress with a stunning choker. Pureed with the traditional mayonnaise and sweet pickle, the egg yolks are piped into a gentle swirl and topped with a necklace of red bell pepper marmalade, tiny bacon bits and a drizzle of homemade hickory-smoked olive oil. Lovely. Macon Bistro & Larder, 5520 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.; 202-248-7807; www.maconbistro.com
Boldest
Whipped with Boursin and cayenne, and capped with roasted red pepper, Kalamata olives, feta cheese and red onion, Blue 44’s Mediterranean Style Deviled Eggs pack a peppy punch. Chef James Turner has also crowned the halves with
Crab-topped eggs at Terasol
lobster, fried capers, lardons or housesmoked salmon, and has served a version with arugula-colored yolks and crispy pork called Green Eggs and Ham. Blue 44, 5507 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.; 202-362-2583; www. blue44dc.com
Most Decadent
You might not even notice the eggs in Terasol’s swanky take on the simple dish. But they’re there, buried beneath giant mounds of crabmeat salad made from jumbo lump crab and finished with a drizzle of white truffle oil. Sprigs of frisee surround the two ice creamsize scoops, along with a tangle of sweet pickled red cabbage to cut the richness. It’s a glamorous way to spend $12. Terasol, 5010 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.; 202-237-5555; www. terasolartisans.com
Understated elegance at Macon Bistro & Larder
MACON BISTRO & Larder photo by STACY ZARIN-Goldberg; Terasol, Blue44 photos by ERICK GIBSON
Familiar, nostalgic and versatile, deviled eggs have been
Blue 44’s Mediterranean Style Deviled Eggs
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Urban Bar-B-Que’s Buried Corn Dogs
Diet Busters
(Right center) Gringos & Mariachis’ nachos topped with shredded duck; (right bottom) Russo’s Tower at Heckman’s Delicatessen
Whether you’re
congratulating or commiserating, sometimes you want to indulge. Here are four dishes that are worth the caloric splurge.
Russo’s Tower
Three stories of prime deli meat make up Russo’s Tower, a behemoth of a sandwich named after co-owner Eric Heckman’s neighborhood pal Charlie Russo and his 6-foot-5-inch frame. “He’s half Italian, half Jewish, and eats like no one I know,” Heckman says. House-baked rye separates layers of corned beef, turkey and pastrami (all made in-house) for a total of 10 ounces of meat, plus Swiss cheese and coleslaw. Heckman’s Delicatessen, 4914 Cordell Ave., Bethesda; 240-800-4879; www. heckmansdeli.com
Duck Nachos
After you try the duck nachos at Gringos & Mariachis, you’ll be convinced that chicken is the paltry poultry for south of the border cuisine. An order comes with six crispy mini tortillas topped with shredded duck that’s been braised in
orange juice as well as Chihuahua cheese, radish, jalapeño, sour cream and cilantro. This same preparation is popular in Puebla, Mexico, which chef Miguel Linares calls home. The secret to each satisfying bite: Linares leaves the skin on. Gringos & Mariachis, 4928 Cordell Ave., Bethesda; 240-800-4266; www. gringosandmariachis.com
Unbeatable Bar Snacks
Redwood offers a culinary tour of decadent bar bites. You’ll find pierogies stuffed with garlic mashed potatoes, scallions and bacon; Reuben spring rolls, which use chef Randy Mosteller’s mother’s corned beef recipe, melted Swiss and sauerkraut and come with a dipper of Thousand Island dressing; and hardboiled quail eggs wrapped in bacon and served with spicy maple ketchup. “Who doesn’t love bacon and eggs?” Mosteller asks. Probably the person who has to
peel all those tiny eggs. Redwood Restaurant and Bar, 7121 Bethesda Lane, Bethesda; 301-656-5515; www.redwoodbethesda.com
Buried Corn Dogs
This is the kind of dish that can take you back to childhood state fairs and baseball games, when calories were something only adults worried about. “It’s fat-free until you eat it,” Urban Bar-BQue co-owner Dave Calkins says. An order consists of two fried all-beef corn dogs smothered in “Redneck Fondue” (a three-cheese dip blended with smoky, brisket-studded chili) and topped with more cheese and green onions. “We’re classically trained chefs used to eating junk food that satisfies late night hunger,” Calkins says. Urban Bar-B-Que, 5566 Norbeck Road, Rockville; 301-460-0050; www. urbanbbqco.com
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&PIzza courtesy photo; bold bite photo by erick gibson
Editors’ Food & Drink Picks
Urban Bar-b-que photo by Erick gibson; Gringos and Mariachis photo by Violetta Markelou; Heckman’s photo by D Paparazi; Redwood photo by Devon Singer Photography
Pierogies at Redwood Restaurant and Bar
If you’re not familiar with the adventures of elusive Peter Chang, the Internet is packed with stories about the former Chinese Embassy chef who has inspired a cult following (they’re called “Changians”). A native of China’s Hubei province, Chang has attracted attention not only for his remarkable Szechuan food, but for his history of disappearing mysteriously and resurfacing at restaurants in Northern Virginia and the Southeast. Though he still runs a few restaurants in Virginia, the first Peter Chang’s in Maryland is scheduled to open in Rockville Town Square in early 2015. In the midst of all the chain restaurants coming to our area, the Harry Houdini of Hubei will be a unique and quirky diversion, serving intriguing cuisine to boot. And while we’re not Changians (yet), we’re thrilled that he selected Montgomery County for his newest foray, and suspect it will solidify Rockville as the metropolitan area’s most vibrant locale for serious Chinese cuisine.
Best New Fast Casual It was only a matter of time before Chipotle-ization hit pizza. With flatbread-like oblong pies, high-quality toppings and a hip sensibility, &pizza is leading the pack. Started by two transplanted New Yorkers who chose downtown Washington, D.C., as their first market, the rapidly expanding chainlet had six locations at press time, with plans to open nearly a dozen more over the next year, including one at Pike & Rose in North Bethesda and one in Gaithersburg. The downtown Bethesda location, their first in Maryland, is hopping at lunchtime, and no wonder. This pizza is good. &pizza, 7614 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda; 240-800-4783; www.andpizza.com
Best Fish Market
The parking may be scarce at Pescadeli, but the seafood selection is abundant. Aside from the usual tuna, swordfish, salmon, shrimp and scallops, the counter could be stocked with corvina, sardines, anchovies, skate wings, dorade, octopus, cuttlefish and a boatload of other choices. Owner Santiago Zabaleta, the former chef at Taberna del Alabardero downtown, does a brisk restaurant wholesale business, which brings in harder-to-find species for home cooks, and at a lower cost. Formerly known as A&H Gourmet and Seafood Market, the shop also sells a full line of imported European groceries, cheeses and cured meats, as well as prepared carryout food, so you can easily assemble a complete dinner here. The staff is congenial and informed, the prices are lower (sometimes significantly) than other upscale fish purveyors, and the seafood is really fresh. You’ll be hooked. Pescadeli, 4960 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda; 301-841-8151; www.pescadeli.com
Most Surprising Place to Get &PIzza courtesy photo; bold bite photo by erick gibson
Urban Bar-b-que photo by Erick gibson; Gringos and Mariachis photo by Violetta Markelou; Heckman’s photo by D Paparazi; Redwood photo by Devon Singer Photography
Most Anticipated Restaurant Opening in 2015
Great Doughnuts
It’s not often that a haven for hot dogs and hamburgers also sells to-die-for doughnuts, but that’s the case at Bold Bite, the Bethesda eatery co-owned by chef Alonso Roche. A graduate of L’Academie de Cuisine, Roche sells the doughnuts under a separate company, called 202 Donut Co., out of his Bethesda shop. Unlike much of the light, airy and consumable-in-a-fewbites competition, these doughnuts are well-balanced, cake-y and worth savoring. They come in a revolving list of flavors, such as Bittersweet Chocolate Toffee Crunch, Nutella and Tiramisu. Bold Bite, 4901-B Fairmont Ave., Bethesda; 301-951-2653; www.boldbite.net BethesdaMagazine.com | January/February 2015 85
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Editors’ Picks
Fitness & the outdoors
Seneca Ridge Trail in Gaithersburg
Winter Hikes Winter weather makes it easy to stay inside, sipping warm drinks by the fireplace. But then
you’d miss the wonders of winter hiking, when rare birds flutter above the river, icefalls form above the trails, and silence descends over the woods. Here are our picks for the best winter hikes.
Get Out Your Binoculars
Bird-watchers flock to the C&O Canal Towpath to spy the bald eagles, redshouldered hawks, ruby- and goldencrowned kinglets and white-throated sparrows that take up residence there in the winter months. They also know that the Carolina wrens and cardinals that inhabit the area year-round are easier to see with the denuded tree canopy. Walk along the C&O Canal Towpath for an easy bird-watching stroll, or try Section A of the Billy Goat Trail for a challenge. For more information, visit www. nps.gov.
Find Rare Peace
When the weather is warm and the days are long, the Seneca Ridge Trail in Gaithersburg teems with mountain bikers. The hilly, curvy, single-track trail connects Schaeffer Farms, a popular mountain-biking trail network, to Seneca Creek State Park. In the winter, however, you may not see another soul on this relatively new trail, which opened in 2011. Enjoy the solitude as you hike up the 5.8-mile trail’s steep inclines, taking in views of the Seneca Creek stream valley. For more information, visit www. mtbproject.com.
Seneca Ridge Trail photo by Monika Kornhauser
Explore Hidden Icefalls
The Northwest Branch Trail parallels the northwest branch of the Anacostia River, making it a lovely hike any time of year. In the winter, the series of waterfalls and potholes—circular holes formed in the riverbed by the force of the waterfalls above—freezes. The resulting winter wonderland is more beautiful than any man-made ice sculpture. The packeddirt trail stretches more than 10 miles north of downtown Silver Spring, a good length for a long winter hike. For more information, visit www.montgomery parks.org.
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Editors’ Picks
Orangetheory Fitness
CorePower Yoga
Call us early adopters—Bethesda has long been a hot spot for national boutique fitness chains
Best for Yoga Newbies: CorePower Yoga Accessibility is the name of the game at Denver-based CorePower Yoga, which offers a wide range of classes designed for beginners, plus plenty of advanced classes for yogis to grow into. Yoga purists who prefer to hear their poses spoken in Sanskrit might be turned off by the peppy sound tracks, bicycle-style situps and free weights that come into play in CorePower classes. But for the skeptical or uninitiated, this is a great place to try getting your namaste on. 6800 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda; 301951-9642; www.corepoweryoga.com
Best Sound Track: SoulCycle With the energy of a dance party and the mind-body-breath vibe of a yoga class, SoulCycle is hardly your typical spinning studio. The New York City-based chain has gained a cult following among those who dig its high-energy pace, onbike choreography and eclectic sound tracks, which may jump from Stevie Nicks to Lady Gaga to Jay Z within the span of a single hill climb. At press time, SoulCycle was set to open its first studio in Montgomery County in mid-December in the former Rí Rá space on Elm Street in Bethesda. For more details, visit www. soul-cycle.com.
Best CrossFit Alternative: Orangetheory Fitness CrossFit is no longer the only high-intensity, interval-training game in town. Orangetheory Fitness consists of 30 minutes of interval training on a treadmill and 30 minutes of training with resistance straps, medicine balls and free weights. Participants wear heart-rate monitors and follow cues from instructors to stay in designated heart-rate zones. Beware: The “push pace” and “all-out pace” are intense. 622 Center Point Way, Gaithersburg; 301-250-1060; www.orangetheoryfitness. com
photos courtesy of corepower yoga, orangetheory fitness, soulcycle
looking to expand their reach into the Washington area. The past couple of years have seen a few notable additions, each with its own charm and niche. Here are a few of our favorites, including a newcomer we’re particularly excited about.
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Editors’ Picks
schools & kids
No More Sloppy Joes Cafeteria food
has come a long way from chicken tenders and fish sticks. Many private schools in the area employ chefs or hire catering companies to make higher quality, sometimes healthier meals such as grilled salmon and coconut curry. Here’s a peek at the menus of three local private schools.
St. John’s College High School Most Popular Dishes: International sausage bar, hummus and fish (the school goes through 40 pounds a day) Unique Features: Suggestion box and online survey to help shape future menus Quotable: “Chicken wings, oh God, I’ve never seen anybody eat so many chicken wings. We’re out of ranch dressing before the end of lunch.” —Alex Arce, food service director
Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart
Georgetown Preparatory School Most Popular Dishes: Sweet and sour chicken, chicken kebabs with basmati rice and pulled pork Unique Features: 28-item salad bar, frozen yogurt machine Quotable: “We had a group of Korean parents ask if we could serve sticky rice. Now we’re going through 50 pounds of sticky rice a day. I have a teenage girl the same age of these boys, and there’s no comparison with the amount of food they eat. It amazes me.” —Leonard Burton, director of dining services
Camp You Wish You Could Attend Ever wished that you could make a movie? For $700, the McLean School in Potomac offers a two-week summer camp that teaches aspiring filmmakers the basics— from writing a screenplay to designing sets and learning how to use a camera. Called Wonder Kids Movie-Making Camp, the program is open to students in kindergarten through eighth grade and was the brainchild of Linda Kern Pelzman, the director of academic programs at McLean. At the beginning of the camp, kids are assigned to small groups based on age, and by the end, each group has shot and edited its own short movie. Pelzman’s favorite? “Pony-ville,” a short film made by a group of kindergarten, first- and second-graders that starred a college-aged counselor as a pony. “It really captured the enthusiasm of young children,” she says.
photos and illustrations courtesy of thinkstock
Most Popular Dishes: Pork loin with pan sauce, bulgur wheat and raisin salad, quinoa salad with orange cumin vinaigrette Unique Features: Gluten-free loaves of bread offered daily, desserts not served every day Quotable: “Hummus is the thing that’s surprising. These girls eat a lot of hummus.” —Hope Walker, food service director
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Great Basketball Rivalries M
Magruder vs. Springbrook (boys) These schools may compete in different leagues—Magruder is in 4A West, Springbrook is in 4A East—but they have had the top boys’ basketball programs in the county for so long that their rivalry is a given. Magruder coach Dan Harwood has led the team for 25 years and won state championships in 2001 and 2012. Springbrook won three straight state titles from 2008 to 2010 under Tom Crowell, who retired after last season and was replaced by assistant Darnell Myers. “It seems like Magruder’s always the team we have to beat,” Myers says.
Bullis vs. Georgetown Prep (boys) Bullis coach Bruce Kelley and Prep coach Herb Krusen have been friendly since they were assistants at opposing colleges years ago. Says Kelley: “We’ve played rec ball together. We’ve had beers together. He’s a good dude.” Krusen has been at Prep five seasons, and despite several close games, he has yet to beat Kelley. That might change this winter: Bullis, which beat Prep in the final seconds en route to winning last year’s Interstate Athletic Conference tournament, graduated six of its top seven players last year.
Walt Whitman vs. Churchill (girls)
photos and illustrations courtesy of thinkstock
Churchill crushed Whitman 50-18 in the 2009 county playoffs, but Whitman returned with a victory in the 2010 regional semifinals. That was the first year at Churchill for coach Kate McMahon, whose program is a family affair. Her father is one of her assistants, her mother is the scorekeeper and her sister is the public address announcer. When the teams face off this year, keep an eye out for Whitman sophomore Abby Meyers, who helped propel the 2013-14 squad to the state championship game. Also worth noting: Churchill star Japria Karim-Duvall plays on a summer league team with four players from the Whitman roster.
Good Counsel vs. St. John’s (girls) After going down 13-0 to heavily favored St. John’s (whose roster included Marissa Coleman, who now plays in the WNBA), Good Counsel won the 2005 Washington Catholic Athletic Conference championship by three points. In the years since, the rivalry has only grown more intense—the teams met in the WCAC championship in 2011, 2012 and 2013. “The gyms are always more packed when it’s St. John’s vs. Good Counsel,” St. John’s coach Jonathan Scribner says. “The girls have all known each other for years.”
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Editors’ Picks
nightlife
No need to travel to the 9:30 Club in the District when we’ve got The Fillmore right here in downtown Silver Spring. The hot venue—recently ranked by Billboard as the 12th most popular music club in the United States based on attendance—lures crowds of all ages to see everyone from softhearted singersongwriter Gavin DeGraw and alternative funk band Primus to caustic comedian Lewis Black and ’90s rock band Guns N’ Roses. One of The Fillmore’s biggest draws is its ability to showcase bands on the rise in a semi-intimate setting (the hall can hold 2,000) for a reasonable price before they end up headlining an arena show. But concertgoers take note: Unless you want to pay for premium seating in the balcony, be prepared to stand—and to get beer splashed on your shoes when the crowd gets raucous. The Fillmore, 8656 Colesville Road, Silver Spring; 301-960-9999; www.fillmoresilverspring.com
Fillmore photo by jordan august
Best place to see
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Fillmore photo by jordan august
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Editors’ nightlife Picks
Best News for Moviegoers
Two luxe chain movie theaters have opened here in the last few months: ArcLight Cinemas at Westfield Montgomery mall and iPic Theaters at Pike & Rose in North Bethesda. The first iPic location on the East Coast boasts eight stadium-style auditoriums with two types of leather seating—the more expensive version includes a push-button reclining system, pillows and blankets, and pop-out iPads in the armrests so customers can order drinks or food (from a menu crafted by James Beard
ArcLight Cinemas
Award-winning pastry chef Sherry Yard). At ArcLight Cinemas—the first to be built outside California—you can go online and reserve your specific seat in one of the theater’s 16 auditoriums in advance.
And forget popcorn and a box of Goobers, the café offers a broader range of fare, including pizzas and prosciuttowrapped dates. ArcLight Cinemas at the Westfield Montgomery mall,
7101 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda; 240-762-4000; www.arclightcinemas.com iPic Theaters at Pike & Rose, 11580 Old Georgetown Rd., North Bethesda; 301-2312300; www.ipictheaters.com
From left to right: Meghan and Caolaidhe Davis (who live in Rockville) and Michael Scoglio
Arclight courtesy photo; 19th street band photo by roy sewall
Best Local Band
The 19th Street Band may sing a song called “Don’t Give A Damn About the Money” but they sure do care about their fans. The popular local band is made up of three talented singer/songwriters: Meghan Davis, who plays the fiddle; Caolaidhe Davis, who plays the guitar (and is married to Davis); and Michael Scoglio, who plays the bass. Devotees are invited to, as one song goes, “Raise your glasses, shake your asses” at Bethesda-area venues including Flanagan’s Harp & Fiddle, The Irish Inn at Glen Echo and Denizens Brewing Co. The band released its first album, “Live from the Hamilton,” in January 2014, and Meghan Davis says they hope to record another batch of new songs in 2015. Blending old country and bluegrass with roots rock, the trio has developed a repertoire of acoustic tunes that gets everybody on the dance floor. Says Meghan Davis: “MoCo is where we got our start and we will forever be in their debt.”
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Editors’ nightlife Picks
Best News for Moviegoers
Two luxe chain movie theaters have opened here in the last few months: ArcLight Cinemas at Westfield Montgomery mall and iPic Theaters at Pike & Rose in North Bethesda. The first iPic location on the East Coast boasts eight stadium-style auditoriums with two types of leather seating—the more expensive version includes a push-button reclining system, pillows and blankets, and pop-out iPads in the armrests so customers can order drinks or food (from a menu crafted by James Beard
ArcLight Cinemas
Award-winning pastry chef Sherry Yard). At ArcLight Cinemas—the first to be built outside California—you can go online and reserve your specific seat in one of the theater’s 16 auditoriums in advance.
And forget popcorn and a box of Goobers, the café offers a broader range of fare, including pizzas and prosciuttowrapped dates. ArcLight Cinemas at the Westfield Montgomery mall,
7101 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda; 240-762-4000; www.arclightcinemas.com iPic Theaters at Pike & Rose, 11580 Old Georgetown Rd., North Bethesda; 301-2312300; www.ipictheaters.com
CLICK HERE AUDIO
Listen to a song by The 19th Street Band, our pick for best local band.
From left to right: Meghan and Caolaidhe Davis (who live in Rockville) and Michael Scoglio
Arclight courtesy photo; 19th street band photo by roy sewall
Best Local Band
The 19th Street Band may sing a song called “Don’t Give A Damn About the Money” but they sure do care about their fans. The popular local band is made up of three talented singer/songwriters: Meghan Davis, who plays the fiddle; Caolaidhe Davis, who plays the guitar (and is married to Davis); and Michael Scoglio, who plays the bass. Devotees are invited to, as one song goes, “Raise your glasses, shake your asses” at Bethesda-area venues including Flanagan’s Harp & Fiddle, The Irish Inn at Glen Echo and Denizens Brewing Co. The band released its first album, “Live from the Hamilton,” in January 2014, and Meghan Davis says they hope to record another batch of new songs in 2015. Blending old country and bluegrass with roots rock, the trio has developed a repertoire of acoustic tunes that gets everybody on the dance floor. Says Meghan Davis: “MoCo is where we got our start and we will forever be in their debt.”
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Editors’ nightlife Picks
Farmers Toddy at MoCo’s Founding Farmers
Food Wine & Co.’s Chocolate Fire
Coffee martini at Jackie’s Sidebar
Wintry Drinks With A Kick Best Spiked Hot Chocolate
The Chocolate Fire at Food Wine & Co. arrives with torch-singed marshmallows and gets a kick from Baileys Irish Cream and Fireball Cinnamon Whisky. “The smokiness in the marshmallows complements the spiciness of the cinnamon,” manager Mark Parker says. Save the flame-kissed mallows for the last bite or devour them first. No judgment either way. Food Wine & Co., 7272 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda; 301-652-8008; www.foodwineandco.com
Best Boozy Coffee
Sometimes you’re looking for a jolt of caffeine with your cocktail. Consider the coffee martini a two-for-one special. Jackie’s Sidebar bartender Nick Nazdin’s creation is made with mescal, Amaro averna liqueur and Becherovka liqueur, plus strong coffee. It arrives with a topper of whipped cream that’s been spiked with Ancho Chile Liqueur, making for a deeply flavorful pick-me-up. Jackie’s Sidebar, 8081 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring; 301-565-9700; www.jackiesrestaurant.com
All drink photos by Erick Gibson
Best Hot Toddy
Nothing beats a mug of hot tea on a cold day—unless, of course, the toasty drink has hooch in it. MoCo’s Founding Farmers’ Jon Arroyo uses English breakfast tea and rye whiskey from Copper Fox Distillery to create the Farmers Toddy. A squeeze of lemon and a little honey take the bite out of the booze. And with clove, freshly grated nutmeg and cinnamon, it smells as good as it tastes. MoCo’s Founding Farmers, 12505 Park Potomac Ave., Potomac; 301-3408783; www.wearefoundingfarmers.com
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photo taken at Oakville Grill
Shhhhhh!!
Don’t Tell Anyone.
Best kept secret in town! Readers’ pick Best Hair Salon is Salon Nader 10243 Old Georgetown Road Bethesda, MD 20814 (301) 897-8700
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Editors’ Picks
Best Bars for Beer Where to find
local craft beers, specialty suds and knowledgeable staff
Best Addition to the Craft Beer Scene
Most Belgian Brews
At Robert Wiedmaier’s Mussel Bar & Grille, beer isn’t just a beverage— it’s an aesthetic. Empty bottles form the light fixtures overhead, and a row of beer refrigerators with glass doors cover the wall behind the bar. All told, the restaurant stocks more than 150 brews. There are plenty of local standouts, including DC Brau and Flying Dog, but the real draw is the vast selec-
The new Denizens Brewing Co. turns out more than a half-dozen specialty beers.
tion of Belgian imports. Emboldened with hints of clove and pepper, Brasserie Dupont Foret is a winning organic option, while the ultra-smooth Silly Saison is a far more serious sipper than its name implies. Mussel Bar & Grille, 7262 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda; 301-215-7817; www. musselbar.com
Beer Lovers’ Dive
Patrons have to descend a steep set of stairs to access Quarry House Tavern, a subterranean watering hole with just the right amount of grubby charm. Once inside, you’ll find hundreds of brews— from quad and Trappist to wheatwine, bièr de champagne, chocolate stout and barrel-aged eisbock. The knowledgeable staff is always happy to give samples of draft brews, and the menu offers good pub grub staples, including house-made
potato chips, tater tots, fried pickles, wings and burgers. Quarry House Tavern, 8401 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring; 301-587-8350; www. quarryhousetavern.com
Best Outdoor Beer Garden
The Italian word piazza refers to a town’s central square or marketplace. Basically, it’s where locals go to mingle and gossip. It’s a fitting name for Piazza Beer Garden, which opened in September 2013 and has been attracting droves of chatty, beer loving Bethesdans ever since. The regularly rotated selection of suds features lots of favorites from the Chesapeake watershed, including Baltimore’s DuClaw brewery and Salisbury’s Evolution Craft Brewing Co. Piazza Beer Garden, 7401 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda; 202-841-9114; www. piazzabeergarden.com
Denizens photo by Erick Gibson
Denizens Brewing Co. made hopheads happy last July when it opened in Silver Spring. Head brewer Jeff Ramirez turns out more than a half-dozen specialty suds, including India Pale ale, extra special bitter, pilsner, red ale and porter. House brews and a curated selection of local craft beers are on tap in the bar and the upstairs dining room, where patrons also can enjoy stick-to-your-ribs fare from BBQ Bus. Denizens Brewing Co., 1115 East West Highway, Silver Spring; 301-5579818; www.denizensbrewingco.com
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Winner
2008 -2015
BEST BUILDER
Move Forward. Whether your style is cutting edge, traditional or transitional, Sandy Spring Builders knows how to bring your unique vision to life. An integrated, full-service group with more than 30 years of experience, we can help you realize your dream home. One of our four divisions – Custom, Classic, Savvy or Renovations – is sure to fit your budget and lifestyle.
www.sandyspringbuilders.com • 301.913.5995 Image courtesy of Marvin Windows and Doors.
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Editors’ nightlife Picks
Best Place for a First Date
Lia’s has a lot of the ingredients for a good first date: a cozy bar that encourages conversation, an accessible menu that pleases all tastes (think classics such as burgers and pizzas, as well as more ambitious Italian fare, including wild boar ragu), and a solid selection of craft cocktails, Italian wines and beers on tap. Stop in on Wednesday or Thursday for the “Bacon Bar,” a themed menu with offerings such as fried green tomato BLT sliders and maple bacon donuts. Lia’s, 4435 Willard Ave., Chevy Chase; 240-223-5427; www.chefgeoff.com
Best Place to Propose
Nothing says romance like Champagne and oysters—and Black’s Bar & Kitchen has many good options for both. The restaurant’s raw bar typically stocks 10 varieties of bivalves, and the Champagne list leans toward lesser-known labels. “We have boutique bubbly to geek out on,” says Assistant General Manager Alicia Chyun, who has helped orchestrate six proposals at the restaurant. During a recent brunch proposal, the groom did a quick handoff of the ring at the buffet and Chyun slipped it into a glass of bubbly. Black’s Bar & Kitchen, 7750 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda; 301-652-5525; www.blacksbarandkitchen.com
Matters of
When it comes time to call it quits, it can be smart to do it somewhere public. Consider Cesco Osteria, where the Tuscan menu is delicious (you might as well have a good meal, right?), the drinks can be ordered strong, and there’s a foolproof escape hatch—just in case. If things don’t go well after the “it’s over” bomb, excuse yourself to go to the bathroom, but stroll instead to the adjoining Co2 Lounge, where you’ll find a door that leads straight down to a parking garage. Channel Houdini and complete your disappearing act. Cesco Osteria, 7401 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda; 301-654-8333; www.cescoosteria.com
photo courtesy of thinkstock
Best Place to Break Up
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Editors’ Picks
Six local Instagram feeds
that offer a fun mix of style, inspiration and eye candy
Kelley & Stephanie Smith
Bella Jenna
(@eliturnerstudios)
(@stylesmiths)
(@bellajenna)
Snapshots of love, life and travel from a Silver Spring wedding photographer
Glam outfits, pretty details and gorgeous tablescapes from two style-blogger sisters from Bethesda
Girlish whimsies from Jennifer Lavallee, a fashion industry vet turned stationery designer in Silver Spring
HZDG
Ginger Boutique
Smathers & Branson
(@hzdg)
(@gingerbethesda)
(@smathersandbranson)
This Rockville marketing agency is a strong contender for the most fun office in town.
Stylish outfit ideas from a Bethesda Row shopping staple
A peek into the preppy world of the Bethesda-based needlepoint accessories company
Images via instagram
Eli Turner
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Editors’ Picks
shopping Something for Everyone
Got a few hours to spare? Reddz Trading is the perfect post-brunch spot to while away a weekend afternoon. Clothing racks in the huge space overflow with options for men and women, from stores such as J. Crew, Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters and Banana Republic. Designer finds are more limited, but not unheard of—we once scooped up a jacquard Valentino dress for $70. Reddz Trading, 7801 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda; 301-656-7333; www.reddztrading.com
Best for Label-Lovers
Consignment shops are a great source for designer
fashions at a fraction of the price. Here are four of the area’s best.
Mix of Old & New
Two qualities make Mustard Seed the most boutique-like consignment shop in the area: its extremely edited selection, and the mini-shop of new apparel at the front of the store. Well-priced jewelry and separates with interesting patterns and on-trend shapes fill up displays closer to the windows—and pair nicely with the mix of Diane von Furstenberg dresses and Sam Edelman shoes in back. Mustard Seed, 7349 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda; 301-907-4699; www.mustardseedshop.com
Best Place to Sell
With a 50 percent commission rate and no appointment necessary, Current Boutique is a good place to go if you want to make a little cash off a batch of rarely worn clothes. The Bethesda outpost of this local chain tends to accept a broader range of items per consigner than nearby competitors, and typically prices things at one-third of their retail value. The one drawback? Waiting 90 days for your payout. Current Boutique, 7220 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda; 301-222-1114; www.currentboutique.com
Reddz Trading all consignment store photos by james mertz
Mustard Seed
The sassy, friendly staff (check out their weekly YouTube series for proof) makes shopping at Chic to Chic as fun as an outing with your best girlfriend. The inventory is surprisingly stylish, and label-lovers won’t walk away disappointed. Free People tunics, Tory Burch blazers, Michael Kors booties, and other of-the-moment, affordable pieces share the space with discounted Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs handbags. Chic to Chic,15900 Luanne Drive, Gaithersburg; 301-926-7700; chictochic.com
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to the readers of Bethesda Magazine for voting me
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Editors’ SHOPPING Picks
10022-SHOE at Saks Fifth Avenue
Work Out in Style
What looks good on women of all ages and sizes? A killer pair of shoes. Our favorite place to splurge is 10022-SHOE, the recently expanded shoe department at Saks Fifth Avenue. With chandeliers, plush couches and museum-quality displays, the lower level salon feels luxe in both accommodations and inventory—there are more than 150 styles and 5,000 pairs of shoes in stock. 10022-SHOE is home to a large selection of timeless brands, including Chanel, Christian Louboutin and Jimmy Choo, but you’ll also find fashion-forward options from Céline and Givenchy, as well as avant-garde aesthetics from the likes of Nicholas Kirkwood and Sophia Webster. Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase; 301-657-9000; www.saksfifthavenue.com
The Stylish Girl’s Best-Kept Secret Lord & Taylor: where the discounts are frequent, your size is usually in stock, and the brands get cooler every season. If you’ve been ignoring this department store during shopping trips to Friendship Heights, stop. The retail stalwart has been quietly upping its contemporary game over the last five years. On the floor, lessexpensive lines from established brands such as DKNYC and Catherine by Catherine Malandrino sit beside racks of cool-
girl staples such as BCBG, French Connection and Trina Turk. When it comes to stylish options for the office, Raoul and Pink Tartan pair nicely with Lord & Taylor’s most exciting recent debut: 424 Fifth, an in-house line of quality, wallet-friendly basics with edge—think wool capes for $250 and leather midis under $400. Lord & Taylor, 5255 Western Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.; 202-362-9600; www. lordandtaylor.com
photos courtesy of core72, saks Fifth avenue
Where Every Woman Can Treat Herself
Tired of dressing like every other woman in your Pilates class? Check out Core72, a cheerful boutique just off Chevy Chase Circle that specializes in athletic and lounge wear. Owner Ferrall Dietrich focuses on womenowned, made-in-the-USA brands. The selection includes performance wear for running, yoga, Pilates, weight training, cycling and hiking. Stylish finds from Sundry and R&R Surplus will keep you looking cool and comfortable while running errands, and pattern-lovers will flip for the limited-edition Kim Michie yoga bags. Core72, 5502 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.; 202686-4258; www.core72dc.com
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Editors’ Picks
year in review Best Local Campaign
Most Dedicated Campaigner
Phil Andrews walked an estimated 2,000 miles over 17 months, wearing out three pairs of shoes and knocking on the doors of 20,000 homes. Although foot power ultimately couldn’t propel Andrews’ thinly funded campaign for county executive over the top in the June Democratic primary, it did help to create a buzz—to say nothing of taking 15 pounds off Andrews’ already lanky frame. Andrews’ reputation as an energetic campaigner goes back to his first successful run for Montgomery County Council in 1998, when he knocked on 14,000 doors in ousting an incumbent. And his days as a political iron man may not be over: He hasn’t ruled out another run for county executive in 2018.
Phil Andrews
George Leventhal
Worst Campaign Oops
A 90-second outburst by County Councilmember George Leventhal—captured on video six weeks before the Democratic primary— became fodder for an anonymous Web parodist and a source of widespread clucking in political circles. During a council hearing, Leventhal criticized the “body language” of county Management and Budget Director Jennifer Hughes. Aggravated by the county’s slow pace in updating mobile software, Leventhal then turned to a Department of Technology Services official and angrily demanded, “What year is this? What year is it? What year is it?” Leventhal’s temper tantrum came as he was considered politically vulnerable, and reinforced reports of testy behavior in private sessions. He did survive the primary—finishing fourth in the race for four at-large Democratic nominations—but finished well out of the running for happy warrior of Campaign 2014.
berliner photo by aimee custis/flickr; andrews photo by hilary schwab; leventhal courtesy photo
Roger Berliner
County Councilmember Roger Berliner thought he had a free ride in his Bethesda/Potomacbased district: He reported raising just $200 during 2013. Then, hours before the 2014 deadline, former Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg filed for his District 1 seat. Sitting on more than twice as much money as Berliner in her campaign treasury, Trachtenberg looked to make it a competitive race. Berliner quickly shifted from idle to overdrive and in three months hauled in a hefty $176,000. It enabled him to conduct an extensive direct mail appeal to voters that received high marks in political circles and to air ads on local cable TV. In the end, a nasty Democratic primary race between two former allies was hardly competitive: Berliner came out on top in a nearly 4:1 blowout.
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Editors’ Picks
Most E nriched
Political Hired Guns According to
Most Creative Argument Against the Purple Line
Amphipods? Most people didn’t know that these tiny shrimplike creatures existed until Friends of the Capital Crescent Trail began to hunt for the 5- to 15-millimeter crustaceans along the proposed route of the Purple Line. One species of amphipod, called the Hay’s Spring amphipod, is on the federal list of endangered species and is believed to exist in the Rock Creek area. An American University scientist hired by the group and paid for by the Town of Chevy Chase wasn’t able to find any Hay’s Spring amphipods during his first search last spring, so hopes now rest on testing water and sediment along the trail for amphipod DNA. If the tests come back positive, a federal lawsuit the group filed alleging harm to amphipods because of the Purple Line project may have some merit.
reports filed with the Maryland Board of Elections, nine political consulting firms—all but two based in the Washington, D.C., region—took in at least $250,000 apiece from local campaigns. Given the volume of glossy paper arriving in voter mailboxes in the closing weeks of the election season, it comes as little surprise that most of these firms specialize in campaign literature. So, the envelopes, please, for the top three finishers in revenue from Montgomery County candidates:
Beytin Agency, Arlington, Va.: $665,700 Its clients included the two newest members of the Montgomery County Council, Sidney Katz of Gaithersburg and Tom Hucker of Silver Spring. But most of its fees came from two also-rans: Dana Beyer of Chevy Chase for state Senate and Beth Daly of Dickerson for County Council.
NextGen Persuasion, Washington, D.C.: $568,000 Nearly two-thirds of that money came from handling mail for the re-election of County Executive Ike Leggett, but the firm also counted County Councilmember Hans Riemer of Takoma Park and incoming state Sen. Cheryl Kagan of Rockville among its clients.
BerlinRosen, New York, N.Y.: $499,200 Best known for its part in Bill de Blasio’s come-from-behind victory in the 2013 New York City mayoral race, this firm worked for just one winning local client last year: County Councilmember Nancy Floreen. Nearly half of its fees came from Jonathan Shurberg, a Silver Spring attorney whose lavishly self-funded bid for state delegate fell short.
Town of Chevy Chase Vice Mayor Pat Burda stands along the Capital Crescent Trail. Her town has hired a scientist to look for amphipods near the path.
Burda photo by skip brown
Most Overused Campaign Prop
It was an unwitting star of the 2014 Democratic primary campaign: Doug Duncan filmed his TV ads in front of it and used it as a repeated backdrop for press conferences. But in the end, Duncan’s strategy of using the Silver Spring Transit Center to pick off votes in Ike Leggett’s base in eastern Montgomery County failed to deliver—much as the center has yet to deliver for local transit patrons. When construction began in 2008, the structure was slated to cost $93 million and open in 2010. More than six years later, the cost is now north of $140 million and the center still hasn’t opened. So it remains very much Leggett’s headache as he heads into a third term, and one he is clearly eager to put behind him. At a joint appearance in Bethesda this past fall with Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker, Leggett jokingly offered to take National Harbor and its future casino off Baker’s hands— but only if Baker took the transit center off his.
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Editors’ year in review Picks
contributing writers:
thanks!
Stephanie Siegel Burke, David Elfin, Laura Hayes, Joi Louviere, Nevin Martell, Maire McArdle, Andrew J. Metcalf, Louis Peck, Amy Reinink, Carole Sugarman and Sarah Zlotnick.
Best Move by the State Legislature (for MoCo)
Richard Hoye pedals the “Duchy Trike” around Bethesda.
Most Unique Campaign Advertising
Duchy Trachtenberg may have lost her primary campaign against Councilmember Roger Berliner, but she came in first for unique advertising. Supporter Richard Hoye pedaled a yellow tricycle around Bethesda, hauling a nearly 10-foot tall sign that bore a picture of Trachtenberg. The “Duchy Trike” even had its own Twitter account—@DuchyTrike—that kept locals updated on the trike’s whereabouts as it cruised around downtown Bethesda in June before the primary election on June 24.
Ranking We’d Like to Give Back
Bethesda gets its fair share of “best” rankings—in 2014, Money Magazine ranked Bethesda the “top earning town” in the country, and NerdWallet.com named it the most educated. But one recent shout-out rubbed us the wrong way. In July 2014, the real estate blog Movoto named Bethesda the second snobbiest small city in America based on its home prices, median household income, number of private schools, number of performing arts venues and lack of fast food restaurants. At least we have some company on this one—Rockville tied for eighth on the list.
Worst Move by the State Legislature (for MoCo)
A year after the city of Baltimore won a generous package of school construction aid from the General Assembly, leaders of Montgomery County’s legislative delegation sponsored a bill that would have yielded up to $20 million annually for our jurisdiction, where the student population is mushrooming by about 2,600 per year and portable classrooms have become a major campaign issue. After the bill failed to pass, the delegation sponsored legislation to require a study of the school construction issue. But to add insult to injury, the study legislation fell victim to 11th-hour maneuverings over tax credits for the on-location filming of the popular Netflix series House of Cards—most of the economic boost from which has been enjoyed by…yup, Baltimore. n
Hoye photo by andrew metcalf
Local Wildlife Hero
Paul Peditto has a big title—the director of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife and Heritage Service—but we prefer to call him “The Bear Savior.” When an adolescent male black bear scurried a hundred feet up a tree at the National Institutes of Health campus in Bethesda in June, it was Peditto who flawlessly executed a plan to save it. He scared the bear out with noisemakers, then shot it with tranquilizers as it tried to flee, and finally tracked it until it passed out nearby—all while dozens of news crews and hundreds of spectators looked on. The healthy bear was later released in a wildlife area near the Potomac River in northern Montgomery County.
If there is one thing most on either side of the business-labor divide can agree on, it’s a good beer—and 2014 saw the legislature pass a measure intended to boost the availability of craft beers in local bars and restaurants. A law allowing a brewery to self-distribute up to 3,000 barrels annually was extended to include Montgomery County. A similar bill that applied to other Maryland jurisdictions had been approved a year earlier but it was stymied locally due to Montgomery’s unusual liquor control regimen, and a special legislative fix was needed.
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Readers’ Picks Nearly 10,000 people voted in our online Readers’ Poll. Here are the winners and runners-up for everything from the most kid-friendly restaurant to the best dog park.
Hoye photo by andrew metcalf
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FOOD AND DRINK Best Restaurant in Montgomery County
MoCo’s Founding Farmers Woodmont Grill Raku Black’s Bar & Kitchen Mon Ami Gabi Food Wine & Co. Persimmon Matchbox
Best Gluten-Free Options Lilit Café Mon Ami Gabi
Lilit Caf é offers a delectable assortment of gluten-free treats.
Best Place for a Couples’ Night Out
Most Kid-Friendly Restaurant
Best New Restaurant
Best Place for a Girls’ Night Out
Mon Ami Gabi Food Wine & Co. Black’s Bar & Kitchen MoCo’s Founding Farmers Olazzo
Gringo’s & Mariachis Paladar Latin Kitchen & Rum Bar Brasserie Beck (Kentlands) Fish Taco 4935 Bar and Kitchen
Colorful jars of pickled vegetables enhance the dining room at MoCo’s Founding Farmers.
Uncle Julio’s Rio Grande Café Café Deluxe Silver Diner
MoCo’s Founding Farmers Mon Ami Gabi Redwood Restaurant & Bar Sugo Osteria & Pizzeria
Best Place for a Guys’ Night Out Caddies on Cordell Rock Bottom Brewery Tommy Joe’s Restaurant
Best Small Plates
Jaleo Cava Sugo Osteria & Pizzeria Guardado’s La Tasca
Best Place to Buy Beer
Most Inventive Cocktails
MoCo’s Founding Farmers Range Redwood Restaurant & Bar Wildwood Kitchen
Gilly’s Craft Beer & Fine Wine (tie) Rodman’s (tie) Beer Wine & Co. Cork 57 Beer & Wine
Restaurant With the Best Craft Beer Selection
Best Neighborhood Market
Mussel Bar & Grille Rock Bottom Brewery MoCo’s Founding Farmers Dogfish Head Alehouse
Grosvenor Market Balducci’s Chevy Chase Supermarket Trader Joe’s Dawson’s Market
MoCo’s Founding Farmers Photo by Stacy zarin-goldberg; Lilit café photo by erick gibson
Readers’ Picks
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Readers’ Picks
Salon Nader
Dentist Steven Janowitz
Best Dentist
Amy Light and Associates Dana S. Greenwald Ensor, Johnson & Lewis Ricardo A. Perez, DDS Orlando Pediatric Dental Care
Steven Janowitz Jay H. Samuels All Smiles Dentistry Taff & Levine Jason A. Cohen Richard G. Hunsinger Jr. Bethesda Sedation Dentistry
Best Family Therapist Aspire Counseling Marjorie Robinson Lindsey Hoskins & Associates Phillip A. Reynolds
Best Day Spa
Red Door by Elizabeth Arden Blu Water Day Spa New Wave Salon & Spa Salon Nader Aveda Bethesda
Best Hair Salon
Salon Nader New Wave Salon & Spa Bella Bethesda Kindle & Boom Zohra Salon Central Ira Ludwick
Best Pediatric Dentist
Best Place for Yoga Balance Pilates & Yoga Studio Down Dog Yoga Potomac Pilates Unity Woods Sculpt Studio CorePower Yoga Equinox Village Yoga Pulse Fitness
Best Home Nursing Provider
Family & Nursing Care Capital City Nurses Lifematters BrightStar Care
Best Men’s Haircut
New Wave Salon & Spa Salon Nader Seven Locks Barber Shop Zohra Men
Bradley Barber Shop Bella Bethesda Spiro’s in Kensington
Best Ob-Gyn
Capital Women’s Care Reiter, Hill, Johnson & Nevin Tobie Beckerman Women’s Health Specialists
Best Senior Community Maplewood Park Place Asbury Methodist Village Leisure World Riderwood Ingleside at King Farm Brighton Gardens Hebrew Home of Greater Washington
Best Personal Trainer Eric Toussaint Maddie Watkins Kim Teri Ahmad Coston Steve Basdavanos Lisa Platnick Marc Bernstein Marilyn Menick
Best Nail Salon
Sandy Nails New Wave Salon & Spa AcquaNails Nails by Tammy Nail Design Totally Polished Salon Cindy’s Nails
Group yoga class at Balance Pilates & Yoga Studio
Best Hospital for Having a Baby
Sibley Memorial Hospital Adventist Healthcare Shady Grove Medical Center Holy Cross Hospital
Best Cosmetic Surgeon
Plastic Surgery Institute (Friedman, Forman, Huang) Roberta Palestine Joseph Michaels Cosmetic Surgery Associates (Richards, Jabs) Roger J. Oldham Chevy Chase Plastic Surgery (Bruno, Brown)
Salon Nader and Janowitz photos by hilary schwab; yoga photo courtesy of balance pilates & yoga studio
HEALTH AND BEAUTY
Aveda Bethesda Progressions Salon Spa Store
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Readers’ Picks
A garden oasis by Fine Earth Landscaping
Residents enjoy luxury living at The Lauren on Hampden Lane.
Real estate agent Hans Wydler earns top marks from readers.
The Lauren
Best Real Estate Agent Hans Wydler Jane Fairweather Gretchen Koitz Margie Halem Lynda O’Dea Dana Scanlon Traci Levine
Best Landscaping Company
Fine Earth Landscaping John Shorb Landscaping Hughes Landscaping Mark Willcher Landscape Designers Wray Brothers Johnson’s Landscaping
Best Townhome Community
Symphony Park at Strathmore Brownstones at Park Potomac Fallsgrove
Best Interior Designer
Wendy Lloyd Anthony Wilder Design/Build Jody Wilens
Best Builder
Sandy Spring Builders Douglas Construction Group BOWA Meridian Homes Edgemoor Custom Builders Anthony Wilder Design/Build
Best Nursery/Garden Center
American Plant Johnson’s Garden Centers Good Earth Garden Market
Best Luxury Condo The Lauren Somerset House The Darcy Parc Somerset Adagio The Edgemoor at Montgomery Lane
Best Architect
Archaeon Architects Kramer Architects Anthony Wilder Design/Build GTM Architects Studio Z Design Concepts Ponte Mellor Architects Claude C. Lapp Architects
Best Mortgage Broker Deb Levy, EagleBank
Craig Strent, Apex Brad Cohen, Capital Bank Prosperity Home Mortgage
Best Luxury Apartment Palisades Gallery Bethesda The Grand
KIDS AND SCHOOLS Best Adventure Camp Calleva Valley Mill Camp
Best Kids’ Gym
Dynamite Gymnastics Center
My Gym - Bethesda My Gym - Potomac The Little Gym Shockwave Allstars
Best Private School for Music and the Arts Bullis School Holton-Arms School Norwood School Georgetown Day School
Best Private School for Boys
Landon School Bullis School Georgetown Preparatory School Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School Gonzaga College High School
The Lauren Courtesy photo; fine earth landscaping Courtesy photo; hans wydler photo by BTW images, LLC
HOME
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THANK YOU FOR
TEN GREAT YEARS! CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF WORLD-CLASS MUSIC
IN YOUR BACKYARD
GALA CONCERT
Marin Alsop, Music Director
Marin Alsop, conductor Garrick Ohlsson, piano
RACHMANINOFF:
Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 2 Respighi: Church Windows Respighi: Pines of Rome
WITH GARRICK OHLSSON
Piano great Garrick Ohlsson brings his technical prowess and unmatched interpretation to Rachmaninoff’s ravishing Second Piano Concerto. In addition to the concert program, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra celebrates the 10th anniversary of its home, The Music Center at Strathmore, with a pre-concert gala party and special private recital.
PIANO CONCERTO no.2
THU, FEB 5, 8pm
For more information and full Gala packages, visit
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Readers’ Picks
Kids love “hanging out” at Dynamite Gymnastics.
Best Sports Camp
KOA Sports Dynamite Gymnastics Center Bullis Summer Camp Georgetown Prep Sports Camps Landon School
Bunkmates enjoy downtime at Camp Louise.
The Robotics Club is one of many offered at Holton-Arms School.
Best Private School to Get Into Harvard
Sidwell Friends Bullis School Landon School Georgetown Preparatory School Holton-Arms School Georgetown Day School Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School St. Albans School
Best Private School for Girls Holton-Arms School Bullis School
Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart Academy of the Holy Cross
Best Overnight Camp
Camps Airy & Louise Capital Camps Camp Tall Timbers Camp Seafarer and Camp Sea Gull
Best School for Nontraditional Learners McLean School of Maryland The Lab School The Ivymount School The Siena School Green Acres School The Diener School
Best SAT Prep Course PrepMatters Prep U Capital Educators Kaplan
dynamite gymnastics, camp louise, holton arms school courtesy photos; Calleva photo by tom doi
Calleva Campers enjoy standup paddleboarding and other teambuilding activities.
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Readers’ Picks
SHOPPING Best Boutique
Belina Boutique Luna South Moon Under Wear It Well Mustard Seed
Bruce Variety Strosniders
Best Place to Shop for Teens
South Moon Under Forever 21 Cloud 9 Clothing My Best Friend’s Closet
Best Place to Shop for Kids On Cloud 9 Nordstrom Gap Kids Target The Children’s Place
Best Place to Buy Glasses
Wink Eyecare Boutique Voorthuis Opticians MyEyeDr Bethesda Vision Care
WEDDINGS AND EVENTS
Best New Store
Best Place for a Wedding Reception
Calypso St. Barth Swoon
Colonial Opticians
Best Gift Store Occassions The Blue House
The Music Center at Strathmore Audubon Naturalist Society (Woodend) Bethesda Country Club Congressional Country Club Woodmont Country Club
Best Place for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah
Best Shopping Center
Westfield Montgomery Wildwood Bethesda Row Cabin John Shopping Center & Mall Congressional Plaza
Woodmont Country Club Hyatt Regency Bethesda Bethesda Country Club Lakewood Country Club 4935 Bar and Kitchen Maggiano’s The Fillmore VisArts at Rockville
Best Caterer
Ridgewells Occasions Caterers Provisions Catering Design Cuisine
Best Place to Buy a Wedding Dress Teens flock to South Moon Under.
Soaring ceilings set a festive mood at The Music Center at Strathmore.
Claire Dratch David’s Bridal Bridal Salon at Saks Jandel Love Couture Bridal
south moon under courtesy photo; ridgewells photo by Greg powers; Strathmore photo by mary kate mckenna
Best Variety Store
Gourmet fare and elegant table settings are the hallmark of Ridgewells Catering.
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Best Event Planner
Finishing Touches Save the Date Michele Hodges Events Plan-It Parties
Boone & Sons Mervis Diamond Importers Jared Tiffany & Co.
Best Wedding Photographer
Michael Bennett Kress Photography Freed Photography Adam S. Lowe Photography
A
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Mendelson & Mendelson Snyder Cohn
Ourisman Honda Fitzgerald Auto Mall
ZIPS Dry Cleaners Parkway Cleaners Crest Cleaners Super Cleaners SK Cleaners Edna’s Cleaners
Best Tailor
Best Limo Service
Best Dog Park
Best Pet Boutique
Best Dry Cleaner
Best Place to Buy an Engagement Ring
Pet owners rely on Friendship Hospital for Animals in emergencies.
Cabin John Dog Park Norwood Park King Farm Dog Park
Best Local Accounting Firm Caldwell & Company
S TA R
S E N I O R
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Bark! Bone Jour
Best Auto Dealership
Chevy Chase Cars EuroMotorcars Jim Coleman Automotive
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g n i d a r r r g a t s a u h s o j
r e h t o n da n e . p s l s o o o t h s c cs ope i l h b t u n p e nd ty’s e t n n u i o r c e p The su s running the p the job? r a ee e k y o r t u e fo wn erv s e kip Bro d S y b e s oto k | Ph c Does h a v i p .S anda S By Mir
It was supposed to be a moment
that highlighted Montgomery County’s investment in classroom technology. Five public school teachers from the county were seated in a neat row at the front of a classroom at Ridgeview Middle School in Gaithersburg while, behind them, two other county teachers were visible on a large screen, waiting for a Google chat to begin. Montgomery County Public Schools officials had invited school board members and the three members of the Montgomery County Council’s education committee to view the demonstration in late October as a way to thank them for coming up with extra money to pay for the technology.
MCPS Superintendent Joshua Starr rose to say a few words, and then tried to chat with the teachers on the screen. But when the teachers spoke, no one could hear them. Then the screen froze. A Starr aide quickly rebooted the system, and within minutes everything was running smoothly. The incident seemed an apt metaphor for Starr’s own performance as head of the state’s largest and fastest-growing school system: Though he has taken steps to address some of the district’s most pressing challenges, there have been some missteps, and it remains to be seen whether those efforts will succeed.
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photo by skip brown
s.
ublic unty P ery Co ua Starr, m o tg n h Mo h f Jos ille Hig ls chie Schoo ere at Rockv CPS is h M n g show runnin ent’s job d l, says Schoo t superinten es “the b untry.” co in the
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Starr talks with Rockville High Principal Billie-Jean Bensen.
Starr, whose four-year contract ends June 30, is hoping he’ll have the opportunity to find out. The school board is scheduled to begin formal discussions in February on whether to renew Starr’s contract, although informal conversations are already said to be underway and Starr’s long-term future here appears less than assured. Members weren’t happy to find out in 2013 that Starr, who had worked for the New York City public school system and has family there, had talked to the new mayor about becoming the city’s schools chancellor. A year later, though, Starr says he’s firmly committed to his current job, which in 2014 paid him a base salary of $260,100. Running MCPS is “the best superintendent’s job in the country,” says Starr, 45, who lives in Bethesda with his wife, Emma, and three children: two middle school students and one first-grader who are MCPS students. “We want to be here for a long time,” he says.
grams to help them get ready for college, over as MCPS superintendent including one with Montgomery College in 2011, he inherited a rap- and The Universities at Shady Grove. idly growing school district He is also pushing for the expansion of facing changing demograph- “project-based learning” programs in ics and harsh economic real- high schools that incorporate hands-on ities that were much different learning and real-world projects to teach from those faced by his pre- students to be critical thinkers and probdecessor Jerry Weast. Dur- lem solvers. ing his 12-year tenure, Weast He has put in place a data-driven, was able to make use of better early-alert system to identify students economic times to improve who are at risk of failing, and has told student achievement and principals and teachers to focus on to narrow the gap between understanding the needs of each child higher-performing students— in their classrooms. He has also revised mostly affluent white and the discipline policy to lower the numAsian students—and lower- ber of out-of-school suspensions, which performing students, mostly had disproportionately affected minorlower-income African-Amer- ity students. icans and Hispanics. Despite these efforts, Starr’s critics “Josh has wanted to put his say he isn’t doing enough—or moving imprint on the system, but he quickly enough—to close the achievehasn’t had the luxury of good ment gap and address pressing issues. fiscal times to set things in Some, including parents, board memmotion,” says Patricia O’Neill, bers and elected officials, describe Starr a school board member from as a remote technocrat who is more easBethesda. “It was a lot eas- ily understood through his frequent ier for Jerry to get some quick wins by tweets than when he tries to explain implementing all-day kindergarten and something in person. reducing class size in the primary grades. Some teachers complain that the disWe don’t have that kind of money now.” trict has fumbled its continuing rollout of Starr had left the 15,000-student school curriculum changes required by the state’s district of Stamford, adoption of the more Conn., to run MCPS, rigorous Common Core a district with 154,000 standards for math and students and an operatEnglish, leaving them ing budget of about $2.3 struggling in the classbillion. A national critic room. And other issues of relying on standardhave drawn public critiized testing to assess stucism, including the handent and teacher perdling of several cases Craig Rice, formance, Starr has chairman of MCPS employees of the promoted a more holistic county council’s accused of inappropriapproach to prepare stu- education committee ate conduct with students for the 21st century dents, the recent controworkplace. He is continuing Weast’s efforts versy over the school board’s decision to to close the achievement gap, but recog- remove all religious references from the nizes that the school system needs to do MCPS calendar, and Starr’s decision to more to get the job done. back off a proposal he initially endorsed Starr says he is focused on making to change high school start times so stusure all MCPS students receive the same dents could get more sleep. quality education and has begun proMichael J. Petrilli, president of the
craig rice photo by karen murphy/flickr
When Starr took
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her h teac lks wit ring her U.S. ta r r Sta du Ulmer ville Caitlin lass at Rock a c y r kes ta r r Histo set: Sta book. High. In a student’s f o to o ph
Thomas B. Fordham Institute, an education think tank in Washington, D.C., and the author of a 2012 book, The Diverse Schools Dilemma: A Parent’s Guide to Socioeconomically Mixed Public Schools, has written about his family’s decision to move from more diverse Takoma Park to Bethesda in search of better schools. “I feel like Josh Starr has more of a profile nationally, as a commentator or pundit, than he does as a local leader,” Petrilli says. “It is not clear to me exactly what his agenda is here in Montgomery County.”
When Starr was hired
in 2011, school board members and local politicians said they looked forward to a leader who would instill a more open and responsive culture. Starr quickly embarked on a “listening tour,” meeting
often with county residents, staff, parents and students, and visiting schools to learn about concerns and issues. He held book club meetings that were broadcast on the district’s website to engage the community on progressive ideas in education. That collaborative style has won praise from county councilmember Craig Rice, chairman of the council’s education committee. Leaders of the county teachers’ union also say Starr looks to them for advice and keeps them in the loop. “He is very good about making sure that we are included in the decisionmaking process for most major decisions,” says Doug Prouty, president of the Montgomery County Education Association, the union that represents MCPS teachers. Starr’s style is much different from that
of Weast, who was rarely described as collaborative. Still, his approach has rankled those who are looking for faster action. County councilmember George Leventhal (D-at large), who became council president in December, tangled publicly with Starr about what Leventhal has described as the difficulty that council members experience when trying to get more information from Starr and his staff. And newly-elected school board member Jill Ortman-Fouse of Silver Spring, who replaced veteran Shirley Brandman of Bethesda, says she is eager to better understand the impact of some of Starr’s programs. “He is willing to try some new things; now we have to see if those are the kinds of things we have needed to do,” she says.
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O’Neill and Brandman say it’s not surprising that Starr is still honing his goals and communication skills after spending his first few years learning about the school system and the community. The second four years, assuming the board rehires Starr, will be a more telling measure, Brandman says. Montgomery College President DeRionne Pollard, who works closely with Starr to try to improve college readiness among public school students, says Starr has become a better communicator. “He is learning to navigate the political waters,” she says. “He’s becoming clearer in his message. He’s an intellect, he’s confident, he is very committed to social justice.” For his part, Starr says it has taken time for people to understand his style of leadership. “I think what some people are getting used to is that I am equally if not more interested in what their interests are and what they have to say than simply pushing my agenda,” Starr says. MCPS is now a majority-minority school district that’s facing “an increase in the stratification of MCPS high schools by income, race and ethnicity,” according to an April 2014 report by the county council’s Office of Legislative Oversight. “A majority of the school system’s low-income, black and Latino students attend high-poverty high schools while a majority of MCPS’ non-poor, white and Asian students attend low-poverty high schools,” the report says. “And since 2010,
County councilmember Nancy Navarro
the share of black and Latino students attending high-poverty high schools has increased while the share of white, Asian, and non-poor students attending lowpoverty high schools has increased.” Starr says the changing demographics underscore the need for MCPS to make sure all students have the opportunity to succeed, especially with the more rigorous curriculum required by the Common Core standards. “Just because we have done well under one set of rules— No Child Left Behind, the Bush administration’s push on testing and curriculum,” Starr says, “it doesn’t mean we are going to do well under a whole new set of rules if we do the same things.” At the urging of the school board and other education leaders in the area, the Maryland State Board of Education last fall delayed for two years the requirement that students pass new high school assessment tests for Algebra 1 and English 10 before they can graduate. Joseph Hawkins, a Bethesda resident who worked in the school system’s accountability office, which analyzes student performance, says it’s difficult to assess whether efforts by Starr or Weast have helped to close the achievement gap. Hawkins, who worked for the school system for 19 years before leaving in 1998, has continued to track its efforts. He said the most consistent measure of student achievement has been SAT scores, and the gap between the scores of white and Asian students and black and Hispanic students has not narrowed in 18 years.
“This is a social and economic issue, and I think parents all over the county realize that,” says county councilmember Nancy Navarro, who held a forum last fall on the achievement gap.
Evaluating student achievement in the lower grades remains complicated because standardized tests have changed several times, making it difficult to chart progress, Hawkins says. MCPS officials say that efforts to close the achievement gap can’t only focus on tests—they also must address whether students have equitable access to quality teachers and schools. “The question is now not what the gaps have been, but how do we prepare for the future—we have been to the moon, and now we have to get to Mars,” Starr says. “It is a totally different architecture to get to Mars, and you have to do things differently.” Just what the district should do differently is the question. A 2010 study by researcher Heather Schwartz for The Century Foundation, a Washington think-tank, found that county public school students who were poor but able to attend high-performing schools did better than peers who stayed in schools where most students were low-income. In Montgomery County, affluent stu-
nancy navarro photo by edward kimmel/flickr
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MCPS spends an average of $14,414 per pupil annually, but adds $2,200 more per student in lowerperforming or high-poverty schools. dents are more likely to live on the west side of the county in communities such as Bethesda, Chevy Chase and Potomac, and attend schools with little racial and economic diversity, while the rest of the county has a greater share of lowerincome students. But changing school boundaries to allow lower-income students access to better schools often sparks political fights. Starr says that redrawing boundaries to better diversify student populations is impractical because most schools already are too crowded and are likely to get more crowded as the system continues to grow. The fastest-growing district in Maryland, MCPS is adding about 2,600 students per year, and has gained more than 16,000 students since 2007, according to the district. The schools chief says he wants to help bridge the achievement gap without shortchanging more prosperous neighborhoods. And he says the key to doing that is involving more than just the schools. “The question is how the community will support the changed
Starr confers with Bensen during a class at Rockville High.
demographic in both social services and employment opportunities,” he says. “I think that is important for the community to figure out.” County councilmember Nancy Navarro of Silver Spring, (D-District 4), a former school board member, says that Starr should be more direct about spelling out the changing needs of MCPS students. “It is one of those moments where we need to walk away from the fear that somehow this issue only belongs to certain parts of the county or certain people. This is a social and economic issue, and I think parents all over the county realize that,” says Navarro, who held a forum last fall on the achievement gap. “If we can’t solve this in Montgomery County, we are in big trouble,” she says. “Who will pay our Social Security? Who will work for companies here?”
O’Neill says she
hears often from west side parents complaining about large classes and a sense that more school money is being spent elsewhere. “It is a subject of tension that is out
there,” she says. “But we have an obligation to educate all children.” MCPS spends an average of $14,414 per pupil annually, but adds about $2,200 more per student in lower-performing or high-poverty schools, where student needs are more complex and extra resources are sometimes added, Starr says. Still, problems persist. In the past two years, an increasing number of students have failed to pass the state’s high school assessment for Algebra 1, which is required for graduation. And even when students are able to meet the requirements for graduation, some haven’t been ready for college-level work. For decades, MCPS graduates who attend Montgomery College have failed to pass placement tests in English and math, and have needed remedial help. The college’s data for MCPS graduates from 2010 to 2013 shows that about one-third of those enrolled required remedial help in English; about one-quarter needed help in reading; and two-thirds needed help in math.
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grading joshua starr Starr says MCPS is trying different approaches to raise student achievement. He points to the Achieving Collegiate Excellence and Success program begun in 2013 at the urging of the Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville and Montgomery College. The program aims to provide mentoring and support for students to ensure that they graduate from high school and successfully complete college. Starr also has expanded “projectbased learning,” which was already in place through special programs at several county high schools. Last fall, Wheaton High School became the first MCPS high school to offer project-based learning to all students in every course, an approach that Starr wants to see replicated in all public high schools. He also has launched a study of MCPS “choice” and magnet programs, which are designed to draw students to schools mostly on the county’s less affluent east side, to determine if they have contributed to a narrowing of the achievement gap.
And Starr has established a set of benchmarks that MCPS students should achieve by graduation in order to be ready for college. Ideally, Starr says, students should be able to attain at least a C in Algebra 2; to pass AP exams with a score of 3 or higher, or International Baccalaureate exams with a score of 4 or higher; to earn a combined score of 1650 on the SAT or 24 on the ACT; and also be infused with “hope, engagement and well-being.” The benchmarks are outlined in a “Strategic Planning Framework” adopted by the school board in 2013. An acolyte of the progressive education movement, Starr is also focused on helping students succeed in life beyond school. “The line I always use is that I want my kids to be straight-A students and I want them to be great people,” Starr says. “But if I have to choose, I would rather that they are average students and great people.” To that end, Starr is stepping outside the traditional role of a superintendent
by seeking ways to improve access to social services for students. He has been talking with officials of county departments about providing services for students whose parents can’t make it to a parent-teacher conference because they are working, or who lack Internet access at home, or who come to school exhausted because they work after school to help their families survive. Navarro says she is watching the superintendent closely. “His desire to change the culture to allow more flexibility for staff to innovate and to pay attention to more of the social-emotional aspects of student achievement are really admirable,” she says. “But I have concerns about how this is translating into curriculum direction for the staff.”
While the achievement
gap has been a difficult problem to solve, Starr has come under fire for other highprofile issues. Jennifer Alvaro, a Bethesda parent
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and an expert on sexual abuse, says the school system needs to be more candid about cases of MCPS employees or contractors charged with inappropriate conduct with students, even if school officials can’t legally discuss specifics. As a member of a new MCPS task force on sexual abuse, she says the district has done little to inform the public about the group or ways to prevent abuse. “There is no information on the website,” she says. “It’s all secretive. What decade are we living in? You can’t get straight answers.” Alvaro says MCPS officials need to develop a program to help identify prospective abusers and to quickly communicate with parents when abuse allegations are made in individual schools. “They need to do much more,” she says. Starr also was criticized when he recommended a proposal for later high school start times, but then backed off the issue when proposed changes proved too expensive. He drew the wrath of parents
because his proposals included a longer day for elementary school students. Michael Rubenstein, a Silver Spring parent who is part of a group pushing for later start times in high schools, says he was frustrated and puzzled that Starr used the issue to propose lengthening the elementary school day. That idea “should be evaluated on its own merit,” Rubenstein says. Starr says that in an ideal world he’d like to lengthen the school day to give students more time for athletics, art, music and other activities. Experience with his own children has underscored his understanding that being inside a classroom all day can be wearing. “I’d love for them to get outside more,” he says, “but they don’t have a long enough school day.” Richard Kahlenberg, a Bethesda father of four who has written extensively for The Century Foundation on ways to improve public school systems, is optimistic that Starr will figure out the proper
path if he continues to lead MCPS. “I think he has done some very positive things in standing up to some of the craziness of what is being imposed by the federal government. It remains to be seen whether he will aggressively address this looming issue of economic segregation,” says Kahlenberg, whose youngest daughter is his fourth and last child to attend county public schools. “The big question is: Can he address the issue in a way that is skillful politically?” he asks. “And from what I have seen of him, I think he has the potential to address this in a smart way. You need to lay the groundwork for something like this and make clear that all stakeholders not only will have a say, but will come out better at the end.” n Miranda S. Spivack is a former Washington Post reporter and editor. She lives in Bethesda with her husband, a government lawyer. Both their daughters are graduates of Montgomery County public schools.
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Volunteer Karen Murley (shown at right) uses castoff items like those shown here to decorate homes for clients of The National Center for Children and Families in Bethesda.
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shelf PHOTO BY JAMES MERTZ; karen murley photo by michael ventura
a place
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shelf PHOTO BY JAMES MERTZ; karen murley photo by michael ventura
to start Most people don’t know
what happens to the old couches, tables and lamps they donate to charity. Karen Murley uses them to create a home. By Amy Reinink
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a place to start
The apartment was
Murley, straightening a comforter in the bedroom of a girl who has aged out of foster care, knows that small touches can help make a place feel like home.
“Karen has taught us that if a place is beautiful— not luxurious, but beautiful—these kids can have the energy to dream of a good life, a life they’re going to have to fight for,” says Sheryl Brissett Chapman, NCCF’s executive director.
The act of decorating
an apartment may seem like a small thing compared with the kinds of tragedies NCCF’s clients face. The nonprofit organization, based on Greentree Road in Bethesda, operates shelters and transitional housing for children, young adults and families dealing with everything from domestic abuse to drug addiction to poverty. Karen Murley, the NCCF volunteer who decorated Melendez’s apartment, is not a social worker or counselor. She doesn’t try to diagnose or heal the effects of a family’s heartbreaking past, and sometimes doesn’t even meet her clients before she begins
decorating the NCCF apartments or group houses where they’ll be living. But she has an unbelievable knack for seeing potential—even beauty—in things that may seem useless, things that other people have given away. “She’ll take something that we would have put out onto the curb, and the next thing you know, she’ll have painted it and changed the hardware to turn it into something that any of us would be happy to have in our homes,” says Margaret Gainer, a longtime friend of Murley’s who has helped her decorate several projects. Murley knows that a few pictures of an animated cat lovingly preserved in
Murley photo and Melendez family photo by Michael Ventura; Girls’ room before photo by Karen Murley
grim and spare, with only one sign that it was home to three young girls: a worn Hello Kitty shower curtain. David Melendez, a U.S. citizen who was raised in Puerto Rico and lived in Honduras for nearly 25 years, had moved into the apartment in Germantown with his daughters in September 2013. A terrifying close call with violence in Honduras had led him to the American consulate there, begging for safe passage to the United States. The consulate was able to book tickets to the United States for Melendez and his three daughters, but his Honduran wife was required to remain in the country until her immigration paperwork came through. After spending several weeks at The National Center for Children and Families’ Greentree Shelter in Bethesda, Melendez and his daughters were placed in their own apartment. But it didn’t feel like home. The girls—Rut, 10, Zuleyka, 8, and Daniela, 5—struggled to learn English and cried often for their mother. They had nightmares about men with AK-47s outside their home. One day, a social worker from NCCF told Melendez that a woman would be stopping by while he was at work and the girls were at school to decorate their apartment. He didn’t give it much thought. But Melendez will never forget coming home that night. His daughters ran through the house, “screaming and yelling and dancing,” he says. They screeched with joy when they saw their names above their beds, framed Hello Kitty pictures on the bathroom wall, and a cotton-candy-colored rug to match their shower curtain. “I still remember looking around and thinking, ‘It’s like a real house, like the house we had in Honduras,’ ” Melendez says. “I cried like a baby, because I don’t deserve all those blessings. And I remember thinking, ‘God bless that lady.’ ” He didn’t even know her name.
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before
David Melendez’s daughters watch TV in a undecorated bedroom in their new apartment provided by The National Center for Children and Families. Below: Melendez and his daughters were delighted with NCCF volunteer Karen Murley’s transformation of the room.
after
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a place to start
Over the eight years that Murley has been volunteering for NCCF, she has done the same thing at countless apartments, and at four group homes for abused or homeless women and their families. Murley often faces design constraints that go beyond money and space. When she redesigned NCCF’s cafeteria—painting gray walls and concrete floors with cheerful primary colors—she had to find chairs and tables that were too heavy for a kid to throw. “We have kids who are off the chain with anger and rage, kids who have been pushed off on us because they don’t have a family, or because their home is a war zone,” says Sheryl Brissett Chapman, the center’s executive director. “Karen has taught us that if a place is beautiful—not luxurious, but beautiful—these kids can have the energy to dream of a good life, a life they’re going to have to fight for.”
before
Murley redesigned NCCF’s cafeteria, painting the drab gray walls (shown in above photo) with bright colors and adding prints and matching tables and chairs.
after
frames that someone else didn’t need may help three little girls feel at ease in a new country. She knows that a pink throw rug is the kind of touch their own mother might use to make a new apartment feel like home if she could be there with them. Whether she’s decorating for a former foster child who has aged out of the system, a woman who has fled an abusive relationship, or a family escaping homelessness, Murley knows that a matching rug and throw pillows can make the difference between feeling adrift and feeling at home. “We’ve decorated apartments where the residents would spend all their time at home sitting in their bedroom watch-
ing TV because the rest of the apartment was empty,” Murley says. “To be able to give them a place where they feel comfortable and safe is extremely rewarding.” The first thing Murley noticed when she visited the Melendez apartment was the Hello Kitty shower curtain. So she went out and found a Hello Kitty coloring book at a thrift store, copied several pages from the book, and painted them in bright colors. She put the painted pictures into frames donated to NCCF and hung them on the bathroom wall. She outfitted the rest of the apartment with items donated to the center, from the office nook she created for Melendez to the play area she set up for the girls.
74, discuss color wheels and window treatments, it’s easy to imagine that she had a long and successful career as an interior decorator. In fact, Murley, who lives in Bethesda, spent her working life as a legal administrator and then as a consultant for The World Bank. She’d always enjoyed decorating her own home, and loved watching HGTV— especially shows in which decorators used recycled or repurposed items. So when she retired in 2005, she signed up for a weeklong interior redecorating and staging course in Erie, Pa. Murley was adamant that she didn’t want to start a business—the taxes and logistics seemed like too much of a hassle. So for the next year, she decorated pro bono for friends and family. In early 2007, the teacher of Murley’s redecorating course reached out to her. She was teaching a course in the Bethesda area and wondered if Murley would be willing to let her students redecorate a room of her house. Murley agreed, and after the students revealed her “new” living room, she joined them for lunch. One woman said she was
AFTER PHOTOS BY JAMES MERTZ; before cafeteria photo courtesy of karen murley
When you listen to Murley,
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a place to start shelf where Karen stores her treasures
taking the class to help her with her volunteer work, decorating apartments and houses for NCCF. Murley chimed in right away: Could she use any help? Kathy Connelly had already decorated a few homes for NCCF’s FutureBound Independent Living Program, which provides furnished apartments for young adults who are homeless or have aged out of the foster care system. Plenty of friends had offered to help, but they would lend an hour here or there, getting bored of the drudgery of hauling housewares from a van to a studio apartment, then spending the afternoon hanging pictures and placing throw pillows. Murley was different. “She would just roll up her sleeves and stay for the duration, and when we’d get done, she’d say, ‘Let’s start on the next one,’ ” says Connelly, who was living in Chevy Chase at the time. The volunteer job quickly became a passion for Murley, who says she felt a rush of pride every time she finished an apartment. She had served as a Red Cross volunteer at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, but this felt different—it took a talent Murley never knew she had, and connected it with people who didn’t know they needed it. Murley’s first big job was to decorate
Betty’s House, a group home for immigrant women and their American-born children who had escaped domestic violence. NCCF had funding for new beds, and for one or two couches for the fourbedroom, five-bathroom house, but nothing for frills. Murley spent nearly two months gathering materials before starting to decorate. She opted for a red and black color theme in the TV room, with red couches, black flowered pillowcases, a black chair and a black and red painting above the fireplace. For the living room, she built the color scheme around a donated painting featuring a gold and maroon landscape. She sewed iridescent bronze curtains to match the bronze and maroon pillowcases that perfectly accent the beige couch and dark wood furniture. Chapman says laying eyes on the finished product moved her to tears.
Connelly moved to
Rehoboth Beach, Del., almost three years ago, leaving the redecorating program in Murley’s hands. Since then, Murley has “really taken it to a new level,” Connelly says, decorating NCCF’s administrative offices in Bethesda and hand-painting
murals on the walls of an NCCF shelter in Northwest D.C. No matter what the project, Murley always starts in “Dr. C’s Boutique,” a donation store on NCCF’s Bethesda campus. Everything in the boutique is free to NCCF clients, who can shop there with their case managers. According to Lauren Ruffin, NCCF’s director of development and institutional advancement, the center accepted $2.5 million worth of donations in the last fiscal year, including furniture and home accessories worth $325,000. The Nordstrom store at Westfield Montgomery mall donates employees’ time to help keep the boutique organized—the neat racks of blazers, shirts and pants make the space look more like a department store than a thrift shop. On a recent morning, Murley scans the shelves of home accessories, briefly eyeing stacks of serving plates and salad bowls before heading back to the sorting room. There, bright yellow bins are full of donated items from the community—a mishmash of paintings, tablecloths and decorative fruit bowls—that become the foundation for new rooms for NCCF clients. Murley has her own shelf in the sort-
Boutique photos by Kat Forder
Donated clothes are neatly displayed at Dr. C’s Boutique, a donation store on NCCF’s Bethesda campus. Right: Murley uses the shop’s donated items, such as these cups and saucers, in her decorating projects.
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a place to start
ing room marked with a sign noting, “Karen’s shelf for her stuff.” When she can’t find donated items to meet a specific client’s needs, she sends a mass email to her network of friends. They usually come through, sometimes with new items they purchase and donate to the cause. Murley stashes many of her finds in a rented storage unit, which she took on after her husband pleaded with her to stop keeping donated furniture and housewares in their Bethesda home. Look at the materials Murley has gathered in the back of her silver SUV for a particular project, and you’ll see what appears to be a perfectly serviceable but unremarkable set of furniture and accessories—such as a stack of unused placemats or empty picture frames. It’s only after she has reworked and rearranged everything, combining this donated canvas with that thrift-store vase, that the magic emerges.
Murley has become a master of masking minor flaws, restoring beaten-up furniture to near-new condition by using Magic Markers and wood glue to fill in spots and nicks. She sews slipcovers for dingy couches, and repaints wood furniture. She and a former World Bank colleague have even taken up painting, and have repainted donated canvases with still-life scenes to match various rooms Murley has decorated. “Sometimes I think it would be nice to have brand-new furniture for a house or apartment I’m decorating,” Murley says. “But if someone said here’s a million dollars, go decorate this house, I couldn’t do it. I’d probably spend half of it—and feel wasteful for spending that— and give the rest back.” Connelly recalls one job in which Murley whipped up faux Roman shades to match a client’s throw pillows. “Her biggest talent is seeing something that some-
one else might view as useless, like an old panel of fabric, and saying, ‘I can do something with that,’ ” Connelly says. “She has the ability to take something that’s free or low cost and repurpose it in a way that can turn a space into something wonderful.”
Carlos, a Montgomery
College student who asked to be identified only by his first name, says his last foster family didn’t care what he did, let him run wild. Now 19, Carlos moved from their home into a group home for boys at NCCF in early 2013. In October of that year, he moved into an apartment managed by the FutureBound program. Carlos met briefly with Murley before she started decorating the two-bedroom apartment, which was empty aside from a few pieces of basic furniture and a bare twin bed. Murley clustered a couch, armchair and end tables to create a seating area in the living room. She repainted an
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old canvas with blue and burned-orange squares—Carlos’ favorite colors—and hung it on the wall above the television. She arranged burned-orange placemats on his dining room table, and found a series of peaceful blue paintings to hang above his bed, which she dressed with a navy blue mattress and white and blue throw pillows. She noticed that he had a large sketch notebook, and learned that he liked to draw. So she found a professional drafting table for him—a detail Carlos says transformed his bedroom into his “get out of this world” room. “She incorporated this huge drafting table into my room, and it still feels like there’s a ton of space to move around,” he says. “I don’t know how she did it.” Murley knows that her clients’ stories don’t all end happily. She knows that families sometimes leave NCCF programs before graduating from them, and she knows that houses or apartments she’s lovingly decorated are sometimes left in terrible condition. None of that deters her. At first, Connelly says, she and Murley bought groceries for all the homes they decorated. They eventually stopped. “In the beginning, we were trying to rescue every family,” Connelly says. “But we’re not social workers.” Although Murley no longer stocks clients’ refrigerators, she does bake brownies every time she’s decorating so the scent will fill the home when the family walks in. She tries to believe that making a house into a home is enough. “The people who come here, it’s not their choice to be homeless or be abused,” Murley says. “I don’t have the ability to make them a better life. I do have the ability to give them a home where they can feel safe and comfortable—at least a place to start.” n
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Amy Reinink is a frequent contributor to the magazine who also writes for Runner’s World and other outdoor publications. To comment on this story, email comments@bethesdamagazine.com. BethesdaMagazine.com | January/February 2015 143
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Have you ever TITLE GOES HERE wondered who owns a gun shop in montgomery county? THE DECK WILL GO HERE BYLINE and PHOTO CREDIT
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Andy Raymond displays some of the weapons he sells at Engage Armament in Rockville, one of four gun stores in Montgomery County.
meet andy raymond By Eugene L. Meyer Photos by Skip Brown
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meet andy raymond
Handguns for sale at Raymond’s store, where merchandise is priced at $500 and above.
caption here for this photo
Engage Armament is located on the first floor of this building on East Gude Drive in the industrial heart of Rockville.
The first thing you notice about Andy Raymond is his bulk. He is a solid 260 pounds, 6 feet 1 inch tall, with a dark beard and full head of black hair. His thick arms are heavily tattooed—there’s a depiction of the seven deadly sins on his left arm, a Bettie Page nudie and a fearsomelooking serpent on his right. Then, he extends his hand and says warmly, “What’s up, dude?” The 34-year-old owner of Engage Armament in Rockville defies stereotypes. He’s a pro-gun rights gun dealer who briefly became a liberal hero after announcing plans last April to sell a socalled “smart gun” with computer technology that allows it to be fired only by its owner. AWashington Post story about his sales plan went viral and led to a backlash, including death threats, and criticism
from the National Rifle Association and an MSNBC segment with Chris Hayes. To the NRA, selling the Germanmade Armatix iP1 smart gun was like letting the proverbial camel’s nose into the tent: A 2002 New Jersey law had decreed that once it was sold anywhere in the United States, the state’s dealers had three years to remove all other guns from their shelves and then could sell only the smart gun. Raymond thought the matter was moot because a California gun shop had already sold the weapon—only it hadn’t. His plan to sell the smart gun enraged New Jersey gun dealers and residents and led to a firestorm of protests on his store’s Facebook page. When Raymond backed down under pressure, anti-gun liberals called him a coward and worse. “One guy said, ‘You’re responsible for the death of our
children, of our teachers,’ ” says Raymond. “It’s like, what the fuck, man? People get angry, but you need to focus your anger at least at the guilty parties.” Taking aim at both sides, Raymond went ballistic. Most notable was a YouTube rant with him swigging whiskey and smoking a cigarette against a backdrop of racks of rifles. “I’ve been drinking, so my apologies in advance,” he began. “I received numerous death threats today. ...I thought we had a chance to reach people. I hope bygones can be bygones and we can go back to our regularly scheduled program.” Looking back now, he says: “I made a great mistake thinking people are reasonable.” He says a lot of people who used to frequent the store don’t come in anymore. “Fuck them,” he says. “If you believe in pro-life, you can’t say abortion
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Brutus is Raymond’s English bulldog and the shop pet.
During a recent hospital stay for pneumonia, a doctor asked Raymond how he makes his living. “I said, ‘I sell guns.’ Her attitude, the way she acted toward me, changed 180 degrees.” should be illegal unless my daughter gets pregnant. The whole thing makes me very, very angry.” Raymond no longer smokes. Instead, he chain drinks diet drinks from an ice chest behind the counter—his way to chill. He’s an intense and complicated man who went to a Quaker high school and loves history and writer Joseph Conrad. Like the author’s character Lord Jim, Raymond would like to be redeemed— somehow, someday.
Raymond got into the fire-
arms business about five years ago, when he and a former partner took over a lease from Bill Printz, who for years owned the oddly twin-themed store known as Guns and Trains on University Boulevard in Kensington. Raymond moved to his current location in Rockville about two years ago. It’s not as if Raymond’s lifelong dream was to become a gun dealer. Before Engage Armament, he owned a hauling business, which he hated. He liked guns,
so he decided to give it a try. But these are difficult times for Maryland gun dealers. A new, more restrictive state law went into effect on Oct. 1, 2013, banning the purchase of assault weapons and handguns with magazines containing more than 10 bullets. After the law passed, but before it took effect, sales soared. According to state police records, the highest number of monthly applications for handgun purchases in Maryland history occurred that September—32,927, compared with a total of
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Gunsmith Ryan Uhrich holds an automatic rifle at the store. Inset: Bullets for the rifle
38,712 for all of 2010. Raymond says his shop had 8,000 firearms transactions in 2013, compared with 2,000 in a more typical year. As of mid-November in 2014, he says he had 1,120. Under the new law, every purchaser must first obtain a Maryland Handgun Qualification License, which requires four hours of gun training, fingerprinting and a $50 application fee. On top of the increased Maryland paperwork, sellers and dealers must go through a pro-
cess with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Federal approval can take several months, leaving gun dealers with partially completed sales and inventory they can’t convey to the potential owners. Raymond complains that ATF compliance checks have become more rigorous and extensive. Last March, he says, two agents spent a month at his store. “They wrote us up for everything,” though there was no fine, he says. “It was just, ‘hey, you do this again, you’re out.’ ”
With so many hassles connected to the new Maryland law, why doesn’t Raymond just relocate to less-restrictive Virginia? “One, that admits defeat,” he says. “Two, the market there is very different. It’s pretty saturated. There are a lot of shops, and a lot have licenses and sell out of their homes.” In Maryland, it’s illegal to sell guns out of your home. According to the ATF, there were 892 federally licensed firearms dealers in the state in 2014, compared with 542 in 2010; in Montgomery County, there were 51, compared with 44 four years earlier. But those numbers likely include some individuals who maintain their federal licenses though they are no longer in business. A better measure: Maryland also requires a regulated dealer’s license, and as of this fall there were 302 statewide, including 19 in the county, according to Capt. Dalaine M. Brady, commander of the state police licensing division. In all of Montgomery County, there are four gun stores. In addition to Raymond’s Engage Armament, there are two Atlantic Guns stores, one in Silver Spring and one in Rockville, and United Gun Shop, which opened a year ago on Randolph Road in Rockville. Montgomery County is not West Virginia. The Potomac Hunt, which
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Nate Siegel talks with customers at Engage Armament.
Raymond says some of his “best customers” live in Bethesda. Often, they are people whose homes or cars have been broken into, he says, though he also sees high-end weapons collectors, people with lots of disposable income who don’t really shoot but like owning classic firearms. includes foxes being chased by dogs and oddly-clad men and women on horseback, is not really about hunting at all. Guns here (when they are not being used in the commission of a crime) are mostly about “sport shooting,” aiming at targets at the county’s one indoor range (Gilbert’s, in Rockville) or at one of three private ranges in the county owned and operated by local chapters of the Izaak Walton League, a national nonprofit that promotes conservation and outdoor recreation. Aside from managed hunts to
control the deer population, Raymond says hunting on public land in Montgomery County is illegal. “People joke [that] we’re behind enemy lines here,” says Cory Brown, owner of United Gun Shop. “I think there are a lot of closet gun people here, but it’s not like Texas, where everybody has a gun; it’s part of their culture.” He says he doesn’t run around advertising the fact that he owns a gun store, “but there are side conversations.” Steve Schneider, owner of Atlantic
Guns, discourages a reporter from interviewing customers at his big fall sale in October because he believes press about guns and gun owners here is overwhelmingly negative. “We tend to be a little gun-shy sometimes,” he says. Raymond has no such reticence. He says he’s not ashamed of what he does. And his very public response to his critics on the left and right last year showed that he’s not afraid to speak his mind. Anti-gun activists occasionally have put signs in front of his store that say
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things like “Merchant of Death.” But he’s never been picketed. “I wouldn’t tolerate it,” he says. “There would be a confrontation.” Over the last five years, Raymond has learned that being a gun shop owner in Montgomery County comes with baggage that he never anticipated. During a recent hospital stay for pneumonia, a doctor asked how he makes his living. “I said, ‘I sell guns.’ Her attitude, the way she acted toward me, changed 180 degrees.” Raymond still loves guns, loves how shooting them helps him relax and tune out distractions. But he has grown to hate the gun business: “I’m just tired of it, man.” He says the only reason he’s still in it is that he doesn’t know what else to do.
Engage Armament occupies 2,000 square feet on the first floor of a drab 40-year-old building on East Gude Drive in the industrial heart of Rockville. The store has display cases for handguns and wall racks for rifles. There are also a variety of pro-gun rights T-shirts for sale, along with ammunition and hunting knives. A “Don’t Tread on Me” flag hangs on one wall. On a recent weekday, Raymond is wading through a stack of silencers on the front counter. Customers can’t pick them up until all the government paperwork has cleared. “Yes, silencers are legal,” a wall poster declares. “Secretly taking out your neighbor’s dog so you can sleep? Not legal.” In back and off-limits to customers is a workbench where gunsmith Ryan Uhrich assembles and fits gun parts to rifles and pistols; the parts were designed at Engage Armament but made by outside manufacturers. There is also a “shoot tube,” into which guns are fired for testing, and a locked backroom vault for the secure storage of silencers and machine guns, as required under federal law. Raymond typically arrives at the store at 9 a.m., gets water and food for Brutus, his English bulldog and the shop pet, and opens for business at 10. Foot
To help attract female buyers, the store sells rifles with pink and purple stocks displaying the Hello Kitty logo.
traffic fluctuates—sometimes there are four to six customers in the store, other times none. The shop closes around 7 p.m., and then there’s paperwork to go through. Raymond’s workday ends at 8:30 or 9 p.m. Shortly after noon, Keanu Sy, 29, of Potomac, a waiter at an Asian fusion restaurant in the Kentlands, pops in to purchase an Engage Armament T-shirt, which features a handgun imposed over a map of Maryland. He also wants to talk to Raymond about parts for his M1 rifle, which he shoots at the Izaak Walton range in Poolesville every weekend. Mike Clark, 60, who retired from the Metropolitan Police Department in the District 16 years ago on disability, also comes in. He lives in the neighborhood and says he drops by often to hang out. An occasional buying customer, Clark shoots at the Izaak Walton League range in Damascus.
Raymond describes his typical clientele as male, ages 24 to 35, military or former military. “Most customers are middle- or upper-income,” he says. “Nothing here sells for under $500.” He estimates that 90 percent of his buyers live in Montgomery County. Some of his “best customers” live in Bethesda. Often, they are people whose homes or cars have been broken into, he says, though he also sees high-end weapons collectors, people with lots of disposable income who don’t really shoot but like owning classic firearms. He has older clients, too, who buy guns (“the great equalizer” in Raymond’s view) strictly for defense. Reaching out to women, the store displays two “Hello Kitty” rifles with pink and purple stocks. But they’re mostly for show—only one has sold in a year. “I keep them up there because it looks cool,” Raymond says. “A gun is much more
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than a machine. It can be very artistic and a thing of beauty.” He sold one rifle with the words of the Constitution and Second Amendment custom-painted on it for $6,000 at auction. The proceeds went to support the unsuccessful fight against Maryland’s gun control law. On another weekday, a Russian immigrant named Alex comes in to help Raymond negotiate with an official from the Georgian Interior Ministry over a prospective sale of weapons, part of Engage Armament’s export business. The negotiations are not going well. Alex conducts an international call in Russian, but nothing is resolved. “We had a contract that went to shit this morning,” Raymond sums up. Raymond entered the export trade almost serendipitously, he says, when people who worked at embassies came in to buy weapons. He started getting invited to embassy events—he enjoyed the food and music and learning about their cultures. Relationships developed,
and that led to a profitable trade. Import-export now accounts for “the biggest part of our business,” he says. He has three overseas clients, including an Asian country he would prefer not to name. At one point, he also was negotiating with an official from a country in the Middle East. Things were going well until they shook hands and the official saw his tattoos. “What’s that?” he asked. Raymond got tattooed in his 20s, and now wishes he hadn’t. He’s had two removed from his chest (“gun stuff ”) but says he can’t remove the rest because they are inked in black and would leave a shadow. “When you’re young,” he says, “you’re not thinking of this stuff.”
Raymond was born in 1980 at Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring, around the corner from where he now lives in a two-bedroom condo with his uncle and dog. His parents divorced when
he was young, and Raymond was raised largely by his mother in Silver Spring’s Woodmoor neighborhood. He attended St. Bernadette School on University Boulevard through eighth grade, and then Sandy Springs Friends, a Quaker school, where he says his mother sent him to turn him into a “feminized man.” Raymond says that as an adult, he’s come to appreciate the Quaker philosophy. “I disagree with certain principles— like nonviolence,” he says. “Sometimes, in the end, you’ve got to fight. Turning the other cheek will get you only so far. But they are good people.” He was a mediocre student, he acknowledges. “When you’re young, you’re more interested in girls and all the drama and social aspect of high school. I didn’t apply myself,” he says. Raymond’s parents met at the District’s police training academy. His mother, Susan Calder, retired from the Montgomery County Police
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Department, his father, Thomas Raymond, from the Metropolitan Police Department in the District. His father bought Raymond a lifetime membership in the National Rifle Association when he was born, and his mother, whose political views were and are far to the left of Raymond’s, rescinded it. When Raymond was growing up, his father, who died in 2006, would take him shooting—not hunting—twice a year to a friend’s place in West Virginia. “My dad would sit there, drink beer, throw the can in the air and shoot it,” he recalls. He says those weekends, which started when he was 8 or 9, were mainly about spending time with his father. As Raymond got older, his father let him walk around the woods behind the firing range with a .22-caliber rifle. “It was a lot of fun, though in retrospect it was pretty dangerous,” he says. Calder describes her son as a complex person. She says he got his “great intel-
lect and love of history” from his father. In college at the University of Maryland, Raymond was exposed to Joseph Conrad, the late 19th- and early 20th-century author, and read Conrad’s Heart of Darkness and Lord Jim. His mother thinks he could have done more with his intelligence—she had hoped he would become a prosecuting attorney. “That opportunity is long since gone,” he says. “When I was in college, I partied a little too hard. These things follow you, so there is certain stuff I just can’t do.” Raymond switched majors several times and dropped out after three years. “Some of the smartest kids I know got degrees in philosophy,” he says. “I value it because it builds intelligence. You can be a criminal justice major, regurgitate stuff, but it doesn’t make you smart. What makes you smart is the ability to interpret, to be critical of things.” Today, Raymond spends two or three
hours a day reading history entries on Wikipedia. Recent favorite books include Dirty Wars: The World Is a Battlefield, an investigative look at covert U.S. wars, and The Gun, a book about the AK-47 rifle developed by the Soviet Union. Raymond says if he were a millionaire, he would take interesting classes all day. “That would be a great way to live,” he says.
Raymond still doesn’t hunt. He
shoots only at targets, and, due to his workload, only a couple of times a year. But he does collect guns. He owns so many—he won’t give an exact number— that he says he’d need a house to keep them all in one place. So he stores most of them at his shop. Shooting for him is a Zen experience. “It is meditative,” he says. “Everything else fades away when you’re focusing simply on your bearings, site alignment, target.” He likens shooting to riding motorcy-
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cles, something he used to do. “I’d get on my bike at 2 in the morning, drive out to Potomac. Everything else you forget about,” he says. “That’s what guns do. It’s one of the reasons I enjoy it.” But Raymond is not naive; he’s seen the darker side of guns many times. When it turns out that a gun used in a crime came from his store, Raymond says he stresses out about it and hopes that all the paperwork was done correctly. One sale was linked to a murder-suicide. A woman purchased a Ruger handgun from him. A year later, she used it to kill her son and herself. “We had one where a guy wouldn’t give his phone number because he said, ‘My wife will flip out,’ ” Raymond says. A lot of Raymond’s customers tell him their wives would get upset if they knew their husband was buying a gun, so he didn’t give it much thought. The man asked Raymond to call him a cab, but Raymond offered to drive him home. “We talked about his whole life, the Air Force, double-dipping, grandkids. He’d been married 50 years. I felt totally comfortable with him. He said all the right things.” The man ended up using the gun to commit suicide. “I’m not cruel or anything,” Raymond says. “I don’t want people to do that. I’m here to talk. I’d do whatever I can, contact whomever I could to help them. First and foremost, I’m a person.” One of his first transactions was the sale of a small Smith & Wesson revolver to a woman in her 70s who lived in Leisure World. She wanted a gun, she told him, because she thought the neighborhood was changing. “I chalked it up to an old person seeing a Mexican gardener and thinking the whole world was going to hell,” he says. “She went home and shot herself,” Raymond says. “That’s something I haven’t forgotten.” n Eugene L. Meyer is a contributing editor for Bethesda Magazine. To comment on this story, email comments@bethesda magazine.com.
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O
UR TURN After years of shuttling kids to practice and freezing in the stands, these hockey moms were ready to get out on the ice. By Julie Rasicot | photos by Michael Ventura
Fox News Channel reporter Ed Henry at the District’s American City Diner near his Chevy Chase home
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Potomac’s Laurie Jacobs gets help with putting on elbow pads from her daughter, Allison, at the Rockville Ice Arena.
photos by skip brown
Donna Sprague, center, on the bench with fellow hockey mom Noreen Westfall.
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our turn
Joyce Kammerman never considered herself an athlete. Growing up, she was the academic type who was chosen last—or not at all—when kids were picking sports teams at school. “I was so bad at sports that they would have me keep score,” Kammerman, 48, says of those long-ago classmates. “I was the world’s best spectator.” Imagine the surprise of those classmates if they had happened by the Rockville Ice Arena on a Sunday evening last summer—and caught sight of the petite brunette decked out in full hockey gear and chasing a puck. Finding Kammerman sitting in the stands would have been much more likely. For years, the Rockville mom has watched her youngest son, Jonah, 8, or her husband, Larry Boles, charging around the rink, joining the ranks of spectator moms resigned to spending hours bundled up against the chilly air. All that began to change two years ago after Kammerman’s eldest son, Jaimin, underwent surgery for a brain tumor, followed by months of radiation, chemotherapy and a trial drug. As she comforted her son, now 14 and in stable condition, through his ordeal, Kammerman couldn’t help thinking: Jaimin was so courageous, why was she always so scared to try something new? “Given everything he had been through,” she says, “I realized there was nothing to be afraid of.” So she began running and competing in local road races—and when the Montgomery Youth Hockey Association announced last spring that it was offering a program called Hockey for Hockey Moms, she signed up. The idea of getting hockey moms onto the ice had been percolating for years, says hockey coach Steve Sprague, who helped organize and run the summer program. Though area rinks offer beginner training programs for men and women, none had targeted the moms who dedicate so many hours to driving their kids to practice and sitting in the stands. It was time, Sprague says, “to get
Jacobs shares a laugh with another hockey mom as the two dress for a training session.
the moms some satisfaction.” Organizers charged $100 for a 13-week training program—a bargain rate—and further sweetened the deal by scoring the perfect ice time, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday nights. Still, Hilary Murphy, one of the coaches and a former college player, says they were surprised when the idea caught on “sort of like wildfire.” Organizers, who had hoped at least 20 women would sign up, scrambled to close enrollment when the number climbed to 41. The hockey moms, they discovered, wanted in on the action.
Just before 6 p.m. on a Sunday in
mid-August, Kammerman and a dozen or so other women head into one of the locker rooms at the arena. Sitting on a bench, Kammerman slips off a pair of black sandals that are sporting colorful fake jewels. She straps on shin guards, followed by heavy striped socks hiked up to mid-thigh. Then come bulky pants, pulled up over the socks and tied at the waist like a corset. Tory, 9,
helps her mother adjust a chest protector with heavy padding before her mom straps protective pads onto her elbows and tugs an oversize jersey over her head and down to her waist. Next come skates with bright purple laces. Around her, Kammerman’s fellow hockey players are slipping gear over summer shorts and tees, necklaces and earrings. “You’ll notice there are some pretty nice pedicures and manicures covered up,” Kammerman says. It is Week 11 of the hockey program, and the women fall into a comfortable rhythm, helping each other adjust straps as they chat about a weekend that has flown by too quickly. Tired though they are from running errands and chauffeuring kids, the moms are eager to get back on the ice. Everyone has their own motivations for coming out on a Sunday night—from the need to carve out some “me” time to a desire to discover why their family members so love to play hockey. “I have been devoting my life to my
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Joyce Kammerman applies lipstick after the end of a training session while daughter Tory Boles watches.
Leora Greene pushes the puck past Cat Torres.
Ruth Grove knocks Lisa MilofskyPinard onto the ice as the two battle for the puck in front of goalie Michelle Robinson.
kids for four years,” says Lisa MilofskyPinard, 48, of Bethesda. “It’s something they do, but I like to skate, so why not do something for me? It’s something I look forward to. This is my block of time.” Jody Miller has spent countless hours watching her 14-year-old triplets— Ethan, Cameron and Shane—play hockey for Winston Churchill High School. Approaching 50, the Potomac mom wanted to “try something new, a little outside of the box.” If nothing else, she figured, learning to play would give her something to talk about with her teenage sons: “How else am I going to relate to them?” Another mom, Erika Dickstein of Bethesda, says she was looking for a way to reignite a thirst for adventure that had been all but extinguished after her kids were born when she was in her 30s. Now
Hockey coach Steve Sprague offers advice to his wife, Donna.
45, she became a hockey mom when her older daughter, Lily, began playing four years ago with the youth hockey association. Her younger daughter soon followed, and Dickstein has been helping to manage the team. Growing tired of sitting in the stands, Dickstein had checked out training programs early last year, even briefly researching adult camps before dropping the idea. Then she learned about the hockey association’s program and decided it was time to try something new. “I don’t do much new in my life, and it’s certainly something I’m not confident at,” says Dickstein, who has blogged about her experience, dubbed “Project Old Dog, New Tricks” on her website, www.erikadickstein.com. As they finish dressing, Dickstein
and the other women pull helmets over curls, bobs and ponytails, shuffle across the hallway to the rink, and step confidently onto the ice.
That first practice three months earlier? Not so much. The women showed up that day hauling gear that reflected the old wedding adage: something borrowed, something blue, something old, something new. Nearly everyone had raided their children’s or husband’s equipment bags, and some had purchased new skates and helmets. Kammerman says her uniform came together through gifts for her birthday and wedding anniversary. The family of another player, Laurie Jacobs of Potomac, gave her gear for Mother’s Day. Struggling to put on the equipment
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our turn
The women pose with their coaches for a team photo at the end of the summer training program.
that first time, several mothers swore they would never again admonish their children for taking so long in the locker room—or for forgetting a piece of equipment at home. Nearly all of the women were beginners, though a few had played hockey or were good at figure skating. About a dozen had never stepped onto the ice. Kammerman had skated before, but didn’t enjoy it. Donning all that protective gear helped her feel braver. “The first time I fell down, it didn’t hurt,” she says. Dickstein says she stepped tentatively onto the ice that first time with one thought in her head: “What the hell was I thinking?” Later, she’d write in her blog: “Getting the equipment on felt like work enough for the day. But it wasn’t! They actually expected us to skate as well!” Coaches targeted the basics in the first few sessions: teaching how to move in hockey skates, how to stop, how to avoid each other, and how to not bounce off the sides of the rink. Part of each session focused on skill development, and then the players divided into two teams for a scrimmage to finish out the night. Boles, a veteran kids hockey coach and Kammerman’s husband, winced a bit when recalling those early sessions. “You couldn’t really call it hockey,” he says good-naturedly. “It was kind of scary.”
Still, the experience was rewarding when compared to coaching kids, he says. “The women listen to everything you say when you give a demonstration, and then they do it.” And the moms themselves soon realized that watching from the stands didn’t actually teach them the finer points of the game being played on the ice. “The coaches [were] awesome in explaining positions,” says Julia Kennedy, 50, of Silver Spring. “I’ve been watching hockey for so long, I thought I knew what my son was supposed to be doing.”
The women stride down the ice—confident skaters quickly outpacing those who are more tentative—and skid to a stop. Jacobs wobbles a bit as she plants her skates, throws a hand into the air in triumph and exclaims, “Wahoo!” The players move through several drills, with pairs fighting for pucks before taking shots on goal. Occasionally, one of the moms loses her balance and ends up splayed on the ice. The rest of the women immediately stop skating and tap their sticks on the ice in solidarity until the player gets back on her feet.
Struggling to put on the equipment, several mothers swore they would never again admonish their children for taking so long in the locker room. As the weeks passed, the coaches began to see progress. And on that Sunday night in August, they agree that the hockey moms are well on their way to being hockey players. The women gather around Sprague as he explains a practice drill: “I want you to power skate, I want you to stride. I want you to get down low.”
Sprague, whose wife, Donna, is among the hockey moms, often breaks into a wide smile as he coaches the women. He is pleasantly taken aback when they apologize after bumping into one another, knowing that men react quite differently. “That cracks me up,” he says. The players begin to scrimmage, each team fighting for the puck and racing
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down the ice. Sprague and Murphy stop play often so they can talk to the women about their positions and explain where they are supposed to be. Then the players are back at it; an occasional bump into another player or complete miss on a pass eliciting smiles and laughter. “I was telling my wife, ‘You could never do this with the dads because the competitiveness would get to be too much,’ ” says Ken Pilpel of Germantown, who was monitoring the game clock while watching the women, including his children’s nanny, Michelle Robinson, 28. When the scrimmage ends, the women shuffle back to the locker room to strip off their gear, comb their hair and touch up their lipstick. Then they head to their cars to pull out bags of chips and small coolers of cold wine and Flying Dog beer. Just as their husbands often do after playing, the women gather around the open back of an SUV and set up their coolers. It’s time to party in the parking lot.
Two weeks later, 29 women arrive
for the final session, which is to be an actual hockey game complete with a referee—Jacobs’ 15-year-old son, Zach— substitutions and penalties. The players are looking forward to testing their new skills, knowing that their time on the ice is coming to an end. There are no firm plans to hold another program, so that means the hockey moms will be headed back to the stands. The women change into game jerseys colored either gray or powdery blue— which most moms found prettier than the dull gray—and head onto the ice. With family and friends cheering them on from the stands, the players rotate on and off the ice every minute or so. The more confident skaters zip around their opponents, charging toward the goal; others fall and quickly get back up. One player is sent to the penalty box for hooking, or using her stick to restrain another player.
Hockey mom Jennifer Martella, 46, of Rockville, stands outside the rink, her arm in a cast. Injured in a bicycle accident while on vacation in Maine, she has to sit out the final session. “I came out as a very reluctant hockey mom,” says Martella, whose sons, ages 14 and 10, play hockey. “I’m always there with my Starbucks, freezing in the stands, waiting for the game to be over.” Now, after a summer on the ice, she has a new perspective on the game that her sons love. Like the other players, Martella knows she will return to the stands as more than just a hockey mom trying to make it through to the final buzzer. “I have completely changed my view about hockey. I love being out there,” she says. “I totally get hockey.” n Julie Rasicot is a senior editor at Bethesda Magazine. To comment on this story, email comments@bethesdamagazine.com.
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Weddings of the Year |
Matt Suissa and Bryan Catalano
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Summer Sizzle Gorgeous summer weather and the presence of family and friends combined for the perfect celebration at the beach when Matt Suissa and Bryan Catalano took their vows last summer in Bethany Beach, Del.
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Bryan Catalano (left) and Matt Suissa on their wedding day.
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The couple: Matt, 35, was born and raised in Potomac and runs a finance business in North Bethesda. Bryan, 27, a Pennsylvania native who later lived in Monkton, Md., expects to graduate in May with a law degree and a master’s in business administration from the University of Maryland. The couple live in North Bethesda. The wedding: July 19, 2014, at a family beach house in Bethany Beach, followed by a reception at Salt Air restaurant in Rehoboth Beach. How they met: On Match.com. First date: Matt and Bryan met for the first time on Oct. 27, 2009, for dinner and drinks at the Owl Bar in The Belvedere hotel in Baltimore. “We talked until closing time and that was that,” Bryan says. The proposal: Matt surprised Bryan with a weekend trip to The Inn at Little Washington in Washington, Va., under the guise of a celebration for Bryan’s 26th birthday. Before dinner the first night, Matt ordered Bryan’s favorite champagne and a platter of cheeses to be delivered to the room. When Bryan came out of the dressing room, Matt was waiting on one knee with a ring and popped the question. Bryan says Matt was preparing to put on his own ring when Bryan got right down on one knee and asked him back.
Matt Suissa and Bryan Catalano
Wedding theme: Summer celebration at the beach Number of guests: 48 What made the event so special: “It was an incredible weekend full of amazing people, amazing food and a lot of love. We are so lucky to have had our wedding in such an intimate place, and it made for a spectacular backdrop,” Bryan says. “From the rehearsal to the wedding, and the reception at Salt Air in Rehoboth, it was truly representative of our favorite place on Earth...our beach!” Favorite moment: A toast by Matt’s stepfather, Robert Plotkin, was an emotional highlight, reducing many guests to tears. Something to laugh about: Matt and Bryan were too busy socializing to eat at their rehearsal dinner. After the event, the couple found themselves sitting on the floor of the storage room in the beach house, eating leftover crab claws and beef filet out of the refrigerator. Apparel: Bryan wore a suit designed by John Varvatos and Matt wore a Hugo Boss suit. Photographer: Tiffany Caldwell The honeymoon: The couple were planning to spend a week in the Swiss Alps in December.
THE DETAILS: Flowers provided by Peggy Smalley; catering, by Nage Catering; rentals, by Dover Rent-All; and transportation, by Jolly Trolley Rehoboth Beach.
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Weddings of the Year |
Claire Mathy and Michael O’Donnell
French Connection From an underwater marriage proposal in Australia to a ceremony at a French chateau that featured Irish traditions, the wedding of Claire Mathy and Michael O’Donnell was an international affair to remember.
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Claire Mathy and Michael O’Donnell
The couple: Claire Mathy, whose mother, Maire McArdle, is the Bethesda Magazine design director, moved from Florida to Gaithersburg in eighth grade and attended Ridgeview Middle School. She graduated from Quince Orchard High School and Georgetown University. Michael O’Donnell grew up in Dublin. The couple lives in Nice, France. The wedding: Sept. 6, 2013, at Château de Bourron in Bourron-Marlotte, France How they met: The couple met while chatting with mutual friends in a British bar in Paris. First date: Claire and Michael spent a rainy Sunday sightseeing in Paris. The proposal: Michael proposed while the couple was scuba diving in Australia during a trip to attend a friend’s wedding. Claire was performing exercises required to receive her dive certification when Michael handed her an underwater writing slate bearing the words “Will U Marry Me?” Claire nodded “yes,” and the couple hugged and briefly removed their air regulators to kiss. Then Michael took the ring out of his pocket, which he had tied to a string attached to a loop on his swim trunks. “But the ring actually came off the string and started to fall. Luckily, we caught it pretty quickly,” Claire says. “Later, Michael said he almost had a heart attack.” Wedding theme: French château-andfloral theme with shades of purple and gold Number of guests: 75 What made the event so special: “We’re an American-Irish couple living in France. Our wedding was an encounter of many different cultures, which enriched our special day,” Claire says. “We had a traditional Irish ribbon-tying ceremony with Irish music, contrasting with the French setting, food and wine.” Favorite moment: The couple chose a pyramid of macarons, a French tradition, instead of a wedding cake. Their favorite moment occurred when the pyramid was presented to them lit with sparklers. Instead of serving each other the traditional bite of cake, Michael and Claire popped a macaron into each other’s mouth. Favorite details: Claire says the floral bouquets were a highlight. “I was in the middle of getting dressed and doing makeup when my florist arrived with the bouquets for me and my bridesmaids. Her compositions far exceeded
my expectations, and I was blown away by their beauty,” she says. “It was a moment of pleasure amid the stress of getting ready.” Tips for cutting costs: Use the skills of friends and family. “My mother designed our wedding invitations, menu and table cards. My brother-in-law made our dinner music mix. A friend of my husband’s played the fiddle for our ceremony. And my husband’s aunt was our ceremony officiant,” Claire says. Something to laugh about: “We had our wedding ceremony outdoors and had arranged for our DJ to provide a microphone and speakers,” Claire says. “On the big day, our DJ was late. As the ceremony began and our fiddler started playing the processional music, up came running our DJ with his arms full of
equipment. Michael had to wave him away. It took a good few waves before he got the hint.” Gown: “Galilée” by Cymbeline, a lacy, vintage-style dress Photographer: Yolanda Villagran The honeymoon: A two-week trip to the French and Italian Rivieras THE DETAILS: Flowers were by Mélanie Miguel; invitations and programs, by Maire McArdle; hair and makeup, by Place 26 Hair Salon in Fontainebleau; catering, by Abeille Royale; music, by Gypsy Cooker and DJ Toma Changeur; transportation, by Transports des Sablons.
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Weddings of the Year |
Nicole Marriott and Maxwell Avery
Spring Fling The wedding of Nicole Marriott and Maxwell Avery glowed with the bright promise of spring—with yellow-and-white accents lighting up everything from the flowers to the reception linens to the pale-yellow vintage Jaguar that the couple rode away in at the end of the evening.
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Nicole Marriott and Maxwell Avery
the couple: Nicole Marriott, 26, whose family founded Marriott International in Bethesda, grew up in Potomac and is an account manager with mcgarrybowen, an advertising agency in London, where the couple lives. Maxwell Avery, 27, grew up in Vail, Colo., and is sales manager for the JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel in London. The wedding: April 27, 2013, at the Washington National Cathedral; reception at the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. How they met: The couple met in an English class in August 2006 on the first day of their freshman year at Southern Methodist University in Texas. First date: The couple met at Paolo’s Ristorante in Georgetown for a glass of wine and ended up staying and talking for hours. The proposal: Getting engaged in May 2012 was “quiet, personal and intimate. Nothing elaborate or planned,” Nicole says. It was “just a moment together sitting on a bench in a sculpture garden next to a pond” in a park in New Orleans. Wedding theme: Spring colors of yellow and white and touches of gray Number of guests: 375 Gown: A short dress by Liancarlo with a full skirt by Monique Lhuillier worn around the waist Photography: Adam Barnes VIDEOGRAPHER: Vinyl Weddings/ Institution One The honeymoon: Viceroy Sugar Beach Resort in St. Lucia What made the day so special: The couple held their ceremony at the Washington National Cathedral where Nicole’s family has close ties. Her grandfather, J.W. Marriott Jr., presided over the ceremony as he has done for all of his children and grandchildren. Nicole and Maxwell also chose a cocktail hour-style reception with food stations rather than a formal dinner so that guests could dance the night away.
Favorite moment: One of Nicole’s favorite moments occurred when she saw her future mother-in-law before the wedding ceremony. “She immediately teared up at seeing me, and I showed her my ‘something blue’ and ‘something old’ on my bouquet—her Grandma Nellie’s handkerchief that she gave to me for my birthday just days before our wedding,” Nicole says. Favorite details: Departing the reception in a 1974 yellow E-Type Jaguar belonging to Nicole’s dad while the wedding band played “When the Saints Go Marching In” was memorable, the couple says. “We were engaged in New Orleans, so this was an homage to the beginning of our married lives,” Nicole says. “It was a fun way to signify the end of the night.” something to laugh about later: Watching guests on the dance floor was a highlight, the couple says. “There were some funny dance moves that might have produced some torn trousers,” Nicole says. The Honeymoon: A week in Bali and two days in Shanghai. At the Bulgari Hotel in Bali, “there were monkeys all over,” Nicole says, and the couple had an “exciting adventure when a monkey ended up in our hotel bedroom shortly after we woke up our first morning.”
THE DETAILS: Hair and makeup were by Carl Ray Makeup/ Ismail Tekin of George’s Salon Four Seasons in Washington, D.C.; catering, by Occasions Caterers; cake, by Maggie Austin Cake; planning, by SOCO Events; flowers, by Amaryllis Event Design; invitations and programs, by Creative Parties and SimpleSong Design; rentals, by Nuage Linens/Amaryllis Furniture; music, by Andy Kushner Entertainment; and transportation, by Linder and Associates.
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Weddings of the Year |
Sophia Stuart and Nuvan Seneviratne
ď&#x201A;&#x161;ď&#x201A;&#x203A; East Meets West The wedding of Sophia Stuart and Nuvan Seneviratne was an international affair, drawing on traditions from the East and the West, and including guests who traveled from as far away as Sri Lanka and Australia.
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THE COUPLE: Sophia, 28, a marketing manager, grew up in Rockville; and Nuvan, 29, a managing partner of a technology company, grew up in Gaithersburg. The couple lives in North Bethesda. THE WEDDING: Sept. 7, 2013, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, followed by a reception at Glenview Mansion, both in Rockville HOW THEY MET: Sophia and Stuart met while they were students at the University of Maryland. Sparks started to fly during a 2007 spring break trip with friends to Acapulco, and the couple officially started dating that summer while sharing a house with friends. FIRST DATE: The couple’s first date was dinner at Chef’s Secret, a Thai restaurant in College Park. “Years later we found out that it was the same place where my parents had their first date as well,” Sophia says. THE PROPOSAL: Nuvan and Sophia traveled to Costa Rica in May 2012. While on an ATV tour, the couple stopped to take pictures at the top of a mountain overlooking the ocean, and Nuvan proposed. “We were covered in dirt and mud,” Sophia says. WEDDING THEME: Traditional elegance NUMBER OF GUESTS: 240 WHAT MADE THE EVENT SO SPECIAL: The couple’s wedding was multicultural and included a traditional Catholic church ceremony reflecting Sophia’s upbringing and the Sri Lankan and Buddhist traditions of the lighting of candles, reflecting Nuvan’s heritage. It was the first time that many friends and family—
Sophia Stuart and Nuvan Seneviratne
who had traveled from Sri Lanka, Australia, London and Canada—had been to a multicultural wedding. Guests were given individual cakes from Sri Lanka to take home. FAVORITE MOMENT: “Our first look was our favorite part of the day,” Sophia says. “It was about two hours before the ceremony and we met in the gardens at Glenview. We were so excited to see each other and I’ll never forget the look on his face when he saw me. It was really sweet and romantic to spend time alone before the craziness of the day began.” TIPS ON CUTTING COSTS: Having a longer engagement (16 months) allowed the couple to shop around and choose vendors within their budget. “It gave us time to do research on vendors that were high quality, but still affordable and available,” Sophia says. SOMETHING TO LAUGH ABOUT: The first venue that the couple had booked—and fully paid for—went bankrupt, leaving them scrambling for a venue that would accept the caterer they had booked. All was saved when they learned of Glenview Mansion, which is owned by the City of Rockville and doesn’t restrict vendors. GOWN: Sophia wore a lace-and-beaded fitted ivory gown with a V-neck designed by Demetrios. PHOTOGRAPHER: Megan Beth Photography VIDEOGRAPHER: Jon Key Videography THE HONEYMOON: A two-week trip to the Greek islands of Santorini and Mykonos
THE DETAILS: Flowers were provided by To the 9’s; catering, by Catering by Uptown; wedding planning, by Colleen O’Neil of O’Neil Events; invitations and programs, by Tara Franklin of Organized Bride; hair and makeup, by Cara Gibson Makeup and Jessica Wilson of Alchemy Salon; rentals, by A Grand Event; music, by Black Tie; and transportation, by Martin’s Sedan.
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Wedding Resource guide
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Creative Parties is the place for those seeking flawless events. Planners coordinate every detail to fashion an event in the couple’s vision. Experienced staff create custom invitations, programs, menus and other accessories. Ecofriendly products and in-house calligraphy are among the offerings. You can DIY, or Creative Parties will make it happen.
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CORCORAN CATERERS You and your partner are unique; everything about your special day including the menu, venue, decor, should reflect your personalities. With 30 years of experience as a full service caterer, we pay attention to every detail to create memories that last a lifetime. 301-588-9200 / info@corcorancaterers.com www.corcorancaterers.com
A DAY LIKE NO OTHER. You enter the ballroom, the music starts, you effortlessly glide across the floor. Family and friends watch in awe at your grace and style. Your first dance, a memory to cherish forever. With over 20 years of experience and 400 wedding couples, its that perfect. 8227 Woodmont Ave, Suite 2A Bethesda, MD 20814 301-951-3660 / info@dancebethesda.com www.dancebethesda.com
Finishing touches events Since 1978, Finishing Touches Events offers the best experience in social event planning. Personally detailed ideas become a reality with correct logistics, sound advice, budget planning, and inspiration with great music, décor and food…..it’s what a client can expect. We do invitations, escort cards and more… even custom chocolates. 7101 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 100 Bethesda, Maryland 20814 301-718-6465 / www.finishingtouchesevents mbindeman@finishingtouchesevents.com
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Special Advertising Section guardos Planning your wedding event can be challenging, so let us help you by providing delicious and satisfying Spanish and Latin American cuisine, tailored for your needs. We can meet to do a complimentary tasting. We will have our annual Wedding Open House on February 22 from 12-3pm 4918 Del Ray Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814 (301-986-4920 / www.Guardados.Com
HILTON GARDEN INN The Hilton Garden Inn knows how important your big day is and we can help. From room blocks for your guests to on-site Bridal Showers, Rehearsal Dinner, Wedding Breakfast, Brunches and small receptions. Spacious guest rooms with microwave and refrigerators, indoor pool. On site restaurant with bar/lounge. 7301 Waverly Street, Bethesda, MD 20814 301-654-8111 / www.bethesda.hgi.com
Hyatt Regency Bethesda Located in the heart of downtown Bethesda, Hyatt Regency Bethesda near Washington, DC is the ideal venue for weddings and social gatherings. Our contemporary hotel offers comfortable guestrooms with deluxe amenities, and specialty dining options. Sitting atop the Metro, the hotel is convenient to the Nation’s Capital. One Bethesda Metro Center Bethesda, MD 20814 301-657-6420 / www.bethesda.hyatt.com
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Let Strathmore set the stage for your special event. With three incredibly unique spaces, we can help you host memorable events of all kinds—large and small.
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Special Advertising Section ira ludwick salon We have an excellent environment to host your wedding party. The Ira Ludwick Salon offers trial styling and makeup services to ensure you look your very best and the day runs smoothly. Consultations are strongly suggested and always complimentary. We promise to create the most beautiful you for your big day. 10400 Old Georgetown Road Bethesda, MD 20814 301-530-3250 / www.iraludwicksalon.com
La Ferme Start your life together in the French Country charm of this Chevy Chase landmark. An intimate affair for just a few friends or something more ambitious, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll handle all the details â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from decorations to a personalized menu. 7101 Brookville Road Chevy Chase, MD 20815 301-986-5255 www.LaFermeRestaurant.com
LESLIE-MANNING EVENTS Leslie-Manning Events subscribes to the philosophy that with savvy planning and creativity, weddings can be uncomplicated, yet undeniably elegant. Since 2005, they have worked with brides and grooms of diverse nationalities, helping them design modern weddings while staying true to their unique culture and traditions. 202-337-0496 / leslie@lesliemanningevents.com www.lesliemanningevents.com
Where Traditions Meet Modern Expectations! Wedding Receptions & Ceremonies, Rehearsal Dinners & Bridal Showers! Flexible Banquet Menus Country French Atmosphere Ample Complimentary Parking 301.983.8838 Popovers.com
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Special Advertising Section Michael Bennett Kress Photography Michael Bennett Kress Photography has made a commitment to deliver extraordinary photographic coverage and outstanding customer service. Michael is known for intuitively capturing life-cycle events by anticipating precious moments lost to others. Creating images that endure forever is the gift he gives his clients as a keepsake for generations to come.
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NEW Wave Salon & Spa New Wave Salon and Spa features a highly experienced team of stylists that are passionate about their work. New Wave Salon and Spa offers full services for special occasions. Our mission is to make you feel and look good for your special day. 1776 East Jefferson Street #110 Rockville, MD 301-231-4844 www.newwavesalonspa.com
The spacious interior and beautiful view of Rockville Town Square, excellent acoustics and Weddings lighting make for a noteworthy event site.
NEWSEUM Whether you dream of an intimate gathering, an outdoor affair or a lavish bash, the Newseum offers stunning views of the U.S. Capitol, meticulous service, and everything you need to make your wedding the “top story” of a lifetime. For more details, contact the Newseum Events Department at 202292-6254.
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Are you looking for a Spanish or Latin cuisine theme for your wedding? We can help you!
GUARDADO’S RESTAURANT & CATERING 4918 Del Ray Avenue • Bethesda, MD 20814 www.guardados.com • 301.986.4920
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Special Advertising Section normandie farm restaurant We offer you years of experience and dedication for your special occasion. We have private rooms to comfortably accommodate your guests for Wedding Receptions and Ceremonies, Rehearsal Dinners and Bridal Showers! We offer affordable packages. No site charges and plenty of free parking.
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Whether your wedding reception is small and intimate or a formal affair, Ridgewells Catering will transform your dreams into a memorable occasion. From traditional elegance to sleek and contemporary we craft menus and design receptions that are truly unique and reflect your individuality. Serving Washington, DC, Virginia and Maryland. 5525 Dorsey Lane, Bethesda, MD 301-652-1515 / www.ridgewells.com
SAVE THE DATE Weddings are a special, but stressful time. Save the Date is here to help! Planning Award Winning Events for over 20 years; still offering affordable planning options including day-of coordination and discounts on invitations, favors, décor and so much more. Call us to “be a guest at your wedding!” 5524 Wilkins Court, Rockville, MD 20852 301-983-6222 / parties@SaveTheDateMD.com www.SaveTheDateMD.com
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Weddings of the Year Check out our website each month for additional featured Weddings of the Year at www.BethesdaMagazine.com.
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Special Advertising Section STRATHMORE
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Three incredible spaces, each with a unique aesthetic to suit your personal style. Envision your event in the intimate Georgian Mansion; the light-filled, contemporary Music Center; or in the modern AMP by Strathmore in the new Pike & Rose development. Custom catering by world-class chefs is available onsite at all three venues.
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TRIO CALIENTE Trio Caliente brings the romantic grace and elegant warmth of Spanish guitar to your wedding. Whether classical or flamenco, traditional Latin dance or gypsy rumba, Brazilian bossa nova or salsa, Trio Caliente will create the perfect ambiance for your event—from ceremony to cocktail hour to late-night dance party.
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WASHINGTON TALENT Bundle our wedding services to save big for the big day! Since 1967, Washington Talent has worked with countless brides in making their special day perfect. It started with DJs & Bands and has grown to include award winning photographers and the largest selection of Photo booths in the DMV. Contact any of our helpful Event Consultants today! 301-762-1800 Weddings@washingtontalent.com
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Martha K. Bindeman, CSEP • Finishing Touches Events, LLC www.finishingtouchesevents.com • 301-718-6465
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NBC4 chief meteorologist Doug Kammerer at home in Chevy Chase with son, Kenton, 8, and daughter, Cally, 5. In the mornings, Kammererâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kids ask him if the weather will be nice enough for outdoor recess.
Doug Kammemer
Fox News Channel reporter Ed Henry at the Districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s American City Diner near his Chevy Chase home
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bethesda magazine interview
By Cindy Rich
Doug Kammerer
Photo By Skip Brown
The Weather Junkie The sun is shining, and has been for days, which means Doug Kammerer is bored. The NBC4 chief meteorologist would much rather be tracking bad weather than talking about what a beautiful day it is. He enjoys the drama of big storms, especially the tricky ones, and the challenge of the infamous rain/ snow line. A self-proclaimed “weather weenie,” Kammerer still remembers the bolt of lightning that hit the ground near his house in Herndon, Va., when he was in third grade, and the way it made his windows shake. He wanted to be a weatherman ever since. As a teenager, he watched The Weather Channel, not MTV. Friends came to him when they wanted a forecast. Kammerer started his television career in Macon, Ga., where he met his wife, Holly, a reporter at the station. Later, he spent four years on the air in Florida where he got to chase hurricanes, before moving to Philadelphia. In 2010, he got a call about a job in Washington, D.C., the place he’d always hoped to end up. NBC4’s Bob Ryan, who Kammerer admired as a child, was leaving the station, and the news director wanted him to take Ryan’s place. A few months later, Kammerer moved his family to Chevy Chase and took a seat next to Jim Vance and Doreen Gentzler at the anchor desk in his hometown. Kammerer, 39, met with Bethesda Magazine at NBC4 on Nebraska Avenue in Northwest D.C., the same building where he interviewed Ryan for a school project on weather nearly 25 years ago.
Q&A Did you always love weather?
I’ve known I’ve wanted to do this since I was about 8. I just loved thunderstorms—I would sit outside and watch these storms as they rolled on through. This is not what you’re supposed to do, but if there was a tornado warning for Fairfax County, I would be outside on my driveway waiting for it to come up the street. Never happened, thank God. But that was me. I loved it that much. I did my 10th-grade math report on Bob Ryan. I came in to figure out what math had to do with meteorology. I just called him and said, ‘I’m doing my report on you and weather. Will you help me?’ And he did. I interviewed him, and he gave me all kinds of weather maps that I was just so excited to get. The first time I was in front of the camera, in front of the weather wall, was in this building. So you were a Channel 4 guy growing up?
Yeah. I would watch everybody else, too. Bob Ryan came on at 11:15 at night, maybe Topper [Shutt] was on at 11:16, Doug Hill was on at 11:17. And I’m flipping back and forth the whole time, trying to figure out, especially for snow, which forecast is gonna be right. I was a weather junkie. Which is what people do now, with you. Is that a lot of pressure?
No. I absolutely love it. The best thing I can do is get the forecast right, especially when it’s a situation that everybody really depends on—if it’s snow or severe weather coming in, like the derecho [in June 2012]. That, for me, is the challenge. When we have that blizzard, that’s our Super Bowl. What fascinates you about the weather?
I love seeing the power of Mother Nature, seeing what it can do. We live in a great forecasting area because we have all four seasons. I’ve done the weather in Florida. Hated it. ‘What’s your forecast today?’ ‘Hot and humid, high temperature 92. Back to you, Steve.’ So this was your dream, to come back to the D.C. area?
I remember exactly where I was when I got the phone call from my agent: ‘Channel 4 in Washington wants you.’ I was absolutely flabbergasted. I was like, ‘Who is this? Is this a joke?’ This is exactly what I wanted to do. Not many people get to do that. Once in a while, you gotta pinch yourself. BethesdaMagazine.com | January/February 2015 185
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doug kammerer
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When you were growing up in Herndon, did people go crazy over 2 inches of snow?
Oh, yes. It amazes me. Two inches of snow one day is a lot different than 2 inches of snow another day, and it’s all based on timing and temperature. We had ‘Carmageddon’ back in 2011. It wasn’t that much snow, but it came during rush hour, and it came down so hard and so fast that it stuck to everything and people were in their cars for 12 hours. You have that same storm on a Saturday and it doesn’t cause any issues. We had drizzle come through one day when I was in Philadelphia. As soon as we hit 32 degrees, all the bridges froze. There were 10-, 15-, 20-car pileups within a matter of minutes. That’s why even a 2-inch snowstorm can be very significant. Now, do we need to go to the store and buy milk, bread and cookies? No. People laugh at us because even 4 or 5 inches of snow, in most places, is nothing. As soon as we see a flake in the forecast, we’re talking about it, especially when it comes to school.
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The hardest thing for us to forecast is the rain/snow line. If we’re going for mostly snow in Bethesda, and that rain/snow line goes just outside the Beltway, so Rockville’s getting all snow and Bethesda’s getting a mix of rain and snow, you look outside your house in Bethesda and you’re going: ‘What happened? They said we’d get snow.’ Meanwhile, Rockville’s going: ‘Those guys are great— they’re right on the money!’ That rain/snow line is a killer. It’s not just rain/snow—it’s rain, snow, sleet,
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freezing rain. It’s all about where that 32-degree line sets up in the atmosphere. We had one storm where in D.C. it snowed all day, but they were big, fat, thick flakes that were melting. We didn’t get anything in the city, whereas out in the suburbs in Montgomery—we’re not talking very far—Gaithersburg saw 8 inches of snow. It’s such a huge difference, such a fine line. Do you ever end up covering news?
We do get brought into news stories every once in a while. We’re known as the station scientists. I’ve studied earthquakes and volcanoes, so when the earthquake happened [in August 2011], they immediately came to us to figure out what was going on. Our crew wasn’t in yet, so I was the first one on the air because the camera in the weather center doesn’t need a crew. The earthquake knocked out all of the audio for the building. The camera in the weather center was the only one that had audio, so for 2½ hours straight we were the only people that could go on television. Even though we had anchors here ready to go, we couldn’t hear them. Have you had a moment on the air when you couldn’t get your words out?
All the time. We’re live and we can’t stop. I did the snowstorms in 2010 and I was on the air for 19 hours straight. Try saying ‘wet roads’ so many times. Wet roads is a very hard thing to say. I literally try not to say that on the air. It’s that hard.
Do you get calls and emails when you get a forecast wrong? How do you handle that?
I’ll put on Facebook how much snow people are going to get and I’ll be right for most everybody, but there’s that one area that got a little bit warmer that got almost nothing. They’ll say everything: ‘You guys are terrible. You don’t know what you’re talking about. Great to be a weatherman, where you can get it right 50 percent of the time and still keep your job!’
Montgomery College Foundation Salutes AFCEA Bethesda For Their Generous Support The Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) Bethesda Chapter recently pledged $225,000 to the Montgomery College Foundation to support scholarships for students studying computer science, computer gaming and simulation, cybersecurity, and engineering. The grant also will support the College’s Sonya Kovalevsky Program, which serves more than 60 middle school girls annually to increase their interest, confidence, and competence in STEM subjects. AFCEA Bethesda’s strong commitment has resulted in $460,000 in donations for STEM education since 2008, positively impacting the lives of countless Montgomery College students and their families.
For more information on AFCEA Bethesda, please visit afceabethesda.org
montgomerycollege.edu/foundation Carol Rognrud Executive Director of the Montgomery College Foundation 240-567-7493 BethesdaMagazine.com | January/February 2015 187
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If you do mess up, are you hard on yourself or do you laugh it off?
I laugh it off because I know I’m not gonna be perfect, ever, and if you can’t have fun, if you can’t laugh at yourself a little bit, there’s really no point. What’s it like for you leading up to a big storm?
Our models can look out about 10 days. We don’t have any real accuracy past about seven days. We’re really good once we get into five days, then we’re great within three days. You can pretty much bank on whatever we say at three days. There’s so many different models to look at from across the world. If we see a storm on one model on Day Seven, and then we see it on a second model and we know the pattern’s right, then we start to think about that storm. Once it’s into that five-day range, you know we’ve really got some potential there. By Day Three, we’ve got a plan in the newsroom, not just in the weather department. If I know we’re gonna get up to a foot, it’s all hands on deck. Two days out? Now we can give snow totals. The day leading up to that storm we’re watching every single model run. They come out every six hours. We’re scrutinizing everything, making our final call. So those weather models that really help you 48 hours out aren’t good enough when it comes to the 32-degree mark?
No, and thank goodness they’re not. If the models were great, you wouldn’t need us. When you were moving back to the D.C. area from Philadelphia, why did you pick Chevy Chase?
I thought about Northern Virginia because that’s where I grew up. Coming back here, though, the old saying is, ‘You can’t get there from here.’ In Virginia, it’s so hard to get across the bridges. We wanted to live some place close to the station—and Montgomery County obviously has good schools. I’m 10 to 15 min-
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utes away from the station. My son is 8, and my daughter is 5. I come to work around 1:30, do the shows, leave around 7:15, go home, eat dinner with the kids, work on homework and give them a bath, and then try to put them to sleep by 8:45. Then I’m here from 9 till 11:45. That’s the real reason why we live where we live, so I can get home for dinner. What are some of your favorite Bethesda/Chevy Chase spots?
Mussel Bar is my favorite spot. I love the different beers they have there. Tap Room. All those things [in downtown Bethesda] are so close to my house, it’s such an easy walk for us. Food Wine & Co.’s a great place. When we have the kids, it’s Uncle Julio’s. You give them the tortilla stuff and they’ll play with that for an hour. They love Clyde’s. You know why? That train. It’s all about that train. What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I love skiing. I’m a member of Bethesda Sport & Health—I play basketball there every day. Right now I coach my son’s teams. I coach baseball and basketball, the two sports I know something about. My daughter? She’ll play soccer. I know nothing about soccer. I can set up cones. Do your kids watch you on the news every night?
No. They’d rather watch Bubble Guppies or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. They’ll watch some days, but my wife doesn’t even watch very often. She used to be in the television business, too. That’s how we met: I was the morning meteorologist and co-anchor, and she was the reporter, and I’d get done with the morning show and then I was her photographer. Do your kids ask you about the weather?
They’ll ask: ‘Do we need a jacket?’ The biggest question is, ‘Daddy, are we having recess?’ If I say storms, they’re very interested. ‘How bad are they gonna be? Do we need to stay in the house?’ My son will latch onto the tornadoes we
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show that just tore down that house in Oklahoma, and his fear is: ‘Oh my gosh, now it’s gonna happen in our area.’ Even though I’m telling them not to worry about that, we don’t have those kinds of storms here. That’s one thing about doing the weather. Let’s say there is a big storm, a hurricane or something coming up the coast, or a blizzard—I can’t be with my family. I think that’s the hardest thing for me because I know that they’re at home wondering what’s going on. Have you ever been scared of a forecast here?
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The one time I was scared here was about two years ago, when we had a tornadic storm coming through Montgomery County that was coming close to my house. I’m here at the station, and my family’s at home. I call them while we’re live—Veronica Johnson’s doing the weather for a second—and I say: ‘Hey, guys, get to the basement.’ The other one was the derecho— I told my family to get downstairs for the derecho. I called my boss trying to get on television, and it was during the Olympics so it was very hard to cut in. I finally got on about 10 minutes before it hit Washington. It had already hit everywhere to the west, and I knew we were getting 70 to 80 mph winds, and I thought we would have about 250,000 people without power. We had 1.2 million people without power. Those are the storms that you know you’re gonna have some loss of life, so those storms do scare you as a meteorologist. During the derecho, I got on the air and said: ‘Get to your basement, you will lose power.’ One lady went to her basement because we came on the air, and her house got hit by a tree. She was OK, but her house got destroyed. We went out and interviewed her. She said: ‘I saw Doug cut in and I went to the basement and it saved my life.’ Do you ever wish you were out in the storm?
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NBC during the 2004 hurricane season; we had a ton of them go through. I’ve been to the top of Mount Washington [in New Hampshire] on a news story— 114 mile-an-hour winds, minus-18 wind chill, which is actually warm for up there. What was it like interviewing with Jim and Doreen before you got the job?
Going to dinner with Jim and Doreen, that one was definitely nerve-racking. As soon as Jim ordered his first drink and Doreen ordered a drink, I was fine. Right off the bat, we just hit it off. That was huge, to get their seal of approval. All I wanted to do was say: ‘I used to watch you guys on TV. You guys are great!’ I didn’t say it. They have been fantastic. You’ll see us come back from commercial and we’re laughing on the set—there are some good stories being told. Like what?
We talk about everything. Jim will tell us about this guy he met in 1975. Doreen’s talking about where she likes to go. After four years of those little stories, you really start to learn who those people are. We play trivia together—I love trivia. What have you learned from Jim and Doreen?
Not to worry about much. Doreen’s celebrating her 25th anniversary at the station, Jim’s been here 42 years. I watch Jim—he doesn’t care what anybody’s thinking, and Doreen is like that, too. She’s tough as nails. I love when they’re giving each other crap. That’s just so much fun. We always joke about meetings: ‘Hey, did you hear about that meeting after work today?’ Jim will be like: ‘What meeting? I didn’t get that email.’ That goes on for a while, and one night he’ll go look. There’s no meeting. n Senior editor Cindy Rich can be reached at cindy.rich@bethesdamagazine.com. To comment on this story, email comments@ bethesdamagazine.com. BethesdaMagazine.com | January/February 2015 191
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Bethesda Urban Partnership and Bethesda Magazine will honor writers at the Bethesda Literary Festival, April 17-19, 2015.
DEADLINE: JANUARY 23, 2015 For eligibility and rules, please visit www.bethesda.org or www.bethesdamagazine.com.
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Creig Northrop Realtor®
11620 Rockville Pike Rockville, MD 20852 office: 301.770.0760 | northropteam.com ® ®
direct: 301-761-5997
Spencerville $2,500,000
Potomac $1,900,000
Fulton $1,900,000
Ashton $1,495,000
Brookeville $1,300,000
Clarksburg $1,200,000
Davidsonville $1,200,000
Gaithersburg $1,200,000
Rockville $1,050,000
16110DraytonFarmDrive.com
17517SirGalahadWay.com
1403FallsRunCourt.com
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11206AlbermytleRoad.com
2009CarterMillWay.com
22309EssexViewDrive.com
7031PindellSchoolRoad.com
24006BurntHillRoad.com
4701GreatOakRoad.com
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5101 Wisconsin Avenue, NW Washington, DC 202.364.5200 | LongandFoster.com
Todd Harris 301.455.5440
® ®
todd.harris@lnf.com
5105 Wehawken Road Bethesda, Maryland
$2,175,000
Designed by GTM architects, this 6 bedroom, 5.5 bath home features 6,189 sq. ft. of finished living space on 4 levels with elegant upscale craftsmanship. The home boasts: a chef’s kitchen with large breakfast room that opens to an outstanding family room, a luxury master bedroom suite, loft, mudroom, screened porch, and a huge finished lower level with recreation room, playroom, media room, and guest room with full bath. Custom millwork and coffered ceilings – all on a premier 11,629 sq. ft. lot!
Providing Comprehensive Real Estate Services to Home Buyers and Sellers
Call Todd to schedule a showing—(301) 455-5440.
6008 Namakagan Road Bethesda, Maryland Sold by Todd for $1,800,000
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10302 Fawcett Street Kensington, Maryland Sold by Todd for $1,230,000
11301 Rokeby Avenue Garrett Park, Maryland Sold by Todd for $1,180,000
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Proudly presenting:
Sophisticated Elegance in the Heart of Highly Desirable Potomac
RESULTS BEYOND EXPECTATIONS.
A profound expertise in real estate A growing reputation internationally A deep appreciation of our area’s communities And an intense commitment to you
Asmeret Demeter-Medhane*, MSC, MBA adm@LNF.com admglobalrealestate.com 301.266.6612 (direct) 240.497.1700 (office)
* I also speak German, Farsi, French, Amharic, Italian, and Hungarian.
Ideally situated on 2.5 beautiful acres on a cul de sac, this exceptional residence boast 7,500 + sq. ft. of elegant, lightfilled living space with luxurious finishes throughout. Ideal for elegant entertaining and family living. Italian marble 2 story foyer, hardwood floors throughout, amenities galore, including Indoor pool, sauna and all new Gourmet kitchen. A true must see. Offered at $1,875,000.
®
Traci Levine & Associates “I enjoy making clients’ housing dreams come true,” says Traci Levine, who has been delivering dreams for 25 years. “I love exceeding clients’ expectations. Her honesty and candor are the top reasons buyers and sellers come back to her. Traci has an experienced team and systems that pay off. We pay meticulous attention to all details of each sale. Repeat business and referrals are the heart of Traci Levine & Associates. A 2015 Top Vote Getter
Reader’s Pick A Top Vote Getter Best Realtor 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015
Main: 301-469-4700 | Direct: 301.493.9873 www.marylandanddchomes4u.com | traci@tracilevine.com Potomac Cabin John Office | 301.469.4700
®
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Top 1% of Long & Foster Agents in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area
Sondra Mulheron
Pam Schiattareggia
301.785.9536 smulheron@LNF.com
301.802.7796 pam.scat@LNF.com
CC CHURCHILL CLASSICS DESIGN BUILD RENOVATE
New Homes in Bethesda by Award Winning Builder Churchill Classics
FOR SALE Bethesda, Maryland
FOR SALE $2,120,000
Stunning five bedroom, 4.5 bath home with upscale floor plan, 3-car garage, 1/2 acre private wooded lot. Fantastic location close to Rt. 495, DC, VA.
Bethesda, Maryland
FOR SALE $1,295,000
Outstanding floor plan with 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, large gourmet kitchen, fabulous porch. Convenient location near shops, Rt. 495, Rt. 270, Metro.
Bethesda, Maryland
$2,425,000
Custom finishes and upgrades throughout this five bedroom, 5.5 bath home on premier lot with incredible view of Bethesda Country Club golf course. Delivery Early 2015.
www.HomesbySondraandPam.com Bethesda Gateway Office 301.907.7600 ®
The Margie Halem Team is Everywhere You Want to Be
301.775.4196
Potomac, Maryland $1,695,000 12624 Tribunal Lane A 2015 Top Vote Getter
North Bethesda, Maryland 6409 Tilden Lane
SOLD
Margie Halem Recognized by THE WALL STREET JOURNAL as one of “America’s Best Real Estate Agents” #1 Billion Dollar Bethesda Gateway Office | 301.907.7600 (O)
®
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Licensed in MD | DC | VA Please view our listings at MargieHalemRealtor.com. MargieHalemRealtor.com MargieHalem@LongandFoster.com
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Exceptional 1908 Chevy Chase Village Victorian
Muffin Amorosi Lynham Licensed in MD & DC WC & AN MILLER REALTORS A Long & Foster Company Spring Valley Office 4910 Massachusetts Avenue NW Suite 119, Washington, D.C. 20016
Lenora.Lynham@LNF.com lenoralynham.lnf.com C: 202.489.7431 O: 202.362.1300
Beautifully updated throughout for 21st century living while preserving its historic character and charm, this home features a spacious, new master suite, plus 5 lovely bedrooms, 3 full, and 2 half baths, this gracious family home offers a four-level floor plan perfect for entertaining and comfortable family enjoyment. The classic, six-sided covered front porch of architectural significance leads to a wide entry foyer, elegant formal living and dining rooms, a state of the art gourmet chef’s kitchen with four work areas, an expansive family room with vaulted ceiling and skylights, and a large library/sunroom. Three wood-burning fireplaces, gleaming wood floors, and lovely architectural moldings are additional amenities. Masterfully sited on a large lot that is extraordinarily private, this stunning home features almost 200 feet of frontage along quiet, natural Laurel Park. The grounds have been professionally landscaped to enhance every aspect of the property, creating fabulous views to the gardens and park. Expansive outdoor spaces for dining and entertaining, along with a private roof top terrace with gorgeous sunset views toward the Chevy Chase Club provide more remarkable opportunities for enjoyment. This rare and exclusive offering is located on the coveted west side of Connecticut Avenue, a prime location allowing a short walk to all that Chevy Chase and Friendship Heights have to offer. Residents of Chevy Chase Village enjoy numerous amenities including a full time police department and first class municipal services. Offered at $2,575,000
Vicki Porter SRES
“
Working with Vicki was like working with a trusted friend who had only our best interests at heart. Not only did she sell our condo quickly, but she helped us with every aspect of the move and preparation. With community resources at her fingertips, she was able to recommend movers, house cleaners, and a carpet company. And since I was trying to manage the sale long distance, she took my place in handling all of the many on-site activities. She was always available and responsive to my many questions, and went well beyond our highest expectations. We couldn’t possibly have had a better experience.
“
S. Dunn (Bethesda)
Long & Foster Real Estate | 4701 Sangamore Rd, Bethesda, MD | 301.229.4000 301.325.2965 | www.VickiPorter.net
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Miller Bethesda All Points Office
4701 Sangamore Road Bethesda, MD 301.229.4000
#1 W.C. & A.N. MILLER REALTORS® Office • #14 Long & Foster Office for 2013 Anne Emmett • 301-466-2515 • Anne.Emmett@longandfoster.com Laura Emmett • 202-422-6374 • Laura.Emmett@longandfoster.com
Tammy GRuneR DuRbIn
301.996.8334 • TGDHomes@LNF.com Serving MD and DC Associate Broker Consistent top honors and producer in the Bethesda Miller Group, Long and Foster Companies and Nationwide. 25 years of a proven track record = Results
bethesda/edgemoor
VICKI PoRTeR
Ellen Cohen
Always There for YOU!
301.325.2965 • Vicki.Porter@LNF.com
Licensed in DC, MD & VA Innovative Marketing Expert l Your Montgomery County Realtor raised in Bethesda l Helping buyers and sellers make their real estate dreams come true! l SRES (Senior Real Estate Specialist) experienced in down-sizing l Call Vicki for the real estate results you desire!
Cell or Text 240-462-6000 ecohen@LNF.com www.EllenCohen.com
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www.VickiPorter.net
The Key To Bringing You Home
Certified Residential Specialist Licensed to represent Sellers & Buyers in MD, DC & VA Long & Foster Gold Club Hall of Fame Seniors Real Estate Specialist
Mary Lou Dell l
$1,149,000
A Storybook Colonial in the heart of Bethesda! Beautiful & convenient Battery Park neighborhood. 6 possible bedrooms & a lovely 10,000 square foot lot. Walk to Bethesda Metro, Bethesda Row & Woodmont Triangle.
Grand 5 bedroom Colonial. Quiet, peaceful cul-de-sac location on a lovely 15,000 sq. ft. lot, minutes to Edgemoor Club, Bethesda Metro and Bethesda Row. Whitman School District.
Commitment to excellence
301.404.5554
bethesda
$2,575,000
Leigh Adams Slaughter
Rowena DeLeon
MaryLouDell@aol.com
I’d love to work with you. Call me when you’re ready to buy or sell.
240.423.2422 • www.rowenadeleon.com Your Family Realtor for Life
202.420.1820 leighslaughter@lnf.com REALTOR® DC MD VA
Montgomery County Realtor representing sellers and buyers with integrity, knowledge, and honesty. l Awarded the Long & Foster Service Award due to multiple testimonials received by past clients. l Expert Realtor you can trust from start to finish. l A native Washingtonian and University of MD alum.
SMOOTH SALES BETTER BUYING
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And watch me periodically News on Now TV at Noon talking about our local real estate market. Licensed in MD & DC
BUY. SELL. RENT. INVEST. Walsh Richards
301.706.3151 Walsh.Richards@LongandFoster.com Licensed in DC, MD & VA l
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Rockville manor Country Club
Rockville
$1,645,000
Carole egloff
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240.401.1200
$997,500
Almost 5500 sq.ft. of finished space on 4 levels with recent kitchen and bath renovations and priced way below appraised value. Elegant custom-built home with five bedrooms/four and one half baths, including third floor suite. Enclosed pool for yearround use. Easy access to ICC, 2 Metros. Manor Country Club a short ½ mile away.
Gorgeous 1+acre with golf course views. Five bedrooms/four full and two half baths. Elegant and charming with lots of indoor and outdoor entertaining space. Floor plan includes sun room, library, family room, large living room, dining room. Freshly painted and move-in ready! Full country club membership conveys to enjoy two golf courses, pools, tennis courts, club house facilities. l
carole.egloff@longandfoster.com
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Results driven Native Washingtonian committed to finding you the perfect home. Professional and personal level of service Over 45 years of diverse commercial and residential real estate experience to help you throughout the selling and buying process.
Call Our Award-Winning Managing Broker Susan Sanford to find out why top producing and new agents join our office and choose to stay! 301.320.8300 | ssanford@longandfoster.com
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Miller Bethesda All Points Office
4701 Sangamore Road Bethesda, MD 301.229.4000
#1 W.C. & A.N. MILLER REALTORS® Office • #14 Long & Foster Office for 2013 Sharron Cochran
Congratulations to Susan Sanford and her Extraordinary Team!
#1 INDIVIDUAL MILLER AGENT 2012 301.351.4517
SCochran@LNF.com www.SCochran.com
The #1 Miller Office Congratulations to Susan Sanford on her 25th Year in Real Estate.
2012 Realty Alliance Award Recipient, Top 5 Percent North America ● Licensed in MD, DC & VA ● Staging, marketing, and negotiation expert Let my experience work for you! ●
W.C. & A.N. Miller REALTORS Bethesda All Points Office is the flagship office for Miller Realtors Companywide. We are home to successful and top-producing agents seeking an executive approach to their business as well as new agents ready to launch successful real estate careers. Call me for a confidential interview to find out why top producing and new agents join my office and choose to stay!
Susan Sanford
VP, Managing Broker ssanford@LNF.com Office Direct:
301.320.8300
Page Eisinger
301.461.3934 Page.Eisinger@LNF.com Licensed in DC, MD & VA ●
#6 Individual Agent Miller Bethesda Office #6 Individual Miller Bethesda Office (units) Native Washingtonian. Offering Caring, Committed, Personal and Professional service to buyers and sellers for over 25 years. Consistently Ranked Top Producer Bethesda All Points Office. Please call for a personal consultation.
Beautifully updated New Mark Commons contemporary! Four bedrooms three full baths, fireplace, garage, and large deck. New carpet and fresh paint. Nothing to do but move in! $595,000
CATHERINE DAVILA
Long & Foster Top Producer
202.302.0219 ●
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DIANA SWEENEY
Long & Foster Gold Club Member
(703) 407-4129 • diana.sweeney@longandfoster.com Your Key To A Successful Selling & Buying Experience ● LICENSED IN MD, DC, & VA. ● OVER 25 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE ●
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COMMITTED TO HELPING YOU THOUGHOUT THE SELLING & BUYING PROCESS LET MY REAL ESTATE KNOWLEDGE WORK FOR YOU
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CatherineDavila.LNF.com
DONNA STERN
301.910.5956
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Donna.Stern@LNF.com
Licensed in MD & DC
Representing Buyers & Sellers Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Dupont, Logan, and surrounding areas All Price Points Outstanding references from repeat clients 10 year anniversary with Long and Foster Licensed in DC & MD
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Excellent Track Record for Selling Homes Quickly
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35 Years - DC/MD Resident
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15 Years - Real Estate Sales
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Provides Advice on Staging and Improvements Full Commitment & Confidentiality to Clients
Andy Alderdice #1 Listing Team Companywide 2013 Clients who know we’re the BEST: “…the very BEST Realtor, and has moved us into and out of 3 homes…” “Can’t do better than Andy Alderdice.” “…recommended to us by a friend, with the assurance that she was THE BEST…” “Andy is the BEST”
Wishing you the Best in 2015!
301.466.5898
● andy4homes@gmail.com www.andy4homes.com
Outstanding Service Award Winner A 5th generation Washingtonian assisting many MD, DC and VA residents in the sale and/or purchase of their first and subsequent homes since 1994. Call her to schedule a private consultation.
Call Our Award-Winning Managing Broker Susan Sanford to find out why top producing and new agents join our office and choose to stay! 301.320.8300 | ssanford@longandfoster.com
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® ®
for viewing Long & Foster Real Estate’s exclusive “Showcase of Homes” No matter what your buying, selling or investment goals are, our agents can help you take advantage of real estate opportunities. When you’re ready to take the next step, we welcome you to contact one of our sales offices or expert sales associates.
Readers’ Pick— Best Real Estate Agency
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Bethesda Magazine
January/February 2015
Splash of Color Tasteful ideas for displaying childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s art Bethesda Magazine HOME | January/February 2015 205
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Bethesda Magazine
january/february 2015
208 House Appropriations Seven light fixtures that add a warm, stylish glow By Carolyn Weber
210 Small Wonders Three local homeowners make the most of small living spaces By Carolyn Weber
218 Where the Designers Shop We asked top local interior designers for their picks on the best places to find pillows, lamps, rugs and more. By Christine MacDonald
COVER STORY 224 The Mini Masterpiece Tasteful ideas for displaying childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s art By Jennifer Sergent
Home COVER PHOTO by justin tsucalas
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urban country photo by greg powers
230 By the Numbers The most expensive home sales in the area
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MERRICK Design and Build Inc. ADDITIONS
KITCHENS
BATHS
HANDYMAN
Rich’s Garage Silver Spring, MD
301-946-2356 dmerrick@mdbi.us remodelwithmerrick.com
Is your honey do list never ending? Merrick’s professional team of Home Repair Technicians will take care of your list once and for all! An award winning design build firm Merrick listens to their customers and known for it’s attention to detail and customer satisfaction. Since 1989 Merrick specializes in total home renovation, handyman services and everything in between.
CALL MERRICK TODAY TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR HONEY-DO-LIST
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house
appropriations
By Carolyn Weber
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Lighten Up Winter days are short and dark. These seven light fixtures can add a warm, stylish glow. 1. Add a pop of color to an all-white kitchen with this sleek pendant light. A reproduction of an award-winning Danish design from the 1960s, the lamp offers clean lines that still look modern today. The Semi Pendant is available in three sizes and five colors (including red-orange, shown here), and sells for $259 at Design Within Reach in Bethesda (301-215-7200; www.dwr.com). 2. Even if you’re not going over blueprints, an architect’s table lamp looks great in a home office. An update on a traditional style, this industrial-looking task light is made of satin-steel, has a 9-inch weighted base, and the height adjusts up to 31 inches. Get one for $149 at Urban Loft in Bethesda (800-973-0711; www.urbanloft.com).
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3. Sparkly and pretty, the Callia Crystal Flushmount feels formal but less
fussy than a crystal chandelier. A steel base, with an antique bronze finish, supports dozens of clear glass bead droplets. The fixture is 14 inches in diameter and priced at $349 at Pottery Barn in Mazza Gallerie (202-244-0537; www.potterybarn.com).
4. A rustic orb chandelier can lend warmth to a dining room or large foyer.
Stained wood forms the frame and surrounds four candle bulbs with glass covers. The Kichler Grand Bank 4LT Pendant retails for $649 at Ferguson in Rockville (301-424-1393; www.ferguson.com).
5. This little table lamp looks like a beautiful piece of pottery. The handmade ceramic base is turquoise-and-brown ombré with a glazed finish. The Kelton Table Lamp, at 19 inches high and 14 inches wide, is available for $249 at Crate and Barrel in Spring Valley (202-364-6100; www.crateandbarrel.com).
6. The Owen Floor Lamp is made of iron, with a two-toned gold-and-silver
finish, and the unique shape was inspired by jewelry links. You’ll find it at Ethan Allen in Rockville for $879 (301-984-4360; www.ethanallen.com).
room, entryway or hall. The design features two metal tones—bronze and antique brass—and black-trimmed, natural paper shades. The Elkins Double Sconce is $455 at Neiman Marcus in Mazza Gallerie (202-966-9700; www.neimanmarcus.com).
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7. Tailored and classic, this double wall sconce could add character to a living
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Carolyn Weber lives in Silver Spring and frequently writes about architecture and home design. Send product ideas to carolyn.weber@bethesdamagazine.com.
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small
wonders Three local homeowners make the most of small living spaces By Carolyn Weber Updated Classic
Many of our area’s older, established neighborhoods are desirable for their convenient locations, great schools and mature trees. The only drawback tends to be the small houses. When Marika Meyer moved into her 1,900-square-foot, 1949 colonial in Bethesda’s Wood Acres community, she knew it needed to be updated. “My husband and I were about to have a baby, and we wanted to make it approachable and family friendly, as well as good for entertaining.” That was five years ago, and since then she has transformed the house without changing the existing footprint. As a professional interior designer, Meyer was familiar with many clever techniques to make the small house live larger.
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In order to maximize seating in the home’s 225-square-foot living room, Meyer opted for a full-size sofa and several small side chairs that can be moved around if necessary. The fireplace is a natural focal point, and the long wall was the obvious place for the sofa, but she didn’t want all of the furniture against the walls, so she floated a pair of vintage, green velvet chairs. “Their 1940s scale is right for the house,” she says. A ceramic Asian garden stool provides a surface to rest a drink, and can be used as extra seating.
The pale color scheme for the walls, curtains and upholstery creates a calm foundation for colorful pillows and throws, which can be changed with the seasons. “Invest in neutrals for the greatest flexibility,” Meyer advises. For consistency and a sense of flow, she used the same durable sisal floor covering (custom cut and bound) in all of the main rooms. “The larger the area rug, the larger the room will feel,” Meyer says. “I wouldn’t leave more than a 4-inch margin on the edges in a small space.”
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small wonders
In a busy household with small children, the living room gets a lot of use. The sofa is upholstered in an easy-to-clean indoor/outdoor fabric. To avoid making the room appear cramped, and to balance out the 86-inch-long sofa, Meyer used a clear Lucite coffee table and a small, round and metal campaign-style side table.
Meyer loves to entertain, and needed a dining room that could accommodate eight to 10 people. The space is just 9 feet by 16 feet, but the fresh design gives it a spacious feel. She removed the old chair rail to elongate the walls visually, and added a dramatic backdrop—chic lotus wallpaper with a vertical effect. “It really energized the room, and the scale of the pattern works even in a smaller space,” she explains. Pale blue paint on the ceiling is another optical illusion to make the 8-foot ceiling appear higher. Linen drapery panels flank the windows, and are hung just under the crown molding—Meyer’s rule of thumb for ceilings less than 9 feet. With all of the neutrals in the room, Meyer injected bold colors and patterns with the dishes, table linens and accessories. “We host a lot of brunches, as well as more formal dinner parties,” she says, “so the decor feels appropriate for daytime and evening.”
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“I’ve had this vintage secretary for years,” says Meyer, who repurposed it for storage in the dining room. She keeps linens in the drawers, stemware and accessories behind the glass-front cabinets, and uses the desktop as a bar or server. “Concealed storage is key in a small home,” she says.
Deborah Kalstein in her home
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small wonders
Closing a passageway to the home’s entry hall made space for a pantry, which has a cabinetrystyle door and is equipped with electricity inside for small appliances.
Kristen Abrams and her 3-year-old daughter, Kate
Built-In Beauty
Kristen and Ben Abrams loved the location and vintage charm of their 85-year-old semidetached row home in Upper Northwest D.C., but the cramped kitchen wasn’t working for their growing family, which includes two small children. The couple lived in the house for five years before remodeling. “I took the time to be thoughtful about what we needed, and the look I wanted,” says Kristen, who hired Aidan Design in Silver Spring to help her find creative ways to maximize storage and make her vision a reality. The old kitchen was small, and had five openings—windows, doors and a hallway— which didn’t leave much space for cabinets. The solution was to borrow 2 feet from the dining room and close some of the openings to improve the flow. “If you’re short on kitchen space, look to the adjoining rooms,” says designer Megan Padilla of Aidan Design. “Built-ins always make sense in a dining room.”
Removing a large portion of the wall between the kitchen and dining room created a physical and visual connection between the two spaces. An I beam supports the ceiling above the 9-foot span. “It’s not an eat-in kitchen, but feels like an extension,” Padilla says. The new counter space doubles as a food prep surface and a bar for serving. Despite losing 2 feet, the dining room is still ample at 11 feet by 14½ feet. “It’s our only table and our everything table,” Abrams says of the dining room table, which the family uses for meals as well as kids’ crafts. A former breakfast nook beyond the dining room has become a play area for the children. The wall color and built-in storage cabinets are consistent with those in the kitchen and dining room, creating a uniform look throughout the whole open space.
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Abrams’ good china and crystal are displayed in glass-front cabinets, while the lower half holds serving pieces and mixing bowls. The coffee maker lives on the counter at the opposite end of the dining room, above the cabinets where the pots and pans are stowed. “Everything is just a few steps away,” Abrams says.
Abrams had a very clear vision about the look of her new kitchen—white Shaker-style cabinets, honed Cararra marble countertops, and a white subway tile backsplash. “It’s organized, there’s a place for everything, and it’s easy to keep clean,” she says. “It has really changed the way we live.”
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small wonders
Fun Facelift
Redesigning Jillian Roth’s condominium was a family affair. As vice president of the upscale home furnishings store Urban Country in Bethesda, she has access to great decorating resources. She enlisted the help of her mom, company President Rachelle Roth, and visual merchandiser Terri Johnson to help refresh her 1,200-square-foot, garden-style loft in North Bethesda. Roth had owned the unit for 12 years, and the faux finishes that characterized the country cottage decor she favored a decade ago now seemed dated. She was ready for a more sophisticated, fun look that reflected her current lifestyle.
A large, sectional sofa bisects the open plan, defining the living and dining areas on the main floor. “I think the biggest misconception about designing a small space is thinking you have to use small furniture,” says Rachelle Roth, who recommends investing in at least one large piece. “That sofa really was the splurge,” she says. Its gray color offsets the pops of bold raspberry in the graphic area rug and drapes, and in an antique side chair that was reupholstered with a floral remnant.
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photos by angie seckinger
If the sofa was a splurge, the chest behind it was a steal. Roth and Johnson enhanced a simple white Ikea cabinet with decorative overlays painted in a contrasting color. “It adds a touch of whimsy, and was an easy and inexpensive project,” Roth says. Her daughter uses the piece to store glassware and dishes, and the top serves as bar space. The square footage of the living room may be small, but double-height ceilings make it feel larger. To further enhance that illusion, the women hung a tall floral triptych above the sofa to draw eyes upward.
An old pine door that was repurposed and turned into a coatrack and umbrella stand now occupies an otherwise unused part of the hallway. The new bright turquoise color pops against the pale gray walls (which contain a lavender tint) and the piece adds extra storage to the small condo.
Throughout the condo, Jillian Roth introduced a whimsical color scheme of lavender, hot pink, turquoise and gray, which makes the small condo feel open and airy. A bed with a stylish padded headboard is the centerpiece of the master bedroom. “The king-size bed fills the space perfectly, and actually makes the room feel larger,” she says. White furniture and cool robin’s egg blue walls and table lamps provide a serene background for the colorful bedding, which picks up the warm color palette found throughout the house. n
Carolyn Weber is a freelance writer specializing in home design. She lives in Silver Spring.
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Where the
Designers Shop Whether it’s through an eye-catching light fixture or an unexpected splash of color, a good interior designer has a knack for making a room feel unique and memorable. “You’ve got to shop frequently to happen upon the best stuff,” Bethesda-based designer Kelley Proxmire says. And that’s exactly why we turned to top local designers to help us find the area’s best home shops—they are always out shopping and they know where to look. Many of the designers we spoke with said that good design is all about creating the right mix: blending Etsy finds with items from
a high-end art gallery; mixing traditional and modern pieces; and adding interesting and unusual accents. The key is to keep things off balance. “You can find an item at Target that will really work for a client,” Bethesda-based designer Marika Meyer says. “Small shops are great for accessories—pillows, lamps, vintage and more artisanal items.” To help us come up with the list of shops below, we asked a handful of designers who work in the Bethesda area where they go to find unique, well-made pieces that make a room stand out. Here are the local stores that came up again and again.
statue and painting Courtesy photos; urban country photo by greg powers
By Christine MacDonald
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Designers looking for eclectic items can find a statue like this one (top left) at Goldsborough Glynn Antiques & Decorative Arts in Kensington and artwork (top right) at Kaller Fine Arts in Upper Northwest Washington, D.C. Urban Country (bottom) in Bethesda carries a little of everything from furniture to lighting to artwork.
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where the designers shop
Architectural Ceramics
This locally-based chain is a favorite among designers for its many lines of creative, artistic tiles—mosaics with Asian-inspired nature scenes or geometric patterns, textured stone, and beautifully combined porcelain and glass surfaces. Washington, D.C., designer Skip Sroka, who has worked with nearly two dozen clients in the Bethesda area within the last year, says the company offers a surprising array of well-crafted options for walls, floors and backsplashes. “Custom lines, budget lines, ‘pie in the sky’ lines—they’ve really got a great selection,” Sroka says. “If they don’t have what you’re looking for, maybe it’s not made.” 6807 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, 301718-8343; 800 East Gude Drive, Suite F, Rockville, 301-251-3555; architectural ceramics.com
and Le Corbusier, including a version of Le Corbusier’s sling chair—an original is part of the collection at Manhattan’s Museum of Modern Art—that still looks austerely contemporary a half-century after the designer’s death. 4828 St. Elmo Ave., Bethesda; 301215-7200; dwr.com
C.G. Coe & Son
Gaylords Lamps and Shades
Design Within Reach
Goldsborough Glynn Antiques & Decorative Arts
Local designers say they flock to this modern home store whenever they’re looking to shake up the staid and stately. The Connecticut-based chain is known for furniture, rugs, pendant lamps, and other home furnishings by a who’s who of cutting-edge contemporary design stars such as Angela Adams, Chris Hardy and Nathan Yong. Says Chevy Chase designer Jodi Macklin: “It’s very contemporary, very now.” You can also find pieces by midcentury icons such as Charles and Ray Eames, Arne Jacobsen
Since lighting can quite literally set the tone (and mood) of a room, designers take great care in choosing lamps and light fixtures. There are lots of stores that carry the same brands of chandeliers, pendant lamps, wall fixtures and floor lamps, but Gaylords’ lamp repair services and large selection of lamp shades make the 61-year-old shop a designer favorite. “Lamp shades wear out. What are you going to do?” Sroka says. “Gaylords is a great resource.” 5272 River Road, Bethesda; 301-9869680; gaylordslampandshade.com
One of several shops on Kensington’s Antique Row, Goldsborough so epitomizes the Washington area’s traditional look that it has helped producers of the popular Netflix political drama House of Cards put just the right “inside the Beltway” patina on its sets. Sisters Margaret Goldsborough and Susan Goldsborough Glynn, who opened the shop in 2008, find pieces at estate sales, auctions, consignment shops and through independent dealers. Besides well-made
all photos courtesy
At C.G. Coe & Son, you can purchase a fine Oriental rug from a selection of international importers or create one from a wide variety of broadloom flooring materials. The family-owned store has been in business for more than 25 years. Rockville designer Celia Welch says she visits the shop for its personal service and wide range of options. “They’ve got a nice collection of modern and traditional styles and a good collection of wool,” Welch says. 4905 Del Ray Ave., Bethesda; 301-9865800; coecarpetandrug.com
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pieces such as wall hangings, sculptures and installations. Designers say Kaller will help them find the right piece for a space. “She’ll come out to see what the place is like, bring the piece out and let you decide,” Welch says. 3732 Chesapeake St., NW D.C.; 301908-1365; kallerfinearts.com
Tone on Tone antiques in dark woods such as cherry and mahogany, you can find mirrors in gilded frames, lamps, candelabras, brass bookends and other appropriately weighty accessories to go with the Federalist-style furniture. 3746 Howard Ave., Kensington; 301-933-4460
trust interior photo by erick gibson; hollis & knight and tone on tone courtesy photos
Hollis & Knight
Designers swear by this tasteful, traditional antiques emporium, which moved its showroom to Kensington from Georgetown about five years ago. It has everything from furniture and antique sconces to crystal candelabras and century-old landscape paintings that give a traditional home a “Founding Fathers” gravitas. In addition to carrying antiques, the shop works with 600 manufacturers, including upholsterers and furniture-makers—you can order environmentally-friendly furniture from California, or commission a custommade Tibetan rug from Nepal. 4229 Howard Ave., Kensington; 202333-6999; hollisandknight.com
Kaller Fine Arts
Before opening this gallery in Upper Northwest D.C. about 10 years ago, Candace Kaller owned a gallery in San Francisco and worked as a museum educator at the National Gallery of Art and the National Museum of Women in the Arts. She represents dozens of artists and fine art photographers who make everything from figurative and abstract paintings and landscapes to three-dimensional
Tone on Tone, which specializes in painted 18th- and 19th-century Swedish antiques, is not your typical antiques shop. All of the store’s handcrafted wooden furniture is marked by simple lines and neutral tones. “They have a simplicity to them and an architectural quality that I really like,” says Washington, D.C.-based designer Gary Lovejoy, who has many clients in Bethesda. The store carries everything from dining room sets and kitchen cabinets to hanging wall clocks, lamps and chests of drawers with matching mirrors. “It’s fun to go in and look for pieces for inspiration,” Sroka says. 7920 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda; 240497-0800; tone-on-tone.com
Trust Interiors
Since repairing antique furniture quickly can be crucial to many projects, designers closely guard the names of their favorite craftsmen. But Welch says Trust Interiors is too good to keep to herself. “It’s a family-owned business that’s been around a long time,” she says, adding that the owners are “nice people” dedicated to quality workmanship; the White House and several Washington-area embassies top the Rockville company’s client list. In addition to repairing antiques, the company takes commissions for new custom furniture and drapes, and does custom upholstery. 11910 Parklawn Drive, #M, Rockville; 301-231-8770; trustinteriors.com
Sloans & Kenyon Auctioneers and Appraisers
One of the premier auction houses in Bethesda, Sloans & Kenyon trades Bethesda Magazine HOME | January/February 2015 221
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where the designers shop
Urban Country (above) offers a variety of home accessories; Sloans & Kenyon Auctioneers and Appraisers in Bethesda offers unique items such as this 1920s safety horn (top left) that was used to pump air into firefighters’ helmets. A horse sculpture (left) at Gallery St. Elmo in Bethesda.
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in everything that can be found in a home—from old books and manuscripts to grand pianos and antiques. Designers say it’s known for well-made furniture, and it specializes in Americana as well as art deco and art nouveau pieces. Auction dates are listed on the company’s website. If you can’t wait, you can always check out the S&K Consignment Boutique in Chevy Chase. 7034 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase; 301-634-2330; sloansandkenyon.com
Gallery St. Elmo
This shop is chock full of furniture, lighting and knickknacks—you’ll find Tibetan paintings, Buddha heads, crystal stemware and Tiffany standing lamps. Though the store sells antiques from many eras, the back room is dedicated to the 1950s. A recent visit turned up a set of chairs rescued from an old beauty parlor and classic midcentury Heywood-Wakefield desks and chests. Proxmire says St. Elmo’s unexpected
mix makes it one of her favorite shops. “I love the hunt,” she says. 4938 St. Elmo Ave., Bethesda; 301654-0576; gallerystelmo.com
Urban Country
Urban Country carries a little of everything: furniture, bedding, lighting, artwork, rugs, even upholstery fabrics. The store’s selection changes often, with new merchandise every week, says Welch, who makes it a habit to stop in frequently. “It’s great to be able to come and pick lighting right off the floor,” she says. That sort of convenience is increasingly rare as more designers shop online—an approach that lacks the immediate gratification of an outing to Urban Country. 7117 Arlington Road, Bethesda; 301654-0500; urbancountrydesigns.com n Christine MacDonald is a freelance reporter who lives in Washington, D.C. To comment on this story, email comments@ bethesdamagazine.com.
sloans & kenyon Photo by Brian Searby; urban country photo by greg powers; Gallery st. elmo photo by james mertz
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the mini
masterpiece By Jennifer Sergent Angelina Jolie’s decision to wear a veil deco-
rated with her children’s artwork during her August wedding to Brad Pitt was a clever idea, even if it’s of little help to the many parents overwhelmed by their kids’ masterpieces. “Every single day I’ve had something—since she was 3 months old!” says Ellen Hatherill of Bethesda, whose daughter, Greta, remains prolific at the age of 20 months. The march of art-class souvenirs generally drops off after elementary school graduation—but that’s a lot of drawings, clay sculptures and paint on construction paper to contend with in the interim. Every parent with a young child in school or day care is faced with the guilt-ridden choice between which art stays and which goes into the circular file. The next decision, of course, is what to do with the keepers. We asked local designers and creative homeowners for tips on how to incorporate children’s art into a home’s décor.
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Ellen Hatherill hangs artwork by her daughter, Greta, on wires in the dining room of their Bethesda home.
photo by Justin Tsucalas stacy zarin-goldberg
Hang It Up. An obvious suggestion, but that’s what Hatherill does in the most lit-
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eral sense, using wire and clips from Ikea on the big, blank wall in her dining room. Hatherill and her husband, Brent, plan to remodel soon, so they didn’t want to splurge on a large piece of formal artwork. Instead, she strung two lengths of wire across the wall, one above the other, where she hangs Greta’s latest works from clips. She takes photos of everything and stores them in her computer, she says, “so I have no qualms about throwing them away when I swap them out.” The dining room is painted beige and has wood furniture. “It begged for something colorful,” Hatherill says. “This is a way to get our splash of color that means something to us in that room.”
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the mini masterpiece
Frame It. Bethesda designer Marika
Meyer was surprised to discover recently that what she thought was abstract art in a client’s home was actually the framed work of her client’s child. Proper framing, Meyer says, can have a big impact. “It’s a really great way to get individual, unique art on a budget,” she says—as long as it’s done right. If you find a frame you like, Meyer suggests buying 15 of them on the spot. “Frames are one of those items that always seem to get discontinued,” she says. And because children’s art can be so colorful and loud, she says consistency in the frames helps tone it down and create a uniform look.
Use Mats.
“If you don’t mat the kids’ art, it looks like kids’ art,” says Washington, D.C., designer Mike Johnson, who works for design firm Lori Graham Design + Home and has incorporated kids’ art into the homes of multiple clients in Bethesda and Chevy Chase. “If you mat the kids’ art, it looks like it came from a gallery.” Parents need not worry, however, that their kids’ “gallery” will cost as much as the real thing. Stores such as Pottery Barn sell prematted frames in box sets (that store’s version is called Gallery in a Box), and designers swear by the inexpensive matted frames at big-box stores such as Ikea and Michaels.
Outlast Childhood. Designer Deborah Kalkstein’s children are grown, but a visitor wouldn’t know it from looking around her Potomac home. “I’ve saved every piece of art that my people made. It’s always been part of our house,” says Kalkstein, who owns Contemporaria, a high-end modern furniture store in Georgetown. Even after a major renovation, the art is still prominent. A gallery of it, all in black frames, dominates the breakfast area in the kitchen. Clay sculptures peek from bookshelves. A cracked face made of Play-Doh hangs framed in Kalkstein’s walk-in closet. “My kids are always going to be my kids,” she says, referring to Camille, 21, and Kevin, 19. Just because they leave elementary school doesn’t mean you have to take down the art. “It brings me warmth. For me, that’s a very important feeling.”
Photos By Erik Johnson
Designed by Lori Graham, this Chevy Chase home (left and below) features framed, matted kids’ art throughout.
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photo by justin tsucalas
Designer Deborah Kalksteinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Potomac home is filled with the artwork of her two children, now grown.
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Cut Out the Best Parts. No one ever said you had to hang your child’s art exactly as he or she created it. Karen Sommer Shalett of Chevy Chase, whose home is shown above, came to that conclusion when she was trying to place her sons’ artwork into a collection of frames she’d already purchased. Two of the frames were too small to accommodate any of Nathaniel or Simon’s art, so she was forced to get creative. Because so much of the art lacks a specific focus, or “it’s all the same colors and a bunch of swirly lines,” she says she cut out and saved the most interesting details. “It tells a really nice color story,” she says.
Dedicate the Space. As is true with any collection of like items, displaying children’s art together enhances the effect. “Don’t frame them and put them around the house all mishmash,” Johnson says. “Pick a room, or a space, or a wall.” Gaithersburg designer Dana Tydings did just that along a staircase in a North Bethesda home (shown above). Used mainly by her clients’ children, the staircase leads from the home’s bedroom wing down to the mudroom and kitchen. Tydings purchased black frames from Crate & Barrel “to offset the brilliant colors of the artwork,” she says. The long stairwell offers plenty of space to grow, so new frames can spread out from the center as more art comes home. Even if you run out of space, Marika Meyer says not to worry. Most pre-made frames open easily in the back; just slide new artwork in front of what’s there. That way the kids’ gallery doubles as storage for the older works.
Bring In the Pros. It’s no surprise that businesses have cropped up to convert children’s artwork into finished products such as framed collages, throw pillows and oversize canvases. New York designer Jan Eleni will take more than 100 of your child’s creations, edit them, and reproduce them as a singular piece of art, such as the one shown above. Photo websites such as Shutterfly can convert the art into large canvas prints, or apply it to items from tote bags to coffee mugs. And then there’s 19 Queens Gate, a website that will highlight the most interesting details in the art and reproduce them on livingroom-worthy throw pillows. n Jennifer Sergent is a home and design writer based in Arlington, Va. To comment on this story, email comments@ bethesdamagazine.com.
Photos by Tydings Design, Inc.; jan eleni; james mertz
the mini masterpiece
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Octoberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Most Expensive Home Sales 20015 (Upper NW D.C.) 20016
Courtesy of Marc Fleisher
(Upper NW D.C.) 3528 Ordway St. NW List Price: $6.5 million Sale Price: $6 million Days on Market: 129 Listing Agent: Marc Fleisher, Long & Foster Real Estate Bedrooms: 6 Full/Half Baths: 7/2
3752 Jocelyn St. NW List Price: $1.2 million Sale Price: $1.35 million Days on Market: 4 Listing Agent: Mary Lynn White, Evers & Co. Real Estate Bedrooms: 4 Full/Half Baths: 3/1
20815 (Chevy Chase)
5921 Cedar Parkway List Price: $3.5 million Sale Price: $3.2 million Days on Market: 137 Listing Agent: Christie-Anne Weiss, TTR Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realty Bedrooms: 6 Full/Half Baths: 5/3
20816 (Bethesda) 20814
Courtesy of Erich Cabe
(Bethesda) 8503 Lynbrook Drive List Price: $1.3 million Sale Price: $1.25 million Days on Market: 22 Listing Agent: Erich Cabe, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Bedrooms: 5 Full/Half Baths: 4/1
20817
Courtesy of Bradley Rozansky
(Bethesda) 6104 Landon Lane List Price: $2.7 million Sale Price: $2.4 million Days on Market: 216 Listing Agent: Bradley Rozansky, Long & Foster Real Estate Bedrooms: 6 Full/Half Baths: 5/3
5929 Searl Terrace List Price: $1.6 million Sale Price: $1.6 million Days on Market: 0 Listing Agent: Anne Emmett, W.C. & A.N. Miller Realtors Bedrooms: 5 Full/Half Baths: 4/0
20818 (Cabin John)
6525 75th St. List Price: $1.6 million Sale Price: $1.6 million Days on Market: 0 Listing Agent: Wendy Banner, Long & Foster Real Estate Bedrooms: 5 Full/Half Baths: 4/1
20832 (Olney)
17100 Batchellors Forest Road List Price: $1.3 million Sale Price: $1.27 million Days on Market: 177 Listing Agent: Jay Day, Keller Williams Excellence Bedrooms: 5 Full/Half Baths: 5/1
20850 (Rockville)
13613 Mount Prospect Drive List Price: $1.2 million Sale Price: $1.2 million Days on Market: 0 Listing Agent: Matthew Green, RE/MAX All Pro Bedrooms: 5 Full/Half Baths: 4/0
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NUMBERS
October’s Most Expensive Home Sales 20851 (Rockville)
10308 Iron Gate Road List Price: $2.5 million Sale Price: $2.5 million Days on Market: 207 Listing Agent: Wendy Banner, Long & Foster Real Estate Bedrooms: 7 Full/Half Baths: 8/2
13215 Ardennes Ave. List Price: $524,900 Sale Price: $529,900 Days on Market: 18 Listing Agent: Jan Silverman, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Bedrooms: 5 Full/Half Baths: 4/1
7400 Ottenbrook Terrace List Price: $725,000 Sale Price: $711,000 Days on Market: 125 Listing Agent: Leonard Grusk, Classic Realty Bedrooms: 4 Full/Half Baths: 2/1
10507 Tuckerman Heights Circle List Price: $839,900 Sale Price: $839,900 Days on Market: 11 Listing Agent: Sandra Thackston, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty Bedrooms: 3 Full/Half Baths: 3/1
selling
8920 Edgewood Drive List Price: $524,900 Sale Price: $523,000 Days on Market: 103 Listing Agent: Mark Hudson, McEnearney Associates Bedrooms: 4 Full/Half Baths: 2/1
20882 (Gaithersburg)
20886 (Gaithersburg)
20878 (North Potomac/Gaithersburg) 430 Danbridge St.
the
8805 Beavercreek Lane List Price: $424,000 Sale Price: $430,000 Days on Market: 91 Listing Agent: Paul Hillstrom, Hillstrom Real Estate Bedrooms: 4 Full/Half Baths: 3/1
22400 Rolling Hill Lane List Price: $899,900 Sale Price: $875,000 Days on Market: 104 Listing Agent: Mary Kerr, Kerr Realty Services Bedrooms: 5 Full/Half Baths: 4/1
20877 (Gaithersburg)
14503 Faraday Drive List Price: $1 million Sale Price: $965,000 Days on Market: 184 Listing Agent: Eric Venit, Prudential PenFed Realty Bedrooms: 5 Full/Half Baths: 6/1
20854 (Potomac)
20879 (Gaithersburg)
20855 (Rockville)
20852 (North Bethesda/Rockville)
20853 (Rockville)
List Price: $925,000 Sale Price: $925,000 Days on Market: 0 Listing Agent: Leslie Weightman, Eco First Realty Bedrooms: 5 Full/Half Baths: 3/1
19125 Brooke Grove Court List Price: $459,000 Sale Price: $459,000 Days on Market: 4
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20902 (Silver Spring)
Listing Agent: Deirdre Burrell, RE/MAX Realty Group Bedrooms: 4 Full/Half Baths: 2/1
20895 (Kensington)
9601 Kingston Road List Price: $1.3 million Sale Price: $1.29 million Days on Market: 106 Listing Agent: Jane Fairweather, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Bedrooms: 4 Full/Half Baths: 4/1
20896 (Garrett Park)
11301 Rokeby Ave. List Price: $1.3 million Sale Price: $1.18 million Days on Market: 65 Listing Agent: Marsha Schuman, Washington Fine Properties Bedrooms: 4 Full/Half Baths: 3/1
20903 (Silver Spring)
607 Copley Lane List Price: $799,900 Sale Price: $780,000 Days on Market: 109 Listing Agent: Alexandra Jadali, RE/MAX Realty Services Bedrooms: 6 Full/Half Baths: 5/0
618 St. Andrews Lane List Price: $1.1 million Sale Price: $1.1 million Days on Market: 47 Listing Agent: Richard Dompka, Long & Foster Real Estate Bedrooms: 6 Full/Half Baths: 4/1
20905 (Silver Spring) 413 Firestone Drive List Price: $950,000 Sale Price: $930,000 Days on Market: 146
Home
20906 (Silver Spring)
9 Schindler Court List Price: $595,000 Sale Price: $582,500 Days on Market: 43 Listing Agent: Donna Kerr, Donna Kerr Group Bedrooms: 6 Full/Half Baths: 4/0
20904 (Silver Spring)
20901 (Silver Spring)
Listing Agent: Emily Higgins, Le Reve Real Estate Bedrooms: 6 Full/Half Baths: 6/1
1904 Wallace Ave. List Price: $679,000 Sale Price: $640,000 Days on Market: 17 Listing Agent: Barbara Ciment, Long & Foster Real Estate Bedrooms: 5 Full/Half Baths: 3/1
13904 North Gate Lane List Price: $545,000 Sale Price: $545,000 Days on Market: 66 Listing Agent: Eric Stewart, Long & Foster Real Estate Bedrooms: 4 Full/Half Baths: 3/1
20910 (Silver Spring)
9350 Harvey Road List Price: $799,000 Sale Price: $799,000 Days on Market: 6 Listing Agent: Betty Batty, Keller Williams Capital Properties Bedrooms: 4 Full/Half Baths: 2/2
20912 (Silver Spring)
21 Columbia Ave. List Price: $995,000 Sale Price: $995,000 Days on Market: 7 Listing Agent: Eric Murtagh, Evers & Co. Real Estate Bedrooms: 5 Full/Half Baths: 2/1 Note: Some sales and list prices have been rounded off.
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NUMBERS
Real Estate Sales Trends (by Zip code) October 2013
October 2014
20015 (Upper NW D.C) 15 $1 Mil. 15 7 4 6
20817 (Bethesda) Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million
17 23 $1 Mil. $1.6 Mil. 82 38 2 5 13 10 7 18
Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million
Number of Homes Sold 16 Average Sold Price $972,391 Average Days on Market 16 Above Asking Price 5 Below Asking Price 8 Sold Over $1 Million 6
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
October 2013
October 2014
October 2014
20853 (Rockville) 32 $1 Mil. 56 8 19 13
35 $1 Mil. 59 5 29 16
0 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
3 $1 Mil. 40 0 2 1
20818 (Cabin John)
20812 (Glen Echo)
October 2013
Number of Homes Sold 24 20 Average Sold Price $456,846 $454,080 Average Days on Market 48 63 Above Asking Price 5 2 Below Asking Price 18 14 Sold Over $1 Million 1 0
20854 (Potomac) Number of Homes Sold 37 31 Average Sold Price $1.2 Mil. $1.2 Mil. Average Days on Market 62 100 Above Asking Price 5 4 Below Asking Price 24 23 Sold Over $1 Million 16 17
20832 (Olney)
20855 (Rockville)
0 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
7 16 Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price $534,571 $566,787 Average Days on Market 12 72 Above Asking Price 1 1 Below Asking Price 5 12 Sold Over $1 Million 0 1
6 11 Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price $484,667 $527,675 Average Days on Market 45 91 Above Asking Price 1 4 Below Asking Price 3 6 Sold Over $1 Million 0 0
20850 (Rockville)
20877 (Gaithersburg)
25 10 $1 Mil. $878,640 35 41 7 2 12 6 10 2
14 14 Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price $611,587 $608,886 Average Days on Market 43 95 Above Asking Price 4 2 Below Asking Price 9 11 Sold Over $1 Million 1 1
6 12 Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price $403,317 $370,908 Average Days on Market 59 86 Above Asking Price 1 1 Below Asking Price 4 9 Sold Over $1 Million 0 0
20815 (Chevy Chase)
20851 (Rockville)
20878 (North Potomac/Gaithersburg)
Number of Homes Sold 7 26 Average Sold Price $1.3 Mil. $1.4 Mil. Average Days on Market 43 43 Above Asking Price 4 5 Below Asking Price 3 17 Sold Over $1 Million 2 15
Number of Homes Sold 6 15 Average Sold Price $310,317 $316,020 Average Days on Market 11 24 Above Asking Price 2 4 Below Asking Price 2 8 Sold Over $1 Million 0 0
Number of Homes Sold 33 29 Average Sold Price $706,832 $622,479 Average Days on Market 86 70 Above Asking Price 6 2 Below Asking Price 24 24 Sold Over $1 Million 1 0
20852 (North Bethesda/Rockville)
20879 (Gaithersburg)
Number of Homes Sold 22 7 Average Sold Price $606,605 $432,843 Average Days on Market 25 31 Above Asking Price 10 1 Below Asking Price 9 5 Sold Over $1 Million 1 0
Number of Homes Sold 5 8 Average Sold Price $363,020 $352,613 Average Days on Market 37 60 Above Asking Price 0 2 Below Asking Price 4 6 Sold Over $1 Million 0 0
1 Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price $550,000 Average Days on Market 16 Above Asking Price 1 Below Asking Price 0 Sold Over $1 Million 0
20814 (Bethesda) Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million
20816 (Bethesda) Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price Average Days on Market Above Asking Price Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million
18 12 $1 Mil. $914,500 39 29 4 3 12 8 6 3
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937 Successful Settlements & Counting!
John Pobiak, Broker
301-440-4805
MarylandHomeRealty.com
NUMBERS October 2013
October 2014
October 2013
October 2014
20882 (Gaithersburg)
20903 (Silver Spring)
Number of Homes Sold 8 15 Average Sold Price $469,313 $482,593 Average Days on Market 142 133 Above Asking Price 1 1 Below Asking Price 6 14 Sold Over $1 Million 0 0
Number of Homes Sold 8 8 Average Sold Price $378,238 $376,307 Average Days on Market 80 133 Above Asking Price 5 0 Below Asking Price 3 8 Sold Over $1 Million 0 0
20886 (Gaithersburg)
20904 (Silver Spring)
Number of Homes Sold 6 3 Average Sold Price $367,435 $328,000 Average Days on Market 97 32 Above Asking Price 1 0 Below Asking Price 5 2 Sold Over $1 Million 0 0
Number of Homes Sold 24 20 Average Sold Price $424,713 $433,845 Average Days on Market 70 62 Above Asking Price 3 3 Below Asking Price 16 16 Sold Over $1 Million 0 0
20895 (Kensington)
20905 (Silver Spring)
21 19 Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price $553,029 $585,560 Average Days on Market 43 64 Above Asking Price 4 3 Below Asking Price 16 13 Sold Over $1 Million 1 1
17 9 Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price $469,810 $488,778 Average Days on Market 83 95 Above Asking Price 0 1 Below Asking Price 16 6 Sold Over $1 Million 0 0
20896 (Garrett Park)
20906 (Silver Spring)
1 2 Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price $634,500 $972,500 Average Days on Market 4 63 Above Asking Price 0 0 Below Asking Price 0 2 Sold Over $1 Million 0 1
27 27 Number of Homes Sold Average Sold Price $346,219 $357,581 Average Days on Market 38 58 Above Asking Price 8 4 Below Asking Price 15 20 Sold Over $1 Million 0 0
20901 (Silver Spring)
20910 (Silver Spring)
Number of Homes Sold 25 22 Average Sold Price $438,728 $440,877 Average Days on Market 25 45 Above Asking Price 2 2 Below Asking Price 17 16 Sold Over $1 Million 0 1
Number of Homes Sold 17 17 Average Sold Price $534,829 $551,118 Average Days on Market 27 15 Above Asking Price 5 7 Below Asking Price 9 4 Sold Over $1 Million 0 0
20902 (Silver Spring)
20912 (Silver Spring)
Number of Homes Sold 19 26 Average Sold Price $339,553 $382,098 Average Days on Market 58 39 Above Asking Price 3 2 Below Asking Price 13 20 Sold Over $1 Million 0 0
Number of Homes Sold 14 14 Average Sold Price $437,921 $510,179 Average Days on Market 26 19 Above Asking Price 5 4 Below Asking Price 5 7 Sold Over $1 Million 0 0
Information courtesy of MRIS as of Nov. 1, 2014. Listing information should be independently verified. MRIS is real estate in real time™, enabling real estate professionals to list and sell more than $100 million in real estate each day in Maryland, Washington, D.C., Virginia and markets in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. MRIS powers MRIShomes.com, the only real estate home search site in the Mid-Atlantic brought to you by the Multiple Listing Service. Visit MRIShomes.com or text MRIS2Go to 87778 to download the MRIS Homes™ app for real-time local listings. Note: Some sales and list prices have been rounded off.
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BEFORE & AFTER : AFTER
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Highlights: › Classic Woodley Park home with amazing potential › Started with dated and dark walkout basement › Client goal to make the basement a “summer home” › Lots of obstacles overcome… amazing result! Bethesda Magazine HOME | January/February 2015 237
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Glickman Design Build, Inc. 14516 Pebblewood Dr. | North Potomac 301-444-4663 | GlickmanDesignBuild.com
This home remodel included a kitchen and mudroom addition. The kitchen has an open, airy feel and the mudroom provides the perfect space for organizing.
Highlights: › Built-ins and cabinetry add beauty and functionality › Large kitchen workspace makes preparing meals easy › Mudroom storage now keeps area clutter free › Architectural interest added to exterior of home 238 January/February 2015 | Bethesda Magazine HOME
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before & after | HOME MAKEOVERS
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MERRICK DESIGN AND BUILD, INC. 3923 Plyers Mill Road | Kensington 301-946-2356 | remodelwithmerrick.com
When our clients inherited this 1920s bungalow they knew they wanted to update their home while maintaining the home’s character. The main focus was to renew the kitchen and bathrooms with the modern amenities desired by today’s generation.
Highlights: › The colored range personalizes the space › Oversized molding maintains the home’s character › The farmhouse sink adds an eclectic feel › Honed Virginia granite softens the kitchen Bethesda Magazine HOME | January/February 2015 239
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before & after | HOME MAKEOVERS
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Vision Design Build, LLC 7004 Orkney Parkway | Bethesda 301-263-0220 | vdbllc.com
This whole house Bethesda renovation and addition transformed a cramped dated kitchen into a modern accessible entertainment oasis featuring an outdoor kitchen, bar, and screened outdoor entertainment area featuring full audio/video amenities and a wood burning fireplace.
Highlights: › Enjoy entertaining with an outdoor kitchen, bar and terrace › Green/natural materials provide a relaxing open feel › Accessible design enhanced with handsome architectural details › Stately veranda at entry adds function, dimension and curb appeal 240 January/February 2015 | Bethesda Magazine HOME
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before & after | HOME MAKEOVERS
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Anthony Wilder Design/Build, Inc. 7913 MacArthur Blvd. | Cabin John 301-907-0100 | anthonywilder.com
A sophisticated exterior transformation includes a swimming pool, hot tub, fire pit and guest house. High-end finishes and architectural details shape this dramatic outdoor setting.
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atmosphere › A mini kitchen in the guest house allows for easy entertaining › An indoor/outdoor shower lends a beach-house feel Bethesda Magazine HOME | January/February 2015 241
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January/February 2015
In her Corner
How a common bond brought two women together
Bethesda Magazine HEALTH | January/February 2015 243
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Bethesda Magazine
January/February 2015
258 Jennifer Vasquez (right) helps care for her mother, Linda, who has early-onset Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disease.
COVER STORY 248 Stronger Together
258 When Everything Changed
How a local obstetrician maintained healthy habits during pregnancy By Leah Ariniello
After she had breast cancer surgery, Lisa Feldman hired a personal trainer. She had no idea the woman who would be helping her was on a mission of her own. By Cindy Rich
Twenty-three-year-old Jennifer Vasquez has lived through devastating tragedy. She wants to use her experiences to help others. By Kathleen Wheaton
Health COVER PHOTO by ERICK GIBSON
266 Mom Talk Local support groups are helping new moms stay connected. By Rebecca Gale
272 Health & Fitness Calendar Seminars, running events and support groups Compiled by Cindy MurphyTofig
photo by skip brown
246 Follow the Leader
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follow the
LEADER
By Leah Ariniello
Dr. Angie Jelin with her son, Max, 5, and daughter, Kyra, 3.
Fit for Baby
How a local obstetrician maintained healthy habits during pregnancy
According to preliminary data from the National Center for Health Statistics, almost 4 million babies were born in 2013, about 4,700 more than in 2012.
Dr. Angie Jelin grew up knowing what can happen when pregnancy turns from a time of excitement and anticipation to despair. Her younger sister Theresa was born preterm at 32 weeks and developed the movement disorder cerebral palsy, as well as a lifetime need for a wheelchair and daily assistance. This devastating diagnosis—which can be linked to complications during pregnancy, research shows—fueled Jelin’s desire to become an obstetrician and “help pregnant women achieve the best possible outcomes.” Jelin, 35, graduated from Harvard Medical School in 2005 and now treats about 60 patients a week at MedStar Washington Hospital Center in the District and MedStar Health at Chevy Chase. Though many of the problems that arise during pregnancy are beyond a mother’s control, Jelin says it’s become increasingly clear that taking good care of yourself matters. Sitting on the couch eating ice cream all day can have consequences. “It’s about healthy habits,” she says. “They make a difference.” Jelin, who lives in Chevy Chase, D.C., carefully watched what she ate during both of her pregnancies and exercised until she delivered. She was able to avoid pregnancy complications and maintain her normal, active work schedule. Her children, now 3 and 5, were born full term and in great health.
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What SHE Did Made Thoughtful Food Choices
Jelin did not treat pregnancy as a license to indulge. Instead, she consumed several small, balanced meals each day, including pita chips and hummus, fruit, salad, peanut butter on toast, an egg, vegetables and chicken. She had fish once a week and ate ginger candies to ease her nausea. She started taking a daily prenatal vitamin, which included 400 micrograms of folic acid, three months before trying to conceive and throughout her pregnancies. Jelin also took a daily supplement (200 milligrams) of DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid.
The Payoff Jelin gained 25 pounds during each pregnancy, a healthy amount for her 5-foot2-inch, 110-pound frame. Women of an average weight shouldn’t gain more than 35 pounds, she says, because excess weight can increase the risk of pregnancy complications, such as gestational diabetes. Eating many small meals allowed Jelin to keep food in her stomach throughout the day, which helped ward off morning sickness. Omega-3 fatty acids, also found in the fish, aid fetal brain development. And folic acid helps prevent some birth defects.
Turned Away From Toxins
Jelin ate fish, such as salmon or canned light tuna, only once a week, and stayed away from fish high in mercury, including swordfish, shark, and king mackerel. She didn’t drink any alcohol—not even a few sips of wine—and limited caffeine to an occasional cup of tea. She kept her distance from smokers. Jelin followed Food and Drug Administration instructions and stayed away from deli meats, unpasteurized cheeses and milk, and raw foods such as sushi.
Readers’ Pick, Best Podiatrist
The Payoff Jelin’s diligence helped protect her growing babies. Too much mercury can damage the developing brain, Jelin says. And despite some reports suggesting otherwise, Jelin says most research indicates that alcohol can cause significant problems during pregnancy. Research suggests that high levels of caffeine can negatively affect a fetus’ cardiac system, so Jelin recommends consuming no more than 150 milligrams a day. That’s the equivalent of a grande caramel macchiato at Starbucks. (To get an idea of how much caffeine is in different coffee drinks and chocolate, visit www.cspinet.org). The foods Jelin avoided, such as sandwich meats, have a higher risk of being contaminated with bacteria, including Listeria, which doctors say can cause miscarriages and preterm births. Even if you microwave the meats, Jelin says there is still a risk of bacteria.
Picked Up the Pace
photo by Michael ventura
Jelin ran before she was pregnant and continued to do so every morning for 10 to 15 minutes throughout both pregnancies until delivery.
The Payoff Exercise aids the mother’s cardiovascular health, and Jelin says it likely helps the health of the uterus and placenta. Unless someone has a medical issue, Jelin tells patients to continue doing what they did before pregnancy, even if it’s just walking, starting gently and not allowing their heart rate to go above 200. A little goes a long way, she says: “A new study found that running just five minutes daily is as good for your cardiovascular health as running longer distances.” The exercise also helped Jelin fall asleep at night, providing at least seven hours of healthy rest, and reduced her stress, which she says can contribute to pregnancy problems, including preterm birth. Jelin says that taking time for yourself, whether it’s exercising or reading a book, is a good way for pregnant women to de-stress. n
Leah Ariniello lives in Bethesda and frequently writes about health. To comment on this story or suggest subjects, email comments@bethesdamagazine.com.
Dr. Paul Ross
Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
Bethesda Medical Building 8218 Wisconsin Avenue Suite P-14 Bethesda, Maryland 20814 301.656.6055
www.paulrossdpm.com
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After she had breast cancer surgery, Lisa Feldman hired a personal trainer. She had no idea the woman who would be helping her was on a mission of her own.
ONGer TOGETHER By Cindy Rich | Photos by Erick Gibson
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in her corner stronger together
her husband and three daughters, didn't know what to expect when she signed up for personal training. She’d never done it before. She knew she’d get pushed— that’s what she wanted. She was tired of struggling to put on her seat belt or lift a blouse over her head. But she didn’t know she’d be working with someone who understood what women like her were going through, someone who colored her hair pink and painted tiny pink ribbons on her fingernails. She wasn't expecting Carter to play such an important role in her healing.
There’s an image Tomica
Both Tomica Carter (left) and Lisa Feldman were 16 when their mothers were diagnosed with breast cancer.
Lisa Feldman isn’t used to this exercise. It’s harder than the lateral lunges she’s done before. “It feels like I’m pulling a truck,” she tells her personal trainer, Tomica Carter, as she uses both arms to extend a 7.5-pound weight out in front of her, then moves one leg into a lunge position and rotates her torso. “One more,” Carter says. Feldman’s come a long way since her first session with Carter last January at Equinox in Bethesda. Back then, she had almost no mobility in her right shoulder. She couldn’t lie flat on her stomach. Her core muscles were weak. Now Carter has her doing overhead pull downs and plank exercises with alternate leg lifts. “You’re stronger than you think you are,” she’ll tell Feldman. When things get tough, she tries to make her clients laugh:
“Mama never said life would be easy.” A year after her double mastectomy and breast reconstruction surgery, Feldman, 49, still feels a painful tugging on her right side when she does certain exercises. Her surgeon removed two lymph nodes from under her arm, a procedure that can affect the nerves, causing numbness or temporary discomfort, so she often notices her left side compensating for her right. She’s gotten used to that feeling and keeps going. She likes working out: She gets sick of going to doctor appointments, getting blood drawn, and having pictures taken of her chest. Most people at Equinox don’t know she’s had cancer. The gym is where Feldman feels normal, she says, like she’s finally moving on. Feldman, who lives in Bethesda with
Carter can’t get out of her head: Her 48-year-old mother, Barbara, recovering from breast cancer surgery, tries to pick up a tray of food but drops it on the ground because she can’t lift her arms high enough. Carter, a teenager, walks into her mom’s bedroom and finds her crying on the floor in frustration. “I didn’t know what to do,” she says. “I didn’t know how to help her.” Carter, now 44, has thought about that moment when she’s with Lisa Feldman. She remembers the way her mother struggled to do the simple things, how the muscle atrophy made it hard for her to raise a fork to her mouth. Her mom went through chemotherapy after her mastectomy, Carter says, then the cancer spread to her liver. Now, 27 years later, Carter wants to help women with breast cancer get their strength back. That’s why she signed up for training at Equinox to become a certified cancer exercise specialist. There has to be a reason she lost her mother, she says, a purpose: “There’s no way I went through that hell to get here and not do anything.” When Feldman came in for personal training, she told Carter she wanted to do the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer and that she had three months to get ready. As director of strategic partnerships for NBC4 in D.C., Feldman often teams up with nonprofits and corporations to create public education and awareness campaigns around health issues in the community. She’d worked with the Avon
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Feldman took comfort in knowing that her trainer is a certified cancer exercise specialist.
Feldman started training with Carter four months after having breast cancer surgery. “She’s a tough cookie,” Carter says.
Foundation for Women before she got sick, and had done the walk in 2004 in honor of her mother, a two-time breast cancer survivor. She had been thinking about signing up again. Now the 39 miles would have even more meaning: She was on her own cancer journey. “Think I can do it?” Feldman asked Carter. She’d always taken good care of herself—she eats well, does yoga, rarely drinks—but she’d lost some of her endurance since the surgery. And she felt guarded, tight, like her upper body was protecting itself. Carter, who’s spent her life in the fitness industry, was excited to hear her new client talk about having a goal, something to keep her motivated. “Hell, yeah, you can do it,” she said.
The first time they met, Carter
recorded Feldman’s height, weight, body fat, heart rate and blood pressure, and asked her a series of health questions. Then they started talking about their moms. Both Carter and Feldman were 16 when their mothers were diagnosed
with breast cancer. Doctors in New Jersey told Feldman’s mother, Pearl, that she had six months to live. Her family went to grief counseling to prepare themselves. That was 1983; her mother had a second bout with the disease 25 years later and survived that one, too. As Feldman got older, she always thought she’d get breast cancer: “That’s 30 years of when is it gonna be me?” She wasn’t being negative, she says, just realistic. She started getting mammograms when she was 30, and often got called back because a radiologist needed to take a closer look. Soon she was going in for routine MRIs—if the doctor saw something questionable, which happened a few times, she’d go back for an ultrasound. Because Feldman was considered high risk, she started getting diagnostic mammograms, which meant that doctors looked at her images while she waited in the office in case they needed to take more pictures. When she went in for a mammogram in August 2013, the radiologist called Feldman back to his office and told her he was concerned about two spots on her right side.
“I can’t tell you until we do the biopsy,” he said. She called her husband, Peter Fleck, and said, “I think this is the one.” “If it is, we’ll work through it,” he said. Her first thought was her daughters. Feldman’s oldest daughter, Brittany, who graduated from Walt Whitman High School in 2013, was getting ready to leave for college at the University of Southern California. Feldman didn’t want to tell her girls yet, not until she knew for sure. She went in for her first two biopsies— she needed three—then tried to settle her mind with yoga and distract herself with work. She had trouble sleeping. “It’s a horrible waiting game,” she says. As part of her job, she visited Camp Fantastic, a camp in Front Royal, Va., that NBC4 supports for children with cancer. There, some children spent the morning swimming and riding horses, and the afternoon undergoing chemotherapy. If these kids can go through this, I can go through this, Feldman thought. When her radiologist called about a
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stronger together week later, Feldman was driving by herself in downtown Bethesda. “I think you should pull over,” he said.
It took a long time for Carter to decide she wanted to work with women who were battling the same disease her mother had. She couldn’t have done this when she was younger, she says. She was too angry—she didn’t think it was fair that her mom was gone. An only child, Carter’s father wasn’t around when she was growing up. She and her mom received government assistance and lived in a house in Lanham. Her mother doted on her. She chose her daughter’s initials—T.L.C. for “Tender Loving Care”—before she decided on her name. She loved putting Carter in fancy outfits and styling her long, thick hair. She went to all of her daughter’s cheerleading competitions. When Carter was in sixth grade, her mom gave up a government job to open a hair salon, something she’d always wanted to do, and
named it Tomica’s Hair Unlimited. God, you’re not gonna do this to me— you’re not gonna take my mother, Carter remembers thinking when her mom got sick. She’ll have surgery and she’ll be fine. She’ll walk away from this. Carter’s mother didn’t want to scare her, so she didn’t tell her daughter how bad the cancer was. When Carter went to senior prom nearly two years after her mother’s diagnosis, Barbara was there taking pictures. Carter convinced herself that her mother was getting better, that the chemo had worked. Denial, she says. One day her mom handed her the gold cross she wore on her necklace. Carter left for Towson State University in August 1988. In late October, a family friend called and said, “You need to come home.” Carter drove to Providence Hospital in D.C. on a rainy Halloween night—she doesn’t know if her mother knew she was there. Two days later, she was standing in the hospital hallway when a call came over the intercom.
“One Life to Live was on the TV,” she says. “I was outside the room and I heard, ‘Code Blue.’ ”
Early on, Carter told Feldman how
she feels about workout clothes. “My whole idea is: You look the part,” says Carter, who wore leotards and leg warmers in the 80s while working out to videos in her basement. “You want to dress up because it makes you feel better.” She and Feldman like a similar look: practical, but chic. When they started, Carter encouraged Feldman to buy a couple more cute outfits at Lululemon. She believes in retail therapy. “Make sure you get some pink,” she said. When Feldman told her she wore lymphedema sleeves when she traveled to prevent her body from swelling, Carter suggested she get the fun neon style. “It’s a comfort to have somebody in your regular world—not your cancer world—that can help you,” Feldman
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252 January/February 2015 | Bethesda Magazine HEALTH
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says. “That made me feel like: OK, I’m getting back into my life.” When Feldman started training with Carter, five months had passed since her diagnosis. Her 11-year-old daughter, Lexi, was terrified—cancer, to her, meant death, no matter what her parents said. Sometimes Feldman found herself crying in the shower. “You’re diagnosed and you’re shocked, then you start getting super mad about it, then you go through: Why?” she says. “I knew I was going to survive—I just needed to take the right steps to go through it as healthy as possible.” Doctors had told Feldman that she had stage II invasive ductal carcinoma, a cancer that forms in the milk ducts of the breast but grows through the duct walls and into the surrounding tissue. The cancer, on her right side, was contained to the breast and had not spread elsewhere. She decided to remove both breasts: Too many people she knew had decided not to have a double mastectomy and the
Feldman talks to Carter the way she talks to a friend. It’s strange, she says, how you can have these meaningful relationships in life with people that don’t connect with the rest of your world. cancer came back. She later found out that she would not need chemotherapy; doctors put her on tamoxifen, a drug that can be used to treat cancer after surgery and prevent recurrences. Feldman had tested negative for the genetic mutations known to increase breast cancer risk, but that didn’t mean the cancer wasn’t hereditary. She wondered if it was environmental, maybe bad water or the aluminum in her deodorant. She thought about the stressful year she’d had. Before her diagnosis, she’d been going back and forth to New
Jersey to move her elderly parents out of her childhood home. Her older brother was dying of bladder cancer—he’d had symptoms and waited too long to see a doctor—so she decided not to tell her parents about her illness. “They were devastated over my brother—if I’d told them, I think it would’ve killed them,” she says. She talks to her mom, who still doesn’t know, nearly every day. “She will always remind me: Did you get your mammography?” When Feldman’s husband brought her home from MedStar Georgetown
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Feldman (right) and friend Dahn Burke at the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer last May
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University Hospital after her mastectomy in September 2013, she had trouble walking up the stairs to her room. She had surgical drains near the incisions to remove excess fluid. He offered to carry her, but she wouldn’t let him. “She wanted to control it and not let it control her,” he says. A friend had told Feldman not to heal in bed, that it isn’t good for the psyche, so before her surgery she set up what she calls a “Zen room” in her house. She put a small couch in her sitting room, which looks out over her backyard, and added soft blankets, lavender oil, books and magazines, and candles. A sign on the wall read: This too shall pass. Despite the pain she was in, she flew to Los Angeles for parents’ weekend at USC at the end of October. “Some of my friends thought I was crazy to go,” she says. “I felt like it was good for Brittany to see me.” Soon after that, Feldman started working with a physical therapist and a massage therapist, both of whom specialized in breast cancer patients. One of her physical therapist’s clients had talked about Carter. “There’s this great woman over at Equinox,” she’d said.
Feldman was anxious to
start going to the gym again—it still hurt when she hugged someone, or tried to put dishes away in high cabinets—and she felt better knowing that Carter was certified to work with people who have cancer, that she knew what she was doing. Feldman’s surgical oncologist, Dr. Eleni Tousimis, director of the Betty Lou Ourisman Breast Health Center and chief of breast surgery at Georgetown Hospital, had told her she could start working out three to four weeks after surgery if she felt up to it. She started off by walking one time around her culde-sac, but her heart rate would go up when she got to the steep hill. Slowly, it got easier. “Exercise is a really important part of rehabilitation after breast cancer surgery,” Tousimis says. “Some women develop more scar tissue than others, and by doing physical therapy and exercise you can actually help reduce the amount of scar formation and improve your functional abilities and the range of motion of your upper extremity.” At times, Feldman’s chest felt like a rubber band that needed to be stretched. Carter had learned about the breast reconstruction process, including
walk photo courtesy of lisa feldman
STRONG
C
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implants and tissue expansion, during her training to become a cancer exercise specialist. “I’m gonna push you, but you gotta tell me if things don’t feel right,” she told Feldman. Carter’s supervisor, Greg French, had invited Andrea Leonard, the founder of the Oregon-based Cancer Exercise Training Institute (CETI), to host a weekend workshop at the Bethesda Equinox in the fall of 2013. Leonard, a Rockville native and 30-year cancer survivor, has trained more than 4,000 people over the past 10 years, including staff at Washington Sports Clubs, Fitness First and the YMCA. French, Equinox’s personal training manager, watched his best friend battle leukemia when they were kids and remembered feeling helpless. After earning the CETI certification online, he told colleagues about the opportunity and invited them to the workshop. Carter signed up right away. She spent two days in the Equinox yoga studio learning about different types of cancer and their surgeries and treatments. Leonard went through stretching techniques and case studies, and talked about muscle imbalances and fatigue. Carter, who began working at Equinox three years ago and also sees clients in their homes, had already trained a woman who was going through chemo—a 39-year-old who came into the gym with a buzz cut— so she’d seen the way treatment could strip the body of energy. “Some sessions are just me listening, encouraging, supporting,” says Carter, who lives in Laurel. “Exercising here and there, but focusing on the person and what they need at that point. Being in the moment.” When Leonard talked about the challenges of getting close to a client who might not survive, Carter couldn’t help but think about her mother. “I said to myself, ‘Oh, God, don’t do this,’ ” she says. “I started bawling.” She once had a client who was diagnosed with earlystage breast cancer after they’d trained
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together for a few months. The client, an older woman, told Carter about it in an email, not realizing how much it would affect her. Carter was too upset to respond right away. I promise to be positive and keep my tears quiet as well. But, I must let you know that the fight against breast cancer is super, uber near to me. I have an aunt (my favorite) who is now going on being a 14-year survivor as well as former and current clients who have beat the hell out of it, Carter wrote in an email a few days later. So I am 100% positive that we will get through this victoriously with buns of steel!!”
During a recent training ses-
sion, Carter told Feldman she’d been married once, briefly, a long time ago. “I was twenty-dumb-one,” she said. “I thought I was grown. I was in love. ” “Was your mother around for that?” Feldman asked. Carter said no, that her mother was gone by then. “She wouldn’t have let you do it,” Feldman said. “I wouldn’t even have tried.” Feldman talks to Carter the way she talks to a friend. It’s strange, she says, how you can have these meaningful relationships in life with people that don’t connect with the rest of your world. She tells her family about Carter all the time, though they’ve never met her. Feldman recently posted a picture of the two of them on Facebook, which Carter then shared with her friends. My Warrior Princess Rockstar Client!! Carter wrote. #kickingcancersazz From the beginning, Feldman says, something clicked. She admired Carter’s passion and saw the way she wanted to make her mother proud. “She didn’t handle me with kid gloves,” Feldman says. “She was like, ‘OK, let’s get to this.’ And I needed that—I liked that.” Carter encouraged Feldman to start walking on her own to get ready for the Avon walk—1 to 2 miles the first day, 3 to 4 miles a few days later. At the gym, they focused on the range of motion in Feldman’s shoulder, where a buildup of
scar tissue around the joint was making it harder for her to move her arm. One day, while Feldman was working out, Carter called her a survivor. “Not yet,” Feldman said. Every week, they did planking and bridging exercises to strengthen Feldman’s core. “If the core is strong, the rest of your body can be strong on top of that,” Carter says. “It’s the foundation.” Carter showed Feldman how to use a lacrosse ball, while standing with her back against a wall, to massage tight spots along her shoulder blade. Now Feldman keeps one in her car. For months after surgery, it hurt when she turned the steering wheel. Between sets, they talked about their families, vacations they’d gone on, their jobs. Feldman vented about her frustrations with the breast implants. She asked Carter if she’d been tested for the BRCA gene mutations, which increase a woman’s risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. “You should have it done,” Feldman said. Carter hadn’t thought about genetic testing—her doctor never mentioned the idea—but she started looking into it. She’s planning to have the test done soon. “I listen to the people close to me,” she says. Carter is one of three certified cancer exercise specialists at Equinox in Bethesda. So far, she has trained three women who have breast cancer, and wants to work with more: “I see a piece of my mother in them.”
In October, Feldman asked her
oncologist what defines a survivor. She’d passed the one-year mark and finally was starting to feel like she could take a deep breath and say, OK, I got this. But she had always heard that five years was the big milestone, when you could really say you’d beaten cancer. “The day you’re diagnosed, you’re a survivor,” her oncologist told her. “You’re fighting it.” Feldman had asked other doctors the same question and heard the same answer. But she’s not sure she’s ready to own the title of survivor yet, she says. As times goes on, she’ll get more comfortable with it.
Not a day goes by that she doesn’t think about the cancer coming back. Doctors have told her that the chances of breast cancer recurring after a bilateral mastectomy are very low, but it happened to a friend of hers. Over time, Feldman’s gotten better about staying hopeful. She used to wonder when she’ll get cancer again; now it’s if. “You can choose to bury yourself under a rock or you can choose to empower yourself and say, ‘I’m gonna beat this beast,’ ” she says. She wants to train with Carter three times a week—if she didn’t have to work, she’d be a gym rat, she says—but it’s hard to keep up with the weekly appointments they have now. Her work schedule is erratic. Her girls play soccer and basketball; one is filling out college applications. They rarely get to sit down for family dinners. “Tomica still jokes that I should be doing more—and I should,” Feldman says. Carter encouraged her to get a foam roller, which helps loosen muscles and relieve tension, so she could work out with it at home. For months, she would ask: “Did you get it? Did you get it?” Feldman is planning to do the Avon walk again this spring. Last year, a friend recruited more walkers, formed a team and named it “Lovin’ Life with Lisa.” The walk was cathartic, Feldman says, and the closing ceremony was particularly moving: “It was all these survivors and people that were in treatment, in all kind of phases, and there I was right in the middle.” She walked 26 miles, a marathon, on a Saturday, stayed in an outdoor “wellness village” overnight, then woke up early and did another 13 miles on Sunday. “I felt like I was totally prepared,” Feldman says. Carter, who’s not the camping type, had warned Feldman not to sleep in a tent. “The tent was the toughest part of it. I was tired. It was cold,” Feldman says. “Tomica and I laughed about it.” “Next year I’m doing it with you,” Carter told her, “but we’re staying in a hotel.” n Senior editor Cindy Rich can be reached at Cindy.Rich@bethesdamagazine.com.
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when everything changed Twenty-three-year-old Jennifer Vasquez has lived through devastating tragedy. She wants to use her experiences to help others.
T
he yellow clapboard house where Jennifer Vasquez grew up is immaculate. Her mother, Linda, can’t work anymore, so she passes some of the empty hours vacuuming the Silver Spring home she once shared with her husband and four daughters. On a well-dusted end table in the living room is a photo of Jen’s sister Kathleen, beaming proudly, her reddish curls tucked into a junior ROTC cap. Nearby is a picture of Sonya, Jen’s eldest sister, in her college graduation gown. There’s no clutter; the kitchen table is polished to a high shine. “I clean the house a lot,” Linda says. Jen, 23, was still in high school when she
began to notice that her mother was forgetting stuff. It was little things at first, like where she’d left her glasses or keys. She’d put washed dishes in the refrigerator. Linda was an urgentcare nurse, and she’d always been organized and unflappable. Now, minor setbacks were causing her to burst into tears like a child. Jen tried to tell people that something was wrong, but nobody believed her. It must be stress, they said. The past several years had been stressful for the Vasquez family, especially Linda, but Jen kept pushing her mom to call a doctor. Linda insisted she was fine. The diagnosis came a few years later: earlyonset Alzheimer’s disease. She was 54 years old. Often, when Jen is on her shift as a student nurse
Photo by skip brown
By Kathleen Wheaton
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Jennifer Vasquez (left), a nursing student, moved back into her childhood home to help care for her mother, Linda.
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Top left: Jen, the youngest of four sisters, was born at Shady Grove Hospital in Rockville. Bottom left: Jen was baptized in 1991, surrounded by her sisters, parents and grandparents. “I had a great family and a happy childhood,” she says. Center: The Vasquez sisters with their father, Carlos, at Great Falls in 1994. Right: Jen (left) and Laura Vasquez held a memorial event in April to mark the 10-year anniversary of their sister Kathleen’s death.
in the pediatric oncology department at Children’s Hospital in D.C., Linda will call, wondering where her daughter is. And Jen will tell her, as she has countless times before, that she’s at the hospital, that she’ll be back in time to make dinner. She doesn’t want her mother to cook anymore because it’s too easy to turn on a burner and forget about it. That’s one of the reasons she moved back home— to keep her mother safe. Linda’s illness was yet another test of strength for Jen, who had already endured tragedies most people can’t imagine, and already decided how they would shape her.
In some ways, Jen isn’t any different
from her high school friends. She’s living at home and finishing school. She watches true crime shows with her mom and they scoff at the Kardashians. Jen runs, works out at the gym and takes her dogs to the park. She wishes she had more privacy and hopes she’ll find a good job soon. On weekends, she and her girlfriends like to go to bars such as Union Jack’s in Bethesda, but unlike her friends,
Jen can’t just take off for a few days. Her mother can’t manage without her. Jen’s childhood friends are particularly important to her—they all know her story, so she doesn’t have to explain it. They remember that night in April 2004, when Jen’s 15-year-old sister, Kathleen, stepped in front of a moving car on Layhill Road behind their house. They know that’s when everything changed. Jen was only 13 at the time of Kathleen’s suicide; her parents’ marriage ended soon after. Two years later, her accomplished and glamorous sister, Sonya, 25, also took her own life. Both sisters had been diagnosed with depression, but the treatment wasn’t enough to save them. The tragedies shattered the Vasquez family. Child Protective Services visited Jen at home and at school. “But there was nothing wrong with us except depression,” she says. “I had a great family and a happy childhood.” Much of that happiness came to an end as Jen dealt with the loss of her sisters. She was still in her teens when she decided that she wanted to follow her
mother into nursing and devote her life to helping others. She’s gone on three medical missions to Peru, volunteering in remote clinics in the Andes Mountains and the Amazon jungle. With her surviving sister, Laura, she’s founded Viva Vasquez, a group dedicated to raising money for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “I wasn’t the type of kid who took care of dolls or fallen baby birds—everyone else took care of me,” she says. “Later I realized that I was a caretaker—that I wanted to help people, to stand up for the underdog.”
Jen has wonderful memories of being the adored baby in a family of four sisters. Her father, Carlos, an internist from Lima, Peru, met her mother while both were working at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda. Dinner table conversation in the Vasquez household often veered toward interesting diseases and medical mysteries. The four sisters were good students; musical, athletic, pretty and well-liked. Younger kids at the neighborhood pool looked up to them. “You
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Jen (left) and Laura celebrated Linda’s 56th birthday with her in December 2012. Coping with their mother’s illness has brought the two sisters closer together.
never heard of them being unkind,” says neighbor Pamela Lawrence. “That family was the last one you would have expected to have such tragedy. But depression is vicious. All it wants is to get you alone in a room and kill you.” Jen and Kathleen, known to friends and family as “the little girls,” alternately pestered and worshipped “the big girls,” Laura and Sonya. There were vacations in Rehoboth Beach, where they’d cram into a small condo for a week; trips to meet relatives in the Peruvian highlands. The first tragedy struck when Jen was in eighth grade at Col. E. Brooke Lee Middle School in Silver Spring. She was doing homework in her room when she heard sirens outside; ambulances were coming to a stop near her house. Soon afterward, police knocked on the door with the news that Kathleen had been hit by a car. Kat, as she was called, died four days later. From writings Kat left behind, the family realized that what looked like an accident had been a deliberate attempt to end her life. Kat was the artistic, poetic one, good at drawing, more interested in astrology than biology. Like her sisters, she was outgoing and had a large circle of friends. Some months before her death, she was diagnosed with depression, started medication, and seemed to be
Jen was in high school when she began to notice that her mom was forgetting things. A few years later, Linda was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
doing better. But she kept a secret blog in which she wrote about being suicidal. Out of misplaced loyalty, none of Kat’s friends broke the code of silence; even Jen, the sister closest to her, hadn’t known about it. “When Kat died, I grew up very fast,” Jen says. The drama of middle school
academically at the University of Maryland in College Park and eventually earned her MBA there. She was making plans to attend law school, working as a paralegal and volunteering at CASA de Maryland when it became increasingly clear that her depression was worsening. Keenly aware this time that the illness
“Later I realized that I was a caretaker— that I wanted to help people, to stand up for the underdog.”
—Jennifer Vasquez
seemed trivial. She had no patience for cliques, and couldn’t imagine being deliberately cruel or exclusive to anyone. “It was so hard after my sister died, and my family really fell apart for a while.” Although Jen’s parents’ marriage didn’t survive Kat’s death, Carlos moved nearby and stayed closely involved with his family as another worry emerged: Sonya was also suffering from depression. In the months after Kat’s suicide, Sonya had seemed to power through the loss and aim again at setting an example for her younger sisters. She had excelled
could be fatal, the family managed to get Sonya hospitalized. But they had to fight to have health insurance cover her treatment, and as an adult, Sonya could not be kept in the hospital against her will. In March 2006, 23 months after Kat died, Sonya took her own life. Jen still has a hard time talking about it.
Nobody can tell Jen for sure whether losing two daughters is what made her mother sick, but she’s seen studies suggesting that overwhelming emotional distress is a risk factor for Alzheim-
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In 2012, Jen received the Camille & Clifford Kendall Endowed Scholarship through the Universities at Shady Grove. At the luncheon for award recipients, she spoke publicly for the first time about her mother’s illness and her sisters’ deaths.
Jen, pictured here on a medical mission to Peru, loves working with children.
er’s. Both of Linda’s elderly parents had dementia, but she was barely 50 when the symptoms started, and it was soon after Sonya’s suicide. “I kept saying that I didn’t have it,” Linda says on a Sunday afternoon in her kitchen. She and Jen have the same fair coloring, delicate features, and heavy-lidded eyes. Soon after Sonya died, Laura, who’d been attending Montgomery College, transferred to Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. That left Jen home alone with her mom, in a big house that once seemed brimming with people. But they both went back to work and school, determined to keep going. Throughout her years at John F. Kennedy High School in Silver Spring, Jen’s close friends were supportive. Her boyfriend’s family embraced her, even inviting her to spend a summer with them visiting relatives in Europe. But the grief seemed to have made Jen’s mother increasingly distracted and forgetful. Jen worried about Linda, but her parents urged her to forge ahead with her life, and in 2009 she went off to college at the University of
Maryland, Baltimore County. Two years later, Linda lost her job due to memory lapses. Then she crashed her car. Finally, Linda agreed to see a neurologist, who diagnosed her with cognitive impairment consistent with early-onset Alzheimer’s. After the diagnosis, Jen decided to move home and transfer to nursing school at the Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville. Although Carlos dropped by often to check on hisCassie ex-wife, it was and Zack clear that Linda needed more care. She could no longer drive, and she couldn’t remember to take her medications or pay the bills. Now Jen takes care of the things her mother used to handle. Reversing roles with her child “is very, very strange for me,” Linda says. “That’s why I call her ‘Mom.’ ” “We joke about it, but it’s true,” Jen says softly, as her mother steps away to open the back door for Jen’s dogs, Jessie, a rescue mixed-breed, and Louie, a Yorkie that was Sonya’s. “She’s not a mother figure for me anymore. I can’t ask her for any kind of advice.” Over time, Jen has watched her mother’s personality change. She’s mellower now, always up for a leisurely chat with strangers in the grocery store. She reads her neighborhood book club’s book of the month, though it’s hard for her to remember the plots. “She used to be very on top
After nursing school, Jen hopes to find a job in pediatrics.
of things—very sharp, rather strict,” Jen says. As Linda walks back to the kitchen table, she points out that between working full time and raising a large family, she had to be strict. But now, she says, glancing at her daughter and smiling tenderly, “I’ve shaped you into the nice girl that you are.”
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when everything changed
Although early-onset Alzheimer’s can
run in families, Linda’s doctors told Jen that her mother doesn’t have that particular genetic marker and her condition is probably not heritable. Jen is well aware of her family’s history of depression, though, and watches carefully for signs of it in herself. She saw a grief counselor after the deaths of both sisters, but says she hasn’t found psychotherapy as beneficial as self-help: getting outside, exercising, walking her dogs, calling a friend when she begins to feel sad. “Jen embodies what it means to be resilient,” says her childhood friend Sara Joseph, who lives in Silver Spring. “She’s been through such traumatic events and has been able to derive strength from them. They haven’t crushed her.” Nursing feels to Jen like a vocation, what she was meant to do. She briefly considered psychiatric nursing, but had to walk out of a group therapy session for depression—it touched a bit too close to home. But in the pediatric oncology department, she immediately felt in her element. She loves working with children. “People think it must be terribly sad, but it’s actually a very hopeful place to be, because new cancer treatments are being discovered all the time and so many children get better,” she says. At the same time, she says she feels a strong kinship with the sick children’s parents, an understanding of what they are enduring. The responsibility of being her mom’s mom while attending nursing school gets overwhelming at times. Linda will call her at the hospital to say she’s hungry, forgetting that there’s food in the fridge. Recently, Linda fell and broke her wrist while Jen was in class. She called her daughter after the fall, but couldn’t remember what had happened by the time Jen got home. By evening, after a shift at Children’s Hospital (recently renamed Children’s National Health System), Jen is exhausted. “I admit I could do better with dinner,” she says. “We do a lot of frozen pizzas and Lean Cuisine.” Laura, who is 29 and lives near Bal-
“Jen embodies what it means to be resilient,” says her childhood friend Sara Joseph. timore, where she evaluates health care programs for the U.S. Army Public Health Command, drives to Silver Spring every weekend to help Jen with their mother. Their father helps, too. When Jen wanted to go on a volunteer medical mission to Peru last summer, Carlos stepped in to care for Linda so his daughter didn’t miss the trip. As her mother becomes increasingly impaired, her father may move back into their home. “He is,” Linda says, “the most wonderful ex-husband.” Coping with Linda’s illness has brought Jen and Laura closer together, shrinking the six-year age difference that seemed vast in childhood. “Our relationship is so important to me now,” Jen says. “I feel like nothing can happen to her—she’s my only sister left.” Laura was a premed student at the time of Sonya’s death, but had to switch majors because she couldn’t focus enough to get the A’s she needed. “Sonya was a lifeguard and manager at the pool, I became a lifeguard and manager,” Laura says. “She played the flute, I played the flute. She organized a charity event, I organized a charity event. She taught me how to walk in high heels. She was everything a big sister could be—and suddenly I didn’t have that anymore.” While she was at Hopkins, Laura started a chapter of Active Minds, a nonprofit organization aimed at raising awareness of mental health issues on college campuses, as well as reducing the stigma. “I often talk to people who say that suicide is really selfish,” she says. “But it’s an illness. You would never say that someone who got cancer was selfish.” For Laura, healing would come from helping to educate others about suicide. Speaking out about her sisters didn’t
come as easily to Jen. For a long time, she didn’t have to—everybody at school already knew what had happened to her family. But if people didn’t know, it felt awkward to mention tragedies beyond the ken of most teenagers, so she kept quiet. Now she and Laura maintain a Facebook page for Viva Vasquez, where they post photos from charity walks and fundraisers. In September, they organized a team of 24 people for the Out of the Darkness Walk in Annapolis and raised $4,000 for suicide prevention. Viva Vasquez’s motto: Speak up. Reach out. Never give up. In 2012, after two semesters at Shady Grove, Jen was awarded the Camille & Clifford Kendall Endowed Scholarship, which covered the cost of her tuition. The need-based scholarship is intended for students who have shown a commitment to serving others, and who plan to stay in Maryland upon graduation. If all goes well, Jen will take her nursing board exams soon and find a job in pediatrics. At a scholarship awards luncheon in the fall of 2013, she spoke publicly for the first time about her mother’s illness and her sisters’ deaths. Afterward she noticed that some classmates who didn’t know her story began to treat her with a new respect. “I guess people who didn’t know me just thought I was an average person,” she says. “I am average in the sense that I’m a nursing student living at home— I don’t stand out or look different from anyone else. But I’ve conquered these really hard things. I want people to know that it’s possible to overcome tragedy.” ■ Kathleen Wheaton lives in Bethesda and writes frequently for Bethesda Magazine. To comment on this story, email comments@bethesdamagazine.com.
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Adrienne Joss plays with her son Max during a meeting of Mamas Link, a Bethesda-based moms group, at Kidville in Bethesda. Opposite: Moms having fun with their babies.
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Mom Talk How local support groups are helping new mothers stay connected By Rebecca Gale | Photos by Stacy Zarin-Goldberg
There are 17 of us—twice that many including babies—sitting crosslegged on the floor of Kidville on Bethesda Row. Some babies sit in our laps, others sleep in car seats parked on the carpet next to us. A few infants are crying, the mothers quick to shush and soothe. “This is a nursing-friendly environment,” says Robyn Cohen Churilla, who leads the group. The oldest baby is 7 months, and the youngest, at 5 weeks, is my own son, Ezra. When the music starts for the “Wee Wiggle” program, Ezra perks up—this is the most stimulation he’s had in his young life. For many of us, this is the first time we’re meeting, but it won’t be the last. We’re part of Mamas Link, a Bethesda-
based moms group founded in 2007 by Churilla, a former Montgomery County teacher, after her son, Shane, was born. “I saw how important it was to connect with other moms going through the same thing at the same time,” she says. I heard about Mamas Link from another first-time mother, who found it helpful to spend time with other moms and babies while she was on maternity leave. We meet every week in the Bethesda or Rockville area. With babies in tow, we take music and yoga classes, paint ceramic tiles and meet with family therapists. We even have a professional photo shoot. “I remember waking up the day of the photo shoot and thinking it was a great day,” says Rockville mom Laurie
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mom talk
Ehrlich, director of marketing and communications at Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School, who joined the group with her son, Jake. “I could straighten my hair and put on makeup.”
Mamas Link is one of many moms groups in the area that has seen a steady rise in enrollment in recent years. The benefits are clear: Joining a group gets new moms like me out of the house and
helps us meet other new moms. We get to vent about everything from feeding and sleep schedules to adjusting to our post-baby bodies. “You can prepare yourself all you want, but if it’s your first child, you have no idea what you’re doing,” says Amanda Kaiser, a Potomac resident who participated in Mamas Link with her son, Liam. “Some kids were already sleeping through the night; Liam wasn’t. I needed that sound-
ing board to know that I am figuring it out and not doing such a bad job. I needed to know I’m doing OK as a mom—and as a new mom.” Lynne McIntyre, a psychotherapist who lives in Cleveland Park, joined Parenting and Childhood Education (PACE) nine years ago when her son Calvin was 3 months old. PACE is a discussion-centered organization, founded in Montgomery County in 1973, that offers edu-
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Moms groups such as Mamas Link have seen a steady rise in enrollment in recent years.
Mommy Meet-ups Where to find local groups for new moms By Rebecca Gale
Some local moms groups require registration and have a set fee, others offer free drop-in sessions. Babies are typically invited to attend, though there are certain classes for parents only. Options are available for second-time mothers. Mamas Link, www.mamaslink.com. Open to moms with babies under a year old. Activities include yoga, music and creating keepsakes. Group meets six times, registration required. Babies come to all events. Cost: $220, or $187 with early sign-up. Parenting and Childhood Education (PACE), www.pacemoms.org. Sessions available for first- and second-time moms. The group is led by a trained therapist, and discussion topics are set ahead of time. Registration required. Cost: $325 for eight twohour sessions. Second-time moms: $175 for four two-hour sessions. Postpartum Support International, www.postpartum.net. Drop-in support group for moms suffering from postpartum depression or anxiety. Free. No registration or commitment required. Meeting locations in Silver Spring, D.C. and Northern Virginia.
cational and emotional support for moms. Its leaders have graduate degrees in education, social work, psychology or counseling. Each group meets for eight two-hour sessions with an assigned discussion topic, such as eating, sleeping or crying. “Washington is such a transient area—most people do not have family nearby,” says PACE President Judy Itkin. “They don’t have the support of
grandmas, aunts and uncles down the street.” When McIntyre joined, she was suffering from postpartum depression and anxiety. She had terrible insomnia that pushed her to her breaking point. “It’s one of the worst feelings I’ve ever had,” she says. She could no longer eat or take pleasure in things she had once enjoyed, such as listening to music or visits from family and friends.
Breastfeeding Center for Greater Washington, 202-293-5182; www. breastfeedingcenter.org. Classes available for mothers and pregnant women interested in breastfeeding. Registration encouraged but not required. Most classes are free; some include a minimal fee, noted on the online schedule. La Leche League, www.lllofmd-de-dc.org/ Groups.html. Monthly drop-in group meetings with locations in Kensington, Takoma Park and Washington, D.C. Group focuses on educating and supporting breastfeeding mothers. There is no cost to attend and no commitment required. Pregnant women encouraged to attend; babies and toddlers welcome.
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mom talk
“These groups are important to create the community that we wouldn’t otherwise have,” says McIntyre, now a facilitator for Postpartum Support International (PSI), a drop-in support group for new mothers that meets in Silver Spring, Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia. “When new mothers create that community from the beginning, they are less likely to suffer from that depression and anxiety. A lot of that comes from isolation.” McIntyre credits PACE with saving her life. “I was suicidal,” she says. “I remember my group leader said, ‘This is really hard, and for some of you it’s going to feel extra hard. There is help, there are resources, and I can connect you to them if you feel like you need more.’ I don’t know what would have happened to me if she hadn’t opened that door.” New moms often ask McIntyre, “Why did this happen to me?” She says groups
like PACE and PSI help mothers realize they aren’t alone in feeling this way. “The single most helpful feedback for moms with postpartum depression and anxiety is to sit in a room with other new mothers who say, ‘I love my baby, I love my partner, I have support, and I’m totally miserable. I can’t stop crying and I don’t know why,’ ” she says. “And they have other mothers who nod and say, ‘I know exactly what you mean.’ It’s a safe place to articulate what they are experiencing.” Jenny Rittberg, who moved to Potomac from Brooklyn, N.Y., a year before her daughter, Amalia, was born, says PACE meetings helped her connect with people as she was getting adjusted to a new area. “The format where you are talking about emotional things, opening yourself up and being vulnerable, allowed us to connect in a meaningful way in a very short period,” says Rittberg, a math specialist at the Norwood School
in Bethesda. “Every single week, someone talked about breastfeeding—either having trouble with it or being hesitant to switch to formula, and someone who did switch to formula feeling guilty about doing so. What was beautiful was that everyone was affirming of each person’s decisions. They said, ‘That’s OK, you’re doing your best. You can’t push yourself too hard, you have to do what feels right.’ ” Feeding is a common topic at La Leche League, a monthly moms group that meets to promote and support breastfeeding, with locations in Kensington, Takoma Park and Silver Spring. I went to a La Leche meeting when Ezra was 4 months old and I was transitioning back to work at Roll Call. The other moms were incredibly supportive, sharing their personal tips on how and when to pump. “We encourage mothers to recognize that they are the experts
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health & fitness calenDAR
Compiled by Cindy Murphy-Tofig
Loss of a Child Support Group, 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 21-Feb. 25. For parents grieving the death of a child. Parent Loss Support Group, 6:30 p.m. Thursdays, Jan. 22-Feb. 26. Mount Calvary Baptist Church, 608 N. Horners Lane, Rockville. For adults who have lost one or both parents. Evening Grief Support Group, 6:30 p.m. Thursdays, Jan. 22-Feb. 26, Hughes United Methodist Church, 10700 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring. The six-week group is for anyone who has lost a loved one.
RUNNING/WALKING The Adventist Healthcare Walking Club, 8-9:30 a.m. Tuesdays. Westfield Montgomery Mall, 7101 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda. The free club is open to people of all ages and fitness levels. Register at the food court to become a walking club member. Registrants receive a gift and invitations to free health screenings and events. 301-315-3030, www. AdventistHealthCare.com/WalkingClub. Rise and Shine Walking Program, 8:309:30 a.m. Wednesdays. Lakeforest Mall, 701 Russell Ave., Gaithersburg. Free. 301-8963100, www.suburbanhospital.org. New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day 5K, 9:30 a.m. Jan. 1. Seneca Creek State Park, 11950 Clopper Road, Gaithersburg. Cost is $10. Free for members of Montgomery County Road Runners Club; $5 for nonmembers younger than 18. www. mcrrc.org. Al Lewis 10 Miler, 9 a.m. Jan. 10. Ken-Gar Palisades Park, 4140 Wexford Drive, Kensington. $5 if you preregister online. Free for members of D.C. Road Runners Club. On race day, the cost is $5 for club members; $10 for nonmembers. www.dcroadrunners.org. Carderock JFK 20K and MLK 5K, 9 a.m. Jan. 17. The races will be out-and-back courses on the C&O Canal Towpath, starting at the far southeast end of the Carderock Recreation Area in Potomac. The 5K will begin at 9 a.m. and the 20K will begin at 10 a.m. $5 to preregister online; no race-day registration. Free for members of D.C. Road Runners Club. www.dcroadrunners.org. Walt Whitman Red Rush 5K, 9 a.m. Feb. 8. Walt Whitman High School, 7100 Whittier Ave., Bethesda. Proceeds from the race will benefit cancer research. $30 through Jan. 24; $35
through Feb. 7; $40 on race day. www.allsport central.com.
SUPPORT GROUPS Support groups are free unless otherwise noted. Caregiver Support Group for Spouses, 10 a.m. Wednesdays, 3 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m. Fridays. Holy Cross Resource Center, 9805 Dameron Drive, Silver Spring. For those who care for sick or aging spouses. 301-7547000, www.holycrosshealth.org. Hope Connections for Cancer Support, 9650 Rockville Pike, Bethesda. 301-634-7500, www.hopeconnectionsforcancer.org. Young Adult Group, 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 6-20 and Feb. 3-17. Meet with peers about the challenges of living with cancer as a young adult. Parents With a Cancer Diagnosis, 6:30 p.m. Jan. 8 and Feb. 12. Breast Cancer Support Group, 6:30 p.m. Jan. 13 and 27, Feb. 10 and 24. For individuals with breast cancer. Lung Cancer Support Group, 12:30 p.m. Jan. 26 and Feb. 23. For individuals with lung cancer and their caregivers. Montgomery Hospice, 1355 Piccard Drive, Rockville. 301-921-4400, www.montgomery hospice.org. Events are free and open to Montgomery County residents. Registration is required. Afternoon Grief Support Group, 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 13-Feb. 17. North Bethesda United Methodist Church, 10100 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda. The six-week group is for anyone who has lost a loved one.
Adventist HealthCare Rehabilitation Hospital, 9909 Medical Center Drive, Rockville. www.adventisthealthcare.com. Amputee Support Group, 6 p.m. Jan. 29 and Feb. 26. The group will focus on the challenges of living as an amputee. Brain Injury Support Group, 6:30 p.m. Jan. 8 and 22, Feb. 12 and 26. For patients who have experienced traumatic or nontraumatic brain injury. Attendees are encouraged to bring family members and friends.
SCREENINGS/ CLASSES/ WORKSHOPS Hope Connections for Cancer Support, 9650 Rockville Pike, Bethesda. 301-634-7500, www.hopeconnectionsforcancer.org. Classes are free. Gentle Yoga, 10 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and 10:30 a.m. Thursdays. The class incorporates breathing, stretching and relaxation exercises to help improve muscle tone and stress management. Free. Pink Ribbon Pilates, 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays. The class, geared toward breast cancer survivors, will help with strength and mobility in affected shoulders and arms. Free. Vacation From Cancer, 6 p.m. Thursdays. Engage the creative part of your mind through writing, sketching or journaling. Free. Guided Mindful Meditation, 11:30 a.m. Fridays. Meditation can help reduce anxiety and lower blood pressure. Free. To submit calendar items, go to www. BethesdaMagazine.com.
Photo By ken trombatore
Runners at the 2013 New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day 5K at Seneca Creek State Park
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Special Advertising Section
Profiles Dentists
Peter J. Coccaro, DDS Bethesda Orthodontics
darren higgins
Voted Best Orthodontist, 2014 See Profile page 281
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profiles | DENTISTS
Special Advertising Section
Mary M. Ziomek, DDS "All Smiles" Dentistry 11500 Old Georgetown Road, N. Bethesda, MD 20852 301-984-9646 | www.all-smiles.com
What is the one thing that your patients should know about you? The first thing new patients learn about me is: I love my patients. My motto, “Quality Care Begins with Quality Caring,” drives everything I do!
As a Fellow of The American College and The International College of Dentists, with a Mastership in The Academy of General Dentistry, I keep abreast of technology. I believe in “Only the Best” for my patients. Our brand-new facility has both comfort features and state-of-the-art equipment. Digital x-rays, Oral Cancer Screening and CariVu allow safer and more accurate diagnosis. With intraoral cameras and wide-screen monitors, we show patients everything we see, allowing them to understand their needs and make informed decisions regarding treatment. We keep current with dental science and advanced treatment options like sedation dentistry, implants, Invisalign, veneers, and laser dentistry.
photo by garrett strang
How do you employ new technology to help your patients?
David Schlactus, DMD Yasir A. Siddique, DDS 121 Congressional Lane, Suite 501, Rockville, MD 20852 301-881-9040 | www.drschlactus.com
Over the years, dentistry has been transitioning to a more digital profession. Our office has incorporated a number of these advancements to help better serve patients. We can take digital impressions, resulting in more accurate fitting crowns and implants, as well as longer-lasting restorations. This can also help reduce chair-side adjustments. The era of messy, gag-inducing impressions is coming to an end. Digital x-rays also increase accuracy and diagnostic capability, as well as reduce radiation exposure. We offer computer-generated orthodontic treatment, such as Invisalign, helping us to achieve predictable aesthetic results without clunky metal brackets. Intraoral digital photos help patients better understand their needs and future treatment. Electronic health records allow us to communicate better with insurance companies, referring doctors and dental labs. Our investments in digital technology are with our patients’ best interest in mind.
Hilary Schwab
How do you employ new technology to help your patients?
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Special Advertising Section
L-R: Lauren Lewis, DDS; Shailja D. Ensor, DDS; Jessica Weber, DDS; Timothy Johnson, DMD
Drs. Ensor, Johnson & Lewis 11810 Parklawn Dr., Suite 101, N. Bethesda, MD 20852 301-881-6170 | info@ejldental.com | www.ejldental.com
james kim
What makes you different from others in your profession? We offer caring, personalized, comprehensive care for the entire family under one roof. Our doctors are certified specialists in varying areas of dentistry. Our pediatric dentists, Dr. Ensor and Dr. Lewis, foster a fun and educational environment for our younger patients. Kids love coming to our office! From the time your children get their first tooth, our devoted and gentle team will help protect and care for their smiles. Dr. Johnson, our orthodontist, offers the latest technologies including Invisalign and clear braces. We care for our patients at every stage of life. Dr. Jessica Weber focuses on creating healthy and beautiful smiles for our adult patients. No matter what your dental needs may be, you can find the personalized care you are looking for with us at EJL Dental.
â&#x20AC;&#x153;
It gives us great joy to serve multiple generations, and we enthusiastically welcome new patients to our caring tradition.â&#x20AC;?
What brings you the most satisfaction in your work? We take enormous pride in continuing a dental tradition that began over 45 years ago. Our practice sees a great number of patients who began coming as children and now bring their own children. It gives us great joy to serve multiple generations, and we enthusiastically welcome new patients to our caring tradition. We enjoy getting to know our patients and their unique needs. Our office is friendly, professional and family-centered. We offer a variety of services, including orthodontics, to patients of every age. Our specially trained doctors and staff have made us a leading provider of dental care for special needs adults and children. Bethesda Magazine HEALTH | January/February 2015 275
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profiles | DENTISTS
Special Advertising Section
Peter Kwon, DDS & Crystal Carpenter Kwon, DMD 7970-B Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, MD 20814 301-657-9116 | www.peterkwondds.com 20 Executive Park Court, Germantown, MD 20874 301-916-5800 | www.senecadentalsmiles.com
What is your professional and educational background?
How would your clients describe you? Competence, care and compassion, says our patient Edward Gabriele. He said, ‘Dr. Kwon has a unique ability to explain complex dental science well. When I go to their office, they are truly present for me, demonstrating that health care is not a business for them, it’s a human service.’
tony lewis jr
I attended the University of Maryland, Baltimore Dental School and Dr. Carpenter attended the University of Pittsburgh Dental School. We both completed our residency at University of Maryland together. I worked in Northern Virginia for five years before coming to Bethesda, and Dr. Carpenter worked in Washington, D.C. and owned her own practice in Rockville before joining me in Bethesda. We both broaden our knowledge through continuing education courses and by active participation in the American Dental Association.
Cheryl F. Callahan, DDS, PA 15225 Shady Grove Road., Suite 301, Rockville, MD 20850 301-948-1212 | callahan@cherylcallahandds.com www.cherylcallahandds.com
Dentistry gives me the wonderful opportunity to educate patients on how important caring for their mouth is to their overall health. I also have a nursing background, and I am able to bring my medical knowledge and skills and incorporate them into providing the highest level of care to my patients. I am able to provide patients with both immediate and long-term benefits, such as relief from a sudden toothache as well as help patients to achieve and maintain the health of their teeth and gums over their lifetime. The combination of art and science in dentistry allows us to create beautiful smiles that function well. A beautiful smile gives people confidence and improves their self-esteem. It’s so rewarding to be able to make this possible for my patients. My career enables me to develop long-term relationships while making significant contributions to a greater quality of life for our patients.
hilary schwab
What made you decide to get into your line of work?
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profiles | DENTISTS
Jay Samuels, DDS, PA 11140 Rockville Pike, Suite 510, N. Bethesda, MD 20852 301-881-4200 | drj@drjsamuels.com www.drjsamuels.com
What is the one thing that your patients should know about you? We pride ourselves in comprehensive, whole-patient dentistry. Advanced studies in cosmetic, implant and restorative dentistry keep us on top of oral health care, and focused on preventative measures against larger, costlier procedures.
tony lewis jr
What makes you different than others in your profession? We capture the art and science of dentistry—keeping up with the latest dental technologies, while enhancing the nature and beauty of our patients’ smiles. The dental office does not have to be a frightening place or an emergency clinic where we just fix things that cause pain. We create a relaxing environment and focus on preventative measures to help patients keep a natural, healthy smile for many years. Nothing makes us happier than seeing a face light up after we fix broken, worn or misaligned teeth. The confidence we see when our patients show their smile makes us smile!
Jason A. Cohen, DDS 5530 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 560, Chevy Chase, MD 20815 301-656-1201 | drcohen@cosmeticdds.com www.cosmeticdds.com
What brings you the most satisfaction in your work? I enjoy getting to know patients and their families. Our philosophy is Treating Your Family Like Family – and we mean it! Our staff creates an inviting atmosphere that allows patients to relax, get to know us and actually enjoy time in our office. This comfortable environment only strengthens the bond we create. Often we hear that patients look forward to their periodic appointments for not only the pampered care we render, but also for the relationships we establish.
tony lewis jr
How would your patients describe you? Conscientious and meticulous. My attention to detail allows me to provide the most thorough and careful treatment. We promote comprehensive care and strive to look at the big picture together with our patients. I am also very practical. Our office focuses on not over-treating patients or being too aggressive, but rather sensible plans for each individual. Bethesda Magazine HEALTH | January/February 2015 277
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profiles | DENTISTS
Special Advertising Section
John M. Kelly, DDS 4833 Bethesda Ave., Suite 302 Bethesda, MD 20814 301-657-3220 bethesdarowdentalkelly@gmail.com
We really strive to educate patients and families so that they become an active partner in their treatment. It makes our job easier and your dental health that much better. I want patients to understand that I am trying to help them achieve optimal functional and esthetic dental health. Education enables a patient to understand their own needs and decide on their personalized, optimal treatment plan.
How do you employ new technology to help your patients? In the heart of downtown Bethesda, we offer the state-of-theart technologies you expect. Digital radiography gives quick, safe diagnoses. The Velscope aids in screening for oral cancers. Our new digital scanner takes the place of most messy impressions. The innovative WAND anesthesia delivery limits numbness of the lip and tongue. We also have the SONICFILL Composite System, which shortens restorative procedure time.
james kim
What is the one thing that your patients should know about you?
Alona Bauer, DMD Chevy Chase Smiles 4601 North Park Ave., Suite C7, Chevy Chase, MD 20815 301-908-8466 | www.dralonabauer.com
What brings you the most satisfaction in your work? Looking oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best, which means looking refreshed and youthful, is important, especially to the many men and women who come to me when they are starting a new phase in their life and are looking for a change. In as little as two visits, I am able to restore their confidence by giving them a rejuvenated smile, which is the best thing they can wear.
My European background has influenced my focus on natural-looking beauty, as I started in art, and was accepted into Parsons School for Design in New York, the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top-ranked art school. My practice focuses on the art and science of facial aesthetics. My passion for facial balance and symmetry shows through my unique approach to smile and face rejuvenation, and I place a particular emphasis on veneers, which quickly transform the shape and color of your teeth permanently.
darren higgins
What makes you different than others in your profession?
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Special Advertising Section
profiles | DENTISTS
Arthur Z. Weiss, DMD
“
15005 Shady Grove Road, Rockville, MD 20850 301-340-9550 | www.DreamSmiles.com
From the simplest procedure to the most complex treatment, our accomplished team will ensure your comfort and personalized care in a spa-like setting.”
How does your practice remain current in dental care?
rachel weiss
I have devoted more than 25 years to the practice of general, reconstructive and cosmetic dentistry and am one of 400 dentists worldwide to receive the distinction and honor of accreditation from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. During this time, I have always seen the value of remaining current with the latest advancements and have incorporated that philosophy in my practice. I regularly attend continuing education courses and encouragingly support my team to do the same. Recently, I wrote in a publication about the integrated approach of using advanced technology to yield optimal results for diagnosis, planning and treatment. I have lectured nationally regarding these state-of-the-art dental techniques and treatment.
What is the foundation for a healthy smile? Maintaining a healthy smile requires a multidimensional approach. Proper home care, regular hygiene visits and ideal treat-
ment are the best ways to keep your smile beautiful and healthy. During your first visit to our practice we will perform a Comprehensive Exam, which allows us to evaluate the overall health of your mouth, including the hard and soft (gum) tissues and an oral cancer screening. Periodontal health is vital in maintaining your smile and our practice provides personalized oral care tailored to meet your dental needs.
What makes your practice unique? Our practice emphasizes periodontal and oral health to properly maintain, support and enhance one’s smile. Our comprehensive approach to patient care, combined with our use of advanced, interactive technologies—such as our new intra-oral scanner, which eliminates the need for conventional dental impressions— allows patients to be involved in designing and maintaining their healthy and beautiful smiles. From the simplest procedure to the most complex treatment, our accomplished team will ensure your comfort and personalized care in a spa-like setting. Bethesda Magazine HEALTH | January/February 2015 279
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profiles | DENTISTS
Special Advertising Section
Karl A. Rose, DDS Periodontal & Implant Associates of Greater Washington 5454 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 620, Chevy Chase, MD 20815 301-652-3355 | www.piagw.com
What brings you the most satisfaction in your work? I see people every day who have almost given up. They’re always seeing the dentist, resigned to never having the smile of their dreams or being able to eat the foods they love. For me, to walk in and say, “Yes, you can – and here’s how!” is an amazing feeling. When treatment is completed, the happiness on their faces is incredibly satisfying.
I never wanted to be just “a good dentist,” or to just “have my own practice” or “make a lot of money.” I trained under the greats in dentistry, and I looked at them and thought, “I want to do that and be the best.” Everything I’ve done – the years of education, the specialty training, the hours teaching – is about providing my patients with the best dentistry has to offer.
tony lewis jr
What makes you different from others in your profession?
Mark Taff, DDS; Brad Levine, DDS; Hilari Dunn DDS; & Janice Grossman. DDS Taff and Levine, DDS, PA 5225 Pooks Hill Road, Suite 3, Bethesda, MD 20814 301-530-3717 | taffandlevine@comcast.net www.taffandlevine.com
We’re a unique full-service dental practice providing most procedures under “one roof.” One can be confident in knowing that, in addition to our comprehensive dental hygiene program, procedures such as root canals, implants, crowns and bridges, veneers and Invisalign, as well as periodontal surgery, can be completed without leaving our office. As a result, we are committed to continually advancing our knowledge and expertise in all phases of dentistry in order to provide exemplary care in a safe and caring environment. We will always be one step ahead in dental technology and committed to treating you in the way we ourselves want to be treated. Let us give you something to smile about! Let us give you something to brag about! We are confident you will be as proud to be a part of our full service dental practice as we are to serve you.
tony lewis jr
What is the one thing that your patients should know about you?
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profiles | DENTISTS
Special Advertising Section
What makes you different than others in your profession? We have the most experience of any orthodontic office in the area. We build relationships that last for years, not just one or two visits. Over the years, I’ve developed the precision of a scientist and the eye of an artist. I was proud to have been voted “Best Orthodontist,” 2014, by Bethesda Magazine’s readers.
darren higgins
What brings you the most satisfaction in your work? From a patient note I treasure: “Cheese!” was a word I hated but now I love. Hands that covered my mouth are now free to wave at the world. Photos I tore off the walls now hang high and proud… It’s rare to find a person as kind, loving and caring as you… Every day when I look at the mirror, I will think of the gift you have given me and forever thank you in my heart.”
Peter J. Coccaro, DDS Bethesda Orthodontics 4833 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, MD 20814 301-530-8191 | BethesdaOrtho@aol.com www.bethesdaorthodontics.com
Steven Janowitz, DDS 350 Fortune Terrace, Rockville, MD 20854 301-279-2600 | sjanowitzdds@aol.com
tony lewis jr
What brings you the most satisfaction in your work? Being selected as Bethesda Magazine’s “Best General Dentist” in this year’s “Best of Bethesda Readers’ Poll” is an incredible honor. Knowing that so many people took the time to vote means the world to me. Whenever I am asked what I like most about being a dentist, my response is that I love getting to develop long-term relationships with my patients, and taking care of them, their families and their friends. It is so gratifying to add to those relationships by incorporating the latest technological advances in dentistry into my patients’ care. Using these evolving technologies, and with the assistance of my compassionate and highly skilled staff, I can enhance and restore beautiful smiles in a very comfortable setting. I always say that dentistry is the perfect profession for me, and this recognition makes that feeling even sweeter.
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profiles | DENTISTS
Special Advertising Section
What is your professional and educational background? I’m proud to have been rated “Best Dentist” in Bethesda Magazine and Checkbook magazine. I’ve earned a Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry and a Fellowship in the American College of Dentists. I’m chairman of the Maryland State Peer Review Committee and have headed ethics committees for the state and local societies and testified as to proper dental standards.
Larry Greenbaum, DDS 5480 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 208, Chevy Chase, MD 20815 301-652-6011 | info@larrygreenbaumdds.com www.larrygreenbaumdds.com
We deliver quality care, convenience and affordability. Services include total preventive care and counseling, family and general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, restorative dentistry and emergency treatment. My assistants are all dentists from different countries who are devoted to quality care and serving all your needs. We offer a comfortable and relaxing office and special service for anxious patients. Preventing dental disease, improving the appearance of your teeth and keeping your smile bright are our priorities.
darren higgins
What makes you different than others in your profession?
Patrick A. Murray, DDS Shady Grove Dental Care 15200 Shady Grove Road, Suite 340, Rockville, MD 20850 301-330-4600 | www.shadygrovedentalcare.com
I love my profession and I really believe in using what I can do to help people. Not just my patients, but others, too. So I volunteer every year for the Mission of Mercy program in Maryland. Last year it was in Cumberland, and this past July at the Comcast Center, and we spend all day giving free dental work to needy people. Recently in our office, a young lady needed a kidney/pancreas transplant, but her dental situation was so bad they wouldn’t place her on the list. We extracted six of her teeth and restored four of them. Now she has a chance to receive her transplants. How much does it really cost out of your day to help people? Bottom line – You get a simple thank you and a big smile on their face. That makes it all worthwhile!
darren higgins
What brings you the most satisfaction in your work?
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profiles | DENTISTS
Special Advertising Section
Sheida Larijani, DDS Bethesda Dental Health 7978 Old Georgetown Road, Suite 6C, Bethesda, MD 20814 301-654-1887 | BethesdaDentalHealth@gmail.com www.BethesdaDentalHealth.com
What made you decide to get into your line of work? A beautiful smile is priceless. It affects confidence, professional success and relationships. Over the years I’ve found that, while people are concerned about health and appearance, oral health isn’t seen the same. How could you be healthy if your mouth is not? The mouth is an opening to the rest of the body. My mission is to educate people about the relationship between dental health and overall health. Dentistry combines science, art and humanity. It changes lives. It’s the perfect profession for me.
What is your professional and educational background? After receiving a BS in Chemistry from Georgetown University, I earned my Doctorate at Baltimore College of Dental Surgery in 1997. I received a prestigious Frank Jerbi award in Prosthetics, worked in New York, and then established my practice focusing on dental implants and facial esthetics in Maryland. I frequently participate in advanced dental seminars to stay current. I’ve been recognized as one of America’s top dentists by the International Association of Dentists (2010-2011) and the Consumer’s Research Council (2008-2013).
What brings most satisfaction in your work?
darren higgins
It’s the big smile I get after a treatment is completed – “It feels good, Doc!” I’ve helped patients land that perfect job or make the big sale by giving them a natural, confident smile. Over 18 years, I’ve also helped patients seek medical care for conditions such as diabetes, sleep apnea and oral cancer that they didn’t know about. I love my job.
How would your patients describe you? “Caring,” “informative,” “kind,” “attentive,” “reassuring,” “approachable,” “incredibly skilled.” These are from actual patient reviews and I’m very grateful. I love my patients!
“
I’ve helped patients land that perfect job or make the big sale by giving them a natural, confident smile.”
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Copper Canyon Grill Sunday
BRUNCH
Join us for brunch every Sunday from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Enjoy our classic menu featuring freshly prepared selections that are uniquely Copper Canyon. As you dine, relax and listen to live jazz in our warm, congenial atmosphere. Can’t make it for brunch? We feature live jazz nightly, providing the perfect backdrop for dinner or happy hour.
WWW.CCGRILL.COM
It’ll be the best decision you make all day. GAITHERSBURG, MD 240-631-0003
Untitled-1 1
SILVER SPRING, MD 301-589-1330
GLENARDEN, MD 301-322-8600
ORLANDO, FL 407-363-3933
12/4/14 11:15 AM
dine Revie w
Good Vibrations
A mural picturing a “Day of the Dead” sugar skull, the popular symbol of the Mexican holiday, enlivens the dining room at Gringos & Mariachis in Bethesda.
Gringos & Mariachis hits nearly all the right notes By Carole Sugarman | Photos by Stacy Zarin-Goldberg
At Gringos & Mariachis, the details click. From the standout décor to the appealing Mexican tapas menu, exemplary waitstaff, and a catchy name and logo, the restaurant’s concept really comes together. No wonder then, that even on a Tuesday night, the dining room is packed and the bar is buzzing. This hip taqueria is the “It Girl” of Bethesda. Roberto and Riccardo Pietrobono—owners of Olazzo, the endearing Italian restaurants in Bethesda and Silver Spring—and their longtime manager Marc Miranian opened the restaurant in February, and
it quickly acquired a loyal following. Olazzo chef Miguel Linares, who was born in Puebla, Mexico, oversees both kitchens. As for the cooking at Gringos, after five visits there, I’d say it’s good but not great. While the food is fresher and more authentic than the heavy, cheese-laden fare served by the Tex-Mex competition, I did wish for more depth and spark in some of the dishes. Fans may quibble with me, but Gringos’ super setting and vibe can make it easy to overlook or forgive any culinary imperfections. BethesdaMagazine.com | January/February 2015 285
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The battered fish taco is topped with cabbage slaw.
iew Rev Sriracha Cream and Tomatillo Chipotle salsas with tortilla chips
A fresh-tasting salsa verde enlivens Mexican-spiced meatballs.
When ordering, focus on the extensive list of small plates and on the tacos that come two to an order and are made with corn tortillas 4½ inches in diameter. They’re only a few bites each, but an extra can be ordered for $3 ($2 at lunch). Before the margaritas arrive (go for the Smokey or Jalapeno Cucumber flavors), heat seekers should order a couple of additional salsas from the list of nine alternatives. The house salsa that comes
gratis with the thick tortilla chips is far too tame for my tastes (and was downright watery at lunch one day). But the Sriracha Cream (labeled “medium”) and the Tomatillo Chipotle (labeled “hot”) are more pleasing; in fact, the creaminess of the former and the smokiness of the latter create a marital match on a chip. You can also order two salsas with guacamole, but on the night I tried the avocado dip, it was a faint version with little pizzazz. Instead, choose the albondigas, Mexican-spiced meatballs served in a freshtasting pool of salsa verde, or the queso
GRINGOS & MARIACHIS 4928 Cordell Ave., Bethesda, 240-800-4266, www.gringosandmariachis.com HOURS Open 4:30 to 10:30 p.m. Sunday; 4:30 to 11 p.m. Monday and Tuesday; 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 11:30 a.m. to midnight Friday; and 4:30 p.m. to midnight Saturday. Happy Hour from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday; and 4 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. RESERVATIONS None taken PRICES Small plates (including tacos), $4.95 to $11.95; main courses, $10.95 to $18.95. FAVORITE DISHES Albondigas, chips with Sriracha Cream and Tomatillo Chipotle salsas, queso fundido with chorizo, shrimp tacos, pescado tacos, birria tacos, molote de huitlacoche, coconut flan PARKING Street parking and public lots
fundido, a fun starter to share. Everyone can take turns pulling the gooey, taffy-like cheese out of the dish with a chip. For a lighter alternative with a sweet note, opt for the chorizo-stuffed dates. On the OK-but not-worth-ordering-again list, I’d put the ceviche and the sopes—the masa cakes topped with refried beans, chicken tinga (shredded meat in chipotle sauce), cheese and two salsas were boring. Although it’s difficult to go wrong when choosing any of the tacos, among the best are the seafood selections, such as the battered fish or the shrimp that come with plenty of cilantro and lively cabbage slaws. I also enjoyed the birria (slow-cooked short rib). For something different and delicious, try the multidimensional molote de huitlacoche, a flash-fried tortilla stuffed with sautéed mushrooms and huitlacoche, a Mexican delicacy that is actually a fungus that grows on corn (don’t get scared away). The whole shebang is then topped with shredded lettuce, salsa, sour cream and Cotija cheese. As for main courses, the three I tried were disappointing. The carne asada was cooked way beyond my request for medium rare, resulting in chewy slices of bland meat. The treatment of the lamb— marinated in pureed chilies, bay leaf, avocado and plantain leaves and then cooked sous vide-style (sealed in a plas-
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Wine and More
The restaurant’s bar offers outstanding cocktails and 28 beers.
Owners (from left to right) Roberto Pietrobono, Riccardo Pietrobono and Marc Miranian enjoy shots.
tic bag and steamed)—is supposed to render a moist outcome, but the chunks of meat were surprisingly dry. Conversely, the chicken in the mole poblano was juicy, but the mole sauce was thin and lacking in dark, rich complexity. Many of these quibbles were overshadowed by the waitstaff, who are delightful, efficient and knowledgeable about the menu. One evening when my dining partners were substantially delayed by traffic, the waitress kept checking in on me as I waited alone. She even joked that she’d join me for a drink if she could; if she didn’t have to work, I’d gladly have invited her to sit down. On another evening, our sweet-natured
server—whom I’d adopt if I didn’t have a daughter of my own—brought a sample of her favorite salsa for us to try. Like the service, the décor is engaging. Dramatic murals on the distressed-brick and wood walls resemble tattoo art—one features a woman in a sombrero surrounded by the message “Make Tacos, Not War”; another depicts a “Day of the Dead” sugar skull, the popular symbol of the Mexican holiday. Other touches—such as gold-textured wallpaper, an antique-y liquor cabinet stuffed with tequila bottles, faux-finish wood tables, brown-leather booths and roped chandeliers—give the place a funky feel.
Gringos & Mariachis offers a broad selection of beer, margaritas, wine, whiskeys and tequilas. 28 beers offered in cans and bottles and on tap, priced $6-$12 More than 30 tequilas, priced $6-$18 per shot 20 wines, priced $25-$40; 14 by the glass, $7-$10 Specialty cocktails, priced $8-$12 Recommended cocktails: The outstanding House Margarita, made from Sauza Blue (100 percent agave) and Cointreau, $8 The flavorful Jalapeno-Cucumber Margarita, $8 The powerful El Jefe, made from Laphroaig Single-Malt Scotch, Buffalo Trace Bourbon and sweet vermouth, $12 Recommended tequilas: Milagro Reposado, $11; or the Herradura Reposado, $9. Both are made from 100 percent blue agave and are packed with pungent, peppery aromas and flavors. For a tequila with age, try the Cabo Wabo Anejo, $11. Recommended beers: Pacifico, a Mexican-style lager perfect for washing down tacos, $6 DC Brau’s The Corruption IPA, $6 Agave Wheat from Colorado’s Breckenridge BBQ and Brew, $8 Recommended wines by the glass: Urban Uco Sauvignon Blanc (white), Argentina, $8 Evil Cabernet Sauvignon (red), Aragon, Spain, $9 Overall grade: A A great selection of libations that fits this fun, edgy taqueria. —Jay Youmans Jay Youmans, an Advanced Sommelier, a Certified Specialist of Spirits and a Master of Wine, owns the Capital Wine School in Washington, D.C.
One warning: All this coolness comes with a lot of noise at peak times, so stop by for lunch or grab a bite early in the evening if you don’t want to keep shouting “What?” at your tablemates. Roberto Pietrobono, who says it took about a year to plan the eatery, is confident he’s got the bona fides to expand from Italian into Mexican fare; he lived in Mexico for four years as well as in Southern California. “It’s not like we’re gringos,” he says. “We really thought this out.” It shows. n Carole Sugarman is the magazine’s food editor. To comment on this review, email comments@bethesdamagazine.com.
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table
By Carole Sugarman
TALK
Food FIND
Yasaman Vojdani (left) and her mother, Shohreh, who lives in Potomac, teamed up to produce a line of flavored granolas for their business, Oat My Goodness.
OMG! a sorority house at George Washington University in 2010 when her mom stopped by with homemade granola. Potomac resident Shohreh Vojdani, who loves to cook, had always thought that commercially made granolas tasted like just oats and sugar. “We all tried it,” Yasaman recalls about her mom’s granola. “And everyone was like, ‘Oh my god, this is really good.’ ” Fast-forward four years and OMG now stands for Oat My Goodness, the mother-daughter team’s line of granolas full of unexpected flavors and packed with high-quality dried fruits and nuts. It was Yasaman, a business major, who saw the market potential for the first snack, which tastes like oatmeal cookies. Called Vintage, it contains vanilla, cinnamon, dark brown sugar, cashews, peanuts, almonds, raisins
and coconut. Yasaman’s older brother, Arian, a passionate foodie, helped create two other flavors (Sunrise, made with orange, mango, coffee and macadamia nuts; and Bad Monkey, a mix with peanut butter, banana and chocolate chips). Though the siblings had to work hard to convince their mom that the family should get into the granola business, Oat My Goodness has flourished since it was launched in January 2014. At press time, its granola was available in about 20 stores across the country. The granola is sold locally at Wagshal’s in Northwest Washington, D.C.; Bradley Food & Beverage and Mo’s Mocha in Bethesda; Potomac Grocer in Potomac; and Dawson’s Market and Yekta Market in Rockville. The 8-ounce bags range in price from $7.99 to $10. The three flavors are also available for $10 a bag online at www.omgcraft granola.com.
Resolution Ready If a sampling of last year’s menu orders at MoCo’s Founding Farmers in Potomac is any indication, it looks like at least some diners started off 2014 forsaking richer, heavier foods. But were they able to keep it up throughout the year?
Number of Orders December 2013 | January 2014
Fried green tomatoes 3,637 3,118 Chicken & waffles 1,233 1,045 Triple-layer chocolate mousse cake 902 823
photo courtesy of Len DePas
Yasaman Vojdani was living in
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COMINGS & GOINGS
Down on the (Winter) Farm
photo courtesy of friends & farms
photo courtesy of Len DePas
Just because it’s the dead of winter doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy produce, meats and dairy products from local farms. Friends & Farms, a weekly grocery delivery service that aggregates offerings from more than 40 regional farmers and producers, recently created a Bethesda pickup location, and at press time, was finalizing one in Gaithersburg. Emela Silva, a federal government worker who lives in Bethesda and has been using Friends & Farms since October, says the service offers “very good quality, and the price is super.” Unlike Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs, in which subscribers contract directly with a farmer, Friends & Farms gathers a wide range of goods from its network of producers, most of whom are located in Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania. At the company’s Columbia, Md., warehouse, the items are packed in reusable bags that would provide three or four meals per week for either one, two or four people, and then distributed to more than 700 customers at 16 locations in Maryland. There are several basket options, but basically members receive two protein selections, five to seven fresh-produce items, a half-gallon of milk and a loaf of
bread, plus revolving deliveries of breakfast meats, eggs and cheese. Each week’s groceries are often planned around recipes or themes, which are emailed in advance. Substitutions and vegetarian baskets are also available. During winter months, customers typically receive locally grown apples, pears, cabbage, mustard greens and root vegetables, plus greenhouse items such as lettuce and tomatoes. Shelf-stable sauerkraut, pickles, fruit and nut butters or jams round out the cold-weather offerings. “Historically, January and February have been busy months for us,” says Collin Morstein, director of business development for Friends & Farms. “Most CSAs and farmers markets are not operating during the winter, so we are a great option for locally minded eaters.” The Bethesda pickup is between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Wednesdays at the Pauline Betz Addie Tennis Center at 7801 Democracy Blvd. Prices vary depending on the size of the order basket and the duration of the subscription. Friends & Farms also allows customers to try out a sample basket before committing to a subscription. For more information, go to www.friendsandfarms.com.
Carole Sugarman is the magazine’s food editor. To comment, email comments@ bethesdamagazine.com.
The biggest news for Bethesda is the highly probable opening of a restaurant from Top Chef contestant Mike Isabella in the former Vapiano space on Bethesda Row. At press time, a deal was being sealed for Isabella— who owns Graffiato, G by Mike Isabella and Kapnos in the District—to open another Kapnos concept there sometime in 2015…Lots of newcomers in Silver Spring; adding to the suburb’s cutting-edge sensibility will be The Urban Winery, a working winery with a wine bar, wine tasting and winemaking classes, plus light, local food offerings. The owners were shooting for a late-December opening at 949 Bonifant St. …Also in Silver Spring, Alex Garcia, a New York chef who oversees several Manhattan restaurants, will open his first restaurant outside the Big Apple. His Latin-themed AG Kitchen is slated to arrive in 2015 on Ellsworth Drive in downtown Silver Spring…The popular Kaldi’s Coffee Bar on Silver Spring Avenue is adding a rooftop lounge and expanded café space, expected before spring…And finally, All Set Restaurant + Bar, a contemporary gathering spot serving New England-inspired coastal cuisine, is shooting for an early-spring opening at 8630 Fenton St. Freddy’s Lobster + Clams in Bethesda may have closed in late October, but two staffers from Grapeseed, the restaurant next door, have bought the space and plan to renovate it as a new place serving regional comfort food. A December opening was an optimistic forecast…Meanwhile, Newton’s Table chef/ owner Dennis Friedman is turning the upscale Elm Street eatery into the Bethesda Barbecue Company, set to open in early January… Sometime in 2016, a location of the True Food Kitchen chain will open on the ground floor of the future Solaire Bethesda luxury apartments at the corner of Wisconsin and Woodmont avenues in Bethesda. The restaurant’s healthconscious menu features kale and quinoa. The November closure of Saint Michel Bakery means the loss of the best croissants in town. The business operated a longtime stall at the Montgomery Farm Women’s Cooperative Market as well as a Rockville bakery…Also shuttered in November, the Chevy Chase location of Mi Cocina, the Dallas-based Tex-Mex chain, and Roof Bethesda…Meanwhile in Potomac, River Falls Market, the 16-year-old seafood and prepared foods shop, closed its doors in October. New owners plan to reopen the space as the Market at River Falls.
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cooking
By Brian Patterson Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Academie de Cuisine | www.lacademie.com
photoS by stacy zarin-goldberg
CLASS
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1
ingredients
The rIbS ¼ cup dry rubbed sage ½ cup chili powder ½ cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon dried mustard 3 tablespoons salt 2 tablespoons black pepper ½ teaspoon cayenne or dried chipotle powder (optional, to taste) 3-pound rack of St. Louis-style ribs Mix the dry ingredients together and store in an airtight container. The recipe makes enough rub to coat two racks of ribs.
the glaze 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 tablespoons dark rum Juices from cooking pan Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
Cornbread 1 ear of fresh corn, or one cup of frozen corn toasted in the oven ½ cup sugar 3 tablespoons of milk powder 1 teaspoon salt 2 eggs 5 ounces water ¼ teaspoon vanilla 11/3 cups bread flour 5 ounces cornmeal 3 tablespoons baking powder 2 ounces corn oil Butter for the baking pan 1 egg, beaten well, for the egg wash Shredded cheddar and sliced scallions
North Carolina Vinegar Slaw ½ head white cabbage, sliced very thin 2 large carrots, julienned 1 red onion, sliced very thin 2 cups apple cider vinegar ½ cup water 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon hot red pepper flakes 1 jalapeno chili, sliced thin 2 tablespoons salt 1 tablespoon fresh ground pepper 1 cup Dijon mustard Toss all ingredients together and marinate for 2 hours in the refrigerator.
Party Time! St. Louis-Style Spare Ribs With Glaze What better way to enjoy the Super Bowl than to gather friends and family and serve plenty of delicious comfort food? A platter of ribs with sides of cornbread and coleslaw is sure to keep guests coming back for more.
To make the ribs 1. Preheat the oven to 275 degrees. Liberally coat both sides of each rack of ribs with the spice mixture. Arrange the ribs on a sheet tray. 2. Bake for 4 hours or until the ends of the rib bones protrude from the surrounding meat by about ¼ inch, and the bones can wiggle loose from the cooked meat. The meat should be so tender that it comes off the bone easily. Brush with glaze. Note: Fully cooked ribs can be frozen and slowly reheated in an oven at 300 degrees.
To make the cornbread 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. 2. Shuck the ear of corn and roast in the oven for ½ hour. Remove kernels from the cob, and chop in a food processor or with a knife. 3. Combine the rest of the ingredients except the butter and the egg wash in a mixer with a whip attachment. Whip for 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula, and then whip
again for one minute. 4. Butter a 9-inch-by-12-inch baking pan, line it with parchment paper, then butter and flour the parchment paper. Fill the pan with batter. 5. Bake until golden brown. Brush surface of the cornbread with egg wash, sprinkle with shredded cheddar and scallions and return to the oven for 3 minutes. Turn out onto a rack and cool.
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dining
GUIDE
Check out the online version of the DINING GUIDE at BethesdaMagazine.com.
Bethesda 100 Montaditos, 4922 Elm St., Bethesda, 240-3966897, us.100montaditos.com/home. As its name proclaims, the Spanish-founded chain features 100 varieties of montaditos—mini sandwiches served on rolls. Ranging in price from $1 to $2.50, the sandwiches sport fillings from authentic (Serrano ham, manchego cheese, chorizo) to American (Philly cheesesteak, hot dogs and burgers). ❂ L D $ 4935 Bar and Kitchen, 4935 Cordell Ave., 301-8308086, www.4935barandkitchen.com. Former Tragara Ristorante space gets a major redo, with a sleek, modern interior and a young chef-owner serving French and Indian fusion dishes such as spicy chicken confit and Tandoori pork chops. The popular upstairs private party room is now called “The Loft at 4935.” L D $$$ Aji-Nippon, 6937 Arlington Road, 301-654-0213. A calm oasis on a busy street, where chef Kazuo Honma serves patrons sushi, noodle soups, teriyaki and more. L D $$ American Tap Room, 7278 Woodmont Ave., 301656-1366, www.americantaproom.com. Classic grill menu featuring sliders and wings, from Thompson Hospitality, the owners of Austin Grill. ❂ R L D $$ &pizza, 7614 Old Georgetown Road, 240-800-4783, www.andpizza.com. Create your own designer pizza from a choice of three crusts, three cheeses and eight sauces or spreads. Toppings for the thin, crispy crusts range from the usual suspects to falafel crumbles, fig marsala and pineapple salsa. This location of the hip, fast-casual chain has limited seating. L D $ Bacchus of Lebanon, 7945 Norfolk Ave., 301-6571722, www.bacchusoflebanon.com. This friendly and elegant Lebanese staple has a large, sunny patio that beckons lunch and dinner patrons outside when the weather is good to try garlicky hummus, stuffed grape leaves, chicken kabobs, veal chops and dozens of small-plate dishes.❂ L D $$ Bangkok Garden, 4906 St. Elmo Ave., 301-951-0670, www.bkkgarden.com. This real-deal, family-run Thai restaurant turns out authentic cuisine in a dining room decorated with traditional statues of the gods. L D $ Bel Piatto Pizza, 7812 Old Georgetown Road, 301986-8085, www.belpiattopizza.com. Entrées, calzones, strombolis and salads, along with a large selection of pizzas. L D $ Benihana, 7935 Wisconsin Ave., 301-652-5391, www.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. J L D $$ Bethesda Crab House, 4958 Bethesda Ave., 301652-3382, www.bethesdacrabhouse.net. In the same location since 1961, this casual, family-owned dining spot features jumbo lump crabcakes, oysters on the half shell and jumbo spiced shrimp. Extra large and jumbo-sized crabs available year-round; call ahead to reserve them. ❂ L D $$ Bethesda Curry Kitchen, 4860 Cordell Ave., 301656-0062, www.bethesdacurrykitchen.com. Former Saveur India chef-owner Anil Kumar moves across town with a new 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 $ Bistro LaZeez, 8009 Norfolk Ave., 301-652-8222, www.bistrolazeez.com. Terrific Mediterranean grilled dishes from local Arabic teacher Reda Asaad. ❂JLD$ Bistro Provence (Editors’ Pick), 4933 Fairmont Ave., 301-656-7373, www.bistroprovence.org. Chef Yannick Cam brings his formidable experience to a casual French bistro with a lovely courtyard. ❂ L D $$$ Black’s Bar & Kitchen (Editors’ Pick), 7750 Woodmont Ave., 301-652-5525, www.blacksbarand kitchen.com. Bethesda Magazine readers voted Black’s “Best MoCo Restaurant” and “Best Happy Hour” in 2014. Customers count on the impeccable use of fresh and local ingredients. ❂ R L D $$$ Blaze Pizza, 7101 Democracy Blvd. (Westfield Montgomery Mall), 240-630-8236, www.blazepizza.com. One of the new breed of fast-casual pizza concepts, Blaze features build-your-own pies with a choice of nearly 30 toppings and six sauces. Pizzas are “fastfire’d” for 180 seconds, resulting in thin, super-crisp crusts. Wash them down with the blood-orange lemonade. L D $ Bold Bite, 4901-B Fairmont Ave., 301-951-2653, www. boldbite.net. Designer hot dogs from the Venezuelan Roche brothers, with a menu that won “Best Menu Design” from the magazine’s editors in 2013. J L D $ Brasserie Monte Carlo, 7929 Norfolk Ave., 301656-9225, www.brasseriemontecarlo.com. FrenchMediterranean dishes and a mural of a Monte Carlo landscape transport diners to Monaco. ❂ R L D $$ Brickside Food & Drink, 4866 Cordell Ave., 301-3126160, www.bricksidebethesda.com. Prohibition-era drinks meet Italian bar bites and entrées. ❂ R D $$
Key: Price designations are for a three-course dinner for two including tip and tax, but excluding alcohol. $ up to $50 $$ $51-$100 $$$ $101-$150 $$$$ $150+
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Outdoor Dining Children’s Menu B Breakfast R Brunch L Lunch D Dinner
Caddies on Cordell, 4922 Cordell Ave., 301-215-7730, www.caddiesoncordell.com. Twenty-somethings gather at this golf-themed spot to enjoy beer and wings specials in a casual, rowdy atmosphere that frequently spills onto the large patio. Bethesda Magazine readers voted Caddies "Best Place for a Guys’ Night Out" in 2015. ❂ J R L D $ Café Deluxe, 4910 Elm St., 301-656-3131, www.cafe deluxe.com. This local chain serves bistro-style American comfort food in a fun and noisy setting with wood fans and colorful, oversized European liquor posters. ❂ J R L D $$ Cava Mezze Grill, 4832 Bethesda Ave., 301-6561772, www.cavagrill.com. The guys from Cava restaurant have created a Greek version of Chipotle. Choose the meat, dip or spread for a pita, bowl or salad. J L D $ Cesco Osteria, 7401 Woodmont Ave., 301-654-8333, www.cesco-osteria.com. Longtime chef Francesco Ricchi relocates from Cordell Avenue, turning out his Tuscan specialties in a bigger, jazzier space. ❂ L D $$ Chef Tony’s, 4926 St. Elmo Ave., 301-654-3737, www. cheftonysbethesda.com. Chef-owner Tony Marciante focuses on Mediterranean seafood tapas in what was formerly called Visions Restaurant. J R L D $$ City Burger, 7015 Wisconsin Ave., 301-652-0010, www.cityburgeronline.com. Simple and inexpensive quarter-pound burgers made from all-natural, antibiotic-free beef from the owners of Food Wine & Co., Beer Wine & Co., Don Pollo and Fish Taco. Hot dogs, half-smokes and fries, plus homemade milkshakes and ice cream also served. White-tiled space seats about 15, but geared for takeout. L D $ City Lights of China, 4953 Bethesda Ave., 301913-9501, www.bethesdacitylights.com. Longtime
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dining guide Chinese eatery relocates to a different stretch of Bethesda Avenue, serving the same menu of familiar Szechuan and Beijing dishes. Red walls and chocolate-colored booths give the place a darker, sharper look. L D $$ Daily Grill, One Bethesda Metro Center, 301-6566100, www.dailygrill.com. Everyone from families to expense-account lunchers can find something to like about the big portions of fresh American fare, including chicken pot pie and jumbo lump crabcakes. ❂ J B R L D $$ Don Pollo, 7007 Wisconsin Ave., 301-652-0001. Juicy, spiced birds and reasonable prices make this Peruvian chicken eatery a go-to place any night of the week. Locations in Rockville and Hyattsville, too. L D $ Faryab Restaurant (Editors’ Pick), 4917 Cordell Ave., 301-951-3484, farandawaycycling.com/Faryab/ index.html. Faryab serves well-prepared Afghani country food, including Afghanistan’s answer to Middle Eastern kabobs, vegetarian stews and unique sautéed pumpkin dishes, in a whitewashed dining room with native art on the walls and attentive service. D $$ Flanagan’s Harp & Fiddle, 4844 Cordell Ave., 301951-0115, www.flanagansharpandfiddle.com. This stylish pub features live music several days a week and Tuesday night poker and Monday quiz nights. In addition to traditional stews and fried fish, Flanagan’s offers smoked ribs, salmon and traditional Irish breakfast on weekends. ❂ J B L D $$ Food Wine & Co. (Editors’ Pick), 7272 Wisconsin Ave., 301-652-8008, www.foodwineandco.com. American fare at a stunning bistro in the old Uno Chicago Grill space. L D $$ Garden Grille & Bar (in the Hilton Garden Inn), 7301 Waverly St., 301-654-8111. Aside from a breakfast buffet featuring cooked-to-order omelets, waffles, fruit and more, the restaurant offers an extensive menu, from burgers and other sandwiches to crabcakes, short ribs and pasta dishes. J B D $$ Geppetto, 10257 Old Georgetown Road, 301-4939230, www.geppettorestaurant.com. Sicilian-style pizza served in a casual atmosphere inside bustling Wildwood Shopping Center, plus classic Italian sandwiches and red-sauce dinners. ❂ J L D $$ Geste Wine & Food, 4801 Edgemoor Lane, 301-7181675, www.gestewine.com. Pizza, panini, subs and salads, plus a small retail area with reasonably priced bottles of wine. L D $ Grapeseed American Bistro + Wine Bar (Editors’ Pick), 4865 Cordell Ave., 301-986-9592, www.grape seedbistro.com. Chef-owner Jeff Heineman, who develops each dish on the frequently updated menu to pair with a specific wine, also offers small plates and a 10-seat wine-room table. L (Tuesday-Friday) D $$$ Gringos & Mariachis (Editors’ Pick), 4928 Cordell Ave., 240-800-4266, www.gringosandmariachis.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, dark booths and plenty of tequila. Starters include duck nachos and bacon-wrapped jalapenos, and the taco selection nears 15 different choices. Voted “Best New Restaurant” by the magazine’s readers in 2015. Review, page 285. L D $
Guapo’s Restaurant, 8130 Wisconsin Ave., 301-6560888, www.guaposrestaurant.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, www. guardadosnico.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 $ Hanaro Restaurant & Lounge, 7820 Norfolk Ave., 301-654-7851, www.hanarobethesda.com. Modern dark woods and lots of light brighten the corner location, and the menu includes sushi and Asian fusion main courses. The bar offers a daily happy hour and is open on Fridays and Saturdays until 2 a.m. ❂ L D $$ Hard Times Café, 4920 Del Ray Ave., 301-951-3300, www.hardtimes.com. Good American beer selections, hearty chili styles ranging from Cincinnati (cinnamon and tomato) to Texas (beef and hot peppers), and hefty salads and wings bring families to this Wild West-style saloon for lunch and dinner. Owner Greg Hourigan is a fixture in the community. ❂ J L D $ Heckman’s Delicatessen, 4914 Cordell Ave., 240800-4879. The latest attempt at bringing corned beef to Bethesda features all the deli staples, plus a dinner menu with chicken-in-a-pot and stuffed cabbage. Menu offers long lists of ingredients to build your own salads, sandwiches and eggs. Sweets include rugelach, black-and-white cookies and homemade cheesecake, and on a sour note, deli owners are relatives of the founder of the old Heckman’s Pickles firm in the District. ❂ J B L D $ Himalayan Heritage (Editors’ Pick), 4925 Bethesda Ave., 301-654-1858, www.himalayanheritagedc.com. Indian, Nepalese and Indo-Chinese fare, featuring momos (Nepalese dumplings) and Indian takes on Chinese chow mein. L D $ House of Foong Lin, 4613 Willow Lane, 301-6563427. With a (slightly) new name but the same Cantonese, Hunan and Sichuan cuisine, Bethesda’s longtime Foong Lin restaurant has relocated to the old Moon Gate space. L D $$ 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 in the old Plaza del Sol space. Chef “M&M” Kang prepares home-style fare such as bulgogi, galbi and bibimbap; also look for the Korean-style sushi known as kimbab. The kids’ menu has one item: spaghetti, made from the recipe of owner Thomas Kang’s former college roommate’s mother. L D $ Jaleo (Editors’ Pick), 7271 Woodmont Ave., 301913-0003, www.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 2014 and 2015. ❂ R L D $$
Jetties, 4829 Fairmont Ave., 301-951-3663, www.jet tiesdc.com. The only suburban location of the popular Nantucket-inspired sandwich shop, which has four restaurants in Northwest Washington, D.C. Aside from the signature Nobadeer sandwich (roasted turkey and stuffing with cranberry sauce and mayonnaise on sourdough), look for large salads, a soup bar and an innovative children’s menu. ❂ J L D $ Kabob Bazaar, 7710 Wisconsin Ave., 301-652-5814, www.kabobbazaar.com. The younger sister of a popular Arlington restaurant with the same name offers kabobs in every protein possible, plus lots of vegetarian side dishes. Music on Saturdays and Sundays. ❂ J L D $ Kadhai (Editors’ Pick), 7905 Norfolk Ave., 301-7180121, www.kadhai.com. The popular Indian restaurant formerly known as Haandi has relocated to the old Uptown Deli space. L D $$ La Panetteria, 4921 Cordell Ave., 301-951-6433, www.lapanetteria.com. For more than 25 years, La Panetteria has transported diners into a quaint Italian villa with its impeccable service and Old World atmosphere, serving such classic dishes as homemade spaghetti and veal scaloppine. L D $$ Le Vieux Logis, 7925 Old Georgetown Road, 301-6526816, www.levieuxlogisrestaurant.com. The colorful exterior will draw you into this Bethesda institution, but classic French dishes such as Dover sole meunière will keep you coming back. D $$ Lebanese Taverna, 7141 Arlington Road, 301-9518681, www.lebanesetaverna.com. The latest branch of this long-lived local chain is an elegant spot for dipping puffy pita bread into hummus and baba ghanoush. The rest of the traditional Lebanese mezze are worth a try, too, as are the slow-cooked lamb dishes. Voted “Best Mediterranean Restaurant” by Bethesda Magazine readers in 2014. J L D $$ Louisiana Kitchen & Bayou Bar, 4907 Cordell Ave., 301-652-6945, www.louisianabethesda.com. Former Louisiana Express chef José Blanco and veteran waiter Carlos Arana continue the tradition of the popular Bethesda institution in a larger, spiffier setting. The prices and Cajun- and Creole-style menu are pretty much the same, the fried items are still divine and the pain perdou and beignets remain a great way to start a Sunday morning. B R L D $ Luke’s Lobster, 7129 Bethesda Lane, 301-718-1005, www.lukeslobster.com. An upscale carryout with authentic lobster, shrimp and crab rolls; the seafood is shipped direct from Maine. ❂ L D $ Mamma Lucia, 4916 Elm St., 301-907-3399, www.mam maluciarestaurants.com. New York-style pizza dripping with cheese and crowd-pleasing red sauce, and favorites like chicken Parmesan and linguini with clams draw the crowds to this local chain. ❂ J L D $$ Markham’s Bar and Grill, 7141 Wisconsin Ave., 240800-4700, www.markhamsbar.com. A brick-and-mortar eatery from the owner of the former One3Five Cuisine food trailer, Markham’s is a neighborhood spot offering many of the popular sandwiches and salads from the mobile operation. Look for Pakistani tacos, banh mi and a marinated flank steak sandwich, plus nightly comfort-food specials. The beige-andblack interior sports a handsome wine cabinet and
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photographs of old Bethesda. An outdoor patio includes a pergola and a 5½-foot waterfall. ❂ L D $$ Matuba Japanese Restaurant, 4918 Cordell Ave., 301-652-7449, www.matuba-sushi.com. Detail-oriented sushi chefs and attentive service perk up this otherwise plain white-and-blond-wood Japanese restaurant that has been doing a steady business in downtown Bethesda for 30 years. L D $$ Max Brenner Chocolate Bar, 7263 Woodmont Ave., 301-215-8305, www.maxbrenner.com. It’s sweetsonly at the newest location of this international chain. Chocoholics and dessert lovers will have a field day with the restaurant’s milkshakes, coffee drinks, hot chocolate, crêpes, waffles, fondue, ice cream and chocolate pizza. There are also “Fast Max” items to go, and a retail section offers fashionably packaged bonbons, praline wafers and caramelized nuts rolled in hazelnut cream and cocoa powder. $
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Met Bethesda (New), 7101 Democracy Blvd., Unit 3200 (in Westfield Montgomery mall), 301-767-1900. www.metbethesdamd.com. Boston-based restaurateur Kathy Sidell’s fifth restaurant—and first outside of Boston—offers seasonal American cuisine cooked over a wood-burning grill. Look for oak-fired prime rib-eye steak, grilled avocados stuffed with Maryland crab and an extensive martini selection, served in snazzy surroundings with stone floors, an open kitchen and roomy booths. L D $$ Mia’s Pizzas (Editors’ Pick), 4926 Cordell Ave., 301718-6427, www.miaspizzasbethesda.com. Mia’s woodburning oven turns out Naples-style pies with a variety of toppings; homemade soups and cupcakes in a cheery dining room with yellow, green and orange accents. ❂ J L D $$
Gaithersburg | 301.990.1926 | 106 Crown Park Ave. Bethesda | Washington DC (2) | Arlington | Tyson’s Corner | Fairfax
Moby Dick House of Kabob, 7027 Wisconsin Ave., 301-654-1838, www.mobysonline.com. This kabob takeout/eat-in mainstay was one of the first kabob places in the area. It makes its own pita bread. L D $ MOMO Chicken + Jazz, 4862 Cordell Ave., Bethesda, 240-483-0801, www.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. Framed record albums grace the walls, and glass shelves are stacked with yesteryear radios, fans, typewriters, movie projectors and Coke bottles. ❂ J L D $$ Mon Ami Gabi, 7239 Woodmont Ave., 301-654-1234, www.monamigabi.com. Waiters serve bistro classics such as escargot, steak frites and profiteroles in a dark and boisterous spot that doesn’t feel like a chain. Voted “Best Place for a Couple’s Night Out” by the magazine’s readers in 2015. Live jazz Tuesday and Thursday nights. ❂ J R L D $$ Morton’s, The Steakhouse, 7400 Wisconsin Ave., 301-657-2650, www.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. D $$$ Mussel Bar & Grille, 7262 Woodmont Ave., 301-2157817, www.musselbar.com. Kensington resident and big-name chef Robert Wiedmaier serves his signature mussels, plus wood-fired tarts, salads and sandwiches. Wash them all down with a choice of 40 Belgian
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dining guide beers, which won “Best Craft Beer Selection” by the magazine’s readers in 2013 and 2015. ❂ R L D $$
has reopened, with more casual décor, lower prices and less formal fare. ❂ L D $$
most of recycled redwood and “green” materials. ❂ J RL D $$
Nest Cafe, 4921 Bethesda Ave., 301-718-6378, www.nestwinebarcafe.com. Nest offers simple salads, pasta and pizzas. Among the best eats, however, are the crispy calamari and artichokes appetizer and the mussels and fries entrée. ❂ J R L (Wednesday-Saturday) D $$
Pitzze Table, 7137 Wisconsin Ave., 301-664-9412, www.pitzze.com. Haven Pizzeria Napoletana changed names in mid-June. Tiger Mullen, who opened Haven in 2012 before being bought out by his partners, is back and overseeing the reinvigorated restaurant, which offers an expanded menu with more salads and small plates, plus morning coffee service with freshly squeezed juices and a toast bar. B L D $
Rice Paddies Grill & Pho, 4706 Bethesda Ave., 301718-1862, ricepaddiesgrill.com. This cute copper-andgreen eat-in/carryout makes quick work of Vietnamese favorites like pork, beef and vegetable skewers infused with lemongrass and the classic beef noodle soup known as pho. L D $
Newton’s Table (Editors’ Pick), 4917 Elm St., 301718-0550, www.newtonstable.com. Modern American cuisine from up-and-coming chef-owner Dennis Friedman, whose creations were voted “Best Example of Plating as Art” by the magazine’s editors in 2013. ❂ J L D $$$ Oakville Grille & Wine Bar (Editors’ Pick), 10257 Old Georgetown Road, 301-897-9100, www.oakville winebar.com. Fresh California food paired with a thoughtful wine list in an elegant, spare setting may not sound unique, but Oakville was one of the first in the area to do so, and it does it well. ❂ J L D $$ Olazzo (Editors’ Pick), 7921 Norfolk Ave., 301-6549496, www.olazzo.com. This well-priced, romantic restaurant is the place for couples seeking red-sauce classics at reasonable prices. Voted “Best Italian Restaurant” and “Best Fried Calamari” by our readers in 2014. ❂ L D $$ Original Pancake House, 7700 Wisconsin Ave., Store D, 301-986-0285, www.ophrestaurants.com. Dozens of pancake dishes, as well as eggs and waffles galore. Named “Best Breakfast” by the magazine’s readers in 2014. ❂ J B L $ Panas Gourmet Empanadas, 4731 Elm St., 301657-7371, www.panasgourmet.com. Baked, not fried, empanadas with a modern twist—think chicken pesto, smoked eggplant and chipotle steak. L D $ Parker’s American Bistro, 4824 Bethesda Ave., 301654-6366, www.parkersbistro.com. An all-American menu with vintage local sports posters, Parker’s offers a wide-ranging food and wine list, upbeat soundtrack and servers who take an interest in your happiness. ❂ J R L D $$ Parva Cocina & Tequila Bar, 7904 Woodmont Ave., 301-312-6488, www.theparva.com. With more than 70 tequilas and an extensive menu of Tex-Mex dishes, the eatery formerly called The Parva has re-branded itself from its Latin fusion days. All three varieties of the ceviche are lively, and so is the bar scene. R D $$ Passage to India (Editors’ Pick), 4931 Cordell Ave., 301-656-3373, www.passagetoindia.info. Top-notch, pan-Indian fare by chef-owner Sudhir Seth, with everything from garlic naan to fish curry made to order. Elegant ivory screens shield diners from street noise. Voted “Best Indian Restaurant” by Bethesda Magazine readers in 2014. ❂ R L D $$ Penang Malaysian Cuisine, 4933 Bethesda Ave., 301-657-2878, www.penangmaryland.com. At this Malaysian spot decorated with exotic dark woods and a thatched roof, spices run the gamut of Near and Far Eastern influence, and flavors include coconut, lemongrass, sesame and chili sauce. L D $$ Persimmon (Editors’ Pick), 7003 Wisconsin Ave., 301-654-9860, www.persimmonrestaurant.com. Chef-owner Damian Salvatore’s popular restaurant
Pines of Rome, 4709 Hampden Lane, 301-657-8775. Local celebrities and families gather at this downhome Italian spot for traditional food at prices that are easy on the wallet. The white pizza is a hit, and don’t forget the spaghetti and meatballs. L D $ PizzaPass, 4924 St. Elmo Ave., 301-657-5522, www. pizzapass.net. Waiters, or “pizza passers,” circulate with a variety of hot slices of pizza on their trays, allowing diners to choose their preferred topping. Informal and very kid-friendly, the restaurant also offers pasta and a salad bar. It’s all-you-can-eat for a set price, with substantial discounts for the kids. ❂ L D $ Pizza Tempo, 8021 Wisconsin Ave., 240-497-0003, www.pizzatempo.us. Pizza with a twist, which includes toppings such as sujuk (Mediterranean beef sausage), pistachio mortadella and spicy beef franks, plus a wide selection of pides (boat-shaped pizzas). Salads, wraps, panini and entrées also available. Limited seating; delivery within about a 3-mile radius. L D $ Pizzeria da Marco (Editors’ Pick), 8008 Woodmont Ave., 301-654-6083, www.pizzeriadamarco.net. Authentic Neapolitan pizzas fired in a $15,000 Italian brick oven. ❂ L D $ Positano Ristorante Italiano, 4940-48 Fairmont Ave., 301-654-1717, www.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, 301229-8180, www.praline-bakery.com. Two former White House pastry chefs opened this sunny restaurant with a 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. The magazine’s editors voted its desserts the prettiest around in 2013. ❂ J B R L D $$ Raku (Editors’ Pick), 7240 Woodmont Ave., 301718-8680, www.rakuasiandining.com. Voted “Best Sushi” by the magazine’s readers in 2014 and “Best Bethesda Restaurant” in 2013, this casual restaurant has bamboo walls that do little to dampen the noise, but the menu satisfies with everything from sushi to kung pao chicken. ❂ L D $$ Redwood Restaurant & Bar, 7121 Bethesda Lane, 301-656-5515, www.redwoodbethesda.com. An upscale wine bar featuring fresh, local food and California-centric wines in the heart of Bethesda Lane. Voted “Best Private Dining Room” by the magazine’s readers in 2013 (in a tie), Redwood features a frequently changing menu and in-season farmers market dinners. The interior décor makes the
Rock Bottom Brewery, 7900 Norfolk Ave., 301652-1311, www.rockbottom.com. The award-winning beers are crafted in-house and the menu is vast at this cavernous yet welcoming chain. The burgers are the real deal. ❂ J L D $$ Ruth’s Chris Steak House, 7315 Wisconsin Ave., 301-652-7877, www.ruthschris.com. A dark and clubby feel makes this elegant chain popular with families as well as the happy-hour crowd. Don’t skip the fresh seafood choices. D $$$ Sala Thai, 4828 Cordell Ave., 301-654-4676, www. 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 $$ Saphire Café, 7940 Wisconsin Ave., 301-986-9708. A relaxing spot for tasting everything from Maryland-style crab soup to Argentine skirt steak, Saphire pumps it up a notch on Friday and Saturday nights with drink specials and DJs. Tiki bar open Wednesdays through Saturdays. ❂ J L D $ Satsuma, 8003 Norfolk Ave., 301-652-1400. Bethesda’s first yakiniku (Japanese barbecue) restaurant has built-in grills at each table. Diners select a cut— short rib, chuck rib, skirt or tongue—and prepare it themselves. There’s also an extensive sushi and sashimi menu, as well as interesting cooked dishes. L D $$ Shanghai Village, 4929 Bethesda Ave., 301-654-7788. Owner Kwok Chueng prides himself on personal attention and recognizing regulars who have been stopping in for his classic Chinese cooking for more than 25 years. Order the secret recipe Mai Tai. L D $ Shangri-La Indian and Nepalese Cuisine, 7345-A Wisconsin Ave., 301-656-4444, www.shangrilaus.com. Northern Indian and Nepali specialties such as butter chicken and fresh flatbreads known as naan shine here. J L D $ Share Wine Lounge & Small Plate Bistro, 8120 Wisconsin Ave. (in the Doubletree Hotel), 301-6522000, www.doubletreebethesda.com/Food-DrinksFun/Share-Wine-Lounge-Small-Plate-Bistro. Share some buffalo chicken sliders or avocado bruschetta, or go for main courses ranging from Yankee pot roast to cedar plank-roasted salmon. B L D $$ Smoke BBQ Bethesda, 4858 Cordell Ave., 301-6562011, www.smokebbqbethesda.com. Pulled pork, beef brisket, smoked chicken, ribs and all the fixin’s at Bethesda’s only sit-down barbecue joint. L D $ South Street Steaks, 4856 Cordell Ave., 301-2157972, www.southstreetsteaks.com. Even transplanted Philadelphians will admire the cheesesteaks at this local chain’s third location. The shop also offers chicken cheesesteaks, hoagies (that’s Philly-talk for cold
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subs) and sandwiches called “Phillinis,” a cross between “Philly” and “panini.” J L D $
cuisine returns to the former Delhi Dhaba space. ❂ L D $$
Steamers Seafood House, 4820 Auburn Ave., 301-718-0661, www.steamersseafoodhouse.com. Steamers brings Bethany Beach to Bethesda, especially if diners sit on the wraparound porch in warm weather with a bucket of crabs and some beer.❂ J L D $$
Tara Thai, 4828 Bethesda Ave., 301-657-0488, www. tarathai.com. Thai goes high style at Bethesda Magazine readers’ pick for “Best Thai Restaurant” in 2014. With colorful murals of ocean creatures looking on, diners can try dishes ranging from mild to adventurous. ❂ L D $$
Stromboli Family Restaurant, 7023 Wisconsin Ave., 301-986-1980, www.strombolisrestaurant.com. In addition to a large selection of delectable hot Italian sandwiches called stromboli, this proud family restaurant/carryout features pizzas, subs and pastas at reasonable prices. L D $ sweetgreen, 4831 Bethesda Ave., 301-654-7336, www.sweetgreen.com. Founded in 2007 in Washington, D.C., by three newly graduated Georgetown students, the sweetgreen fast-casual chain—with its focus on local and organic ingredients—has expanded rapidly. The menu concentrates on salads and wraps (devise your own, or pick from a list), plus tart frozen yogurt. Look for eco-friendly décor, a healthy sensibility and a hip buzz. ❂ L D $ Tako Grill, 7756 Wisconsin Ave., 301-652-7030, www. takogrill.com. Families and sake connoisseurs seek out this eclectic spot where sushi, sashimi and other Japanese treats are fresh, and waiters are knowledgeable and friendly. L D $$ Tandoori Nights, 7236 Woodmont Ave., 301-6564002, www.tandoorinightsbethesda.com. Indian
Tastee Diner, 7731 Woodmont Ave., 301-652-3970, www.tasteediner.com. For more than 70 years, this crowd-pleasing if slightly sagging spot has served up everything from breakfast to burgers to blueplate specials like steak and crabcakes. Open 24 hours. J B L D $ Taylor Gourmet, 7280 Woodmont Ave., 301-9519001, www.taylorgourmet.com. Upscale takes on Philadelphia hoagies and sandwiches. Italian flavors and top-notch ingredients. L D $ The Barking Dog, 4723 Elm St., 301-654-0022, www. thebarkingdogonline.com. A fun place for young adults, with drink specials nearly every night and bar food such as quesadillas and burgers. Salsa dancing on Tuesdays, trivia on Wednesdays, karaoke on Thursdays and a DJ and dancing Fridays and Saturdays. L D $ The Burger Joint, 4827 Fairmont Ave., 301-358-6137, www.bgrtheburgerjoint.com. The burgers are good and the vibe is great at this frequently packed eatery next to Veterans Park. The non-beef burgers are good, too. ❂ J L D $
The Corner Slice, 7901 Norfolk Ave., 301-907-7542, www.thecornerslice.net. New York-style pizza, available by the slice or as a 20-inch pie. ❂ L D $ Tia Queta, 4839 Del Ray Ave., 301-654-4443, www.tia queta.com. This longtime family and happy-hour favorite offers authentic Mexican food like moles and fish dishes, as well as the usual Tex-Mex options. ❂ J L D $$ Tommy Joe’s Restaurant, 4714 Montgomery Lane, 301-654-3801, www.tommyjoes.com. Hot wings and drink specials abound at this friendly restaurant/ bar/nightclub featuring 20 big-screen TVs for game time. ❂ J L D $$ Trattoria Sorrento (Editors’ Pick), 4930 Cordell Ave., 301-718-0344, www.trattoriasorrento.com. This family-run Italian favorite offers homemade pastas, baked eggplant and fresh fish dishes. Halfprice bottles of wine on Wednesdays. Opera dinners at 6 p.m. on the first Sunday of each month feature a four-course meal and a performance for $50 per person. D $$ Tyber Bierhaus, 7528 Old Georgetown Road, 240821-6830, www.tyberbierhausmd.com. Czech, German and Belgian brews served in an authentic beerhall setting, furnished with the same benches as those used in the Hofbrau brewhouse in Munich. Pub menu features mussels, hearty sandwiches, familiar entrées, and some schnitzel and goulash, too. R L D $$ Uncle Julio’s Rio Grande Café, 4870 Bethesda Ave., 301-656-2981, www.unclejulios.com. Loud and large,
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dining guide this Tex-Mex eatery packs in families and revelers fueling up on fajitas, tacos and more. Kids love to watch the tortilla machine. Voted “Most Kid-Friendly Restaurant” by the magazine’s readers in 2015. ❂ J R L D $$ Union Jack’s, 4915 St. Elmo Ave., 301-652-2561, www.unionjacksbethesda.com. This authentically decorated British-style pub is partially below street level. English dishes such as Welsh rarebit cozy up to burgers, salads and crabcakes. DJ and dancing weekends until 2:30 a.m. ❂ J L D $$ Vino Volo, 7247 Woodmont Ave., 301-656-0916, www. vinovolobethesdarow.com. First non-airport location for the wine bar and shop that also features a rustic café serving small plates, salads, sandwiches, pizza and a few entrées. ❂ L D $$ Wildwood Kitchen (Editors’ Pick), 10223 Old Georgetown Road (in the Wildwood Shopping Center), 301-571-1700, www.wildwoodkitchenrw.com. Attractive neighborhood bistro serving fresh and light modern cuisine from well-known chef Robert Wiedmaier. L D $$ Woodmont Grill (Editors’ Pick), 7715 Woodmont Ave., 301-656-9755, www.hillstone.com. Part of the Houston’s chain, offering such classics as spinach and artichoke dip and the famous burgers, but also house-baked breads, more exotic dishes, live jazz and a granite bar. ❂ J L D $$$ Yamas Mediterranean Grill, 4806 Rugby Ave., 301312-8384, www.yamasgrill.com. Gyros, souvlaki, lemon chicken and other Greek specialties at this friendly and sunny café. ❂ J L D $ Yuzu, 7345-B Wisconsin Ave., 301-656-5234, yuzu bethesda.com. 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 $$
Cabin John Fish Taco, 7945 MacArthur Blvd., 301-229-0900, www.fishtacoonline.com. This counter-service taqueria from the owners of Bethesda’s Food Wine & Co. features a full roster of seafood as well as nonaquatic tacos, plus margaritas and other Mexican specialties. The eco-chic décor is casual and attractive, and there are rolls of paper towels on every table to sop up sauce-stained fingers. Don’t miss the bread pudding. ❂ J L D $ Wild Tomato (Editors’ Pick), 7945 MacArthur Blvd., 301-229-0680, www.wildtomatorestaurant.com. A family-friendly neighborhood restaurant from Persimmon owners Damian and Stephanie Salvatore, serving salads, sandwiches and pizza. Voted "Best Fish Tacos" by our readers in 2014. ❂ J L D $
Chevy Chase Alfio’s, 4515 Willard Ave., 301-657-9133, www.alfi os.com. Owner Anastasios “Tasios” Hatzitanagiotis welcomes families and casual diners to the elegant
dining room of this northern Italian classic, located on the first floor of the Willoughby Condominium. The salad bar, pastas and homemade desserts are popular. L D $$ Capital Grille, 5310 Western Ave., 301-718-7812, www.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. L D $$$$ Clyde’s, 5441 Wisconsin Ave., 301-951-9600, www. clydes.com. Features a frequently changing menu of American favorites and a collection of vintage airplanes and cars, as well as a model train running on a track around the ceiling. ❂ J R L D $$ La Ferme (Editors’ Pick), 7101 Brookville Road, 301-986-5255, www.lafermerestaurant.com. This warm and charming Provence-style restaurant is a popular choice for an intimate dinner or a celebration in one of several private rooms or on the heated patio terrace. Perhaps that’s why the magazine’s readers voted it the “Most Romantic Restaurant” in 2014 and editors named it “Best Restaurant for Ambience” in 2013. Classic French cuisine from onion soup to sweetbreads. ❂ R L D $$$ Lia’s (Editors’ Pick), 4435 Willard Ave., 240-2235427, www.chefgeoff.com. Owner Geoff Tracy focuses on high-quality, low-fuss modern Italian-American fare at this funky and modern space with a wine room. Pizzas, house-made pastas and fresh fish please business lunchers and dinner crowds. The magazine’s readers chose it as “Best Chevy Chase Restaurant” in 2013. ❂ J R L D $ Manoli Canoli Restaurant, 8540 Connecticut Ave., 301-951-1818, www.manolicanoli.com. Italian and Greek specialties at a fun family eatery that features a large prepared foods section, dishes made with olive oil from owner Stavros Manolakos’ family farm in Greece and homemade mozzarella on pizza and subs. ❂ J L D $ Meiwah Restaurant, 4457 Willard Ave., 301-6529882, www.meiwahrestaurant.com. This modern restaurant on the second floor of a Friendship Heights office building offers top-quality Chinese dishes that are hard to beat. A fountain sparkles on the outdoor patio. Sushi bar. ❂ L D $$ Potomac Pizza, 19 Wisconsin Circle, 301-9511127, www.potomacpizza.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, www.sushikorestaurants.com. Washington, D.C.’s oldest and most respected sushi restaurant, opened in Glover Park in 1976, continues its tradition in a bigger, sleeker suburban outpost. ❂ L D $$ Tavira, 8401 Connecticut Ave., 301-652-8684, www. tavirarestaurant.com. Fish stews and several versions of bacalhau (salted cod) figure prominently on the menu of this intriguing Portuguese restaurant, which manages to be charming and attractive despite its location in an office building basement. L (except Saturday and Sunday) D $$
GarretT Park Black Market Bistro (Editors’ Pick), 4600 Waverly Ave., 301-933-3000, www.blackmarketrestaurant. 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. ❂ J R L D $$
Glen Echo Irish Inn at Glen Echo, 6119 Tulane Ave., 301-2296600, www.irishinnglenecho.com. This historic tavern has been a family home and a biker bar, but its incarnation as the Irish Inn has been bringing smiles to faces and hearty food to bellies since 2003. Traditional Irish music on Monday nights and The 19th Street Band on every other Wednesday night. ❂ J R L D $$
Kensington Frankly…Pizza!, 10417 Armory Ave., 301-832-1065, www.frankly-pizza.com. Frank Linn turns his mobile pizza kitchen into a rustic brick-and-mortar restaurant, featuring Amish-crafted tables, salvaged wood and an old church pew. The menu offers the same high-quality, wood-fired pies topped with home-cured meats and tomato sauce made from an 80-year-old family recipe. Homemade sodas and wines served on tap, too. ❂ L D $ K Town Bistro, 3784 Howard Ave., 301-933-1211, www.ktownbistro.com. Beef Wellington, duck breast à l’orange and other classic continental dishes from this eatery owned by Gonzalo Barba, former longtime captain of the restaurant in the Watergate Hotel. L D $$ Savannah’s American Grill, 10700 Connecticut Ave., 301-946-7917. A casual sports bar serving American bar food, including wraps, burgers, salads and ribs, and brunch on weekends, which spills out onto a 50-seat patio. ❂ J R L D $ Sub*Urban Trading Co., 10301 Kensington Parkway, 301-962-4046, www.suburbantrading.com. Earthy, neighborhood bistro and market in a small strip shopping center features creative seasonal dishes. Think cured duck leg sandwich with shaved onions and fig preserves, roasted sausage and rice-stuffed shallots, vegetable pot-au-feu, plus homemade sweets. Coffeehouse atmosphere in the front area; back dining room offers rustic vibe. R L D $$
North Potomac/ Gaithersburg Athens Grill, 9124 Rothbury Drive, 301-975-0757, www. athensgrill.com. This casual, friendly, family-run restaurant in Goshen Plaza specializes in authentic Greek cooking, using recipes handed down through generations. Specialties like rotisserie chicken, chargrilled salmon with a lemon dill sauce and lamb kabobs are cooked behind the counter on a hardwood grill. L D $
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Bonefish Grill, 82 Market St., 240-631-2401, www.bone fishgrill.com. While fresh fish cooked over a wood fire is the centerpiece of this upscale Florida chain, the steaks, crabcakes and specialty martinis make it a fun option for happy hour and those with hearty appetites. Bethesda Magazine readers selected it as the “Best Gaithersburg Restaurant” in 2013. R L (only on Sundays) D $$ Brasserie Beck Kentlands, 311 Kentlands Blvd., 301569-4247, brasseriebeck.com. Chef Robert Wiedmaier and his RW Restaurant Group have opened the first suburban locale of their highly successful downtown restaurant. Like its District sister, the Belgian-inspired brasserie focuses on raw oysters, mussels, artisan cheeses and charcuterie, plus hearty main courses such as beef carbonnade and braised pork shank. Spacious, blueaccented interior and outdoor patio are conducive for drinking European beers, too. ❂ L D $$$ Buca di Beppo, 122 Kentlands Blvd., 301-947-7346, www.bucadibeppo.com. The Kentlands outpost of this national chain serves huge, family-style portions of Italian specialties amid a sea of Italian kitsch. J L D $$ Burma Road, 617 S. Frederick Ave., 301-963-1429, www.burmaroad.biz. A good place to sample pickled tea leaf salad and other Burmese specialties. L D $ Coal Fire, Kentlands Square, 116 Main St., 301-5192625, www.coalfireonline.com. Homemade crusts fired by anthracite coal and topped with your choice of three different sauces, plus toppings. Salads, sandwiches and pasta also available. Full bar. ❂ L D $ Copper Canyon Grill, 100 Boardwalk Place, 240-6310003, www.ccgrill.com. Large portions of American classics like salads, ribs and rotisserie chicken at family-friendly prices are the bill of fare at this spacious chain restaurant. J L D $$ Coastal Flats, 135 Crown Park Ave. (Downtown Crown), 301-869-8800, www.greatamericanres taurants.com. First Maryland locale for Great American Restaurants, a Fairfax-based chain that owns about a dozen restaurants in Northern Virginia, including Sweetwater Tavern, Artie’s, Jackson’s, and two other Coastal Flats. Seaside-inspired décor extends to the menu, which offers lobster and shrimp rolls, fried grouper and key lime pie. Steaks, pasta and burgers also served.❂ J L D $$ Dogfish Head Alehouse, 800 W. Diamond Ave., 301963-4847, www.dogfishalehouse.com. The first Maryland outpost of the popular Rehoboth Beach brewpub, the restaurant is packed with revelers and families clamoring for the Dogfish Head brews, burgers, pizzas and ribs. ❂ J L D $$ Famous Dave’s, 917 Quince Orchard Road, 240-6830435, www.famousdaves.com. This local outpost of a national chain offers smoked meat and hearty portions of classic sides such as baked beans and creamy coleslaw. ❂ J L D $ Growler’s, 227 E. Diamond Ave., 301-519-9400, www. growlersrestaurant.com. This turn-of-the-century building in downtown Gaithersburg is now a brewpub with regular and seasonal house brews and a full menu including pizzas, burgers, sandwiches and entrées such as Cajun rigatoni and steak frites. Live music Wednesday through Saturday. ❂ R L D $
Guapo’s Restaurant, 9811 Washingtonian Blvd., L-17, 301-977-5655, www.guaposrestaurant.com. See Bethesda listing. ❂ J R L D $ HaKuBa Restaurant, 706 Center Point Way, 301-9471283, hakubakentlands.com. An elegant, modern Japanese sushi spot that also serves fresh fish and teriyaki and tempura dishes. Wood stools and a silver bar elevate the décor. Dollar-sushi happy hours Monday through Thursday; sake bottles half-price on Mondays. L D $$ Il Porto Restaurant, 245 Muddy Branch Road, 301590-0735, www.ilportorestaurant.com. A classic redsauce menu, elegant murals of Venice and an authentic thin-crust pizza at a friendly, unfussy Italian restaurant tucked in the Festival Shopping Center. L D $
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Joe’s Crab Shack, 221 Rio Blvd., 301-947-4377, www. joescrabshack.com. This is one of three Maryland locations of the chain, which offers blue crabs from April through August and other varieties year-round, as well as chicken and burgers for landlubbers. Popular with families and young couples. ❂ J L D $$
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Le Palais, 304 Main St., Suite 1, 301-947-4051, www. restaurantlepalais.com. Chef-owner Joseph Zaka trips lightly through the dishes of Brittany and Burgundy, adding a modern twist here and there. D $$$ Not Your Average Joe’s, 245 Kentlands Blvd. (in Kentlands Square Shopping Center), 240-477-1040, www.notyouraveragejoes.com. Massachusetts-based chain serving creative casual cuisine. ❂ J L D $$
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Potomac Pizza, 625 Center Point Way, 301-9779777, www.potomacpizza.com. See Chevy Chase listing. J L D $ Quincy’s Bar & Grille, 616 Quince Orchard Road, 301869-8200, quincysbar.com. Energetic neighborhood pub with a sports bar atmosphere, Quincy’s also has an extensive menu with wings, pizza, build-your-own burgers and chicken sandwiches, plus entrées including Guinness-braised brisket. Live music is also a big draw. L D $ Red Hot & Blue, 16811 Crabbs Branch Way, 301948-7333, www.redhotandblue.com. Hickory-smoked barbecue and a Southern attitude at a chain popular for its office party takeout and its family-friendly, kitschy roadhouse décor. J L D $ Rio Grande Café, 231 Rio Blvd., 240-632-2150, www. unclejulios.com. See Bethesda listing under Uncle Julio’s. ❂ J R L D $$ Romano’s Macaroni Grill, 211 Rio Blvd., 301-9635003, www.macaronigrill.com. Standard Italian-American fare served in a lively, family-friendly setting. Pastas, pizzas and house-label wine. ❂ J L D $$ Ruth’s Chris Steak House, 106 Crown Park Ave. (Downtown Crown), 301-990-1926, www.ruth schris.com. With more than 9,000 square feet, this location of the world’s largest upscale steak house chain offers the same prime steaks, barbecued shrimp, specialty cocktails and dark elegance offered at the company’s other 130-plus restaurants. Same “Sizzle, Swizzle and Swirl” Happy Hour, too, this one served in a larger bar and lounge. D $$$ Sardi’s Pollo a La Brasa, 430 N. Frederick Ave., 301977-3222, www.sardischicken.com. Yes, there’s chicken, but don’t miss the other Peruvian specialties, especially the ceviche. L D $
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dining guide Tandoori Nights, 106 Market St., 301-947-4007, www.tandoorinightsmd.com. Downtown martini lounge meets modern curry palace in the Kentlands. A feast for the eyes as well as the palate, Tandoori Nights specializes in marinated meats baked in the eponymous clay oven. ❂ L D $ Tara Thai, 9811 Washingtonian Blvd., L-9, 301-947-8330, www.tarathai.com. See Bethesda listing. ❂ L D $$ Thai Tanium, 657 Center Point Way, 301-990-3699, www. thaitaniumrestaurant.com. Authentic Thai food laced with lots of chilies and garlic as hot as you like. ❂ J L D $ The Melting Pot, 9021 Gaither Road, 301-519-3638, www.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 $$ The Wine Harvest, The Kentlands, 114 Market St., 301-869-4008, www.thewineharvest.com. Popular Cheers-like wine bar locally owned by the Meyrowitz family, with salads, sandwiches and cheese plates. It also has a Potomac location. ❂ L D $ Vasilis Mediterranean Grill, 353 Main St., 301-9771011, www.vasilisgrill.com. With soaring white pillars and a spate of inviting outdoor tables, the Greek restaurant serves the usual souvlaki and gyros as well as more interesting dishes such as grilled branzini (sea bass) and lamb chops. ❂ J L D $ Yoyogi Sushi, 328 Main St., 301-963-0001. A nononsense neighborhood sushi place with bright fish tanks, offering the familiar sushi, teriyaki, tempura and green tea or red bean ice cream. L D $ Ziki Japanese Steak House, 10009 Fields Road, 301330-3868, www.zikisteakhouse.com. This large steak house on a busy corner charms patrons with its fountains, stone Buddhas and geisha mannequins. Food offerings include sushi, as well as meats cooked on a tableside hibachi. J L D $$
Potomac Amici Miei, 1093 Seven Locks Road, 301-545-0966, www.amicimieiristorante.com. Chef Davide Megna and manager/partner Roberto Deias have created an upscale Italian neighborhood gathering place, with woodfired pizzas, homemade pastas and creative salads. Happy Hour held Monday through Friday. ❂ R L D $$ Attman’s Delicatessen, 7913 Tuckerman Lane (in the Cabin John Shopping Center & Mall), 301-765-3354, attmansdeli.com. After getting its start on Baltimore’s Corned Beef Row in 1915, the landmark Attman’s Deli made an historic move and opened a second location in Potomac in July 2013. The menu at the nearly century-younger sibling offers the same legendary corned beef, pastrami and other deli specialties. Thirdgeneration owner Marc Attman is at the helm. J L $ Benny’s Bar & Grill, 7747 Tuckerman Lane (in the Cabin John Shopping Center & Mall), 301-299-3377. Familiar American favorites and old-time cocktails served amidst 1940s-era décor. L D $$ Brooklyn’s Deli & Catering, 1089 Seven Locks Road, 301-340-3354, www.brooklynsdelimd.com. From
chopped liver to chicken soup, Brooklyn’s serves all the deli specialties, plus more. ❂ J B L D $ Elevation Burger, 12525-D Park Potomac Ave., 301838-4010, www.elevationburger.com. Fast-food burgers go organic and grass-fed at this Northern Virginia-founded chain. Veggie burgers, salads and grilled cheese available, too. ❂ L D $ Gregorio’s Trattoria, 7745 Tuckerman Lane (in the Cabin John Shopping Center), 301-296-6168, www. gregoriostrattoria.com. “Our food is like a warm hug with spaghetti sauce” is the slogan for this familyowned restaurant, where proprietor Greg Kahn aims to make everyone feel at home. The extensive menu reads like 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 spaghetti and penne. J L D $$ Mix Bar and Grille, 9812 Falls Road, Potomac, 301299-3000, www.mixbarandgrille.com. The former Bezu restaurant has been transformed into a more casual concept, serving charcuterie and cheese plates, brick-oven flatbreads and other light fare. The space was gutted and renovated into a modern, hip and totally different-looking dining room, with Plexiglas chairs, tall white banquettes, oak walls made from old whiskey barrels, five big screen TVs, cobalt blue light fixtures and a 20-seat bar. Look for lots of wines by the glass and beers on tap. L D $$ MoCo’s Founding Farmers, 12505 Park Potomac Ave., 301-340-8783, www.wearefoundingfarmers. com. Farm-inspired fare in a modern and casual setting; this is the sister restaurant to the phenomenally popular downtown Founding Farmers. Bethesda Magazine readers chose it as “Best Restaurant in Montgomery County” and for “Most Inventive Cocktails” in 2015 and as “Best Potomac Restaurant” in 2013. ❂ B R L D $$ Normandie Farm Restaurant, 10710 Falls Road, 301983-8838, www.popovers.com. A fine-dining French restaurant, open since 1931, that strives to preserve its classical heritage while embracing new traditions. It offers quick service and crayons for children, a casual café option and a violinist at afternoon tea. ❂ J R L D $$ Old Angler’s Inn, 10801 MacArthur Blvd., 301-2999097, www.oldanglersinn.com. Open since 1860 and known for its refined American food and beautiful fireplaces and grounds, it features live music on weekends. ❂ R L D $$$ Potomac Pizza, 9812 Falls Road, 301-299-7700, www. potomacpizza.com. See Chevy Chase listing. L D $ Renato’s at River Falls, 10120 River Road, 301365-1900, www.riverfallsmarket.com. The classic Italian restaurant has added more wine and greatly improved fish dishes to its menu of pastas and classics such as osso bucco and linguini with clams and eggplant parmigiana. ❂ J L D $$ Sugo Osteria & Pizzeria, 12505 Park Potomac Ave., 240-386-8080, www.eatsugo.com. The Greek guys who own Cava Mezze and Cava Mezze Grills partner with Mamma Lucia restaurants to serve Italian small plates, meatballs, sliders, pizza and pasta. Bethesda Magazine readers chose Sugo as the “Best New Restaurant” in 2013. ❂ R (only on Sundays) L D $$
Tally-Ho Restaurant, 9923 Falls Road, 301-2996825, www.tallyhorestaurant.com. A local fixture since 1968 serving a diner-style menu with Greek and Italian specialties. ❂ J B L D $ The Grilled Oyster Company (Editors’ Pick), 7943 Tuckerman Lane (in the Cabin John Shopping Center), 301-299-9888, www.thegrilledoystercompa ny.com. Chesapeake-style seafood eatery, featuring small plates, salads, sandwiches and entrées. Happy Hour from 3 to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday in bar only. Named “Best New Restaurant” by Bethesda Magazine readers in 2014. ❂ J R L D $ Hunter’s Bar and Grill, 10123 River Road, 301299-9300, www.thehuntersinn.com. A Potomac institution and a popular English hunt-themed spot for a big salad or hamburger lunch with friends or a filet mignon dinner with the family. ❂ J R L D $$ The Tavern at River Falls (Editors’ Pick), 10128 River Road, 301-299-0481, www.thetavernatriverfalls. com. Seafood-heavy pub menu served in a rustic setting. ❂ J L D $$ The Wine Harvest, 12525-B Park Potomac Ave., 240-314-0177, www.thewineharvest.com. The second location of the popular Gaithersburg wine bar. See Gaithersburg listing. ❂ L D $ Zoës Kitchen, 12505 Park Potomac Ave., Suite 115, 240-328-1022, www.zoeskitchen.com. First Maryland outpost of a Birmingham, Ala., fast-casual chain, Zoës features Mediterranean dishes such as kabobs, hummus and veggie pita pizzas. Specializes in takeout dinner for four for under $30. ❂ J L D $
Rockville/ North Bethesda 82 Steak Out, 101-C Gibbs St., Rockville Town Square, 240-428-1295, www.82steakout.com. Parisian-style steak house offers steak, salad and French fries for a set price in a hip, industrial setting. American touches include options of a blue cheese chopped salad and sweet potato fries. L D $$ A & J Restaurant (Editors’ Pick), 1319-C Rockville Pike, 301-251-7878, www.aj-restaurant.com/main. html. Northern dim sum, more bread, less dumplings, is the specialty at this hard-to-find spot tucked in the Woodmont Station shopping center. Warm-colored walls and modern lighting surround the young crowd as they dig into thousand-layer pancakes and fresh tofu. Named “Best Dim Sum Brunch” by the magazine’s editors in 2014. L D $ Al Carbon, 200 Park Road, 301-738-0003, www.alcar bonrestaurant.com/. Serving authentic Latin American fare across the street from the Rockville Metro station, this unassuming roadhouse has a loyal following for its arepas, empanadas and more. ❂ B L D $ Amalfi Ristorante Italiano, 12307 Wilkins Ave., 301770-7888, www.amalfirockville.com. A family-run, redsauce Italian restaurant with specialties like white pizza and lasagna. The gazebo is a charming spot to dine during the summer. J L D $ Amina Thai Restaurant, 5065 Nicholson Lane, 301770-9509. Pleasant and bright, Amina Thai is run by a husband-and-wife team and bills itself as the first
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Muslim Thai restaurant in the area, using only halal meats and serving familiar Thai dishes. L D $ Benjarong Thai Restaurant, 885 Rockville Pike, 301424-5533, www.benjarongthairestaurant.com. This Thai food stalwart has a reputation for above-average food served in a gracious setting reminiscent of an upscale country home. L D $ Blue Star, 11417 Woodglen Drive, 301-881-6800, www. bluestarkosher.com. Subtitled “House of Beef, Burgers, BBQ,” this strip shopping center eatery is under the kosher supervision of the Rabbinical Council of Greater Washington. A beef rib- and brisket-heavy menu includes all the traditional barbecue favorites, minus the pork. Family friendly atmosphere. L D $ Bombay Bistro, 98 W. Montgomery Ave., 301-7628798, www.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. J L D $ Bonchon Chicken, 107 Gibbs St., Unit A, 301-637-9079 and 301-637-9379, www.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, bimbimbop and scallion seafood pancakes. Red, black and white color scheme encompasses a bar, tables and booths. L D $ BRIO Tuscan Grille, 20 Paseo Drive, 240-221-2691, www.brioitalian.com. Look for Tuscan specialties served in a handsome setting. ❂ J R L D $$ Cava (Editors’ Pick), 9713 Traville Gateway Drive, 301-309-9090, www.cavamezze.com. The dark and elegant Cava offers small plates of fried Greek cheese, octopus and orzo in cinnamon tomato sauce and martini specials. ❂ R L D $$ Cavo’s Cantina, 4007 Norbeck Road, 301-929-3501. Traditional Tex-Mex fare, from nachos to enchiladas and fajitas. J R L D $$ Chef Geoff’s, 12256 Rockville Pike (in the Towne Plaza), 240-621-3090, www.chefgeoff.com. Geoff Tracy branches out with his fourth eponymous restaurant featuring contemporary cuisine and something for everyone. ❂ J R L D $$ City Perch Kitchen and Bar (New), 11830 Grand Park Ave., 301-231-2310, www.cityperch.com. Located on a perch above the entrance to the iPic Theaters at Pike & Rose, City Perch offers creative, seasonal American cuisine in a rustic, inviting space. The brainchild of Sherry Yard, a former pastry chef for Wolfgang Puck and now the vice president of culinary direction for iPic Entertainment, the menu includes raw-bar selections, small plates, shareable salads and entrée options such as rotisserie-cooked lamb shoulder and black sea bass. There are thoughtful cocktail offerings, too. ❂ R L D $$$ Cuban Corner, 825 Hungerford Drive, 301-279-0310, www.cubancornerrestaurant.com. Pork and empanadas shine at this small space brimming with ethnic pride (there’s a tribute wall to famous Cuban-Americans). Don’t skip the Cuban coffee or the Cuban sandwich, a sub bursting with ham, pickles and tangy mustard. L D $
Del Frisco’s Grille, 11800 Grand Park Ave. (at Pike & Rose), 301-881-0308. delfriscosgrille.com. This is the Texas-based chain’s second location in the metropolitan area, and the first restaurant to open in the new Pike & Rose development. Look for upscale takes on American comfort foods, such as veal meatloaf and short rib stroganoff, plus trendy items like kale and Brussels sprouts salad, deviled eggs, flatbreads and ahi tuna tacos. Plenty of mainstream burgers, sandwiches and salads, too. ❂ R L D $$ East Pearl, 838-B Rockville Pike, 301-838-8663. www. eastpearlrestaurant.com. Hong Kong cuisine, including familiar dishes, as well as those for adventurous tastes. L D $ El Mariachi Restaurant, 765-D Rockville Pike, 301738-7177, www.elmariachirockville.com. Serving TexMex 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 $
Good Comfort Food at our Friendly Neighborhood Restaurant A Place to Relax and Enjoy with Friends and Family Business Meetings • Social Events • Private Event Rooms • Daily Specials • Free Parking Established in 1978 10123 River Road, Potomac 301.299.9300 www.thehuntersinn.com
El Patio, 5240 Randolph Road, 301-231-9225, www. elpatiointernational.com. This bustling café 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, 301-8815552, www.fareastrockvillemd.com. This classic Chinese restaurant greets customers with two royal stone lions out front and sticks to the familiar Chinese-American basics. Check for daily specials. L D $$
Hunter's Inn 1/6 page ad.indd 1
Fontina Grille, 801 Pleasant Drive, 301-947-5400, www.fontinagrille.com. A trendy spot with its curvy maple bar and wood-burning pizza oven, Fontina Grille is a favorite gathering place for the King Farm neighborhood. Pizza, pasta and salads are the main attractions. Two-dollar pasta dishes on Monday nights, half-price bottles of wine on Tuesdays and ladies’ night on Thursdays with half-priced alcoholic drinks. ❂ J R L D $$
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Gordon Biersch, 200-A E. Middle Lane, Rockville Town Square, 301-340-7159, www.gordonbierschrestau rants.com. The national brewpub chain prides itself on house beers and friendly service. The shiny bar is boisterous, and the menu includes bar favorites with some barbecue and Asian touches.❂ J R L D $$ Grand Fusion Cuisine, 350 East Fortune Terrace, 301-838-2862, grandfusionrestaurant.com. Something for everyone seeking a taste of the Asian continent, a full sushi bar, and Chinese, Malaysian and Singaporean specialties. ❂ L D $ Hard Times Café, 1117 Nelson St., 301-294-9720, www.hardtimes.com. See Bethesda listing. J L D $ Hinode Japanese Restaurant, 134 Congressional Lane, 301-816-2190. Serving traditional Japanese cuisine since 1992. All-you-can-eat lunch and weekend dinner buffet. L D $$ Il Pizzico, 15209 Frederick Road, 301-309-0610, www. 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 make even a weeknight meal feel special. L D $$
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dining guide India Garden, 1321-C Rockville Pike, 301-838-0000, www.india-garden.com. Decorated in warm shades of orange and yellow, India Garden offers northern Indian specialties such as tandoori chicken and the flavorful flatbread called naan, as well as vegetarian options. Daily lunch buffet. ❂ J L D $ Joe’s Noodle House, 1488-C Rockville Pike, 301-8815518, www.joesnoodlehouse.com. Despite the barebones service and dingy interior, Chinese ex-pats and many other customers consider the Szechuan specialties (soft bean curd with spicy sauce and hot beef jerky) among the area’s best examples of gourmet Chinese cooking. L D $ La Brasa Latin Cuisine, 12401 Parklawn Drive, 301468-8850, www.labrasarockville.com. A bold, yellow awning marks the unlikely industrial location of the popular La Brasa. Customers rave about the rotisserie chicken, lomo saltado (Peruvian marinated steak), Salvadoran pupusas and Tres Leches. ❂ L D $ La Canela (Editors’ Pick), 141-D Gibbs St., Rockville Town Square, 301-251-1550, www.lacanelaperu.com. Sophisticated, modern Peruvian cooking shines in a yellow stucco building graced with curvy black ironwork. ❂ L D $ La Limeña Restaurant, 765 Rockville Pike, 301-4248066. Diners can choose dishes such as beef hearts, tripe and homemade pastries in this tiny but wellappointed eatery. And of course, there’s rotisserie chicken to go. L D $ La Tasca, 141 Gibbs St., Suite 305, Rockville Town Square, 301-279-7011, www.latascausa.com. The Rockville location of this regional chain strives to keep things interesting with 45 tapas dishes and six kinds of paella. ❂ J L D $$ Lebanese Taverna Café, 1605 Rockville Pike, 301468-9086; 115 Gibbs St., Rockville Town Square, 301309-8681; www.lebanesetaverna.com. A casual and pleasant family spot for lunch or dinner after shopping at Congressional Plaza or Rockville Town Square, Lebanese Taverna Café is a more casual offshoot of the local Lebanese Taverna chain, serving hummus, pita, falafel, chicken and lamb kabobs. J L D $ Lighthouse Tofu & BBQ, 12710 Twinbrook Parkway, 301-881-1178. In addition to numerous tofu dishes, diners at this Korean stalwart can try barbecue, stirfried specialties and kimchee, the national dish of pickled cabbage. L D $
cludes dim sum, mixed noodle dishes, noodle soup and unusual specialties. L D $ Mi Rancho, 1488 Rockville Pike, 240-221-2636, www.mi ranchotexmexrestaurant.com. A boisterous party atmosphere every night at a place serving standard Tex-Mex fare at good prices. The outdoor patio, strung with colorful lights, is the place to be in nice weather. ❂ J L D $ Moa, 12300 Wilkins Ave., 301-881-8880. A welcoming Korean restaurant in the midst of an industrial stretch. Try the seafood pancake appetizer—a satisfying, crispy frittata bursting with squid, clams, shrimp and scallions. L D $ Mosaic Cuisine & Café, 186 Halpine Road, 301-4680682, www.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 entrées. J B R L D $ Mykonos Grill, 121 Congressional Lane, 301-7705999, www.mykonosgrill.com. An authentic Greek taverna with whitewashed walls on a busy street, Mykonos Grill turns out legs of lamb and fresh seafood expected at any good Greek restaurant. ❂ J L D $$ Nagoya Sushi Japanese Restaurant, 402 King Farm Blvd., Suite 130, 301-990-6778. Cheery yellow walls decorated with shelves of Japanese knickknacks greet customers at this unassuming sushi spot in King Farm. L D $$ Nantucket’s Reef, 9755 Traville Gateway Drive, Rockville, 301-279-7333, www.nantucketsreef.com. Located in the former Stella’s restaurant, 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, fish and shrimp tacos, tuna and salmon salads, and several lobster items. The décor is bright and nautical. Signature cocktails are made with Nantucket Nectars juices. ❂ J L D $$ Nick’s Chophouse, 700 King Farm Blvd., 301-9268869, www.nickschophouserockville.com. Aged Angus beef cooked over an open fire is the specialty at this upscale spot, but seafood lovers can get their fill from big crabcakes. Separate bar menu. ❂ J L D $$
Mamma Lucia, 12274-M Rockville Pike, 301-7704894; 14921-J Shady Grove Road, 301-762-8805; www.mammaluciarestaurants.com. See Bethesda listing. ❂ J L D $$
Niwano Hana Japanese Restaurant, 887 Rockville Pike, 301-294-0553, www.niwanohana.com. Clean Asian décor and elegant wooden screens greet diners at this friendly and busy sushi spot located in Wintergreen Plaza. Niwano Hana serves the usual sushi rolls, plus more creative options such as a Spicy Scallop Roll with mayonnaise and chili peppers, noodle dishes, teriyaki and yakitori, as well as a special crêpe for dessert. L D $$
Matchbox Vintage Pizza Bistro (Editors’ Pick), 1699 Rockville Pike, 301-816-0369, www.matchbox foodgroup.com. Mini-burgers and thin-crusted pizza in a super-cool space in Congressional Plaza. ❂ J R L D $
Old Kimura Sushi, 785 Rockville Pike, Unit D, 301251-1922, www.oldkimura.com. A small restaurant serving an extensive sushi menu, along with noodle soups, rice dishes and tempura. L D $$
MemSahib, 4840 Boiling Brook Parkway, 301-4680098, www.memsahibrestaurant.com. Patrons eat the Indian country way, with their hands. MemSahib offers a buffet lunch and a six-course prix fixe dinner while belly dancers entertain customers. L D $$
Original Pancake House, 12224 Rockville Pike, 301468-0886, www.ophrestaurants.com. See Bethesda listing. J R L $
Michael’s Noodles, 10038 Darnestown Road, 301738-0370, www.michaelsnoodles.com. Extensive Taiwanese menu at this popular strip mall eatery in-
Paladar Latin Kitchen & Rum Bar, 11333 Woodglen Drive, 301-816-1100, www.paladarlatinkitchen. com. This small 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, curry shrimp and jerk chicken. The extensive bar selection includes 50 varieties of rum, 15 tequilas and six types of mojitos, plus sangria, margaritas and specialty cocktails.❂ J R L D $$ Pho 75, 771 Hungerford Drive, 301-309-8873. One of the Washington area’s favorite spots for the Vietnamese beef noodle soup known as pho. Soup can be customized with bean sprouts, Thai basil, chilies, lime, and hot and hoisin sauces. L D $ Pho 95, 785-H Rockville Pike, 301-294-9391, www. pho95md.com. Pho, the Vietnamese beef noodle soup, is king here. Other offerings include fat ricepaper rolls of shrimp, noodles and herbs with a sweet and spicy peanut sauce. L D $ Pho Hoa Binh, 11782 Parklawn Drive, 301-770-5576. This pleasant pho restaurant offers the full gamut of variations on the beef noodle soup, plus about a dozen grilled entrées. The Vietnamese iced coffee is divine. L D $ Pho Nom Nom, 842 Rockville Pike, 301-610-0232, www. phonomnom.net. As the name suggests, the specialty is pho, but there are also grilled dishes, noodles and the Vietnamese sandwich known as banh mi. L D $ Pizza CS, 1596-B Rockville Pike, 240-833-8090, www. pizzacs.com. Authentic Neapolitan pies offered in a sub-shop atmosphere. ❂ J L D $ Potomac Pizza, 9709 Traville Gateway Drive, 301279-2234, www.potomacpizza.com. See Chevy Chase listing. ❂ J L D $ Quench, 9712 Traville Gateway Drive, 301-424-8650, www.quenchnation.com. Urban bar scene in the suburbs, with unique cocktails and contemporary American cuisine. ❂ J R L D $$ Quincy’s South Bar & Grille (New), 11401 Woodglen Drive, 240-669-3270, quincysbar.com. See North Potomac/Gaithersburg listing. ❂ L D $ Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company, 891-A Rockville Pike, 240-268-1120, www.rocklands.com. John Snedden has perfected the art of barbecue since he first opened Rocklands in Washington, D.C., in 1990. This location serves all-American pork ribs, smoked chicken, brisket and lamb cooked exclusively over red oak and hickory. ❂ J L D $ Rolls ‘N Rice, 1701 Rockville Pike (Shops at Congressional Village), 301-770-4030, www.rollsnrice.com. This Asian café serves more than 25 varieties of rolls, from a volcano roll (spicy tuna, white fish, salmon, tomato, jalapeno, fish eggs and vegetables) to a Philadelphia Roll (smoked salmon, cream cheese and avocado). J L D $ Sadaf Halal Restaurant, 1327-K Rockville Pike, 301424-4040. An elegant alternative to the run-of-the-mill kabob places dotting the Pike, Sadaf is pristine, with lace curtains and glass mosaic tiles in front. In addition to kabobs, it offers Persian curries and fish dishes. ❂ J L D $ Sam’s Café & Market, 844 Rockville Pike, 301-4241600, www.samcafemarket.com. After filling up on the kitchen’s juicy skewered meats, have a gelato and check out the hookahs. ❂ J L D $ Seasons 52 (Editors’ Pick), 11414 Rockville Pike, 301984-5252, www.seasons52.com. A fresh, seasonal menu featuring items under 475 calories. Nightly piano music. Voted “Best Rockville Restaurant” in 2013. ❂ L D $$
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Seven Seas Chinese Restaurant, 1776 East Jefferson St., 301-770-5020, www.sevenseasrestaurant. com. An elegant restaurant popular with politicians and local chefs and known for its fresh seafood and impeccable service. Specials include the paper hot pot, meals using ancient Chinese herbs and afternoon tea. Sushi, too. J L D $ Sheba Restaurant, 5071 Nicholson Lane, 301-8818882, www.shebarockville.com. Authentic Ethiopian cuisine, with lots of vegetarian and vegan options. L D $ Sichuan Jin River, 410 Hungerford Drive, 240-4037351, www.scjinriver.com. Terrific Sichuan cuisine served in a no-frills setting. Take the plunge with the authentic Chinese menu. L D $ Silver Diner, 12276 Rockville Pike, 301-770-2828, www.silverdiner.com. Shiny new digs replace the local chain’s first location a few traffic lights away. The latest food trends (think quinoa coconut pancakes) share company on the enormous menu with diner staples such as meatloaf and mashed potatoes. J B R L D $ Spice Xing, 100-B Gibbs St., Rockville Town Square, 301-610-0303, www.spicexing.com. Started by Sudhir Seth, chef and owner of Bethesda’s Passage to India, this location offers lower prices, smaller plates and dishes reflecting the history of culinary influences on India. ❂ J R L D $$ Super Bowl Noodle, 785 Rockville Pike, 301-738-0086. Asian noodle dishes in super-size portions. ❂ L D $ Sushi Damo, 36-G Maryland Ave., Rockville Town Square, 301-340-8010, www.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 entrées and an impressive sake list. L D $$ Sushi House Japanese Restaurant, 1331-D Rockville Pike, 301-309-0043. A tiny, plain restaurant serving fresh sushi. Lunch specials for under $7. It’s popular, so be prepared to wait. L D $$ Sushi Oishii, 9706 Traville Gateway Drive, 301-2511177, www.sushioishii.com. Charming sushi bar in the Traville Gateway Center offering friendly service and 24 specialty sushi rolls, bento boxes and a few grilled items. ❂ L D $$ Taipei Tokyo, 14921-D Shady Grove Road (Fallsgrove Village Center), 301-738-8813; 11510-A Rockville Pike, 301-881-8388; www.taipei-tokyo.net. These sister restaurants offer a sizable roster of Chinese, Japanese and Thai dishes. Opened in 2003, the Fallsgrove Village location is the younger and sleeker of the two, with full sit-down service. The older sister, opened in 1993 across from White Flint Mall, is more like a noodle shop/cafeteria. L D $$ Tara Asia, 199-D E. Montgomery Ave., 301-315-8008. A pan-Asian offshoot of the Tara Thai family, dominated by a floor-to-ceiling mosaic and an 82-item menu that spans the cuisine from Japan to Thailand and the tiny islands in between. ❂ J L D $$ Tara Thai, 12071 Rockville Pike, 301-231-9899, www. tarathai.com.com. See Bethesda listing. ❂ L D $$ Ted’s 355 Diner, 895 Rockville Pike, 301-340-0088, www.teds355.com. The former Broadway and Hollywood diners get reincarnated again, this time by Virginia pizza restaurateur Ted Thedorou. J B R L D $$
Temari Café, 1043 Rockville Pike, 301-340-7720. Deep-fried oysters, classic rice balls and comic books to peruse while you await your order set this Japanese restaurant apart from the rest. L D $$ Thai Farm, 800 King Farm Blvd., 301-258-8829, www. thaifarmrestaurant.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 $$ Thai Pavilion, 29 Maryland Ave., Unit 308, Rockville Town Square, 301-545-0244, www.thaipavilionrestau rant.com. The soaring ceilings decorated with red chandeliers shaped like giant, stationary spinning tops give the feel of a modern museum. When the menu says spicy, believe it. ❂ J L D $$ That’s Amore, 15201 Shady Grove Road, 240-2680682, www.thatsamore.com. This local chain focuses on family-style portions of classic Neapolitan dishes like lasagna and chicken Parmesan in a more elegant setting than might be expected. Good for groups and large families. J L D $$ The Dough Roller, 403 Redland Blvd., #3160, (in the King Farm Village Center), 301-869-4584, www.dough rollerrestaurants.com. Grab a pizza slice and dream of boardwalk breezes at the first inland outpost of Ocean City’s popular pizza and pancake chainlet. In addition to pizza, this locale features most of the sandwiches, burgers and other items, including pancakes served all day, on the menus at the four Ocean City locations. J B R L D $ The Original Ambrosia Restaurant, 12015 Rockville Pike, 301-881-3636, www.theoriginalambrosia.com. When Ambrosia Restaurant lost its lease after 30 years, the original employees opened this location, which features an eclectic menu of breakfast, gyros, pizza, crabcakes and soups. J B L D $ The Potomac Grill, 1093 Rockville Pike, 301-7388181, www.thepotomacgrill.com. A spacious, nautical-themed restaurant with a fireplace, Potomac Grill specializes in seafood but also features serious steaks, burgers and salads. Look for daily specials featuring a catch of the day and several desserts of the day. J R L D $$ Timpano Italian Chophouse, 12021 Rockville Pike, 301-881-6939, www.timpanochophouse.net. A chain steak house with an Italian accent, Timpano is a favorite of wheeler-dealer business lunchers and nighttime diners looking for a high-quality steak or wellprepared pasta. ❂ J R L D $$$ Tower Oaks Lodge, 2 Preserve Parkway, 301-294-0200, www.clydes.com. The Clyde’s version of a lodge in the mountains. Well-prepared food runs the gamut of American desires, from burgers to fish. J R L D $$ Trapezaria, 11 N. Washington St., 301-339-8962, www. trapezariarockville.com. Down-to-earth and hospitable Greek/Mediterranean restaurant dishes out topnotch and unfussy small plates and entrées. Choose among a variety of dips, vegetarian mezze, souvlaki, sausages, simple broiled items, and more-involved fish and lamb dishes. Save room for the baklava. L D $$ Urban Bar-B-Que Company, 2007 Chapman Ave., 240-290-4827, www.iloveubq.com/. Urban Bar-B-Que Company, a tiny joint run by a couple of local friends
Upscale Casual Dining 4935 Cordell Avenue | Bethesda, Maryland 301-951-4935 | www.4935barandkitchen.com
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dining guide with a winning formula, features finger-licking ribs, burgers and wings and a friendly staff. J L D $ Urban Burger Company, 5566 Norbeck Road, 301460-0050, www.iloveubq.com. Urban Bar-B-Que’s Black Angus burgers were so popular, its owners decided to open another location in 2007. The fullservice restaurant also offers killer fries, salads and wings. ❂ J L D $ Villa Maya, 5532 Norbeck Road (in the Rock Creek Village Center), 301-460-1247, www.villamayarestau rant.com. Traditional Mexican and Tex-Mex food for the whole family. ❂ J R L D $$ Woodside Deli, 4 N. Washington St., 301-444-4478, www.thewoodsidedeli.com. A second location of the venerable Silver Spring eatery and caterer that has been dishing up matzo ball soup since 1947. This one has a pickle bar. ❂ J B R L D $ Yekta, 1488 Rockville Pike, 301-984-0005, www.yekta. com. Persian cuisine served in a beautiful dining room. Check out the adjacent market after polishing off your kebab. L D $$ Yuan Fu Vegetarian, 798 Rockville Pike, 301-762-5937, www.yuanfuvegetarian.com. From tea-smoked “duck” to kung pao “chicken,” the whole menu is meatless, made from Chinese vegetable products. L D $
Silver Spring 8407 Kitchen Bar (Editors’ Pick), 8407 Ramsey Ave., 301-587-8407, 8407kb.com. This sleek space across from the Silver Spring Metro prides itself on stellar service and from-scratch preparations, such as housesmoked salmon and home-cured charcuterie. It tied for “Best Silver Spring Restaurant” in 2013. J R L D $$ Addis Ababa, 8233 Fenton St., 301-589-1400 or 301589-1999. Authentic Ethiopian-style vegetables and fiery meats served atop spongy bread in communal bowls. Traditional woven tables and a roof deck add to the ambience. ❂ R L D $ Adega Wine Cellars & Café, 8519 Fenton St., 301608-2200, www.adegawinecellars.com. This light and bright blond wood dining room serves creative sandwiches and allows customers to choose from a small selection of wines by the bottle to take home. A fine place to stop for lunch, if only to try the eggplant fries. ❂ L D $ Asian Bistro Café, 8537 Georgia Ave., 301-589-0123, www.asianbistrocafe.com. A bevy of choices, from Japanese sushi to Chinese noodles and vegetarian dishes. L D $ Austin Grill, 919 Ellsworth Drive, 240-247-8969, www. austingrill.com. Fun and friendly service welcomes families and couples to this noisy, colorful Tex-Mex favorite. ❂ J R L D $$ Azúcar Restaurant Bar & Grill, 14418 Layhill Road, 301-438-3293, azucarrestaurantmd.com. The name means sugar, and it fits. A colorful Salvadoran spot decorated in bright purple and orange with Cubiststyle paintings. The pork-stuffed corn pupusas are stars. Also look for more elegant dinners, including fried whole trout. L D $$
Blair Mansion Inn, 7711 Eastern Ave., 301-588-1688, www.blairmansion.com. The graciously restored, 19th-century mansion (formerly the residence of Abigail and Charles Newman) is best known for its participatory mystery dinner theater shows, but it also serves dinner à la carte for private events. J L D $$ Bombay Gaylord, 8401 Georgia Ave., 301-565-2528, www.bombaygaylordsilverspring.com. A neighborhood favorite serving respectable Indian fare for years. Lunch buffet. ❂ L D $ Copper Canyon Grill, 928 Ellsworth Drive, 301-5891330, www.ccgrill.com. See Gaithersburg listing. ❂ J R L D $$ Crisfield Seafood Restaurant, 8012 Georgia Ave., 301-589-1306. 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. J L D $$ Cubano’s, 1201 Fidler Lane, 301-563-4020, www. cubanosrestaurant.com. The brightly colored tropical dining room of greens, blues and reds and the authentic Cuban cooking evident in dishes such as ropa vieja (shredded beef in onions, peppers and garlic) and fried plantains keep customers coming back. ❂ J L D $$ Da Marco Ristorante Italiano, 8662 Colesville Road, 301-588-6999, www.damarcorestaurant.com. This full-service restaurant has been a fixture in Silver Spring for years, with an intimate ambience for classic Italian pasta suppers. J L D $$ Denizen’s Brewing Co. , 1115 East West Highway, 301557-9818, denizensbrewingco.com. The bright-orange building on East West Highway houses Montgomery County’s largest brewery, featuring core beers and seasonal offerings, along with drafts from other regional breweries. As for the grub, the former BBQ Bus food truck goes brick-and-mortar, with sandwiches, picnic plates, chili and four sauces. Large outdoor beer garden and indoor seating that overlooks the brewery is conducive for celebrations and private events. ❂ D $ Eggspectation, 923 Ellsworth Drive, 301-585-1700, www.eggspectations.com. This Canadian import features fresh and creative egg plates in an elegant yet casual dining room complete with a fireplace and colorful Harlequin-themed art. It also serves great salads and dinners. ❂ J B L D $$ El Aguila Restaurant, 8649 16th St., 301-588-9063, www.elaguilarestaurant.com. A cheery bar and generous plates of Tex-Mex favorites such as enchiladas and Salvadoran seafood soup make this popular with families and others looking for a lively night out. ❂ J L $ El Gavilan, 8805 Flower Ave., 301-587-4197. 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. Live music on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. J L D $ El Golfo, 8739 Flower Ave., 301-608-2121, elgolfores taurant.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. ❂ J R L D $ Fenton Café, 8311 Fenton St., 301-326-1841. An out-of-the-way crêperie serving 31 kinds of sweet crêpes and 16 varieties of savory crêpes. B L D $ Fire Station 1 Restaurant & Brewing Co., 8131 Georgia Ave., 301-585-1370, www.firestation-1.com. A historic firehouse has been given a makeover as an eatery serving 21st-century pizza, sandwiches, meat, seafood and vegetarian entrées. J R L D $ Jackie’s Restaurant (Editors’ Pick), 8081 Georgia Ave., 301-565-9700, www.jackiesrestaurant.com. This lovable eatery serves modern American cuisine in a former-auto-repair-shop-gone-1960s-hot-pink. The Sidebar is a cocktail lounge; Jackie’s Back Room has live music and private parties. The restaurant tied for “Best Silver Spring Restaurant” in 2013. R D $$ Jewel of India, 10151 New Hampshire Ave., 301-4082200, www.jewelofindiamd.com. Elegant décor and top-notch northern Indian cuisine make this shopping center restaurant a real find. ❂ L D $$ Kao Thai, 8650 Colesville Road, 301-495-1234, www. kaothairestaurant.com. This recently expanded restaurant turns out top-notch curries, noodle dishes and vegetarian options, plus house specialties, such as Siam Salmon with Spicy Thai Basil Sauce. ❂ L D $$ La Casita Pupuseria & Market, 8214 Piney Branch Road, 301-588-6656, www.lacasitapupusas.com. Homemade pupusas, tamales and other Salvadoran specialties, plus a full breakfast menu and a small selection of grocery items. B L D $ LacoMelza Ethiopian Cafe, 7912 Georgia Ave., 301326-2435, www.lacomelza.com. Traditional Ethiopian cuisine served in a modern and attractive setting. J R L D $ La Malinche, 8622 Colesville Road, 301-562-8622, www.lamalinchetapas.com. Interesting selection of Spanish and Mexican tapas, plus a full Saturday and Sunday brunch featuring huevos rancheros, variations of tortillas Espanola and more. R L D $$ Langano Ethiopian Restaurant, 8305 Georgia Ave., 301-563-6700, www.langanorestaurant.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 $ Lebanese Taverna Café, 933 Ellsworth Drive, 301588-1192, www.lebanesetaverna.com. See Rockville listing. ❂ J L D $ Mamma Lucia, 1302 East West Highway, 301-5620693, www.mammaluciarestaurants.com. See Bethesda listing. J L D $$ Mandalay Restaurant & Café, 930 Bonifant St., 301585-0500, www.mandalayrestaurantcafe.com. The modest dining room is packed most evenings with families and large groups who come for the Burmese food, a cross between Indian and Thai. L D $ McGinty’s Public House, 911 Ellsworth Drive, 301-5871270, www.mcgintyspublichouse.com. Traditional Irish pub and restaurant features corned beef and cabbage, live music and dancing. Early-bird special, three-course
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menu for $15, from 5 to 7 p.m. Happy Hour from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. ❂ J R L D $$
groups on weekends. Chinese standards for dinner, plus tripe and jellyfish. L D $
pho can be customized to taste in this upbeat restaurant overlooking the action in the downtown area. L D $
Mi Rancho, 8701 Ramsey Ave., 301-588-4872, www. miranchotexmexrestaurant.com. See Rockville listing. ❂ J L D $
Pacci’s Neapolitan Pizzeria (Editors’ Pick), 8113 Georgia Ave., 301-588-1011, www.paccispizzeria.com. This stylish eatery turns out top-notch pizzas from a wood-burning oven. ❂ J (upon request) L D $
Piratz Tavern, 8402 Georgia Ave., 301-588-9001, www. piratztavern.com. Decorated to the hilt with scabbards, skeletons and booty, this pirate-themed tavern opened by husband-and-wife graphic artists offers frequent live entertainment and a secluded back terrace. ❂ J L D $
Mrs. K’s Restaurant, 9201 Colesville Road, 301-5893500, www.mrsks.com. An elegant, antique-filled option for special occasions and sublime Sunday 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. ❂ J R L D $$$ Nainai’s Noodle & Dumpling Bar, 1200 East West Highway, 301-585-6678, www.nainaisnoodles.com. Sisters Joanne and Julie Liu serve homemade noodles and dumplings in this lovable fast-casual eatery that shares kitchen space with their Scion restaurant next door. Focus on the noodles, and bring a picture of your “Nainai” (grandmother in Chinese) to tack on the bulletin board. L D $ Olazzo, 8235 Georgia Ave., 301-588-2540, www. olazzo.com. The Silver Spring location of the Bethesda restaurant draws crowds to its dark and intimate space with classic Italian-American fare and Tuesday martini specials. ❂ J L D $ Oriental East Restaurant, 1312 East West Highway, 301-608-0030, www.orientaleast.com. Be prepared to wait for a table and maneuver around carts filled with dumplings, noodles and spare ribs at this popular dim sum restaurant that caters to families and
Pacci’s Trattoria & Pasticceria, 6 Old Post Office Road, 301-588-0867, www.facebook.com/Paccis Trattoria. Classic Italian dishes, including homemade meatballs and sausage, from the owner of Pacci’s Pizzeria, also in Silver Spring. L D $$ Parkway Deli & Restaurant, 8317 Grubb Road, 301587-1427, www.theparkwaydeli.com. Voted “Best Deli” for 2014 by Bethesda Magazine readers, Parkway features a bustling back dining room, around for decades, 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 $ Pete’s New Haven Style Apizza, 962 Wayne Ave., 301-588-7383, www.petesapizza.com. Sporting more stylish décor than its other locations (see Upper NW D.C.), Pete’s fourth and latest restaurant offers the same crunchy-crusted New Haven-style pizzas, plus pasta, panini and salads. This branch is the only one so far to offer fried calamari. J L D $ Pho Hiep Hoa, 921-G Ellsworth Drive, 301-588-5808, phohiephoa.com. Seventeen kinds of Vietnamese soup called
Quarry House Tavern, 8401 Georgia Ave., 301-5878350, www.quarryhousetavern.com. A great dive that serves organic burgers and dozens of beers; frequent live music. D $ Samantha’s, 631 University Blvd. East, 301-445-7300, 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 $$ Scion, 1200 East West Highway, 301-585-8878, www. scionrestaurant.com. A contemporary American eatery from sisters Joanne and Julie Liu, who also own a popular Dupont Circle restaurant with the same name and Nainai’s Noodle & Dumpling Bar in Silver Spring. Look for everything from wasabi Caesar salad to lobster reuben to spicy yogurt chicken. R L D $$ Sergio’s 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 Double Tree Hotel. Ravioli with asparagus and cheese in a tarragon sauce is popular. L D $$
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dining guide Sushi Jin, 8555 Fenton St., 301-608-0990, www.sushi jinnextdoor.com. Spare, clean and modern, with terrific udon noodle soup and impeccable raw fish. L D $$ sweetgreen, 8517 Georgia Ave., 301-244-5402, www. sweetgreen.com. See Bethesda listing. L D $ Tastee Diner, 8601 Cameron St., 301-589-8171, www. tasteediner.com. A 1930s-era lowbrow classic open 24 hours and featuring friendly service and typical diner food. ❂ J B L D $ Thai at Silver Spring, 921-E Ellsworth Drive, 301-6500666, www.thaiatsilverspring.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 $$ Thai Derm, 939 Bonifant St., 301-589-5341, www. thaidermusa.com. This local favorite serves homestyle Thai food in a pleasantly modest dining room off a quiet street near downtown. The large menu includes noodle dishes like pad Thai and savory-sweet salads. Lunch specials daily. ❂ L D $ The Big Greek Café, 8223 Georgia Ave., 301-5874733, www.biggreekcafe.com. Owned by the Marmaras brothers, whose family operated the decadesold Golden Flame restaurant, the café serves a hit parade of Greek specialties, including a top-notch chicken souvlaki pita. ❂ J L D $ The Classics (Editors’ Pick), 8606 Colesville Road, 301-588-7297, www.theclassicsdc.com. The restaurant features great steaks and seafood served without the pomp in a basic white dining room. Serious drinks and fresh seasonal American fare. D $$$
al basketball player Jason Miskiri opened this restaurant and lounge with a Caribbean accent. ❂ L D $$ Urban Bar-B-Que Company, 10163 New Hampshire Ave., 301-434-7427, www.iloveubq.com. A fast and friendly spot to meet for smoked meats, especially the ribs. See Rockville listing. J L D $ Urban Butcher (Editors’ Pick), 8226 Georgia Ave., 301585-5800, www.urbanbutcher.com. Hip, eclectic setting provides the backdrop for this New Age steak house, with its home-cured salamis, sausages and other charcuterie, plus imaginative meat dishes made from local animals of yesteryear breeds. Space includes a lounge, bar, meat curing room, retail counter and dining area. B D $$ Vegetable Garden, 3830 International Drive (in Leisure World Plaza), 301-598-6868, www.vegetable gardensilverspring.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 $$ Vicino Ristorante Italiano, 959 Sligo Ave., 301-5883372, vicinoitaliano.com. A favorite neighborhood redsauce joint that hasn’t changed in decades, featuring some fine seafood choices in addition to classic pasta dishes. Families welcome. ❂ L D $ Woodside Deli & Restaurant, 9329 Georgia Ave., 301-589-7055, www.thewoodsidedeli.com. Famous for its matzo ball soup, terrific clubs and Reuben sandwiches since 1947. J B L D $
Upper NW D.C.
The Greek Place, 8417 Georgia Ave., 301-495-2912, www.thegreekplace.net. Big portions of better-than-average food at reasonable prices. The bifteki pita sandwich, a seasoned ground lamb and beef patty with tzatziki, tomatoes and red onions, is especially good. ❂ J L D $
Aggio, 5335 Wisconsin Ave. NW (in the Chevy Chase Pavilion), 202-803-8020, www.volt-aggio.com. Located in the former private party room at Range, this formal and sophisticated space is celebrity chef Bryan Voltaggio’s “restaurant within a restaurant.” Look for modern takes on Italian standbys like steak Florentine, prawns with polenta and pasta carbonara, and inventive combinations such as lentils with charred octopus and sprouted wheat berries or beef cheek with farro and bone marrow. D $$$
The Society Lounge, 8229 Georgia Ave., 301-565-8864, www.societyss.com. Former collegiate and profession-
American City Diner, 5532 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202244-1949, www.americancitydiner.com. Retro diner
The Daily Dish, 8301 Grubb Road, 301-588-6300, www. thedailydishrestaurant.com. A neighborhood favorite serving seasonally inspired, locally sourced comfort food. Full-service catering, too. ❂ J R L D $$
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complete with blue-plate specials such as Salisbury steak and stuffed peppers; malts and egg creams. Classic movies free with dinner. ❂ J B L D $ Arucola, 5534 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-244-1555, www.arucola.com. Authentic Italian in a casual setting, with a changing menu that includes creative treatment of traditional dishes, homemade pasta and pizza from the wood-burning oven. ❂ J L D $ Blue 44, 5507 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-362-2583, www.blue44dc.com. Classic American favorites in the old Senor Pepper space. ❂ J R L D $$ Buck’s Fishing and Camping, 5031 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-364-0777, www.bucksfishingandcamping. com. Hip takes on comfort food such as roast chicken (locally raised) and “camp” steak, with fun twists that include grilled chorizo and tempura squash blossoms, in an artsy-chic setting. D $$$ Café of India, 4909 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-244-1395, www.cafeofindiadc.com. Cute corner café with two levels of dining. Features an extensive menu, including vegetarian and Tandoori entrées, dosas, samosas, tikkas, curries and kabobs. ❂ L D $$ Chads Friendship Heights, 5247 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-362-8040, www.dcchadwicks.com. Neighborhood hangout sometimes compared to Cheers, but with a full menu beyond bar food, including salads, steaks, seafood and sandwiches. ❂ J R L D $$ Comet Ping Pong (Editors’ Pick), 5037 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-364-0404, www.cometpingpong.com. Landmark fun spot where you can play ping-pong or admire local art while you wait for your wood-fired pizza. ❂ R L (weekends only) D $ DeCarlo’s Restaurant, 4822 Yuma St. NW. 202-3634220, www.decarlosrestaurant.com. Family-owned neighborhood staple, with traditional Italian menu and upscale/casual atmosphere. Signature dishes include agnolotti, veal Bolognese, broiled salmon and hand-made pasta. ❂ L D $$ Eurasian Hotpot, 4445 Wisconsin Ave., 202-9667088, www.eurasianhotpot.com. The extensive Vietnamese menu features pho, egg and rice noodle soups, vermicelli dishes, entrée salads, broken and fried rice entrées and choices for vegetarians. You can also devise your own soup by choosing among broths, meat, vegetables and starches. Then you do the cooking in hotpots brought to the table. ❂ L D $
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Guapo’s Fine Mexican Cuisine, 4515 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-686-3588, www.guaposrestaurant.com. See Bethesda listing. ❂ R L D $$
on the appetizer menu, and steak frites is offered alongside short ribs with grits for main courses. ❂ R D $$
Jake’s American Grille, 5018 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202966-5253, www.jakesdc.com. Burgers, steaks and sandwiches in a restaurant named after the owner’s grandfather, an accomplished Navy test engineer. J R L D $$
Maggiano’s, 5333 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-966-5500, www.maggianos.com. Old-style Italian fare that’s a favorite for large groups and private celebrations. J L D $$
Jetties (New), 5632 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-3642465. www.jettiesdc.com. See Bethesda listing. JL D $ Le Chat Noir, 4907 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-2442044, www.lechatnoirrestaurant.com. Cute, cozy neighborhood bistro run by French restaurateurs, with traditional fare like steak frites, bouillabaisse and braised lamb cheeks. R L D $$ LUNCH BOX, 5535 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Suite 018, 202244-3470, www.voltlunchbox.com. A Washington remake of the defunct sandwich and salad restaurant in Frederick from chef Bryan Voltaggio. Specialties include the Southern Bahn Mi (crispy chicken, pickled vegetables, liver mousse and cilantro mint on a baguette) and B’More (pepper-crusted pit beef, scallion-bacon jam and Tiger sauce). The rustic setting is Voltaggio’s third spot in the Chevy Chase Pavilion, which also houses his Range and Aggio restaurants. Macon Bistro & Larder (Editors’ Pick), 5520 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-248-7807, maconbistro.com. Southern and French cuisine converge at this airy, charming restaurant in the historic Chevy Chase Arcade. Raclette and fried green tomatoes share space
Masala Art (Editors’ Pick) 4441-B Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-362-4441, www.masalaartdc.com. Fine Indian dining featuring tandoor-oven specialties and masterful Indian spicing. L D $$ Murasaki Japanese Cuisine and Sushi Bar, 4620 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-966-0023, www.murasakidc. com. Wide variety of specialty sushi rolls plus full menu, including teriyaki, tempura, noodle soup and other authentic Japanese dishes in tastefully understated décor. ❂ L D $$ Parthenon Restaurant, 5510 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-966-7600, www.parthenon-restaurant.com. Neighborhood eatery taken up a couple notches, with an extensive menu full of authentic selections familiar and exotic, including avgolemono (egg/lemon soup), tzatziki, moussaka, dolmades and souvlaki. ❂ J L D $$ Pete’s New Haven Style Apizza, 4940 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-237-7383, www.petesapizza.com. New Haven-inspired pizza with crusts that are crunchy on the outside, chewy on the inside. Salads, pasta and panini also served. ❂ J L D $ Range (Editors’ Pick), 5335 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Suite 201, 202-803-8020, www.voltrange.com. Celebrity chef
Bryan Voltaggio’s extravaganza, featuring multiple open kitchens, 300 seats and an enormous wine list. The restaurant was chosen for “Best Cocktail” in 2014 by the magazine’s editors. L D $$$ Rosa Mexicano, 5225 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-7779959, www.rosamexicano.com. Upscale Mexican chain known for its tableside-prepared guacamole and stylish decor. J R L D $$ Satay Club Asian Restaurant and Bar, 4654 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-363-8888, www.asiansatayclub. com. Comfortable/casual with a menu that spans Japanese sushi, Chinese moo-shi vegetables, Thai curries and Vietnamese spring rolls. L D $ Tanad Thai, 4912 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-966-0616, www.tanadthaicuisine.com. Extensive menu includes noodles, rice, curries and vegetarian entrées, and even a Thai lemonade cocktail. ❂ L D $$ Tara Thai, 4849 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 202-363-4141, www.tarathai.com. See Bethesda listing. ❂ R L D $ Terasol (Editors’ Pick), 5010 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-237-5555, www.terasolartisans.com. Charming French café offering soups, salads, quiches and a few entrées, along with jewelry and pottery from local artisans. Live music on Fridays and Saturdays. ❂ J B L D $ The Dancing Crab, 4615 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-2441882, www.thedancingcrab.com. Informal family restaurant that looks as if it has been relocated from the beach, with a fresh seafood menu that includes hardshell and soft-shell crabs in season. ❂ J L D $$
summer camps Classes • Birthday Parties • Open Gym • Competitive Team • Camps
It’s Not Just Gymnastics, It’s Gymtastic! YMCA Bethesda Chevy Chase 301.530.8500 | ymcadc.org
REGISTER NOW FOR SUMMER CAMP! Weekly Camp
June 1 – August 29
Register online at www.gosilverstars.com
Two Great Locations! 2701 Pittman Drive, Silver Spring, MD 301-589-0938 14201 Woodcliff Ct, Bowie, MD 301-352-5777
Join in January $0 Joining fee
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Special Advertising Section
summer camps Camp
Type
Gender Ages
Location
S
Agility Zone
Day
Coed
3.5 - 17
North Bethesda
Tu or
American Volleyball Camp
Day & Overnight
Coed
9 - 18
Washington, D.C.
Vo
AU Discover the World of Communication
Day & Overnight
Coed
14 - 19
Washington, D.C.
30 ph
Barrie Day Camp
Day
Coed
4 - 14
Silver Spring
O ar
Beauvoir Summer Program
Day
Coed
3 - 11
Washington, D.C.
O
Bethesda Big Train Baseball Summer Camp
Day
Coed
5 - 12
Bethesda
Th
Bullis Summer Programs
Day
Coed
3.5 - 17
Potomac
So
Calleva
Day
Coed
4 - 17
D.C. Metro area
C
Camp Arena Stage
Day
Coed
8 - 15
Washington, D.C.
C ac ba
Camp Hidden Meadows
Overnight
Coed
7 - 16
Bartow, W.Va.
Bu
Camp Motorsport
Overnight
Coed
9 - 16
Clover, Va.
Pa
Camp Olympia
Day
Coed
3.5 - 15
Rockville
H
Camp Rim Rock
Overnight
Girls
6 - 16
Yellow Spring, W.Va.
H
Camp Sonshine
Day
Coed
4 - 17
Silver Spring & Germantown
sw
Camp Strawderman
Overnight
Girls
6 - 17
Edinburg, Va.
Ri
Champions of Tomorrow
Day
Coed
3 - 18
Rockville
Sp
Creative Summer at Holton-Arms
Day
Coed
4 - 13
Bethesda
A
Dynamite Gymnastics Center
Day
Coed
3.5 - 17
North Bethesda
A ha
Dynamite Agility Center
Day
Coed
3.5 - 17
North Bethesda
Tu ex
Edmund Burke Summer
Day
Coed
11 - 18
Washington, D.C.
Ba
ESF Summer Camps at Georgetown Prep
Day
Coed
4 - 15
North Bethesda
Ex vi
Georgetown Prep Sports Camps
Day
Coed
8 - 15
North Bethesda
G
Green Acres School Summer Camp
Day
Coed
3 - 12
North Bethesda
D
Headfirst Camps
Day
Coed
3-13
Bethesda, NW D.C.
D or
Imagination Stage Summer Camp
Day
Coed
4 - 18
Bethesda
M
Koa Sports Multi Sport Camp
Day
Coed
4 - 11
Bethesda
Th
Language Stars
Day
Coed
1 - 10
Multiple locations
Fu an
Lowell School Summer Programs
Day
Coed
3 - 14
Washington, D.C.
H pr
Mercersburg Summer
Overnight
Coed
7 - 17
Mercersburg, Pa.
A
Oneness-Family School Summer Programs
Day
Coed
2 - 11
Chevy Chase
Ex
Roundhouse Theatre
Day
Coed
5 - 18
Bethesda, Silver Spring
In
Silver Stars Gymnastics
Day
Coed
3.5 - 15
Silver Spring, Bowie
G
Spy Camp
Day
Coed
10-13
Washington, D.C.
Sp fr
St. John's College High School Summer Sports Camps
Day
Coed
6 - 17
Chevy Chase, D.C.
Ba
Stone Ridge Summer Campus
Day
Coed
4 - 16
Bethesda
A
Summer at the Academy Enrichment Camp
Day
Coed/All-Girls
12 - 18
Kensington
A
Summer at the Academy Sports Camp
Day
All-Girls
6 - 17
Kensington
C
Summer at Norwood
Day
Coed
3.5 - 14
Bethesda
D
Summer at St. Patrick's
Day
Coed
3 - 14
Washington, D.C.
Sp
Summer at WES
Day & Overnight
Coed
4-14
Bethesda
N Sp
SummerEdge at McLean School
Day
Coed
3 - 18
Potomac
Fr so
Summer Stock at the Academy - Performing Arts Institute
Day
Coed
12 - 17
Kensington
H an
Valley Mill Camp
Day
Coed
4 - 14
Darnestown
Ka
Washington Nationals Baseball Camps
Day
Coed
5-13
Multiple locations
O N
WIS Passport to Summer
Day
Coed
3 - 16
Washington, D.C.
Sp
YMCA Bethesda-Chevy Chase/Ayrlawn Center
Day
Coed
4 - 15
Bethesda
25
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Essential information on summer camps
46
Water sports Horses Field Trips
Special Advertising Section
Specialties Website
Phone
Tumbling instruction, obstacle course training, games and more. Cheer camp track offered, too! Flexible registration by the day or week. Full, half and extended day options.
301-977-7007
theagilityzone.com
Volleyball training for youth, middle school, and high school 30+ courses include 16mm film, journalism, broadcast journalism music entertainment production, commercial production, photography, and video game design
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On-site swimming, horseback riding, sports, overnights, special event days, arts and crafts, nature, outdoor living skills, martial arts, dramatics, music, and CIT program.
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Outdoor swimming pool/swimming lessons, outdoor education and adventure, comprehensive early childhood camp program
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americanvolleyballcamps.com
202-885-3031
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audiscover.org
202-885-2098
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barrie.org/barrie-camp
301-576-2816
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beauvoirschool.org
202-537-6485
The area's top baseball camp. Learn directly from the Big Train college star players and special celebrity guests.
bigtrain.org/summercamp
301-365-1076
Something for Everyone…..70+ athletic, specialty, and academic camps in one- to two-week sessions. 16 new camps in 2015!
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bullis.org/summerprograms
301-983-5741
Calleva offers exciting outdoor adventures in nearby wilderness areas -"Rivers, Trails, Rocks & Farm"
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calleva.org
301-216-1248
arenastage.org/camp
202-600-4046
camphiddenmeadows.com
304-456-5191
Camp Arena Stage is dedicated to the personal and creative growth of our campers, and includes over 75 activities including acting, a cappella, stage combat, filmmaking, newspaper, costume design, hip-hop dance, pick-up sports, musical theater, rock band, sculpture, improve, and Chinese brush painting! Build lifelong friendships while on outdoor adventures, creating art, backpacking, sailing, rock climbing, rafting, gardening & more!
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Participate in hands-on driving education at a real racetrack, as well as enjoy traditional summer camp!
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Horseback riding, swimming, soccer, tennis, gymnastics, basketball, track and field, and more
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Horseback riding, aquatics with private lake and two pools, sports, performing arts, arts and crafts
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swimming, sports, day long trips, overnight trips,music, archery, art, crafts, paintball, rockclimbing, zipline, watersports
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Riding, swimming, tennis, archery, dance, arts and crafts, hiking
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Sports, LAX, field hockey, soccer, volleyball
campmotorsport.com
855-508-9382
camp-olympia.com
301-926-9281
camprimrock.com
347-746-7625
campsonshine.org
301-989-2267
campstrawderman.com
301-868-1905
championsfieldhouse.com
301-838-7403
holton-arms.edu/creativesummer
301-365-6003
Artistic gymnastics and TNT instruction, games, crafts, and weekly camper showcases. Register by the day or week. Full, half and extended day options.
dynamitegc.com
301-770-2700
Tumbling, trampoline and obstacle course instruction, with games and open gym. Register by the day or the week. Half, full and extended day options.
dynamiteagility.com
301-770-2710
Arts, cooking, crafts, dance, music, nature, sports, swimming, tennis, theater, tutoring, trasnportation, extended day and more
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Basketball, art, music, science, math, writing, language Expanded specialty camps for 2015-Way more than a typical day of camp! 1-9 week options-extended day available! Please visit website for our extensive offerings!
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burkeschool.org/summer
202-362-8882
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esfcamps.com/georgetownprep
301-493-2525
gpcamps.org
301-214-1213
GPCamps offers the following sports: Basketball, golf, soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, wrestling, baseball, football Daily, on-site swimming instruction; Create your own path in science & Technology, Sports, Music and Art.
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greenacres.org
301-468-8110
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headfirstcamps.com
202-625-1921
More than 100 1, 2, 3, & 4-week camps in drama, dance, musical theatre, and filmmaking
imaginationstage.org
301-280-1660
The best, most fun coaches around - basketball, street hockey, soccer, flag football, and more!
koasports.org
301-229-7529
Fun foreign language for kids in Spanish, French, Mandarin, German and Arabic, taught by native-speaking teachers. Special anniversary pricing.
languagestars.com
240-483-0083
Day Camps, Sports Camps, Specialty Camps; 3 premium locations; character and confidence building programming in an organized and positively charged environment.
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lowellschool.org
202-577-2006
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mercersburgsummer.com
717-328-6225
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onenessfamily.org
301-652-7751
Inspire creativity, exercise imaginations, promote artistic risk-taking and explore ways to tell stories through theater.
roundhousetheatre.org
301-585-1225
Gymnastics
gosilverstars.com
301-589-0938
Spy Camp is filled with top secret briefings & activities that put spy skills to the test. Recruits will hone their tradecraft, learn from real spies, and run training missions.
spymuseum.org/spycamp
202-654-0933
Horsemanship program, Outdoor Adventures program, Onsite swimming pool, Amazing Race DC teen program, and extended programs into August including an Aquatics camp Adventure camp, theatre workshop, dance workshop, young writers camp, swim clinics
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Exciting Outdoor Adventures, Outdoor Swimming, Yoga, Creative Movement, and a Comprehensive Early Childhood Camp Program.
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Baseball, basketball, field hockey, football, lacrosse, performance training, soccer, tennis, track and field, volleyball, wrestling
www.stjohnschs.org/summercamps
202-363-2316
stoneridgesummercampus.org
301-657-4322
A variety of enrichment courses including College Essay Writing and High School Placement Test Prep
academyoftheholycross.org
301-942-2100
Choose from field hockey, soccer, softball, lacrosse, basketball, pom &cheer, and volleyball
academyoftheholycross.org
301-942-2100
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summeratnorwood.org
301-841-2254
Arts, science, sports, computers, music, games, Adventure Camps, dance, swimming, yoga and more
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Day camps, early childhood, specialty art, science, tech, dance, sports, cooking, kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, CIT/LIT Sports, swimming, arts, theatre, language immersion, science and more!
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stpatsdc.org/summer_programs
202-342-2813
Nine sessions that include archery, robotics, cooking, sculpture, animation and video game development, basketball, hiking, Spanish, hip-hop, acting, and more!
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w-e-s.org/summer
240-482-0160
From producing a blockbuster movie to conducting eye-opening science experiments, SummerEdge at McLean School offers something fun and learning for everyone.
summeredge.org
240-395-0690
Hone your performing arts skills; classes include singing, dancing, improvisation, writing, directing, acting, technical theatre, and Shakespeare
academyoftheholycross.org
301-942-2100
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valleymill.com
301-948-0220
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nationals.com/camps
202-715-6683
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wis.edu
202-243-1791
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ymcadc.org
301-530-3725
Kayaking, canoeing, swimming, horseback riding, rock climbing, archery, air rifle, gymnastics and more. Transportation provided.
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Official youth baseball camp of the Washington Nationals; curriculum tailored to each camper; full uniform; special VIP trip to Nationals Park. Specialty camps, languages
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25+ different camps a week - travel camps, aquatics, sports, arts, science, teen, specialty
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summer camps
summer camp for boys and girls Pre-K - Grade 8
9 Weeklong SeSSionS June 8 - August 7, 2015
Awesome adventures include archery, robotics, cooking, hip-hop, and more. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something for everyone. Day camp located in the heart of Bethesda on the Washington Episcopal School campus â&#x20AC;&#x201C; open rain, shine, or heat wave! Before Care and After Care available. Check out the Sleepaway Camp for children entering Grades 3 - 8. Starting March 1, private tours of campus facilities available. Please call 301-652-7878 to schedule a tour.
Register online at www.w-e-s.org/summer today!
WASHINGTON EPISCOPAL SCHOOL 5600 Little Falls Parkway, Bethesda, MD 20816 | www.w-e-s.org | 301-652-7878
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12/9/14 4:22 PM
BEST DAY EVER. EVERY DAY. Bethesda Untitled-29 1
headfirstcamps.com
NW DC 12/9/14 12:31 PM
summer camps
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CAMPS Ages 4-17
Thanks for
voting us
m ddp i H a C wesn meado
1 - 4 Weeks Boys & Girls Ages 7-16 Horseback Riding • White-Water Rafting • Climbing Tower • Sailing Sports • Mountain Boarding • Canoeing • Backpacking • Swimming Arts & Crafts • Organic Farm • Mountain Biking • Rock Climbing 1,000 Ft. Zip Line • Performing Arts & more!
2015 Registrations opens in January
WWW.CALLEVA.ORG
e Shuttl for DC area!
1-800-600-4752
camphiddenmeadows.com
world of DISCOVER the communication
Motorsports Specialty Camp
June 15 – July 10, 2015
engage compose report edit IMAGINE explore empower write illuminate PRODUCE
COMMUNICATE
2-4 Week Workshops
Come join other high school students THIS SUMMER for a fun, professional, hands-on experience offered by American University in WASHINGTON, D.C.
Visit audiscover.org to learn more!
Driving & STEM Programs For Aspiring Drivers, Engineers & Enthusiasts! campmotorsport.com
Culinary Specialty Camp
Cooking Programs For Aspiring Young Chefs! chefcamp.com
Specialty Residential Summer Camps Girls & Boys Ages 9-17 1 & 2 Week Sessions Clover, Virginia
(855) 508-9382
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summer camps Flexible scheduling options all summer long.
June 8 - August 28
2015
Winner
North Bethesda LocatioNs
GaithersBurG LocatioN
additioNaL services
Dynamite Gymnastics Center
The Agility Zone Home of the Dynamite Allstars
Motion Therapy
301.770.2700 | dynamitegc.com facebook.com/dynamitegc Offers a combination of artistic gymnastics and TNT instruction, games, crafts, and open gym time with weekly themes and special events. Each week ends with a Dynamite showcase of routines the campers work on throughout the week!
Dynamite Agility Center 301.770.2710 | dynamiteagility.com facebook.com/dynamiteagilitycenter Obstacle course training and trampoline skills, mixed with a day full of flipping and flying, crafts and free play in the gym.
301.816.9500| mymotioneducation.com
301.977.7007 | theagilityzone.com facebook.com/theagilityzone Superhero Training: Tumbling, bouncing, obstacle training and action-packed activities for budding superheroes and ninja warriors.
Individualized pediatric occupational, physical, and speech therapy services offered at Dynamite facilities. We accept insurance and private pay.
Cheer and Tumbling: A combination of flexibility training, conditioning, cheer and tumbling instruction along with stunting, free play and tons of fun.
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summer camps Flexible scheduling options all summer long.
June 8 - August 28
2015
Winner
North Bethesda LocatioNs
GaithersBurG LocatioN
additioNaL services
Dynamite Gymnastics Center
The Agility Zone Home of the Dynamite Allstars
Motion Therapy
301.770.2700 | dynamitegc.com facebook.com/dynamitegc Offers a combination of artistic gymnastics and TNT instruction, games, crafts, and open gym time with weekly themes and special events. Each week ends with a Dynamite showcase of routines the campers work on throughout the week!
Dynamite Agility Center 301.770.2710 | dynamiteagility.com facebook.com/dynamiteagilitycenter Obstacle course training and trampoline skills, mixed with a day full of flipping and flying, crafts and free play in the gym.
301.816.9500| mymotioneducation.com
301.977.7007 | theagilityzone.com facebook.com/theagilityzone Superhero Training: Tumbling, bouncing, obstacle training and action-packed activities for budding superheroes and ninja warriors.
Individualized pediatric occupational, physical, and speech therapy services offered at Dynamite facilities. We accept insurance and private pay.
Cheer and Tumbling: A combination of flexibility training, conditioning, cheer and tumbling instruction along with stunting, free play and tons of fun.
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AMERICAN
VOLLEYBALL CAMPS Hosted in Bender Arena on the campus of
American University
MID-JULY & EARLY AUGUST 2015 Keep American Volleyball Camps in mind as you make your summer plans. Check for camp dates and registration information on our website.
Several Camp Options POSITIONS SKILLS AGE/LEVEL A camp for every need and to grow your game!
BETHESDA BIG TRAIN & BCC BASEBALL SUMMER BASEBALL CAMPS 2015 For more information, call (301) 365-1076
Camps running from June 15th - August 14th Big Train & BCC Baseball Summer Camp (Ages 5-12)
Big Train Advanced Development Camp (Ages 9-12) Big Train Pitching Camp (Ages 10-12) Washington Baseball Celebrity Camp (Ages 5-12) Visits from current Nats players for select sessions!
Bonus for all campers!
Head Coach Barry Goldberg
5 time Patriot League Coach of the Year 2013 NCAA Regional Coach of the Year 14 NCAA tournament appearances - Sweet 16 in 2013 26 seasons at American University
www.americanvolleyballcamps.com
Big Train Family Season Pass to all 25 Big Train home games at Shirley Povich Field in 2015 for $62.50 to any family registering a child for the Big Train & BCC Baseball Summer Camp.
Family Season Pass
17th Season
2015
Register online at www.bigtrain.org/summercamp
For Boys And Girls Ages 4 - 13 Session 1: June 22 - July 10 Session 2: July 13 - July 31
Online Registration Opens January 6. Visit www.holton-arms.edu/creativesummer or call 301-365-6003. 7303 River Road, Bethesda, Maryland 20817 Tutoring, Transportation and Extended Day Available
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ready.set.summer ! Over 75 activities. One amazing camp.
A multi-arts summer day camp for young people ages 8-15 Four-Week Intensive Two-Week Session June 22-July 17, 2015 July 20-31, 2015
register tOday! arenastage.Org/camp | 202-600-4064 Summer at E N G A G E • W O N D E R • C R E AT E
June 15 - August 7, 2015 Expert Instructors • Field Trips • Early Arrival • Extended Day • Delicious Lunches
AGES 3 - PK 5 Swimming • Art Spanish • Mandarin Dramatic Play
K–GRADE 6 Swimming • Sports Academic Programs Mandarin • Spanish Engineering • Art
GRADES 7–9 Tennis • Swimming Counselor-inTraining Basketball
2015
HALF & FULL DAY OPTIONS AGE S 3–1 1
SUMMER PROGRAM Featuring our Fantastic Playground and New Pool!
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT SUMMER 2015 CAMPS AVAILABLE AT:
Create Adventures and Lasting Memories. Swimming, Outdoor Adventures, Gymnastics, Languages, Music, Drama, Cooking, Science, Field Trips and MUCH, MUCH more.
www.stpatsdc.org/summer_programs
For more information visit www.beauvoirschool.org/summer
202.342.2813 | 4700 Whitehaven Parkway, NW Washington, DC 20007
3500 Woodley Road, NW • Washington, DC 20016
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Fun-Paced Learning at McLean School With full-day and half-day sessions for pre-kindergarten through grade 12, students of all ages and learning styles are sure to increase their edge in reading, writing, math, science and beyond.
June 15 - August 7
summeredge@mcleanschool.org
achieve the advantage K-12
find your edge for college Grades 7-12
Sports and Adventure
Intensive Programs
Camp Mustang
Brain Camp
build excellent life skills Grades 4-9
fun with sports K-8
240.395.0690
Before and After Care Available
Summer Scholars
Specialty Programs
jump into next year Grades 1-8
stay sharp this summer PreK-6
Wonder Kids!
whet your imagination Grades 3-12
summeredge.org Summer Cam p
Fun at IStage!
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT: SAVE 5% THROUGH JAN. 31!
1, 2, 3, & 4-Week Camps Half or Full-Day Options Ages Pre-Kâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;18 Four convenient locations in and around DC, including The National Theatre!
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summer camps
Express Yourself Summer Programs at PERFORMING ARTS AQUATICS HORSEBACK RIDING ARTS & CRAFTS SPORTS
Grades K - 6 in Silver Spring
Grades 7 - 12 in Bethesda
Register Today!
For registration form, call 301.585.1225 or visit www.roundhousetheatre.org
VOTED “BEST OVERNIGHT CAMP” by a leading Family Magazine for the 8th year!
CAMP RIM ROCK.COM INFO@CAMPRIMROCK .COM · 347-RIM-ROCK
Washington International School
PASSPORT TO SUMMER
2015
Specialty Camps | August Camps
Language Immersion: French, Spanish, Chinese & ESOL Ages 3 to 16 | June 22–August 7 www.wis.edu/15wiscamp | 202.243.1791 Open House Dates: March 14 & May 9 318 January/February 2015 | BethesdaMagazine.com
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summer camps
june 15-19
june 15-26
HSPT Prep
Music, Theatre, Film, Dance
co-ed
june 15-july 3
co-ed
all-girls
Musical Performance Friday, June 26
College Essay Writing
Soccer Basketball Softball Field Hockey Volleyball Lacrosse Pom & Cheer
www.academyoftheholycross.org/summer
4920 Strathmore Ave. • Kensington, MD 20895
ST. JOHN’S SUMMER SPORTS CAMPS 2015 This summer, St. John’s College High School has something for every athlete! SJC offers a wide variety of summer sports camps for both boys and girls, including: Baseball Basketball Field Hockey Football
Lacrosse Soccer Tennis Track & Field
Volleyball Wrestling
For more information, please visit us online at www.stjohnschs.org/summercamps. St. John’s College High School
|
Performance Training Camps St. John’s offers a seven-week summer Performance Training Camp for boys and girls entering grades 4-9. Our professional training coaches use the newly renovated Smith Weight Room (2014) and our three turf fields to take campers through a comprehensive developmental training program, enhancing their balance, strength and movement skills.
2607 Military Road, NW, Chevy Chase, DC 20015
|
www.stjohnschs.org
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summer camps Bullis Summer Camp Fair Feb. 22 1:00-3:00
Choose your
OWN adventure!
June 15-July 24, 2015
SPORTS: Sports Academy • Gator Games • Yoga • Basketball • Volleyball • Soccer ❤ AQUATICS: Swimming & Diving • Swim Lessons • Innertube Water Polo ❤ ARTS: Hip Hop • Sculpture • Step Team • Cool Crafts • Improv • Jewelry • Percussion ❤ ALL-AROUND FUN: Creation Station • Babysitting 101 • Adventure Camp • Newspaper • Backyard Tourists • Community Service Camp ❤ SCIENCES: Rocket Science • Computers • Science Sampler ❤ And much more! ❤ Programs for kids ages 4 to 16
- More Than 70 Camps!
- Ages 3 1 2 to 17 - 16 New Camps!
ONLINE REGISTRATION
www.stoneridgesummercampus.org 9101 Rockville Pike · Bethesda, Maryland 301.657.4322, ext. 380 www.stoneridgesummercampus.org
www.bullis.org/summerprograms
SUMMER IN THE CITY SPEND THE SUMMER AT BURKE! SUMMER PROGRAMS FOR MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Camp Strawderman Established 1929
In the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Girls 6 -17. June 21–August 15, 2015.
Edmund Burke School’s “Summer in the City” programs are fun and educational in a relaxed and convenient location two blocks from the Van Ness Metro in Northwest DC. For more information please visit:
www.burkeschool.org/summer
Real mountain camping in the foothills of the Allegheny Dramatics, Nature Study, Indian Lore, Dancing, and Music.
Experienced Leaders. Cabins, 2, 4, 6, or 8 weeks. For brochure, write or phone: Margaret H. Gouldman 10902 Brookwood Ave., Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
301-868-1905 • www.campstrawderman.com
4101 Connecticut Ave. NW Washington, DC 20008 | 202-362-8882
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summer camps
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Counting Down the Days to
12/5/14 10:12 AM
2015 Camp Open Houses Sunday, Jan. 18, 1pm Sunday, Feb. 22, 1pm Sunday, March 15, 1pm Visit barrie.org/camp for more information Ages four to fourteen 13500 Layhill Rd, Silver Spring
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summer camps
Valley Mill Day Camp www.valleymill.com Spring & Summer
Junior Camp:
June 22 - July 31
Call 301-948-0220
Senior Camp:
Kayaking Swimming Rock Climbing Horseback Riding and more..
June 22 – July 10 July 13 – July 31
(One flex week also available)
Transportation Provided
Daily On-Site Swim instruction Bus Transportation & Extended Day Available
Make an Appointment to visit us for a camp tour
Voted Best of DC 2014
15101 Seneca Rd Darnestown MD
Spanish
Mandarin
French
Arabic
我叫 Sean!
Friends Make It Fun ONLINE RATION REGIST G BE INS RY 1 JANUA
Today’s Language Star. Tomorrow’s Global Trader. Enroll today in our Spring and Summer programs! Full-immersion, play-based foreign language programs for kids 1-10 years 6 DC metro area locations Bethesda Language Stars 6931 Arlington Road Bethesda, MD 20814
Call 240-483-0083 or visit the Bethesda Language Stars Center to enroll today!
Session 1: June 22–July 10 Session 2: July 13–31 Last Call!: August 3–7
Ages 2 3/4–14 8:00 am–3:15 pm Aftercare Available
Lowell's “Eight Acres in the City” offers an expansive, relaxed camp with experienced teachers and caring counselors who understand child development and love to have fun. Highlights include: “Friendship” theme • Pen Pal program Summer Film Festival New Black Box Theater Expanded Theater Program STEM offerings • Horseback Riding • Go-Karts End of summer “Festival of Friends”
Summer Programs Open House Sunday, March 15, 2015 1:00 pm–3:00 pm 1640 Kalmia Road, NW Washington, DC 20012 (202) 577-2006
www.lowellschool.org
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summer camps
It’s not
It’s not
It’s not
It’s not
CAMP ...
CA P ...
CAMP ...
CAMP ...
just
just
just
just
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shop
talk
By Sarah Zlotnick
Have Dry Winter Skin? JoElle Lee, the Rockvillebased aesthetician to first lady Michelle Obama and founder of JoElle SkinCare, offers tips on how to soothe itchy winter skin. Pay attention to the ingredients in your moisturizer Year round, look for glycerin, fatty acids and shea butter, which work to keep moisture in your skin. In the winter, add anti-inflammatory ingredients such as aloe vera, arnica extract and lavender to the list. “They work to reduce redness and irritation during colder months,” says Lee. Can’t bear to part ways with your regular moisturizer for a season? Make it more emollient by adding a small amount of Aquaphor or shea butter.
Take smarter showers
Adjust your cleaning routine Gel or foaming cleansers can be too harsh for winter months. “Consider changing to one with a creamy texture,” Lee suggests. Also worth adding: a corrective serum with hydrating agents such as hyaluronic acid. JoElle SkinCare Vitamic C + Collagen Antioxidant Serum ($75) is formulated with a concentrated dose, along with fruit acids to increase collagen production.
JoElle SkinCare founder JoElle Lee applies lotion to a customer’s hands.
Soothe itch with a soak Ease the discomfort of especially itchy, dry skin by adding one cup of baking soda to a bathtub of warm water and soaking for 30 to 60 minutes. Pat dry after, and seal in the relief by sleeping with a humidifier in your room.
Pile on the almond oil This inexpensive, all-natural remedy is an excellent source of Vitamin E, and a great lubricator for dry skin.
Don’t skimp on sunscreen It’s still essential, even if you don’t see daylight much during this time of year. “Skin
will survive any climate change better when it isn’t being damaged by the sun,” Lee explains.
Add fruit to your diet “Dry skin can mean a deficiency in essential vitamins such as Vitamins A, B and E,” Lee notes. “Consuming fruit or dry fruit regularly can help replenish these vitamins and treat dry skin.” JoElle Lee’s skin care services and products are available at Citrine Salon & Spa, 6931-D Arlington Road, Bethesda; 301-656-8220; www.citrinesalonandspa.com. For more information, visit www.joelleskincare.com.
lee photo by michael ventura
Avoid perfumed, deodorant and antibacterial soaps—they contain alcohol, which can dry out skin. Instead, opt for a fragrancefree soap or moisturizing body wash, and keep your shower short. “Frequent hot showers or baths can strip your skin of natural oils,” says Lee. “Limit them to no more than 10 minutes, then pat dry.” Apply lotion while skin is still damp.
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Statement
studs Accessorizing is tricky in the winter— most jewelry will be covered up by coats, and dangly earrings get caught in scarves and clothes while removing layers. Consider cluster earrings. They’re closer to the ear so they won’t catch on clothes, and their stylish sparkle brings attention back to your face.
Temple St. Clair Diamond and Gemstone Cluster Earrings, $3,250 at Saks Fifth Avenue in Chevy Chase and saksfifthavenue.com
Moonlight Stud Earrings, $39.50 at Banana Republic at Westfield Montgomery mall and bananarepublic.com
Dusty Quartz Crystal Cluster Earrings, $29.50 at J.Crew at the Chevy Chase Pavilion and jcrew.com
Les Néréides Wild Roses Earrings, $109 at pinkmascara.com
OPENINGS & CLOSINGS Westfield Montgomery mall adds Lululemon Athletica and Microsoft to its growing roster of stores. … Along the Friendship Heights shopping corridor, Marshalls opened in the former Loehmann’s space on
earring photos all courtesy
lee photo by michael ventura
Nov. 8. Nearby on 44th Street NW, posh new nail salon Varnish Lane plans to start accepting appointments the first week of January. They could go fast, thanks to waterless, chemical-free services, iPads and upscale polish choices from Chanel, Deborah Lippman and more. … In downtown Bethesda, Bethesda Fine Stationery on Miller Avenue is the latest spot to browse note cards and correspondence sets. You can also create custom invitations for weddings and events. Women’s boutique Madeline closed its doors at the end of November after a 24-year stint at the Shops at Wildwood.
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shop
talk
Julia’s
Sweater Advice for All Body Types:
The Right Fit Who says you have to look shapeless in colder weather? Stay warm and chic by dressing to flatter the natural shape of your silhouette. Chevy Chase wardrobe consultant and boutique owner Julia Farr walks us through the best sweater styles for five body types—and offers a few tips for women of all sizes.
LARGE BUST SMALL BUST A fitted sweater in a lightweight knit such as fine cashmere will augment curves. Add extra dimension up top with embellishment at the neckline.
Asymmetrical hems slim the body and move the eye away from the bust. Minimize attention to the midsection by keeping the underpinning the same color as the knit, and opt for a substantial, textured knit so the fabric doesn’t visibly pull across the chest. V-necklines are also flattering.
FULL MID-SECTION Color-blocking, with darker shades on the sides and a lighter color down the center, is a quick way to look slimmer in a sweater. Additional options include knit ponchos and open cascadinghem sweaters, which will camouflage bigger stomachs and chests.
1. The sleeve seam on any knit should hit at the top of the shoulder.
2. The most universally flattering
style? A fitted open sweater that extends to the top of the hip.
3. Instantly add polish to an
unstructured knit by layering a crisp white blouse underneath.
WIDE HIPS The pear-shaped woman should start with an open neckline (V, cowl or bateau) to create balance with the hips. Any draping should not go below the waist.
NO CURVES Add shape where you can by belting an oversized sweater at the waist. Turtlenecks fitted to the figure can also augment smaller curves.
Julia Farr takes styling appointments at Julia Farr Boutique, 5232 44th St. NW; 202-364-3277; juliafarrdc.com.
Sarah Zlotnick (zlotnick.sarah@gmail.com) is a DC-based fashion and lifestyle writer.
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to-do list
Compiled by Cindy Murphy-Tofig
January | February
Jan. 17
A Tale of Two Friends
harmonic. $28-$84; children ages 7-17 free with the purchase of adult tickets. Gil Shaham, 8 p.m. Jan. 16. The violinist performs Bach’s complete sonatas and partitas. Presented by Washington Performing Arts. $30-$75.
An unlikely friendship forms when Lemuel, a young runaway slave who longs to become a Union soldier, comes to the aid of Jacob, a wounded Confederate soldier, in Four Score and Seven Years Ago. The Civil War musical, recommended for ages 9 and older, is presented by ArtsPower, a nonprofit that creates original plays and musicals. It will be performed at 11 a.m. Jan. 17 at Montgomery College’s Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center in Rockville. Tickets cost $7; $6 for seniors; and $4 for children and students. For more information, go to www.montgomerycollege.edu/ pac or call 240-567-5301. The Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center, Montgomery College, 51 Mannakee St., Rockville
MUSIC Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda. 301-581-5100, www.bsomusic.org. $32-$95 unless otherwise noted. Beethoven’s Ninth, 8 p.m. Jan. 3. Beethoven’s final symphony features the popular “Ode to Joy.” Off the Cuff: The Rite of Spring, 8:15 p.m. Jan. 9. BSO Music Director Marin Alsop leads a conversation on Stravinsky’s complex work. $40-$100.
Illustration By Thinkstock
The Rite of Spring, 3 p.m. Jan. 11. In addition to the Stravinsky work, the program also features works by Barber and Golijov. Bruckner Symphony No. 8, 8 p.m. Jan. 17. The composer’s last complete symphony is presented with Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21. Mahler’s Third Symphony, 8 p.m. Jan. 31. Mahler’s work explores nature, from the powerful to the tender. Garrick Ohlsson Plays Rachmaninoff, 8 p.m. Feb. 5. The pianist performs Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2.
All-Bach, 8 p.m. Feb. 12. The BSO performs works by Johann Sebastian, Johann Christian and Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach. Off the Cuff: The Bach Family, 8:15 p.m. Feb. 13. Guest conductor Nicholas McGegan discusses works by Johann Sebastian, Johann Christian and Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, and the family members’ respective legacies. Patti Austin Sings Ella and the Duke, 8 p.m. Feb. 19. The Grammy-winning vocalist evokes the beauty of jazz classics in a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington. The Firebird Suite, 8 p.m. Feb. 28. Stravinsky’s tale of the bird’s triumph over evil anchors a program that includes Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23 and Ravel’s Trio for Piano, Violin and Cello. The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda. 301-581-5100, www.strathmore.org. Haydn’s “Surprise” Symphony, 8 p.m. Jan. 10. In addition to Haydn’s Symphony No. 94, the concert includes cellist Zuill Bailey performing Hayden’s Cello Concerto No. 2. Free pre-concert lecture at 6:45 p.m. Presented by the National Phil-
Budapest Festival Orchestra, 8 p.m. Jan. 23. The program includes the Overture to The Magic Flute by Mozart and A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Mendelssohn. Presented by Washington Performing Arts. $35-$95. Bach’s Brandenburgs, 8 p.m. Jan. 24 and 3 p.m. Jan. 25. The lively concertos are part of one of Bach’s most productive periods. Free pre-concert lecture at 6:45 p.m. Jan. 24 and 1:45 p.m. Jan. 25. Presented by the National Philharmonic. $28-$84; children ages 7-17 free with the purchase of adult tickets. Ladysmith Black Mambazo, 8 p.m. Jan. 30. The Grammy Award-winning ensemble gained international fame after singing on Paul Simon’s landmark album Graceland. $39-$69; $35.10-$62.10 for Stars members. Blues Symphony, 8 p.m. Feb. 4. Wynton Marsalis premieres his newly revised Blues Symphony. Presented by Washington Performing Arts. $35-$75. Brian Ganz Plays Chopin, 8 p.m. Feb. 7. Pianist Brian Ganz is presented by the National Philharmonic. $28-$84; children ages 7-17 free with the purchase of adult tickets. John Pizzarelli and Jane Monheit, 8 p.m. Feb. 14. Guitarist/singer John Pizzarelli and chanteuse Jane Monheit unite for a Valentine’s Day performance. $48-$78; $43.20-$70.20 for Stars members. Irvin Mayfield and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, 8 p.m. Feb. 18. Mayfield brings Bourbon Street to Bethesda. $29-$69; $26.10-$62.10 for Stars members. An Evening with Harry Connick Jr., 8 p.m., Feb. 20 and 21. Ticket prices unavailable at press time. The John E. Marlow Guitar Series, Westmoreland Congregational Church, 1 Westmoreland Circle, Bethesda. 301-654-6403, www.marlowguitar.org. Zoran Dukic, 8 p.m. Jan. 24. Dukic’s program will include works by Paraguayan classical guitarist/ composer Augustin Barrios and composer Astor Piazzolla. $25. Pepe Romero, 8 p.m. Feb. 21. Romero, of Spain, will perform a program that includes works by pianist/composer Isaac Albéniz. $40.
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January | February
Honoring MLK
Jan . 19
Richard Montgomery High School, 250 Richard Montgomery Drive, Rockville
The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The B-52s, 8 p.m. Jan. 29. The Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center, Montgomery College, 51 Mannakee St., Rockville. Style your bouffant nice and high, and dance to the band’s hits including “Love Shack,” “Roam,” “Rock Lobster” and others. $60; $55 seniors; $30 for students with ID. 240-567-5301, www.mont gomerycollege.edu/pac.
DANCE The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda. 301-581-5100, www.strathmore.org. Step Afrika! Step Xplosions, 4 p.m. Jan. 18. The professional percussive dance company’s performance will also feature six step teams. $25-$35; $22.50-$31.50 for Stars members. Tango Bueno Aires: Song of Eva Perón, 8 p.m. Feb. 25. The work chronicles Eva Perón’s rise from the slums of Buenos Aires to the presidential mansion. $28-$72; $25.20-$64.80 for Stars members.
THEATER Theater at the Arts Barn, 311 Kent Square Road, Gaithersburg. 301-258-6394, www.gaithersburgmd. gov/leisure/arts/theater-at-the-arts-barn. The 39 Steps, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, Jan. 9-25. A fugitive and a woman from a London music hall try to save Britain from a den of spies in this comedic mystery. Produced by Sandy Spring Theatre Group. $20; $12 for 14 and younger. Boeing, Boeing, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 13-March 1. Bernard is a bachelor engaged to three flight attendants who don’t know about each other. When circumstances place all three ladies in town at the same time, Bernard’s perfect scheduling gets thrown off. Produced by Montgomery Playhouse. For adult audiences. $20. Go Back for Murder, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, Jan. 16-25. F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, Rockville Civic Center Park, 603 Edmonston Drive,
The life and legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. continue to inspire decades after the civil rights leader’s death at the hands of a gunman in 1968. On Jan. 19, the city of Rockville will hold its 43rd annual King remembrance beginning at 10 a.m. at Richard Montgomery High School. Organizers expect about 750 people to attend the event featuring multicultural dance, voice and instrumental music performances. In keeping with King’s own ideal of community service, local organizations will be on hand to share information about volunteer opportunities. Author and former Washington Post writer Patrice Gaines will speak and an award will be given to a local high school student who has worked to fulfill King’s dream. The free event is sponsored by the mayor and city council and the Rockville Human Rights Commission. For more information, go to www.rockvillemd.gov or call 240-314-8316.
Rockville. A woman tries to travel into the past to learn who killed her father. Presented by Rockville Little Theatre. $22; $20 seniors and students. 240-314-8690, www.rockvillemd.gov/theatre. Rapture, Blister, Burn, 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays, Jan. 28-Feb. 22. Round House Theatre Bethesda, 4545 East West Highway, Bethesda. In this finalist for the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Catherine has gone from grad school to a successful academic career, while best friend Gwen chose marriage and children. Now, both are unfulfilled and trying to claim the other’s territory. $25-$50. 240-644-1100, www. roundhousetheatre.org. Rent, 8 p.m. Feb. 25-28 and 2 p.m. March 1. The Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center, Montgomery College, 51 Mannakee St., Rockville. The Tony Award-winning musical, based on the opera La Bohème, follows a group of friends—some of whom are HIV-positive—in New York’s East Village. $10; $8 seniors; $5 students with ID. 240-567-5301, www.montgomerycollege.edu/pac.
Happy Feet By the time dancer Savion Glover was 20, he already had appeared in three Broadway productions—The Tap Dance Kid, Black and Blue and Jelly’s Last Jam. At age 22, he won the 1996 Tony Award for best choreography for Bring in ’da Noise, Bring in ’da Funk. Glover pays homage to past tap masters—with the music of artists ranging from John Coltrane to Shostakovich—in Savion Glover’s STePz, at 8 p.m. Feb. 6 at The Music Center at Strathmore. Tickets are $25-$68; $22.50-$61.20 for Stars members. For more information, go to www.strathmore.org or call 301-581-5100. The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda
ART Waverly Street Gallery, 4600 East West Highway, Bethesda. Gallery hours noon-6 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. Free. 301-951-9441, www.waverlystreetgal lery.com. Holiday Show, through Jan. 3. Twenty-two artists present jewelry, paintings, photography, prints, ceramics and sculpture. Journeys, Jan. 6-Feb. 7. Richard Levine’s paintings in this exhibit chronicle his travels to Holland, Belgium, France, New Mexico and Maine. Reception from 6-9 p.m. Jan. 9. VisArts at Rockville, 155 Gibbs St., Rockville. Gallery hours noon-4 p.m. Wednesdays, noon-8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and noon-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Free. 301-315-8200. www.visartsatrockville.org. Steven Pearson: Manipular, through Jan. 18. Pearson’s large-scale paintings explore patterns and maps of connectivity.
Feb. 6
Savion Glover
mlk monument courtesy of flickr; glover photo courtesy of strathmore
to-do list
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Happy NOT Sappy, through Jan. 18. The group exhibition addresses the question: How does happiness manifest itself in artwork without getting sappy? Bethesda Art Walk, 6-9 p.m. Jan. 9 and Feb. 13. Various galleries in downtown Bethesda open their doors on the second Friday of every month. Free. 301-2156660, www.bethesda.org. The Mansion at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda. Gallery hours 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesdays and noon-4 p.m. Sundays. Free. 301-5815100, www.strathmore.org. Stephen Schiff, Jan. 10-March 15. Schiff’s work includes archival pigment prints and mixed-media. What’s on Your Mind? The 24th Annual Strathmore Artists Juried Exhibition, Jan. 10-March 1. The exhibition will feature works by Strathmore’s artist members.
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda. 301-280-1660, www.imaginationstage.org. 101 Dalmatians, 11:30 a.m., 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. Saturdays and 1:30 and 4 p.m. Sundays, through Jan. 11. Cruella de-Vil kidnaps dalmatian puppies, and dog parents Pongo and Missis set out to rescue them. Recommended for ages 4 and older. $12-$30.
orchestra photo by leslie kossoff; Alexander photo courtesy of strathmore
Wiley and the Hairy Man, 1:30 and 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Feb. 14-March 8. Also 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Feb. 16, 7 p.m. Feb. 28 and 11 a.m. March 7. Wiley is afraid of the Hairy Man who lives in the swamp, and has to think on his feet in order to outwit him. Recommended for ages 6 and older. $12-$25. The Puppet Co. Playhouse, 7300 MacArthur Blvd.,
Life Before George Seinfeld fans may remember Jason Alexander as the loud, tone-deaf George Costanza on the long-running TV sitcom. But long before hanging out with Jerry, Elaine and Kramer at Monk’s Café, Alexander was a song-and-dance man. He won a Tony Award in 1989 for his role in Jerome Robbins’ Broadway, and also appeared on Broadway in shows including Merrily We Roll Along and Broadway Bound. He returns to his musical theater roots in “An Evening With Jason Alexander,” a night of songs and comedy with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra at 8 p.m. Jan. 22 at The Music Center at Strathmore. Tickets are $55-$120. For more information, go to www.bsomusic. org or call 301-581-5100. The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda
Jason Alexander
Glen Echo. 10 and 11:30 a.m. Fridays, 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. $10; group rates available. 301-634-5380, www.thepuppetco.org.
Penguins’ Playground, Jan. 17. Explore a secret
Circus, Jan. 16-Feb. 15. The “grandest show on strings” includes clowns and acrobats.
Old MacDonald’s Farm, Jan. 18 and Feb. 22.
Aladdin, Feb. 19-March 15. The tale incorporates genies, magic caves, princesses and wizards.
Panda-Monium, Jan. 24. Panda bears, a magician
The Puppet Co.’s Tiny Tots program, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo. Performances begin at 10 a.m. and are 30 minutes. Recommended for children up to age 4. $5 per person, including babies in arms.
Feb. 8
The National Philharmonic played the first concert at The Music Center at Strathmore in February 2005.
Jan. 22
playground in the South Pole with penguins and their friends.
Meet Al E. Cat and his barnyard buddies.
and others are part of a circus. Mother Goose Caboose, Jan. 31. Meet Mother Goose and friends Leonardo the Lion, Kelly the duckling and others.
Strathmore Turns 10 The Music Center at Strathmore celebrates its 10th anniversary with a reprisal of the first concert held in the Bethesda hall in February 2005. The National Philharmonic, the orchestra in residence at Strathmore since it opened, will once again play Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 and the late composer Andreas Makris’ Strathmore Overture. The commissioned piece was the last composed by Makris, who died nine days before the inaugural concert. Cellist Summer Hu of Potomac, who took the stage as an 11-year-old a decade ago and is now a substitute cellist with the Philadelphia Orchestra, also will perform at the 3 p.m. concert Feb. 8, along with pianist Brian Ganz. Tickets are $28-$84; children ages 7-17 are free with the purchase of adult tickets. For more information, go to www.strathmore.org or call 301-581-5100. The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda
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NOMINATE THE NEXT Montgomery County
PHILANTHROPIST of the Year! Do you have a friend, neighbor, or colleague who... ● Is
an energetic, creative, and generous donor in Montgomery County?
● Supports
one or several nonprofit organizations working on our county’s most pressing community issues?
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same!
January | February
Teddy Bear’s Picnic, Feb. 8. Baby Bear and his friends bring food to share and entertain each other. Winter Wonderland, Feb. 14. The King of Winter and the Snow Queen welcome Jack Frost and other friends. Tiny Tots Sing-a-Long, Feb. 21. Childhood songs come to life. Baby Bear’s Birthday, Feb. 25. Join Baby Bear as his friends perform circus tricks as a birthday surprise. Miss Nelson Is Missing, 11 a.m. Jan. 31. The Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center, Montgomery College, 51 Mannakee St., Rockville. The worst-behaved class in school has the sweetest teacher, Miss Nelson. But when she vanishes and the class gets the mean Miss Viola Swamp, the search is on for Miss Nelson. Presented by Two Beans Productions. Recommended for ages 4 and older. $7; $6 seniors; $4 children and students with ID. 240-567-5301, www.montgomerycol lege.edu/pac. Imago Theatre: Frogz, 4 p.m. Feb. 22. The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda. The inventive show combines mime, dance and acrobatics. Suitable for ages 3 and older. $25-$38; $22.50-$34.20 for Stars members. 301-581-5100, www. strathmore.org.
LITERARY
Café Muse, 7 p.m. Jan. 5 and Feb. 2. Friendship Heights Village Center, 4433 S. Park Ave., Chevy Chase. Monthly literary program with open readings following featured readers. In January: novelist
www.thecommunityfoundation.org
FARMERS MARKETS FRESHFARM Market, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays. Ellsworth Drive, between Fenton Street and Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring. Offerings include produce, eggs, breads and pastries, honey and preserves. www.fresh farmmarkets.org. Main Street Farmers and Artists Market, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays. Main Street Pavilion, 301 Main St., Gaithersburg. The year-round market offers meats, fruits and vegetables, cut flowers, honey and eggs, plus jewelry, knitted items, woodworking items and other work by craftspeople. www.gaithersburgmd.gov/ leisure/markets/farmers-markets. Kensington Farmers Market, 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays. At the historic Kensington train station on Howard Avenue. Year-round offerings include artisan breads, seafood, prepared foods and produce. www.explore kensington.com/farmers_market.php. Bethesda Central Farm Market, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays. Bethesda Elementary School, 7600 Arlington Road. The year-round market’s offerings include baked goods, fruits and vegetables, seafood and some meats. www.centralfarmmarkets.com. To submit calendar items, or to see a complete listing, go to www.BethesdaMagazine.com. n
The Rockville Town Square ice rink
Now is your chance to nominate him or her to be the next Montgomery County Philanthropist of the Year! Through January 30, 2015, The Community Foundation is accepting nominations for the 2015 Montgomery County Philanthropist of the Year. The awardee will be honored at The Community Foundation in Montgomery County’s Annual Celebration of Giving event in the fall.
Michael Boylan and poet Holly Karapetkova. In February: poets David Keplinger and Bill Yarrow. Free. 301656-2797, www.wordworksdc.com/cafe_muse.html.
Ice, Ice Baby
THru M arch
Sick of sitting inside the house? Dust off your ice skates or rent them after heading to the outdoor rinks in Silver Spring and Rockville. Downtown Silver Spring’s outdoor rink at Veterans Plaza is open through March 25; Rockville’s rink in Rockville Town Square closes in mid-March. Two hours of skating at either rink costs $8; $7 for ages 12 and younger or 55 and older. Skate rental is $3. Hours of operation are 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sundays; noon-10 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; noon-11 p.m. Fridays; and 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturdays. Evening hours may shift in Silver Spring on Sundays or Thursdays if a private event is scheduled at the rink. For more information, go to www.silverspringiceskating. com or call 301-588-1221; or www.rockvilletownsquare.com or call 301-545-1999. Silver Spring Outdoor Ice Skating at Veterans Plaza, 8523 Fenton St., Silver Spring; Rockville Town Square Outdoor Ice Rink, 131 Gibbs St., Rockville
Skating Rink Photo courtesy of Rockville Town Center
to-do list
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what Bethesda’s
reading Data provided by:
Paperback (Fiction and Nonfiction)
Hardcover Nonfiction
Hardcover Fiction
Top-selling books as of Nov. 24 at the Barnes & Noble in Bethesda compared with Barnes & Noble stores nationwide and at www.bn.com Barnes & Noble Bethesda
Barnes & Noble Nationwide/www.bn.com
1. Gray Mountain, John Grisham 2. All the Light We Cannot See, Anthony Doerr 3. The Burning Room (Harry Bosch Series, #19), Michael Connelly 4. Revival, Stephen King 5. The World of Ice & Fire: The Untold History of Westeros and the Game of Thrones, George R.R. Martin 6. Lila, Marilynne Robinson 7. The Children Act, Ian McEwan 8. Leaving Time, Jodi Picoult 9. Edge of Eternity (The Century Trilogy, #3), Ken Follett 10. The Narrow Road to the Deep North, Richard Flanagan
1. The Escape, David Baldacci 2. Hope to Die, James Patterson 3. Gray Mountain, John Grisham 4. Revival, Stephen King 5. The Burning Room (Harry Bosch Series, #19), Michael Connelly 6. Blue Labyrinth, Douglas Preston, Lincoln Child 7. Flesh and Blood, Patricia Cornwell 8. The Cinderella Murder, Mary Higgins Clark, Alafair Burke 9. The World of Ice & Fire: The Untold History of Westeros and the Game of Thrones, George R.R. Martin 10. Prince Lestat, Anne Rice
1. Make It Ahead: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook, Ina Garten 2. Yes Please, Amy Poehler 3. Money Master the Game: 7 Simple Steps to Financial Freedom, Tony Robbins 4. Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End, Atul Gawande 5. The Beat of My Own Drum: A Memoir, Sheila E. 6. Becoming Your Best: The 12 Principles of Highly Successful Leaders, Steve Shallenberger 7. Not That Kind of Girl: A Young Woman Tells You What She’s “Learned,” Lena Dunham 8. The Nazis Next Door: How America Became a Safe Haven for Hitler’s Men, Eric Lichtblau 9. Hard Choices, Hillary Rodham Clinton 10. The Innovators: How a Group of Hackers, Geniuses, and Geeks Created the Digital Revolution, Walter Isaacson
1. 41: A Portrait of My Father, George W. Bush 2. Killing Patton: The Strange Death of World War II’s Most Audacious General, Bill O’Reilly, Martin Dugard 3. Money Master the Game: 7 Simple Steps to Financial Freedom, Tony Robbins 4. Make It Ahead: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook, Ina Garten 5. Yes Please, Amy Poehler 6. You Can, You Will, Joel Osteen 7. The Andy Cohen Diaries, Andy Cohen 8. Dreamers & Deceivers, Glenn Beck 9. Not That Kind of Girl: A Young Woman Tells You What She’s “Learned,” Lena Dunham 10. Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End, Atul Gawande
1. The Color of Courage: A Boy at War: The World War II Diary of Julian Kulski, Julian E. Kulski 2. The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, Daniel James Brown 3. Gone Girl, Gillian Flynn 4. Orphan Train, Christina Baker Kline 5. Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption, Laura Hillenbrand 6. Gone Girl (movie tie-in edition), Gillian Flynn 7. Only Enchanting: A Survivors’ Club Novel, Mary Balogh 8. Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail, Cheryl Strayed 9. Prayers for the Stolen, Jennifer Clement 10. Still Life With Bread Crumbs, Anna Quindlen
1. Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption, Laura Hillenbrand 2. Rise, Trip Lee 3. Captivated by You, (Crossfire Series, #4), Sylvia Day 4. If I Stay, Gayle Forman 5. The World Almanac and Book of Facts 2015, Sarah Janssen 6. George R.R. Martin’s A Game of Thrones 5-Book Boxed Set (Song of Ice & Fire Series), George R.R. Martin 7. Gone Girl, (movie tie-in edition), Gillian Flynn 8. The Walking Dead Compendium, Volume 1 & 2, Robert Kirkman, Charlie Adlard 9. The Cartel 5, Ashley, JaQuavis 10. Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking, Susan Cain Source: Barnes & Noble Bethesda, 4801 Bethesda Ave.
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private schools
Saint James School Traditional | Boarding & Day | Grades 8-12 | Co-ed
Age 3 — Grade 8
NEW! Expanded program for 3 year olds with half-day option in 2015-16
Open House January 19 or contact us to schedule a tour admissions@stjames.edu 301-733-9330 ext. 3004
w w w. s t j a m e s . e d u
School Day Visit Wednesday January 7 9:00 AM Register at www.greenacrces.org/visit
11701 Danville Drive North Bethesda, MD 301-881-4100
“The Beginning is the Most Important Part of the Work” —Plato
St. Anselm’s Abbey School. Where a rigorous curriculum keeps students challenged and engaged. Where a warm community encourages every boy to be himself. Where dozens of sports, arts, and clubs give rise to confident leaders. Where a strong Benedictine tradition grounds values and inspires faith.
Where Bright Boys Become Exceptional Men.
Beauvoir, the National Cathedral Elementary School is an independent elementary school for grades Pre-Kindergarten – Third Grade. For more information, please visit us online at: www.beauvoirschool.org.
Schedule your Shadow Visit: (202) 281-3274
.
Grades 6-12 | AM Shuttle from Bethesda | www.saintanselms.org
3500 Woodley Road, NW · Washington, DC 20016 · www.beauvoirschool.org
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etc. pets
BY JOI LOUVIERE
Two Peas in a Pod
illustration by goodloe byron
With a little preparation, dogs and babies can become fast friends
For many people, a dog can be like a first child: the potty training, the endless hours together, the conclusion that no one’s pup is as cute as theirs. But when a real baby enters the mix, the hours of playtime lessen. And in its sadness, the dog might start looking for ways to regain its owners’ attention. Mary Huntsberry, an animal behaviorist in Gaithersburg, says it’s not uncommon for a dog to act out after a baby comes home from the hospital. “If they haven’t been socialized with babies, young children, they’re probably going to be pretty stressed out by it,” she says. Experts say dogs can get anxious when their routines are changed or they are introduced to new smells or sounds. One way to minimize that anxiety is to get the dog used to changes in advance—if you think you might need a dog-walker during the baby’s first few weeks, hire one a few months before the baby arrives so the dog doesn’t have to experience too many changes at once. Trainer Michelle Mange of Your Dog’s Friend in Rockville is often hired by families to come into their home and assess their dog’s behavior before the arrival of a baby. Mange says many
people use lifelike dolls to get dogs used to the sight of their owner feeding, holding or rocking a baby. She says others play a recording of realistic baby noises such as crying, squealing or laughing (the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recommends Terry Ryan’s Sounds Good CD: Babies). Until you know how your dog will behave around a baby, make sure to watch over any interactions. Elise Geldon, a veterinarian at Liberty Falls Veterinary Clinic in Potomac, says, “I would never let a dog and a baby interact without supervision.” Gelden says it’s important that dog owners continue to give their pet personalized attention after a baby arrives. That’s what Brinsley and Samantha Lawrence of Silver Spring did with Saydee, their 3-year-old bichon Havanese, and Eliana, their 6-monthold daughter. “We showed Saydee the same amount of love and affection as before,” Samantha says. The couple also never prohibited Saydee from getting close to Eliana. “We made her feel like [the baby] was her sister,” Brinsley says.
Mange worked with one couple who said they planned to take their two dogs and baby for walks together, so she took the expecting parents outside to practice walking the dogs while pushing an empty stroller. While they were walking, one of the owners tripped and the dogs broke free, running down the street. Instinctively, the owners ran after the dogs and the stroller began to roll down the hill. Erin and Brian Murphy of Rockville bought their black lab, Wilber, on the same day they learned that they were expecting their son, Daniel, now 22 months. Erin says Wilber put his paw on Daniel’s car seat the first day Daniel was home, which made the couple uneasy. They reached out to their pediatrician and friends for advice, and eventually sent Wilber away for a week to Canine Obedience Unlimited in Frederick. Wilber learned to “come” and behaved much better on a leash. Erin now cherishes the bond between her two babies. “Wilber was the first thing Daniel laughed at,” she says. n Joi Louviere is a former editorial intern.
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private schools scottiepride This is where I found my voice. #beconfident Believe in yourself and the power of your ideas. To find out more, follow us on Instagram @scottiepride. And while you’re at it, schedule a visit at (804) 443-3357 or viewbook.sms.org.
Girls’ Boarding and Day grades 8 through 12 Tappahannock, VA (804) 443-3357 www.sms.org
Jack VISIT WWW.BULLIS.ORG 10601 Falls Road | Potomac, MD 20854 301-299-8500
i 955 Sligo Avenue
Lacrosse Violin Student Tutor
S i lv e r S pr i n g, M D 2 0 9 1 0
i
tel 301. 495.6672
www.ThePrimaryDaySchool.org
Think differently. At The Nora School, these are words we take to heart. This small, college preparatory high school, grades 9 –12, works to bring out the best in students with diverse learning styles since 1964.
t He nor A SC Hool
www.nor A-SC Hool.org
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private schools
spirit of
achievement
Washington Episcopal School students love to learn. They are challenged daily in a balanced, joyful environment that lets kids be kids. With teachers always instructing – from books, the latest technology, studios, hallways, and athletic fields – children reach new levels of achievement. Our students stand out without burning out.
COME AND SEE FOR YOURSELF: Open House Tuesday, January 13, 9:00 a.m. Call 301-652-7878 to schedule a visit today!
WASHINGTON EPISCOPAL SCHOOL An independent, co-educational school for Nursery – Grade 8 5600 Little Falls Parkway, Bethesda, MD 20816 | www.w-e-s.org
Located about a mile from the DC line and 10 minutes from northern Virginia, off River Road
All-School Information Session Wednesday January 7 6 to 7:30pm
Serving students age 18 months through Grade 12
Please visit barrie.org/OpenHouse to pre-register. For more information,contact our Admission team at 301.576.2800 or admission@barrie.org. 13500 Layhill Road • Silver Spring, MD 20906 www.barrie.org BethesdaMagazine.com | January/February 2015 335
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private schools Weekly Tours: Tues. & Thurs. mornings Personal tours available upon request Call or email to schedule: 301.299.4602 admissions@thedienerschool.org www.TheDienerSchool.org
Serving Students Kindergarten6th Grade with Learning Disabilities, Language and Sensory Processing Disorders, Executive Functioning & Attention Issues, and Social Thinking Challenges An inclusive community of life-long learners in which each individual is valued and respected
Join us for a tour!
Join us for SUMMER CAMP 2015!
2011, 2012, 2013 & 2014 Readers’ Pick, Runner-Up,
Best School for Non-Traditional Learners
Come, learn more about our programs for children ages 21/2 through 8th grade. Tours run October-January. 1640 Kalmia Road NW Washington, DC 20012 202.577.2000 | lowellschool.org sienna_Bethesdamag3.375 x 4.625_Layout 1 7/15/13 9:31 AM Page 1
TouR Day:
Wed. 9:30 am
CONCORD HILL SCHOOL
www.thesienaschool.org
“To me the greatest testament to a school is the fact that your child wakes up every morning and can’t wait to get there.” — parent of an 8th grader
1300 Forest Glen Road | Silver Spring, MD 20901 | 301-244-3600 Serving bright college bound students with language-based learning differences in grades 4-12.
Knowledge • Character • Respect • Play • Community The essence of a Concord Hill School education 6050 Wisconsin Ave. Chevy Chase, MD 20815 • 301 654 2626
CONCORDHILL.ORg
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WCC 1/4 Ad_Color_Layout 1 10/3/12 1:03 PM Page 1
private schools
ng the community since 1970 Ser vi
• NAEYC Accredited • Half-Day & Full Day Preschool • School Day Pre-K
• Before & After School School-Age Program • Camp Westmoreland • Low teacher-tochild ratio
3 Locations in Bethesda
301-229-7161 More information at:
www.wccbethesda.com
www.rma.edu
Approved & licensed by Division of Early Childhood Development/ Office of Child Care of the Maryland State Department of Education
540-636-5484
OPEN HOUSE
November 12 December 4 January 14
Building up STEAM* MIDDLE SCHOOL PREVIEW DAY 1/13/15 SIGN UP TODAY!
* SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING ARTS MATHEMATICS
Call To Schedule A Visit 301.365.1100 www.TheHarborSchool.org 7701 Bradley Blvd. • Bethesda, MD 20817
Experience the Exhilaration of Excellence
www.holychild.org/steam BethesdaMagazine.com | January/February 2015 337
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private schools
Excellence in K-8 Education Learn more about our child-centered program at www.norwoodschool.org
Encouraging a lifelong love of learning • Programs for 2-Kindergarten • Full- & Half- Day Programs • 2-, 3-, or 5-Day Options • Limited Openings Available Voted Best Preschool by readers of Bethesda Magazine, 2012 & 2014
Call for an individual tour!
301-340-7704
11931 Seven Locks Road, Potomac, MD 20854 office@genevadayschool.org • www.genevadayschool.org
Grades K&1 Saturday Sampler 12:30-1:30 pm
Grades K-8 Open House 1:00-3:00 pm
8821 River Road Bethesda, MD 20817 Bus transportation available How you lead your life matters.
Work Hard and be Happy.
Edmund Burke School is a challenging and inclusive, co-ed college prep school, with an emphasis on leadership and service. Located in Van Ness, DC.
© Jeff Mauritzen
Serving grades 6-12 Get a great start in our terrific middle school!
I will find a way or make one. 4101 Connecticut ave. NW, Washington, dC 202-362-8882, admissions@burkeschool.org www.burkeschool.org
7303 River Road | Bethesda, MD 20817 www.holton-arms.edu College Preparatory School for Girls Grades 3-12
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driving
girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Getaway
Courtesy of the Inn at Perry Cabin (2)
RANGE
During the winter months, we often suffer from more than dry skin. An overnight spa trip can remedy the post-holiday blahs and put you in the mindset for spring. By Charlotte Safavi BethesdaMagazine.com | January/February 2015 339
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Full-body spa treatments can soothe dry winter skin.
A treatment room at the Linden Spa at the Inn at Perry Cabin by Belmond
a cold day last January, I couldn’t stop staring at the silver maple tree outside my window. Just looking at its parched branches had me reaching for my misshapen tube of hand cream for the umpteenth time that day. I definitely had a case of the winter blues. Looking for a bit of commiseration, I called my childhood friend, Ladan, who lives in Philadelphia with her husband and three kids. Before long we were perusing online pictures of the Inn at Perry Cabin by Belmond in St. Michaels, Md., fantasizing about getting away. The images were idyllic: sun-washed waters lapping the edge of a lush lawn and hydrangea bushes hugging the Ionic-columned historic mansion. “I hear it’s got a fantastic spa,” Ladan said of the luxury resort, which lies equidistant between us. Though we both knew the Inn at Perry Cabin wouldn’t look much like those summery pictures at this time of year, the chance to spend some time together was appealing. We seldom get the opportunity to see each other these days because our lives are so consumed with work and family. And an all-girls spa getaway sounded like the perfect way to recover from the holiday madness. “Let’s do it,” I said, hitting the reservations button and tossing the tube of hand cream into the trash can.
apeake Bay Bridge, the sky is a bitter lemon-gray and the waters are shrouded in mist. By the time I arrive at the inn, it’s pouring rain, so I make a beeline for the check-in counter. “Your friend hasn’t arrived yet, but you’re just in time for our cava cocktail tasting,” says the receptionist, referring to one of the daily events listed on a “Resort Activities” sheet given to guests for the duration of their stay. It all sounds a bit Club Med to me, but I wander into the book-lined library anyway and join a group of guests clustered on plump armchairs and sofas. All eyes and ears are on server Chance Miller. Miller hands me an Orange Blossom cocktail of cava (a sparkling Spanish wine) effervescing over a sugar cube, balanced by a dash of Bitters and topped with fragrant St-Germain liquor crafted from elderflowers. An expertly applied orange twist garnishes the rim. Miller shares the history of Sabrage, the Napoleonic art of slicing open a champagne bottle with a sharp saber. “Usually, I’d invite you onto the lawn, but today, for obvious reasons, I’ll demonstrate the technique under the awning and you can watch from the window,” he says. Seconds later, Miller swipes straight through the glass bottleneck with a sharp blade. The guests “ooh” and “aah.” Not a drop of bubbly was wasted.
A guest takes a soak.
Our first morning
begins with a handwritten note on our breakfast tray, reminding us of our spa treatments and times. Sheets of rain continue to come down, but the inn’s oversize navy umbrellas amply cover us as we make our way to the outbuilding that houses the Linden Spa—named for the allée of linden trees leading up to the original mansion. Spa concierge Kari Olson ushers us from the gloom into a softly lit reception area. A small adjacent boutique sells the products used in the spa, as well as locally produced linden honey from the inn’s apiary. Olson gives us a quick tour of the spa, which has eight treatment rooms and a
Courtesy of the Inn at Perry Cabin (3)
Sitting in my home office on On the Friday I drive over the Ches-
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Courtesy of the Inn at Perry Cabin
Courtesy of the Inn at Perry Cabin (3)
fitness center. She says summer is the busiest season, but that winter has its own charms. “It’s peaceful and quiet,” she says, “beautiful and relaxing.” After donning terry-lined seersucker robes in the locker room, Ladan and I are led down a hall lined with shelves holding jars of dried herbs to the relaxation room. In it, the walls are decorated with framed pressed flowers, and a row of tan recliners faces an enclosed courtyard. Healthy nibbles, such as walnut halves, dried apricots and fresh berries, sit on a sideboard. We are offered cool cucumber water or the inn’s signature tea made of rose petals, linden blossoms and French lavender. Heated and weighted neck rolls are placed on our shoulders. The inn’s most popular winter treatments include the “Herbal Remedy Massage” ($200), which incorporates a hot, herb-filled detoxifying poultice; the warming “Hot Stone Massage” ($200); and the “Winter Renewal Package” ($135), which features a massage or facial followed by a light meal. Today, Ladan has booked a “Foot Reflexology” treatment ($95), while I’ve gone all out and am getting the “St. Michaels Tri-Crystal Experience” ($200), a full-body microdermabrasion treatment designed to soften and regenerate the skin. It begins, as all spa therapies did when we visited, with a warm footbath. Then I head into a darkened room, where a massage therapist applies a scrub in circular strokes over my body, gently exfoliating a layer of dead and dull winter skin. After I take a cooling shower, she lightly massages a rehydrating blend of coconut milk and moisturizer into my skin.
On Sunday morning, we decide to
give another resort activity a whirl. “I’ve been wanting to try Qigong forever,” says Ladan, who is far more athletic than I am and regularly does yoga. Turns out we’re the only guests that day trying out this ancient Chinese practice designed to enhance the flow of energy throughout the body through physical poses, breathing techniques and focused intention.
Colonial style furnishings at the inn
Inn at Perry Cabin by Belmond 308 Watkins Lane St. Michaels, Md. 410-745-2200 belmond.com Our instructor, Doug Musser—a formidable 63-year-old former Army captain—is also the activities coordinator for the resort. He says that during the winter months, the inn offers a wider array of indoor activities, such as classes on picture-frame making, journal writing and wine-tasting. As Musser guides us through a relaxing, limbering exercise involving multiple neck rolls, he asks “Do you hear the clicks and pops? The medical term is crepitus, same root as decrepit.” Later that afternoon, back in the spa, feeling decidedly less decrepit and completely oblivious to the rain, we are getting more footbaths as the prelude to “Winter Renewal Packages.” We have both opted for facials instead of massages, and have yet to pick either a twocourse luncheon at the Stars restaurant, with its picture windows and French doors, or high tea in the morning room and aforementioned library, which are connected via a bookcase door. My facial involves hot towel compresses; tight circular massages with creamy cleansers; a buffing mask that gently sloughs off skin; an apricotinfused toner; and a rehydrating moisturizer. I also opt to tack on a 15-minute Anti-Aging Hand Treatment ($25) and the Feet Treat ($25). In the end, I
come out feeling more relaxed than I can remember being in years.
“My wife is of
Japanese lineage,” says Miller, setting down a French press with tea leaves steeping in it, “so I know tea is an important part of culture.” Ladan and I chose the high tea option, which will double as dinner, as we are both headed home soon. Tea includes petit fours, finger sandwiches and the inn’s signature blackberry scones, all served on pretty china. From where we sit on a powder-blue linen sofa, we can see that the rain has finally abated—no sunshine yet, but we are glowing. The trip has been a complete success. No work, no kids, and lots and lots of pampering and girl time. My friend and I part ways happy and refreshed. When walking out, I pass Miller before another rapt audience in front of a roaring fire. A wrought-iron implement is glowing in the hearth, and an ice bath and a feather are nearby. “Has anyone ever seen vintage port opened the proper Portuguese way with port tongs?” he asks. n Charlotte Safavi is a freelance writer living in Alexandria, Va. To comment on this story, email comments@bethesda magazine.com.
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Pamper Yourself Many of us crave a quiet escape after the holidays. These three high-end spas offer doting service and first-rate facilities. Here are some of the cold-weather treatments available this winter. Seasonal packages can vary, so it’s worth checking with the spa before booking a trip. By Charlotte Safavi
Grape Escape
Keswick Hall is a 48-room luxury resort on 600 acres near Charlottesville, Va. Tucked inside the resort’s members-only golf club is the Spa at Keswick Hall, offering spa treatments to both club members and hotel guests. Though the spa doesn’t currently offer manicures and pedicures, it has a range of facials, massages and body treatments, including a new one called “The Keswick Reserve” ($465). This 3½-hour regimen takes inspiration from the surrounding wine country and draws on the free-radical-busting power of antioxidants. It starts with a glass of red wine and includes a 60-minute grape-seed oil massage, Shiraz body scrub, red wine body mask and Pinot Noir facial. Another popular winter package is called “A Day to Remember” ($340) and includes a hot stone massage; peppermint-and-wintergreen essential oil body treatment; 60-minute reflexology treatment; and a light lunch. During the winter, the spa also offers a 20 percent discount on “The Skin Rejuvenator” (making it $260 instead of $325), which incorporates a lavenderinfused mineral salt exfoliation, a hydrating body wrap and a multivitamin facial. Keswick Hall, 701 Club Drive, Keswick, Va.; 434-979-3440; www.keswick.com
Kick Back in Horse Country
Opened in August 2013, the 168-room Salamander Resort & Spa sits in the heart of Middleburg, Va., horse country. The resort’s 23,000-square-foot spa features six fireplaces and an outdoor fire pit, as well as 14 treatment rooms that are open to both hotel guests and the public. The “Rebalancing Ritual” ($195-$220) is an 80-minute treatment that includes a dry exfoliation and massage with essential oils; the products change seasonally. This winter’s massage uses essential oils of pine, juniper and spruce. Other winter treats at the spa include a self-administered Moroccan-inspired Rasul body treatment ($90-$165), an ancient cleansing ritual that comes from the tradition of Turkish baths. Popular with couples, the treatment includes applying a mud-based product to the skin and then entering a steam chamber. Afterward, you can relax in a mosaic-tiled whirlpool and on heated stone loungers. Winter hands and feet always need help, and the “Quench Manicure and Pedicure” ($120) combines a sugar scrub with rehydrating shea butter oils and lotions. Add a 15-minute hydrating paraffin treatment ($15) if you’d like. Salamander Resort & Spa, 500 N. Pendleton St., Middleburg, Va.; 800-6510721; www.salamanderresort.com
Salamander Resort & Spa
Cozy Up in the City
Four Seasons Hotel
cozy up in the city
If you’re looking for pampering closer to home, consider the Four Seasons Hotel in Georgetown, named one of the top 100 U.S. spa hotels by Condé Nast readers in 2012. A new offering this winter is the “Moroccan Oil Hydration Ritual” ($265$285), which uses the brand’s hair and body products to rehydrate skin. The “Kate Somerville Dermal Quench” ($230-300) uses a dermatological oxygen machine to A salmon bagel plate from Daily Kitchen and Bar deliver a serum of The vitamins and nutrients directly to the skin’s pores. The “Kate Somerville Signature Treatment” ($360$370) pairs the oxygen machine treatment with light therapy to even the skin tone. For couples, the “Night Spa” package ($1,800) is always on tap but has added appeal when it is cold outside. It includes two monogrammed bathrobes, 80-minute massages, flowers, exclusive use of the hotel’s pool for several hours and dinner. For an additional fee ($500), you can stay the night. Four Seasons Hotel, 2800 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.; 202-342-0444; www.fourseasons.com n
Courtesy of keswick hall; courtesy of salamander resort; courtesy four seasons
Keswick Hall
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DISCOVER
THE CONGRESSIONAL TEAMâ&#x20AC;¦We Can Make it Happen!
A New Level of Gary Rudden Associate Broker Team Leader
Rick Reed
Associate Broker GRI, CDPE
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House on a Hill The beautiful manor that’s now part of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute was once the country home of a wealthy pastor In early 1767, the Rev. Alexander
Williamson, head of the Anglican parish that encompassed Montgomery County, ventured out from his home along D.C.’s Rock Creek and traveled to his 700-acre parcel north of Chevy Chase to inspect the construction of his new country manor. Williamson loved foxhunting and cockfighting, and his estate on what was still the frontier of civilization offered a perfect base for excursions and entertainment. The house was a wedding present to his new bride, Elizabeth Lyon, who was just 18 years old when they were married in 1767. Williamson was 42, a man of stature as the spiritual leader of one of the wealthiest Church of England parishes in Maryland. Elizabeth was the daughter of one of Williamson’s best
friends, the influential Dr. William Lyon of Baltimore. Together, the couple moved into the exquisite Georgian mansion built high on a hilltop. Still standing along Manor Road, the house is now part of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, which uses the space for corporate gatherings. It is a study in symmetry, its main facade laid up in Baltimore brick, windows flanking an ornamental center entrance. Inside, the rooms were finished with moldings and mantelpieces carved by master craftsmen. A bowling green and boxwood gardens greeted visitors to the house. Williamson named his manor “Hayes,” the same name as the estate of William Pitt, the British prime minister. Throughout the 18th century, the Church of England in the colonies grew,
By Mark Walston
spurred by the advantage of being the established, state-supported church, as it had been in England since the 16th century. In Maryland, the Church of England became the official church by an Act of the General Assembly in 1692. Only Anglicans could hold public office, church committees became, in effect, the local government, and all free men were taxed at 40 pounds of tobacco per year, regardless of their faith, to support the church and pay the parson. As his parish prospered, so did Williamson. But his lavish estate and sporting lifestyle slowly became anathema to colonists struggling under the burden of ever more taxes levied by the British Parliament. With the onset of the Revolutionary War, Williamson’s bucolic life at his Chevy Chase estate was thrown into chaos. In 1777, the General Assembly of Maryland voted that the clergy would no longer be supported by law. The following year, it enacted the Oath of Fidelity and Support, under which every voter was to swear allegiance to the state of Maryland and deny obedience to Great Britain. Williamson was conflicted. His parishioners overwhelmingly backed the patriot cause. But he had been ordained in England, where he was required to take an oath of allegiance to the king. He chose to remain loyal to the crown. Consequently, he was stripped of his parish and sent into exile at Hayes Manor. He died there in 1789—the same year Congress elected George Washington the first president of the United States. n Mark Walston is an author and historian raised in Bethesda and now living in Olney. To comment on this story, email comments@bethesdamagazine.com.
photo illustration by alice kresse
Once Upon a
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