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Building Bridges

L

BY JAMES HEALEY

akewood Country Club in Rockville, is truly an amazing organization. Founded in 1959, the club has experienced all the ups and downs of any first-tier member-owned club, and then some. However, through perseverance, a dedicated and loyal membership, and in keeping up with the times, Lakewood continues to thrive in an environment that has challenged even the best of area country clubs.

Today, Lakewood is a diverse, multi-cultural club that has evolved over the years to be a premier full service, family oriented country club with superior amenities.

The demographics of Lakewood lend itself to be a welcome home to many ethnicities that are prevalent in the D.C. market. While some perceptions have been made in the past, Lakewood’s family reflects a wide range of cultures. Longtime member Rob Poli states, “Lakewood emulates a broad cross section of the D.C. marketplace and that is what makes the Club so special. It’s diversity is what makes the Club so inviting.” In fact, many of the club’s newest members credit this diversity as one reason they joined.

“We enjoy the balance within the club; the mix of economic, cultural and social diversity,” noted Josh Fredricks. “We were initially concerned that as a younger family we might not fit in well, but we soon found out how wrong our view of Lakewood was. We’ve made so many new, great friends. Our entire family could not be more pleased with our membership.”

Keeping up with the times has enabled Lakewood to flourish. In 2005, they hired the “Open Doctor” Rees Jones, to renovate and update the original Edmund Ault design. After a year of moving dirt, creating new greens and a new back-nine routing, Lakewood’s course is now frequently rated among the top five in the D.C. area.

Then, in 2009, the membership made a further investment in the club when it remodeled areas within the clubhouse, including the dining areas.

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owever, it was a recent event that showed how inclusive Lakewood’s membership has become. In mid-2015, the venerable Potomac Tennis Club (PTC) in Potomac, announced they were closing in the spring of 2016. Several members of Lakewood were also members of PTC and they reached out to Lakewood’s Board and Management to develop a plan to assist the Potomac members.

While many of the Potomac members who visited Lakewood initially were a bit unsure how they would be received, once they met members of the Board, club management, staff and Lakewood members, their concerns were put to rest.

Not only did Lakewood put in place a special membership program to assist this group, but they also provided a “Bridge” for them by deferring dues and fees for those who joined Lakewood in the fall of 2015, but who wished to stay at PTC until it closed in 2016. In addition, the Potomac members were permitted to use Lakewood’s dining facilities and, for those who wished, could also enjoy tennis on one of the four indoor courts at the club.

After examining their options, over 60 Potomac members made the decision to join Lakewood.

In addition, Lakewood committed to funding an additional tennis upgrade by constructing a bubble over four of their outdoor courts, expanding the number of courts available indoors to eight by the fall of 2016.

Tucked away on Glen Mill Road, west of I-270, Lakewood has maintained a strong familyoriented approach to “Clubdom” for years. Current president Brett Bernstein is typical of many of the club’s members. In his early-40’s Bernstein has been a member for over a decade, making the decision to join a club that had both a great social, dining and sports-oriented

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Clubhouse view from the golf course

The par-5 14th hole

The Har-Tru courts at Lakewood

We were initially concerned that as a younger family we might not fit in well, but we soon found out how wrong our view of Lakewood was. environment. Another member in the same age group, is Brian Feldman, a second generation member. His father, Burt, has been a member for over 30 years.

“That’s what makes Lakewood such a special place,” noted club COO David Pendy, who arrived at Lakewood two years ago from a club in the Midwest. “We have a number of multi-generational members who continue to share the history and love of the club with their family.”

P

erhaps it’s the new events and excitement that Pendy brought with him that has also attracted so many to the club. He instituted a blow-out Memorial Day event for families, as well as expanding the July 4th and Labor Day celebrations. “We have over 700 attending our big club events, with plenty of entertainment for the kids as well as the adults, and the food, well just ask our members about how good that is!”

With two dining areas, a casual Grille – named for Rees Jones, and Restaurant 59 – an adult cocktail and dining venue - featuring some of the best steaks and freshest seafood around, members have their pick of some great dining options.

While Lakewood is a member-owned club, meaning that membership is by invitation only, most new members come to the club through referrals from existing members. In fact, most have visited the club as a guest either for dining, a round of golf, tennis, or enjoining the pool or fitness area with a member.

Lakewood has not forgotten it’s youngest members, as it recently revamped it’s summer camp, enabling member’s children to invite friends to join them for weeks of fun and adventure. Combine this with a wonderful swim team atmosphere and outstanding junior golf and tennis programs; well, you can see, the fun at the club never seems to end.

With over 650 members, Lakewood continues to provide a broad range of events and activities to satisfy such a large and diverse membership. However, with strong Governance in place and by keeping an eye on trends and the needs of both current members as well as those looking to become members, the club is confident it will remain a place for members to come to relax, for entertainment, dining and recreation for years to come.

JAMES HEALEY is a freelance journalist and golf historian in the Midwest.

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May/June 2016 | Volume 13 Issue 3

contents

P. 136

The Wine Harvest in Potomac is part well-stocked wine store, part casual bar.

136 45 Great Places to GET a Drink Lively happy hours, cozy wine bars, outdoor beer gardens—here’s an insider’s guide to the Bethesda area’s vibrant bar scene

By Nevin Martell

172 Unsung Chefs

Some of the area’s best chefs don’t compete on reality TV shows or promote themselves on social media. Here are seven local chefs whose names you probably don’t know.

By Carole Sugarman

cover: Photo of bartender Kim Hernández at Black’s Bar & Kitchen by Stacy Zarin-Goldberg

photo by laura chase mcgehee

On the Cover

14 MAY/JUNE 2016 | BethesdaMagazine.com

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F INE PRO PE RTIE S I N T E R N A T I O N A L

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contents

P. 196

Detective Sgt. Nick Picerno supervises the Collision Reconstruction Unit.

features Detectives from the Montgomery County Police Department’s Collision Reconstruction Unit rush to the scene of every fatal car crash to find out what happened. It’s difficult, important work—and they say it stays with them long after the investigation is over.

210 Teaching Kids to Care

We want our children to be kind, compassionate and generous. But how do we instill those values when they are growing up surrounded by so much affluence?

By Julie Rasicot

By April Witt

222 Lessons Learned?

The controversial firing of Montgomery County Public Schools Superintendent Joshua Starr last year led to lots of questions about the school board’s effectiveness. Now, they’ve hired Jack Smith to succeed Starr.

Is the board headed in the right direction?

By Louis Peck

240 250 Finding Her Path Bethesda After working in Interview government and politics and raising three kids, Bethesda’s Cindy Steuart was looking for a new challenge. She found it in an unexpected cause.

By Amy Reinink

Fox 5’s Shawn Yancy on her most memorable news stories, making mistakes on air, and her passion for creating abstract art

By Maura Kelly Lannan

Photo by april wit t

196 Lasting Impact

16 MAY/JUNE 2016 | BethesdaMagazine.com

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W E ’ L L T R E AT YOU LIKE F A M I LY. . .

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contents

departments

P. 76

home

267

24 | Contributors

268 | House Appropriations

334 | Table Talk

Botanical prints for the home have a new attitude, with vivid blooms that pop against dark backgrounds

What’s happening on the local food scene

35

good life

270 | Second Nature

art. festivals. day trips. hidden gems.

Can’t-miss arts events

A Bethesda family turns its manicured backyard into a more naturally lush landscape—with plenty of room for entertaining

44 | ARTS Calendar

276 | Updated Classic

40 | Best Bets

people. politics. books. columns.

Traditional doesn’t have to mean boring.

The owners of this 1931 Colonial Revival in American University Park used bright colors, bold patterns and a mixture of old and new furniture to create a timeless family home.

56 | Figuratively Speaking

288 | Home Sales by the Numbers

Where to go, what to see

53

banter

The Department of Liquor Control by the numbers

305

64 | Quick Takes News you may have missed

New books by local authors, literary events and more

76 | suburbanology One tiny block of downtown Bethesda has become a foodie paradise

By April Witt

80 | Hometown How a doctor from Potomac is helping a group of Ethiopian refugees train for the Olympics

By Steve Roberts

Pork chops with a twist

342 | Dining Guide

359 etc.

360 | Shop Talk Tips on how to wear the season’s hottest skirts from local fashion designer Betsy Garcete. Plus, new local spas and beauty treatments.

364 | Weddings A local couple’s destination wedding brought seashore touches to a country club setting

368 | Get Away

health

Your cheat sheet for a weekend away

370 | Driving Range

306 | Be Well

72 | Book Report

340 | Cooking Class

Looking for a gourmet getaway? Food lovers will find lots to like in the foothills of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains.

A former elementary school teacher offers strategies to combat forgetfulness

308 | living in pain Anything can set off chronic pain—from a kick in the shin to a long-term illness. Those who have it say the constant agony can be hard for others to understand.

377 | pets

320 | Every Second Counts

A look at some of the Montgomery County slaves who used the Underground Railroad to escape—and the local residents and communities that helped them on their way

When it comes to strength training, some say lifting weights slowly is more effective

326 | Wellness Calendar

Lots of people let their pets sleep in bed with them. Is that a good idea?

379 | Flashback

384 | Family Portrait Snapshot of local lives

AD SECTions 2016 Faces 85

Ask the Attorneys 187

long & Foster ad section 259

Builders & architects Showcase 296

Ask the Medical Experts 329

illustration by claudine hellmuth

30 | From Our Readers

333

dine

22 | To Our Readers

18 MAY/JUNE 2016 | BethesdaMagazine.com

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Subject to errors, omissions and changes without notice. See Sales Manager for details.

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What’s online @ bethesdamagazine.com enter our

GIVEAWAYS Go to BethesdaMagazine.com/giveaways

Our daily news briefing features stories about the community, restaurants, Montgomery County politics and more.

Get the Bethesda Beat daily newsletter in your inbox by signing up at BethesdaMagazine.com.

MAGAZINE.COM ❱❱ digital edition

Subscribers get free access to the digital edition of Bethesda Magazine at BethesdaMagazine.com/digital. Use your email address as your log-in.

To purchase digital issues or a subscription, download the free Bethesda Magazine app on iTunes or Amazon.

❱❱ online Extras

Browse more photos of the American University Park home featured in “Updated Classic” on page 276.

STARTING

may 1

Enter for a chance to win a

$350 Marmi gift card Indulge in a shoe shopping spree with the latest spring and summer styles Westfield Montgomery 2nd level next to Nordstrom

STARTING

JUNE 1

❱❱ archives

Explore past issues and stories using our searchable archives.

❱❱ social scene

Share photos from community events by emailing them to website@BethesdaMagazine.com, and we’ll post them to our gallery page.

❱❱social media

Find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to learn about community news, special offers, local happenings and contests.

❱❱ newsletters Sign up to receive emails from Bethesda Beat and to receive special offers from local businesses. Gmail users: Make sure to add Bethesda Magazine as a contact to ensure that you receive our emails.

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to our readers

Raising the Bar As recently as 10 years ago, drinking wasn’t an essential part of the dining experience in Bethesdaarea restaurants. Only white table cloth restaurants (remember them?) had extensive wine lists, and the craft beer and cocktail trends were in their infant stages. A bartender was a bartender, not a “mixologist” or “beverage director.”

Today, even pedestrian restaurants curate their wine offerings, craft beers have become ubiquitous, and inventive cocktails have been elevated to a very profitable art form. At the new Kapnos Kouzina in Bethesda, for example, the cocktail selections include the “Chloe & Llamas” with Macchu Pisco, Campari, cocoa nib, banana orgeat, lime and egg white. (My late father, who was buried with notes from his grandkids and his martini shaker, wouldn’t have approved.)

Bars themselves were once afterthoughts when it came to restaurant design. They were generally small and out of the way—the places where patrons sat until their tables were ready. These days, bars are usually the centerpieces of new restaurants. At three notable new establishments—Kapnos and PassionFish in Bethesda, and Stanford Grill in Rockville—the bars are large and prominent.

In this, our 12th annual dining issue, we look at the Bethesda area’s suddenly vibrant bar scene. Due to demographics and Montgomery County laws, our bar scene is different from what you’ll find on D.C.’s U Street or in the Clarendon neighborhood of Arlington.

There are few places here that are bars first and restaurants second. Instead, most successful Bethesdaarea restaurants have made their bars and drink “programs” an integral part of their operations.

In our story, we suggest where—and what—to drink in the Bethesda area. Our recommendations include the best places to get Don Draper-worthy martinis and creative cocktails, as well as the swankiest bars, and those with the best whiskey selections. We also

provide insights into how restaurants choose their wine and beer lists, how several signature cocktails came to be, and how to buy good wine for not much money.

Our coverage begins on page 136.

When my kids played sports at BethesdaChevy Chase High School, they (and I) looked forward to The Gazette’s coverage of their teams and of high school sports in general. Even as The Gazette was suffering financially in the years before it closed last June, the paper continued to do sports well. The void in coverage following the closure has been palpable.

I’m pleased to announce that Bethesda Beat, Bethesda Magazine’s online news briefing, is hoping to fill that void. Jennifer Beekman, a longtime Gazette sports reporter, is writing two stories a week—a preview of upcoming games on Fridays and a report on notable team and individual performances on Mondays.

You can read the sports coverage—and all Bethesda Beat stories—at BethesdaMagazine.com.

If you’re reading this before the evening of May 12, you still have time to come to Bethesda Magazine’s third annual Best of Bethesda Party. The party will be held that evening starting at 6:30 p.m. at Park Potomac. Food will be provided by 17 Best of Bethesda-winning restaurants, and there will be music

by The 19th Street Band. Go to BethesdaMagazine. com for more information and tickets.

I hope to see you there!

Steve Hull Editor-in-Chief & Publisher

22 may/june 2016 | BethesdaMagazine.com

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contributors

Maura Kelly Lannan Lives in: Potomac Hometown: Trumbull, Connecticut In this issue: Interviewed artist and Fox 5 anchor Shawn Yancy.

Laura Hayes Lives in: Logan Circle, D.C. Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania In this issue: Wrote sidebars for the cover package about great local bars, including one on the origin of signature cocktails and another on how restaurants build a wine list.

Brush with fame: Lannan appeared in the movie Rudy, about a college student who dreamed of playing football for Notre Dame, with many of her Boston College classmates. “A scene was filmed during halftime of the B.C.-Notre Dame game during my senior year. We were asked to chant, ‘Rudy!’ and you can see us sitting in the end zone.”

Family life: Lannan enjoys visiting national parks with her husband, Bob, and their three children, who collect National Park passport stamps.

What she does: A freelance food, drink and travel writer, Hayes regularly contributes to Washington City Paper, Arlington Magazine, Food Network and other media outlets. Her work has also appeared in The Washington Post.

Best party trick: Speaking nearfluent Japanese. Hayes taught middle school English for two years in a small town in Japan, where she also learned how to plant and harvest rice. “I was a two-hour flight from Tokyo, that’s where you get the greatest sense of the country.”

In her glass: Wine with funk. “I’m always on the hunt for an orange wine, Gewürztraminer or fino sherry with personality.”

Debbie Rappaport Lives in: Kensington Hometown: Bloomington, Indiana In this issue: Helped to design “Finding Her Path” (page 240) and “Updated Classic” (page 276). She also helped design and produce Bethesda Magazine’s Welcome Guide, which is on newsstands now.

Change of plans: Rappaport recently left a 25-year career in nonprofit advocacy and communications to start a new professional adventure in graphic design. In addition to interning in Bethesda Magazine’s art department, she is working toward a certificate in graphic design with digital tools at Montgomery College in Rockville. front page news: Although not a journalist, Rappaport is no stranger to being in the newspaper. “Since my dad is a rabbi, the local paper often photographed me and my sister playing dreidl for their annual article on Hanukkah.” But her big claim to fame is being in a front page New York Times photo in 1993 about the passage of The Family and Medical Leave Act. Family life: Rappaport and her husband have 9-year-old twin daughters and two cats.

COurtesy Photos

How she got her start: After serving as editor-in-chief of The Heights newspaper at Boston College, Lannan earned a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University and reported for the Waterbury RepublicanAmerican in Connecticut. She has covered mostly politics, reporting on Barack Obama as an Illinois and U.S. senator, and also worked at the Chicago Tribune and The Associated Press.

24 may/June 2016 | BethesdaMagazine.com

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editorial Editor- in-Chief

Steve Hull

Design Director

Maire McArdle

managing Editor

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Cindy Rich

Associate Editor

Kathleen Seiler Neary Deputy Art Director

Laura F. Goode

Associate art director

Emma Gray Pitt

Bethesda beat Managing Editor

Julie Rasicot

Bethesda beat Writers

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26 MAY/JUNE 2016 | BethesdaMagazine.com

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28 may/june 2016 | BethesdaMagazine.com

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from our readers

SUMMER SPORTS CAMP

SEVEN LOCKS SWIM & TENNIS CLUB OPEN TO ALL AGES AND SKILL LEVELS!

As a longtime resident of Wyngate, I was pleased to see my neighborhood cited in your article about “30 Great Neighborhoods” (March/April 2016) but disheartened to see why it was selected. Touting the building of behemoth homes on tiny lots as a reason a neighborhood is great strikes me as odd. Revenue-happy Montgomery County government, money-grubbing developers and local real estate agents must have dreamed up this category. Having dump trucks and other heavy equipment lumber up and down neighborhood streets is not music to any resident’s ears. Wyngate may be a great place to live, but it is surely not due to mini-mansions.

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Missing the Mentoring

Thanks for the article “Potomac Powerhouse” (March/April 2016). I often bike ride by this mansion and have wondered who felt the need to build anything so lavish. Obviously Mr. Islam has great talent and drive and has been extremely successful.

But what caught my eye most in the article was that his early years in coming to America and getting an education were sponsored by a personal mentor, Mr. Thron, who hosted him in his house and sponsored his college education.

I was glad to see mention that Mr.

Islam sponsored a scholarship in honor of Mr. Thron, but frankly all his other charitable contributions and certainly all his political fund-raising leave me with the same perception I have from seeing the mansion—a man obsessed about power and influence.

Personally, I would have been more impressed had he carried forward the kind of mentoring of young people, immigrants and others needing support that Mr. Thron demonstrated.

I wonder what his mentor would have thought of all the grandeur.

Posted by urbandad on BethesdaMagazine.com

Backing Barwood

The article “Fare Game” (November/ December 2015) illustrated how Uber, a multibillion-dollar corporation, is harming one of the area’s local taxi businesses by underinvesting in key safety measures.

Barwood, a local fixture that has been employing people and paying taxes in Montgomery County since 1960, fingerprints its drivers in Montgomery County. Uber does not.

Instead Uber runs checks that are name-based and easily faked, leading district attorneys in both San Francisco and Los Angeles to file suit, claiming Uber “has consistently repeated its misleading statements about the quality of its background checks and commitment to safety” in order to counteract bad press.

photo by skip brown

“Great” Debate

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While the article publicized that taxi drivers have moved over to Uber, Uber drivers are hardly better off.

Drivers complain of Uber’s low-wage jobs. A recent judgment in California will now allow Uber’s 160,000 drivers to sign onto a class action lawsuit that contends Uber owes them for back pay and unreimbursed expenses.

When a predatory major corporation threatens a local Montgomery County company, one would hope local leaders would support a level playing field that at least gives Barwood— or any other taxi or limo company—a fighting chance.

Dave Sutton Bethesda The writer is the national spokesperson for “Who’s Driving You?” a Bethesdabased national campaign funded by the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association that focuses on public safety issues involving Uber, Lyft and other ride-hailing companies.

Getting in Touch

I found your March/April article titled “Old Friends,” which highlighted the opportunity for senior citizens (or any adult) to find companionship and enhanced quality of life in the adoption of mature cats, to be both heartwarming and intriguing. However, no website or contact information for Marcy George at the Seniors for Seniors USA cat rescue group was noted in your article. It seems a follow-up listing with the website address (www.s4s-usa.org) and phone number (301-838-1990) could potentially benefit the forming of these special human-feline relationships you so nicely brought to our attention.

Debbie Thompson Rockville BethesdaMagazine.com | MAY/JUNE 2016 31

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art. festivals. culture. day trips. hidden gems.

good life

photo by skip brown

meet creatures from the bay Up close and personal —that’s how visitors experience Chesapeake Bay aquatic life at the Glen Echo Park Aquarium. About a dozen tabletop tanks containing stingrays, blue crabs, yellow perch and other species line the walls of the main exhibit area. Because it’s a small, interactive attraction, you can spend time getting to know the creatures.

The environment is kid-friendly (typically drawing 2- to 10-year-olds), with tables of shells, rocks and sand to touch, weigh and measure, along with a preserved sea turtle and fossilized whale vertebrae to examine. There are microscopes to view slides of bird feathers, and magnifying glasses to check out a seahorse skeleton. Outside, visitors can test the salt content of

water, play with a sand table, and climb on a pirate ship.

Though the aquarium may not be large, it’s big on personal attention. Staff members are eager to answer questions and let you hold one of about 15 species, including a shrimp or horseshoe crab, from a shallow touch tank.

The aquarium, which opened last year, is just over the pedestrian bridge as you enter Glen Echo Park. It is open May 1 through Sept. 18: 11-4 Wed.-Fri., 10-4 Sat., 11-4 Sun. From Sept.

19-April 30: 10-4 Sat., 11-4 Sun. only. General admission is $6.

For more information, visit www.gepaquarium.org.

—Caralee Adams BethesdaMagazine.com | may/june 2016 35

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good life

three days a week, a small Germantown shopping center transforms into the Lancaster County Dutch Market.

The indoor market includes a sit-down diner and 11 vendors who sell Amish goods—everything from freshly baked items and prime-cut meats to homemade fudge and handmade furniture. Known for its quality, the food is reasonably priced and often sold at a discount on Friday mornings and during off-peak hours.

But loyal shoppers say there is more to the 19-year-old market than the goods that are sold there. You’ll also learn a bit about Amish culture from the vendors, who wear traditional

garb—from bonnets to suspenders—and are eager to share.

And don’t forget to try one of the market’s famous soft pretzels.

“I’m picking up over 140 salted pretzels for my grandson’s bar mitzvah right now,” said shopper Joyce Sands of Potomac on a recent visit. “They’re that good.”

The Lancaster County Dutch Market is open year-round in the Germantown Square Shopping Center, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. 12613 Wisteria Drive, Germantown; 301-515-1019; www.lcdutchmarket.com —Renee Klahr

Photo by michael ventura

shop for amish goods

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F I N D T H E C O M F O R T A N D E L E G A N C E O F A N E S TAT E H O M E WI T H T H E A M E N I T I E S O F A R E S O R T. A L L I N A CO N D O M I N I U M. AND ALL RIGHT HERE IN BETHESDA.

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Developed by 1788 Holdings / IHP Capital Partners

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dine on a farm there may be no better amusebouche than a hayride tour of the farm that’s supplying the goods for the feast to follow. Dubbed “Dirty Dinners,” the events invite city folk and suburbanites to forgo restaurants in favor of supper under

the stars on Calleva Farm’s 165 acres in Dickerson. A social hour precedes a multi-course meal delivered by plaid-clad servers who double as counselors at the farm’s day camp. The setting is idyllic—be it in the woods, a field or, in case of rain,

a barn—and nearly everything hitting the plate comes from the farm or a Maryland purveyor. A playful take on chicken and waffles might follow a bowl of minted zucchini soup.

Local wine from Mount Airy’s Black

Photo by michael ventura

good life

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Photo by michael ventura

Ankle Vineyards is generously poured, and music from bands such as Poolesville’s Smoke n’ Mangos often inspires dancing. There’s also the potential for the release of paper lanterns or a bonfire that might bring

back memories. “It’s an opportunity for adults to get back and do some of the things kids love to do,” says Calleva Marketing Director Tom Doi. Dinners are scheduled for June 25 and 26, July 30 and 31 and Aug. 20 and 21, and each seats

roughly 80 people. Tickets ($125) sell out quickly.

Calleva Farm, 19120 Martinsburg Road, Dickerson; 301-216-1248; www.calleva.org/ content/dirty-dinners —Laura Hayes

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good life

best bets

Our picks for the best things to see and do in May and June

By Stephanie Siegel Burke

May 14

May 2

Good Dog With a sound that blends jazz, folk, funk and world music, Snarky Puppy is known for its precise musicianship and high-energy shows. Band leader and bassist Michael League formed the group more than 10 years ago as a student at the University of North Texas in Denton. Since then, the band has relocated to Brooklyn, New York, won two Grammy awards and collaborated with artists as diverse as David Crosby, R&B vocalist Lalah Hathaway, Malian Afro-pop singer Salif Keita and Peruvian folk singer Susana Baca. Audiences can expect a spirit of warmth, improvisation and fun at Snarky Puppy’s two performances in Bethesda.

7 and 10 p.m. at Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club, $30-$55, www.bethesdabluesjazz.com

May 4-27

Natural Beauty “Lost, But Found” and “Elements of Nature” are two exhibitions at Artists & Makers Studios in Rockville that either incorporate or re-create natural elements. Florida artist Liz Renee combines cast glass, found objects and personal mementos to explore the idea of loss in “Lost, But Found.” In “Elements of Nature,” glass artist Alison Sigethy and mosaic artist Carol Talkov, both from Northern Virginia, explore diversity and unity in nature. An opening reception will be held May 6.

Artists & Makers Studios, free, www.artistsandmakersstudios.com

With hits “She’s Not There,” “Tell Her No” and “Time of the Season,” The Zombies helped define the sound of the 1960s. Part of the so-called “British Invasion,” the band broke up in 1967, but original members Rod Argent and Colin Blunstone reunited about 30 years later and brought The Zombies back from the dead. The influential classic rock band performs new material and old favorites in Rockville as part of The Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center Guest Artist Series.

8 p.m. at The Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center, $16-$37, www.montgomerycollege.edu/ departments/reppac

May 14-15

Street Art Peruse paintings, photography, sculpture, jewelry and other creations by more than 120 artists and artisans from around the country during the twoday Bethesda Fine Arts Festival. Set in the heart of Woodmont Triangle, the annual event—part art gallery, part street fair—also features live music by local bands, kids activities and food from Bethesda restaurants.

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 15 along Norfolk, Del Ray and Auburn avenues, free, www.bethesda.org

Snarky puppy photo by stella k; The zombies photo by andrew eccles; Courtesy of artists & makers studios

Another Invasion

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Five

Ideas for a Splendid Spring How to make the most of the season? Host a party!

Whether it’s a big bash or small soirée, spring is so much better when you find a reason to celebrate.

1 23 45

Plan an ultra-fabulous Mother’s Day luncheon on May 8. Invite several families over for an all-out celebration of your favorite moms.

Honor Memorial Day with a classic barbecue. You supply the music and we’ll take care of the all-American cuisine. Apple pie, anyone?

We’re here to cater a host of man-approved foods for Father’s Day, on June 19. We’ll take care of the brisket, short ribs and summer quinoa salad.

You supply the bourbon and beer.

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Spring marks the beginning of wedding season. Celebrate the newly minted couple with a garden party featuring our freshest farm-to-table delicacies.

Take a moment to exhale on June 21—it’s International Yoga Day. Gather a group for a session with a private instructor—and bring in our best vegetarian cuisine.

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good life

best bets June 1-25

Hundreds will enter, but only a few will win. The annual Bethesda Painting Awards invites painters from Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., to compete for $14,000 in prize money, with the top prize of $10,000 going to best in show.

A jury of local art world experts narrows the field down to a handful of finalists and names best-in-show, second-place and third-place winners. Art lovers can see the judges’ picks at an exhibition in Bethesda of all of the finalists.

Gallery B, free, www.bethesda.org

June 4

Playing in the Street Imagine jugglers and stilt-walkers strolling down the streets of Bethesda, and tents with colorful balloons lining the sidewalks. That’s the scene at Imagination Bethesda, an annual street festival celebrating children, the arts and creativity. Painting, drawing and other hands-on activities for kids are featured, along with face painting and live entertainment, including magic, musical performances and dances.

May 28-30

June 2

Home for the Holiday Big Hair, Baltimore Style

Can’t get out of town for Memorial Day weekend? Celebrate close to home at the Hometown Holidays Music Festival, Rockville’s annual Memorial Day weekend extravaganza. The event features live entertainment on four stages, the Taste of Rockville food fest, rides and activities for kids, and the 72nd annual Memorial Day parade. If you’re missing the shore, there’s even a sandy “beach”— tons of sand dumped by festival organizers onto Middle Lane in front of the Bud Light Beach Stage, where kids can build sand castles and grown-ups can enjoy beverages while listening to bands perform.

2 to 10 p.m. May 28 and 29, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

May 30 at Rockville Town Center, free admission, some activities have fees, www.rockvillemd.gov

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. along Woodmont Avenue and Elm Street, free, www.bethesda.org

Transgressive director, screenwriter, author and actor John Waters joins a full Broadway cast and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra for a semi-staged concert production of Hairspray.

The musical tells the story of Tracy Turnblad, a chubby Baltimore teenager who loves to dance. Her determination to appear on the Corny Collins TV show leads to overnight celebrity and an effort to integrate the show.

The performance is based on the 2002 Broadway production, which was based on Waters’ 1988 film.

8 p.m. at The Music Center at Strathmore, $45-$109, bsomusic.org

June 9-26

Yes, that Matt and Ben Just how did Matt Damon and Ben Affleck come up with their career-sparking movie script Good Will Hunting? Bethesda’s Flying V Theatre stages Matt & Ben, a play written by Mindy Kaling (of The Office and The Mindy Project) and Brenda Withers that imagines that the life-changing document magically appears in Ben’s apartment.

The Writer’s Center, $20, www.flyingvtheatre.com

photo courtesy of the city of rockville; waters photo courtesy of baltimore symphony orchestra; photo courtesy of flying v theatre

Painting Prize

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STEVE WIDDES Principal Estates + Trusts Attorney

Fairytale Spring Princesses, princes and a bit of magic are the common denominator in several family shows this season Sleeping Beauty The Puppet Co. in Glen Echo uses rod puppets and special effects to bring the story of a sleeping princess and a gallant prince to life. Recommended for kids 3½ and up.

Through May 29 at The Puppet Co., $12, www.thepuppetco.org Emperor’s Nightingale This new adaptation and world premiere in Glen Echo sets the Hans Christian Andersen story of a nightingale who saves an empire in 18th century China. Before Emperor Qianlong was one of the greatest rulers of the Middle Kingdom, he was a headstrong and aimless prince. It took a magical bird to help him become a king. Appropriate for all ages.

WHEN YOUR SWEET IN-LAW BECOMES THE OUTLAW

Here is the dilemma. Your daughter is getting married and, with any luck, she will be blissfully wedded for 50 years.

As we have heard far too often, however, long-term marriages happen only half the time. In mentioning to your daughter that a Prenuptial Agreement may be a good idea to preserve family money, she is upset at your even suggesting one is necessary.

A common approach to address this situation is the Parental Prenuptial Agreement. Under such an arrangement, rather than leaving material amounts by a lifetime or testamentary transfer to the daughter outright, a longer term trust is set up for her, which may even last for her lifetime. Presumably, the ultimate beneficiaries will be your grandchildren following her passing.

The goal of a Parental Prenup is to have the Trust provide certain limited benefits for the daughter for her life but on death to have this lifetime/generation-skipping trust pass without the control of her spouse. More importantly, in the event of a marital split-up, in most jurisdictions the assets are deemed to be separate property attributable to a gift or inheritance to one party and not marital property that would otherwise be subject to the spouse’s demand of a monetary award.

Steve Widdes (center) and Micah Bonaviri, Ann Jakabcin, Dave De Jong, David Torchinsky, Caroline Bonaviri and Adam Abramowitz are estates and trusts attorneys at Stein Sperling. We have extensive experience assisting clients in this area and are well qualified and willing to advise on such matters. If you have any questions about parental prenups or other estate planning techniques, please contact Steve at (301) 838-3227.

Through May 30 at Adventure Theatre, $19.50, www.adventuretheatre-mtc.org The Little Mermaid The Washington Ballet and Bethesda’s Imagination Stage team up in this faithful retelling of another Hans Christian Andersen classic, this one about the Little Mermaid who falls in love with a human prince. The show, best for children 5 and up, includes dance, music, puppets and singing.

June 22-Aug. 14 at Imagination Stage, $12-$35, www.imaginationstage.org

301-340-2020 • www.steinsperling.com BethesdaMagazine.com | may/june 2016 43

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good life

arts & entertainment

calendar Compiled by Cindy Murphy-Tofig

Pippin) will perform. Buy tickets for the 5:30 p.m. cocktail reception, dinner, Miller’s performance and after-party, or tickets just for the performance and after-party.

Proceeds from the gala will benefit Strathmore’s education programs. Miller’s performance begins at 9 p.m. $650; $40-$85 for the performance and after-party. The Music Center at Strathmore, North Bethesda.

301-581-5100, www.strathmore.org.

Claremont Trio performs on May 1 at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington.

May 15 BEETHOVEN’S “EMPEROR.” The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and pianist Jeremy Denk perform Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5, “Emperor.” Guest conductorcomposer John Adams will lead that and also conduct Harmonielehre, his own work.

3 p.m. $35-$99. The Music Center at Strathmore, North Bethesda. 301-581-5100, www.bsomusic.org.

May 1 MURRAY PERAHIA. The Grammy-winning concert pianist, who has been enthralling audiences for more than 40 years, performs. Presented by Washington Performing Arts. 4 p.m. $65-$100. The Music Center at Strathmore, North Bethesda. 301-5815100, www.strathmore.org.

May 1 CLAREMONT TRIO. The trio—Emily Bruskin (violin), Julia Bruskin (cello) and Andrea Lam (piano)—is scheduled to perform Piano Trio in C Major by Haydn, Schubert’s Piano Trio in B-Flat Major, Op. 99, and Dvořák’s Piano Trio in E minor, Op. 90, “Dumky.” 7:30 p.m. $41; $36 seniors; $31 younger than age 40. Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington, Rockville. 301-3483779, www.jccgw.org.

May 7 A CELEBRATION OF UNCOMMON WOMEN. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra will perform the world premieres of works by female composers Joan Tower and Anna Clyne. The evening will also include selections from Carmen by Bizet, and

Symphonie espagnole, Op. 21 by Édouard Lalo. 8 p.m. $35-$99. The Music Center at Strathmore, North Bethesda. 301-5815100, www.bsomusic.org.

May 13 OFF THE CUFF: BEETHOVEN’S “EMPEROR.” In this talk and performance, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra guest conductor John Adams delves into the backstory of Beethoven’s writing of Piano Concerto No. 5, “Emperor.” 8:15 p.m. $35-$99. The Music Center at Strathmore, North Bethesda.

301-581-5100, www.bsomusic.org.

May 14 MICHAEL ADCOCK. The award-winning pianist keeps up with a busy performance schedule while also serving on the faculty at both the Washington Conservatory of Music and the Sarasota Music Festival in Florida. 8 p.m. Free; donations accepted. Westmoreland Congregational United Church of Christ, Bethesda. 301-320-2770, www.washingtonconservatory.org.

May 14 STRATHMORE ANNUAL SPRING GALA. This year’s theme is “We’ve Got Magic to Do!” Tony-winning singer/dancer Patina Miller (of the 2013 Broadway revival of

May 21 THE PLANETS. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s exploration of the world will include Water Concerto by Tan Dun and Holst’s The Planets. 8 p.m. $35-$99. The Music Center at Strathmore, North Bethesda. 301-5815100, www.bsomusic.org.

May 22 SIMONE DINNERSTEIN. The pianist is scheduled to pair works by 20th-century American composer Philip Glass and 19thcentury Austrian composer Franz Schubert.

Presented by Washington Performing Arts.

4 p.m. $50-$90. The Music Center at Strathmore, North Bethesda. 301-581-5100, www.strathmore.org.

May 22 SPRING CONCERT. The Rockville Chorus will perform a selection of Broadway tunes, standards and original works. 7:30 p.m. Free; $5 suggested donation. F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, Rockville. 240-3148690, www.rockvillemd.gov/theatre.

May 26 BACH’S B MINOR MASS. Guest conductor Nicholas McGegan leads the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in the vast work, one of Bach’s last compositions. 8 p.m. $35-$99.

photo courtesy of claremont trio

MUSIC

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good life The Music Center at Strathmore, North Bethesda. 301-581-5100, www.bsomusic.org.

June 4 JUBILATION DAY GOSPEL EXTRAVAGANZA. Local and regional choirs, plus soloists and quartets, present an afternoon of rousing song and dance. 4-8 p.m. Free. Concert Pavilion, Gaithersburg. 301-258-6350, www.gaithersburgmd.gov.

June 4 TCHAIKOVSKY’S SYMPHONY NO. 6.

Tchaikovsky’s final symphony, nicknamed “Pathétique,” is preceded by Nänie and Gesang der Parzen by Brahms. Presented by the National Philharmonic. 8 p.m. $29-$89. Free for ages 7-17 with a paying adult. The Music Center at Strathmore, North Bethesda. 301581-5100, www.strathmore.org.

June 4 MUSICAL STRINGS. Russian and Eastern European music come alive in this concert presented by the Washington Balalaika Society. 8 p.m. $25; $20 seniors; $15 students.

F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, Rockville. 240314-8690, www.rockvillemd.gov/theatre.

June 5 GLORYSTAR CHILDREN’S CHORUS. Montgomery County’s oldest independent community children’s chorus celebrates its 20th anniversary with a repertoire of Far Eastern and Western choral music. 7 p.m. $32. The Music Center at Strathmore, North Bethesda. 301581-5100, www.strathmore.org.

June 8 STRATHMORE CHILDREN’S CHORUS MEETS THE BEATLES. The youth group performs selections from the Fab Four’s repertoire. 7:30 p.m. $20-$25. The Music Center at Strathmore, North Bethesda. 301-5815100, www.strathmore.org.

June 11 APPALACHIAN SPRING. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra performs Copland’s Appalachian Spring—with choreography by Martha Graham and performed by dancers from Baltimore School for the Arts—plus Daphnis and Chloe Suite No. 2 by Ravel and Polaris by Thomas Adès. 8 p.m. $42-$105.

The Music Center at Strathmore, North Bethesda. 301-581-5100, www.bsomusic.org.

June 17 VERDI’S REQUIEM. Verdi’s grand work for orchestra and chorus is presented in the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s season finale. 8 p.m. $35-$99. The Music Center at Strathmore, North Bethesda. 301-581-5100, www.bsomusic.org.

June 25 WASHINGTON METROPOLITAN GAMER SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA. The community orchestra will showcase the art and virtuosity of composers who write music for video games. 7 p.m. $6; $7 day of show.

F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, Rockville. 240314-8690, www.rockvillemd.gov/theatre.

DANCE May 6 and 7 CIRQUE DU DANCE. The imaginative performance blends contemporary dance, acrobats and clowns. 7 p.m. May 6; 3 and 7 p.m. May 7. $22; $12 ages 10 and younger.

The Arts Barn, Gaithersburg. 301-258-6394, www.gaithersburgmd.gov.

THEATER Through May 8 OUR TOWN. Rockville Little Theatre stages Thornton Wilder’s drama, showing small-town America from 1901 to 1913 through the lives of regular citizens. 8 p.m.

Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. $22; $20 seniors and students. F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, Rockville. 240-314-8690, www.rlt-online.org.

Through May 29 A LESSON FROM ALOES. The Athol Fugard play centers on a farewell dinner given by a white Afrikaner for a black activist friend in 1963 South Africa. Presented by Quotidian Theatre Company. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. $30; $25 seniors; $15 students. The Writer’s Center, Bethesda. 301816-1023, www.quotidiantheatre.org.

www.gaithersburgmd.gov/leisure/arts/ theater-at-the-arts-barn.

May 22 MURDER ON THE ORIENTAL RUG. In this murder mystery play-within-a-play, the remaining performers of Murder on the Oriental Rug must take on all of the roles when half of the cast drops out. Audience members can participate in the performance or just sit and watch it all unfold. Presented by Rockville Little Theatre. The show is PG-13.

7 p.m. cocktails; 8 p.m. performance. $40.

The Arts Barn, Gaithersburg. 240-242-9735, www.rlt-online.org.

May 25-June 19 THE WHO & THE WHAT. Pakistani-American Zarina is working on a novel about Islam and women, but when her conservative father and sister discover her manuscript, they are forced to confront their beliefs. Written by Ayad Akhtar, who won the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for drama for his play Disgraced. 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. $41-$61. Round House Theatre, Bethesda. 240-644-1100, www.roundhousetheatre.org.

June 9-19 H.M.S. PINAFORE. Captain Corcoran plans for his daughter to marry Sir Joseph, but instead she makes her own plans to elope with a sailor in this comic opera by Gilbert & Sullivan. Presented by the Victorian Lyric Opera Company. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. $28; $24 seniors; $20 students; $12 preview performance 8 p.m. June 9. F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, Rockville. 240-314-8690, www.vloc.org.

May 6-28 THE WHO’S TOMMY. A traumatized Tommy breaks through his catatonia to become a pinball star. 8:15 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. $25; $20 seniors and students; $17 Kensington residents and children. Kensington Arts Theatre at Kensington Town Hall, Kensington. 240-6210528, www.katonline.org.

June 10-26 THE DROWSY CHAPERONE. A theater fan’s favorite cast album comes to life in this Tony-winning musical. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. $22; $12 ages 14 and younger. The Arts Barn, Gaithersburg. 301-258-6394, www.gaithersburg md.gov/leisure/arts/theater-at-the-arts-barn.

May 13-19 THE FOREIGNER. Shy British gent Charlie heads to a fishing lodge in Georgia to find some quiet. But his friend introduces him to locals as a foreigner who doesn’t understand English, and Charlie becomes a victim of overabundant Southern hospitality.

8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. $20; $12 ages 14 and younger. The Arts Barn, Gaithersburg. 301-258-6394,

ART Through May 7 INTIMATE LANDSCAPES. Loriann Signori’s landscapes are inspired by Maryland’s hills and waters. Noon-6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Free. Waverly Street Gallery, Bethesda. 301-951-9441, www.waverly streetgallery.com.

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good life Through June 5 KALEIDOSCOPES: 200 YEARS. The Brewster Kaleidoscope Society’s juried exhibit—in celebration of two centuries since the kaleidoscope’s invention—will feature art inspired by kaleidoscopes. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesdays; noon-4 p.m. Sundays. Free. The Mansion at Strathmore, North Bethesda. 301-581-5125, www.strathmore.org.

Through June 5 ATMOSPHERE. Mixed-media work by Shelley Lee Marie uses vibrant hues to plunge art patrons into worlds of color. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesdays; noon-4 p.m. Sundays. Free. The Mansion at Strathmore, North Bethesda. 301-5815125, www.strathmore.org.

May 1-27 ROCKVILLE ART LEAGUE JURIED MEMBERS’ SHOW. Members of the art league may each submit two works. Works on exhibit may be paintings, pastels or drawings; sculpture or ceramics; and mixed media. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednes-

days and Fridays; 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursdays.

Free. Glenview Mansion Art Gallery, Rockville. 240-314-8660, www.rockvillemd.gov.

May 7 and 8 A-RTS ROCKVILLE ARTS FESTIVAL. About 175 artists’ works—including jewelry, metalwork, painting, photography and sculpture—will line streets around Rockville Town Square. The event also includes live musical performances. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. May 7.

11 a.m.-5 p.m. May 8. Free. Along Maryland Avenue, East Middle Lane and Gibbs Street, Rockville. 301-637-5684, a-rts.org.

May 11-June 7 FRENCH POST- IMPRESSIONISTS. The exhibition will include works by Rene Sautin, Blanche “Roboa” Pissarro, Robert Antoine Pinchon, Feron and LeMeilleur. 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, noon-5 p.m. Sundays. Free. Marin-Price Galleries, Chevy Chase. 301-718-0622, www.marin-price.com.

June 5-24 CAITLIN OLSON, THOMAS GERMER AND GLASS OF GLEN ECHO. Olson will be exhibiting oil and watercolor paintings,

and Germer will show photographs and sculpture. Glassworks by artists from the Arts Glass Center at Glen Echo will also be on display. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays; 9 a.m.9 p.m. Thursdays. Free. Glenview Mansion Art Gallery, Rockville. 240-314-8660, www.rockvillemd.gov.

CHILDREN AND FAMILIES Through May 22 LOOKING FOR ROBERTO CLEMENTE. A fly ball transforms Sam into a Little League pitching star. His friend Charlie is rejected from the team because she’s a girl, so she forms her own team. The friends learn about heroism through the off-the-field actions of their baseball hero, Roberto Clemente. Recommended for ages 5 and older.

1:30 and 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. $12-$35. Imagination Stage, Bethesda.

301-280-1660, www.imaginationstage.org.

May 6 AIR PLAY. Comedy meets air sculptures in this theatrical production that has kites soar-

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Comedy and air sculptures combine in Air Play on May 6 at Strathmore.

BILLY HART QUARTET {Legendary jazz drummer} Thu, May 5

Luther Re-Lives {Tribute to Vandross} Fri, May 6

Big Pants & Hot Flashes

Julia Scotti & Kevin Meaney Co-presented with Cool Cow Comedy Fri, May 13

Chopteeth Sat, May 14

BARB JUNGR THU, MAY 15

Photo © Florence Montmare

ing over the audience, flying umbrellas and a huge snow globe. 7:30 p.m. $22-$52. The Music Center at Strathmore, North Bethesda.

301-581-5100, www.strathmore.org.

ommended for ages 2-6. 11 a.m. $10. The Mansion at Strathmore, North Bethesda.

301-581-5100, www.strathmore.org.

May 7 AMBER BROWN IS NOT A CRAYON. Amber Brown deals with her best friend’s move out of state in this musical about patience and friendship. Based on the book

by Paula Danziger. Presented by ArtsPower.

Recommended for ages 5 and older. 11 a.m. $7; $6 seniors; $4 students and children.

The Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center, Montgomery College, Rockville. 240567-5301, www.montgomerycollege.edu/pac.

June 2-July 17 LIT TLE RED RIDING HOOD & THE 3 LIT TLE PIGS. Are the wolves in fairy tales really that bad? B.B. (Big Bad) Wolfe tells his side of the story in this humorous performance that incorporates audience participation. Recommended for ages 3 and older. 10:30 a.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. $12. The Puppet Co. Playhouse, Glen Echo. 301-634-5380, www.thepuppetco.org.

May 21, June 4 and June 18 SATURDAY FAMILY JAZZ SESSIONS. Jazz singer Rochelle Rice leads kid-friendly classes on Billie Holiday, vocal emotions and creativity (May 21); Dizzy Gillespie and bebop (June 4); and composer-bandleader Sun Ra and self-expression (June 18). Rec-

June 12 DISCOVER STRATHMORE: OFF THE PAGE. Celebrate storytelling and children’s literature through puppetry, song and other artistic expression. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. The Music Center at Strathmore, North Bethesda.

301-581-5100, www.strathmore.org.

STRAWBS

{Original prog rockers} Wed, May 18

Sultans of String Thu, May 19

The Eric Felten Septet Fri, May 20

Dustbowl Revival Thu, May 26

DONNY McCASLIN GROUP {Bowie’s sax player} FRI, MAY 27

www.AMPbyStrathmore.com @ Pike & Rose, N. Bethesda, MD

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good life

SEASONAL Through Sept. 25 WINGS OF FANCY LIVE BUTTERFLY & CATERPILLAR EXHIBIT. Hundreds of butterflies flit about as you walk through the exhibit. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $8; $5 ages 3-12; free for younger than 3. Brookside Gardens, Wheaton. 301-962-1400, www.montgomery parks.org/brookside/wings_of_fancy.shtm.

May 7 KENTLANDS DAY. The day includes a car show, kids’ activities, live entertainment and a parade. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. In and around Kentlands Market Square, Gaithersburg.

301-591-3899, www.kentlandsday.com.

May 9 STARGAZING — MERCURY IN TRANSIT ACROSS THE SUN. The planet Mercury will cross between Earth and the sun.

Mercury’s travels can be viewed with telescopes from the Gaithersburg Community Museum that have been fitted with special solar filters. 10 a.m.noon. Free. Observatory Park, Gaithersburg.

301-258-6160, www.gaithersburgmd.gov.

May 12 best of Bethesda party. Sample food from 17 restaurants that were chosen in Bethesda Magazine’s 2016 Best of Bethesda Readers’ Poll. The event also includes live music by The 19th Street Band and beer from Denizens Brewing Co. 6:30-10 p.m. $60. Park Potomac, Potomac.

BethesdaMagazine.com.

May 15 POTOMAC HUNT RACES. Watch steeplechase racing, see a mounted police demonstration and go on a pony ride. Proceeds benefit the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, which helps those grieving an Armed Forces member. Noon; gates open at 10 a.m.; racecourses close at 7 p.m. $40 per vehicle; $250 to park along the infield rail or outside rail for a closer view; kids’ zone free. Kiplinger estate, Poolesville. www.potomachuntraces.com.

May 21 STRUT YOUR MUTT. Bring your pooch and family for a dog parade, dog contests (including best singer, best kisser and an owner/dog lookalike contest), children’s activities, live music and vendors. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free to at-

tend; $30 to participate in the parade and contests. Woodmont and Bethesda avenues, Bethesda. www.strutyourmuttbethesda.org.

May 30 MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCE. The observance will include a wreath-laying ceremony and remembrance cards to fill out in honor of those who served. 11 a.m. Free.

Christman Park, Gaithersburg. 301-2586350, www.gaithersburgmd.gov.

June 4 and 5 WASHINGTON FOLK FESTIVAL. Storytellers, craftspeople and five stages of music and dance performances will help celebrate the area’s folk traditions. Noon-7 p.m. Free.

Glen Echo Park, Glen Echo. 301-634-2222, www.fsgw.org.

June 12 CELEBRATE! GAITHERSBURG. Enjoy live entertainment, kids’ activities and food at the 34th annual street festival. Noon-5 p.m.

Free. Olde Town Gaithersburg. 301-2586350, www.gaithersburgmd.gov. n To submit calendar items, or to see a complete listing, go to BethesdaMagazine.com.

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MORE THAN JUST REMODELING

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people. politics. current events. books. columns.

banter

On Her Way Up Twelfth-grader Megan Lynch hopes to reach the top of her sport By maura mahoney

photo by edgar artiga

Rockville’s Megan Lynch loved to climb as a child, preferring to walk on the monkey bars rather than swing from them. Her father, Bill, remembers visitors coming into the family’s home and saying things like, “You do know your daughter is 20 feet up in a tree, don’t you?”

After seeing Megan perched on top of a swing set when she was 9 or 10, a neighbor recommended rock climbing. Today, Lynch is one of the best competitive rock climbers in her age group in the country.

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banter

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

closer to her dream of making Team USA and going to the world youth championships.”

To qualify for this year’s event, which will be held in China in November, Lynch needed to finish in the top four at the USA bouldering nationals held in Madison, Wisconsin in February. All of her effort and preparation came down to 10 four-minute climbs.

She just missed her goal, finishing sixth in her age group after being tied for third place going into the finals.

“Everyone is so close in skill level— anything can happen,” says Lynch, 17. She rebounded quickly from the disappointment and splurged on a mini-pizza and an Auntie Anne’s pretzel at the airport, a “giant” bag of Cheez-It crackers on the flight home, and chicken tenders and french fries for dinner.

Though many colleges don’t have competitive bouldering teams, Lynch still plans to compete after she graduates from high school in June. She’s considering taking a year off before college to concentrate on the sport; if not, she’ll attend a school with a climbing gym nearby. She’s already looking forward to the next bouldering season, which begins in September: “I want it to be my year,” she says. “I really want to make it to that podium.” n

photo by peter brigham/Courtesy of pat ty Lynch

Readers’ Pick, Best Podiatrist

A senior at The Academy of the Holy Cross in Kensington, Lynch joined the recreational climbing club at Earth Treks in Rockville when she was in fifth grade and three years later made the elite team, which includes 15 climbers ranging in age from 9 to 18. She has qualified for USA Climbing’s Bouldering Youth National Championships every year since ninth grade.

“With soccer, she was distracted by the kids around her,” says Lynch’s mother, Patty. “With rock climbing, it’s just her and the wall.”

In bouldering, which is a form of rock climbing, athletes hoist themselves up nearly 20-foot walls without harnesses or ropes, moving from grip to grip, using only their fingers, toes, upper body and core strength, stretching their bodies along the wall and sometimes swinging to make it from one spot to another. Mats are positioned below in case a climber falls.

The configuration of the handholds and footholds changes for every competition, adding to the mental and physical challenge. Each climb is like a new puzzle, Lynch says, and “every move requires maximum effort.”

Lynch trains for eight to 10 hours a week, always arriving early for practice, and often climbs with friends on her days off. “If I had to pick one thing that makes her stand out physically, it would be her crazy finger strength,” says Earth Treks coach Justin Wyse.

The sport has helped Lynch improve her focus, which had sometimes been a challenge when it came to schoolwork.

“I get my homework done as soon as I can so I have less to do when I get home [from practice],” she says. Lynch goes to bed at 10 every night, and she eats junk food only twice a year, after her biggest competitions.

“Megan breathes and dreams climbing,” Wyse says. “I don’t usually see that kind of fiery passion in anybody, any age. Everything she does is to get

Lynch at USA Climbing’s Bouldering Youth National Championships in February

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banter

By David Frey

Figuratively Speaking

Department of Liquor Control By the Numbers Montgomery County is one of the few counties in the nation that directly controls beer, wine and liquor sales to stores and restaurants. That means big money for the county. But opponents say the program is antiquated—it dates back to the end of Prohibition—and that it doesn’t provide the range of niche beer, wine and spirits that Montgomery County customers demand.

Legislation that could have ended the Department of Liquor Control’s (DLC) monopoly on alcohol sales died in Annapolis this year. Once a staunch proponent of keeping liquor control in the county’s hands, County Executive Ike Leggett has agreed to create a task force to study ways to possibly privatize the DLC. Here’s a look at the program by the numbers.

MilLION

Estimated net profit for the DLC in fiscal year 2015

ENSE LIQUOR LIC

Number of businesses holding liquor licenses in Montgomery County

COUNTY

(as of March 2016)

satisfied

with the DLC

210,000

D L C

Size in square feet of the DLC warehouse in Gaithersburg

25

Licensees

Licensees

Average number of gallons of alcohol residents of neighboring counties consume each year

LIQUOR STORE

49%

32%

18.5 297k

1,021

NT. MO

Average number of gallons of alcohol a Montgomery County resident consumes each year

dissatisfied

with the DLC

Number of DLC liquor stores in Montgomery County

$1 million

Cases of beer sold in Montgomery County retail stores in 2014

Dec. 5, 1933

Date that the Liquor Control Board for Montgomery County, a precursor to the DLC, was established

294

Number of full-time DLC employees budgeted for fiscal year 2016

Approximate value of alcohol trucked out of the DLC warehouse each day

“There was a time for this law. It’s done. This is the 21st century.

We need to move ahead and be progressive.”

-Mike Jones, operating partner, American Tap Room, Bethesda Sources: Montgomery County Office of Management and Budget; Montgomery County Office of Legislative Oversight; Montgomery County Department of Liquor Control; Montgomery County Office of the Inspector General; Bethesda Beat; Bethesda Magazine; WAMU.org

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56 May/June 2016 | BethesdaMagazine.com

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Ace in the Hole Rockville’s Ijay Palansky says being a professional online poker player made him a better lawyer By steve goldstein

In 2007, IJay Palansky, a Toronto native applying for U.S. citizenship, confidently approached his U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services interview in Baltimore. The young attorney had excellent references and a good record at the D.C. law firm where he used to work, so the 30-minute session went smoothly. As Palansky rose to leave, however, the immigrations officer said, “Just one more thing...”

Palansky waited for a “gotcha” moment. “It says here you’re a professional poker player,” the officer said. Warily, Palansky nodded. “That is so cool!”

In his best year as a full-time online poker player, Palansky estimates that he won close to a million dollars. As 58 May/June 2016 | BethesdaMagazine.com

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photo by michael ventura

The perfect look for your location. a litigator, the 43-year-old Rockville resident hasn’t come close to that.

A legal crackdown on Internet gambling brought him back to the field of law, but Palansky remains an unconventional figure in a buttoneddown profession. Even his name is a little different.

“My grandfather was named Israel Julius, and I was named after him, just abbreviated,” says Palansky, who’s recovering from knee surgery to repair a torn ACL that he suffered while playing soccer. Like many Canadians, Palansky also loves ice hockey, both as an amateur player and as an accomplished analyst and statistician.

His insights appear regularly on the Sports Illustrated and ESPN websites and in the Toronto Star.

After graduating from Harvard Law School in 1996, Palansky joined WilmerHale in D.C., handling commercial litigation cases that often brought him into contact with economists. In 2004, he started playing online poker and immediately began losing, prompting him to become a student of Texas Hold’em, the dominant poker game online. He used his knowledge of game theory— gleaned from economic experts he’d met—to better his chances of winning.

“I identified some exploitable imbalances in the way people were playing, which was by the book,” he says. “I used a completely different strategy, and it was incredibly successful. I went from playing the $2 and $4 tables to the $200 and $400 tables in six months.”

Palansky denies being a gambler.

A gambler only hopes to win, he says—he knows he will. He reduced his risk by using probability, patterns and statistics. After two years, he felt secure enough to quit lawyering. In 2006, with the support of his wife, Beth Biedronski, poker became his profession, albeit as a stay-at-home dad. “I was elated,” says Biedronski, also

a lawyer, “because I knew his potential.”

Playing online had its advantages: Palansky could do it from his home office and be around for his young children, and he could play four or five games at a time, which he couldn’t do at a casino.

Friends and family thought he was courageous, he says, “and maybe a little crazy.”

The couple’s two sons, Connor, 11, and Ian, 10, were still in diapers as Daddy dabbled online. And for more than five years, he thrived, winning as much as $18,000 in one hand and incurring the wrath of online poker trolls who scorned his style of avoiding conventional betting techniques and playing probabilities instead of hunches.

“I was literally getting everything from, ‘You’re the luckiest SOB on earth,’ to death threats,” Palansky recalls.

Eventually his methods gained wider acceptance, and as winning became more difficult, Palansky began thinking about getting back into law. In 2011, when the FBI shut down major online poker websites, the decision was made for him.

After a fellowship in the U.S. attorney’s office in D.C. and a stint at the boutique firm Steese Evans & Frankel P.C., Palansky became a partner at Armstrong Teasdale LLP, based in St. Louis. His playfulness—he once convinced his co-workers that he could yodel—competitive nature and unique skills have made him popular within his firm. Not many lawyers have been immortalized in a Wired magazine comic strip about playing poker against a computer, as he was.

Poker has made him a better lawyer, Palansky says, because he understands the odds of reaching a successful outcome for his clients, and has a sharpened sense of when a case is ripe for an out-of-court settlement.

He also moonlights as a writer for his blog, Department of Hockey Analytics, which he hopes will one day lead to a job with an NHL franchise. n

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What’s in the Water?

How a Rockville student journalist exposed poor water quality in his school’s drinking fountains

Xavier Rivera investigated the water quality of Rockville High School’s drinking fountains.

When Rockville High School (RHS) student newspaper staffers were discussing story ideas at a meeting early last year, the conversation turned to the school’s drinking fountains. The water was cloudy, students complained, and it tasted funny. Reporter Xavier Rivera, then a junior, suggested they test the water and write about the findings.

After a water treatment contractor for Georgetown University donated plastic cups and gloves and explained how to get sterile samples, Rivera and other staffers from the student newspaper, the Rampage, collected water from the 24 RHS water fountains. Rivera, 16 at the time, convinced a Baltimore lab to test the

samples for free. Ten days later, the results came back: Water from seven of the school’s 24 fountains exceeded the Environmental Protection Agency’s threshold for lead safety in water.

In four of the fountains, lead levels were more than twice the level that’s considered acceptable.

“Hundreds of students drink from school water fountains, unaware of the quality of the water that they are putting into their bodies,” Rivera wrote in the first of three stories the Rampage published about the findings and the school administration’s reaction.

According to Rivera, the stories made a difference. He says he walked the school’s hallways soon after the

first story was published and saw students pulling their friends away from the water fountains, saying things like, “Didn’t you read the paper? It’s contaminated. That stuff is disgusting.”

At first, administrators were defensive, Rivera says, but when he met with them, they brainstormed a simple but effective way to flush out the lead.

Each morning, the water fountain taps are held open with duct tape and run for 15 minutes. The flushing gets rid of the suspended metals in the water that were collected overnight, and students keep the circulation going throughout the day as they use the fountains. The technique seems to work. Subsequent tests performed by the Washington

Photo by michael ventura

By caralee adams

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Voted Best Financial Advisor Suburban Sanitary Commission at the request of school administrators showed the water was safe.

“Xavier worked tirelessly to make sure he got this story right,” says Jessica Nassau, a former journalism teacher and newspaper adviser for the Rampage who is now the director of publications at the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School in Rockville.

“And his hard work got results that ultimately improved the health and safety of RHS students.”

Now one of three editors-in-chief for the Rampage, Rivera is proud of the impact those stories made. “We as a paper were finally doing something about a potential threat to students, and it really made the paper matter in a way it hadn’t in a while,” he says.

The reporting drew the attention of parents, the Montgomery County Board of Education and now-retired Maryland state Sen. Karen Montgomery, who expressed concern about the high lead levels and later praised Rockville High School for solving its water problem.

Rivera went on to speak with student government officers from other schools about his investigation, hoping to spread the word about the water quality. “I see how storytelling can really enact change in a community,” he says.

Rivera was the winner in the newswriting category in the Columbia Press Association’s 2015 Gold Circle Awards for Newspapers; he also won first place in the news category of the Baltimore Student Media High School Journalism Award.

“Not only did he write a good story, he investigated something that needed attention—and it got the attention it did because of him,” says Gary Clites, president of The Maryland / D.C. Scholastic Press Association. “Where he succeeded was in digging deeper than most students do for a story and being willing to take on a subject that was a challenge to his school administration.” n

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Forever Young How three college roommates ended up living on the same street in Gaithersburg

Fernando Palacios remembers the exact day he met Joseph Esparraguera.

It was the Saturday of Live Aid—July 13, 1985—Palacios says, and he was sitting in the Armand’s Chicago Pizzeria in College Park, eating mozzarella sticks.

Palacios had ordered food at the bar with a friend and, as a joke, kept telling the staff they hadn’t gotten their order, even after receiving several plates of mozzarella sticks. Esparraguera, who was working in the kitchen, thought something was amiss.

“Finally, Joe came out, thinking, ‘Who is this guy who’s not getting the sticks?’ ” Palacios says. “And he saw us there with something like eight plates of mozzarella sticks.”

They joked about it and struck up a friendship. Within months, the two University of Maryland students were roommates.

Now, more than 30 years later, Palacios lives on the same street in

Montgomery Village as both Esparraguera and Jim Moy, another of his college roommates. “It’s something we never even joked about in college,” Moy says.

The living situation is part coincidence, part calculation. Palacios, a real estate agent, had kept up with Esparraguera, Moy and other college friends over the years. When a house became available in the Kings Point neighborhood of Montgomery Village where Palacios lived with his family, he showed it to Moy, whose family happened to be in the market for a new home.

The Moys liked it even more than Palacios expected, and in 2002, they moved in. Not long after, Esparraguera and his family began looking to leave their neighborhood in Olney just when another house became available on Palacios’ street.

“That’s when I said, ‘You know what?

Let’s move in by Jimmy and the boys,’ ” Esparraguera says.

The men meet at least monthly for beer and cigars. Their children grew up with each other—some danced on the same teams, others carpooled—and the families have gone on vacations together to Ocean City and the Grand Canyon.

But it’s not just the husbands who have a shared history—two of the wives have known each other even longer.

Moy’s wife, Kathy, and Palacios’ wife, Shelly, attended the same junior high

photo by liz lynch

By Joe zimmermann

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From left, college buddies turned Montgomery Village neighbors Fernando Palacios, Joseph Esparraguera and Jim Moy

school in Poolesville and had lockers next to each other in eighth grade.

Friends ever since, they introduced Moy and Palacios after both couples began dating at the University of Maryland.

“Sometimes proximity might ruin a friendship, but this turned out to be the other way,” Jim Moy says.

Esparraguera says the men try not to “over-reminisce,” although there are times when their wives are frustrated

by their focus on the past, like when the guys talk about parties from the ’80s or a basketball game they played in college.

“They just roll their eyes,” he says.

While their conversations today are largely about new topics—including jobs, kids and politics—the men still have the same old jokes from college— and many of the same traditions, too.

The group used to go to basketball games together, and they still go out to

watch the Terps play. Cole Field House, which housed the basketball team for decades, is currently closed for renovations, and Palacios is helping the university raise money by selling the arena’s old seats.

Palacios is buying a few chairs for his basement—and he’s trying to convince Moy and Esparraguera to do the same.

“I’m not gonna let those guys leave without some seats,” he says. n

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quick takes

News you may have missed

By Aaron Kraut and Andrew Metcalf

timing is everything Montgomery County police said a man robbed three banks in Chevy Chase and Kensington in less than 20 minutes one morning in March.

Prince George’s County police later arrested the suspect after he reportedly parked next to a detective who was on his lunch break in a shopping center.

walk of fame

puppy play Montgomery County’s first public dog park inside the Capital Beltway was scheduled to open in May in Silver Spring. The $265,000, half-acre park, which could serve as a model for other urban dog parks in the county, will feature separate areas for well-socialized dogs and passive dogs who may be more timid.

ruthann aron returns Ruthann Aron, the former Potomac developer and Montgomery County Planning Board member who served three years in jail for trying to hire a hit man to kill her husband, filed a petition in Montgomery County Circuit Court in March to have her 1998 “no contest” plea overturned. Aron is claiming she was threatened into taking the plea by a Rockville attorney the night before closing arguments in her second trial. The attorney, Barry Helfand, called the claims “blatant lies.”

illustrations by mary ann smith

to the rescue A Montgomery County police officer rescued a badly injured bald eagle that couldn’t fly after apparently being clipped by a car in March on River Road in Potomac. The officer helped take the eagle, which she named “Trust,” to a wildlife rehabilitation center.

Merv Conn, a well-known Silver Spring accordionist who died in 2011, performed for three presidents, taught President Nixon’s daughters how to play the instrument and served as the “official music man” of the Washington Senators baseball team in the 1960s. A dedication ceremony for Merv Conn Way, a pedestrian walkway near his former home in downtown Silver Spring, was planned for early April.

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Chasing the Story

When he’s not on reporting trips, Ian Urbina writes in his backyard office in Chevy Chase.

New York Times reporter Ian Urbina spent nearly two years reporting at sea

Most days, Ian Urbina begins writing at 4:45 a.m. in what he calls his “man cave”—a souped-up 8-foot-by-10foot cabin in his Chevy Chase backyard, complete with a wood-burning stove, air conditioning and a skylight.

But when Urbina is out reporting, the conditions aren’t always so comfortable.

For nearly two years, the 44-year-old investigative reporter for The New York Times did much of his work on fishing ships, unveiling an array of horrific crimes on the high seas that often go unpunished. His resulting series, “The Outlaw Ocean,” recently earned Urbina a share of the 2015 George Polk Award for foreign reporting, one of journalism’s highest honors.

Urbina traveled on six seas and to 14 countries—including Thailand, Greece, Haiti and Ghana—while chronicling the illegal fishing, theft of ships, stranding of crews, murder of stowaways and intentional dumping of oil and sludge that’s occurring on the world’s largely ungoverned oceans. The D.C. native, who is based out of the paper’s Washington bureau, says he has long been enamored with oceans. He took six months off during graduate school to work with seafarers on a ship based in Singapore.

“Some folks like bungee jumping.

Some folks like running with the bulls.

For me, if I could be assured I would

live, I would love to see a Category 5 storm at sea,” Urbina says.

While chasing down a story about the egregious treatment of migrant workers on a ship operating 250 miles offshore in the South China Sea, Urbina had to convince captains to let him board their vessels and literally jump from one boat to another.

When he finally reached his destination, he saw rats running everywhere, and later that night one woke him when it darted across his legs. It doesn’t get more real than this, Urbina remembers thinking. “I literally had roaches on me at one point on multiple spots.

I was like, ‘If I survive this, I will have considered myself as having arrived journalistically to new heights, or lows, not sure which, really.’ The question, too, was, ‘Will anyone believe me when I write this?’ ” Urbina was traveling with a photographer and an interpreter, and when the interpreter became seriously ill—a combination of seasickness and food poisoning—he and his photographer had to look after her. “That was the scariest thing,” Urbina says.

“In the dead of night you are shimmying across a ledge from the front of the boat to the back of the boat, and

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you’ve got to push someone who was barely conscious. And if one of the three of you falls overboard, they are not stopping—you are in the middle of the South China Sea.” To cope with the difficult conditions, Urbina says he approached the reporting like a “survivalist challenge.”

“Can I go three straight days without sleep? Can I really get my engine down to a limited type of diet and not crash?...These are all real questions that you have to manage, and you listen to your body,” says Urbina, who was a distance runner at D.C.’s St. Albans School and at Georgetown University, and still runs about 20 miles a week.

(His wife, Sherry Rusher, is dean of faculty at St. Albans, and his son, Aidan,

A

F I V E

S T A R

is a sixth-grader there; stepdaughter, Amanda Foushee, 27, is a writer and teacher in Los Angeles.)

Urbina says any concern about his own welfare quickly faded as he reported on “really dark stuff” and met young undocumented ship workers, many of whom had been abused. He had a plane ticket home and protections as an American citizen. They did not.

After the first six articles in the series ran in the Times from July 2015 to December 2015—a seventh story was published in The New York Times Magazine in February—lawmakers in the U.S. and abroad called for tougher regulations and enforcement of crimes in international waters. Urbina hoped that exposing the harsh realities of the

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high seas would lead to change, and says he’s encouraged that environmental and human rights communities are now working together to help the plight of both the “people on deck and the fish below.”

Urbina, who has been with the Times since 2003, plans to take a leave from his job next year and turn the series into a book commissioned by Knopf Doubleday. He’s eager to do more reporting at sea, although he acknowledges the danger. “The ships and the conditions and the machinery…one small mistake out there and you could be overboard and no one would know,” he says. “Or the ship could just not make it. Ships sink all the time. That stuff is a rush that in a weird way I miss.” n

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Sam Deutsch of Bethesda, after his Jeopardy! win

The Big Gamble Inside Sam Deutsch’s Jeopardy! win By renee Klahr

During the final round of the 2016 Jeopardy! College Championship that was broadcast in February, Bethesda’s Sam Deutsch felt a wave of panic.

There was only one question separating Deutsch, a 2013 graduate of Rockville’s Richard Montgomery High School, from the $100,000 grand prize. With the tournament on the line, he’d decided to go for broke, then realized he’d made a “huge mistake.” He was trailing an opponent by just one dollar. Caught up in the excitement, he forgot that if they both answered incorrectly, he would lose.

“I immediately called over one of the producers to ask if I could change my bet,” says Deutsch, 20. “But it was too late.”

The University of Southern California junior had spent several weeks binge-watching Jeopardy! reruns to prepare for this moment, makeshift buzzer in hand. All at once, the time he’d spent sequestered in the green room between shows, the unbearably hot lights on the Hollywood set, and the elation at seeing friends and family in the studio audience flickered in his mind like a half-remembered dream, he says. As he gulped down water during the last commercial break, he figured his 15 minutes of fame were up.

Most of the tournament feels like a blur now, Deutsch says, but there’s one part he remembers well. The Final Jeopardy! category was “U.S. Senate,” and the championship hinged on

correctly naming the male senator who cast 12,810 votes and served from 1973 to January 2009. With 30 seconds to answer, he wrote down, “Who is Byrd,” referring to Robert Byrd of West Virginia. Then, at the last second, he crossed it out and changed his response.

Host Alex Trebek read the other two contestants’ answers first—both of which were wrong—before coming to Deutsch. “It was like time stopped,” he says. And then the unthinkable happened: Trebek said his response—Joe Biden—was correct.

“I didn’t even believe it at first,” Deutsch says. “Even when Alex called the winner over to the podium to get the trophy, I was just kind of standing there for the first few seconds not moving until the producers were like, ‘Go!’ ” Deutsch, who credits a high school friend with pushing him to try out for Jeopardy!, knew one of the other contestants, Georgetown Day School graduate Noah Cowan, from back home. Cowan and Deutsch used to compete against each other at trivia events. “We would see each other almost every Saturday at

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Quiz Bowl tournaments, especially since the Georgetown Day School versus Richard Montgomery rivalry has always been strong,” says Cowan, a Brown University freshman who grew up in Bethesda.

“That first morning, they put all 15 of us on a bus from the hotel to the studio and it was cool to see a familiar face,” Deustch says. “We were all so nervous when we first got there, but knowing somebody from home made me feel a little more comfortable.”

Despite losing in the first round, Cowan says the whole process was “incredibly fun,” especially when he correctly answered a question about All the President’s Men. “That’s one of my favorite books and movies, so if I hadn’t gotten that one, I would have really kicked myself for a while,” he says.

As for Deutsch, who received a congratulatory letter from Vice President Joe Biden, he plans to use his winnings to help pay for law school, and to donate some of the money to the Nina Hyde Center for Breast Cancer Research at Georgetown University. “My mom is a breast cancer survivor and holds fundraisers for the center every year,” he says.

But Deutsch isn’t finished with Jeopardy! just yet. This fall, he’ll take on the year’s top players in the Tournament of Champions for a chance to win $250,000. n

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book Report

Bethesda’s Thomas Frank takes aim at the Democratic Party in his latest book, Listen, Liberal: Or, What Ever Happened to the Party of the People? (Metropolitan Books, 2016). Author of the best-selling What’s the Matter With Kansas?

How Conservatives Won the Heart of America (Metropolitan Books, 2004), Frank says he wanted to look at Democrats through the lens of social class. “The class that defines the Democratic outlook is doing very well,” he says. “It’s the top 10 percent.” Frank delves into what defines and motivates these rich Democrats, as well as the consequences of having this wealthy stratum dominate the party. “The party’s signature issue is inequality politics,” he says, “but their record on it is not particularly admirable.”

Bethesda resident Margaret Guroff’s new book, The Mechanical Horse: How the Bicycle Reshaped American Life (University of Texas Press, March 2016), covers the history and cultural impact of the bicycle in America. A longtime magazine writer and editor, Guroff analyzes the role that cycling played in transforming society.

As bicycles caught on in the 19th century, many of the country’s roads were paved for the first time; women began moving away from cumbersome Victorian hoopskirts toward clothes they could cycle in—and also toward increasingly independent roles; and doctors began to recognize the benefits of exercise. Guroff, who cycles to her job as executive editor of AARP The Magazine in downtown Washington, D.C., says she was “interested in finding the humanity behind the technology.”

Set in Washington, D.C., Paula Whyman’s first book, You May See a Stranger (TriQuarterly Books/ Northwestern University Press, May 2016), is a collection of linked short stories that follow protagonist Miranda Weber from the time she is 15 years old until she is in her 50s.

Spanning the 1980s to today, the stories can stand alone, but taken together they depict the arc of Weber’s life, set against a backdrop of historical events in the area and the world.

Whyman, who was born in D.C., grew up in Silver Spring and now lives in Bethesda, says she “uses humor to highlight and relieve the darkness. I start to feel claustrophobic if things get too serious.”

Bethesda’s Kimberly Palmer, who recently left her role as senior money editor at U.S. News & World Report to become a features editor at AARP Media, has written a new book, Smart Mom, Rich Mom (AMACOM, June 2016). According to Palmer, a Holton-Arms graduate, it’s the “firstever personal finance book geared strictly to moms.” Palmer, a mother of two, says she was frustrated by the lack of advice for moms that “isn’t about cutting coupons or pennypinching,” so she set out to write about the ways moms can build their wealth via strategic financial choices and long-term savings and investments.

Courtesy of Thomas frank ; courtesy of university of texas press; courtesy of paula whyman; courtesy of kimberly palmer

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banter

What Bethesda’s Reading Top- selling books as of March 22 at the Barnes & Noble Bethesda, compared with Barnes & Noble stores nationwide and at www.bn.com Barnes & Noble Bethesda

DAVE BARRY. The Pulitzer Prize winner will read from and sign copies of his latest children’s book, The Worst Night Ever (Disney-Hyperion, 2016). Sponsored by Politics and Prose Bookstore. 7:30 p.m. Free. Takoma Park Library, Takoma Park, 202-3641919, www.politics-prose.com.

May 21 GAITHERSBURG BOOK FESTIVAL. The annual festival will have writers’ workshops for adults and children, author readings, book signings and other activities. More than 50 authors are signed on so far, including Jeffery Deaver, Alice McDermott and Ron Childress. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. Gaithersburg City Hall, 301-258-6350, www. gaithersburgbookfestival.org.

June 7 MICHAEL GRANT. The author will discuss and sign his newest book, Front Lines (Katherine Tegen Books, 2016), which re-imagines World War II with female soldiers in combat. 7 p.m. Free. Montgomery County Public Libraries, Bethesda branch, 240-7770970, www.montgomery countymd.gov/library.

Hardcover Nonfiction

May 6

Paperback (Fiction and Nonfiction)

events CALENDAR

Hardcover Fiction

LITERARY

1. The Girl on the Train, Paula Hawkins

Data provided by:

Barnes & Noble Nationwide/www.bn.com 1. Fool Me Once, Harlan Coben

2. My Name Is Lucy Barton, Elizabeth Strout

2. Private Paris, James Patterson, Mark Sullivan

3. All the Light We Cannot See, Anthony Doerr

3. Off the Grid, C.J. Box

4. The Nightingale, Kristin Hannah

4. Property of a Noblewoman, Danielle Steel

5. The Swans of Fifth Avenue, Melanie Benjamin

5. The Girl on the Train, Paula Hawkins

6. Fates and Furies, Lauren Groff

6. The Nightingale, Kristin Hannah

7. The Widow, Fiona Barton

7. All the Light We Cannot See, Anthony Doerr

8. Cometh the Hour, Jeffrey Archer

8. The Gangster, Clive Cussler, Justin Scott

9. Find Her, Lisa Gardner

9. Fire Touched, Patricia Briggs

10. NYPD Red 4, James Patterson, Marshall Karp

10. The Steel Kiss, Jeffery Deaver

1. When Breath Becomes Air, Paul Kalanithi

1. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up,

2. Between the World and Me, Ta-Nehisi Coates 3. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, Marie Kondo 4. The Road to Little Dribbling, Bill Bryson

Marie Kondo 2. When Breath Becomes Air, Paul Kalanithi 3. Eat Fat, Get Thin, Mark Hyman 4. Dark Money, Jane Mayer

5. Eat Fat, Get Thin, Mark Hyman

5. Cravings, Chrissy Teigen, Adeena Sussman

6. Seven Brief Lessons on Physics, Carlo Rovelli

6. The Name of God Is Mercy, Pope Francis

7. Playing to the Edge, Michael V. Hayden

7. Spark Joy, Marie Kondo

8. The Name of God Is Mercy, Pope Francis

8. The Immortal Irishman, Timothy Egan

9. Cravings, Chrissy Teigen, Adeena Sussman 10. Spark Joy, Marie Kondo

1. Me Before You, Jojo Moyes

9. The Wait, DeVon Franklin, Meagan Good 10. Between the World and Me, Ta-Nehisi Coates

1. Me Before You, Jojo Moyes

2. A Little Life, Hanya Yanagihara

2. Room, Emma Donoghue

3. H Is for Hawk, Helen Macdonald

3. Miracles From Heaven, Christy Wilson Beam

4. Leaving Berlin, Joseph Kanon

4. Brooklyn, Colm Toibin

5. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, Kim Barker

5. The 5 Love Languages, Gary Chapman

6. The Revenant, Michael Punke

6. You Are a Badass, Jen Sincero

7. The Big Short, Michael Lewis 8. A Man Called Ove, Fredrik Backman 9. God Help the Child, Toni Morrison 10. Brooklyn, Colm Toibin

7. The Revenant, Michael Punke 8. 10-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse, JJ Smith 9. The Martian, Andy Weir 10. A Man Called Ove, Fredrik Backman

courtesy photo

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banter | suburbanologY

by april witt

Shop Local One of the first things Jordan Neyland did when he moved to Bethesda in January was Google “Bethesda butcher shops.” The top option the search engine offered him then was Safeway.

Neyland, a 34-year-old college professor and an avid cook, was disappointed.

He and his wife, Tara, had just returned to the States with their infant son after living in Melbourne, Australia. Their Melbourne neighborhood had a small, high-quality independent butcher shop on almost every corner.

Exploring downtown Bethesda after they arrived, the couple discovered Butchers Alley, which had just opened at 4961 Bethesda Ave. Now they are regulars at the shop, which specializes in hormone-free, locally-sourced meats. “I like that they know where all their meat comes from,” Tara, 36, says. “Having a baby has made us much more responsible about what we eat and what we bring into our home.”

One of the drabbest, most unassuming blocks in the glossy, high-rent Bethesda Row end of downtown has quietly become a little nirvana for foodies.

I can walk to Pescadeli at 4960 Bethesda Ave. to buy a whole fresh fish to grill for dinner, cross the street to Butchers Alley to get grass-fed beef for the next night, select a hot-from-the-oven baguette

from Fresh Baguette, and then pick up wine at Cork 57—all without leaving the block. If someone opened a good organic produce stand here I might only have to brave a big chain grocery store about as infrequently as I visit my accountant or dentist—a few times a year.

Just as important to me as the high quality of the food available on this little stretch of Bethesda Avenue is the experience; it’s high-touch, not high-tech.

Customers of varying ages and backgrounds actually talk to each other and to the experts behind the counter about the ingredients they are buying and what they plan to make with them that night.

The changes on this block mean that, finally, after trying every modern way to buy groceries—including ordering online for pickup or home delivery—I’ve found something that I love. It’s small, authentic and very old-fashioned.

To Heather Arnold, the managing principal of the Bethesda-based design and strategy firm Streetsense, the flourishing of food-shopping options at the farthermost reaches of Bethesda Avenue means something else. “Bethesda is becoming a lot more urban…and we are living a more urban lifestyle,” she says.

“That’s very much an urban sensibility to buy food for one night, mostly because in an urban setting you might not have a car, and so you couldn’t fill up a big cart.”

The retail market analyst and resident Bethesda guru gets excited when I tell her that I am meeting and exchanging recipes with shoppers of all ages—which, in my experience, is not the norm in Bethesda. Places where different kinds of people mingle are “where community flourishes,” Arnold says. She speaks rapturously about a University of Chicago study that looks at the resilience

illustration by claudine hellmuth

One tiny block of downtown Bethesda has become a foodie paradise

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banter | Suburbanology of different communities after natural disasters. Communities with commercial centers where people of different ages and backgrounds meet and interact rebound faster after disasters than those without them, she says. “They foster a ‘we’ mentality, not a ‘me’ mentality.”

Arnold is not surprised that millennials are drawn to a small and friendly butcher shop that features hormonefree, locally-sourced products. “They are seeking experiences and they are willing to shop, more than any other consumer group in the past 50 years, based on principles,” she says.

One little corner of the 4900 block of Bethesda Avenue had been important to area cooks in the know long before many millennials were born. More than 30 years ago, two brothers from Spain opened A&H Gourmet and Seafood Market in the spot where Pescadeli now stands. They sold fish wholesale and did

a no-frills retail trade. Local cooks, particularly those who were born in Europe or had lived there for years, flocked to A&H for high-quality fish they could find nowhere else in Montgomery County.

The brothers trekked to New York City once a week to bring a truckload of fish varieties best known in Spain and Portugal to their Bethesda store. Thursday mornings, when that particular shipment arrived, were especially lively at A&H. It’s a tradition that chef Santiago Zabaleta, now 38, continued after he bought A&H in 2007. Zabaleta was born in Spain. His passion for good food was nourished in his grandfather’s bakery. He graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in upstate New York and came to the Washington, D.C., area to work in restaurants. He lives in Bethesda. When he bought A&H, he expanded its wholesale business and now sells regularly to more than 80 area restaurants. In 2012,

he moved his wholesale headquarters to a building in Kensington that’s better equipped to unload and process huge quantities of whole fresh fish daily.

Then he began upgrading the retail experience on Bethesda Avenue, remodeling the shop and eventually renaming it Pescadeli. Today, Pescadeli is a delicious amalgam. Along with fresh fish, it sells select grocery items from Spain and Portugal, including canned anchovies, sea salt, specialty cheeses and whole Iberian hams. Deli cases are filled with prepared Spanish foods, including the classic egg and potato tortilla. There is a tiny, three-stool lunch counter where customers can eat or just sit and wait for the next pan of paella to come out of the oven. “If you call ahead and tell us when you want to pick it up, we can send you home with a whole pan of paella right out of the oven,” says Christopher Hadley, 34, Pescadeli manager. They

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trust their customers to bring back their paella pan within a few days.

Zabaleta’s network of food-loving customers grew when he and his team opened Butchers Alley across the street.

“We’re getting a mix,” head butcher Joe Radford, 27, says of the clientele. “We still have such a strong customer base from across the street. A lot more of our new regulars are millennials: newly married or maybe they have a new baby or a toddler and they live in Bethesda or around Bethesda. Everybody mingles.”

On a recent Thursday morning, I crossed paths with the Neylands at the butcher shop. They told me about their favorite coffee place in Bethesda, Bold Bite on Fairmont Avenue, and I vowed to check it out. Then, at Pescadeli, I met Maria Carlota, of Rockville, who told me the best way to grill Spanish mackerel was over wood, not coal or gas. She pointed out the brand of anchovies she likes to use on top of homemade pizza.

Carlota has been coming to this block most Thursday mornings for the last 37 years for fresh fish that she can only buy here. Since the truck bringing the fish she wanted from New York City hadn’t yet arrived, she wandered over to Butchers Alley and bought lamb for stew. Then she crossed back to Pescadeli. “Almost two hours I have been waiting,” she says, not complaining. “The fish is that good. I can’t come to Bethesda and not buy fish—no way.” When the truck from New York arrived, she clapped with delight and cheerfully began directing the fishmonger on which fish she wanted and how she wanted it cut.

“Our customers, we know them on a first-name basis and they know us,” Zabaleta says. “We know if they were on vacation last week and where they were.

We know their kids, their husband or wife. We know their preferences, what they like to cook or eat, what they don’t.

It’s fun building that relationship.”

April Witt (aprilwitt@hotmail.com) is a former Washington Post writer who lives in Bethesda.

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banter | hometown

by steve roberts

Part of the Team How a doctor from Potomac is helping a group of Ethiopian refugees train for the Olympics

Physician Kate Sugarman with some of the refugees she’s helped, elite distance runners (from left) Gebre Zewde, Mekonnen Emiru and Berhanu Alemu

In fact, Sugarman—who is 55 and the mother of three sons—has acquired a subspecialty. She works with elite distance runners from Ethiopia who have fled political repression back home and arrived here as refugees.

“It started about 10 years ago, and at this point people get off the plane from Ethiopia and call my cellphone,” she says.

She’s learned some pidgin Amharic, the dominant language of Ethiopia, and the speech patterns of her new patients.

“They thank God a lot,” she notes, repeating the Amharic phrase for pious praise: igzabeher yimesgen. “Sprinkle that in and you get a lot of mileage.”

Last fall, as a flood tide of refugees from the Middle East swamped Europe, the International Olympic Committee decided to allow stateless athletes to compete under the Olympic flag in Rio de Janeiro this summer. This unexpected and unprecedented news electrified the Ethiopian exiles.

photo by michael ventura

Kate Sugarman is a family physician who lives in Potomac and works at a public health clinic in downtown Washington. Over the years she has developed an unusual specialty not taught in medical school: treating the physical and psychological effects of torture.

“It’s all self-taught,” she says. “I see 20-plus clients a day, but a growing number are survivors of torture seeking asylum.”

Sugarman says she’s had to develop a “tougher shell” to handle the “stories of unbearable cruelty and suffering” she hears regularly. But her reward comes from helping survivors “emerge from the deep tunnel of despair” and begin a new life here.

“I always cherish the big hugs that I get when someone is granted asylum,” she says.

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banter | hometown

The runners organized themselves into a team and adopted the name Black Lions, after a resistance group that fought Italian occupation of their country in the 1930s. Most of the 14 athletes work several jobs and training time is scarce, so they agreed to meet every Sunday morning and run together through Rock Creek Park.

Sugarman calls herself the “team mother” and brings drinks, bananas and homemade baked goods to sustain the athletes, but cultural differences can be daunting. At the first meeting last November, she proudly served pumpkin bread. But the Ethiopian Orthodox Church observes many fast days that ban meat, eggs and dairy products. That Sunday was a fast day—and her recipe included eggs. Now she checks the church calendar before baking.

Sugarman and her husband, attorney

Allen Greenberg, lived in Israel for six years with their young children, but she grew up in Baltimore and they moved back here to be closer to family. Her interest in torture victims was initially sparked by individual patients who showed up at her clinic. Then other professionals—doctors, lawyers, social workers—started referring cases to her, and she gradually learned how to document the abuse suffered by asylum seekers. That evidence is often critical to their appeals because asylum is only granted to applicants who can prove they have a “well-founded fear” of persecution if they return home.

“I can’t ever say, ‘That scar on his leg was caused by a cigarette,’ but I can say that the size and shape of the scar is consistent with what he says happened to him,” she says.

The doctor now knows the common

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signs of abuse: knees shredded from crawling across gravel; shoulders dislocated by ropes and chains; teeth broken and ears damaged by police batons. Physical scars reveal only part of the story—the emotional fallout from torture shows up in many other ways.

Sugarman now teaches medical residents how to identify survivors: “If you see an African person coming in and they say, ‘My stomach hurts, my head hurts,’ it’s important to know the bigger picture—where that person is from and the conditions of their country.”

The conditions in Ethiopia “have been bad for a long time, but it seems like they’re getting much worse,” she notes.

Many of the country’s top runners belong to the Oromo tribe, and the government has been particularly brutal in suppressing that ethnic group. “They’re fleeing for their lives, without question. They’re giving up

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banter | hometown

everything,” says Sugarman.

And they need a lot of help. She’s coaxed colleagues, from orthopedists to massage therapists, to donate their services to the Black Lions. Balance Gym in D.C. provides free memberships. RnJ Sports supplies running shoes. “I have this Rolodex in my head of free specialists,” she says.

Several of the exiles have settled in Montgomery County, and the doctor and I met three of them one Sunday evening at a café in downtown Silver Spring, the center of the county’s Ethiopian community. One-third of the county is foreign born, but in this neighborhood the percentage is much higher.

One of the runners is Mekonnen Emiru, a soft-spoken man of 34, who first came to America in 2011 to compete in the Marine Corps Marathon and

finished seventh out of 21,023 runners.

But his brother was an outspoken opponent of the ruling party, and when Emiru returned to Ethiopia he was arrested and beaten. He emerged with a broken ankle, a bruised back and a dim future.

After obtaining a visa reserved for athletes and entertainers, Emiru moved here a year later and met Sugarman when he sought treatment at her medical clinic. Some days he works two full shifts, 16 hours, as a valet parker just to get by. “I’m working double,” he says. “If I’m working only eight hours I cannot afford it.”

Alan Parra, a human rights lawyer in Silver Spring who joined our conversation, adds: “So many runners when they come here, they don’t have any type of support. Emiru falls into that category.

The reality of surviving causes a lot of

them to wind up quitting.”

Now the possibility of competing in the Olympics has given Emiru and the other Black Lions a burst of hope.

A small one. In order to qualify, each runner has to meet performance standards set by an international panel, and given their lingering injuries and lack of training, that will be difficult.

But they are running again. They are living again. They are finding their footing in their new country. When I ask Sugarman if reaching for Rio is as important as getting there, she answers quickly.

“Completely,” she says. “Completely.” n Steve Roberts teaches politics and journalism at George Washington University. This column was suggested by a reader; send ideas for future columns to sroberts@gwu.edu.

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Bethesda’s Best Boutique

hilary schwab

Belina Boutique Belina Boutique was opened in 2003 in Wildwood Shopping Center by the mother and daughter duo, Betty Barati and Sherri Hatam. We specialize in providing head-to-toe dressing for style-savvy women in MD, DC and VA. We offer a variety of contemporary women’s clothing and accessories and have a big following of women who come to us for the advice and attention that they can’t find in bigger stores. We understand

that women have many options when it comes to shopping and we have a commitment to provide our clients with the latest styles and trends and top notch service. For an added convenience, we also offer “off hours” personal shopping appointments and wardrobe consultations.

301-897-2929 www.BelinaBoutique.com

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Bethesda’s Best Builder For over 30 years, Phil Leibovitz and Mimi Brodsky Kress have been building and renovating award-winning homes throughout the Washington area. Sandy Spring Builders has won the Bethesda Magazine “Best of Bethesda” Readers’ Poll for “Best Builder” every year.

Along with Adam Goozh, who runs the Renovations Division of the company, and a team of employees who are among the most talented and passionate in their industry, the company has built

home after home with great pride.

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

301-913-5995 www.sandyspringbuilders.com

Michael Bennett KRess

Mimi Brodsky Kress & Phil Leibovitz | Sandy Spring Builders, LLC

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The Face of

Commercial Interiors

darren higgins

GTM Architects GTM has a full-service, award-winning Commercial Interiors studio with more than 26 years of professional experience in Commercial Design and Building Repositioning. GTM recognizes that workplace solutions are critical to organizational success and implements workplace strategies for optimal results.

Barbara Magistro (not pictured), Eddie Munoz and Robin Menge manage the Commercial Interiors studio, which offers a depth of experience in a wide variety of projects including: corporate, medical office, lab, industrial and

recreation. GTM’s Commercial Interiors studio also have specialized experience in working with building owners to reposition their buildings inside and out to provide a more distinguished aesthetic in order to attract and retain the best tenants. They also have experience providing their clients with the highest level of service and innovative, cost effective commercial interior design solutions.

240-333-2015 www.gtmarchitects.com

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The Face of

Concierge Home Care Lifematters | Scott Thompson, CEO them. When it comes time for immediate home care, skilled nursing services, finding a social companion, or other important life decisions, Lifematters is available around the clock-24/7.

800-293-8973 www.lifemattersusa.com

tony lewis jr

Lifematters is on a mission to revolutionize the way our clients live and age at home because they deserve the best life has to offer. We are the leading provider of comprehensive planning, support and home care services in the Washington metropolitan area. Our team is dedicated to delivering peace of mind by providing best-in-care services when and how our clients need

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The Face of

Concierge-Class Condominium Living

Courtesy Photo

The Lauren The Lauren is the face of modern convenience. The professional staff operates on a highly personalized level to exceed expectations and fulfill every resident’s needs. They handle everything from move-in logistics and valet services to making restaurant reservations, travel arrangements and appointments. Bethesda’s new face of concierge-class living also boasts the city’s most spacious luxury condominiums, from 1,500 to more than 5,000 square feet. Rooms were designed to accommodate larger furniture sets while maximizing natural light and views of Downtown Bethesda.

Amenities are also on par with Manhattan’s most exclusive condominiums. Residents and visitors enjoy a grand lobby entrance, well-equipped fitness center, a huge rooftop terrace and outdoor kitchen, as well as a beautiful screening room and wine lounge with a sommelier and wine lockers.

301-273-1757 www.thelaurenresidences.com

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The Face of

Corporate Technology & Cloud Services Steven Freidkin, CEO & Founder, Ntiva, Inc.

703-891-0131 www.ntiva.com

James Kim

Steven Freidkin is the CEO and founder of Ntiva, Inc. Ntiva is a people-focused, full-service technology firm that provides everything from day-to-day managed support to long-term strategic planning nationwide. Ntiva specializes in customized solutions for each client, providing the right mix of technical talent, hardware, software and cloud hosting services.

Steven’s current focus is working with companies to align their organizational initiatives and growth efforts with technology, developing strategic growth plans for Ntiva and creating an environment for talent to develop.

Ntiva has over 100 full-time employees that share Steven’s passion for providing fast response, technical accuracy, value, and truly caring for all clients and their businesses. Steven studied accounting and finance at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business.

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Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry

Michael Ventura

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

Ranging from simple aesthetic bonding to complex implant dentistry, Dr. Cohen’s office utilizes digital radiography and photography to ensure the most ideal aesthetic results. In addition, Dr. Cohen and his teams’ commitment to continuing education enables them to provide the most current, state-of-the-art, comprehensive care for his patients.

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

301-656-1201 www.cosmeticdds.com

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Cosmetic & Reconstructive Eye Surgery Nicholas Mahoney, M.D. Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute, Bethesda

240-482-1100 www.hopkinsmedicine.org/wilmer

Hilary Schwab

Dr. Mahoney specializes in surgery surrounding the eyes, including the eyelids, eye socket and tear drainage system.

This includes cosmetic and reconstructive surgery on the eyelids, removal of lesions, repair of eye socket trauma and reconstruction of the tear ducts, as well as surgeries for Graves’ disease/thyroid eye disease.

“All of us at the Wilmer satellite in Bethesda are Johns Hopkins faculty members,” says Dr. Mahoney, an assistant professor of ophthalmology. “We also work at the main Johns Hopkins campus in Baltimore, and it has been wonderful to be able to offer the same high-quality care for patients in Bethesda.”

Dr. Mahoney sees patients at Wilmer’s Bethesda Crossing location (7315 Wisconsin Ave., West Tower, Suite #610), which offers routine and specialty eye care services for the whole family.

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Custom Homes

hilary schwab

Doug Monsein, Founder | Douglas Construction Group Doug Monsein spent his early post-college years working in the field for a regional construction company, honing his profession and passion for building homes. In 1999, he started DCG, blending his business acumen with his knowledge of the sticks and bricks side of construction. With over 130 new homes built in Bethesda since then, DCG provides an extraordinary homebuilding experience.

The pillars of the DCG process are fundamental to every project, and fully team based:

1. Exceptional communication before, during and after construction of your home.

2. A stress-free product selection process allows you to enjoy your homebuilding experience.

3. Quality resources and reliable trade partners provide peace of mind.

4. Integrity, passion and pride – standard in every home built by the DCG Team.

301-983-6947 www.dcghomes.com

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Dental Implants Israel Puterman, DMD, MSD

301-652-0939 www.implantsdc.com

hilary schwab

When you need specialized care, you deserve a doctor with the highest level of expertise. In addition to being a Periodontist, Dr. Puterman completed a residency in Implant Dentistry, making him one of the most highly qualified dental implant surgeons in the country. Treating the simplest to the most complex cases involving implants, gum grafting and bone grafting, Dr. Puterman emphasizes the least invasive techniques in order to achieve superior results. In addition, Dr. Puterman is uniquely trained in IV sedation, so that you can rest in comfort during any necessary procedure. Voted by his peers as a Washingtonian “Top Periodontist,� his goal is to provide world-class periodontics and implant dentistry in the most relaxing of atmospheres.

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Early Childhood Education Nina Chibber Green Acres School Nina Chibber has made nurturing young learners her life’s work. She’s spent the past 28 years doing so with the early childhood program at Green Acres, where she is the program’s coordinator. During her tenure, Chibber has stewarded the school’s legacy of thought leadership in early childhood education.

A veteran educator, Chibber’s expertise stems both from research and her own longstanding observations. “Neuroscientific studies confirm the importance of play, curiosity, joy, wonder and discovery in children’s cognitive and socio-emotional development,” she says. “Everything in our program—from the integrated themes we study to design of learning spaces—is intentional. Play, outdoor time and close relationships with teachers and peers go hand-inhand with learning. They serve as the backdrop for every sort of learning activity imaginable.”

michael Ventura

301-881-4100 www.greenacres.org

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The Face of

Elite Living Jill Schwartz, Luxury Realtor Long & Foster Real Estate

301-758-7224 (c) 301-907-7600 (o) www.jillschwartzgroup.com

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Jill Schwartz recently earned the prestigious position of #1 individual agent in Long & Foster’s #1 Bethesda Gateway Office. Independently, Jill sold and contracted over $40 million in sales in 2015.

Her properties averaged only 28 days on the market.

She has contracted over $100 million in real estate transactions over her career.

A go-to agent for second home purchases, she is licensed in MD, DC, VA, NJ, and DE, and represents some of the most high-end custom builders in the Maryland and DC regions. As one of the top-producing ultra luxury Realtors in the area, Jill has created The Jill Collection 2016, a stunning portfolio of her successes, found online at jillschwartzgroup.com. If you’re considering buying or selling property, call Jill today for a complimentary market analysis.

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Estate Condominiums Quarry Springs

Tony Lewis Jr

Quarry Springs in Bethesda puts a new face on the condominium lifestyle with spacious floor plans up to 4,500 square feet, ceilings that soar to 10 feet—and personal elevators that whisk residents from the parking garage to their foyers in seconds.

A magnificent Clubhouse with Grand Salon, catering kitchen and library connects to the residences via underground passageway so inclement weather will never be an issue.

Meticulously landscaped grounds with formal and casual lawns and water features that include a cascading waterfall provide a breathtaking backdrop for a luxurious, resort-style pool area. Concierge services that provide everything from dinner reservations to dry cleaning and party planning put the polish on a lifestyle that compares beautifully to the finest homes and resorts in the world.

301-273-1757 www.quarrysprings.com

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(back row) Alex S. Tanouye, Christina K. Scopin, Patrick M. Schoshinski, Stephanie T. Perry, Micah G. Snitzer (front row) Anne W. Coventry, Nancy G. Fax; (not pictured) Marcia C. Fidis, N. Alfred Pasternak

The Face of

Estate Planning Pasternak & Fidis, P.C. •

Alex Tanouye - versatile go-getter handling planning, probate and fiduciary litigation.

• Pat Schoshinski - thorough tax technician skilled in untangling business succession issues.

Promising new additions Micah Snitzer and Cristina Scopin will also ensure continuity of client service.

Bonus: Working seamlessly with P&F’s family law attorneys makes this team the ultimate prenup powerhouse.

301-656-8850 www.pasternakfidis.com

Michael Ventura

This dynamic team has a deep estate planning bench. Nancy Fax blends sophisticated technical expertise with her unique brand of practical savvy and personalized attention. She and other P&F veteran partners lend decades of experience to coaching the growing ranks of their heirs apparent: • Anne Coventry - crackerjack with big-firm training and a talent for maintaining family harmony.

• Stephanie Perry - insightful rising star who applies finesse and astuteness in equal measure.

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The Face of

Exceptional Real Estate Service

Michael Ventura

The Koitz Group Providing “unapologetically hands-on service,” The Koitz Group@Compass is a real estate boutique primarily focusing on the greater Bethesda and Washington, D.C. luxury real estate markets. Founded and led by Realtor Gretchen Koitz, this five-person team prides itself on delivering a Four Seasons-type experience to all clients. “We try to answer questions that buyers and sellers haven’t even thought to ask – and we have been known to talk people out of buying or selling when we think the situation isn’t right for the client,” says Gretchen. The Koitz Group is also widely

respected by industry peers and known to demonstrate great integrity, knowledge and a willingness to collaborate. In a people business, these are definitely people you want to work with.

5471 Wisconsin Ave., 3rd Floor Chevy Chase, MD 20815 Office: 301-586-9236 Cell: 301-442-8122 www.koitzgroup.com

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Dr. Rachel Cohn | Wink Eyecare Boutique The face of eye care is changing – and Dr. Rachel Cohn is leading the way. “I’m an optometrist with a passion for fashion, too. I think that’s why people really like us,” she says.

Blending the latest eye care technology and comprehensive eye exams with an eyewear boutique, Wink has become a go-to practice for people who don’t want to sacrifice good looks for glasses. Located in Potomac, Wink offers a complete selection of eyeglasses and sun wear to correct

vision and serve as fashion accessories. Designer frames are available from around the world and certified opticians help you select your style, shape and color.

“Glasses should flatter but also match your personality,” says Dr. Cohn. “Try on lots of them and have fun with it!”

301-545-1111 www.wink.net

Tamzin B. Smith Portrait Photography

Eye Care & Fashion Eyewear

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Gracious Senior Living

Michael Ventura

Scott McAlister, Executive Director Barbara Harry, Associate Executive Director Maplewood Park Place Scott McAlister and Barbara Harry are two of the proud faces behind Maplewood Park Place, a senior living community in Bethesda. Maplewood is a cooperative retirement community that offers seniors all the benefits of home ownership along with health care services that include both Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing.

McAlister points out that Maplewood’s unique real estate structure allows owners to build equity in their investment as well as take advantage of substantial

tax credits each year. Harry adds that today’s senior is looking for all the “bells and whistles” of Independent Living but also wants the reassurance of quality health care services.

For the last seven years, Maplewood has been selected “Best Senior Living Community” in Bethesda Magazine’s “Best of Bethesda” Readers’ Poll.

301-530-0500 www.maplewoodparkplace.com

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The Face of

Independent School Leadership

Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School will welcome its new High School Principal, Dr. Marc Lindner, in July 2016. He is currently the Assistant Head of School and Middle School Director at Heschel Day School in Northridge, CA. Dr. Lindner participated in the early development of the academic program at deToledo High School in West Hills, CA, which opened in 2002. He is eager to return to a high school environment and explore the academic and social/emotional phases – including college transition – alongside students, parents and faculty.

“I look forward to bringing my expertise, as well as current research and educational theory to make ever-evolving programs even stronger,” says Dr. Lindner.

CESJDS is a JK-12 pluralistic school that engages students in an exemplary and inspiring general and Jewish education.

301-881-1400 www.cesjds.org

hilary schwab

Dr. Marc Lindner, High School Principal and Associate Head of School Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School

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In-Home Care Ross Fierman Synergy HomeCare

tony Lewis Jr

Ross Fierman has a deep understanding of every family that his home care agency works with. “As the owner, I like to be very hands-on for the entirety of a client’s relationship with us,” he says. “My goal is to ensure that each client is ideally matched with one of our professional caregivers.”

The Synergy HomeCare team and its caregivers are carefully vetted and well trained. Ross attributes high client satisfaction to the company’s commitment to and recognition of caregivers for their critical role in delivering clientcentered care.

“Each client’s and family’s needs are unique,” Fierman says. “We develop customized care plans and closely monitor the changing needs of our clients.” Synergy HomeCare is dedicated to enabling people to safely, comfortably and independently age in place.

301-200-9292 synergyhomecare.com

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The Face of

Integrative Medicine & Primary Care Casey Health Institute providers who manage your care, and talk to each other about what’s best for you.

Think of us as your team – all under one roof, to help care for you, to listen to you and partner with you in restoring your health and vitality.

Medical Offices: 301-644-6464 Wellness Center: 301-355-2030 www.caseyhealth.org

hilary schwab

At Casey Health, our integrative primary care physicians focus on getting you better if you are sick and on everything that makes and keeps you healthy, from preventive care to nutrition to movement and more. We’re innovative, collaborative and focused all on you, our patient.

Casey Health’s primary care physicians offer complete, whole-person care. Along with your primary care physician, patients also develop a relationship with a team of health care

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Integrity Diana Keeling, Realtor®

hilary schwab

Diana Keeling has over 20 years of real estate experience in the Washington metropolitan area. She has a long-established reputation for integrity, trustworthiness and honesty in the community. Each and every client is given the utmost care and individualized attention. Ranking in the top 1 percent of Realtors nationwide, Diana’s professionalism, attention to detail and negotiation skills will allow each and every client a smooth, hassle-free settlement. Originally from London, Diana’s international background has been a great asset to many clients within the World Bank, IMF and international law firms. With all of the uncertainties in today’s real estate market, you can rest assured that choosing Diana will be one decision that you will never regret!

301-634-4121 www.DianaKeeling.com

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The Face of

Invisalign Famous for making people smile in Bethesda, Chevy Chase and Washington, D.C., Drs. Orchin and Bailey are certified orthodontic specialists who are experts in moving teeth and creating healthy, functional and beautiful smiles using Invisalign. “It’s our main focus, so we have the skill, expertise and experience to treat cases other providers may not be comfortable with,” says Dr. Orchin.

“As one of the few single location practices in the country designated as a Top 1 Percent provider of Invisalign, you will

always get the attention to detail that your smile deserves,” says Dr. Bailey.

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

202-686-5100 www.orchinorthodontics.com

Michael Ventura

Dr. Andrew Orchin & Dr. Jill Bailey | Orchin Orthodontics

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The Face of

Luxury Eyewear

Darren Higgins

Voorthuis Opticians Voorthuis Opticians has been providing the area with unique, high-quality eyewear and thorough, customized eye exams for over 40 years. Albert Voorthuis opened the family business in 1973, and his daughters and son-in-law have been running it since the late ‘90s. Rebecca is our president of Optometry, Anna-marie is buyer and director of sales and Seth is general manager.

Our family values our customers and takes pride in making sure each person’s frame suits his or her face and fits perfectly. Our doctors and opticians take time to get to know customers. Visit one of the eight Voorthuis offices around the metro area, and discover for yourself how Voorthuis sees eye care differently. www.voorthuis.com

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The Face of

Luxury Penthouse Living Say hello to Benard Acquah-Impeah, the Face of The Palisades Apartments and Penthouses in downtown Bethesda. As the afternoon concierge, his smiling face is what you will see after a long day at work. He is one of seven Concierge Team members at our Front Desk to serve your needs 24 hours a day.

The Palisades is an oasis in the concrete of downtown Bethesda. Apartments are equipped with top of the line appliances, closet systems and limited access entry—plus all utilities are included! The Palisades Penthouses offer a step up in lifestyle with maid service, premium parking and distinctive floor plans. Their signature finishes and layouts are the most breathtaking in the area.

Stop by and say hello to Benard!

844-235-8173 www.penthousesbethesda.com

Michael Ventura

Benard Acquah-Impeah The Palisades

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The Face of

Making a Difference, One Child at a Time

Michael Ventura

Executive Director Libby Dubner King Westmoreland Children’s Center I believe we make a difference in each child that comes through WCC by laying the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. Children are playful by nature. Play builds a strong sense of self-confidence. It’s especially critical for preschoolers to develop naturally in their play. Our preschool prepares children to work with others cooperatively and approach learning with joy, but also nurtures happier people who will not lose their love of play. This is why our

programs are designed to inspire children to learn through play and the thrill of discovery. Classrooms are warm, nurturing and exciting, and that makes learning fun. I always tell families that is the process – not the product. This is why we make a difference, one child at a time.

301-229-7161 www.wccbethesda.com

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The Face of

Men’s Grooming 18|8 Fine Men’s Salons

301-830-8338 www.eighteeneight.com

hilary schwab

When combined, 18 percent chromium and 8 percent nickel “transforms” steel, becoming a more enhanced and better performing stainless steel. The result is 18|8. It’s our moniker for the transformation of our male clientele to look better, feel better and perform better.

Our stylists and barbers here at 18|8 give more than great men’s haircuts; we also give great advice on men’s style, trends and grooming products. We take pride in how well-educated our staff and stylists are when it comes to offering our clients advice, tips and solutions for their hair care and grooming conundrums. We make sure that we give everyone who steps through our door the time, attention and courtesy that they deserve.

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Montessori High School Education

hilary schwab

Andrew Kutt, Founder and Head of School Oneness-Family Montessori School After 28 years as a leader in Montessori education pre-K through grade 8, Oneness-Family Montessori School is set to launch the first Montessori International Baccalaureate high school in the D.C. metro area in September 2016. “Our focus on big picture thinking skills, collaboration, creativity and character development aims to foster innovators and entrepreneurs capable of building a more peaceful and harmonious world by developing their unique capabilities as individuals,� says Kutt.

The curriculum will be organized around macro themes such as Sustainability, Global Connections, Democracy and Human Rights and Innovation and Design. Partnerships with D.C. area resources, such as the National Building Museum, will take students on field studies to learn from professionals in various fields.

301-652-7751 www.onenessfamilymontessorischool.org

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The Face of

Mortgages Deb Levy Most dynamic is her individual attention, quick response and incredible personal service. Outside of real estate, Deb devotes her time to family, fundraising and marathon running.

301-332-7758 www.debbielevy.com NMLS ID: 481255

Member FDIC

darren Higgins

A native Washingtonian, Bethesda resident and mortgage lender since 1986, Deb Levy has a tireless passion for real estate. The readers of Bethesda Magazine have voted Deb as “Best Mortgage Broker� each year since 2012.

Excelling in the borrowing needs of high-net worth individuals, Deb understands the need for custom solutions for unusual situations. Her specialty is new construction and she lends in all 50 states.

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The Face of

Neurosurgery

Keith Weller

Johns Hopkins Medicine Get the expertise of Johns Hopkins neurosurgeons without the drive to Baltimore. Neurosurgeons Shih-Chun (David) Lin, MD, Ph.D., Quoc-Anh Thai, MD, and Jeff Jacobson, MD, are available to evaluate neurosurgical patients at their Bethesda office at 4927 Auburn Ave. The doctors offer comprehensive, tailored treatment for all neurosurgical conditions, including spinal disorders, brain tumors and cerebrovascular disease, and provide personalized care before and after surgery.

Following any consultation and throughout the course of treatment, our team works with your physicians to determine the best care plan for you. Most neurosurgical operations are performed at Suburban Hospital.

To learn more about our services, please call us or visit our website.

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

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The Face of

North Bethesda Condominium Living This spring, 930 Rose, a boutique collection of condominiums at Pike & Rose in North Bethesda above the Canopy hotel, a new global lifestyle brand by Hilton Worldwide, begins sales from their onsite sales gallery off Old Georgetown Road. In the sales gallery, buyers are able to experience life at 930 Rose via kitchens and bath vignettes that showcase the community’s attention to detail and numerous selection options.

Residences feature walls of windows, expansive floorplans, recessed downlights, balconies and terraces. Kitchens offer KitchenAid stainless steel appliances and gas cooking, oversized islands and Italian cabinetry, while spacious bathrooms have soaking tubs and separate showers.

Owners have access to a host of services provided by Canopy; in addition to a residences-only lobby, owner’s club room and lounge and a rooftop garden terrace with sweeping views—making living at 930 Rose a truly unrivaled experience.

301-747-3417 www.930rosebethesda.com

Michael Ventura

Pike & Rose at 930 Rose

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The Face of

One-To-One Classrooms

courtesy Photo

Fusion Academy Fusion Academy is a revolutionary private middle and high school where positive relationships unlock academic potential. All courses are one-to-one: one student and one teacher per classroom. This allows teachers to customize curriculum and teaching for each student’s individual strengths, interests and learning style. Our supportive campus environment includes a state-of-the-art recording studio, mixed-media art studio and a Homework Café® where students complete all their homework. From algebra to yoga and everything in between, we have classes available at essential, college prep and honors levels to meet your student’s academic goals, whatever they may be.

Fusion students are all unique but have one thing in common: traditional school doesn’t work. Coming soon to Alexandria, Washington, D.C. and Tysons Corner.

Learn more at FusionAcademy.com.

866-904-4770 www.fusionacademy.com

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2016 Faces

The Face of

Outdoor Adventure Camps Founded by May and Bob McEwan in 1956, Valley Mill is run by daughter Evelyn McEwan with the help of her son Bruce Uthus, granddaughter Kelsey Uthus, girl’s camp director Vicki Mostrom and boy’s camp assistant director Francis Fowler.

A wholesome, child-centered program, Valley Mill provides a nature rich outdoor oasis for local children. Located on a 60-acre site in the Seneca/Darnestown region of Montgomery County, the camp’s woods, streams and

spring-filled lake provide a delightfully cool headquarters for a vigorous camp program. Sports and activities include kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing and swimming.

The goal of programs is to focus on the growth and development of the camper’s character as well as improve athletic skills—always with a sense of group fun.

301-948-0220 www.valleymill.com

Michael Ventura

Valley Mill Camp

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The Face of

Real Estate Margie Halem Long & Foster | Bethesda Gateway

Courtesy Photo

Over 30 years ago, Margie Halem started in real estate at a small boutique firm in Georgetown. Today a top-producing agent at Long & Foster’s leading billiondollar Bethesda Gateway office, she is ranked among The Wall Street Journal’s top 1 percent of real estate agents nationwide and has been recognized by Bethesda Magazine’s readers and in Washingtonian as one the Washington area’s best Realtors®.

“Real estate is a deeply personal business,” she says.

“With big decisions and one-on-one connections come deep relationships, and I love that about our industry.”

Margie and her team are an invaluable resource for clients whether they’re buying, selling, moving or renovating. The group’s focus on networking is a big asset in marketing homes for sellers as well as finding homes for buyers.

Office: 301-907-7600 Cell: 301-775-4196 margiehalem@longandfoster.com www.margiehalemgroup.com

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The Face of

Red Meat Raynold Mendizabal, chef, owner and the brainpower behind Urban Butcher in Silver Spring, is turning heads with his bold, meat-centric concept. The Cuban-born restauranteur has created a far cry from your traditional steakhouse.

With its welcoming patio, open-air dining room and upbeat sidewalk bar, this carnivore’s playground prides itself as much on the quality of its product as its vibrant atmosphere. An in-house meat cellar showcases an artisan charcuterie program while fun signature cocktails compliment dishes like filet mignon carpaccio and lamb tartare. And then there’s the steak. Local prime angus 60-day dry-aged steaks and 30-day salt-packed beef tenderloin are the robust stars of an encore-worthy show – which Mendizabal, the director behind it all, claims is the best steak in the D.C. area.

301-585-5800 www.urbanbutcher.com

Michael Ventura

Raynold Mendizabal Urban Butcher

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2016 Faces

The Face of

Remodeling Lifelong Homes

courtesy Photo

Russ Glickman, MCR, CAPS Russ Glickman’s home remodeling company has been serving the metro area for more than 40 years. Russ is passionate about helping his clients create lifelong homes.

While 75 percent of his work is additions, kitchens, bathrooms, interiors and outdoor living, Russ has a strong passion for and expertise in helping those with mobility challenges with accessible, universal design and aging-in-place solutions. Father of a child with cerebral palsy, and having been a caretaker for an aging parent, he knows the unique needs of families where physical disability is part of day-to-day life. This allows Russ to design beautiful and functional projects for his client’s whatever their needs may be.

Russ recently received the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) Master Certified Remodeler Designation.

301-444-4663 www.GlickmanDesignBuild.com

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2016 Faces

The Face of

Special Event Entertainment Angel Santiago | Washington Talent & AP3 500 blowouts throughout the DMV and beyond. Angel describes his career in special events as a, “unique opportunity to orchestrate extraordinary moments through music and positivity.” He professes, “All of us at Washington Talent and AP3 believe in one thing: delivering happiness one event at a time.”

866-982-3836 | 301-762-1800 | Angel@washingtontalent.com www.washingtontalent.com/angels-party-people

Tony LEwis Jr

Special moments in life—a wedding, a child’s bar mitzvah or a company milestone—deserve a memorable celebration. Angel Santiago, a.k.a. MC Angel, promises party perfection. Angel is the passionate, charismatic Marketing Director of Washington Talent Agency (WTA) and talented leader of AP3, a collection of elite special event entertainers. Through this partnership with WTA, his curated team of DJs, emcees, dancers and musicians consistently wows partygoers at posh family affairs and Fortune

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2016 Faces

The Face of

Staging to Sell Your Home

Darren Higgins

Trent Heminger & Mary Noone Trent & Co will stage and sell easily over 100 properties this year—their niche and expertise as real estate agents. With weekly-scheduled movers and trend-right accessories, this team thrives on getting your home ready to sell. “We work with what you have, within your budget and make suggestions room by room – whatever we think will get clients top dollar,” says Mary Noone, who spearheads the Bethesda business. Team leader Trent Heminger has invested smartly in furniture and accessories.

“It’s one of the key pieces to our success,” he says. Besides staging, they’ll assist with pre-market preparations and get it done while clients are at work. Trent & Co will give your home a fresh new look that will set your property apart from the competition!

Compass Real Estate Office: 301-298-1001 Direct: 240-461-3928 www.TrentandCo.com

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The Face of

Style and Pampering The award-winning success of Zohra Salon is attributed to the dynamic relationship between owner Ofeer Marwani, who has great vision, and his dedicated manager Yvonne Bunces, who has supported and executed that vision for more than 16 years.

Together, they have proudly created a sophisticated yet comfortable salon where clients go to get pampered and feel special. Key to their success is treating each staff member like family. In turn, clients benefit from a talented and loyal team of international stylists who share their unique skills among each other and utilize only the finest products and techniques to provide the best service. Led by Ofeer and Yvonne, the staff goes above and beyond to accommodate their clients’ needs and are proud supporters of the community.

301-299-3100 www.ZohraSalon.com

Darren Higgins

Zohra Salon & Zohra Men

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2016 Faces

The Face of

Westbrook Neighborhood Homes Dana Rice Compass Real Estate

tony Lewis jr

Specializing in the unique collection of “Westbrook” neighborhoods (Westmoreland Hills, Westgate, Brookdale, Green Acres, Crestview, among others), Dana Rice is a familiar and trusted resource in Bethesda and Chevy Chase real estate. “Homes in these neighborhoods are well-built, and extremely desirable for their proximity to Friendship Heights and D.C.,” says Rice. “My team lives and works here, which makes a huge difference as we serve our clients.”

From small bungalows to expansive custom new homes, through Bethesda, Chevy Chase and D.C., Dana Rice brings a depth of community knowledge that makes a difference to sellers and buyers alike.

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

Office: 301-298-1001 Direct: 202-669-6908 www.compass.com/agents/dc/dana-rice

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2016 Faces

The Face of

Women’s Health Rockville Gynecology is designed for women, by women, with incredible care to thoughtful details like free parking, lattes, cloth gowns, minimal wait times and easy online access to make appointments and check lab results. “When you’re here, you’re not just a patient, you’re our guest,” says Dr. Young. Dr. Gonzalez and the front desk staff are Spanish speakers, too.

The practice focuses on well care, adolescent care, contraception, cancer risk assessment and menopausal medicine. A particular specialty is minimally invasive surgery, and the doctors are experts in robotic technologies and surgical procedures for menopause and gynecologic conditions such as pelvic pain,

abnormal bleeding, prolapse and fibroids. State of the art, inoffice lasers, including the MonaLisa Touch™, restore vaginal health, while SculpSure™ is a new, non-invasive treatment for fat reduction.

“We partner with our patients to discuss their individual issues and form a treatment plan that will improve their quality of life,” says Dr. Young. “We love caring for women, and it shows at every appointment.”

301-330-7007 www.rockvillegynecology.com

hilary schwab

Dr. Carolynn Young, Dr. Astrid Gonzalez & Tosha Luchtefeld, MS, FNP-BC Rockville Gynecology

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But every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle. We have called by different names brethren of the same principle.

We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists.

Thomas Jefferson

First Inaugural Address, March 4, 1801

VENUE SELECTION

MENU CREATION

EVENT DESIGN

GUEST MANAGEMENT

... AND MORE

240-355-5718 or Inaugural@CREO.Events

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MoCo’s Founding Farmers serves up lots of creative cocktails, including this colorful blackberry sour.

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Great Places to get a drink Lively happy hours, cozy wine bars, outdoor photo by laura chase McGehee

beer gardens—here’s an insider’s guide to

the Bethesda area’s vibrant bar scene by nevin martell BethesdaMagazine.com | may/june 2016 137

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home

Creative Cocktails Redwood restaurant & bar

Fruit-forward martinis—such as a tart ’n’ tangy pomegranate and a cooling cucumber-lime ($11 each)—can be enjoyed alfresco at this Bethesda Lane hideaway favored by shoppers and the stroller set.

General manager Colin Brennan oversees the cocktail program, creating a changing series of seasonal sips, including the King Slayer, a perky mixture of gin, Benedictine, lime juice and bitters ($12). Another summertime standout is his boozy cream soda, creatively crafted with vanilla vodka, ginger beer and aromatic bitters ($10).

7121 Bethesda Lane, Bethesda; 301-656-5515; redwoodbethesda.com

Range

At Range, you’ll find boundary-pushing savory concoctions, such as the scotchamped Vegan Sacrifice, featuring an ice pop made with broth that’s been fortified with charcuterie ($12), and the Le Jardinier, featuring carrot juice, ginger and basil, plus plenty of gin ($12). Beverage director Dane Nakamura gives his inventive creations unforgettable names, such as What’s With All the Tattoos? and Waking Up to Cannonfire, making these drinks as fun to order as they are to sip.

5335 Wisconsin Ave. NW, #201, Washington, D.C.; 202-803-8020; voltrange.com

MoCo’s Founding Farmers

There’s a singular taste to many cocktails here, because they feature rye, gin and pisco distilled especially for the restaurant.

Beverage director Jon Arroyo and his team use the spirits to handcraft both classic and more unique drinks—such as Ernesto the Farmer ($12) with pisco, lime juice, star anise syrup, Peruvian bitters and ginger. “I want to be sure that guests not only have a good time, but that they’re comfortable and able to experience something new with each visit,” Arroyo says. That’s why he created the dealer’s choice ($10-$14); barkeeps will make a drink based on your preferences, such as the Trinidad Sour with rye, Angostura bitters, orgeat syrup and lemon juice.

12505 Park Potomac Ave., Potomac, 301-340-8783, wearefoundingfarmers.com

Masterful Martinis The Brooklyn martini at Olazzo includes prosecco and gin.

Wildwood Kitchen

If dirty martinis are your choice, set your GPS for Robert Wiedmaier’s Mediterranean venture in Bethesda’s Wildwood Shopping Center. Beverage director Mitch Johnson employs a 5-to-1 ratio of Plymouth gin to Dolin dry vermouth in the $12 martinis, and then adds plenty of olive juice and a trio of olives. If you want to step up your olive game, you can request versions stuffed with blue cheese or feta.

10223 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda; 301-571-1700; wildwoodkitchenrw.com

Headline A young family’s Bethesda home proves that interior design can be both stylish and practical

By Jennifer sergeant | Photos by ???

Sushi Damo

There are martinis and then there are saketinis, which are powered by Japanese rice wine instead of gin or vodka. Sushi Damo in Rockville Town Square offers 10 fruit-forward creations, including a refreshing mandarin, a sweet ’n’ smooth peach and a tastefully tart pomegranate ($12 each). If you’d prefer a martini, there are plenty of those, too. The pear-ginger, made with Absolut Citron, is a standout ($12).

36-G Maryland Ave., Rockville; 301-340-8010; sushidamo.com

photos by laura chase mcgehee

Olazzo

More than a dozen martinis vie for your attention at both locations of this Italian restaurant.

Options range from the bubbly, such as the prosecco-pumped, gin-based Brooklyn ($8), to the tastefully tart, as in the house martini featuring raspberry vodka, red wine, and cranberry and pineapple juice ($8). Or go for something truly decadent, such as the White Chocolate with vanilla vodka, Godiva liqueur and crème de cacao ($8).

7921 Norfolk Ave., Bethesda; 301-654-9496; 8235 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring; 301-588-2540; olazzo.com

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MoCo’s Founding Farmers serves inventive cocktails, including the White Star, with rum, gin, mint, cucumber, lime and bitters.

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Civil Cigar Lounge General Manager Paul Spence pours a glass of Glenlivet’s 16-year-old single malt scotch Nàdurra.

Branded ’72

Nothing goes better with barbecue than bourbon, and this no-frills Texas-style joint serves up plenty to complement its 18hour beef brisket, slow-smoked pulled pork and fall-off-the-bone tender ribs. The array of shots includes traditional favorites— such as Wild Turkey ($6) and Bulleit ($6.50)—as well as more adventurous options, including a triple-smoked bourbon from Corsair ($12). On Friday and Saturday nights, your foot will be tapping along to the bands on the small stage as you knock back a tumbler (or two).

387 E. Gude Drive, Rockville; 301-340-8596; branded72.com

Barrel + Crow

The spirits list at this Woodmont Triangle restaurant focuses on whiskey in its many glorious incarnations, including locally distilled ryes from Catoctin Creek ($9), Copper Fox ($11) and Filibuster ($11). Try the latter in the darkly sweet and slightly spicy Fall of D.C. cocktail, along with lemon, maple syrup, spiced apple cider reduction and cayenne ($12). Your choice of bourbons features nationally known brands, as well as a few boutique bottles from Angel’s Envy ($10) and Hudson Baby ($18). “I wanted to have something for everybody—from lighter options to smokier styles,” says co-owner and general manager Patrick Forest.

4867 Cordell Ave., Bethesda; 240-800-3253; barrelandcrow.com

Civil Cigar Lounge

You can sip on a stunning selection of whiskey, bourbon, rye and scotch at this smokery, which is decked out in rich reds and polished dark woods. The extensive bottle list can be sampled in 1- or 2-ounce pours.

Choices range from affordable luxuries to hard-to-find rarities, including a 23-year-old vintage bourbon from Pappy Van Winkle ($90 or $180) and a 25-year-old single barrel Balvenie scotch ($60 or $120). “I continue to look for new, interesting things, like distillers playing with different grains or using different aging techniques,” says co-owner Matt Krimm, who recommends trying Glenlivet’s 16-yearold single malt scotch Nàdurra, which was aged in bourbon casks ($10 or $20).

5335 Wisconsin Ave. NW, #200, Washington, D.C.; 202-364-0800; civillounge.com

photo by laura chase mcgehee

Lots of Whiskey

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Wine Bars

Urban Winery

Mahogany meets exposed brick to create a rustic industrial vibe in this winery’s tasting room. The space and its owners, Damon and Georgia Callis, forgo the stuffiness that can come with wine appreciation, making newcomers feel completely comfortable.

Unwind with a glass of wine made onsite, such as the perfect-for-summertime oaked chardonnay ($10) or the big-bodied zinfandel-syrah blend they’ve dubbed Philotimo ($11). In warm-weather months, fruitier fare—such as tangy blueberry pinot noir ($8) or a snappy green apple riesling ($8)—hits the spot.

949 Bonifant St., Silver Spring; 301-585-4100; theurbanwinery.com

Adega Wine Cellars & Cafe

This downtown Silver Spring wine shop and Mediterranean-minded eatery has been keeping customers buzzing for more than a decade. The shelves are packed with blue-ribbon bargains, reasonably priced overachievers and tougher-to-find varietals.

Wednesday evenings are the night to dine here; after 5 p.m., all bottles $19.99 and above are 25 percent off with the purchase of two entrées. On Saturday evenings from 4 to 7 p.m., the shop hosts complimentary thematic wine tastings that feature everything from biodynamic newcomers to Old World classics.

8519 Fenton St., Silver Spring; 301-608-2200; adegawinecellars.com

The Wine Harvest

Beverage director Andrew Meyrowitz keeps nearly 425 different wines on hand at this well-stocked Potomac store and wine bar, including domestic and international standouts at a variety of price points. Can’t find what you’re looking for? He’s happy to hunt down anything your palate desires. Recently, Meyrowitz found an 80-year-old bottle of rare port for a customer. On most Tuesday evenings, the Wine Harvest hosts complimentary tastings of the hottest and hardest to find vintages from around the globe.

12525-B Park Potomac Ave., Potomac; 240-314-0177; thewineharvest.com

how to order wine on a budget

The Wine Harvest in Park Potomac houses nearly 425 different wines.

There will always be occasions to uncork walletbusting wines. But if you eat out often and regularly drink wine with your meal, it might not be practical to order Opus One all the time. Area wine experts say you can drink great wines for a reasonable price—but you need to know how to find them.

Here are three ways to keep your tab in check:

photo by laura chase mcgehee

Vino Volo

Part bistro, part wine shop, this delightful dual concept on Bethesda Row is favored by oenophiles and wine newbies who appreciate the approachable pricing. Perch on a rattanseated stool at a table in the center of the store or grab a seat in the bustling dining room. Flights helpfully grouped by theme are an easy way to explore Vino Volo’s selections, though the smart staff can also make a more targeted suggestion that’s tailored to your tastes. The shop’s shelves boast a global array of vintages and a small selection of local wines, so the party doesn’t have to end when you leave.

7247 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda; 301-656-0916; vinovolobethesdarow.com

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1.

Don’t be afraid to order blends. “Blends bring more balance, make the wines more elegant and also tend to be less expensive in general,” says Ramon Narvaez, corporate beverage director at RW Restaurant Group.

2.

Settle for two out of three of your preferences when it comes to a wine’s vintage, region and producer. “If you can order a wine with a bad vintage but great terroir and a great producer, you’re in good shape,” says Dave Kahler, wine director at Range in Northwest D.C.

3.

Try a different grape.

“Don’t be sold on specific varietals—Bethesda is very into certain grapes, and they’re hesitant to try wines they’re unfamiliar with,” says Paul Vernon, beverage director at Food Wine & Co. in Bethesda.

“When you’re stuck on wines

that are super popular, supply and demand comes in and those wines will carry a higher price.” Vernon names Spain and Italy as regions to score highvalue wines.

—Laura Hayes

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Extensive Wine Lists Redwood restaurant & bar

The menu here provides tasting notes to guide drinkers. Rosés are “dry, fruit forward, a little spice,” while a subset of whites are “full and juicy wines, many with oak barrel influences.” This approach demystifies the selection process for wine neophytes.

There are plenty of wines by the glass to be enjoyed on the cobblestone patio. When the mercury spikes, Spy Valley’s 2014 sauvignon blanc—crisp with a hint of passion fruit—is an excellent choice ($13 glass, $52 bottle).

7121 Bethesda Lane, Bethesda; 301-656-5515; redwoodbethesda.com

Grapeseed

At chef-owner Jeff Heineman’s blond-wood bistro, the titanic wine list spans the planet. Luckily, the wellinformed staff is happy to help you navigate. Many of the bottles are in the $40 range, and there are more than 50 options available by the glass, making it easy to drink on a budget. Within each varietal, guests can choose from a range of regions and producers. “That way they can try different expressions of the same wine in contrasting styles,” Heineman says. “A New Zealand sauvignon blanc has lots of stone-fruit notes, but a French one is herbaceous and rounder.” Looking to splurge for a celebration? There’s a $625 bottle of Louis Roederer brut rosé Champagne on hand.

4865 Cordell Ave., Bethesda; 301-986-9592; grapeseedbistro.com

Jeff Heineman of Grapeseed with one of the restaurant’s special bottles, a $625 Louis Roederer brut rosé Champagne

Seasons 52

In keeping with the name, there are 52 wines by the glass at this popular North Bethesda spot. Master sommelier George Miliotes handpicks each one and assigns sassy tasting notes, such as a “silky smooth and sexy” pinot noir and a “rich and plump with power” shiraz. There are even diet-friendly red and white selections clocking in at only 150 calories a glass, so you can feel OK about treating yourself without canceling out the benefits of your Pilates session.

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wine lists o unc rked Jeff Heineman’s wine list, much like him, packs personality.

The Grapeseed proprietor seeks a balance between old favorites and cool finds.

“We can guide people to a certain extent, but there are a lot of people in this ZIP code that will tell you what they want,” he says. “If you get too esoteric in Bethesda, it’s not going to work as well.” He says 20 percent of Grapeseed’s wine list accounts for 80 percent of sales, making it easy to track what customers crave.

Heineman builds his list organically. “Sometimes I’ll taste a wine and say I’m going to get that on the list no matter what,” he says. Other times he notices that a varietal, such as cabernet sauvignon, needs to be refreshed, so he asks wine representatives to round up a set for him to sample. “Things move as better wines are presented,” he says, adding that sometimes it’s the customers who turn him on to something special.

Grapeseed’s list is near biblical in size, with 275 offerings by the bottle and more than 50 by the glass and tasting pour—accounting for an inventory valued at $50,000, according to Heineman. The mammoth selection allows Heineman to present different expressions of single varietals. Take sauvignon blanc: Diners can explore a dry and crisp Sancerre from France’s Loire Valley; an herbaceous, rich sauvignon blanc from California’s Napa Valley; and a stone fruit-driven wine typical of New Zealand. “If we didn’t have all three by the glass, you’d be missing out,” Heineman says.

Representing an array of price points is also a critical consideration.

Heineman describes a range in which the wine bar and the customer both win: “There’s a sweet spot around here between 60 to 100 bucks a bottle—above $100, people balk at triple digits.” Those buying $60-$100 wine typically target pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon or chardonnay. However, only 30 percent of Grapeseed’s wine list sits in this price range. “There’s going to be a lot more in the lower price points because those sell Monday through Thursday,” Heineman explains. To price wines by the glass, Grapeseed doubles the wholesale price of a bottle of wine and then adds $8 before dividing by four to calculate the glass price. Bottles, on the other hand, are typically marked up by 50 percent.

One of the best ways for customers to make a dent in the bar’s wine list is by visiting on Fridays when three themed 1.5-ounce pours run $3 from 5 to 7 p.m.

“It’s $3—you can’t even take an Uber anywhere for $3,” Heineman says.

—Laura Hayes

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Beer Heaven

A mega list of brews makes beer lovers happy at Barrel + Crow in Bethesda.

Tyber Bierhaus

It’s Oktoberfest all year long here. Twenty taps highlight beers from Germany, Belgium and the Czech Republic, as well as a few American craft beers that mimic their styles. The stripped-down setting includes indoor picnic tables sourced from Munich’s Oktoberfest, a comfy back booth, and a long bar that sits underneath a chalkboard advertising what’s on draft. While you’re sipping from your stein, you can dig into a sausage platter or soft Bavarian pretzels.

7525 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda; 240-821-6830; tyberbierhausmd.com

Barrel + Crow

At this hophead’s heaven, there are a dozen drafts and nearly 90 bottled beers, including regional favorites from Flying Dog Brewery, the Port City Brewing Co. and the Evolution Craft Brewing Co. On Sundays after 3 p.m., drafts are half price in the bar area. “It’s nice to drink something you’re not familiar with and learn something more about it,” says co-owner and general manager Patrick Forest.

4867 Cordell Ave., Bethesda; 240-800-3253; barrelandcrow.com

photo by laura chase mcgehee

Mussel Bar & Grille

Behind the bar at Robert Wiedmaier’s Bethesda Row restaurant, a wall of glassfronted fridges showcases more than 200 bottles. There are also 15 frequently rotated drafts, all of which are $2 off during happy hour (all day on Mondays, as well as 4 to 6 p.m. on the other days of the week). As with the chef’s other eateries, the selection includes a large percentage of Belgian beers or those brewed in a similar style.

Splurge-worthy suds include Dubuisson Cuvee’s limited-edition Speciale Scaldis Prestige ($85 for a 750-milliliter bottle).

7262 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda; 301-215-7817; musselbar.com

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Dinner at the Bar Urban Butcher

You get the best of the bistro and the butchery at this meatopia when you belly up to the bar. You will have an excellent view of the meat cellar to see what’s aging, while simultaneously being able to watch the action unfolding in the bustling dining room. Solo diners are well served by ordering a board of house-made charcuterie, such as rounds of Espelette pepper-amped saucisson ($5), lamb bacon ($7) and smoked bluefish rillettes ($5).

8226 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring; 301-585-5800; urbanbutcher.com

Woodmont Grill

This long-loved Woodmont Triangle institution recalls a bygone era. Live jazz floats through the bar while subdued lighting sets a soothing tone for noshing on burgers, salads and entrées. Behind the dark wood bar are shelves full of liquor flanked by glass-fronted wine fridges. The cocktail menu would earn the approval of Don Draper—including a bourbon sour sweetened with cinnamon-accented maple syrup ($13) and the DMV Negroni with locally made Green Hat gin ($14).

7715 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda; 301-656-9755; hillstone.com/woodmontgrill

Pizzeria da marco

The bar at Pizzeria Da Marco offers a view of the restaurant’s wood-fired oven.

In the mood for a pie and a show? Sidle up to the end of this Neapolitan pizzeria’s marble bar, close to the wood-fired, 900-degree oven. There, you can watch the pizzaiolos work their magic. Carnivores should hone in on the “Solo Carne” ($14.95) with sausage, pepperoni and salami, while vegetable-lovers would be well served by the primavera (zucchini, roasted peppers, mushrooms and more, $13).

8008 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda; 301-654-6083; pizzeriadamarco.net BethesdaMagazine.com | may/june 2016 149

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raising the bar

Remember when restaurant bars were relegated to the corner, serving only as a holding pen for the dining room?

Step into new restaurants today and you’ll notice a design departure. Restaurateurs are cultivating a lively bar scene, even positioning the bar on prime real estate within the establishment.

“People love to see a bar—even if you’re sitting at a table, you can feel the vibration, the social activity that’s going on,” says Gus DiMillo, a partner at Passion Food Hospitality. At his company’s latest restaurant, PassionFish Bethesda, the foursided bar and accompanying high-top tables and lounge area are the main attraction.

Natalie Park, who designed the Greek restaurant Kapnos Kouzina in Bethesda, says, “Diners are looking for a more casual,

w h a t’s

people are looking for more bar seats.”

Motives include more solo diners who find eating at a table awkward; social fluidity that might mean visiting several restaurants in one night; and the dynamic dining experience that guests receive when befriending bartenders.

David Jones, managing partner at Blueridge Restaurant Group, which owns Stanford Grill in Rockville, was picky about his bar’s design there because he recognizes its importance. “During construction, I changed things a few times,” he says. “I didn’t like the way the lights were hanging, so we paid $10,000 to replace them.” He says everything had to be just right because the bar is meant to appeal to everyone from millennials to baby boomers.

—Laura Hayes

comfortable dining experience. Even if the food is high-end, people want to sit at the bar.” The U-shaped oak bar at Kapnos Kouzina accounts for one-third of the restaurant’s seating.

DiMillo says the popularity of craft cocktails has provided restaurateurs with incentives to have larger, more prominent bars. “Food was always creative, but now you have these great bartenders that are passionate about what they’re doing. We should give them an environment to thrive and flourish,” he says.

“The same way people like to sit in an open kitchen, they like to sit at a bar and watch,” says Brian Miller, a designer at Bethesda-based Streetsense, a firm that designs restaurant spaces. “The ratio of bar seating to dining seating is changing—

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The sleek wood bar at Food Wine & Co.

Eye-catching Décor Tower Oaks Lodge

You’ll think you’ve stepped into an haute hunting lodge when you drink at this woodsy watering hole, which was inspired by the “Great Camps” of the Gilded Age that dot the Adirondack Mountains. Boughs crisscross arched ceilings that feature generous skylights. The stuffed heads of wild game peer from the walls, several canoes hang from the ceiling, and the stained glass fixtures are emblazoned with the outlines of fern fronds.

2 Preserve Parkway, Rockville; 301-294-0200; clydes.com/tower

Food Wine & Co.

The top of the long wood bar at Food Wine & Co. is light in color and has the sleekness of a bowling lane. It contrasts nicely with the dark woods that shape the bar and the tangerine-hued accents that trace the upper reaches of the room. Slide onto a leather-topped stool for a business chat with a colleague or a rendezvous with a sweetheart.

7272 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda; 301-652-8008; foodwineandco.com

photo by stacy zarin-goldberg

Co2 Lounge

Bold browns and rich golds dominate this tastefully designed lounge. Teardrop fixtures and tiny light globes overhead add a gauzy sheen to the after-dark scene, which comes alive on Friday nights with DJs and live music. Whether you commandeer a stool at the marble bar or sit on one of the ruby red couches, you can revel in the ritzy vibe while surrounded by the sharply dressed customers who frequent the lounge.

7401 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda; 301-654-8333; cesco-osteria.com

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Summer House Santa Monica

This airy and bright bar in Pike & Rose makes you feel like you’re hanging out at a boathouse party near the Santa Monica pier in California. The space is done up in linen white and sandy tones to recall the seashore.

An upbeat pop soundtrack complements the crowds of chatty millennials, couples and well-dressed women. The “chefcrafted” cocktails are popular, including the cinnamon-y, allspice-accented Apple Pie Old Fashioned ($12) and the Palm Fizz ($12), which features aromatized wine and prosecco.

11825 Grand Park Ave., North Bethesda; 301-881-2381; summerhousesm.com

Sugo Osteria

This Potomac standout peps up its urban décor—a concrete floor and an iron-outlined bar— with a few colorful touches, most notably a wall mural formed out of red, yellow and white tiles. A diverse crowd— from old friends to fresh-faced 20-somethings—takes over the bar on weekends, creating a vibrant atmosphere. The well-done cocktails are a big draw, especially the Call Me Big Grappa ($11) with tones of ginger, apricot and citrus.

12505 Park Potomac Ave., Potomac; 240-386-8080; eatsugo.com

Gringos & Mariachis

The crowd that packs the L-shaped bar here is young, hip and loud. Dark with exposed brick and reclaimed wood, the bar draws millennials and Gen Xers with creative and fun cocktails (with names such as Low Rider and Tijuana Zebra) and an extensive selection of beer, tequila and margaritas.

For something different, try the jalapeño-cucumber margarita, made with Sauza Signature Blue Silver tequila, lime, jalapeño, cucumber and simple syrup ($8).

4928 Cordell Ave., Bethesda; 240-800-4266; gringosandmariachis.com

Black’s Bar & Kitchen

Crowds of young professionals, old friends and families all congregate at restaurateur Jeff Black’s buzzy joint to catch up over local drafts and an extensive selection of wines.

You may have to jostle to get a seat—the room overfills on both weekends and weekdays, thanks in part to one of the best deals on oysters around (two for $2.25 from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday).

7750 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda; 301-652-5525; blacksbarandkitchen.com

photo by skip brown

Buzzing Scenes

A lively crowd often gathers for oysters and drinks at Black’s Bar & Kitchen.

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Under the Stars Summer House Santa Monica

There’s a countdown to summer on the wall next to the bar, so you always know how many days before alfresco season.

On the sidewalk outside, moviegoers waiting for their showtime, shoppers and groups of friends sip and sup under crisp white umbrellas. The wine list showcases half a dozen sustainably produced and biodynamic wines. On a summer’s eve, we zone in on Kistler Vineyards’ Les Noisetiers Chardonnay ($14 glass, $58 bottle), which is rich with green apple and butterscotch notes.

11825 Grand Park Ave., North Bethesda; 301-881-2381; summerhousesm.com

Denizens Brewing Co.

Strings of white lights crisscross above an outdoor patio festooned with picnic tables and able to accommodate 200 customers. The super-casual atmosphere—dogs allowed!—is wellsuited for knocking back freshly pulled pints of house-brewed beer and listening to the bands that occasionally play there.

In warm weather, it’s hard to go wrong with a Southside Rye IPA ($6.50) with refreshing citrus accents. Pair it with the spicy green mango salad ($7).

1115 East West Highway, Silver Spring; 301-557-9818; denizensbrewingco.com

Old Angler’s Inn

It’s easy to beat the heat at this Potomac institution because the tables dotting the cobblestone patio are shaded by both boughs and umbrellas. At night, strings of pearly white lights bring the space to life.

To complement the food menu, there’s a small selection of faithfully executed Prohibition-era cocktails, as well as more creative concoctions, such as the Smokey Pineapple, made with mescal, honeypineapple syrup, pineapple juice, lime juice and bitters ($14).

10801 MacArthur Blvd., Potomac; 301-365-2425; oldanglersinn.com

photo by stacy zarin-goldberg

Picnic tables line the large patio at Denizens Brewing Co. in Silver Spring.

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Wicked Good Morning

at All Set Restaurant & Bar It makes sense for a New England-themed restaurant to serve a cocktail containing Dave’s Coffee Syrup. The elixir has a cult following in Rhode Island where it’s typically served with milk. At All Set Restaurant & Bar in Silver Spring, bar manager Molly Horn serves the syrup with cinnamon-infused Old Overholt rye in a cocktail dubbed Wicked Good Morning. Horn reports that New Englanders craving a taste of home are delighted to see Dave’s on the menu. The chilled drink also contains coffee and housemade orgeat—a syrup made from almond milk and toasted almonds. Despite being dairy-free, it displays the head of a cappuccino when shaken.

Ruby Slipper at Black’s Bar & Kitchen Black’s Bar & Kitchen in Bethesda rewarded its most loyal customer by naming a drink after her.

“She comes in three to four times a week,” says house mixologist Joel Bailey. The regular, Lauren, is always dressed to impress and flying solo.

“She’s very unique and eccentric—and always wears crazy shoes like Manolo Blahniks,” says beverage director Jamie Imhof. Together, Bailey and Lauren dubbed the drink “Ruby Slipper,” a nod to Lauren’s signature pink shoes. The Bombay Sapphire gin-based cocktail is refreshing thanks to the fresh-squeezed grapefruit and lime juice, plus basil. It gets its pizzazz from a candied and dehydrated grapefruit-wheel garnish.

—Laura Hayes

photos by laura hayes

“Savoir Faire”

The DMV at Macon Bistro & Larder Andra Johnson, the general manager and beverage director at Macon Bistro & Larder in Chevy Chase, D.C., found a way to tip her hat to the District, Maryland and Virginia in the bar’s signature drink, The DMV. “I wanted to make sure everyone was represented, because our clients come around the circle from Maryland and across the bridge from Virginia,” she says. One Eight Distilling’s District Made Vodka forms the base of the cocktail that exhibits a red hue—representing the stars and bars on the D.C. flag— thanks to Aperol and Luxardo Maraschino. The twisted lemon peel pays homage to the yellow in Maryland’s flag, and the long-stemmed glass salutes the staff that Virtus holds on the obverse side of Virginia’s state seal. “That’s just me being a geek,” Johnson says. Dolin dry vermouth and rhubarb bitters round out the drink.

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PATIO PUNCH Socialize your Spring with Master Barman Adam Seger’s shared Cocktail Experience on City Perch’s Striking Patio.

The warmer weather brings a brand new way to socialize and an incredible place to gather with your friends. Step out and check out the perfect spot to kick back around the punch bowl at City Perch Kitchen + Bar’s comfortable and chic second floor patio.

It’s a little bit retro and a whole lot on-trend.

Master Barman Adam Seger has created three delicious limited-time punch recipes featuring ingredients fresh from local farmers and quality spirits so there is zero guilt. There’s a flavor profile for everyone from the Afternoon Delight, made with New Amsterdam vodka, lemon, berries, Aperol, fresh lemonade and naughty mint. If you’re craving something with some zing, try Southern Decadence, comprised of Bacardi Anejo, El Dorado 8 Year Demerara Rum, Balsam American amaro, Rare Tea Cellar Magnolia Oolong, strawberry, passion fruit, pineapple and umbrellas. The name Fatal Attraction speaks for itself; enjoy a mix of smoked tea, blood orange, Camarena 100% de Agave Bourbon Barrel Aged Reposado Tequila, and a lucky rabbit’s foot. City Perch’s new Patio Punch is this season’s new local favorite.

This incredible and exclusive feature is offered throughout the summer, all day, so there’s no limit to your Sunday Fundays, boozy brunches, weeknight wind-downs, and everything in between. Each City Perch patio punch bowl includes four servings for $20… and there are options! Supplement with a splash of prosecco or Piper-Heidsieck champagne to take the festivities up a notch for $2 or $5, respectively. The more the merrier, too. Additional servings can be added to accommodate larger groups for maximum-level fun.

The farm-fresh focus doesn’t stop at the cocktails. Tantalizing locally sourced seasonal American cuisine is served by a friendly staff with a keen hospitality focus. From the mind of three-time James Beard Award-winning Chef Sherry Yard, and voted one of Modern Luxury’s 10 Most Exciting New Restaurants in DC, City Perch is sure to be the destination of the summer. Nosh on unique playful dishes like the Everything Waffle a savory starter with Norwegian smoked salmon, dill crème fraîche and salmon roe, and get your carb-on with the baked in-house Bread Board. The Perch Burger is an elevated classic, and the Roasted Long Island Duck paired with southern fixin’s is a meal to come back for again and again.

City Perch Kitchen + Bar is located at Pike & Rose, 11830 Grand Park Avenue in North Bethesda. For reservations call 301-231-2310 or visit cityperch.com. Complimentary Parking.

City Perch Kitchen + Bar’s striking second floor patio sets the scene for social cocktailing.

Chef Sherry Yard’s Bread Board and Everything Waffle at City Perch.

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Lively Happy Hours

Bartender Tyler Cotting serves sliders and oyster shooters, part of the $5 deals at PassionFish Bethesda’s happy hour.

Lively Happy Hours Paladar Latin Kitchen & Rum Bar

Say “hola” to happy hour, which runs daily from 4 to 7 p.m. and from 9 to 11 p.m.

Sunday through Thursday. It’s only $5 for sangria, mojitos and margaritas (a standout is the tart and zingy pomegranate-ginger).

Rum flights are $5 off, so a 21-year-old vintage from Appleton Estate and two other top-shelf bottles become a more affordable luxury. Complement your sips with crispy yucca fries ($3.95), queso fundido ($7.95) and other specially priced bites.

11333 Woodglen Drive, Rockville; 301-816-1100; 203 Crown Park Ave., Gaithersburg; 301-330-4400; paladarlatinkitchen.com

PassionFish Bethesda

It’s amazing what you can get for $5. The long list of discounted happy-hour bites and bevvies includes Singlo prosecco, several wines, half a dozen specialty cocktails, more than a dozen draft beers, crab cake sliders, blackened mahimahi tacos and bloody mary-inspired oyster shooters. Perhaps best of all, the specials run every day of the week—3 to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 4 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, and 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday.

7187 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda; 301-358-6116; passionfish bethesda.com

photo by michael ventura

Mon Ami Gabi

This tres magnifique Parisian-style bistro on Bethesda Row offers happy hour from 3 to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Discounted drinks include a glass of Stella Artois for $3 and Marquis de la Tour sparkling wine for $5.50. They perfectly complement classic French fare that includes mussels marinière, rich country pâté, and oven-roasted escargot in a pool of melted herb butter (each dish is $6).

7239 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda; 301-654-1234; monamigabi.com

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Denizens Brewing Co.

Though it opened less than two years ago, this establishment is already a serious player in the Washington area suds scene.

Much of that success can be attributed to Director of Brewing Operations Jeff Ramirez, who constantly creates limited-edition beers—such as the citrus-kissed, springtime crowd pleaser Short Session Double IPA— to complement the slate of standards.

Take a tour and try five brews on Saturday afternoons ($10; reservations required).

1115 East West Highway, Silver Spring; 301-557-9818; denizensbrewingco.com

7 Locks Brewing

This industrial-style production facility and taproom doesn’t have much flair, but it is home to some flavorful brews. For a lighter experience, go with Owen’s Ordinary Pale Ale ($6). If you’d like something heavier, try the roasty ’n’ toasty Coffee Stout ($6).

Either way, come expecting the unexpected as brewer Thomas Hartman changes the selections frequently. Food isn’t sold on-site (except from the occasional food truck), so you may want to come armed with your own.

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

Waredaca Brewing Co.’s beer can be enjoyed in the tasting room or on a countryside patio.

Waredaca Brewing Co.

This former camp for boys in the countryside has been transformed into an eco-minded farmhouse brewery. Every beer features at least one ingredient that was grown or produced on-site. Cascade hops power the Maude Belgian dubbel ($6), while honey sweetens up the Little Dam wheat beer ($6). Enjoy a pint and a compact menu of small bites (or bring your own food) in the fuss-free tasting room, where there’s plenty of seating around long rustic wooden tables, or head outside to hoist one under the stars at a picnic table on the patio.

4017 Damascus Road, Gaithersburg; 301-774-2337; waredacabrewing.com

photo by michael ventura

Brewed in Our Backyard

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home brews What started with chefs connecting with local farms and rolling out farm-to-table menus now extends to beverages, as bartenders reach for locally made beer, wine and spirits. Local craft beer is seeing the biggest boom, thanks to the climbing birthrate of Maryland breweries.

MoCo’s Founding Farmers is particularly serious about offering local brews. The popular Potomac eatery serves only Maryland beers.

“You already couldn’t get a bottle of

Bud at Founding Farmers because we’ve always been craft beer focused,” says beverage director Jon Arroyo. But as of last November, the restaurant switched to a Maryland-only beer list starring Denizens, Jailbreak and Union, to name a few. “We can do an all-Maryland list now and make it interesting—it doesn’t have to be a Flying Dog tap takeover,” he says.

When Maryland passed House Bill 132 in 2014, allowing breweries to self-distribute, it opened the floodgates to new beers from new breweries.

“One of the things that make places feel like a neighborhood bar is having access to the things that surround you,” Arroyo says. Plus, there are benefits to serving local beer, including greater sustainability and brewery field trips for staff.

The all-Maryland list has been warmly received by diners, according to Arroyo, who hopes to be setting an example for other establishments. “It’s exciting to support them at this stage,” he says.

—Laura Hayes

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The Barking Dog

There’s a Cheers-y atmosphere at this well-worn downtown Bethesda mainstay.

After a few visits, don’t be surprised if the bartender greets you by name and remembers your drink of choice. It’s a pretense-free operation with equally humble offerings, which range from Bud Light and Michelob Ultra to local craft brews from Flying Dog and Heavy Seas, as well as full-strength cocktails and a small number of modest wines.

4723 Elm St., Bethesda; 301-654-0022; barkingdogbar.com

Quarry House Tavern

When a fire ravaged this subterranean sipper club in downtown Silver Spring, regulars feared their favorite spot for no-frills drinking was gone. Thankfully, owner Jackie Greenbaum temporarily moved the tavern across the street into Piratz Tavern’s former space. Now the original location will be resurrected this spring in all its dimly-lit glory. The aim is to make the grungy basement space the same as before—though there will be a new AC to keep customers cool during the summer.

8401 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring; 301-587-8350; facebook.com/quarryhouse

Hank Dietle’s Tavern

No frills, no fuss, but plenty of cheap drinks. This 100-year-old Rockville roadhouse began as a general store before morphing into a proudly selfclassified “dive bar.” Lit up with neon beer signs, it gets its patrons fired up with a steady schedule of live music—from rock ’n’ roll and rockabilly to jazz and blues.

A pool table, a jukebox and a few video games keep drinkers entertained as they hang out in a defiantly timeless and trend-free environment.

11010 Rockville Pike, Rockville; 301-881-8711; facebook.com/ hankdietlestavern

photo by april wit t

Quirky Dives

Rockville institution Hank Dietle’s Tavern

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Built in 2015, this Greek Revival is an original Phillips Park home designed by Jones & Boer Architects.

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Growlers

Before brewpubs were the new big thing, this two-level spot was producing ales and lagers galore, which attracted the neighbors—who never left. They flock here to knock back a few pints of the house creations, such as the King Brownie Nitro Milk Stout ($7)—which tastes like a chocolate cookie dunked in an espresso milkshake—and the light and refreshing Log Town Golden Ale ($6). On Friday and Saturday nights, the upstairs saloon hosts live music, so locals can rock out without having to go far.

227 E. Diamond Ave., Gaithersburg; 301-519-9400; growlersrestaurant.com

Lock 72 Kitchen & Bar

There’s a friendly home-away-from-home feeling at this neighborhood favorite (formerly called River Falls Tavern) owned by chef Robert Wiedmaier’s RW Restaurant Group and located in the Potomac Village Shopping Center. Regulars gather for drinks around the rectangular centerpiece bar in the dining room, which is accented with stone and bricks. Looking for a bite to go with your pint or pinot? There’s plenty of American fare presented with a cheffy flourish, such as a Wagyu beef burger topped with tomato jam and smoked mozzarella ($24).

10128 River Road, Potomac; 301-299-0481; lock72.com

The Irish Inn at Glen Echo sees a steady flow of locals.

The Irish Inn at Glen Echo

Walk in on a Monday night and you’ll swear you’re in Dublin. Live traditional Irish music bounces off the hardwood floors, and the draft beers favor the Emerald Isle, too, including Harp Lager, Kilkenny Irish Cream Ale and Guinness Extra Stout, of course (all $7). Ireland’s classic brand of warm hospitality pervades here, which keeps regulars returning to hoist pints while toasting their companions with “sláinte!”

6119 Tulane Ave., Glen Echo; 301-229-6600; irishinnglenecho.com

photo by skip brown

Neighborhood Favorites

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Bring your Own Fresh off the plane from Europe with a haul of fine wine? Thanks to a 2012 Montgomery County law, you don’t have to drink every prized bottle at home. Restaurants in the county have the option to charge corkage fees for opening wines that customers bring in as long as the wines do not appear on the restaurant’s wine list. However, BYOB is largely underutilized because many diners remain unaware that it’s an option, or because they flock to certain restaurants specifically for their wine lists.

“We probably have three or four a month,” says Jorge Cordero, the director of operations at Urban Butcher in Silver Spring.

Colin Brennan, the general manager at Bethesda’s Redwood Restaurant & Bar, also says it’s rare. “I’m not really sure why people don’t take advantage of it,” he says.

“No one BYOBs,” adds Dimitri Pankratov, the general manager of 8407 Kitchen Bar in Silver Spring.

City Perch Kitchen + Bar in Pike & Rose says some of its customers bring their own. “The clientele that we attract in this region is more educated,” says Raasikh Muhammad, the restaurant’s general manager. “They travel and bring back really nice wines.” You might think the lost sales revenue would make restaurants roll their eyes at BYOB diners, but for at least one, that’s

a misconception. “We would love for people to select from our wine list, but we don’t want to sour the guest experience by not allowing them to enjoy wine they’ve been sitting on,” Muhammad says. “We should be proud they want to enjoy it with us.”

The law applies to wine only, so don’t try to BYO beer or liquor. Restaurants typically charge a $20 to $25 corkage fee, but they also have the option of not permitting diners to bring their own bottle, so call ahead to check. “We don’t really allow BYOB unless it’s an unusual case,” says Roberto Pietrobono, co-owner of Olazzo in Bethesda and Silver Spring.

—Laura Hayes

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Swanky Bars Civil Cigar Lounge

You might think you’re in Manhattan when you saunter into this sleekly-designed cigar bar next door to Bryan Voltaggio’s modern-minded Range, which provides the food. Walnut-hued wood and rich reds dominate, accented by skull-themed wallpaper and golden teardrop fixtures over the glass-encased cigar counter.

A bank of humidified lockers allows puffers to store their favorite cigars on-site.

5335 Wisconsin Ave. NW, #200, Washington, D.C.; 202-364-0800; civillounge.com

The Capital Grille

Like a luxe hunting lodge from Teddy Roosevelt’s era, this Chevy Chase bar revels in masculine touches. The stuffed heads of two stags stare down from the walls next to the gold-accented bar. Crystal pendant light fixtures cast a sepia tone over a room done up in opulent burgundies and dark wood. Wine locker renters can keep cherished bottles on hand and are given perks, such as having access to sales of hard-to-find vintages.

5310 Western Ave., Chevy Chase; 301-718-7812; thecapitalgrille.com/chevy-chase-md

Stanford Grill

There’s a slick, sleek look to this Rockville redoubt, which specializes in steak house fare and sushi. Browns, oranges and blacks echo the colors of a roaring fireplace. Its duskily-lit rectangular bar is a booming behemoth, great for date nights, business meetings or a catchup with friends. Or you can grab a stool, sip a martini and simply watch the action unfold.

2000 Tower Oaks Blvd., Rockville; 240-582-1000; thestanfordgrill.com n

Nevin Martell is a D.C.-based food and travel writer, and author of the travelogue-memoir Freak Show Without a Tent: Swimming with Piranhas, Getting Stoned in Fiji and Other Family Vacations. He can be found on Twitter and Instagram @nevinmartell.

photo by stacy zarin-goldberg

Bar patrons are treated to a ritzy atmosphere at Stanford Grill in Rockville.

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Scott Chambers has been working at La Ferme in Chevy Chase for nearly 30 years.

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g Chefs

Some of the area’s best chefs don’t compete on reality TV shows or promote themselves on social media.

Working long hours in hot, cramped quarters, these culinary masters are the lifeblood of some of our most popular restaurants. Here are seven local chefs whose names you probably don’t know.

By Carole Sugarman Photos by liz lynch

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Yimy Monge Chef de Cuisine | Lo ck 72 Kitchen & Bar, Potoma c Yimy Monge whips up mashed potatoes every week for one of Lock 72’s regular diners, even though the restaurant doesn’t usually serve them. He’s been known to re-create customers’ favorites— including duck chips, tuna sashimi and Tex-Mex salad—after they’ve come off the menu. “When you make something good and people appreciate it, that’s happiness,” says Monge, 32. “When you do something you love, it doesn’t matter if you work 14-hour days.”

A firm believer in the idea that dedication and hard work lead to success, Monge moved from his native El Salvador to Long Island, New York, when he was 16 and cooked at an Italian restaurant where his uncle was the executive chef. Ten years later and eager to try something new, he moved to Maryland and got a job as a line cook at Balducci’s gourmet market in Bethesda, where his mom was working

in the kitchen. Monge had been there for about five months when Brian Nussear, the executive chef at Balducci’s, was hired to head up the kitchen at the new Tavern at River Falls; he asked Monge to join him as souschef. Eighteen months later, Nussear left, and Monge was promoted to his position. When Robert Wiedmaier and his group bought the restaurant last year and changed the name—first to River Falls Tavern, more recently to Lock 72 Kitchen & Bar—they kept him on, an unusual move for a company that likes to train and hire from within its ranks. But they saw in Monge an eager, organized and tireless chef. “He still comes in on his day off,” says Frank Shull, partner and chief operating officer of the RW Restaurant Group.

What Monge learned from his grandmother, who was a cook at an El Salvadoran coffee plantation and his culinary mentor: “Being humble and loyal.”

Hardest part of being a chef:

“Having a personal life.”

Favorite casual fare: Food trucks, especially those that specialize in Latin street food.

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Rosie Iapalucci Pastry Chef | Mia’s Pizzas, Bethesda When Rosie Iapalucci dropped off her résumé at Mia’s Pizzas in 2009, owner Melissa Ballinger ran out the door and down the street to catch her. Looking over Iapalucci’s credentials, Ballinger wasn’t about to let her get away. After working on Wall Street and realizing that she preferred fine cooking over finance, Iapalucci graduated from Peter Kump’s New York Cooking School (now called the Institute of Culinary Education), and later attended Ewald and Susan Notter’s now-defunct International School of Confectionary Arts in Gaithersburg, where she learned the art of blown, poured and pulled sugar. Her first job was

making breakfast breads and sweets at the elegant River Café in Brooklyn, home of the legendary chocolate dessert that looks like the Brooklyn Bridge. After her husband, Michael, got a job in the Washington, D.C., area, Iapalucci landed in the pastry department at The Ritz-Carlton in Pentagon City. She eventually took time off to raise five daughters—she and her husband adopted three girls from Kazakhstan and two from Russia.

Shy and reserved, the 52-year-old Iapalucci says she “likes to hide in the back,” meaning the confines of the kitchen,

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.

where she can focus on her decadent but nonfussy desserts, such as the Caramel Chocolate Mousse Bomb, chocolate chip bread pudding and fruit crisps. Among Iapalucci’s loyal fans: a teenage boy who polishes off two of her Ultimate S’mores after dinner, canines Zelda, Max and Chloe, who nibble on her homemade healthy dog treats outside on Mia’s patio, and “the cupcake guy” who drops by a couple times a week (Iapalucci’s cupcakes are available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays).

What she likes about baking: “The ‘wow’ factor. I like

it when people say, ‘How did you do that?’ ” What her daughters, ages 18 to 24, think of her job:

“They’re really proud of me. One of my daughters wrote a high school paper about my chocolate cake. You had to write about something wonderful.”

Desserts she orders at other restaurants:

Creme brulee and chocolate molten cake. Some desserts have “too much going on,” she says. “You can’t describe what you just had.”

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Miguel and Maribel Linares Head C hefs | Grin gos & Maria chis, Bet hesda This brother-and - sister team,

originally from Puebla, Mexico, comes from a family of cooks. They both learned the art of mole (along with chili relleno and more) from their mom, who prepared meals for factory workers and schoolchildren for years and currently runs a small restaurant in Puebla, where her other three grown children all work in the food business.

“Because they’re preparing food from their own country, they take pride in what they’re doing,” Gringos’ co-owner Roberto Pietrobono says of the siblings.

“Maribel treats it like her own kitchen.”

Miguel, 37, has been the executive chef at Olazzo in Bethesda—also owned

by Pietrobono and his brother Riccardo— for 13 years. Now he works 12-hour days, dashing back and forth between Gringos and Olazzo (which is a couple blocks away) so he can oversee both kitchens.

Maribel, 39, who used to cook alongside her mom, worked at several fast-casual restaurants in the Washington, D.C., area before joining the staff at Gringos when the restaurant opened in 2014. She arrives between 6 and 7 a.m. five days a week to prepare all the meats and salsas, and acts as the eyes and ears of the kitchen, according to Roberto Pietrobono. She and Miguel are neighbors in Rockville, and sometimes help care for each other’s children. Miguel, translating for his

sister, says Maribel is “so happy” when diners enjoy her cooking. And they do: Gringos was voted “Best New Restaurant”

by Bethesda Magazine readers in 2015, and was among the favorites in three categories in 2016.

What they want diners to know about them: “Everything we do with

heart. We put a lot of passion into it,” Miguel says.

Favorite dishes at Gringos:

Miguel likes the al pastor taco, with its shredded pork, grilled pineapple, diced onion, salsa and cilantro; Maribel’s top pick is the birria taco—slow-cooked short rib, avocado, onion and cilantro— that’s made from her recipe.

Favorite restaurants in Montgomery County: La Limeña,

a Peruvian restaurant in Rockville, has “great food and service,” Miguel says; Taco Bar, an authentic joint that’s part of a Gaithersburg gas station, is high on Maribel’s list.

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Scott Chambers Executive Chef | L a Ferme, Chevy Chase

Being a chef is far from a familyfriendly occupation, but in his nearly 30 years at La Ferme, Scott Chambers has managed to juggle his job and his personal life. During his early years as sous-chef at the restaurant, Chambers was a single father taking care of a son in elementary school, but he worked the lunch shift so he was home for dinner. About a decade later, when owner and then-Executive Chef Alain Roussel asked Chambers to take over

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as the top toque, he declined. He had just remarried, and says he was not about to tell his new bride, “I’m not going to be home anymore.” Chambers finally became executive chef about 10 years ago, but he still makes time to go to church and out to lunch with his extended family on Sundays, and he cooks dinner for his wife, Annette, every Monday. A second-degree black belt in taekwondo, the unassuming 56-yearold—who learned how to cook from

Roussel and chefs at other French restaurants in the area—has helped La Ferme maintain a devoted following. It won “Best Restaurant in Chevy Chase” as well as “Most Romantic Restaurant” in Bethesda Magazine’s 2016 online readers’ poll.

Why diners don’t know much about him: “I’m a quiet person. He

[Alain] has made me go upstairs and talk to people.”

Menu items he likes to cook:

Pan-seared jumbo scallops with mashed Brussels sprouts, pumpkin ravioli and sage butter sauce; foie gras creme brulee.

What he makes for his wife on his night off: Meals have included

sockeye salmon, tempura broccoli and coconut rice, and veal chop with potato gratin, asparagus and truffle sauce.

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Michael Sanfilippo Director of Culinary Operations | Cava Mezze five locations, inclu ding Rockville an d Olney In his spare time, Michael Sanfilippo pores over cookbooks and food magazines, both old and new. “I like looking at the progression of food,” says the 29-year-old chef, who discusses food history with his Italian father, who is a wine importer, avid home cook and Sanfilippo’s biggest culinary mentor. A native of Florida, Sanfilippo also likes to look at cooking from a scientific standpoint—analyzing the different flavor profiles produced when asparagus is grilled, boiled or sautéed—and from a mathematical perspective. Calculating food costs and yields for menu items is fun for him.

After studying business at the University of North Florida and getting a culinary degree from The Art Institute of Washington, Sanfilippo did stints at a number of high-profile places, including Brabo in Alexandria, Virginia, Bourbon Steak in Georgetown’s Four Seasons Hotel, and Café du Parc at The Willard InterContinental. As director of culinary operations at Cava Mezze, Sanfilippo

works with the staff at every location, teaching and standardizing recipes, pricing out dishes, reviewing cooking and food-handling procedures and more. Co-founder and Executive Chef Dimitri Moshovitis calls him the “chef behind the chef.”

What he likes to cook at home:

Bucatini all’Amatriciana (pasta with tomato sauce and guanciale, an Italian cured meat made from pig cheeks). He’s also been known to hold dinner parties where he’ll try out exotic spices, such as Ethiopian berbere.

What diners don’t understand about restaurant kitchens:

“The amount of labor that goes into the food we do. For example, for our pork tenderloin dish, we get whole tenderloins, clean them, trim them, cut them into 5-ounce portions and put them into a brine for two days.

Then we grill and serve them with goat cheese polenta and orange rosemary gremolata. The goat cheese polenta is fairly simple—cook the polenta, add goat cheese and cream. For the orange rosemary gremolata, we mix fresh herbs, garlic, minced onions; we toast and crush fennel seeds; chiffonade fresh parsley; zest and squeeze fresh oranges; and whisk in extra virgin olive oil.”

How he describes himself: “Very outgoing. I’m not a screamer or yeller.

I like to earn respect in the kitchen. I’ll scrub the floors with the guys, wash the dishes.”

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Enzo Livia Chef-Owner | Il P izzico, Rockville When handing down recipes, Old World home cooks are more apt to list ingredients as “a handful of this, a pinch of that” than use precise measurements.

Enzo Livia remembers such directions from his own mother and grandmother, the inspirations for both his cooking repertoire and the name of his restaurant: “pizzico” means “pinch” in Italian. The son of Italian parents who owned a French restaurant in Venezuela, Livia came to the Washington, D.C., area when he was 18, majoring in business at Montgomery College. A self-taught cook, he opened Il Pizzico in a small Rockville strip mall in 1990, and word gradually spread. The place is packed on weekends—Bethesda Magazine readers voted Il Pizzico one of the area’s best Italian restaurants in 2016.

While other longtime chef-owners have retired, expanded their business, or gone the celebrity route, Livia, 54, who lives in Gaithersburg, still cooks, turning out a menu of fresh, made-from-scratch dishes, primarily from northern Italy.

Livia’s staff makes the bread and most of the pastas, while he expedites, fills in for no-show cooks, and develops specials. (His grandmother’s chocolate salami is sometimes offered as one.) On any night of the week, the kitchen sends out plenty of Ravioli Di Funghi Al Pistacchio (mushroom and ricotta-filled ravioli with pistachio cream sauce), one of the restaurant’s long-running signature dishes created by Livia. Its taste, he says, “sings in my head.”

On being a self -taught chef: “You can learn techniques in a faster way if you go to [culinary] school. But at the end of the day, experience and time in the kitchen is what really makes the difference.”

Why he keeps a low profile: “For the most part, I’m dedicated to cultivating my local clientele. It’s nice to have PR and exposure—some people get impressed by that, and that’s fine. Some chefs like to go on TV shows, and that’s fine, too. It’s not that I disagree with it. I dedicate myself to what I do here.”

What he likes about the restaurant business: “I can see the whole business cycle in an hour. A company like IBM or Hewlett-Packard, they see results in years. It’s a great satisfaction that I can create something and immediately see the reaction.” n

Food writer Carole Sugarman (carolesugarman@comcast.net) lives in Chevy Chase.

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Shelly McKeon, Esq. courtesy photo

The McKeon Law Firm See profile page 193

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12505 Park Potomac Ave., 6th Floor Potomac, MD 20854 301-231-0924 www.shulmanrogers.com The Shulman Rogers Family Law and Fiduciary Litigation Practice Group has been selected by U.S. News & World Report as a “First Tier� family law firm. In its November/ December 2013 issue, Bethesda Magazine selected Scott M. Strickler, Geoffrey S. Platnick and Hadrian N. Hatfield among the top area divorce lawyers.

What creative strategies do you employ in family law?

Clients turn to us when they are facing a challenging situation involving their marriage, custody of their children or other legal concerns involving their family, particularly when the issues are complex and the stakes are high. We think tactically and recognize that every family is different, which means every domestic case is unique. Our proficiency lies in developing a specific tactical game plan to accomplish particular objectives for each client. That might involve pre-divorce planning, the use of an investigator or an outside-the-box approach unanticipated by an opponent.

We have strategies for every issue, including those designed to make a custody case stronger, a client present better in court and to select expert witnesses adept in particular issues.

Are there advantages to dispute resolution options?

While litigation is sometimes a necessary means of resolving domestic relations cases, turning to the courts should most often be a last resort. This is not simply because litigation is expensive and emotionally destructive. Courts are limited in the types of relief that can be awarded, while creative counsel can often work together to mutual benefit.

For example, when settling outside of court, it is possible to take advantage of the tax code when structuring alimony and child support, enabling each party to end up with more money, or distribute the value of a business or real estate in tax-advantageous ways. Likewise, settlements make it possible to include provisions for children that the court lacks the authority to address, including the funding of college education, care for a child’s special needs or maintenance of life insurance.

courtesy photo

Shulman, Rogers, Gandal, Pordy & Ecker, PA

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Darin L. Rumer, Allison McFadden, Jeffrey N. Greenblatt, Anne Grover, Rama Taib-Lopez

Jeffrey N. Greenblatt, Esq.

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Joseph Greenwald & Laake 111 Rockville Pike, Suite 975 Rockville, MD 20850 240-399-7894 www.jgllaw.com My family law practice involves representing people in situations that are often fraught with emotion. My team and I function as the shield and lightning rod, making sure that my client gets what she or he is entitled to and is not being taken advantage of by the other side or the system.

My spouse has always handled the finances and our relationship is on the rocks. What can I do before seeing an attorney?

It is not uncommon for spouses to divide the work of running a family, so don’t be embarrassed and delay making an appointment to discuss your legal status.

Before you come in, find out as much as possible. Look for copies of tax returns and supporting documents. Make copies of the past few years, not just the most current. Keep those documents in a secure location. Copy statements or reports from banks, insurance companies and financial firms as well. Run a credit report for yourself to find out what debts may be in your name. Begin compiling your monthly expenses. Form financial statements can be found on the court’s website and will help you determine what support may be needed in your case.

Qualified attorneys can investigate and get everything that’s needed, including

land records, account information and tracing assets, but it’s less costly and saves time if a client comes in prepared, or does initial legwork.

When couples are divorcing, how does the Court divide up the value of a business they own together?

Because business valuation is so complex, there are experts we hire to value businesses, whether it’s a medical practice or a furniture store.

If the business was started before the marriage, valuation becomes even more complicated. The valuator has to determine what the business was worth at the time of the marriage, as well as what it is worth currently. A court can order one party to pay the other a monetary award or buy the other out of the business. Even if you both want to settle, it’s important for both parties to be educated so that one doesn’t take advantage of the other.

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3 Bethesda Metro Center, Suite 460 Bethesda, MD 20814 301-347-1268 www.lerchearly.com The Family Law group at Lerch, Early & Brewer is respected as one of the best in Maryland and the District of Columbia. U.S. News ranked them “Top Tier for Family Law� in the Washington area based on their experience in all areas of divorce law—litigation, mediation and collaborative processes; plus prenuptial, adoption and domestic partnership agreements.

When should I go to court for a divorce?

In the vast majority of family law cases, settlement is preferable to litigation for many reasons: it is less expensive, less emotionally draining, there are more options for resolution and the couple decides on the outcome rather than the court. That said, you may not be able to reach an agreement, so make sure you work with an attorney who is skilled both in negotiation and litigation so you can draw upon his or her bargaining and trial experience as needed.

When should I see a divorce lawyer?

We recommend that you make an appointment with a divorce lawyer when you are thinking about a divorce or you suspect your spouse may be considering separation. It is important that you become aware of your rights and responsibilities, and how separation or divorce could affect your children, your finances and your standard of living. In addition, there are things a person considering divorce definitely should and should not do. Contacting an attorney early in the process helps avoid missteps.

tony lewis jr

Lerch, Early & Brewer

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Micah Bonaviri, Ann Jakabcin, Dave De Jong, Steve Widdes, David Torchinsky, Caroline Ford Bonaviri and Adam Abramowitz

Stein Sperling Bennett De Jong Driscoll PC

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25 West Middle Lane Rockville, MD 20850 301-340-2020 www.steinsperling.com Stein Sperling’s Estates + Trusts team takes the initiative to educate clients about estate planning options that are available to meet their goals, working closely with them through the various personal, financial, health and tax changes that affect their estate plans over time. Our clients include a wide range of individuals, families, entrepreneurs and businesses requiring sophisticated estate, trust and tax-related legal services.

My net worth isn’t high enough to take advantage of estate tax savings. Do I really need to consult with an estate planning attorney?

While tax savings are often a driving factor for high-wealth individuals to seek estate planning counsel, estate planning involves far more than estate tax planning. In fact, there are a multitude of considerations for individuals with assets valued under the current $5.45 million federal exemption threshold.

We believe that estate planning must involve the management of your accumulated wealth during your lifetime, not just developing a strategy to transfer your assets at your death in the most expeditious and cost effective manner possible. We want to help you navigate planning for the

“worst case” scenarios you may encounter long before your death, such as temporary or permanent incapacity and long-term disability. Are there tools in place to allow a trusted individual to manage your assets for your benefit if you are unable to continue doing so? Have you thought about who you would want to make medical decisions for you should you be unable to speak for yourself?

The depth of our experience means Stein Sperling estate planning lawyers are equipped to ask and answer questions that result in a truly comprehensive estate plan. With the right tools in place, you will have planned for far more than tax savings. You will have empowered others to make decisions, on your behalf and according to your wishes, in life as well as in death.

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My husband and I are all for settling our finances in a non-contentious way, but how do we educate ourselves before beginning to negotiate?

You are not alone in feeling uncertain about navigating through the process of reaching a mutually agreeable settlement. Our attorneys guide clients through every step of the information gathering, negotiation and agreement drafting process, working toward amicable resolutions while preserving family relationships. We offer divorce seminars on a variety of topics, including mediation, co-parenting and even divorce in the golden years. We also partner with trusted financial planners, accountants, real estate brokers and mental health professionals to provide information and resources clients need to make informed decisions. Our website has a free resources section that includes an eBook (101 FAQ’s about Getting Divorced) and a video library where you’ll find information on all aspects of divorce cases. We offer clients an efficient process and stress that education is essential for those who are separating or divorcing.

Gary D. Altman Principal Attorney

Altman & Associates

With a mission of legal excellence and the utmost in personal service, Altman & Associates offers comprehensive and individually-tailored estate planning solutions to residents of Maryland, D.C., Virginia and New York. Unlike firms that only dabble in estate planning, Altman & Associates has an exclusive focus on estate law.

tony lewis jr

11300 Rockville Pike, Suite 708 Rockville, MD 20852 301-468-3220 gary@altmanassociates.net www.altmanassociates.net

DiPietro & Wise, LLC 111 Rockville Pike, Suite 850 Rockville, MD 20850 301-970-9286 www.FamilyandDivorceLawyers.com The DiPietro Family Law Group is devoted exclusively to divorce and family law in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. Because divorce is confusing and painful for both parents and children, the DiPietro team supports clients with compassion and respect, ensuring rights are protected and legal needs are met.

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Why you need an estate plan. Now. Due to rising state and federal exemptions, the majority of Americans (approximately 98 percent) won’t be subject to estate taxes. If curbing taxes isn’t a factor, why else do you need an estate plan? The reason is that estate planning transcends wealth. It should account for a multitude of very personal decisions that will impact you while you’re alive and your heirs long after you’re gone. Who will make medical, financial and parental decisions for you if you’re incapacitated?

To whom do you want which of your assets allocated, and how and when do you want them to be distributed? How will your special needs child be provided for? The only way to ensure that your wishes are followed—and to shield loved ones from additional financial and emotional stress –is to make decisions before it’s too late and a court makes them for you.

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Special Advertising Section

Ask the Attorneys

My husband and I are separating amicably and are considering mediation. Is there a down side?

There are many positive aspects to a civilized divorce, such as saving some of the financial and emotional cost. The one downside of mediation is this: when couples choose to save money by attending mediation on their own, they risk the more dominant spouse prevailing unfairly, even if that is not his or her goal. Almost all attorneys and the courts encourage separated couples to negotiate and settle issues rather than having a trial, but with legal representation for each.

I often help my clients mediate successfully, with the knowledge that mediation can be halted at any time if needed. We can proceed to litigation if, for example, we hit a wall or realize the other party is not fully disclosing all of the facts. As your attorney, I can obtain necessary documents with or without your spouse’s cooperation once we file with the court because then we have the power of the court behind us.

Is getting a divorce going to cost me as much as I fear?

Money is of course a big concern when facing a divorce, but the reality is that fears about cost are often exaggerated. Working with a family law attorney to become educated on every available option allows you to make informed decisions that fit within your comfort zone. Many issues can be settled through mediation, which tends to be more cost effective than going to court. Costly mistakes tend to happen when those divorcing attempt a do-it-yourself approach and later have to spend money trying to fix those mistakes. Think of working with a family law attorney as a worthwhile investment in your future.

Shelly McKeon, Esq. 17 B Firstfield Road, Suite 101 Gaithersburg, MD 20878 3 Bethesda Metro Center, Suite 700 Bethesda, MD 20814

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301-417-9222 www.mckeonlawfirm.com A boutique firm with offices in Bethesda and Gaithersburg, The McKeon Law Firm offers a personal approach and customized solutions for all types of family law matters. Shelly D. McKeon has been recognized as a top lawyer by Washingtonian magazine, included in Maryland Super Lawyers and received MartindaleHubbell’s highest rating.

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Ask the Attorneys

Special Advertising Section

Hostetter Strent LLC

How has the Supreme Court’s decision on same-sex marriage affected the practice of family law?

The work we do and the way we do it have not changed dramatically in response to the Supreme Court’s recent decision. The only significant change is that our expertise in custody disputes, distribution of property, prenuptial agreements and other legal issues related to family law is now applicable to all families. We are proud of our history of advocating for all families, long includ-

attorney should have the skills to litigate the case if necessary, but also the judgment and discretion to know when other dispute resolution methods would be more effective. You should feel like your attorney cares about you. You want to feel like you and your lawyer would be a good team.

ing those with LGBTQ members.

The Supreme Court decision has eliminated questions of state-of-celebration or state-of-residence in determining benefits, rights and responsibilities in same-sex relationships. It has given rise to other interesting questions, particularly related to rights and responsibilities of long-term couples and co-parents previously unable to marry legally.

For more than 40 years, our firm has built a reputation for handling any new family law issues with creativity and expertise.

Our practice is domestic relations law—divorce, property distribution, alimony, custody and child support. We can assist at any stage in relationships—a prenuptial or a domestic partnership agreement, a post-nuptial agreement or divorce settlement. We are well versed in all methods of dispute resolution and prepared to engage in any of these to help you achieve your goals.

Kuder, Smollar, Friedman & Mihalik, P.C. 1350 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 600 Washington, DC 20036 202-331-7522 www.ksfmlaw.com Kuder, Smollar, Friedman & Mihalik helps families in D.C., Maryland and Virginia in reaching the best solutions to their most difficult issues. In addition to offering creative solutions, including negotiation, mediation and Collaborative Law, the attorneys are experienced litigators who are prepared to go to court when necessary.

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What should I look for when hiring a family law lawyer?

Look for someone who listens. You want an attorney who is knowledgeable about Maryland law, appears regularly in court, is known by judges and has worked well with other firms. Your

darren higgins

7201 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 675 Bethesda, MD 20814 301-657-0010 www.hostetterstrent.com

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Ask the Attorneys

Special Advertising Section

Jonathan Dana, Katherine O'Rourke, Sarah Zimmerman, Marina Barannik, Richard Gray, Emily Walters, Elizabeth Selmo (not pictured Molly Saxon, Jennifer Davison, Mary Pence and Marna Tucker)

The Family Law Group Feldesman Tucker leifer Fidell

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4800 Hampden Lane, Suite 200 Bethesda, MD 20814 Maryland: 301-232-1252 Washington, DC: 202-466-8960 Virginia: 703-896-7663 www.feldesmantucker.com The Family Law Group of Feldesman Tucker, ranked a “Tier 1” firm by U.S. News—“Best Lawyers,” is adept at handling complex custody and financial issues including ownership of a business. Their experience, creativity and determination help clients protect their children, relationships and financial resources so they can successfully move forward after divorce.

How do we minimize the impact of a divorce on our business and other shared assets?

For the high-asset divorcing couple with complicated business and other financial affairs, two pieces of advice are key. First, carefully research the lawyers in the Maryland divorce bar to find an experienced attorney whose approach and expertise will help you achieve your unique goals. If a business is involved, you will want to ensure that its value is not compromised during the divorce process. When you analyze the financial impact of a proposed resolution you’ll want to go beyond your immediate needs and take into consideration your long-term future, including funding for your retirement years as well as integrating high-level tax (and possibly estate) planning in the final result. The right attorney, with assisting experts, will help you reach those goals.

Second, seek to find the common ground that you as a divorcing couple can agree

upon, and build on that common ground to reach a mutually advantageous settlement. By identifying joint interests and using settlement-oriented attorneys to help you meet those joint interests, you will be able to keep control of the divorce process and minimize both the financial and emotional costs of divorce.

Does Maryland have formulas for divorce settlements? If so, what is the advantage of hiring one of the area’s top divorce attorneys?

With the exception of child support, there are no formulas for resolving the major issues in a Maryland divorce. Assets must be “equitably,” or fairly, divided. Custody is based on “the best interests of the child.” Alimony is determined based on the “needs” of the dependent spouse and the “ability to pay” of the economically-superior spouse. Expert legal advocacy can make all the difference in how a court exercises its discretion in applying these standards.

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Lasting Impact Detectives from the Collision

Reconstruction Unit rush to the scene of every fatal car crash to find out what happened. It's difficult, important work—and they say it stays with them long after the investigation is over.

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When a Chevrolet Volt collided with a BMW on River Road in February, killing three members of a Bethesda family, detectives from the Collision Reconstruction Unit were called to the scene.

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Detective Alex Power has been investigating fatal collisions for a decade.

It was almost 3 a.m. when a Chevy TrailBlazer, crammed with young revelers heading home from a New Year’s Eve party, hurtled west on Jones Bridge Road toward downtown Bethesda. The 20-year-old driver was drunk and going too fast to negotiate the curve of the road even if he had been sober. If the young man felt his rear wheels kick out sideways as he lost control and struck

a curb, there wasn’t much he could do about it. Pure physics were in control as the 4,500-pound SUV careened off the road, crossed a sidewalk, ripped out sections of chain-link fence and slammed into two large trees. It was over in less than half a second—370 milliseconds, according to data recorded on the Chevy’s air bag control module.

A few miles away, a ringing phone

awoke Montgomery County police Detective Alex Power in his Wheaton home. His own holiday celebration had been quiet, an alcohol-free evening spent with loved ones. He knew he could be called into work and wanted to be ready.

He dressed quickly in the dark, trying not to wake his wife and young son.

Less than an hour after the crash, Power walked along Jones Bridge Road,

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the length and shape of those marks to calculate how fast the driver had been going. (Eighty-two in a 35 mph zone, it turned out.)

To the right of the road, down in a gully, sat the white 2007 TrailBlazer, still smashed against two trees. It was covered with a sheet out of respect for the dead.

Dawn hadn’t yet broken on Jan. 1, 2012. Yet Power and his colleagues

Detective Alex Power cannot travel any major road in the county without recalling a crash and the names and faces of the dead.

studying evidence in the red glow of flashing lights. The force of the wreck had left telling debris scattered along the roadway: empty cans of Natural Light, chunks of tree bark, branches. On the dry asphalt of the roadway, a long, distinctive set of curving, parallel tire marks showed Power where the driver had lost control. The detective knew from experience that he’d be able to use

in the Montgomery County Police Department’s Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) were already investigating the first traffic fatalities of the year. To explain how and why this wreck happened, Power would perform a series of mathematical equations derived from physics. That part of the job would be simple—it was, unfortunately, routine for him. But the tally of lives lost and forever changed here would be incalculable.

The seriously injured driver, Roderick Brice of Clarksburg, then 22, had been airlifted to the University of Maryland’s Shock Trauma unit in Baltimore.

A 19-year-old from Chevy Chase and an 18-year-old from Rockville—both of whom had been wearing seat belts— were taken to Suburban Hospital with minor injuries. Two other young passengers who hadn’t been wearing seat belts, a male and a female, had died in the crash. Rescue workers eventually had to cut the TrailBlazer apart to extricate them. The young man, who’d been sitting in the front passenger seat,

was still holding a beer can in one hand.

In his vest pockets, investigators found more beer cans, flattened by the force of the impact.

The young woman found dead in the backseat did not have identification on her, so Power didn’t know her name.

He did know that somewhere, perhaps not far from there, her parents might be awake, panicked that their daughter hadn’t come home yet—and that CRU detectives would have to find them, knock on their door, and tell them that she was dead. They couldn’t do that until they knew who she was. So Power did what he had to do: He gently lifted one of her hands and rolled her fingertips onto an ink pad one by one so he could get her prints.

CRU detectives never refer to the tragedies they investigate as “accidents.” They call them collisions, crashes or wrecks. “By definition, an accident is not preventable,” says Detective Cpl. David Cohen, 37. “And in 99.9 percent of our cases, the fatal collision could have been prevented if someone had just done something differently.”

It takes a special skill set to negotiate the horror of a fatal collision scene, the heartbreak of notifying loved ones, and the weeks of calculations needed to prove what happened, who, if anyone, was at fault, and whether that person’s actions were criminal.

“Every fatal crash scene is a violent death,” says Capt. Tom Didone, director of the Montgomery County Police Department’s traffic division, which includes CRU. The captain knows that all too well—his 15-year-old son, Ryan, died in a car crash in Damascus nearly eight years ago. Ryan and four other teens had just left a church youth-group meeting; the driver was speeding and struck a tree. “[The investigation] is very long, laborious, slow and tedious because it has to be done right,” Didone says. “It has to be checked and rechecked. In this unit, it is necessary. We expect perfection.”

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Eight detectives are assigned full time to CRU to investigate fatal accidents; they also handle collisions in which a driver or passenger is so badly injured that he or she may die. Some of the detectives have a background in engineering. One has an accounting degree.

Detective Alexa Briscoe, 30, who grew up in Bethesda, got into medical school at 17 but decided she preferred doing police work. She recently graduated

from Georgetown Law. CRU’s supervisor, Detective Sgt. Nick Picerno, 35, who will graduate from law school this spring, has a master’s degree in human science with a focus on bereavement.

Veteran CRU investigators have spent 700 to 800 hours in specialized classes on collision reconstruction, where they’ve learned things such as how to determine a vehicle’s speed at impact by assessing how badly it was crushed in

the crash. Detectives say they are drawn to the work in part because it is intellectually challenging. “Most investigators decide early in their careers this is what they want to do and start taking collision reconstruction classes long before they are selected for CRU,” Picerno says.

“Because you can’t just jump into this from scratch.”

Power, 44, has investigated fatal collisions for a decade. As a young patrol

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CRU investigators, including Det. Elijah "Eli" Kinser (left), Det. Cpl. David Cohen (center) and Det. Barry Robinson (right), supervise a crash scene on River Road as the shell of a Chevrolet Volt is loaded onto a truck bed to be taken to a police lot.

officer he happened upon a deadly crash and the memory proved lasting; he ended up spending his own money to take collision reconstruction classes. Like other veteran CRU detectives, he can’t drive on any major county road now without picturing fatal crash scenes his unit has worked. “I remember the names and faces” of the dead, Power says.

“I’ve learned not to look at the faces,” says Cohen.

On a Saturday in late February, just after dinnertime, CRU detectives fan out across a stretch of River Road in Bethesda where three members of one family lay dead inside a 2016 Chevrolet Volt. The car is so new that it still has temporary license plates. The roadway is littered with shards of shattered windshield glass, which glitter in the rhythmic blink of emergency lights.

Michael Buarque De Macedo, 52, a

lawyer and Web developer, was driving his wife, Alessandra, and their two teenage children to a play at Walt Whitman High School, where both kids were students. When he tried turning onto Pyle Road from River Road to access the school’s back entrance, his Volt collided with a 2016 BMW M235 driven by 20-year-old Ogulcan Atakoglu of Rockville. Rescue workers declared Buarque De Macedo, his wife and their 18-yearold son, Thomas, dead at the scene. They rushed Helena, a sophomore, 15, to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The other driver sustained minor injuries.

Several feet from the Volt sits a white box truck that is CRU’s roadway central command post. Inside, Picerno is on his laptop searching public records to locate relatives of the Buarque De Macedos.

When he finds someone, he’ll dispatch two CRU detectives to knock on that person’s door. Then the investigators become consolers, waiting with grieving family members until a friend or neighbor arrives to help. “It’s the toughest part of this job,” Picerno says of death notifications. “You really are inserting yourself into someone’s life and changing it forever in a nanosecond. You are telling them something terrible that they had no idea was coming.”

Outside the CRU truck, detectives comb River Road for clues. The road will be closed to traffic for several hours as the investigators find, mark and document evidence. They spray-paint the road to highlight tire marks that will help them understand and explain what happened and who is at fault. They photograph every element of the crash scene: tire marks, damage to both cars, where the cars sit on the road, and the victims inside the Volt.

“We only get one shot at a scene,” Picerno says later. If they wait until the light of day to investigate a fatal crash, conditions will have changed, confusing or eradicating the trail of evidence.

Snow could melt. Rain could wash away blood or engine fluids. Other drivers’

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Before reopening a roadway, detectives spray-paint the road surface to highlight and preserve the tire marks.

Right: While investigating the death of a day care worker struck by a Ride On bus in Bethesda earlier this year, Detective Alex Power used these calculations to help determine factors such as how fast the driver was going at the time of impact.

CRU detectives use a piece of equipment called a drag sled to quantify the amount of friction the asphalt road surface exerted on each driver’s tires. That information helps them calculate speed.

tires could mark the road.

Detectives use a piece of equipment called a drag sled to quantify the amount of friction the asphalt road surface exerted on each driver’s tires.

That will be crucial information later, when investigators use these data points to try to calculate how fast each driver was going. The investigators also use specialized surveying equipment to forensically map this stretch

of roadway. The lead detective moves across the roadway inch by inch, marking key points by sending laser signals to a colleague who enters the information into a handheld computer. The process will allow the primary investigator to create a scaled diagram of the scene and generate accurate measurements. The investigators will need those back in their Gaithersburg office as they study the crash and compare the

physical evidence with statements by the driver of the BMW and witnesses.

On this night, they have one more task that must be done. They lift the father, mother and son from the car, one at a time, and prepare to turn over their bodies to a representative of the medical examiner’s office. It is intimate work, and the officers perform it as tenderly as possible. They say nothing as they search pockets for personal items to bag, tag and give to loved ones.

“You have to know how to shut it off,” Picerno says later. “If you don’t have the ability to separate the emotions from the work you are required to do, then this job will eat you alive.”

For all the terrible drama

of fatal crashes, collision reconstruction is based on calculations derived from Newtonian Physics, which describes how objects move through time and space. Every high school physics student learns, for example, that for every action

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there is an equal and opposite reaction.

In the context of collision reconstruction, that means that a pedestrian struck by a car will likely be thrown in the direction the vehicle was traveling.

Once detectives determine how far a pedestrian was thrown, they usually can determine how fast the car was moving.

When any two objects collide—be they billiard balls or automobiles—energy is transferred from one to the other. How much depends on their relative speed, weight and striking angle. If a sedan rear-ends another, the momentum of the striking vehicle makes the car it hits go faster. And the mass of the first car will slow the speed of the sedan that rear-ended it. Both vehicles may be damaged, but if the drivers and passengers are wearing seat belts they may walk away relatively unscathed. If, however, those same two sedans strike head-on at high speed, then the damage to both cars and their occupants is more likely catastrophic.

Collisions—from the time of impact to when the cars separate again—typically happen in as little as one-tenth to one-quarter of a second, CRU investigators say. Depending on the facts and available evidence, there are hundreds of equations CRU investigators can use to try to understand and prove what happened and who was at fault. They also draw on standardized industry crashtesting results that document how much damage specific car makes and models can be expected to sustain when involved in crashes at certain speeds.

Sometimes the calculations are simple, sometimes they aren’t. (Among the formulas investigators use: Speed equals the square root of 30 times distance, multiplied by the coefficient of friction.) The key is knowing which formula to use based on the evidence you have, Picerno says. “That’s where the expertise comes in. In some cases there may not be one formula that applies. Then you just have to do the best you can.”

Detective Jeff Brown, who teaches

CRU detectives Elijah "Eli" Kinser (left) and Michael Polcsa used surveying equipment to help forensically map a stretch of roadway where a pedestrian was struck and seriously injured in February.

collision reconstruction classes, uses a wreck he investigated on 16th Street in Silver Spring to illustrate the challenge of explaining the physics of some collisions. “A driver went partly off the road, misses a woman getting onto a Ride On bus, hits a fire hydrant, goes up in the air, spins, rotates, lands on his side, rotates sideways, hits a signboard, a telephone pole and a tree—all while he’s upside down—rotates and lands upside down on a raised manhole,” Brown says. Each time the car struck a stationary object, it lost energy and slowed down, he explains. “I can’t tell you exactly how fast he was going. But I can say that with all that damage and all the energy it took him to travel that distance he was going faster than 35 miles per hour.”

Every fatal collision is a puzzle for CRU detectives to solve. On a rainy winter night in 2013, Marlyn Eres Ali, a 53-year-old nanny heading home after working in the District, got off a bus in Kensington. As she walked across Connecticut Avenue, a driver struck her, then drove away. Ali died at Suburban Hospital.

Hit-and-runs are the “whodunits” of

collision reconstruction, says Cohen, the lead detective in the case. Evidence found at the scene included pieces of a plastic lens from a car’s headlight.

Detectives reassembled those pieces and determined that they came from a Toyota Corolla manufactured between 1998 and 2000. But there were more than 4,000 Corollas of that vintage registered in Maryland alone. Detectives searched exhaustively for a Corolla with front-end damage or recent repairs at a body shop, but came up empty.

The driver could have replaced the broken lens “for $12 on eBay,” Cohen says. Cohen grew up in Rockville, the son of a doctor. He’s known since he was 4 years old that he wanted to be a firefighter or police officer. “It’s the childhood dream I never outgrew,” he says. He loves his job, yet three years after Ali's death, it gnaws at him that they haven’t found her killer. “You always wonder what else you could have done,” he says.

Investigators’ efforts to understand a fatal collision are a lot like constructing a virtual movie of the last

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seconds of someone’s life—frame by frame—then playing it backward and forward until it makes sense.

In March 2015, CRU detectives were puzzled after a man was found dying on Goshen Road in Gaithersburg just after 1 a.m. on a Saturday. When a car strikes a pedestrian with enough force to kill, the victim’s legs typically are broken at about the height of the bumper, they say. This victim’s legs weren’t broken, which didn’t make sense to the detectives until they discovered that the man, Osmin de Jesus Montano Carrillo, 35, had been walking home from a night of heavy drinking, passed out in the street and was prone when a teenage driver ran over him, says Detective Michael Polcsa, who led the investigation.

The driver—who had also been drinking—fled. But police quickly identified her as Helen Rommel, then 18, of

Laytonsville. Rommel told investigators that she’d spotted the man passed out in the road at the last instant, too late to avoid hitting him. As part of their reconstruction, investigators towed Rommel’s 2015 Volkswagen Jetta back to Goshen Road one night, closed the street and placed the deceased man’s clothing over boxes approximating his length and girth. A CRU detective drove the Jetta along the route Rommel took in order to determine if the teen could have spotted Montano Carrillo lying in the dark street in time to have avoided hitting him. Polcsa’s conclusion: The victim “was an unavoidable hazard.” Still, Rommel pleaded guilty last year to driving while impaired by alcohol and failure to immediately return and remain at the scene of an accident involving death. She received a suspended sentence and two years of probation.

Increasingly, with the proliferation of surveillance cameras, CRU investigators are able to find video footage of fatal collisions. A security camera at the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission in Rockville was recording the street below as two young men, 26-year-old lifelong friends, got off the Metro at White Flint and were walking across Rockville Pike just after 3 a.m. on Oct. 10, 2010. Alejandro Roman, 25, of Rockville was drunk and speeding north on the Pike in a 2010 Acura TXS, when he struck and killed them, says Detective Barry Robinson, lead investigator in the case.

Robinson, now 54, studied the video to see how long it took the two men to walk between fixed landmarks, such as streetlights, that were visible in the footage. He measured the distance between those landmarks to help him calculate how fast the two men were walking.

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Any car involved in a fatal wreck is towed to a locked police lot and preserved as evidence.

Detective Sgt. Nick Picerno, CRU supervisor, keeps a board in his office that lists the number of fatal crashes by year.

Using the same process, “We were able to determine that the driver went from one line to the other line across the intersection in one second,” Robinson says. “That distance between those two is 112 feet. Then we convert that to miles per hour and he was going about 76.”

Knowing the speed that both the pedestrians and the Acura were traveling allowed Robinson to determine whether their paths would have crossed had Roman been obeying the posted speed limit of 40 mph.

“We backed them up,” he says. “We put his car where the pedestrians would first have been able to see him. Then we say, ‘OK, if he is doing 40 miles per hour here instead of 76, where is he by the time the pedestrians are crossing the street? I figured out that the pedestrians would have been over the median and on the second southbound lane

had he been obeying the law.” In 2011, Roman pleaded guilty to two counts of manslaughter by automobile and was sentenced to 12 years in prison.

In some fatal collisions, the culprit isn’t a reckless driver. Sometimes it’s bad traffic engineering: ill-timed lights, dangerous intersections, poorly-placed or marked crosswalks. CRU detectives once investigated a fatal crash at a Montgomery County intersection less than 90 minutes after two other vehicles had collided at the same spot. To sort out which tire tracks and engine fluid trails came from which crash, a CRU investigator climbed into a fire truck bucket to view the scene from above.

Just before 6 a.m. one morning in October 2015, two girlfriends were walking across Columbia Pike in Silver Spring. They made it as far as the median. One of the young women, surveying traffic, decided it wasn’t yet safe to continue. Her friend, an 18-yearold Rockville woman, made a different choice. A Silver Spring man driving a 2011 Toyota Camry and talking on his cellphone with a hands-free device struck her. The driver stopped, called

911 and began CPR. The young woman died on the way to the hospital.

Surveying the aftermath, Detective Elijah "Eli" Kinser, 33, noticed that there were no signs or markings to warn approaching drivers that pedestrians would be crossing there. He eventually concluded that the mid-block crosswalk—marked only by slight ramp-like cuts in the cement curbs—was the “most significant factor” in the woman’s death.

“It’s just a really messed up crosswalk that shouldn’t be where [it] is,” Kinser says. “I take great satisfaction knowing that come spring, when the weather is better, somebody is going to be out there with a jackhammer taking it out.”

O n c e a l e a d d e t e ct i v e

completes an investigation, he or she presents the findings to the entire CRU team for “peer review.” CRU investigators then meet with prosecutors from the office of the Montgomery County state’s attorney. They review each traffic fatality and discuss what criminal charges, if any, should be brought.

Many CRU investigations don’t end with an arrest. In about 60 percent of

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the cases, the person responsible for the crash died in it, Picerno says. Detectives charge a surviving driver with a crime in 20 percent of their cases. Sometimes they determine that a driver is at fault, but there isn’t any chargeable crime under Maryland law—only traffic violations. In some cases, the investigators’ only option is to write a traffic ticket, which the driver can pay by mail.

Early one morning last August, 64-year-old retired U.S. Navy Capt.

Timothy Holden of Bethesda, a highly decorated SEAL, was wearing a helmet and following the rules of the road as he bicycled on the right shoulder of Massachusetts Avenue. The sun had not risen fully. Ricardo Freeman, a 22-year-old contractor who was driving east in a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, didn’t see the cyclist, he later told police. Freeman drifted onto the shoulder and struck the rear tire of Holden’s bike—throwing and killing him.

The contractor hadn’t been drinking, investigators determined. Freeman ultimately received three traffic citations for failure to exercise care to avoid collision with a bicyclist, failure to pass safely at a distance of at least 3 feet when overtaking a bicycle, and negligent driving. The Montgomery County Police Department supports legislation that would require a driver responsible for a fatal collision to appear in court and face the victim’s loved ones.

In late January, CRU detectives gathered in an office at police headquarters to discuss Montgomery County’s first pedestrian fatality of 2016. Power handed out copies of the scaled diagram he’d made of the scene, along with two pages of mathematical equations he’d done as part of his investigation.

On Jan. 5, Devika Gunasekere, 67, was crossing Old Georgetown Road in downtown Bethesda, on the way to the day care center where she worked, when a Ride On bus struck her. She later died of her injuries. The bus driver was so distraught that he was taken from the crash

scene to Suburban Hospital to be evaluated. Based on how far the force of the impact threw the woman—23.55 feet— Power calculated that the bus was doing between 18 mph and 21.5 mph. Video from the bus’ security camera revealed that the woman was at fault for crossing against the light and stepping between a car and the bus, both of which were making left turns, Power says.

“So she’s literally stepping off the curb as a car is turning in front of her, which should be an indicator not to step off the curb,” Power said during the meeting. “She enters the roadway 3.74 seconds before impact. She’s doing an average speed of 5.8 feet per second.”

Once the bus driver spotted the woman in his path, he hit his brakes but couldn’t stop instantly, Power said. The bus, like many large vehicles, was equipped with a kind of braking system that was slower to respond than automobile brakes. As part of his reconstruction, Power had another detective drive the bus toward that same intersection, accelerate into a left turn, and hit the brakes on command. They timed how long it took the bus to stop.

“I don’t think there would have been enough time for anyone driving that bus to have been able to stop,” Power said. “I think this wreck is happening no matter what. I don’t think it is a question of him not seeing her. He sees her, but…”

“There is nothing he can do about it,” Picerno said.

“At that point,” Power said, “it’s physics that is preventing him.”

As the meeting broke up, Kinser said that he is impressed on a day like this by the “finality” of CRU cases. “In homicide cases, you work in theories and motives and you develop an idea of what happened,” he said. “In these cases, the math is the math and the physics is the physics. You can’t escape the numbers.”

Until 1995, the Montgomery County police officers who investigated fatal

collisions were not assigned full time to that task and didn’t work with a team. The department founded CRU—along with a specialized unit to combat drunken driving—partly in response to a fatal collision on River Road in 1994 that killed two Walt Whitman High School students.

Efforts to stop underage drinking and driving in the county worked well for several years, but that’s changed, says Didone, the department’s traffic division director. “We are now seeing a teen drinking-and-driving-related fatal collision occurring on an annual basis after years of preventing them,” he says.

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Eight detectives are assigned to the county’s Collision Reconstruction Unit full time. Standing, left to right: Det. Alex Power, Det. Barry Robinson, Det. Jeff Brown, Det. Alexa Briscoe and Det. Cpl. David Cohen. Seated, left to right: Det. Michael Polcsa, Det. Sgt. Nick Picerno and Det. Elijah “Eli” Kinser.

Robinson has lost count of how many times he’s sat down to dinner with his own daughters, now 18 and 21, and explained to them why they should never get into a car with a driver who has been drinking. “We’ve had a lot of discussions that begin, ‘Dad, I heard you go out last night. What happened?’ ” he says. “I have to tell them that it was another drunk driver who killed someone.”

Last June, several teens from Thomas S. Wootton High School in Rockville partied at a classmate’s home. Samuel Ellis, a former quarterback on the football team, drove away from the party with a friend in

the front passenger seat of his 2006 Acura TSX. They weren’t far away when they got a cellphone call asking them to come back; Ellis returned to the party so Alexander Murk and Calvin Jia-Xing Li, both 18, could hop into the backseat.

According to police reports, Ellis was speeding and worried about getting a ticket, but someone in the car said he could fool speed cameras if he drove even faster.

Not long before midnight, Ellis lost control of the car, went airborne, struck two trees and ended up in the driveway of a North Potomac home. Murk and Li, neither of whom were wearing seat belts, were killed.

Ellis, now 19, pleaded guilty in April to two counts of vehicular manslaughter. He is scheduled to be sentenced in June.

CRU detectives' files are full of similar cases involving underage drinking.

Detective Briscoe, who recently graduated from Georgetown Law, was the lead investigator of a fatal crash in Olney in 2014. On Labor Day weekend, Austin Hall, then 17, drove away from an underage drinking party there with two teenage passengers in his 2011 Chrysler Sebring convertible. The Sebring was going 119 mph just before Hall lost control, police records show.

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lasting impact

“If you don’t have the ability to separate the emotions from the work you are required to do, this job will eat you alive,” says Picerno.

Briscoe says the crash scene was “just chaos” when she arrived. The top of Hall’s convertible had been sheared off.

A teen’s backpack had been flung into a tree; an officer climbed up to retrieve it.

Hall and his passengers had been rushed to area hospitals. One boy’s injuries were so serious that doctors didn’t expect him to live. CRU detectives and other officers scrambled to determine his name so they could notify his parents and help get them to the hospital in time to say goodbye.

Eventually, teens who’d been at the party gave officers a list of cellphone numbers for kids who might have gotten into Hall’s car. The first number they tried rang at the hospital, where 15-yearold Shawn Gangloff lay dying. Police worked through the cellphone carrier to find and notify his parents.

“Shawn will always be 15,” his grieving mother told a packed courtroom last September, when Hall was sentenced to 18 months in jail. He had pleaded guilty to vehicular manslaughter and causing a life-threatening injury while driving impaired by alcohol.

“What always bothers me about these kind of cases is that they happen over and over and over again,” Briscoe says. “It’s just different kids in different locations.

It’s often kids from the same high schools.

So you know that they’ve seen it—and for some reason it just doesn’t sink in.

“And it’s always some small thing that could have changed, and it means someone’s life,” she continues. “Shawn hadn’t gotten a ride to the party with Hall—I don’t know why he left with him. There is some talk that maybe they were going to

go get pingpong balls to play beer pong, and they were supposed to come back.

We have text messages from the kid who hosted the party, saying things like, ‘Hey, where are you guys? I thought you were coming back. I’m going to lock the door if you are not here soon.’ Small decisions—sometimes they have these big consequences.”

A board in the CRU office lists the number of fatal crashes in the county by year. Last year, there were 38 fatal collisions in which 39 people died, including 13 pedestrians and three cyclists. Alcohol was a factor in nine of those collisions.

On another wall, a small white board lists the names of CRU detectives, in order of whose turn it is to lead the investigation the next time someone in Montgomery County dies in a car crash.

On a sunny winter day, the detectives are having lunch together at their office, talking about their work. Death notifications haunt them, they say. Like fatal collisions, no two death notifications are exactly alike. A stunned relative once tried to punch a detective. Other family members have bolted and run through their neighborhood to find the crash site. Some relatives are quiet until the detectives leave and the front door closes behind them, Brown says, “Then you hear them start to wail.”

“They need to fall apart,” Kinser says.

“They need you to be stoic. You can decompress later on.”

Robinson recalls how challenging it was to maintain his composure when he went on death notifications with an especially kind-hearted colleague

who has since retired. “I could hold it together until I saw her start to tear up,” Robinson says. “Then I had to tell myself, Look away. Don’t look at her. Look at things on the wall.”

Everybody who does this work is somehow changed. Some changes seem small. CRU detectives don’t wear all black clothing when they walk their dogs at night. They never jaywalk and don’t let their loved ones. If they ride bikes, they do so on nature trails, not roads.

Behind the wheel, they don’t hit the gas the second a red light turns green; they wait and look both ways to make sure they aren’t about to be blindsided. They tend to drive big, heavy trucks—the kind that give them more protection in a crash. They always wear seat belts.

Other changes are profound. When Briscoe’s father died of cancer recently, she was deeply grateful that they had time to say goodbye. “I know that not everybody gets the chance to do that,” she says quietly.

It is the rare officer who can investigate fatal collisions decade after decade.

“This work has a shelf life,” Kinser says.

Power, who led the investigation into the fatal crash on New Year’s Day in 2012, wondered recently if he’d finally seen too much death and grief. He was investigating a wreck in which three members of a family, including a 4-year-old, were struck and killed by two strangers who were drag racing on Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring. The tragedy hit Power particularly hard, and he considered leaving CRU. He stayed.

“Seeing that through to a successful prosecution made me think maybe this is my true calling,” Power says. “Not that I’m the perfect investigator, but I know I can do this job and help others get through it. I can’t always give families the answers they want to hear, but I can tell them what happened. I like the clarity of that. We have the ability to make sense out of what seems like a completely senseless loss.” n April Witt (aprilwitt@hotmail.com) is a former Washington Post writer.

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Teaching Kids to We want our children to be kind, compassionate and generous.

But how do we instill those values when they are growing up surrounded by so much affluence?

By julie rasicot | illustration by tim williams

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o

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M Mike and Haven Cl ancy were walking with their six kids along Wisconsin Avenue in Bethesda on a cold night in 2009 when the family saw a homeless man sleeping on the sidewalk.

The couple’s older children, who ranged in age from 5 to 11 years old at the time, asked their parents why the man was sleeping outside, and wanted to know if they could give him a blanket.

Mike explained that the issue of homelessness was too complex to be solved by just handing out a blanket, which didn’t sit well with the kids. “They didn’t seem to think that was a very good answer,” Haven says. “They were like, ‘Yeah, but then he’d have a blanket. He wouldn’t be so cold.’ ” The encounter resonated with the Bethesda family. Knowing they couldn’t eliminate homelessness on their own, the Clancys decided to do what they could to help. So they purchased blankets and put them in small backpacks, along with hotel toiletries that Mike, now chief operating officer for an insurance company, had brought home from his work travels.

The family then drove to the District, and the kids stayed in the car while Mike delivered the bags to homeless people he found. After that trip, the children decided they wanted to do more, so the family created Immediate Impacts, a nonprofit that provides bags of coldweather survival gear and toiletries for homeless people in Washington, D.C. The Clancys began holding annual drives in their Ashleigh neighborhood around Halloween to collect toiletries.

They also started buying items, searching online for deals on blankets, wool socks, tarps and government-surplus military duffle bags. Over the past six years, others have donated goods and services, such as the construction of the nonprofit’s website, says Haven, a stay-at-home mom.

She says Immediate Impacts gives her kids “the opportunity to think about what things people might need, think about how to go about getting them, [and] how to be involved [in] packing the bags—but also about how there are safety issues involved.” The Clancys have taught their kids, now ages 8 to 19, how mental health problems and other issues can cause people to become homeless.

That first winter, the Clancys handed out 20 small backpacks. During the winter of 2014-2015, the family handed out about 130 military duffle bags. The four oldest kids, two boys and two girls, now help hand out bags when the Clancys make deliveries.

Clancy’s daughter, Emily, a freshman at Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School in the District, says she thought handing out the backpacks was “a cool thing to do” when the family first started the project. “Now I feel more intense about it and I really feel that this is helping people,” she says. “It’s something that I enjoy doing a lot more now.”

Most of us would applaud the efforts of the Clancy family—we too hope to raise children who are capable of feeling empathy and caring about the needs of others. But while we may believe in those ideals, a 2014 Harvard

University report provides evidence that our words and actions may be delivering an entirely different message to our kids.

The report, “The Children We Mean to Raise: The Real Messages Adults Are Sending About Values,” by the Making Caring Common Project of the Harvard Graduate School of Education, found that most middle school and high school students believe parents are more concerned about their children’s achievement or happiness than

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photo by darren higgins

The Clancy family of Bethesda created a nonprofit called Immediate Impacts, which provides cold-weather gear and toiletries to homeless people in Washington, D.C.

about whether they are caring people.

Researchers also asked students to rank what was most important to them: high achievement, personal happiness, or caring for others. Almost 80 percent of the students named high achievement or happiness; only about 20 percent chose caring for others.

Little comparative data exists to explain why today’s kids and parents may be more focused on personal achievement and happiness than those of past

generations, says Trisha Ross Anderson, program director for the Making Caring Common Project. But there’s no debate that there’s been an increase in recent decades in achievement pressure and a greater focus on children’s self-esteem at home and in the classroom.

Couple those issues with the fact that our kids are growing up in an age of rampant consumerism and in a world in which social media is likely to be used more to promote ourselves than the

good we do for others, and it’s easy to understand why some of our kids may be lacking empathy.

Still, there’s plenty of evidence that caring for others is important to local families. Many kids and families volunteer with charitable organizations and participate in fundraising efforts, such as the annual Pennies for Patients drives.

In 2015, for example, Walt Whitman and Bethesda-Chevy Chase high schools raised a total of about $80,000 for the

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teaching kids to care Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Families collect food and clothing for local charities, set up roadside lemonade stands to raise money, and even come up with their own projects, like the Clancy children did. Some kids set up their own nonprofits to raise money or collect items, such as used sports equipment and books, or give away money they’ve received for birthdays or bar and bat mitzvahs.

Families also seek out volunteer activities so their children can complete the state graduation requirement of earning 75 service-learning hours. Though service learning is supposed to combine meaningful work with lessons about civic engagement and tie into classroom academics, some activities approved by the school system may be as simple as helping a teacher store classroom supplies or selling popcorn at a school fair.

Many local private schools, which are not subject to the state requirement,

During the holiday season last year, drives led by students and others collected thousands of new toys that were distributed to more than 250 families.

“Many of the families come with the intention of really helping their children understand what it means to give,” Kelly says. “Kids may not be able to understand every single aspect of poverty, but they definitely get that they may have more than someone else and that there is something they can do about it. I’ve seen that even in 5-year-olds who say, ‘I have this toy and I’m donating it and I’m putting it on the shelf and another child will have it soon.’ ” If parents want to raise children who are caring, experts say, it’s up to the adults to make sure that their words and actions echo the values they want to instill in their kids. “It’s not enough just to hope and want your kids to be nice people,” Anderson says. “You have

“A lot of time, kids are so selfabsorbed because they have never seen people who have bigger problems than they do,” Price says. have instituted their own service-learning programs.

Local nonprofits such as A Wider Circle in Silver Spring, which provides household items, education and support for families in need, enjoy strong support from families and students who volunteer at their centers or organize donation drives. Brittany Kelly, director of volunteer programming at A Wider Circle, says the organization welcomes volunteers of all ages and even has some families who bring along young children when they come to help sort donated household goods, food and toys, and help clients pick out what they need.

to actually do something.”

T h e C l a n cy s’ m i s s i o n, which started with the children’s questions about a homeless man on the street, has blossomed into a textbook example of how to teach empathy to our kids.

“It’s kind of shown me that everybody can really help each other, even in just the simplest ways, and it doesn’t really matter how old you are,” Emily Clancy says. “It helps me realize what’s going on outside of the people that I interact with on a day-to-day basis.”

Emily was 9 when her family began its nonprofit; some of her siblings were

younger. Parenting experts say it’s never too early to start teaching our kids about empathy. When children are very young, parents can begin by discussing their own thoughts about a given situation, encouraging kids to share their feelings, and then modeling appropriate reactions, says James A. Griffin, deputy chief of the Child Development and Behavior Branch of the National Institutes of Health’s Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development in Rockville.

As kids grow older, parents can start talking about “the difference between feeling sorry for someone and empathy, which is really putting yourself in their place to understand their feelings,” Griffin says. He says parents should take into account their children’s level of maturity when it comes to discussing topics that could be emotionally complex, such as homelessness.

“There are some kids who mature really quickly and can handle more than others, but at the same time, you just have to be really mindful to make sure what you’re doing is in the ballpark of what they’re able to handle, because even if they’re appearing to be able to handle it, they’re really probably not learning what you really want them to learn,” he says. “It’s the slow and steady development.”

Another key to raising caring kids is showing them that getting outside of themselves and helping others feels good, says Susan Crites Price, a consultant at the National Center for Family Philanthropy in Washington, D.C., where she formerly served as a vice president.

Price, who lives in Friendship Heights in Northwest Washington, has written two books on how to raise caring kids—The Giving Family: Raising Our Children to Help Others, published in 2003 by the Council on Foundations, and Generous Genes, Raising Caring Kids in a Digital Age, which she self-published in 2015.

“A lot of time, kids are so selfabsorbed because they have never seen people who have bigger problems than

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teaching kids to care

As part of an Eagle Scout project, Marcus Hibbeln of Silver Spring built large boxes and barrels for a nonprofit organization that trains search and rescue dogs. He's shown here with his mom, Carole Giunta.

them over the head,” says Mark Shriver, who was a member of the Maryland House of Delegates from 1995 to 2003.

Still, he says, it isn’t always easy to incorporate that spirit of giving back.

“It’s hard because there are a lot of distractions,” he says. “There are a lot of immediate gratification messages bombarding all of us, including, obviously, our kids, and there is a lot of wealth in the area. We’re struggling with it, too.”

Parents can counteract distracting messages and help decrease a sense of entitlement by focusing less on making sure that their kids are always

happy and more on teaching them to achieve satisfaction through helping others, experts say.

Those are the goals of daily life in the Bethesda home of Nuni and Ralph Fairbanks and their eight kids, who range in age from 1 to 22. Being part of a family with eight children doesn’t allow much of an opportunity for those children to become self-absorbed because everyone needs to pitch in and help, Nuni says. And the kids know they shouldn’t expect to have the latest iPhone or the trendy clothing that their friends might have—and not because the family can’t afford those things.

photo by darren higgins

they do,” Price says. “So I think it really takes some intention, especially when your own kids are growing up with means, to make sure they get a sense of what the world is really like, and what the needs are.”

For Mark Shriver, helping others was part of daily family life while he was growing up in Potomac, and he and his wife, Jeanne, have continued to emphasize its importance as they raise their three children in Bethesda.

Mark’s father, Sargent Shriver, was named the Peace Corps’ first director in 1961 and was considered the architect of President Lyndon Johnson’s war on poverty. Mark’s mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founded the Special Olympics in 1968 after creating a summer camp for kids with developmental disabilities in the backyard of their Potomac home.

“What I learned from my mom and dad was really around the joy they had in doing their work, that they were modeling behavior that left an impression on me because it was helping people, and they were really happy doing it,” says Shriver, who is president of Save the Children Action Network in Washington, D.C. “I think some of us, myself included, try to do some community work and we’re not as joy-filled about it; it’s almost like an obligation, and I think my parents both didn’t see it as an obligation. They saw it as something that brought meaning to their life.”

In keeping with the family spirit, Shriver’s children—Molly, 18, Tommy, 16, and Emma, 11—participate each winter in a Special Olympics Unified Sports basketball league, in which they play on teams alongside kids with developmental disabilities in games at Landon School in Bethesda. They also participate in Best Buddies International, a program created by Shriver’s brother Anthony to “foster one-to-one friendships between people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities,” according to the organization’s website.

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teaching kids to care

“We naturally want to please our children,” Nuni says. But “we do such a great disservice when we give in to them. They grow up and start to look for happiness in all the wrong places.”

By not giving in to instant gratification, Nuni and Ralph believe their kids are learning that they are not the center of the universe—the sense of entitlement that can result from so-called helicopter parenting—and to consider others beyond themselves. For example, the older kids know they may have to give up social plans because they are needed to baby-sit younger siblings or otherwise help out at home. “When they have to sit down and help tie a kid’s shoes, then they naturally have to get outside of themselves,” Nuni says. “It’s a daily fostering of that attitude.”

The family, which moved to Bethesda a year ago after living in Potomac for

says he’s come to appreciate his parents’ approach now that he’s a young adult.

A senior at the University of Maryland, he’s seen the lack of happiness among students who grew up getting everything they wanted. “I see all these kids, they don’t get what they want and they flip out,” he says.

Nuni says trying to foster the ability to feel empathy extends to even the simplest gestures, such as finding a teachable moment when one of her children isn’t invited to a classmate’s birthday party.

In that case, Nuni says to her kids: “You know, you are kind of lucky to experience that. You know what it feels like, and you’re much less likely to do that to someone else.”

Teaching kids to treat others as they would like to be treated is a big part of fostering the ability to feel empathy, says Anderson of Making Caring Common.

Parenting experts say that getting kids involved in volunteering is more likely to be successful if they are allowed to follow their own interests.

20 years, often participates in its own service projects and others organized through its church and the Boy Scouts.

Nuni recalled the time when the family and other relatives joined together to spread mulch all over the play area at St. Ann’s Center for Children, Youth and Families in Hyattsville on a freezing December day five years ago. “The kids may complain at first, but they very quickly find they feel good when they help other people,” she says. “Being in such insulated communities as Bethesda and Potomac, it’s important for them to realize we are called to serve others.”

Nuni’s second oldest son, Peter, 21,

“It’s not important just to be kind in general, because the truth is most people are kind to someone—even hardened criminals and serial killers and sociopaths are generally kind to some people some of the time,” she says. “But it really is thinking about being kind to everybody, and particularly those people that are off your radar and not in your circle of concern.”

Providing kids witH the opportunities to practice kindness and caring for others will help build a sense of empathy, experts say.

Carole Giunta and Joe Hibbeln of Silver Spring found those opportunities

by involving their family in Scouting.

The couple’s oldest son, Marcus, recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest in Boy Scouting, after completing several requirements, including a major service project. That project involved building large boxes and barrels for a nonprofit organization that trains search and rescue dogs; the structures serve as hiding places that are used to teach the dogs how to find people in disaster zones.

To build the structures, Marcus organized several fellow Scouts and their dads for a backyard construction project in April 2015. Giunta says the work that morning was proof that her decision to get involved in Scouting along with Marcus and his two younger siblings years ago had been the right one.

“As I looked out my window that day, I thought, this is the spirit of Scouting, this is the spirit of giving to other people,” says Giunta, who has served as a leader of both Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops.

“It was very moving to see how many people turned out to help.”

Watching her son, Carole could see that she and her husband had succeeded in instilling the lessons about responsibility and caring for others that they had sought to teach their three children.

“For me, it’s been about trying to help them be well-rounded and to think about others besides themselves, to think that achievement is important, but there are limits to that,” she says. “It feels good to be successful in school and in your work, but it also feels good to give and to help other people.”

For Marcus, now 17 and a senior at Albert Einstein High School in Kensington, the lifelong lessons about responsibility and giving back had a lasting impact, whether his parents were talking about treating his siblings fairly, doing the dishes after dinner, or helping others for a service project. “They were telling me, ‘You have a role in all of this because you are a member of this community,’ ” he says.

Parenting experts say that getting kids

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involved in volunteering and giving back is more likely to be successful if they are allowed to follow their own interests.

“When they have a role in creating their community service projects and it’s not so top-down, that makes it much more compelling to kids,” says Price, the former National Center for Family Philanthropy vice president.

Angie and Sean Willeford of Potomac began taking their son, Merrick, on annual humanitarian mission trips when he was 5 years old to “put him in environments that he’s not normally used to,” Angie says. For that first trip, the family traveled to Mexico to help residents of an impoverished village with home repairs and other projects.

Before leaving, the Willefords told Merrick, who loved Thomas the Tank Engine, that he needed to bring some of his wooden trains to give to the children

in the village. “We explained to him that these children, they don’t have anything, they play with rocks and stones in the streets and don’t have shoes,” she says.

Over the years, the Willefords have taken their son, now an eighth-grader at Herbert Hoover Middle School, on seven annual church-sponsored humanitarian trips. “Our big hope was to try to get him to focus on external things, not just internal things—his needs and wants and desires necessarily—but to take a look at what’s around you. …What do you have versus what they have, and what can you give them that you can do without?” Willeford says.

Last summer, at Merrick’s request, the family visited a Navajo reservation in Arizona where they had volunteered in the past. While Sean and Merrick helped with building repairs, Angie pulled kitchen duty, cooking for 75 people. The family

stayed in a church on the reservation.

Merrick, who plays lacrosse, had brought along 20 new lacrosse sticks donated by Nike. When he wasn’t making repairs, he ran a lacrosse clinic for the village kids.

Merrick says helping residents of the reservation made him realize how lucky he is that his family can afford to call a repairman whenever something needs to be fixed. When he’s home and sees someone in need, it reminds him of the people he met on the reservation. That’s why he wanted to return last summer, and why he hopes to go back again.

“A lot of people needed help, and I wanted to make sure they got it,” he says. n Julie Rasicot of Silver Spring is the managing editor of Bethesda Magazine’s online daily newsletter, Bethesda Beat.

Her husband works with Mark Shriver at Save the Children Action Network.

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Lessons Learned?

The controversial firing of Montgomery County Public Schools Superintendent Joshua Starr last year led to

lots of questions about the school board’s effectiveness.

Now, they’ve hired Jack Smith to succeed Starr. Is the board headed in the right direction?

By louis peck | photos by lisa helfert

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?

Clockwise from top left, Montgomery County Board of Education members Michael Durso, Christopher Barclay, Phil Kauffman, Jill Ortman-Fouse

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and how I approach the job,” Smith, most recently Maryland’s interim state superintendent of schools, recalls. “The job of the superintendent is to be a calming, steady, stable administrator of the system while building a real urgency around meeting the needs of all students, every student.”

To be sure, the stakeholders in the school system who overwhelmingly recommended that the Montgomery County Board of Education hire the 58-year-old Smith—whose experience includes stints as a teacher and principal,

New superintendent Jack Smith will take office July 1.

as well as a school superintendent in Calvert County—have since praised his ability to move quickly to address key challenges facing the nation’s 17th largest school district. “Even though Dr. Smith is not necessarily a young gun, he does have some innovative ideas and does want to shake things up,” says county Councilmember Craig Rice, who heads the council’s education committee.

It is also clear that Smith’s view of the superintendent’s role resonated with those vetting him. “I do agree that Dr. Smith was a safe choice,” Rice says, echoing a comment made both publicly and privately by some others. “But I think that’s smart, based on the challenges that [the board of education] had before.

I think for right now, what the system does need is stability.”

The members of the board and some of its key stakeholders appear to be betting that Smith’s 35 years of experience, combined with a style that’s seen as both low-key and self-effacing, will improve the school board’s internal dynamics and public messaging.

Smith’s hiring in early February came almost 12 months to the day after the school board announced the departure of his predecessor, Joshua Starr, a move that the school board was unwilling—and perhaps unable—to explain to the community at large. It triggered puzzlement, concern and criticism from interested parties both inside and outside the county, sentiments that only intensified with a largely bungled effort to hire a successor to Starr in May 2015.

Indeed, in the view of a number of key players who have observed or been involved with the Montgomery County school system, the board of education has been divided—and at times dysfunctional—for much of the past decade as it has struggled to speak with a collective voice. While some say Smith’s hiring was a sign of progress toward a more unified

jack smith photo by laura chase mcgehee

M Meeting privately in early February with a panel of community leaders who were vetting his possible appointment as Montgomery County’s next superintendent of schools, Jack R. Smith pointedly declared that his role was to be “the rock, but not the rock star.”

Given the controversy and criticism that had enveloped the school system and the Montgomery County Board of Education in the months before the meeting, Smith’s words were soothing to several of those who were listening.

“I [was] very clear about who I am

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Former Montgomery County Board of Education President Patricia O’Neill says she still doesn’t “totally know” why a majority of board members decided last year to oust former Superintendent Joshua Starr, whom she supported.

and assertive board, they caution that a remediation of the longtime status quo is among the major challenges facing Smith after he takes office on July 1.

“They’ve hired a very good superintendent,” says a person involved in the selection process. “That superintendent and the board now have to develop a relationship, and they have to come to an agreement and understand how to work with each other to make the school system successful.”

Based on recent history, this source adds, “The jury’s still out on that one.”

Dy s f u n ct i o n i s n ot n e w to the school board. Patricia O’Neill, the second-longest-serving member in the nearly 200-year history of the Montgomery County Board of Education, vividly remembers the rocky political landscape that greeted her after she first won election 17 years ago.

In the wake of a bitter battle over teacher pensions, two board members were refusing to talk to outgoing board President Nancy King (now chair of the county’s state Senate delegation). Meanwhile, Stephen Abrams, known for a sharp mind and tongue, had just won a second stint on the board. He insisted that he be seated across the board table from Mona Signer, who had ousted him two years earlier, “so that he could glare her down,” according to O’Neill.

Things didn’t get any better at a board retreat in Annapolis. “I couldn’t believe I was sitting there with adults,” O’Neill says.

“At one point, I thought we needed a body fluid cleanup kit, it was so bad.”

O’Neill says the current board is different. “Everybody on the board is collegial,” she says. “There is not the dynamic of people who don’t speak to each other.”

But in the view of many who deal

regularly with the board, the events of late 2014 and the first half of 2015 served to define the difference between speaking and communicating. Matt Gandal, a longtime county resident and an education policy expert, says he observed “a kind of a deterioration of the clarity of leadership, the stability of leadership, the transparency of leadership [of the board], all of which make a huge difference in the quality of the system and public confidence in the system.”

Gandal heads a consulting firm that advises states and localities across the country on education policy. Referring to Starr’s ouster, he says, “I don’t know what the rationale was for making a leadership change. I don’t know because it wasn’t communicated. I don’t know because when people ran for election months earlier, none of them made it part of their platform. That is why so many people were so frustrated when

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the change was made. Whether you agreed with it or not, nobody understood why—or what it meant for any potential new direction that the county was going to go in.”

A detailed protocol was put in place when Starr was hired as schools chief in 2011, including annual evaluations and frequent conversations between the superintendent and both board officers and subgroups of board members. In early 2015, Starr was informed that the votes were not there to renew his contract. “What happened to me came as a surprise, because we had put in all these checks and balances,” says Starr, who remains a Bethesda resident and is CEO of Arlington-based PDK International, a professional association for educators.

In fact, Starr’s ouster came on the heels of a late 2014 personnel evaluation by the board that several sources said was generally positive. And it came barely a month after a private retreat involving Starr and board members where, by all accounts, there was no effort to bring the issue of his future to a head. Shortly after the retreat, Michael Durso, the board’s vice president at the time, reportedly called the board’s then-president, O’Neill, who supported retaining Starr, and said the votes to renew Starr’s contract were not there. Starr says he was simply informed: “You don’t have the votes.”

Even with the recent hiring of a new superintendent, the reasons for Starr’s ouster remain unclear. “I think board members were very fixed in their positions,” O’Neill says of the members who wanted Starr out. “I could not be clear as to what their reasons were. I can speculate, but there was never a time when the whole board said in a review: ‘These are the issues.’ ”

“I think board members were very fixed in their positions. They would each have to give you a reason,” O'Neill says of the board members who wanted Starr out. “I could not be clear as to what their reasons were.”

“To this day, I don’t totally know,” O’Neill acknowledges.

Durso, known to be at the core of the opposition to Starr, declines to discuss the matter publicly. “I don’t see a need to go down that road,” Durso replies politely but firmly when asked if Starr was offered an explanation of why Durso and three other board members—Judith Docca, Jill Ortman-Fouse and Rebecca Smondrowski—did not, according to sources, support renewal

of the superintendent’s contract. “I think people feel a need to know, and the resignation did not allay any of those questions or concerns. Some linger, and may continue to linger,” says Durso, who succeeded O’Neill as board president at the end of last year. “Everybody either feels like they know the scoop or want to know the scoop, and that’s really tricky in personnel matters.”

But some board members admit to second thoughts about how Starr’s

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The Montgomery County Board of Education controls the 17th largest school district in the country, overseeing 156,000 students and a budget that is approaching $2.4 billion annually.

departure was handled. “I would have loved to have said something because I think people wanted to understand, but I think we erred on the side of not saying anything because we weren’t sure what we could say,” says Ortman-Fouse, who has a background in communications. “I think we could have talked about what we wanted going forward. I think it was unfortunate that we didn’t talk about that.”

Smondrowski agrees: “I believe we should have crafted a message in terms of how we were planning on moving forward.”

Absent such a statement, the Feb. 3, 2015, press conference at which Starr’s departure was announced was a chaotic scene. Board members dodged shouted questions from reporters and ultimately scattered, leaving Starr to field the queries. “To be frank, over the past decade, they never really had to speak as a board,” says Chris Lloyd, president of the 12,000member Montgomery County Education Association (MCEA). Of the decision

not to retain Starr, he adds, “Many of them were operating as individuals with individual reasons to get to that single decision. And if they tried to articulate that, I think it would have been even more divisive within the community because people would have seen it as a very challenged board in a lot of ways.”

The first members of the Montgomery County Board of Education were appointed in 1817, but it did not become a body subject to popular election until the early 1950s. Today, the school board oversees an operating budget that is approaching $2.4 billion annually— nearly half of the Montgomery County government’s total budget—with a student population of about 156,000, and growing rapidly.

While the seven adult school board members say that overseeing a school system as large as Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) requires a fulltime commitment, they are paid just

$25,000 a year—compared with a salary of more than $120,000 for council members. (There is also an unpaid student member, elected annually by middle and high school students and allowed to vote on some decisions, including the appointment of a superintendent.)

“It’s slave labor,” Christopher Barclay says of the current salary, with only half a smile. In addition, the level of professional and support staff accorded to the board of education is a small fraction of what’s allotted to the county council, an imbalance that several members of both panels feel needs to be addressed in view of the mushrooming size of the school system.

“I think it’s probably the toughest elected position there is,” says Starr, who has spent nearly two decades as a school administrator. “It’s the only elected position I know of where you’re not supposed to do constituent services, yet you campaign on constituent issues and are voted in by people who think

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lessons learned?

School board member Rebecca Smondrowski was said to have had a difficult relationship with Starr and felt he was dismissive of her concerns about the school district.

you are going to solve their problems.

And then you get there and you realize, ‘Wait a second, that’s actually not what I’m supposed to do.’ So there’s a real conflict for board members.”

This conflict may help to explain some of the recent divisions within the board.

While the notion is generally dismissed by current board members, some stakeholders see a new member/old member dynamic at work regarding the board’s role—and the extent to which it should involve itself in the day-to-day management of the system.

“When I first got on the board, I got involved in a special education matter, where I was asking a lot of questions,” recalls Phil Kauffman, first elected in 2008 and running for a third term this year. “I realize now that probably wasn’t something that I should have been as involved in as I was…I think I’ve gotten more respectful of the system.”

He says of the board: “We’re not eight superintendents running the system.

We set the policy and direction for the school system, [and] we hire the superintendent to run the place.”

But the two most recent arrivals,

School board member Judith Docca became the pivotal fourth vote against Starr after questioning his ability to close the schools’ achievement gap.

Ortman-Fouse and Smondrowski, are seen as more open to playing the role of system ombudsmen, tackling constituent complaints. Ortman-Fouse, 53, and Smondrowski, 47, are the youngest of the seven adults on the board, and, with children still in school, are more likely to hear parent complaints than older board members whose children are no longer in the system. “To me, that is the confusing part of being a board member,” says Smondrowski, a former Maryland General Assembly staffer who is seeking election to a second term this year.

“On the one hand, traditionally, the role is strictly oversight. On the other hand, people elect me to represent them, and I personally have a hard time saying to anybody, ‘That’s not my job.’ ” In fact, some on the outside are pushing the board to take a more aggressive role in the operation of the system. In an interview before Smith’s appointment, Rice said, “It seems as though the superintendent, once appointed, does their own thing, and then asks for forgiveness if they’ve done something that’s wrong, but never asks for permission from the school board, nor is it the school board driving

what happens with the superintendent.”

Rice expresses a more optimistic view now. “I think with the selection of Dr. Smith, the board will feel more comfortable in terms of making some…changes,” Rice says. “I don’t think that could have happened under a Dr. Starr or a Dr. Weast, but could certainly happen under a Dr. Smith—just based on his tenor and his demeanor, and where the board is right now in starting to assert itself.”

Rice’s observations are in large part a reaction to the 12-year tenure of former Superintendent Jerry Weast, Starr’s predecessor. And to some extent the school board’s struggles to achieve equilibrium in its relationship with a superintendent—while also articulating a coherent vision to the community at large—appear to be rooted in that era as well.

W e a s t to o k o f f i c e in Montgomery County in 1999, hired away from North Carolina’s Guilford County school system. By the time he left in 2011, Weast, who remains in the county and works nationally as an education consultant, had served four times the three-year national average for a

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lessons learned?

School board members are paid just $25,000 a year—compared with a salary of more than $120,000 for council members. superintendent in a large school district.

Weast was hired as a change agent at a time when MCPS was facing major challenges, and is widely credited with making significant improvements in the system, including smaller elementary school class sizes, with the aid of a

flush economy. His aggressive management style was often effective, but it also stirred controversy on and off the board.

“Jerry Weast was a very strong figure,” says County Councilmember Nancy Navarro, who was a member of the school board for five years during

Weast’s tenure. “He really acted like an elected official. You had to constantly say, ‘OK, Jerry, you work for us.’ ” At the same time, Navarro adds, Weast “did a really incredible job connecting with all the members of the community, and its different sectors and organizations. Even though he was heavy-handed in many ways, he could explain to you why, and he could articulate to you what the plan was. He would own it.”

Although technically a school board employee, Weast worked hard to manage his bosses. His efforts tended to obscure from public view some of the divisions on the board that have been more evident lately. But several board members chafed under such a regime.

“While it produced a great deal of public unanimity, I think some members

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lessons learned?

Montgomery County Education Association President Chris Lloyd

of the board felt it was too much—that Dr. Weast really did not keep them as well informed as they felt he should have,” says Lloyd, the president of the MCEA, who was a MCEA board member while both Weast and Starr were in power. “They felt that when the time came, they needed a new superintendent who would work better with them, not tell them what was going to occur.”

Recounting his hiring, Starr says board members made it clear that they “wanted to change the culture and leadership style.” He characterizes the board’s message at the time as “we want to be very collaborative, we want to be part of the team.”

Starr’s contract, signed in May 2011, included at least four meetings per year to discuss the progress toward goals set in those evaluations. Starr also met weekly with board officers, and later instituted meetings every six weeks with three members of the board on a rotating basis. “Over the course of almost four years, given the shared governance work that we had put in place, and with the clear expectations that the board had for me, there was nothing that I was doing that the board wasn’t aware of, involved with and had an opportunity to shape,” Starr says.

But if Starr was hired because he wasn’t Weast, some believe that he ultimately lost the job, at least in part, for the same reason. Starr was widely seen

“After about a year, people, rightly or wrongly, started to expect a turn,” Lloyd says of Starr's tenure. “For some on the board and some in the community, that turn never came.” as lacking Weast’s political savvy, as well as his ability to articulate goals and a path for accomplishing them. “If you looked at the policies Josh talked about, and you looked at the things Jerry talked about, there was not a lot of difference,” says Rice. “It was all in style, and how you sold those. And that’s where I think, unfortunately, that Josh didn’t do himself justice.”

At the outset of his tenure, Starr went on a widely praised listening tour to familiarize himself with the school system and its constituencies. Many lauded his emphasis on “social emotional” learning of life skills at a time of increasing criticism of “teach to the test” curricula, and welcomed his talk of social justice amid continued concern about the so-called achievement gap, an issue that predated Weast’s tenure.

But a restiveness then set in, as people both on and off the board awaited a series of specific goals from the new superintendent, to understand better where he wanted to take the system. “After about a year, people, rightly or wrongly, started to expect a turn,” Lloyd says. “For some on the board and some in the community, that turn never came.”

Some outside the board saw the situation as a silver lining of sorts, an opportunity for the board to assert itself. “[There were] many conversations with some of the board members about, ‘Look,

you have to exert leadership. This is your moment,’ because people were wondering what’s happening, and Josh wasn’t providing that or guiding that,” says one county official who deals frequently with the board. “So it was kind of like a special moment for the board, and, instead, it went [south].”

Earlier, in 2007, there had been significant division within the board on whether to retain Weast for a third fouryear term. But, sources say there were a series of straightforward conversations with Weast and he stayed, amid board members’ concerns about what a turnover in the top job could mean for the stability of the system.

Such an accommodation turned out to be a bridge too far in 2015. Durso was said to be the first member to decide that Starr needed to go. First appointed to the board in 2009 to fill a vacancy, Durso was a school principal for more than three decades, including 13 years at Silver Spring’s Springbrook High School.

Sources say Durso’s primary concern was that Starr, despite ambitious ideas, was unable to deliver on them.

According to sources, he was joined in his opposition by Smondrowski, who harbored some of the same issues, aggravated by a difficult relationship with Starr. She regarded him as dismissive of some of her concerns, and he was said to occasionally roll his eyes as

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she spoke. The third vote not to renew the Starr contract came from OrtmanFouse, elected to the board for the first time in 2014 after campaigning as an advocate of change.

The crucial fourth vote, denying Starr the board majority he needed for renewal, came at the 11th hour from Docca, who had initially been prepared to support him. But Docca had become increasingly doubtful of Starr’s ability to deal with the achievement gap, sources say.

Some insiders say the outcome might have been different if the board had the ability to offer Starr a shorter-term contract in conjunction with outlining detailed goals for key areas. But such an option is not possible under Maryland law, which requires that a superintendent be given a four-year contract—or none at all.

Daniel Domenech, executive director of Alexandria-based AASA, a national association of school superintendents, says most states have maximum contract lengths for a school superintendent, but then allow a local board to offer a shorter-term deal if they choose. “I am not aware of any other state that has Maryland’s ‘it must be four years,’ ” says Domenech, a former Fairfax County Public Schools superintendent. “I think it makes it difficult for [school districts] in Maryland because very often a board might want to extend the contract, but not necessarily for four years.”

When Starr was told he lacked the votes to remain in the job, he mounted a counteroffensive, with Rice, County Executive Ike Leggett and state Sen. Richard Madaleno lobbying board

members. It didn’t change any minds— and may have backfired. Barclay, who had originally opposed a renewal of Starr’s contract, only later to be convinced to retain the superintendent, once again wavered in the face of the lobbying blitz. A formal vote on whether to renew Starr’s contract was never taken, although some sources suggest, had there been one, it would have ended up 5-3 opposed—with O’Neill, Kauffman and Dahlia Huh, the board’s student member at the time, in Starr’s camp. Huh, highly regarded by her adult peers, left the room in tears during a particularly intense closed session of the board where Starr backers made a lastditch effort to save his job.

The divisions and hard feelings were clearly on display not long afterward,

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lessons learned?

as Bonnie Fogel, founder of Bethesda’s Imagination Stage, hosted a gathering for Starr. The guest list, submitted by the ousted superintendent, included only three of the eight school board members: O’Neill, Kauffman and Huh.

While board members remained on speaking—and perhaps even collegial—terms in the wake of Starr’s departure, significant internal strains were apparent. At the early February press conference when Starr’s departure was announced, O’Neill angered other board members when she acknowledged that she would have voted to keep Starr. She later briefly contemplated quitting the board.

It was hardly a conducive atmosphere for launching a search to find a successor to Starr—especially one that had to be completed in only five months. In hindsight, one board member says publicly it was a mistake to try to move so quickly, and several others agree privately.

“We needed a rest period,” says Barclay, a two-time board president who is leaving at the end of 2016 after a 10-year tenure. “It was kind of like getting scraped along the pavement, and then you have to go in and put on a tux and present yourself in the best light. And that’s pretty damn hard to do when you’ve been through a really hard decision.”

Once again, state law may have constrained the board’s options. “There were some legal interpretations we got that said we were obligated to do a search,” Barclay says. Upon Starr’s departure in mid-February, Larry Bowers, the district’s longtime chief operating officer, was named interim superintendent until a permanent successor could be hired

by July 1, the administrative start of the 2015-2016 school year.

Maryland law does not directly address the length of time that an interim superintendent may serve. But a reading of the state statute by the board’s attorneys

“It was kind of like getting scraped along the pavement, and then you have to go in and put on a tux and present yourself in the best light,” says Barclay. appeared to foreclose the option, at least at that point, of asking Bowers to remain in the job past July 1 in order to provide the board with more time for a search.

Legal interpretations aside, the board was emotionally ill-equipped to undertake a search. “They were not together as a group, they were acting as individuals rather than as a collective,” says one source involved in the selection process. “They did not have a consensus on the criteria [for a new superintendent]. Even though they published one, they did not have agreement internally. They hadn’t really worked through that issue carefully, and they started very, very late in the process.”

The upshot, this source adds, was that the board “wound up with one candidate that I’m not sure every one of them would have agreed was the best candidate. That caused difficulty.”

After interviewing seven candidates, the board submitted just one in May 2015 to a panel composed of representatives from about 15 local groups and organizations, ranging from the MCEA to the Montgomery County Council of PTAs to the county branch of the NAACP. He was Andrew Houlihan, the 36-year-old chief academic officer of the

Houston Independent School District who lacked experience as a superintendent. (A second likely finalist had withdrawn from consideration in order to head a Florida school system.)

The board members were hardly united in their recommendation of Houlihan: His name is said to have been forwarded to the community panel by an informal 5-3 vote of the board. For their part, members of the community panel were upset at being asked to meet with only one candidate. Four years earlier, before Starr was appointed, a similar group had been given three candidates to consider.

After meeting with Houlihan, the community panel reported back to the board on the same day. Almost unanimously, the panel felt Houlihan was not ready to be superintendent of MCPS. The panel was further angered when, just as the three-hour session with Houlihan was wrapping up, one of its members noticed an email message: a public announcement by the board that Houlihan was its “preferred” candidate.

“That didn’t leave a good taste in the mouths of some of the panel members,” says one participant. “Of what value is our reaction when the school board had

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lessons learned?

already indicated they had a candidate?”

Says Domenech: “They did something I’ve never seen before when they made an announcement of who their favorite candidate was. It was a process that was very unusual, to say the least.”

The day after his meeting with the community panel, Houlihan met with the board’s search consultant, who told him about the community panel’s negative reaction. Two days later, Houlihan officially withdrew from consideration.

Bowers agreed to postpone retirement and remain as interim superintendent through the 2015-2016 school year, while the search was restarted.

The flawed search for Starr’s successor last year served as a wake-up call to the beleaguered board. It was quickly followed by a board decision to go on a retreat, where facilitators tried to open up the lines of communication among board members. One of the facilitators was former panel member Reginald Felton, who served from 1994-2004 and is now a consultant to local school boards.

Says Lloyd: “They clearly had some conversations at the retreat that helped them to deal with the decision around Starr and how they got there. There’s still division there involving the different styles of the board members. But I think now at least they’ve started to understand the styles of each [other] and to some extent even respect that.”

Responding to the sharp criticism over its handling of the first attempt to replace Starr, the board also moved to expand the school community’s role in the search process. What had been one large panel of stakeholders in the system was broken into three groups, each of which met with the final candidates for the job this past February. The format was revamped to allow for more give and take among the finalists and the community panels, and each panel then gave its thoughts directly

“The more I met with [the board], the more positive I felt about the opportunity,” Jack Smith says. to the board, rather than filtering them through the board’s consultants, as was the practice in the past. The changes were praised by many of the participants who had grumbled about how the process had been handled the previous May. The board had begun the search for a new superintendent in early fall, ultimately reviewing about 70 résumés and interviewing 11 candidates. Both finalists—Jack Smith and Marty Smith, the chief of staff at Fairfax County Public Schools—were forwarded to the community panels by unanimous votes of the board, a contrast to the informal 5-3 Houlihan vote nine months earlier.

It was just around the time that the search was getting underway that Jack Smith learned that his boss at the Maryland Department of Education, state Superintendent of Schools Lillian Lowery, was resigning. Recruited by Lowery in 2013 to serve as the department’s chief academic officer, he was “distressed” by Lowery’s departure and not interested in succeeding her. Smith decided to apply for the vacancy in Montgomery County and was offered an interview. By the end of a follow-up interview, “I was pretty interested in the job,” he says.

Though Domenech says he heard anecdotal evidence of “top-notch candidates” reluctant to pursue the Montgomery County job in the wake of the events of 2014-2015, Smith says he “didn’t give that a lot of thought, actually.”

Sources say Smith never asked questions about the circumstances surrounding Starr’s departure and the accompanying turmoil in meetings with the board. “The more I met with [the board], the more positive I felt about the opportunity and the circumstance of working with them,” Smith says.

If the hiring of Starr was in part a reaction to Weast’s tenure, the hiring of Smith may have been influenced by the failed relationship with his predecessor: While Starr was criticized in some quarters as aloof, Smith is described as approachable.

“Jack is a very different kind of individual from Josh,” says one source who was involved in the hiring process.

The board, according to sources, decided to hire Smith following clear feedback from all three panels of stakeholders that he was the preferred choice—but not without some debate.

The other finalist, Marty Smith, would have been only the second African-American (the late Paul Vance, who served from 1991-1999, was the first) to head what is now a system where 70 percent of the current students are members of minority groups. Until about two weeks before the community panels were convened in early February, there was a third likely finalist—potentially Montgomery County’s first female superintendent. Board sources declined to identify her, but say she is currently the superintendent of a school system outside of Maryland, and

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lessons learned?

that she withdrew her application due to responsibilities connected to the care of her elderly parents.

Ortman-Fouse, the school board’s newest member, acknowledges the initial grumbling within segments of the school community over the choice of “another white male” to head the system.

“I didn’t get on the board to hire another white male,” she says, “because I really do believe that leadership needs to reflect the diversity of the populations that they’re serving. But at the end of the day, you want to go with the person who is strongest and, apart from their gender or race, is going to do the job for the most vulnerable kids in our county.” Of Jack Smith she adds, “With his understanding of teaching and learning, and his passion about meeting every child’s needs, from the most vulnerable to those

who are highly gifted, I think we could really move the needle. And that is the big thing.”

Ortman-Fouse and her board colleagues seem to be hoping for a storybook ending—literally. A book that was recently making the rounds among Montgomery County Board of Education members—The Essential School Board Book—was hardly a best-seller when published in 2009 by Harvard Education Press. But Montgomery board members focused their attention on a section in the book about the Calvert County school board, in which a former president of that panel declares: “We are recognized in the state as being unique.

We are five people without any personal agendas. …Everything in the school system is focused on student achievement. That’s our mantra.” According to

the book, then-Calvert County school board President Frank Parish gives the “lion’s share” of the credit to Calvert’s superintendent of schools, Jack Smith, then midway through his 20062013 tenure in that southern Maryland jurisdiction.

The next four years will tell if Smith can pull off a repeat performance in Rockville and put an end to years of dysfunction and disunity. Says Lloyd: “The board now is really looking for someone who listens, who can build coalitions, and who is inclusive. And I think the faith of the board is that this is the guy to do that.” n Louis Peck ( lou.peck@bethesda magazine.com) has covered politics extensively at the local, state and national levels for four decades.

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Finding Her Path After working in

government and politics and raising three kids, Bethesda's Cindy Steuart Cindy Steuart traveled to Everest Base Camp with Trekking for Kids in 2010.

was looking for a new challenge. She found it in an unexpected cause. by amy reinink photos by cindy steuart

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Steuart’s daughter Lolly (right) with another TFK participant in Peru’s Lares Valley in July 2013

C

C indy Steuart stepped out of her sleeping hut at the Gorak Shep teahouse in Nepal and instantly felt startled by the cold.

The medication she was taking for altitude sickness had forced her out of bed and into the freezing Himalayan night to go to the bathroom. It was near the end of a 13-day, 75-mile hike in late 2010 that had brought Steuart to Everest Base Camp with a group called Trekking for Kids (TFK). The Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit organizes adventure trips for adults (and occasionally

teenagers) to iconic hiking destinations all over the world, and trekkers perform service projects to help children living in nearby orphanages. The group had spent its first few days working at an orphanage in Bhaktapur, Nepal, plastering, painting and setting up furniture.

Their fundraising efforts at home had also paid for a brand-new third floor to be added to the formerly two-story building. Hikers had bonded with the 25 orphans during a field trip to a nature park, taken part in a Buddhist festival at a monastery and climbed to an elevation

of 18,513 feet. During the trek, almost everyone developed a croup-like cough from the altitude, and some of the 21 people who began the journey were unable to finish it.

As Steuart, now 57, shivered her way to a nearby rock—the outhouse was a long walk from her sleeping hut—she felt a wave of inspiration. “I was surrounded by these 27,000-foot mountains, with stars that didn’t quit,” she says. “I was witnessing something startling and spectacular.”

The Bethesda resident had spent years working in politics and government before

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Photos from a July 2013 trip, one of four TFK trips Steuart has made to Peru. Clockwise from top left: Veronica peak; TFK hikers break for a fun photo; a woman and child along the Lares Valley; TFK participants, who raised funds for improvements at an orphanage in Ocongate, renovate a bathroom with help from children who live at the orphanage.

deciding to stay home and raise her three kids. With her children nearly grown, she knew she was ready again to lend her time and talents to an outside cause. Standing under a ring of the world’s highest peaks, she began to wonder if Trekking for Kids was that cause.

Steuart learned about Trekking for Kids in 2009 from her friend Bridgit Fried. She’d met Fried when their kids went to school together in Bethesda, and they’d bonded over a mutual love of hiking and the outdoors. Fried set up

a meeting with TFK co-founder José Montero, who lives in D.C., and asked if she could bring Steuart. As Montero spoke about his goals for TFK and the group’s upcoming trip to Everest Base Camp in Nepal, Steuart was riveted.

“Without hesitation I said, ‘Count me in,’ ” she recalls.

Now TFK’s executive director, Steuart helps lead two or three trips a year to locations ranging from Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania to Patagonia in Argentina and Chile. When she started trekking with the group, TFK was run

by volunteers; now the organization has three paid staffers.

Montero and his sister, Ana María Montero, a correspondent for CNN en Español, first conceived of TFK while chatting with friends in early 2005 about their upcoming trip to Machu Picchu, the famed Incan ruins in Peru’s Andes Mountains. “The question became: How can we go to these iconic locations as Western tourists and be oblivious to the extreme poverty in the surrounding areas?” says José Montero, a former executive for The Coca-Cola Co. who is

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finding her path On a February 2013 trip to Tanzania, Steuart and other TFK participants camped on their way to Mount Kilimanjaro (shown in the distance). Left: A TFK group with orphanage staff and children at the Kilimanjaro Centre for Orphans & Street Children

now president of The Montero Group, an international strategy advisory firm.

They decided to add a service component to their trip, focusing their efforts on an orphanage in Cuzco, Peru, in homage to their father, José “Pepe” Montero, who was an orphan of the Spanish Civil War. They also decided that this idea was bigger than just the two of them and their friends, and bigger than this one trip. In March 2005, just two months before their hike, the siblings incorporated Trekking for Kids as a nonprofit. Trekkers would pay their own travel expenses and commit to raising at least $1,000 toward a project at a nearby orphanage.

By 2010, Montero realized he needed an executive director to handle day-today operations. “We wanted to make sure whoever took this on would be someone we could trust to honor the legacy of my family, especially my father,” Montero says. Pepe Montero died in 2008.

wholesome, outdoorsy vibe. She grew up on a small family farm in western Nebraska, where her dad grew wheat and corn and raised cattle. The closest place to buy a gallon of milk was a 45-minute drive away, so the family grew or made most of what it needed.

On summer afternoons, she’d ride her bike to the swimming hole about 5 miles away, rarely passing another person.

Steuart grew up with a love of wide open spaces, and developed an affinity for the mountains and hiking during annual family camping trips to Colorado.

In 1980, Steuart moved to the D.C. area to work on Ronald Reagan’s

Later, she accepted a position with Vice President Dan Quayle’s wife, assisting with Marilyn Quayle’s natural disaster preparedness and relief efforts, which took her to Mexico after an earthquake, Puerto Rico after a hurricane and to a host of other places struck by natural events. She was scheduled to go to Russia when she announced that she was pregnant with her first child. Security officers advised her to put travel plans on hold.

Steuart left that position in 1991 to stay home with her daughter, and never traveled on behalf of the government again. As fulfilling as it was to be a parent, she says, she longed for a taste

“The trip was life-changing for the children in that orphanage, but it was life-changing for me, as well.”

José Montero designed TFK to be “life disruptive,” he says, with each trip leading to a shift in self-knowledge, self-confidence and priorities for the trekkers. Steuart says that certainly has been the case for her.

Steuart is tall and slim with pale blond hair, piercing blue eyes and a

presidential campaign, and stayed in Washington for a full-time position with the United States Agency for International Development. Her first trip with USAID took her to the famine camps in Sudan. “I was in my early 20s, and it just rocked my world view,” Steuart says. “It’s something that has stuck with me ever since that time.”

of the life she’d left behind. “I missed it terribly,” she says. “I missed the sense of purpose I felt when I was traveling to those countries.”

Steuart knew that jobs in politics are based largely on networking, something she wasn’t able to do because she wanted to spend her time and energy on her kids. She figured her life of international

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finding her path travel and relief work was over. She started a freelance photography business in 2000, specializing in landscapes, sports and outdoor portraits, but by the time she accepted the invitation to travel to Everest Base Camp in 2010, she was hungry for another challenge.

Still, she says, she had some doubts about leaving home for three weeks. Her oldest daughter, Anna, was already in college, but her son, Guy IV, was a junior at St. Albans School and her other daughter, Lolly, was a freshman at St. John’s College High School. In the month leading up to the trip, Steuart arranged three weeks’ worth of carpools, cooked three weeks’ worth of dinners, and prepared her family for her longest-ever absence.

These days, TFK groups have access to satellite phones and Internet service, even at Everest Base Camp. Six years ago, those things were harder to come by. “I may as well have been going to

the moon,” Steuart says. “My husband was going to be at home, but I worried about missing things—I knew I would miss things while I was gone.”

Steuart says she was prepared to feel awed by the beauty of the Himalayas, but she didn’t expect to be so deeply moved by her work with the children.

Ahead of the trip, she raised $4,500 by reaching out to friends and family, and as a group, the trekkers raised $58,000 for the orphanage. In addition to paying for a new floor to be added to the building, the money covered new beds for the 25 orphans, many of whom had never had one before.

One little boy expressed his gratitude by reaching into a small box that held all of his belongings—a sweater, a notebook, a photo of his mother and two pens—and giving Steuart one of the pens. “Of course I said, ‘No, no, no, I

can’t take this,’ but it meant so much to him to give it to me,” Steuart says. “I treasure that pen. The trip was life-changing for the children in that orphanage, but it was life-changing for me, as well.”

Jan Rosenberg, then 60, was the oldest hiker in the group and says he was feeling his age by the end of the trek. “Cindy was able to just spring up the mountain like it was nothing for her, but she was always checking in to make sure the rest of the group was doing OK,” says Rosenberg, a Potomac resident who is now a tech company CEO. “At one point, I was really struggling, and I think she could see that I was slowing down. She walked up beside me, grabbed my arm, and just walked armin-arm with me for about five minutes. It was one of those moments of kindness that really stuck with me.”

Before the trip, Steuart says everyone in her family—including herself—was more focused on how the logistics would

Please call or e-mail Clare Cahill to schedule a tour: clare.cahill@wccbethesda.com

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finding her path Kilimanjaro in 2013. The group’s first hotel in Moshi, Tanzania, was much farther from the airport than expected, so Steuart had to assuage trekkers’ fears that they “were being driven out to the hinterlands in Tanzania,” she says. After the trek, some members of the group discovered that their luggage wasn’t waiting for them at the hotel.

“I just went behind the scenes and stomped my feet with the hotel management to find out what was happening, and tried to keep cool with the trekkers, assuring them that the luggage must have gotten put in an office for safekeeping,” says Steuart, who was able to When traveling in developing successfully reunite the trekkers with countries, logistical snags are inevitable. their suitcases. “These aren’t disasters, Buses don’t show up. Roads are closed. just bumps in the road.”

Each TFK trip includes roughly 15 Everything takes longer than anticipated.

Steuart learned the art of managing trekkers from across the country, ranging such situations during the first TFK from 20-something singles to 60-sometrip she led—a seven-day, 52-mile trek thing retirees, and from accomplished BethesdaMag_CapCity/Curry7x4.625_Layout 4/11/16 10:44 AM Page 2 to first-time hikers. One to the summit of 19,340-foot Mount 1 mountaineers work than on any actual risk. Then she came home with a digestive illness. “My kids were worried then, because they saw me in great discomfort for a few days,” she says.

After the trip, Montero asked Steuart to join the TFK board, and later to become the organization’s first executive director. She accepted the job in January 2012. “I could tell from Day One that she was a very smart, strategic person, and that she had a great deal of poise and credibility,” Montero says. “She really seemed to understand right away what our organization’s mission was all about.”

trip included a middle-aged woman who had never hiked before, and a man who had climbed the Seven Summits (the highest peak on each continent) and skied the North and South poles.

Though TFK provides training advice for newer hikers, the trips can prove strenuous. For many trekkers, it’s their first time camping in tents and going without running water for days.

As a trek organizer and frequent trip leader, Steuart serves as a coach and a cheerleader, Fried says. During a fourday trek to Machu Picchu in 2014, about half of the women on the journey were hiking with speed and confidence, on pace to complete the 27-mile trip to the 14,107-foot summit in the allotted time. But the other women were struggling. After a difficult first day of hiking, Steuart met with Fried, her co-leader on the trip, to discuss a Plan B. Then she explained to the women that no matter what happened on the trek, their trip

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had already been a success based on their work with a Peruvian orphanage.

After the talk, the group split up, with seven women continuing the hike with Steuart, and the rest traveling back to town with Fried.

Steuart’s outer calm belies challenges below the surface. While she confidently leads others to the top of 19,000-foot peaks, she is afraid of heights. She discovered this fear on a trip to Mexico in 1989, when she felt paralyzed by anxiety before descending from an Aztec pyramid she’d climbed.

Since then, rather than avoid her fear, she has stalked it, seeking opportunities to hike at high altitudes, and also to challenge herself on technical rockclimbing routes.

“Anytime you stop doing something because you’re afraid, you’re letting that fear control your life,” Steuart says. “I’m still afraid of heights, but I don’t want that fear to get the best of me.”

Until recently, Steuart hiked with significant physical pain, thanks to the cartilage in one of her hips being worn out, leaving bone grinding on bone. As she waited for the right time to undergo a full hip replacement, she prepared for every trek by getting cortisone injections in her hip and packing painkillers.

She had the surgery last June, and says she’s fully recovered and ready for the group’s upcoming treks to Brazil, Peru and Ethiopia. These days, all of her kids are living in Colorado, so going away means that Steuart and her husband, Guy Steuart III, vice president of Steuart Investment Company, just need to figure out “what to do with the dog,” she says. In retrospect, Steuart says, those few weeks per year she spent traveling while her kids were still living at home were important for her and for them. Lolly accompanied her on a trek to Peru in 2013; Anna and Guy IV have both expressed interest in going on future trips.

Steuart credits her mental toughness to the trips themselves, which she says have changed the way she looks at many aspects of her life. Witnessing and participating in religious rituals in foreign countries, such as the Buddhist festival in Nepal in 2010, have given her a greater appreciation of the diversity of beliefs throughout the world. Meeting young orphans has helped her keep her own challenges in perspective, both on the treks and back home.

“When I’m exhausted and just want to put down my pack and take a nap on a trek, I just think, I’m here by choice,” Steuart says. “The orphans are in very difficult situations, and none of them are there by choice. Yet they are all so joyful, and so grateful for what little they have.” n Amy Reinink is a frequent contributor to the magazine who also writes for Men’s Health and other publications.

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name Shawn Yancy Grew up in Indianapolis Lives in Potomac

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A Conversation with Fox 5’s

Shawn Yancy

By Maura Kelly Lannan | photo by darren higgins

Broadcast journalist Shawn Yancy creates contemporary abstract art, such as this piece which hangs in a client's home.

When artist and FOX 5 news anchor Shawn Yancy started applying for jobs in television news, there were times she needed encouragement.

“I remember sending out countless, countless résumé reels and it didn’t seem like I was getting any bite,” Yancy says. “My mom would say, ‘Remember what I told you: If the dream is big enough, the facts don’t count. Don’t stop.’ ” She still follows that advice, and passes it on to her three sons: Anthony, 25; Tyson, 16; and Jax, 10. “I grew up in a household where you’re not allowed to say the word ‘can’t,’ ” says Yancy, who was raised in Indianapolis and graduated from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, with a degree in telecommunications. “When I hear them say, ‘But mom, I can’t,’…I say, ‘No, we don’t say can’t. Can’t means you don’t know how to or you don’t want to. Which one is it?’ They’ll look at me and they know the answer.”

That attitude helps Yancy in her career as a broadcast journalist and in her work as an artist.

She likes to use acrylic paint on canvas, wood and acrylic to create contemporary abstract art, and has her own company, Shawn Yancy Art & Design.

Yancy’s first job in television was in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where she worked as a reporter

and anchor. She later worked at a station in Pittsburgh for five years before joining FOX 5 in Washington, D.C., in 2001 as a weekend anchor and weekday reporter. About 18 months later she was anchoring the early-morning show. For the last decade, she’s co-anchored the 6, 10 and 11 p.m. newscasts.

“My goal was to be a journalist in a big market, in a large television market, and each time an opportunity presented itself, I would go for it,” says Yancy, who lives in Potomac with her husband, Marc. “Each step was a blessing, but I knew each time there was something more that I wanted to achieve, and that was my goal—to keep going until eventually I achieved what I was hoping for.”

Yancy won an Emmy in 2006 for outstanding news anchor in Washington, D.C., and an Edward R. Murrow Award in 2007 for her reporting on asbestos inside the National Institutes of Health.

She’s also received Associated Press and Golden Quill awards for breaking news coverage.

Bethesda Magazine met with Yancy in the loft studio at FOX 5, which is where she and her coworkers deliver the final story of the 11 o’clock newscast every night, to talk about journalism and art.

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▼ Restaurants Yoyogi Sushi in Gaithersburg; Clyde’s in Chevy Chase for chicken wings; Timpano in Rockville for mussels and martinis

▼ places to see art in the D.C. area The Phillips Collection and the Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

▼ place to buy art supplies Plaza Artist Materials & Picture Framing in Bethesda and Rockville

▼ On her nightstand The Bible

I read that you knew you wanted to become a journalist in third grade. What led to your interest in journalism at such a young age?

My dad is a pediatrician, and he used to appear on the “Ask the Doctors” segment on the noon news on the ABC affiliate in Indianapolis. The news anchor who used to interview him was the first black news anchor in the state of Indiana, and I was in awe of what she was doing. Just watching her, I was inspired and I thought, Wow, that’s what I want to do when I grow up. I want to be just like Barbara Boyd. She got to talk and ask questions and tell the news and share people’s stories. For me, as a child, that was fascinating.

Are there any stories you have covered that have been particularly memorable for you?

9/11 of course. The sniper. I remember the morning that the youngest victim was hit outside of Benjamin Tasker Middle School in Bowie. We were one of the first crews on the scene, and as a mom you think, Wow, that could have been my kid.

So you make that emotional connection to it. I remember when we went to war [in Iraq]—I remember working crazy hours and being at the Pentagon.

My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer a few years ago. I had blown off my mammograms until my mom was diagnosed and it changed my perspective on it. She was part of a story that we did on breast cancer awareness—I went and did a mammogram on camera and got to interview my mom. We helped educate people who were scared to do it.

What was it like to go through that on TV? It was challenging because I had a photographer and people in a room with me, and [there] I was with no clothes on. I knew that it would be put together tastefully to be on TV, but it was a very raw, personal experience that I shared with our viewers. Once it aired, I was thrilled with the feedback we got. In fact, earlier this week I had a woman send me a message on Facebook to tell me that her cancer came back but she was still fighting, and she appreciated the story that we put together. And I was stunned to hear how many other women had also blown off their mammograms just because they’re busy. So for me, it was worth it.

Do you ever get home for dinner?

Sometimes I do. We parent the ways we can. Sometimes it’s in person, other times it’s connecting via FaceTime.

At least twice a week—although more recently it’s been more like once a week—I will get home in between shows.

But my kids are busy with their sports in

courtesy photos; paintbrush photo from istock

Yancy’s Favorites

Your second day on the job at FOX 5 was September 11, 2001. What was that like?

I remember pulling into the parking lot that morning, listening to WTOP, and the plane had just gone down at the Pentagon. I remember walking in the building and my news director saying, ‘Yancy, your week of getting to know the ropes here is over. I need you to get in the car with a photographer and go to the Pentagon.’ I remember my heart beating wildly because I didn’t know anybody, and nobody really knew who I was, either. We jumped in a car. We tried to get to the Pentagon, but we didn’t make it because the roads were too jammed up.

We ended up in downtown D.C., where we got out and we were interviewing people, and I remember everybody looking up at the sky because everybody was wondering whether another plane was going to hit somewhere. It was scary, but as a reporter, when you get a chance to be a part of a big story, there’s a certain amount of exhilaration. It was also really hard because we were telling people’s stories—people who had lost so much, people who lost daughters, wives, husbands, and that part of it was really hard.

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the evening, too, so half the time if I get there, no one [will] be there anyway. But I do try to get home, especially Friday, when everybody is there.

How do you balance your personal life, motherhood and a career?

That is the mystery that I don’t think anyone has fully solved. There are days when I FaceTime and my youngest will say, ‘I wish you were here,’ and it’s hard.

There are days that I have gone home and my youngest will say, ‘Mommy, I don’t want you to go back to work,’ and that’s hard. But I think that the time that I’m physically there to spend time with them, as long as we’re doing something [that is] quality time, that’s great. That’s what I try to focus on, and not think about me not being there. We play basketball. I play football with my youngest one. Frequently, right before I’m supposed to get ready for work in the summer, we’ll throw footballs outside.

Weekends, for me, are really important because that’s when I get to have family time with them, and Sunday evenings, like Sunday dinner, are big for me. I cook dinner and usually we have a family activity afterward, where they either suck me into playing a video game with them or we will play Monopoly as a family. Or sometimes we go places. We go to Topgolf [in Alexandria, Virginia], and we like to do active stuff like that.

Do your children watch you on the news?

The youngest one isn’t really allowed to watch the news just because, in general, I find it a little negative. My middle child probably does not, and my oldest child definitely does not.

You have said that journalism is black and white, while art is more of a creative outlet. Do you think journalism and art complement each other, or are they different?

I think they’re different. I don’t think news is as black and white as it used to be, but

it’s black and white. We’re supposed to look at the facts. For me, art is my opinion all the time. In TV news, every now and then we can give a little opinion. In art, it’s all my opinion. It’s colorful. That’s not to say news isn’t creative because certainly there’s a lot of creativity and thought that goes into the shows that we produce and air every day. But it’s different. There are certain guidelines that we need to follow.

This is the difference: News, basically you stay in [the] lines. With art, you can color outside of the lines. I never liked it when teachers said, ‘Color in the lines.’ I don’t believe that’s what you should do when it comes to art.

When did you start painting?

From the first day someone put something in my hand when I was a kid. My parents always encouraged us to do whatever we wanted to do. I used to love art, entering art contests. It was just another one of those creative outlets for me as a child. It didn’t turn into something more until probably the last eight years. I used to create pieces that I love because I couldn’t afford the things that I saw sometimes in galleries. So my own art was on the walls of my home. A friend of a friend was visiting our house and she said, ‘Who did this?’ And I said, ‘Oh, that’s mine.’ And she said, ‘You paint?’

And I said, ‘Yeah,’ and she said, ‘You should show,’ and I said, ‘Oh, noooo,’ …

And she said, ‘I have a show every year.

I would love for you to be one of our artists.’ The first year I did it, I received positive responses. The second year I did it, I received positive responses and got a client. It just morphed from there.

Did you ever win any of those art contests as a child?

I did—I won second place or something.

It was a watercolor painting. It’s a train on a train track. I think I was in third or fourth grade. I think [my artwork was on] the cover of the yearbook one year, and the cover of the school newspaper.

You create contemporary abstract art.

How would you describe it?

I’m not a realist. If you wanted me to go draw a picture of you, I couldn’t. You’d look like a stick person. Abstract is more me. I’m not a trained artist. I won’t even say self-taught. Whatever I love, that’s what I do, and [I] am always stunned when someone else likes it, too.

Where do you find inspiration for your art?

In everything. It could be a bad day, it could be a great day. The beach, my children, things that make me happy, just life. I’m inspired by laying in the bed and seeing the sun rise, or walking down the street and seeing a bicycle. I was in New Orleans last weekend, outside of an historic opera house where my brother got married, and I got an idea in my head. I sketched out something on a little piece of paper and stuck it back in my purse.

How do you decide what to paint?

Frequently when I get off [work] and go home, I will get in the zone and I’m in my space and I just paint what’s in my brain. I can be sitting somewhere and it comes to me, and I’ll try to sketch out something and take notes, and I need to go home and start it.

What is it about art that fascinates you?

It’s the place where I can completely get lost in my own world and express myself. Art is my passion. I love it. I’m learning, and hope to enter more shows.

I always say, ‘Art is life,’ and I do believe in coloring outside the lines. I have a big issue with art teachers that give kids bad grades. Unless the art assignment was to draw a square and put a circle in it, I don’t see how you can put a grade on art.

I think it’s very subjective.

Did you ever take art classes?

Not since high school. I’d love to take some art classes because there are some things that I would love to learn—how to draw people, certain techniques that

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I don’t know. My art is just things that I love or know how to do. I was blessed to have a trained artist who lives next door to me, so he has given me some guidance. I appreciate that because I’m still very new to this.

What happens during commercial breaks?

We talk, we laugh. Tony Perkins and I are actually very theatrical. We sing.

We make up our own songs. We do this social media thing on Facebook called “Facebook Mentions.” We have live conversations, and our viewers can interact with us right then and there. We use those commercial breaks to sometimes listen to the producer, because if we have breaking news, that’s the time period where they say, ‘Hey, look, this is what’s coming up. We’ve got changes.

We have to do this.’ I love breaking news. I don’t like what we’re talking about—the tragedy or what’s going on as a result of it—but I love being able to go off script and share with our viewers what’s going on, to use our skills as journalists, to use our eyes, to just describe what’s happening. That happens at least once a week.

Yancy often uses acrylic paint on an acrylic, wood or canvas base. Shown here are several of her pieces. To see more of her work, visit shawnyancy.com.

artwork images courtesy of shawn yancy

When you’re anchoring, do you ever have a moment when you can’t get your words out or you make a mistake?

Sure. If it’s a funny moment or a funny story, I have laughed so hard that I couldn’t talk. I’ve laughed so hard that I’ve cried, and I kind of give eye contact to whoever is sitting next to me—Tony Perkins—and we just kind of know, because we have this rapport. Sometimes you laugh it off. There are other times when you stumble because we’re human beings. Sometimes I say, ‘It’s live TV,’ or ‘I’m sorry.’ I do remember a very funny time once when there was a story about men doing naked hot yoga, and Laura Evans was anchoring with me.

We were laughing so hard at the story that when we came [back on the air], we just couldn’t get the words out. It was an unexpected story.

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artwork images courtesy of shawn yancy

Do you get emails from viewers about what you’re wearing?

I get emails about clothing, hair and makeup. I try to respond. Sometimes I share where I get the outfits from; other times I’ve [just] had things forever. I’m a bargain hunter, so I find things at bargain stores just like everybody else. I try to keep a calendar to mark down what I wear so I don’t repeat an outfit for at least 30 days. I used to be really good at it. I’m not as great as I used to be, but that’s my goal. I have a paper calendar on the wall next to my closet. I write it down and I’m like, ‘OK, red blazer, black pants; red dress with white stripes.’ So that way I know exactly when I wore it and I can go back and count.

We do our own makeup and do our own hair. I always say, ‘If it looks crazy, it’s my fault. And if I have a bad hair day, it’s my fault.’

You seem to have a good rapport on air with Tony Perkins. How did you develop that relationship?

Tony worked mornings for many, many years, and then he came to nights. I’d been on nights for many years and we just clicked. I’ve had people ask if Tony Perkins and I were married. I think that goes to show you [that] people think that our chemistry works well.

We laugh together on camera and off camera.

You said your goal was to be a journalist in a large television market. Do you feel you have achieved your career goal?

I don’t ever want to say that I’ve achieved all I can achieve because I don’t know what tomorrow might bring. I don’t know what God has in store for me next.

But I am blessed to be exactly where I am right now. n Maura Kelly Lannan is a former reporter for the Associated Press, Chicago Tribune and other publications. She lives in Potomac with her husband and three children.

The Healthcare Initiative Foundation’s $1 million gift for health education The Montgomery College (MC) Foundation extends its sincerest appreciation to The Healthcare Initiative Foundation (HIF) for its joint pledge of more than $1 million to MC and The Universities at Shady Grove (USG). This grant will build educational pathways for the successful completion of baccalaureate degrees for 112 Montgomery County students in the fields of social work, nursing, and public health, especially for students with limited financial resources and/or with English as their second language.

We thank HIF for this generous investment in our students, which will fund 28 scholarships annually at each institution for five years and provide recipients with specific enrichment and professional development activities. To learn more about the nursing educational pathway from MC to the University of Maryland School of Nursing at USG, please visit cms.montgomerycollege.edu/nursing/.

montgomerycollege.edu/foundation Carol Rognrud Executive Director of the Montgomery College Foundation 240-567-7493 BethesdaMagazine.com | May/june 2016 257

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Great Elm Estates. Mediterranean style Villa privately situated on 3 sprawling acres located in the Great Elm neighborhood, near Potomac Village. This home features tons of amenities and a guest house, pool and 3 car garage. Fully finished walkout lower level includes recreation/media room, dance/fitness studio, AuPair suite, wet bar, game room.

Avenel. Sun-filled, renovated home sited on 2+ acres in Avenel. Boasts sunroom and family room additions, main level owner’s suite/2nd owners suite with separate entrance, paneled library and a spacious gourmet kitchen fit for entertaining! Other amenities include a walk-up lower level, circular driveway and 3-car garage.

Potomac Glen. 2 acre Potomac estate steps to Potomac Village has been extensively updated and expanded and combines old world charm and today’s state-of-the-art finishes. Gorgeous grounds with heated pool, builtin bar, screened porch and expansive yard with barn.

Gourmet kitchen, sunroom, additional renovated baths and generous room sizes. Finished lower level and more.

BETHESDA

POTOMAC

POTOMAC

$1,695,000

Avenel. “New on the Market” Sun-filled home sited on majestic 2 acre lot featuring a grand two-story foyer, an updated gourmet kitchen, a main level library, and gorgeous views from every room! The attention to detail will impress even the most discerning buyer!

Featuring four bedrooms, four full baths, a completely finished lower level, and two car garage.

$1,649,000

Avenel. Renovated home in Avenel on quiet cul-de-sac with seasonal golf course vistas! Renovated gourmet kitchen opens to family room with fireplace and wet bar. Main level owners suite with new hardwood floors, sitting room/study and marble bath + 3 bedrooms and 3 baths up. Lower level with theatre, wine cellar, gym with sauna, bedroom and storage. Deck and 2 car garage

$1,500,000

Potomac Manor. Timeless Rixey-built Colonial on spectacular 2 acre lot within walking distance of Potomac Village! Features elegant finishes, banquet size dining room, kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances and more! Beautifully landscaped grounds boast in-ground swimming pool, patio, oversized 2 car garage with pool changing room and professional landscape lighting.

4650 East West Highway, Bethesda, Maryland | 301.907.7600

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CALL THE NEIGHBORHOOD EXPERTS

◆

THE WIESENFELDER GROUP

WE SOLD IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD Phyllis Wiesenfelder

Jonathan Wiesenfelder

4914 Cumberland Avenue

5804 Surrey Street

Parc Somerset #407

5816 Surrey Street

4711 Hunt Avenue

4518 Cumberland Avenue

4719 Falstone Avenue

5405 Surrey Street

5510 Uppingham Street

5504 Surrey Street

PhyllisW@LNF.com ◆ www.phylliswiesenfelder.com 301.529.3896 ◆ 202.262.8401 Bethesda Gateway Office 301.907.7600 ®

Vicki Porter SRES How would your clients describe you?

“

Here’s what a few of them had to say:

“Vicki is wonderfully responsive and knows the D.C. area extremely well.”

“I was trying to manage the sale long distance, she took my place in handling all of the many on-site activities.

We couldn’t possibly have had a better experience.”

“Vicki, the dedication and expertise you showed in selling my house were truly exemplary! You have worked intelligently, resourcefully and steadily to present my house in the best possible way.”

“

“Vicki has been helpful, responsive, patient and ready to work with us and the buyers through the entire process.

She’s been a delight to work with.”

301.325.2965 | Vicki.Porter@LNF.com | www.VickiPorter.net 4701 Sangamore Rd, Bethesda, MD | 301.229.4000

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00,000

mporary imming na, too!

Miller Bethesda All Points Office

4701 Sangamore Road Bethesda, MD 301.229.4000

#1 W.C. & A.N. Miller Realtors Office • #12 Long & Foster Office for 2015 Congratulations to Susan Sanford and Her Extraordinary Team!

Bethesda

$724,000

Walk to Friendship Heights metro. Two bedroom, 2 full baths, finished lower level. Oversized kitchen, deck and fenced backyard.

Tammy Gruner Durbin 301.996.8334

Bethesda

SHARRON COCHRAN

ANNE & LAURA EMMETT

301.351.4517 • SCochran@LNF.com www.SCochran.com

• Realty Alliance Award Recipient, Top 5 Percent North America • SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) • Staging, marketing, and negotiation expert

Let my experience work for you!

Licensed in MD, DC & VA

Anne: 301.466.2515 • Anne.Emmett@LNF.com Laura: 202.422.6374 • Laura.Emmett@LNF.com Licensed in DC, MD & VA

#2 Team Miller Bethesda Office • Anne & Laura call Bethesda home!

It is our pleasure to work with our friends and neighbors.

• We are a full service real estate team and can guide you through complex transactions.

We take pride in maximizing profit and minimizing stress!

• Gibson Island Real Estate Expertise • Anne, M.A.E., Stanford University; Laura, J.D., Georgetown University

●

●

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Call Susan today!

KELLY BOHI

301.580.4991 • Kelly.Bohi@LongandFoster.com Licensed in DC, MD & VA #2 Individual Agent Total Volume for our Bethesda Office in 2015!

• Your relocation expert for over 13 years • Top producer in the Bethesda All Points Office • Your Massachusetts Avenue Corridor Neighbor • I can simplify your home buying and selling process to take the pressure off of you!

301.466.5898 / 301.229.4000

andy4homes@gmail.com www.andy4homes.com ●

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.

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 Andy for details on new spring listings coming soon in Bethesda, Potomac and Silver Spring!

DEBORA EDWARDS

Bethesda

$1,025,000

Gracious and sparkling, 5/6 bedroom 3.5 bath Colonial in desirable Sumner. Beautiful hardwood flooring throughout main and upper levels, sun room and bedroom with full bath on the main, with another master suite on the upper level! Finished, walk-out lower level and two car garage.

VICKI PORTER

301.325.2965 • Vicki.Porter@LNF.com Licensed in DC, MD & VA

301.412.9759 • Debora.Edwards@LNF.com Debi is hardworking, detailed, appreciates the history of our community and schools herself in our future Broad experience in selling homes to first-time buyers, or seasoned home owners throughout Montgomery County and Washington, DC. Honored Focus Group Member for the EYA Brownstones in Chevy Chase If you want more luxury, or are needing to size down?

Call Debi for a consultation!

Best advocate for you and your real estate needs!

Susan Sanford

VP, Managing Broker ssanford@LNF.com Direct: 301.320.8300

ANDY ALDERDICE

WALSH RICHARDS

301.706.3151 ● Walsh.Richards@LongandFoster.com Licensed in DC, MD & VA ●

$575,000

Elegantly renovated, 2 bedroom, 2 full bath condo in Summer Village. NO steps. Oversized balconies. Two covered parking spaces.

Tammy Gruner Durbin 301.996.8334

• Luxury Market Specialists • The #1 Miller Flagship Office • A Top Long & Foster Office Companywide • Award Winning Top Producing Agents • Serving DC MD VA Buyers and Sellers • An Executive Approach to Real Estate • Relocation Services

Innovative Marketing Expert Your Montgomery County Expert raised in Bethesda ● Helping buyers and sellers make their real estate dreams come true! ● SRES (Senior Real Estate Specialist) experienced in down-sizing ● Call Vicki for the real estate results you desire! ● ●

www.VickiPorter.net

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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interior design. architecture. home sales.

PHOTO BY ROBERT RADIFERA; photo styling by charlotte safavi

home

The living room of this American University Park home features a colorful abstract work by Rockville artist Susan Levin. For more, see page 276.

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home | house appropriations

bold blossoms Floral designs for springtime are not a revelation, but this year there’s a twist.

Botanical prints for the home have a new attitude, with vivid blooms that pop against dark backgrounds.

1

By Carolyn Weber

3

1. Take Note

2. Tropical Trend

3. Under the Sea

Send a beautiful greeting with these botanical illustrations—replicas of vintage educational charts. The 16 folded notecards are 4½ -by-6 inches, and the envelopes come in eight designs. Find them at the Paper Source in Bethesda for $14.95 per box (301215-9141; www.papersource.com).

Dramatic black gives a stylish update to the wildly popular banana leaf print. This wallpaper makes a statement in a large or small room. The Banana Leaf pattern (#AT7071) from York Wallcoverings is $47.99 per roll, through Rockville Interiors (301-424-1900; www.rockville interiors.com).

On a backdrop of deep, dark blue, the Waterblooms rug would be beautiful on the floor, or displayed on a wall like a tapestry. It is offered in six sizes, priced from $98 to $1,598 through Anthropologie in Chevy Chase (301654-1481; www.anthropologie.com).

all images courtesy

2

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4

5

6

4. Pretty Petals

5. On Display

6. Updated Classic

So eye-catching that you won’t want to cover them up with food, the Poppy Botanical salad plates feature vivid blooms on black. They are 8¾ inches in diameter, made of decalglazed stoneware, and dishwasher- and microwave-safe. Mixed-design sets of four are $49.50 at Pottery Barn in Bethesda (301654-1598; www.potterybarn.com).

If you want a touch of floral noir in your home, but can’t commit to wallpaper or draperies, affordable wall art is a great option. The Botanical Study Art piece is a 40-inch-wide by 30-inch-high stretchedcotton canvas with decorative nail-head trim. It’s available at Pier One in Rockville for $169 (301-230-9028; www.pier1.com).

The Donegal pattern—a traditional botanical print in bright, modern shades of green and hot pink on charcoal—comes in both wallpaper and printed fabric. Part of York’s Monterey collection, it is priced at $49 per roll for the wallpaper and $97 per yard for the fabric, through Sabun Home in Bethesda (301-6562302; www.sabunhome.com).

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

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home

Second Nature A Bethesda family turns its manicured backyard into a more naturally lush landscape—with plenty of room for entertaining

photo by bob narod

By Jennifer sergent

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home There was nothing wrong with the grounds of the spacious Bethesda home that Kendall Thompson purchased in 2011. “It was in great shape,” she says. “The previous owners were huge landscape gardeners.” Yet the former event planner found over time that the terraces, pool and yard didn’t fit the way she and her three children wanted to live. Thompson called on Chad Talton of Surrounds Landscape Architecture in Sterling, Virginia, to expand the patios for large-scale entertaining, replace an awkward screened porch with an indoor-outdoor bar and lounge, and transform the pool and surrounding landscape. “She wanted something a little more rustic, a little more free-form,” Talton says, “not so much of a straight-lined environment.” The resulting playground delights both adults and children. Says Thompson: “He was able to tap into my style.”

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photo at left by chad talton for surrounds; photos at right by bob narod

Floor-to-ceiling glass doors on two sides of the addition fold completely open to make the bar and lounge an integral part of the outdoor design.

Tennessee flagstone flows inside and out. All furnishings are from Frontgate. The bar includes a keg fridge and margarita machine; a flatscreen TV descends from the ceiling over the fireplace. A touch-screen panel on the wall controls the outdoor lighting, sound system and pool settings, including two waterfalls.

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Tennessee flagstone and boulders act as a naturalistic base for deer-resistant native grasses, plantings that flower in all seasons, and textural ground cover. Waterfalls (above) cascade over a ledge from a shallow kid-friendly pool and into the main pool and a semicircular spa. Family and friends gather around a fire pit (top) that Talton designed with the same flagstone as the patios. Umbrellas dot the terraces, providing plenty of shade when it’s hot.

photos by chad talton for surrounds

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At first, Thompson wanted to tear out the pool and start over—a desire that proved to be cost-prohibitive.

Instead, Talton retained its existing shape, replaced its lining, installed new tile, and added a shelf with a built-in umbrella stand that creates a shady water lounge. Talton then added a children’s splash pool one level above, connecting it to the main pool with an installation of boulders and a waterfall. A thick buffer of landscaping provides visual richness and privacy. Since

the renovation, Thompson has hosted many large parties in the new backyard. Her children, Skyler, 9, Colten, 7, and Beckam, 4—all students at The Woods Academy in Bethesda—have also enjoyed numerous gatherings and celebrations with their friends. n

Jennifer Sergent (jennifersergent@verizon.net) is a home and design writer based in Arlington, Virginia.

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home

updatedclassic Traditional doesn’t have to mean boring. The owners of this 1931 Colonial Revival in American University Park used bright colors, bold patterns and a mixture of old and new furniture to create a timeless family home. by charlotte safavi | PHOTOS BY ROBERT RADIFERA

her husband, Mark, in 1995, when they were both working as legislative aides on Capitol Hill. She worked for a congressman from her hometown, Fort Smith, Arkansas, and he worked for a congressman from his, Boise, Idaho.

After they got married and had a child, they began looking for a house. They wanted their daughter, Vivian, now 12, to live in a neighborhood that felt like the smaller towns they both grew up in. They found it in the District, in American University Park. “It has parks and sidewalks and mature trees, and you can bike everywhere,” Shannon says. “It’s very friendly and a great place for raising kids.”

In 2005, they bought a 1931 Colonial Revival that had

undergone a recent renovation. “The house was typical of my style—traditional, yet not stuffy,” Bieter says. “I felt I could decorate it to be warm and welcoming, but just dressy enough. People think they can’t have nice spaces with kids running around. But you can. Your whole house doesn’t have to be a playroom.”

The main level of the 3,100-square-foot, four-bedroom home has a flowing open floor plan, with cased openings and pocket doors connecting all the spaces. Over the last 11 years, Bieter has been decorating the home gradually, giving each space its own identity. “My overall decorating approach is traditional, but I like a splash of trend in every room,” she says. “It’s been a work in progress.”

photo styling by charlotte safavi

Interior designer Shannon Bieter met

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front porch

photo styling by charlotte safavi

home photos by Robert Radifera; room styling by Charlotte Safavi

“Growing up in the South, I was always on the porch,” Bieter says. Today, she and her husband often read the newspaper on their own front porch. On the Fourth of July, Bieter puts up red, white and blue bunting to complement her outdoor palette.

“I thought it would be fun to decorate the porch in patriotic colors, since we live in the nation’s capital,” she says. The Pier 1 Imports glass table is from the couple’s first apartment. A bench, two white Adirondack chairs and custom Sunbrella cushions complete the look.

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home

photo styling by charlotte safavi

Since the home doesn’t have a traditional foyer, Bieter chose a narrow console table from Chelsea House.

The family uses it as a place to put mail and keys. “It can also get moved into the dining room as a sideboard when we entertain,� Bieter says.

Embroidered lattice curtains on either side of the traditional table give the nook a more contemporary feel.

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living room

The first thing Bieter bought for the living room was an aqua, raspberry and gold Tibetan wool and silk rug. The cream-colored sofa was upholstered in a durable fabric from Crypton, and a pair of Bergere chairs are covered in an updated paisley. The walls are painted in a light blue color called “Tradewind” by Sherwin-Williams. “The last piece in the decorating puzzle is often room paint for me,” Bieter says. “I don’t want to be wedded to the paint on the wall. I like to choose that color after I’ve picked my fabrics and furnishings.”

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den

The first floor includes a den area off the kitchen, which is also connected to the living room via a cased opening. “I didn’t want it to be too casual,” Bieter says. “I wanted it to be an overflow area for parties, and also a place for the family to congregate while I was cooking.”

photo styling by charlotte safavi

home

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To break up the rectangular room’s right angles and straight lines, the dÊcor includes softly curved furnishings, including a roll-arm sofa, a tufted ottoman and an S-based iron table lamp. A round wheelbarrow mirror achieves the same purpose.

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home

dining room Bieter likes to mix older pieces or reproductions with newer furnishings. In her dining room, she paired an antique dining table with two pairs of new chairs, one by Fairfield Chair Co. and one by Woodbridge Furniture Co. The back of the Woodbridge chairs were upholstered in orange, adding a pop of color to the space. To bounce light around the small room, Bieter hung a transparent glass chandelier and brought in mirrored accessories, such as the box on the windowsill from Random Harvest.

photo styling by charlotte safavi

Even when setting a table, Bieter blends old and new. Here, gold metal chargers from Z Gallerie share space with heirloom silver.

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kitchen

A wrought iron lantern hangs above the kitchen table. Bieter painted the light fixture in Benjamin Moore’s “Stone Harbor,” the same color she had selected for the adjacent island.

Bieter chose the black-lacquered bentwood chairs from Crate and Barrel because they reminded her of the chairs that used to be in her grandfather’s pharmacy in Arkansas.

The table is also from Crate and Barrel. “The marble top is easy to clean, and kids have fun making candies and cookies on it,” Bieter says.

“Every zone in my house has to have an eye-catcher, like a piece of jewelry,” Bieter says. In the kitchen, it is the Architectural Ceramics backsplash made of capiz shells. She balanced out the cottage-y feel of the white cabinets by choosing contemporary handles in a satin nickel finish.

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master bedroom

Bieter felt the windows in the master bedroom looked small against the large wall, so she added boxy cornices to them to create a focal point. They were custom-designed and are dressed in a Robert Allen fabric. Round night tables and curvy ceramic lamps from Arteriors combat the room’s linear forms. The bedding is from Legacy Home.

photo styling by charlotte safavi

home

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S e r v i n g

t h e

B e t h e S d a

C o m m u n i t y

S i n C e

1 9 7 7

Timeless designs built to last.

V i s i t ou r s how ro om i n G a i t h e r s bu rG , m D

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~ CountryCasualteak.com

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Vivian’s bedroom Bieter wanted to create a sophisticated room that her daughter could grow into. The wall above the bed was covered in polka dot wallpaper by Thibaut, while the other walls were painted in a pale pink by Benjamin Moore. The bedroom is small—a tall tufted twin headboard by Legacy Home adds height by drawing the eye upward. “The geometric shapes in the rug help elongate the room, too,” Bieter says. The hanging wall art came from Etsy. n

Writer and stylist Charlotte Safavi lives in Alexandria, Virginia.

photo styling by charlotte safavi

home home

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T T R S O T H E B Y ’ S I N T E R N AT I O N A L R E A LT Y I S P R O U D TO WELCOME THE FLEISHER GROUP TO OUR FIRM Widely recognized as the premiere real estate professional in the Washington DC metropolitan area for the past 36 years, Marc is a seasoned industry leader and top realtor with incomparable experience and service. With over $3.5 billion in career sales, Marc’s volume has earned him the title of the #1 Agent in the metropolitan DC area (Montgomery County and Washington, DC) among all companies. The Wall Street Journal has recognized Marc as one of the top 10 Realtors in the nation in recent years. The Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors has celebrated Marc’s illustrious career and ethical integrity by naming him the REALTOR of the year. As one of the first area realtors to adopt the team approach, Marc has solidified himself as the number one choice in representation for clients who demand optimum service and is known for his integrity, boundless energy, and consummate negotiation skills.

3101 CHAIN BRIDGE RD NW, WASHINGTON DC 9649 EAGLE RIDGE DR, BETHESDA MD Listed for $7,895,000 Listed for $2,290,000

10222 IRON GATE RD, POTOMAC, MD Listed for $5,995,000

Sensational custom-built masterpiece with multi-level formal and informal entertaining and living spaces. Expert workmanship and exquisite design throughout. Unparalleled guest house/ cababa and pool. Breathtaking scenic vistas.

Breathtaking custom masterpiece by acclaimed Gibson Builders. Stunning design features unparalleled finishes/materials and expert workmanship. Fantastic gourmet kitchen, unique club room with bar, deluxe master suite with adjacent deck. Spectacular pool.

Spectacular custom home originally built by award-winning Jack Greenspan; updated with renovations including gourmet kitchen, family room, and exquisite master suite. Private serene lot with mature landscaping.

thef leishergroup EXCLUSIVELY OFFERED BY THE FLEISHER GROUP +1 202 438 4880 | THEFLEISHERGROUP.COM | marc@thefleishergroup.com

Chevy Chase, MD Brokerage +1 301 967 3344 | ttrsir.com Sotheby’s International Realty and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered (or unregistered) service marks used with permission. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. If your property is listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. We are happy to work with them and cooperate fully.

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home | by the numbers

Data provided by

February’s Most Expensive

Home Sales

Sale Price:

Sale Price:

$4.8 million List Price: $5 million

Address: 7122 Arrowood Road, Bethesda 20817 Days on Market: 553 Listing Agent: Marc Fleisher, Long & Foster Real Estate Bedrooms: 6 Full/half baths: 7/2

$2.6 million List Price: $2.5 million

Address: 5915 Onondaga Road, Bethesda 20816 Days on Market: 149 Listing Agent: Henry Stuart, W.C. & A.N. Miller Realtors Bedrooms: 5 Full/half baths: 5/2 Sale Price:

$2.6 million List Price: $2.9 million

Sale Price:

$3.2 million List Price: $3.4 million

Address: 6409 Kennedy Drive, Chevy Chase 20815 Days on Market: 178 Listing Agent: Susan Maguire, Washington Fine Properties Bedrooms: 6 Full/half baths: 4/1

Address: 4060 52nd Terrace NW, Washington D.C. 20016 Days on Market: 287 Listing Agent: Monica Boyd, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Bedrooms: 6 Full/half baths: 4/2 Sale Price:

$2.5 million List Price: $2.6 million

Address: 4111 Stanford St., Chevy Chase 20815 Days on Market: 462 Listing Agent: Eric Murtagh, Evers & Company Real Estate Bedrooms: 5 Full/half baths: 5/1 Sale Price:

$2.4 million List Price: $2.5 million

$3 million

List Price: $3.3 million

Address: 9036 Bronson Drive, Potomac 20854 Days on Market: 236 Listing Agent: Maura Shannon, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty Bedrooms: 6 Full/half baths: 8/2

Sale Price:

$2.3 million List Price: $2.3 million

Address: 7107 Brookville Road, Chevy Chase 20815 Days on Market: 3 Listing Agent: Lauren Davis, Washington Fine Properties Bedrooms: 6 Full/half baths: 4/2

courtesy photos

Sale Price:

Address: 3843 Macomb St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20016 Days on Market: 79 Listing Agent: Blaze Dimov, Relux Bedrooms: 6 Full/half baths: 4/1

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thef leishergroup

THE FLEISHER GROUP PRESENTS

5517 PEMBROKE ROAD, BETHESDA MD Perhaps the finest example of architecture, setting and workmanship in the metropolitan area, this truly extraordinary masterpiece has been built by and for a prominent local developer and represents the combined talents of award winning architect Glenn Fong and the interior design of nationally recognized Barry Dixon. Exquisitely sited on a manicured and professionally landscaped private 1.5 acre with gated entry, reflecting pool, separate heated swimming pool and sensational cabana/pool house, this one-of-a-kind French Country home is convenient to the heart and vibrancy of downtown Bethesda. Over 20,000 square feet of unparalleled beauty and design are found in this special home and pool house designed for both full scale entertaining as well as comfortable family living. Eight fireplaces, hand selected random width walnut floors, exotic and imported stones throughout, Waterworks fixtures, exceptional custom plaster mouldings, the area’s finest wine cellar, spectacular wall and window treatments and a porte cochere introducing 8 garages with parking for 11 cars are a small portion of the spectacular thought and design that went into producing this one of a kind home reserved for the most discerning buyers. View video at http://vimeo.com/158234234

(Price upon request)

MARC FLEISHER 5454 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase Maryland 20815 +1 202 438 4880 cell +1 240 235 0181 office marc@thefleishergroup.com

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home | by the numbers Sale Price:

$2.2 million List Price: $2.2 million

Address: 7906 Paloma Court, Bethesda 20817 Days on Market: 58 Listing Agent: Lois Robins, Long & Foster Real Estate Bedrooms: 6 Full/half baths: 5/1 Sale Price:

$2.2 million List Price: $2.5 million

Address: 10815 Red Barn Lane, Potomac 20854 Days on Market: 533 Listing Agent: Marjorie Halem, Long & Foster Real Estate Bedrooms: 5 Full/half baths: 4/1 Sale Price:

$2 million

List Price: $2.1 million

Address: 4716 Chevy Chase Blvd., Chevy Chase 20815

Selling

Days on Market: 46 Listing Agent: Jennifer Sproul, Washington Fine Properties Bedrooms: 5 Full/half baths: 4/1 Sale Price:

$1.9 million List Price: $2 million

Address: 2917 Glover Driveway NW, Washington, D.C. 20016 Days on Market: 90 Listing Agent: Shari Gronvall, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Bedrooms: 6 Full/half baths: 4/1 Sale Price:

$1.9 million List Price: $2.1 million

Address: 5702 Bradley Blvd., Bethesda 20814 Days on Market: 131 Listing Agent: Michael Bowers, Long & Foster Real Estate Bedrooms: 5 Full/half baths: 4/1

the

Sale Price:

$1.9 million List Price: $2 million

Address: 4409 Ridge St., Chevy Chase 20815 Days on Market: 96 Listing Agent: Phyllis Wiesenfelder, Long & Foster Real Estate Bedrooms: 5 Full/half baths: 4/1 Sale Price:

$1.9 million List Price: $1.9 million

Address: 4501 Lowell St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20016 Days on Market: 33 Listing Agent: Gregory Gaddy, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty Bedrooms: 4 Full/half baths: 4/1 Sale Price:

$1.9 million List Price: $1.9 million

Address: 7708 Massena Road, Bethesda 20817

Days on Market: 138 Listing Agent: Jeremy Lichtenstein, RE/MAX Realty Services Bedrooms: 6 Full/half baths: 6/0 Sale Price:

$1.8 million List Price: $1.9 million

Address: 9814 Hall Road, Potomac 20854 Days on Market: 279 Listing Agent: Anne Killeen, Washington Fine Properties Bedrooms: 6 Full/half baths: 6/2 Sale Price:

$1.8 million List Price: $2 million

Address: 7504 Hampden Lane, Bethesda 20814 Days on Market: 193 Listing Agent: Carolyn Sappenfield, RE/MAX Realty Services Bedrooms: 4 Full/half baths: 3/0

AreA’S FineSt ProPertieS

drAmAtiC SPACeS

Sunny & SPACiouS

StAtely & elegAnt

high Style

Potomac. Custom home on private cul de sac has stunning great room with soaring ceiling, two-story foyer, grand master suite; 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths. Convenient to the Village. $1,369,000 Eric Murtagh - 301-652-8971

Bethesda. Stunning kitchen, family room addition in this exciting rambler with contemporary flair; 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, large lower level. Walk to downtown Bethesda and Metro. $1,500,000 Eric Murtagh - 301-652-8971

Bannockburn Estates. Exquisite 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath colonial on nearly ½ acre! Fabulous kitchen/ breakfast rm/ family rm; finished lower level; heated 2-car garage. $1,789,000 Ellen Sandler - 202-255-5007 Susan Berger - 202-255-5006

Bethesda. Beatuiful light-filled home in popular Greenwich Forest: 4 levels, grand proportions, gourmet kitchen, home office, MBR with sitting room; large lot with sweeping views. $1,899,000 Eric Murtagh - 301-652-8971

viSit uS BetheSdA/Chevy ChASe 7032 WiSConSin Avenue Chevy ChASe, md 20815 301.656.1800

FriendShiP heightS 4400 JeniFer St nW WAShington, dC 20015 202.364.1700 WWW.everSCo.Com

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Deb Levy and Lisa Bennett

They say the kitchen is the hearT of the home‌ Trust your instincts when you find the right house.

Trust us to find the perfect mortgage financing to make the house your home.

Service | mortgage options | Local Bank | home Lending Team Deb Levy, Vice President/Senior mortgage Banker NMLS# 481255

| 202.292.1581 | deblevy@eaglebankcorp.com

Lisa Bennett, Loan Consultant NMLS# 482234

| 202.292.1582 | lbennett@eaglebankcorp.com

ReLocatioN SpeciaLiStS • We LeNd iN eveRy State

mD | DC | Va | www.debbielevy.com

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Sale Price:

$1.6 million List Price: $1.6 million

Address: 6206 Wedgewood Road, Bethesda 20817 Days on Market: 0 Listing Agent: Jeremy Lichtenstein, RE/MAX Realty Services Bedrooms: 5 Full/half baths: 4/1 Sale Price:

$1.6 million List Price: $1.7 million

Address: 9914 Parkwood Drive, Bethesda 20814 Days on Market: 174 Listing Agent: Michael Bowers, Long & Foster Real Estate Bedrooms: 5 Full/half baths: 5/1 Sale Price:

$1.5 million List Price: $1.6 million

Address: 5606 Wilson Lane, Bethesda 20814 Days on Market: 79 Listing Agent: Wendy Banner, Long & Foster Real Estate Bedrooms: 5 Full/half baths: 3/1

Long & Foster Real Estate Bedrooms: 5 Full/half baths: 4/2

Sale Price:

Address: 7729 Arrowood Court, Bethesda 20817 Days on Market: 227 Listing Agent: William Burr, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty Bedrooms: 5 Full/half baths: 4/1

$1.5 million List Price: $1.6 million

Address: 3245 Arcadia Place NW, Washington, D.C. 20015 Days on Market: 117 Listing Agent: Marc Fleisher, Long & Foster Real Estate Bedrooms: 5 Full/half baths: 4/2 Sale Price:

$1.5 million List Price: $1.4 million

Address: 6116 Rosemont Circle, North Bethesda 20852 Days on Market: 20 Listing Agent: Jeffrey Kochan,

Sale Price:

$1.4 million List Price: $1.5 million

Sale Price:

$1.4 million List Price: $1.4 million

Address: 12209 Meadow Creek Court, Potomac 20854 Days on Market: 69 Listing Agent: Adaline Neely, Washington Fine Properties Bedrooms: 6 Full/half baths: 4/2

Sale Price:

$1.4 million List Price: $1.4 million

Address: 9805 Parkwood Drive, Bethesda 20814 Days on Market: 12 Listing Agent: Joanne Pinover, Washington Fine Properties Bedrooms: 6 Full/half baths: 5/1 Sale Price:

$1.3 million List Price: $1.4 million

Address: 8906 McGregor Drive, Chevy Chase 20815 Days on Market: 99 Listing Agent: John Gill, H.A. Gill & Son Bedrooms: 4 Full/half baths: 4/1 Sale Price:

$1.3 million List Price: $1.3 million

Address: 8713 Snowhill Court, Potomac 20854 Days on Market: 6 Listing Agent: Marc Fleisher, Long & Foster Real Estate Bedrooms: 5 Full/half baths: 5/1 Sale Price:

$1.3 million List Price: $1.4 million

Address: 7041 Persimmon Tree Road, Bethesda 20817 Days on Market: 0 Listing Agent: Yasmin Abadian, Long & Foster Real Estate Bedrooms: 4 Full/half baths: 3/1 Sale Price:

$1.3 million List Price: $1.3 million

Address: 4305 Warner St., Kensington 20895 Days on Market: 167 Listing Agent: Debra Marko, Robert K Wormald Bedrooms: 5 Full/half baths: 4/1 Note: Some sale and list prices have been rounded off.

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Real Estate Trends (by zip code )

February 2015

February 2016

February 2015

February 2016

February 2015

February 2016

20015 (Upper NW D.C.)

20832 (Olney)

20855 (Rockville)

Number of Homes Sold 10 8 Average Sold Price $1.2 Mil. $987,113 Average Days on Market 69 41 Above Asking Price 6 3 Below Asking Price 3 4 Sold Over $1 Million 7 2

Number of Homes Sold 6 14 Average Sold Price $630,833 $498,253 Average Days on Market 109 47 Above Asking Price 1 1 Below Asking Price 3 11 Sold Over $1 Million 1 0

Number of Homes Sold 4 3 Average Sold Price $561,125 $678,333 Average Days on Market 180 91 Above Asking Price 0 0 Below Asking Price 3 3 Sold Over $1 Million 0 0

20016 (Upper NW D.C.)

20850 (Rockville)

20877 (Gaithersburg)

Number of Homes Sold 11 14 Average Sold Price $464,727 $593,988 Average Days on Market 44 70 Above Asking Price 3 0 Below Asking Price 7 13 Sold Over $1 Million 1 0

Number of Homes Sold 3 8 Average Sold Price $289,967 $402,375 Average Days on Market 72 86 Above Asking Price 0 1 Below Asking Price 2 7 Sold Over $1 Million 0 0

20851 (Rockville)

20878 (North Potomac/Gaithersburg)

Number of Homes Sold 7 5 Average Sold Price $328,571 $354,000 Average Days on Market 67 16 Above Asking Price 2 3 Below Asking Price 2 1 Sold Over $1 Million 0 0

Number of Homes Sold 18 15 Average Sold Price $626,158 $587,702 Average Days on Market 101 125 Above Asking Price 2 3 Below Asking Price 14 11 Sold Over $1 Million 0 0

20852 (North Bethesda/Rockville)

20879 (Gaithersburg)

Number of Homes Sold 6 9 Average Sold Price $540,169 $632,333 Average Days on Market 66 70 Above Asking Price 1 5 5 4 Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million 0 2

Number of Homes Sold 5 6 Average Sold Price $332,380 $343,050 Average Days on Market 73 102 Above Asking Price 1 0 3 5 Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million 0 0

20853 (Rockville)

20882 (Gaithersburg)

Number of Homes Sold 13 10 Average Sold Price $368,154 $444,990 Average Days on Market 88 100 Above Asking Price 1 0 Below Asking Price 10 8 Sold Over $1 Million 0 0

Number of Homes Sold 4 10 Average Sold Price $619,179 $523,700 Average Days on Market 65 177 Above Asking Price 0 0 Below Asking Price 2 10 Sold Over $1 Million 0 0

20854 (Potomac)

20886 (Gaithersburg)

Number of Homes Sold 14 Average Sold Price $1.5 Mil. Average Days on Market 37 Above Asking Price 3 Below Asking Price 3 Sold Over $1 Million 9

5 $2 Mil. 112 0 5 5

20814 (Bethesda) Number of Homes Sold 8 Average Sold Price $1.1 Mil. Average Days on Market 36 Above Asking Price 3 Below Asking Price 4 Sold Over $1 Million 4

14 $1.2 Mil. 83 3 10 9

20815 (Chevy Chase) Number of Homes Sold 12 Average Sold Price $1.3 Mil. Average Days on Market 72 Above Asking Price 1 9 Below Asking Price Sold Over $1 Million 7

12 $1.5 Mil. 91 2 7 7

20816 (Bethesda) Number of Homes Sold 3 Average Sold Price $1.5 Mil. Average Days on Market 172 Above Asking Price 1 Below Asking Price 1 Sold Over $1 Million 3

7 $1.1 Mil. 61 2 4 3

20817 (Bethesda) Number of Homes Sold 17 Average Sold Price $1.1 Mil. Average Days on Market 114 Above Asking Price 4 Below Asking Price 12 Sold Over $1 Million 6

24 $1.2 Mil. 113 4 18 11

Number of Homes Sold 16 Average Sold Price $868,750 Average Days on Market 101 Above Asking Price 2 Below Asking Price 13 Sold Over $1 Million 3

18 $1.1 Mil. 118 4 14 6

Number of Homes Sold 3 2 Average Sold Price $450,634 $431,250 Average Days on Market 67 104 Above Asking Price 1 0 Below Asking Price 1 1 Sold Over $1 Million 0 0

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February 2015

February 2016

February 2015

February 2016

February 2015

February 2016

20895 (Kensington)

20903 (Silver Spring)

20906 (Silver Spring)

Number of Homes Sold 10 13 Average Sold Price $458,390 $721,970 Average Days on Market 71 57 Above Asking Price 0 3 Below Asking Price 10 8 Sold Over $1 Million 0 1

Number of Homes Sold 3 3 Average Sold Price $431,300 $365,828 Average Days on Market 85 107 Above Asking Price 0 0 Below Asking Price 3 3 Sold Over $1 Million 0 0

Number of Homes Sold 21 26 Average Sold Price $386,700 $337,782 Average Days on Market 73 53 Above Asking Price 2 8 Below Asking Price 18 16 Sold Over $1 Million 0 0

20901 (Silver Spring)

20904 (Silver Spring)

20910 (Silver Spring)

Number of Homes Sold 12 13 Average Sold Price $424,158 $446,462 Average Days on Market 51 106 Above Asking Price 2 0 Below Asking Price 8 13 Sold Over $1 Million 0 0

Number of Homes Sold 6 11 Average Sold Price $665,500 $373,468 Average Days on Market 166 70 Above Asking Price 0 2 Below Asking Price 6 8 Sold Over $1 Million 1 0

Number of Homes Sold 10 15 Average Sold Price $585,375 $546,673 Average Days on Market 62 67 Above Asking Price 3 3 Below Asking Price 7 12 Sold Over $1 Million 0 0

20902 (Silver Spring)

20905 (Silver Spring)

20912 (Takoma Park)

Number of Homes Sold 23 18 Average Sold Price $393,957 $379,411 Average Days on Market 83 46 Above Asking Price 1 2 Below Asking Price 20 13 Sold Over $1 Million 0 0

Number of Homes Sold 6 12 Average Sold Price $485,833 $470,192 Average Days on Market 81 141 Above Asking Price 3 0 Below Asking Price 2 10 Sold Over $1 Million 0 0

Number of Homes Sold 5 9 Average Sold Price $360,200 $386,917 Average Days on Market 42 55 Above Asking Price 0 1 Below Asking Price 3 6 Sold Over $1 Million 0 0

Information courtesy of MRIS as of March 15, 2016. 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 MidAtlantic 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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302-226-6417 (direct) 302-227-3883 (main) BethesdaMagazine.com | May/June 2016 295

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Special Advertising Section

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Special Advertising Section

GTM ARCHITECTS

bio

7735 Old Georgetown Road, Suite 700, Bethesda, MD 20814 240-333-2000 | www.gtmarchitects.com

Established in 1989, GTM Architects is an award-winning design firm that offers architecture, planning and interior design services; committing to place the needs of our clients and their projects first. Our team possesses a breadth of knowledge, a wealth of experience and a wide array of skill-sets, developed and fine-tuned over our many years in practice.

courtesy of gtm architects

the project: This center-hall Colonial style reproduction fits comfortably among its traditional streetscape in the Battery Park neighborhood of Bethesda. Inspired by the eclectic vernacular of mixed colonial styles throughout the close-in walkable neighborhood, the owners sought a design solution to gracefully blend in. The triangular shaped lot presented a minor challenge to organizing an efficient floor plan arrangement for their modern-day lifestyle. Four floors of living space are conveniently accessible with use of a private elevator. The handsome exterior and inviting entry portico provide a welcoming transition from the tree lined street – to a serenely landscaped rear yard. This house achieves a decades-old appearance through the selective use of whitewashed clapboard siding and time honored traditional detailing.

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Special Advertising Section

STUDIO Z DESIGN CONCEPTS, LLC

courtesy of studio z design concepts

bio

8120 Woodmont Ave., Suite 950, Bethesda, MD 20814 301-951-4391 | www.studiozdc.com

Studio Z Design Concepts, LLC is an award-winning architectural firm specializing in custom and luxury residential architecture, historical restorations and large-scale renovations. Studio Z provides complete services for our clients on custom and speculative homes. Our success is built on a balance of client expectations, well executed architecture and market sensitive investment.

the project: Studio Z has always been about our built environment enhancing a client’s lifestyle. As a team of architects, it’s our responsibility to understand our client’s diverse activities and develop a plan that unifies function, financial commitment and aesthetics into a family home that compliments their personalities. The evolution of a typical Studio Z house leads us to explore a variety of architectural styles tailored to meet the personalities of individual clients. While the architecture styles may vary, our philosophy of integrating architecture with a property’s natural characteristics enables us to maximize a client’s experience throughout their home. By working naturally with a site’s contours and seamlessly transitioning to exterior spaces, our clients enjoy a unique experience both inside and out. While our work is predominantly in the D.C. metro area, we have been fortunate to work on projects in Colorado, Connecticut, South Carolina and the coastal beach areas.

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Special Advertising Section

Gilday renovations bio

9162 Brookville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910 301-565-4600 | www.Gilday.com

With over 36 years of experience, Gilday offers clients a collaborative design-build process that blends the expertise of architects, interior designers, master builders and project managers under one roof. Our process allows us to deliver award-winning projects on time and on budget—guaranteed.

The Gilday team had the privilege of creating a new kitchen for a modern-style, mid-century residence designed by architect Winthrop Faulkner, who was wellknown for his contemporary design in Northwest Washington. To meet the needs of our client, we envisioned a kitchen with an open floor plan streaming with natural light and garden views.

To begin the process, we eliminated the dumbwaiter and laundry room which provided space for a walk-in pantry and modern banquette with cubist-inspired built-ins above. Next, we added custom, white cabinetry, a large waterfall-edged island with a primary sink, and a secondary prep sink on the window counter tightening the work triangle and allowing the kitchen to function undisturbed by traffic flow. To strengthen the connection with the south-facing garden, we enlarged the dining room window creating symmetry with the kitchen window and increasing natural light. The result was a clean-lined, light-filled kitchen that joined beauty with functionality.

courtesy of gilday

the project:

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Special Advertising Section

Sandy Spring Builders bio

4705 West Virginia Ave., Bethesda, MD 20814 301-913-5995 | www.sandyspringbuilders.com

Sandy Spring has been in business for over 30 years, remodeling and building award-winning homes that are distinguished by exceptional beauty and craftsmanship. Their homes are well built, well designed, and make a lasting impression. Bethesda Magazine’s readers have consistently selected Sandy Spring as “Best Builder” in the annual “Best of Bethesda” Readers’ Poll.

courtesy of sandy spring builders

the project: This warm and inviting shingle-style home was designed to meet our client’s needs and lifestyle. The collaboration between the owner, Sandy Spring Builders and Studio Z Design Concepts was a process that resulted in a spectacular home with wonderful features, including a breathtaking stair tower, open and spacious kitchen and breakfast room, beautiful millwork throughout and a resort-like backyard. In addition to its beauty, the home is functional and fits wonderfully in the well-established neighborhood. Our clients enjoy all the great qualities of living in Bethesda, and they are also able to escape the suburban experience by retreating to their backyard hidden gem!

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Special Advertising Section

Meridian Homes, Inc.

bio

4938 Hampden Lane, #330, Bethesda, MD 20814 301-652-4440 | info@meridianhomesinc.com www.meridianhomesinc.com

At Meridian Homes, we’re proud of our reputation for outstanding client service and solid, beautiful craftsmanship. We strive to exceed expectations with every renovation and custom home that we build.

Our passion for creating exceptional residences has earned us many awards over the 20 years we have served the Washington area.

Our clients were original owners of a Georgetown residence that was built in the 1990’s. Their home required updating to keep pace with their family’s changing needs. The kitchen was reconfigured to be adjacent to the family room, and pocket doors were added to discretely separate the two spaces when the family entertains guests. Upstairs, the layout of the master bedroom suite was modified and the bathroom was completely renovated. The space in the lower level of the home was reprioritized to make it more functional, and a new family foyer was added to the garage entry, allowing for plenty of storage. This renovation project also included adding new bathrooms and flooring throughout the home, and installing a 4-stop elevator to make moving groceries, laundry and luggage between levels effortless. The result is a home that blends city living with all the modern conveniences that our clients desired without compromise.

courtesy of meridian homes

the project:

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art design BUILD bio

4309 Lyynbrook Drive, Bethesda, MD 20814 301-656-6500 | artdesignbuild.com

ART Design Build has been making dreams come true in the D.C. area since 1994. An award-winning design/build firm that takes pride in turning your house into a beautiful, dynamic home., ART Design Build has dedicated accessible project managers on every job ensuring a precise on-time finish at or under budget. Our creative design department is unrivaled in their quality and expertise.

courtesy of art design build

the project: In the tightly packed Cathedral Heights neighborhood of very large homes and small lots, we were tasked with renovating this stately 1920’s home. While remodeling the entire house, the challenge was to create more space without expanding in any direction.

The entire interior, all four stories, was reconfigured to join the kitchen to the family room, enlarge the dining room, then drop one bedroom on the second floor creating an additional hall bath and separate master suite. The attic was then divided into bedrooms and a full bath as well. Brilliant design backed up with beautiful finishes and combined with expert craftsmanship paved the way to make this project win not one but two awards.

Even our treatment of the fireplace won Best Interior Element Under $30k!

The vertical element of stacked seamless slabs of Absolute Black granite were paired with a gas ribbon flame on a bed of crushed glass to make this the focal point of the first floor.

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WHEN BUSINESSES DO GOOD, THE COMMUNITY PROFITS. As members of Community Profits Montgomery, the following businesses have committed to give at least 2% of their pre-tax earnings back to the community or $100,000 to nonprofits serving Montgomery County. To learn more, or to join in our pledge, visit CommunityProfitsMontgomery.org

Welcome NeW member:

Melanie Folstad

www.mafcu.org

COMMUNICATIONS FOR A CHANGE

in partnership with

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fitness. wellness. medicine.

photo by mark schadly/courtesy mcrrc

health

Looking to get outside?

Run for Roses is a 5K for women that follows a route through Wheaton Regional Park on June 18. For more information on the race, and other health events, see the calendar on page 326.

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Memory Master A former elementary school teacher offers strategies to combat forgetfulness

In her own words...

BY caralee adams

senior center in Silver Spring with a common goal: to improve their memory. They share their struggles of putting a name to a face, entering a room only to forget why they went there, or trying to think of a word that escapes them.

The participants find comfort—and some laughter—in the discovery that they are not alone. Sue Stimak, a 65-year-old Silver Spring resident who teaches the men and women in a five-week Memory Academy class through Holy Cross Health, explains that their brains age along with the rest of their bodies—but reassures them that there is something they can do about it.

Part support group, part skill building, the class uses The Memory Bible, a book by Gary Small of the UCLA Longevity Center, and a curriculum developed at the university to teach participants memory techniques.

Stimak, a former elementary school teacher, became a Memory Academy instructor about eight years ago after a two-day training class. “I love learning,” says Stimak, who also teaches fitness classes for seniors. “I was getting up there in years, too, and thought this would be good information.”

Stimak helps Memory Academy participants who are experiencing normal memory challenges associated with aging to find strategies that work. The participants typically range in age from 50 to 80, although the strategies can help anyone.

Forming connections is a common theme in the training. To remember a grocery list, for instance, Stimak suggests grouping the items. Or to remember two things, create a mental snapshot of one thing you want to recall and link it to the other item— sometimes the zanier the better. To remember you parked on Level 3B, visualize three bees buzzing.

Still, we all make mistakes and need to have a sense of humor about it, Stimak says. Once, Stimak was putting up fliers for the memory class when she ran into a woman who was new to her water aerobics class. “I had in my mind her name was Sandy,” Stimak says. “I came up to her and said, ‘Oh, Sandy, how are you doing? Here’s information on my memory class.’ And she starts laughing. She said, ‘It’s not Sandy. It’s Jenny.’ I said, ‘See, I need this class as much as anybody else.’ ” n Caralee Adams is a freelance writer who lives in Bethesda and covers education, parenting, personal finance and health for local and national publications.

selective memory “We are bombarded with so much it’s hard to sort out what’s important to remember and what isn’t. You don’t have to remember everything. That is why we use reminders like alarms on phones or clocks—those are triggers to help you.”

DON’T GET DISCOURAGED “A big part of memory training is telling yourself: ‘It might be hard, but I am going to try my best to do it.’ We try to turn it around and make it into a positive thing.”

SENIOR MOMENTS “Sometimes [a memory lapse] will happen once a day, sometimes it won’t happen in a month. Just laugh and say, ‘Oh, that was a senior moment,’ because just about everybody has had one and they can totally relate to you. Go on and continue with what you were saying, or change the topic.”

Photo by mike olLiver

Fifteen men and women gather around tables at a

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Paying attention “Many times when you say, ‘Oh, I forgot this or that,’ you haven’t really forgotten it. You just didn’t pay attention in the first place to put it in your brain.”

?

REMEMBERING NAMES

“As you listen [to an introduction], think about what his or her name sounds like or means to you.

Try to associate the name with something you know, or maybe the name creates an image. …For Robin, you can think of the bird. If the last name is Berger, you can think of a hamburger. If the name is Sylvia, what could you come up with that is similar? Silver. It doesn’t have to be exact, it just has to be close enough to trigger your memory.”

Photo by mike olLiver

WHAT SHE FORGETS “I’ll be in the middle of a sentence, and the word is just not there. There are a couple strategies I use. I start thinking of adding more information. Or, if I’m teaching an exercise class, I’ll be doing a jumping jack and all of a sudden if the word doesn’t come, I’ll say, ‘Do this’ [and show a jumping jack]. And they know what to do.”

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Living in Pain Anything can set off chronic pain—from a kick in the shin to a long-term illness. Those who have it say the constant agony can be hard for others to understand.

By Steve Goldstein ILLUSTRATION BY REBEKKA DUNLAP

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health

blades and down her muscled back. “I couldn’t remember what it was like not to have pain,” McGehee says.

Rowing defined her, she says. It was the first thing in her life she excelled at, so giving it up wasn’t an option. She tried to row through the summer, but eventually had to stop. At the start of her sophomore year, she trained and went to physical therapy every day. Following a team session with a sports psychotherapist, a doctor told her, “You have depression.” McGehee had been feeling exhausted, but she was initially angered by the doctor’s opinion. “I’d been working hard, busting my ass, and this took me by surprise,” she says, “But as soon as she told me, I felt depressed. I just let go; I felt like Jell-O.” She began simultaneously taking Adderall, sleeping pills, antidepressants, Xanax and a painkiller, all of which were prescribed to her.

Finally, the UNC team physician told McGehee she wouldn’t be able to row without pain, so she decided to sit out her sophomore year while remaining a member of the team. “I felt relieved,” she says. Soon, a doctor said she was exhibiting signs of manic depression.

“I was taking such a violent cocktail of medications,” she says. “There was so much anger—it had to come out.” After she lashed out at a group of friends with whom she planned to share a house, they made plans without her. Still unable to row as a junior, the studio art major traveled to Florence, Italy, during the spring semester. “I was just manic depressive in another country,” McGehee says.

Her teammates understood her pain and tried to empathize with her. Once she stopped rowing, she lost that support system. Other friends couldn't relate to what she was going through, or comprehend how all-encompassing it was for her. McGehee felt isolated and alone. She was a healthy-looking young woman in agony. Pledging a sorority helped, but it wasn’t enough. “You’re not the same Laura Chase,” she would hear. I am the same, she would think, you just don’t realize it.

McGehee returned to UNC for her senior year, but couldn’t row. “That’s when it really got frightening,” she says.

“I didn’t go to a lot of classes. I was thinking about the value of my life.”

Odds are that you know someone in chronic pain. Doctors generally agree that pain is considered chronic if it lasts at least six months. Headaches, joint pain, backaches and nerve pain can become chronic. Other types of chronic pain include tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, sinus pain, fibromyalgia, arthritis and complex regional pain syndrome, which can begin with nothing more than a kick to the shin and then migrate throughout the body. Generalized muscle pain also can develop into a chronic condition.

Chronic pain affects an estimated 100 million American adults, more than one third of the U.S. population, according to “Relieving Pain in America,” a 2011 report by the Institute of Medicine. A 2015 Journal of Pain report

self-portrait by laura chase mcgehee

J

Just under 6 feet tall, with long arms and legs and an athletic build, Laura Chase McGehee, 29, looks like someone you’d see in an ESPN highlight reel. She took up rowing in ninth grade at the Holton-Arms School in Bethesda, then transferred to nearby Walt Whitman High School for her sophomore year and joined its well-regarded crew team. She was voted team MVP as a senior, and made The Washington Post’s All-Met rowing team twice. Though she did not qualify for the U.S. Junior Women’s National Team, college coaches could see her Olympic potential. She chose to attend the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill, where she made the varsity boat as a freshman in 2005 and excelled.

Back pain had begun to trouble her during her senior year of high school. A UNC athletic trainer told her it was due to a misalignment in her hips that was caused by rowing. Surgery was unnecessary; physical therapy would eventually resolve the problem, McGehee was told, so she began wearing a brace and popping four Advils every morning. “In rowing, if you’re in an immense amount of pain, you’re doing it right,” she says.

“You’re taught to push through the pain, and I was really, really good at that.”

While training during spring break of her freshman year at UNC, her regimen included icing, heating, stretching and electro-stimulation every day. She also took a narcotic painkiller prescribed by a doctor. But nothing soothed the stabbing sensations between her shoulder

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“I couldn’t remember what it was like not to have pain.”

—Laura Chase McGehee

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“Chronic pain greatly alters your identity,” says Bethesdabased counselor Rachel Noble.

“It chips away at the things you’re able to do. It destroys your relationships with others—family, friends, work.”

prescription painkillers to treat chronic pain an “epidemic.”

Specialists say chronic pain can be difficult to treat because the underlying cause is not always clear. Traditionally, chronic pain has been managed with medication. However, medication alone is not a solution for everybody.

Prescription opioids such as OxyContin and Vicodin—which, when abused, can lead to heroin use—are often authorized by providers who aren’t pain specialists. As if the insult to the body isn’t enough, chronic pain sufferers are sometimes stigmatized as lazy, pillpopping drug addicts.

“Chronic pain greatly alters your identity,” says Bethesda-based counselor Rachel Noble, who helps patients find the right mix of therapies. “It chips away at the things you’re able to do. It destroys your relationships with others—family, friends, work. It ends all the certainty you’ve had in your life.”

Noble and several other medical providers describe patients who simply retreat to their bedrooms, unable to face friends, perform household or work tasks, or even relate to their spouses.

Stone says he and his wife had to settle for hugs rather than lovemaking “because you don’t know what can set off pain.”

As Dr. Ann Berger, chief of the Pain and Palliative Care Service at the NIH Clinical Center, puts it: “There is no pain-o-meter.”

There is no cure for the vast majority of people in chronic pain, either. There is coping and the use of different therapies to manage the pain. Acute pain, though it may last for some time, is often resolved. If not, the pain is considered chronic. It afflicts the young and the old, the ill and those who are otherwise healthy, often leading to depression and, in some cases, thoughts of suicide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) calls the use and abuse of

In 1995, Gwenn Herman was in her car, preparing to drop off her young children at a Potomac school, when she was rear-ended in the queue of cars by a woman who said she mistook the gas pedal for the brake. Herman initially felt OK, but within a few hours she experienced terrible neck pain “that ricocheted through my body.” The mishap led to several surgeries and head and neck pain that persists to this day. “The emotional pain was just as bad,” says Herman, now 61.

“My personality changed—I was shorttempered, and I lost many of my friends.

I physically couldn’t play with my kids, and I felt guilty because my husband was doing everything. My emotional pain was

by researchers at the National Institutes of Health found that approximately 25 million American adults have moderate to severe chronic pain that limits activities and diminishes their quality of life.

“You have to learn to coexist with it,” says Beatrice Bowie, 64, of Germantown, who suffers from sickle cell disease, a disorder that affects red blood cells, “because the pain is not going away.”

Lifting a chair at a community event 14 years ago changed the life of Philip Stone

(not his real name) forever. Stone, a data analyst who lives in Potomac, now worries that he will lose his job and health insurance if his condition is publicized.

“With this kind of back pain...I lie in bed counting the seconds until my next doctor’s appointment,” says Stone, 63. “On a good day, I can function. On a bad day, you could bury me and I’d be happy.”

Ignited by an illness, stubbed toe, wrenched knee—or even stress— chronic pain blazes into the nervous system. It’s often an invisible affliction.

Unlike acute pain, which typically is caused by injury and often has some visual manifestation, chronic pain

sufferers may not exhibit any symptoms.

Wracked in agony, they often are viewed with doubt, their complaints eventually dismissed by those around them. Stone says he was speechless when a doctor told him he was “overthinking” his pain.

“I wanted to punch him,” he says.

“Chronic pain is poorly understood, not only by the general public but by health care providers,” says Bethesda physiatrist Michael April. “We don’t have objective ways to measure pain.”

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Gwenn Herman founded the nonprofit Pain Connection in 1999, four years after being rear-ended by another driver outside of her kids’ Potomac school. Her head and neck pain from the accident still persists to this day.

he knows he can’t sit—he’s embarrassed to lie on the floor and he knows he will cry.”

Julie: “I was in deep, deep depression.

There are special Facebook groups, and I’m in five.”

Near the end of the 90-minute session, Herman led an “imaging” exercise, asking participants to concentrate on their breathing. “Let go of all that anger,” she said. For several minutes,

the group sat with eyes closed, the sounds of rhythmic exhalations filling the room. Before leaving, they talked among themselves, sharing contact information for doctors and specialists and quietly consoling one another, seemingly reluctant to leave.

While some experts caution that support groups are useful only if they rise above complaint sessions, which

photo by michael ventura

just as bad as my physical pain.”

Four years after the accident, Herman founded the nonprofit Pain Connection “to try to normalize what we’re going through.” In the beginning, her group met at Davis Library in Bethesda. As the group grew to dozens of members, Herman moved the monthly meetings to the Nonprofit Village building in Rockville.

One afternoon in February, Herman convened a support group meeting around a rectangular table. The group was small, owing to illness and inclement weather; Herman said meetings may range from three or four to 15 members.

After introductions, Herman led the four participants through a discussion, using a list of “myths and misconceptions” about chronic pain. Myth: Pain means you don’t want to work or be responsible. Myth: Everyone on opioid medications will become addicted.

These prompts sparked a conversation about common experiences and feelings. Anna and Julie, both middleaged, are longtime sufferers. Adan, a 30-something Hispanic construction worker who speaks little English, has chronic pain from a work injury. Megan came in place of her 27-year-old son, Rick, who became disabled four years ago after lifting a piece of pool-cleaning equipment. As they spoke, emotions were raw.

Anna: “There’s before and after. My business is gone. I was in bed when my teenage son needed me. My friendships fell off.”

Megan: “My son had to come back home to live. I’ve watched him cry for a day and a half, he was in such pain.

There’s no comforting him. Now he’s suicidal all the time.”

Adan: “When I’m in bed, I cry. I think, why me?”

Julie: “My marriage ended, and chronic pain was one of the causes. I had two professions, but I couldn’t work.”

Megan: “He needs a support group, but

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Chronic pain sufferer Beatrice Bowie has sickle cell disease, a disorder that affects red blood cells. “You have to learn to coexist with it,” she says, “because the pain is not going away.”

can deepen depression, Noble says these groups can reduce isolation and the “shame” of taking drugs. “My job,” says Noble, who has spoken at a Pain Connection meeting, “is to eliminate hopelessness.”

Beatrice Bowie’s sickle cell disease restricts the flow of blood to her bones and has resulted in two hip replacements, a cyst on one of her ovaries, leg ulcers and other complications.

In 1994, she was forced to stop working at a Bethesda real estate firm and had to be hospitalized when she couldn’t rise from using the toilet. Now Bowie, who was born in Ghana, receives regular blood

transfusions at NIH and participates in a sickle cell study.

“When you come from a Third World country, you think someone at home is doing black magic,” says Bowie, who keeps a written list of her prescriptions to give to ER staff because at times her pain is so severe that she cannot speak.

“When you are in a pain crisis and show up at a hospital emergency room, some medical staff will ask you point-blank if you are an addict and if you are there to get a fix.” Patients are unfairly stigmatized, she says.

“Everyone has a hard time conceptualizing chronic pain,” says Dr. Michael Clark, a psychiatrist and director of the

Chronic Pain Treatment Program at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore.

“It’s not one clinical entity. It has greater intensity, causes impaired function and can migrate beyond the original pain site. The nervous system becomes distorted. Pain receptors get amplified and internal pain blockers minimized, which can make even the lightest touch be perceived as painful.

“If you enter a doctor’s waiting room and say you have cancer or diabetes, people understand that,” he adds. “If you say you have chronic pain, they think you’re a drug addict.”

Clark, who has been treating chronic pain patients for three decades, says treatment should involve all the tools in the medical chest, from exercise, acupuncture and injections to medication, massage and counseling. “Without a comprehensive treatment plan,” he explains, “patients may be disabled and use a lot of opioids and have a high rate of psychological disorders.”

According to the CDC, the number of prescriptions for painkillers such as oxycodone, morphine, fentanyl and hydrocodone, has increased dramatically over the past 20 years. (There were 76 million in 1991 and 259 million in 2012.) In 2014, 40 percent of all lethal drug overdoses in the U.S. were related to prescription pain relievers. The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene reported that 887 Marylanders died from opioid-related causes (including heroin overdoses) in 2014. There were 19 deaths from prescription painkillers in Montgomery County, and 33 heroin-related fatalities.

Opioids often are prescribed when comprehensive treatment is not available, pain experts say. Acute pain that’s not managed properly may develop into chronic pain, and, according to “Relieving Pain in America,” most Americans who live with chronic pain do not receive appropriate care. The care that’s provided is often fragmented, the

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report concluded, and without a comprehensive plan, patients may encounter difficulty obtaining the full range of potential treatments.

The undertreatment of chronic pain has consequences beyond the obvious, says Berger, the NIH pain expert. “Studies have shown that the longer a person is in chronic pain that is untreated, the greater chance the brain changes,” she says. “It’s called central sensitization syndrome, and it’s like resetting the thermostat so that any little pain is felt more severely—the pain threshold becomes lower.”

Berger has more than a professional interest in chronic pain. Her son, who is in his 20s, suffers with chronic abdominal pain due to a birth defect that wasn’t detected until he was 11 years old. Berger says he uses unconventional “mind-body modalities” to calm the brain, such as reading aloud Shakespeare’s soliloquies.

“I’ve certainly learned to tolerate my abdominal pain,” he wrote in a short essay that Berger uses when she lectures on chronic pain. “But is my abdominal pain really less painful, simply because I often ignore it?”

At their request, some of Berger’s chronic pain patients have received “outside the box” therapies, including a private viewing of Tai Shan, a giant panda cub born at the National Zoo, and a visit to NIH by some of the female waitstaff from a Hooters restaurant.

Berger also recommends what she calls “retail therapy”—shopping—as another way to distract her patients from constant thoughts of pain.

Graduating from UNC in 2009 was a huge achievement for McGehee.

She began a career as a photographer, gaining experience at newspapers and ultimately establishing her own freelance business. (Her work appears in Bethesda Magazine.) Still, pain remained as much a part of her life as cameras; toting heavy equipment only exacerbated BethesdaMagazine.com | May/June 2016 317

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her condition, and she relied heavily on painkillers. One doctor told her it was OK to grieve her loss of identity as a way of coping with the change in her personality.

“The pain was so bad at times, it took my breath away,” she says. “I was abusing the hell out of tramadol," a narcotic used to treat moderate to severe pain.

By 2013, her mood swings were so debilitating that she lost her job with a prestigious photography collective.

Finally, clinical psychologist Philip R. Appel, a Bethesda pain specialist, suggested that McGehee apply for a program at the Mayo Clinic.

In the summer of 2014, she flew to Rochester, Minnesota, to be evaluated, and that November was admitted into the three-week program at Mayo’s Comprehensive Pain Rehabilitation Center. Although tailored to each patient, the program teaches pain

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management skills and techniques for physical reconditioning, and supervises medication changes, including withdrawals from pain medications.

McGehee ultimately was diagnosed as having chronic pain due to a hyperactive nervous system; essentially, her nerve endings were on fire. She had no musculoskeletal damage, but the stress of rowing and other exercise was triggering the muscle-to-nerve chain reaction.

Mayo Clinic doctors weaned her off the narcotics and most of her other drugs, and used chronotherapy—resetting the sleep clock—to restore a drug-altered circadian rhythm that had robbed her of regular sleep. She went back to photography and exercise, managing the pain as well as she could, reassured by doctors that she wouldn’t be doing any structural damage to her body.

At home, a different therapy awaited.

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Through OkCupid, a dating website, she met a French engineer working in Baltimore. She fell hard, and didn’t want to risk a sudden breakup by hiding anything from him. So she laid out her troubled history of pain and prescription drugs.

“I have a lot of baggage,” she confessed.

“Well, I don’t have any,” he replied. “So I don’t mind taking some of yours.”

They married in a civil ceremony in December 2014; in July, they’ll have a church wedding in France. Mostly drugfree since late 2014, McGehee is working and exercising regularly. Pain is not her only companion now. “I didn’t know that this kind of happiness existed for me,” she says quietly. “Even still, I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop.” n Steve Goldstein is a freelance writer and editor. To comment on this story, email comments@bethesdamagazine.com.

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Every Second Counts

When it comes to strength training, some say lifting weights slowly is more effective

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doing the 20-minute workouts just once or twice a week, depending on age and other factors. There’s no cardio involved.

Some sports medicine experts question whether slow-motion strength training offers benefits above and beyond regular weightlifting. But for enthusiasts such as Lesic, who says she’s lost 3 inches off her waist and staved off back surgery since beginning the workouts in September, the results speak for themselves.

“My back pain has been significantly reduced, and I think I’ve gotten a lot stronger,” Lesic says. “The fact that I also look a little better in my clothes is an added bonus.”

Richard Lembo went into

his first session at The Perfect Workout last fall with a sense of healthy skepticism.

The Friendship Heights resident, once a college baseball player, wondered whether he could really get in a good workout in such a short amount of time. “I thought that if they seemed like they were full of crap, I wouldn’t go back,” says Lembo, 66, who recently retired from the health insurance industry.

“But I literally felt the effects after my first workout.”

By Sylvia Lesic’s 10th repetition, which is just as slow He has gotten stronger, dropped two pants sizes and his wife, Gloria, as the first, she is exhaling like she’s blowing out candles convinced to start working out there, too. “You think, ‘How could I see this much of a benefit on a cake, her face reddening from the exertion. after just 20 minutes?’ ” says Gloria, 66, a management consultant. “But when you Lesic takes a deep breath and begins to ‘muscle success,’ ” says Whitmore, who’s leave, your arms are shaking and your legs are shaking.” lift again. “Really nice.” also the facility manager of the Bethesda The room is void of any posters or bill- studio, where most of the 70-plus memHeadquartered in California, The boards on its white walls, and free of all bers range in age from 40 to 85.

Perfect Workout was the first slowUnlike traditional strength training, sound, except for Whitmore’s words of motion strength training studio to open in Montgomery County. A second encouragement and Lesic’s increasingly where you might do three sets on the labored breathing. There are no televi- same machine—and faster repetitions— location opened in Rockville in Janusions—Whitmore says the workout area slow-motion workouts include one set ary, and there are also studios in Falls is meant to be a “clinically-controlled of each exercise. Trainers recommend Church and Fairfax, Virginia. It’s not the

photos by skip brown

Sylvia Lesic sits down at

the Nautilus Mid-Row Machine, her face steely with resolve. She extends her arms, grasps the handles and begins to pull them back toward her, inch by inch, as trainer Michelle Whitmore slowly counts to 10.

“Good,” Whitmore says when Lesic’s arms are fully bent. “Now, really slow again on the way down.”

Lesic, 58, who lives in Friendship Heights, lowers the handles just as slowly as she lifted them until the weight plates nearly touch. “Good control,” says Whitmore, a Silver Spring resident.

environment with no distractions.” By Lesic’s 10th repetition, which is just as slow as the first, she is exhaling like she’s blowing out candles on a cake, her face reddening from the exertion. She performs seven to 10 slow repetitions of several other exercises—including hamstring curls and quad extensions—and a little more than 20 minutes after she started, she’s done.

This is the tempo of every session at The Perfect Workout, a fitness studio specializing in slow-motion strength training that opened on River Road in Bethesda last August. The idea behind slow-motion strength training, often called “super-slow exercise,” is that you’ll see rapid gains in muscle strength if you take 10 seconds to lift a weight and 10 seconds to lower it. Trainers carefully select weights that are heavy enough to induce muscle failure within one or two minutes, meaning that the person exercising is so tired that he or she can’t physically eke out any more repetitions.

“We like to call it ‘muscle fatigue,’ or

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Sylvia Lesic (left) with trainer Michelle Whitmore, does two 20-minute slow-motion strength training sessions a week. “You don’t need to be there for an hour to get the benefits,” Lesic says.

photos by skip brown

Richard Lembo (below) was skeptical when he started going to The Perfect Workout last fall. He’s since dropped two pants sizes and convinced his wife, Gloria, to work out there, too.

only company in the D.C. region that’s focused on super-slow exercise: InForm Fitness, SuperSlow Zone and Clinical Exercise also have area locations.

While recent media coverage and celebrity endorsements have led to a boost in popularity—best-selling author Gretchen Rubin is an InForm Fitness fanatic—slow-motion strength training is hardly new. Florida researcher Ken Hutchins trademarked the term “superslow exercise” more than 30 years ago after studying its effect on bone health in women with osteoporosis. His 1982 study showed that a super-slow lifting protocol led to gains in bone health—a finding that encouraged health care professionals to recommend resistance training for women looking to slow or stop bone loss, says Dr. Pamela Peeke of Bethesda, a national spokesperson for the American College of Sports Medicine.

A study co-authored by exercise physiologist Wayne Westcott that was

published in 2001 found that slowmotion strength training produces 50 percent more improvement in muscle strength than regular weight training. But Peeke says athletes looking to improve speed and stamina, and those with strength-training experience, may be disappointed by the method. Westcott’s study involved older participants without strength-training experience.

“Clearly, slow training is better than no training at all,” Peeke says. “And there’s nothing harmful about it at all.

But there’s a paucity of information out there showing that it burns fat better or builds muscle more effectively than plain-old strength training.”

Rather than doing shorter, less

frequent sessions, Peeke believes exercisers would be better off strength training three times per week for a minimum of 30 minutes per session. But for certain people, the super-slow method could offer benefits, she says. “For people who are older and who feel like the slower speed is safer and helps them pay attention to their form, I think it’s fantastic,” Peeke says. “It’s all about the goal. Do they want to get a bit stronger than they would without weight training? They’re going to. Do they want to drop some weight? They’re going to.”

For her own bone health, and to keep her nagging back pain at bay, Lesic knew she should incorporate resistance training into her weekly walking and jogging

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regimen. But she needed a workout that would fit into her long days as executive director of imaging services at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital.

She puts in 20 minutes before work on Tuesdays, and does a second workout on Saturdays. She leaves feeling energized and fresh, not sweaty and tired. “You don’t need to be there for an hour to get the benefits,” she says.

Co n v e n t i o n a l e x e r c i s e

wisdom holds that if a workout routine isn’t fun, it won’t last. So, do slowmotion strength training devotees enjoy the workouts while they’re happening, or only once they’re done? Gloria Lembo pauses before answering.

“It’s a love-hate relationship,” she says, laughing.

Other participants echo that sentiment: The workouts themselves aren’t

necessarily fun, but the results—and that one-on-one time with a trainer—keep them coming back. The individualized attention comes at a price. Monthly fees at The Perfect Workout range from $255 to $495, based on how often you go and the length of your contract.

Gaye Passes, 73, of Chevy Chase, initially balked at the price tag, but now she says it’s worth every penny. “Frankly, it sounded really expensive—and it is, compared to signing up for a traditional gym,” says Passes, who joined The Perfect Workout last fall and immediately felt a difference. “But the trainers are so wonderful and so attentive. I’ve worked with personal trainers before, but they’ve never been this encouraging and this aware of your individual needs.”

After hearing so many glowing endorsements, I decide I need to try a session myself. When I show up at The

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Perfect Workout in Bethesda at 10:30 a.m. on a Friday in January, I’m the only one in the studio, aside from the trainers. Whitmore, holding a clipboard and a stopwatch, inquires about my workout experience. “Have you lifted weights before?” she asks.

I tell her that I have. But I don’t tell her that I’ve been lifting fairly heavy weights since my days as a competitive highschool swimmer nearly two decades ago, and I resist the urge to tell her how much I can squat. In my mind, I am cocky. How hard can this be?

First up: the leg-press machine.

Whitmore counts slowly to 10 as I lift the weights. By the time I’ve completed a few reps, I feel like I’ve been there for an hour.

“This seems pretty easy for you,” Whitmore says. I nod.

“I can see how this could get intense, though,” I say.

On the next machine, the mid-row, it does. The first few reps are fine, but then I notice my deltoids burning. A couple reps later, every muscle in my upper back is shaking. “We’ll do one more, and we’ll hold at the top,” Whitmore says.

When I reach the top, Whitmore counts to three. This is the slowest three seconds of my life, I think. When I lower the weights one last time, I feel instantly sore—and humbled.

I work my abductors, abdominals and biceps at other Nautilus machines, all under Whitmore’s watchful eye. The bicep curls feel similar to the mid-rows, at once boring and excruciatingly difficult. And then, 20 minutes later, it is done. I’m not particularly tired, but my arms are noticeably sore when I walk out to my car. The next day, my biceps and back muscles are sore to the touch.

“Yay!” Whitmore says when I talk to her a few days later. “We’ve done our job.” n Amy Reinink is a frequent contributor to the magazine who also writes for Men's Health and other publications.

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health

wellness

calendar Compiled by Cindy Murphy-Tofig

miles of the marathon will be run on race day. 8:30 a.m. (Toddler Trot), 8:40 a.m. (halfmile), 8:55 a.m. (1-mile), 9:10 a.m. (Kids Marathon). $9 if postmarked by May 4 ($14 for race and a T-shirt); $20 if postmarked after May 4. Bohrer Park, Gaithersburg. www.mcrrckidsontherun.org.

RUNNING/WALKING May 1 MARK’S RUN 5K. The race is held in memory of Landon School alumnus Mark Ferris, who struggled with heart disease complicated by diabetes. Proceeds from the race benefit the Landon Scholarship Fund and the Joslin Diabetes Center. 8 a.m. for 5K; 8:05 a.m. for 1-mile fun run. $25; $15 for 1-mile fun run. Landon School, Bethesda. www.marksrun.org.

May 1 RES1CUE RUN 8K. The race loops through part of the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad’s coverage area. Proceeds benefit the fire rescue organization. 8 a.m.

An ambulance chase fun run for kids will begin shortly after the 8K. Fees for 8K: $35-$43 in advance, $50 in person on race weekend. $10 for fun run. Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad, Bethesda. www.rescue1run.com.

May 1 TAKOMA PARK SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL 5K CHALLENGE. Proceeds from the race benefit programs on walking for health and fitness and pedestrian safety at Takoma Park, Piney Branch, Rolling Terrace and East Silver Spring elementary schools and Takoma Park Middle School.

8 a.m.; 9 a.m. for 1-mile fun run; 9:15 a.m. for quarter-mile run for ages 8 and younger. $25 for 5K ($15 for ages 18 and younger); $12 for 1-mile; $10 for quartermile. Takoma Park Community Center–Sam Abbott Citizens’ Center, Takoma Park. www.tkpk5k.com.

May 7 KIDS ON THE RUN. The morning offers several races based on children’s ages. A 100-meter Toddler Trot is for ages 4 and younger. Children ages 17 and younger can participate in a Kids Marathon, 1-mile or half-mile race. For the Kids Marathon, children must run one mile each day for any 25 days before race day; the final 1.2

May 8 HOPE FOR HENRY run a 5K TO MAKE A KID’S DAY. Proceeds will be used to pay for gifts and parties for children who are hospitalized with cancer or other serious illnesses. The Hope for Henry Foundation was founded in honor of Henry Strongin Goldberg, who was 7 when he died in 2002.

8:30 a.m.; 8:45 a.m. for 1-mile. $35; $30 for 1-mile fun run. Walt Whitman High School, Bethesda. www.hopeforhenry.org.

May 14 WOOD ACRES JOGFEST. The Wood Acres PTA uses the proceeds from the 5K, 1-mile fun run and quarter- and half-mile tot trots to help pay for Chromebooks and provide other academic opportunities for the school’s students. 8 a.m. for 5K; 8:30 a.m.

1-mile fun run; 9 a.m. tot trots. $25; $18 for 1-mile and tot trots. Wood Acres Elementary School, Bethesda. www.woodacrespta.org.

May 15 RUN AWARE. The 5K trail run will take you over hills and near streams. 8 a.m. for 5K; the 1K junior participation run (for Montgomery County Road Runners members younger than 18) starts at 8:05 a.m. $10 ages 18 and older; $5 younger

photo by ann mcdermot t/Courtesy of Mcrrc

Little runners have several races to choose from at Kids on the Run on May 7 in Gaithersburg.

May 7 LA MILLA DE MAYO. The 1-mile run/ walk in Gaithersburg is designed to call attention to Olde Towne’s vitality. Proceeds will benefit the Dolores C. Swoyer Camp Scholarship Fund, which helps pay for summer camp registration fees for underprivileged youth. The race will also include quarter-mile and half-mile fun runs for ages 12 and younger. 5:30 p.m. for fun runs; 6 p.m. for 1-mile. One-mile fees: $19 for ages 12 and older, $10 for ages 5-11, free for younger than 5. All kids’ fun runs are free. Gaithersburg Elementary School, Gaithersburg. www.gaithersburgmd. gov/leisure/special-events/la-milla-de-mayo.

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than 18; free for members of Montgomery County Road Runners Club. Cabin John Regional Park, Bethesda. www.mcrrc.org.

May 15 RUN FOR THE ANIMALS. Proceeds from the race support the Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary. Runners can choose a 5K, 1-mile run/walk or 1.7-mile walk that your pet can join. 8:30 a.m. $25-$30 in advance; $35 race day. Wheaton Regional Park, Wheaton. www.animalsanctuary.org.

May 30 MEMORIAL 4 MILE. The race has a 4-mile run and a 1-miler for youth. 8 a.m. for 4-mile race; 8:05 a.m. for 1-mile fun run. $10 ages 18 and older; $5 younger than 18; free for members of Montgomery County Road Runners Club. Rock Creek Valley Elementary School, Rockville. www.mcrrc.org.

$25; $60 for families of three or more; $20 students and members of the military.

Start/finish line is on Beach Drive at Connecticut Avenue, Kensington. www.colleensba5k.org.

June 18 RUN FOR ROSES. The 5K is for women only, and finishers receive a long-stemmed rose at the end of the race. Kids 12 and younger can run in a quarter- or half-mile fun run. 8 a.m. 5K; 7:45 a.m. for fun runs.

Fun runs are free; see the website for 5K fees. Wheaton Regional Park, Wheaton. www.mcrrcrunforroses.org.

SCREENINGS/CLASSES/ WORKSHOPS

June 4 COLLEEN’S BA 5K AND 1 MILE FUN RUN. The run is in memory of Colleen Mitchel, who was born with liver disease.

Proceeds benefit biliary atresia research in the pediatric liver center at Johns Hopkins 2015-03_BethesdaMag.pdf 1 3/9/15 Children’s Center in Baltimore. 9 a.m.;

Ongoing PINK RIBBON PILATES. 12:30 p.m.

Wednesdays. A Pilates instructor helps breast cancer survivors with strength and mobility in their shoulders and arms, as well 2:41 as PMimproving their energy level and well-being. Hope Connections for Cancer

Support, Bethesda. Free. 301-634-7500, www.hopeconnectionsforcancer.org.

May 2 ACTIVE AGING EXPO. The eighth annual event will include health and wellness talks, preventive screenings, facials, massages and manicures. There will also be temporary tattoos, a caricature artist and a photo booth. Sponsored by the City of Gaithersburg. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free; cannedgood donations requested for Manna Food Center. Activity Center at Bohrer Park, Gaithersburg. 301-258-6380, www.gaithersburgmd.gov.

May 2 and 3 SKIN CANCER SCREENING. Boardcertified dermatologists will conduct the screenings, which are for people who have not had a screening in the past 12 months.

6-7:45 p.m. Free. Johns Hopkins Health Care and Surgery Center, Bethesda. 301-8963100, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/suburban_ hospital/community_health/classes_events.

May 3 GIRL TALK. Designed for girls ages 8 through 11 and their moms, the class will cover puberty changes, menstrual

Membership starts at

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health management, safe child care techniques and how to respond to medical emergencies. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $65. Holy Cross Resource Center, Silver Spring. 301-7547000, www.holycrosshealth.org.

June 27 LOOK GOOD, FEEL BETTER. The program will help female cancer patients address the skin changes and hair loss associated with cancer treatments. 1:303 p.m. Free. Johns Hopkins Health Care and Surgery Center, Bethesda. 301-8963100, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/suburban_ hospital/community_health/classes_events.

Run Aware takes participants past streams and over hills in Cabin John Regional Park on May 15.

May 4 REMEMBERING MOM AND DAD. The workshop is for adults who have lost one or both parents. 7 p.m. Free. Montgomery Hospice, Rockville. 301-921-4400, www.montgomeryhospice.org.

May 4 LOOK GOOD, FEEL BETTER. Cosmetologists teach makeup tips, wig care and other beauty techniques to women undergoing cancer treatments. 6-8 p.m. Free. Aquilino Cancer Center, Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center, Rockville. 800-5425096, www.adventisthealthcare.com.

May 4 EAT WELL FOR HEALTH: NUTRITION AND COOKING CLASS. Learn how different foods can affect your body, and which ingredients can support your health. 6-7 p.m. Free; registration required. Adventist HealthCare Washington Adventist Hospital, Takoma Park. 301-8916105, www.adventisthealthcare.com.

May 14 IT’S YOUR TIME: WOMEN’S HEALTH EVENT. The day will include health screenings, health lectures and seated massages, plus door prizes and giveaways.

10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Holy Cross Hospital Professional and Community Education Center, Silver Spring. 301-754-8800, www.holycrosshealth.org.

May 16 LOOK GOOD, FEEL BETTER. Cosmetologists teach makeup tips, wig

care and other beauty techniques to women undergoing cancer treatments.

10 a.m.-noon. Free. Adventist HealthCare Washington Adventist Hospital, Takoma Park. 800-542-5096, www.adventisthealthcare.com.

May 16 and June 20 BABY CARE BASICS. Learn how to care for your newborn during those first few weeks. 7-9:30 p.m. $40 per couple.

Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center, Rockville. 800-542-5096, www.adventisthealthcare.com.

May 21 FATHERHOOD 101. The workshop will help new and expectant dads meet the challenges of fatherhood. 1-3:30 p.m. $20. Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center, Rockville. 800-542-5096, www.adventisthealthcare.com.

June 1 YOGA FOR CANCER SURVIVORS. The gentle class is designed to improve strength, flexibility and balance. 6:30-7:45 p.m. $30. Johns Hopkins Health Care and Surgery Center, Bethesda. 301-896-3100, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/suburban_hospital/ community_health/classes_events.

June 4 BECOMING A FATHER. Expectant and new dads will learn about basic baby care, adjustments to life with a child and what it means to be a father. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $30. Holy Cross Resource Center, Silver Spring. 301-754-7000, www.holycrosshealth.org.

June 5 SAFE SITTER. The daylong class will teach 11- to 14-year-olds about behavior

Support groups are free unless otherwise noted.

May 17-June 21 AFTERNOON GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP. The six-week group is for anyone grieving the death of a loved one. 1:30-3 p.m.

Tuesdays. $25. North Bethesda United Methodist Church, Bethesda. 301-9214400, www.montgomeryhospice.org.

May 18 and June 15 GYNECOLOGICAL CANCER SUPPORT GROUP. For current patients and cancer survivors. 6:30-8 p.m. Holy Cross Hospital Professional and Community Education Center, Silver Spring. 301-754-8800, www.holycrosshealth.org.

May 18-June 22 LOSS OF A CHILD SUPPORT GROUP. The six-week group is for any parent grieving the death of a child at any age.

6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays. $25. Montgomery Hospice, Rockville. 301-921-4400, www.montgomeryhospice.org.

May 19 and June 16 WOMEN & HEART DISEASE SUPPORT GROUP. For patients and their partners and family members.11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Adventist HealthCare Washington Adventist Hospital, Takoma Park. 800-5425096, www.adventisthealthcare.com.

May 19-June 23 EVENING GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP. The six-week group is for anyone grieving the death of a loved one. 6:30-8 p.m. Thursdays. $25. Montgomery Hospice, Rockville. 301921-4400, www.montgomeryhospice.org. n To submit calendar items, go to www.Bethesda Magazine.com.

photo by mark schadly/Courtesy of Mcrrc

cycles and communication. 7-9 p.m. $20.

Holy Cross Hospital Professional and Community Education Center, Silver Spring.

301-754-8800, www.holycrosshealth.org.

SUPPORT GROUPS

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Ask the Medical Experts

Special Advertising Section

courtesy photo

The Dermatology Center & Rockledge Med Spa 6410 Rockledge Drive, Suite 201 Bethesda, MD 20817 301-530-8300 info@dermskin.com www.dermskin.com

Why should I have a yearly skin exam?

One in five Americans will develop skin cancer, making it the most common form of cancer in the United States. The best way to diagnose a potential skin cancer is with a total body skin exam by a board-certified dermatologist. Head to toe skin exams are easy, painless, do not require any uncomfortable or messy prep, only take 20 minutes – and yet could save your life!

Since the skin is on the outside of the body, this gives us the opportunity to detect skin cancer at an early and usually curable stage. Many skin cancers occur in areas of sun exposure and sun damage, but not all. Some skin cancers lurk in completely hidden areas that have never seen the light of day. In between yearly exams by a dermatologist, you should look yourself over from time to time, getting help with areas that you can’t see, like the scalp and back. Make sure to keep an eye out for any new

moles, as well as moles that change in size, shape or color.

What are the options for treating acne?

Contrary to popular myth, acne is not confined to teenage years. Sometimes acne can linger for decades into adulthood, and other times it first starts long after acne-free teenage years.

Fortunately, these days there are many treatments for acne, and a dermatologist can customize the best treatment program for each person.

Individualizing treatment is important, since not everyone with acne has oily skin; a dermatologist will put together a regimen to help unclog the pores and fight bacteria. The options include prescription and over-the-counter topical products, pills, procedures to unclog pores, lasers and skincare products and makeup that are acne-friendly. Males and females benefit from customized regimens to help their acne.

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Ask the Medical Experts

Special Advertising Section

What is Vasculitis?

Dr. Potter: Vasculitis is a term used to describe inflammation affecting blood vessels. Inflammation occurs normally as a part of your body’s immune defense mechanism when helping you to fight off influenza, pneumonia or urinary tract infection. Vasculitis represents an abnormal inflammatory process where your body’s immune system is turned against your blood vessels. This can result in damage to your skin, nerves, lungs and kidneys as well as other internal organs.

Vasculitis affects patients of all ages, children as well as patients in their later years. Vasculitis can be difficult to diagnose and can have devastating results on your health if not addressed quickly and appropriately.

Patients generally need immunosuppressive medications such as corticosteroids to calm down this abnormal immune response. In most cases, additional medications can decrease the amount of steroids needed and help to avoid potential side effects. Your rheumatologist can help diagnose vasculitis early and guide you in choosing medications that best fit your individual condition.

Is there more than one kind of arthritis?

Dr. Ahn: Yes, rheumatologists treat a variety of arthritic conditions. We can divide arthritis into two categories: non-inflammatory and inflammatory. Noninflammatory arthritis is “wear and tear” arthritis, where joints get worn out over time naturally or due to overuse or injury. We typically call this osteoarthritis. Some osteoarthritis can present early, especially if patients have significant family history risks, or other risk factors, such as being obese or sustaining repetitive athletic injuries. The other type, inflammatory arthritis, is not as common and can occur at any age, including childhood. The most common is rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition where inflammation causes joint damage. Complete physical exams, imaging studies and blood tests can help determine what type of arthritis you may have, so it’s important to speak to your doctor.

Grace Ahn, MD, FACR & Jeffrey A. Potter, MD, FACR Wheaton, Rockville, Chevy Chase, Olney, Washington, D.C. 301-942-7600 www.washingtonarthritis.com

hilary schwab

Arthritis and Rheumatism Associates, P.C.

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Specialthe Advertising Section Ask Medical Experts

Special Advertising Section Ask the Medical Experts

Where can a woman find true comfort with a gynecologist?

Our all-women office is designed as the kind of practice we would want to visit ourselves, with the finest in care, but also details and conveniences like free parking, lattes, cloth gowns and minimal wait times.

Patients can also request appointments or refills, email a nurse or provider, and view lab results online.

We work closely as a team to improve the quality of women’s lives. We’re on the cutting-edge of women’s health – and not a traditional medical office. Taking a very active role in our patient’s health, we look at the whole health picture – physical, psychological and social. We pride ourselves on listening to each patient, and trying to meet and exceed expectations.

When you’re here, you’re not just a patient, you’re our guest.

What’s the latest in treatments for the unique medical needs of women?

We offer procedures with excellent results and no pain and less recovery times – or none at all. For instance, we have the state-of-the-art MonaLisa Touch™ laser – the first in Montgomery County – for helping reverse symptoms of vaginal atrophy associated with menopause and in breast cancer survivors.

We’re experts in advanced minimally invasive surgical procedures, including the daVinci™ robotic system for conditions such as pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding and fibroids. It’s changed the experience of surgery for more than three million patients worldwide.

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There are so many treatment options to cure and manage medical issues. It’s a joy to see women back for follow-ups, and they can’t stop smiling.

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Rockville Gynecology 15204 Omega Drive, Suite 200 Rockville, MD 20850 301-330-7007 office@rockvillegynecology.com www.rockvillegynecology.com BethesdaMagazine.com | May/june 2016 331

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SUBURBAN HOSPITAL

LEAD SPONSORS DIAMOND Clark Charitable Foundation Jim Coleman Automotive, Jim & Marte Coleman

Suburban Hospital’s May 2016 Showcase treated guests to a chic South Beach-style

Total Wine & More

party, while raising critical funding to support

PlATINUM

surgical innovation.

Hillary & Tom Baltimore Bethesda Emergency Associates Bender Foundation, Inc. First Colonies Anesthesia Associates

To see photos and a recap of the event, visit Showcase2016.org.

Washington Area Toyota Dealers

Special thanks to all those whose financial

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and in-kind donations — will help Suburban

Drs. Groover, Christie & Merritt, PC Eric & Marianne Billings

Hospital build all new, state-of-the-art operating

Cammye & Norman Jenkins

rooms as part of the campus renewal project.

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To add your support for surgical innovation at Suburban Hospital, please call 301-896-GIVE or visit Showcase2016.org.

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restaurants. cooking. food. drinks.

photo by laura chase mcgehee

dine

A dish made with lily bulbs, snap peas and mushrooms is among the off-menu items at Wheaton’s Hollywood East Café. For more on the restaurant’s offerings, see page 336.

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BY david hagedorn | photos by laura chase mcgehee

Baker Stella Fernandez with ube cake, a Filipino treat

Chef Javier Fernandez displays his specialty, lechon belly

brother-sister act Sibling chefs churn out Filipino goodies in Rockville Lechon belly Crispy sizzling Sisig (chopped sautĂŠed headcheese) plate

Sweet longanisa (sausage) rice bowl

Spicy adobo fried, glazed chicken wings

Three-way tacos with sweet longanisa, lechon belly and spicy Sisig

Arros caldo (chicken congee with toppings)

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Kuya Ja’s Lechon Belly

Gwenie’s Desserts

While he searches for space in Rockville to open a fastcasual restaurant called Kuya Ja’s Lechon Belly, chef Javier Fernandez holds pop-ups on Saturdays (9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.) at his sister Stella Fernandez’s wholesale bakery in Rockville, Gwenie’s Desserts.

Fernandez, 32, a graduate of L’Academie de Cuisine in Gaithersburg, left his job as chef at Met Bethesda in October. Though he offers a varied menu of Filipino items at his pop-up, Fernandez’s focus is on lechon, a roasted pork belly dish that is a specialty of Cebu, the Philippine island his family is from. A combo plate (with crunchy Filipino egg rolls, rice, salad, drink) is $10.

To make lechon, Fernandez brines pork belly for one-and-a-half days, ties it around pork tenderloin and an aromatic stuffing of lemongrass, garlic, scallions and spices, scores the skin and bakes the roast for six hours, thus rendering the fat. He blasts it on high temperature at the end to crisp the skin. “If the skin isn’t crispy, you may as well throw the whole thing out,” he says. You likely won’t be throwing this lechon out—you’ll want to eat all of it.

At Gwenie’s Desserts, 12113 Nebel St., Rockville, 301-4680639, www.facebook.com/kuyajaslechonbelly

While working as a housekeeper for a Bethesda family 10 years ago, Gwen Fernandez started a business out of her own house, making baked goods from her native Philippines for friends who had Filipino stores. The business grew so much over the years that in 2010 her daughter Stella, 34, gave up a job at the National Institutes of Health to make the business her career. Stella co-owns and runs the business now; her mother helps with developing new products and ideas.

They built their own production kitchen in a small industrial strip in Rockville last year. They now have 17 wholesale clients in Maryland and Virginia.

On Saturdays (9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.), Gwenie’s hosts popups (along with Javier Fernandez’s pop-up) in the production kitchen, offering such Filipino goodies as: Ube (purple yam) pie ($4.50/slice): made with taro root extract and purple food coloring, with a thick, pastry-creamlike base and taro buttercream topping Ube cake ($4.25/slice): purple layer-cake version of ube pie Mongo hopia ($3.75/five pieces): pastry with bean paste Pan de siopao ($2/each): like Chinese bao buns but baked and filled with pork asado and hard-boiled egg 12113 Nebel St., Rockville, 301-237-4823, www.facebook.com/ gweniesdesserts

Pan de siopao

Ube cake

Mongo hopia

Ube pie

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Janet Yu of Hollywood East Café cooks Taiwanese fare, including snap pea, mushroom and lily bulb stir-fry (left) and Taiwanese fried chicken.

taiwan on Sometimes a restaurant’s menu doesn’t divulge all the kitchen has to offer. Such is the case at Hollywood East Café in Wheaton. In February, Janet Yu, owner of the longtime eatery now located in Westfield Wheaton mall, prepared a Taiwanese lunch comprised of dishes representing the island’s culinary evolution and historical influences. The feast was hosted by Les Dames d’Escoffier, a women’s organization devoted to promoting the culinary profession.

The bad news: The Taiwanese dishes are not featured on Yu’s regular menu. The good news: With three days’ notice, she will gladly prepare them for you.

These items are worth making that call:

Fresh lily bulbs, snap peas and wood-ear and black mushrooms sautéed with ginger and garlic. Dried lily bulbs are often used medicinally in soup; they are said to be mind-calming. Fresh, they are slightly sweet, delicate and delicious.

Taiwanese fried chicken, an homage to the street foods found at Taiwan’s famous night markets. Yu’s chicken, redolent of five-spice

11160 Veirs Mill Road (Westfield Wheaton mall), Wheaton, 240-290-9988, www.hollywoodeastcafe.com

powder, is a plateful of golf ball-size nuggets covered with a light, crunchy coating. “The secret,” says Yu, “is sweet potato starch.

It makes the chicken crispy but still tender.”

Hakka-style stir-fried cuttlefish and vegetables in Yu’s housemade XO sauce. The sauce is prepared with dried shrimp and scallops, bacon, cured ham, garlic and peppers.

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First Taste

BiBim

When bartender Jung-Ah Park bought Sligo CafÊ from David Galinsky last year, she and general manager Katie Golden decided to ditch the original concept. The Silver Spring market was saturated with American eateries, says Park, and unfavorable press had gained the space a bad reputation. She realized that what was missing was food from her own country, Korea. In February, she opened BiBim, a 65-seat full-service, casual restaurant, with a bustling 50-seat patio. It has a great local vibe much as its late, lamented ex-neighbor, Jackie’s Restaurant and Sidebar, had. the concept: Park badgered her mother for recipes and tinkered with them, relying on line cooks to execute them. The centerpiece of the menu is bibimbap, the Korean meal-in-a-bowl dish of rice (bibim means mixed, bap means rice) usually topped with vegetables, sauces (especially gochujang, which is red chili paste), protein and a fried egg. BiBim offers composed bowls ($13-$16) and a build-your-own option ($10 and up). dishes to try: Chicken wings dredged in potato starch are crispy, juicy and lightly coated, rather than stodgy and sauce-laden like doublecoated Korean wings found elsewhere. Another fine option is ssam, plates of sizzling marinated meat or oyster mushrooms served with lettuce cups, rice and dipping sauces.

Takeaway: BiBim could use the steady hand of a professional chef, but definitely shows promise.

923 Sligo Ave., Silver Spring, 301-565-2233, www.bibim923.com

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&

comings goings In Westfield Montgomery mall in Bethesda, supernova chef José Andrés announced a summer debut for the first Maryland location of his quickly expanding fast-casual, (mostly) vegetarian eatery, Beefsteak.

Also look for a summer opening, this time on Bethesda Row, of a fast-casual concept from the Denver-based operator of Modern Market restaurants. The website features familiar buzzwords: tasty, affordable, healthy, farm-to-table, American fare.

The British restaurant and pub Union Jack’s ended an 11-year run on St. Elmo Avenue in Bethesda in February. The space is slated to become Tapp’d Bethesda, a beer-centric pub.

In more brew news, World of Beer is coming to Bethesda, in The

JBG Cos.’ 7200 Wisconsin Ave. building. The franchise, known for an extensive beer list, previously announced plans for a location near Rockville Town Square.

Chef Michael Harr and Francis Namin’s City Burger on Wisconsin Avenue in Bethesda closed in February. Harr left the business, which Namin is replacing with Fish Taco, a Southwest/Mexican fast-casual concept with locations in Cabin John and Bethesda.

Potomac Pizza in the Kentlands in Gaithersburg was expected to reopen as Potomac Village Deli in April. The deli’s Potomac location was a popular spot before closing in 2006.

Also planning to open in April was Pi Pizzeria, an eatery filling the Pitzze space on Wisconsin Avenue in Bethesda. n

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By Brian Patterson L’Academie de Cuisine | www.lacademie.com

Top Chops Drizzle a flavorful sauce over simply seasoned pork for a juicy main entrĂŠe

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Pan-Seared Pork Chops Au Jus Difficulty Level

On the Clock

Servings

½ hour

4

5

7

9

10

Ingredients For the Jus 4 oz. lean pork scraps or pork bones (can be purchased at stores, or use the bones and meat from one pork chop) Salt and pepper ¼ cup vegetable oil 1 shallot, thinly sliced 4 whole cloves of garlic, peeled 1 cup dry white wine 2 sprigs thyme, rosemary or sage 2 cups beef or veal stock

For the Pork Chops ¼ cup canola oil 4 pork rib or loin chops, at least 1 inch thick Salt and pepper

photos by stacy zarin-goldberg

½ cup dry white wine

Find It Local The pasture-raised pork in the photos is from Rocklands Farm (www.rocklandsfarmmd.com) in Poolesville. Pasture-raised pork produces a meat that is more flavorful than most grocery store varieties.

Directions 1. Season the pork scraps/bones with salt and pepper.

2. Heat ¼ cup oil in a stainless steel sauté pan on medium-high. Add the scraps/bones and sear until brown.

3. Remove the scraps/bones from the pan and set aside. Pour off the fat into a clean, dry metal bowl (dispose of the fat later, once cool).

4. Add the shallot and garlic to the pan.

Stir over medium-high for 1 minute.

9. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper, and sear in the oil, about 2 minutes per side. Do not cook the pork beyond 135 degrees internal temperature (it will be dry and tough if overcooked).

10. Remove the pork from the pan to a small roasting rack, sheet tray or sizzle platter and cover with parchment paper or a little butter.

11. Pour the fat out of the pan and set aside to dispose of once cool.

5. Return the scraps/bones to the pan.

Add the wine and the thyme, rosemary or sage and reduce until practically dry, about 10 minutes.

12. There will be a glaze of protein stuck to the bottom of the pan from searing the pork chops. Add the wine to the pan, and dislodge the crusty bits using a wooden spoon.

6. Add the beef or veal stock and cook until liquid is reduced to about 1 cup.

13. Reduce the wine and residue until almost dry.

7. Strain through a fine strainer and reserve liquid in a pot.

14. Add the prepared jus and heat until warm. Season to taste.

8. In a stainless steel skillet, heat the oil on medium-high until a drop of water sizzles when sprinkled in the pan.

15. To serve, use a spoon to drizzle the sauce over the pork chops on individual plates.

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dine

Dining Guide

Check out the online version of the DINING GUIDE at BethesdaMagazine.com

Bethesda 4935 Bar and Kitchen

4935 Cordell Ave., 301-951-4935, www.4935barand kitchen.com. The restaurant offers 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 several kinds of sushi, sashimi, noodle soups, teriyaki and more. Try a dinner box, which includes an entrée, vegetables, California roll, tempura and rice. L D $$

American Tap Room

7278 Woodmont Ave., 301- 656-1366, www.american taproom.com. Here’s a classic grill menu featuring sliders, wings and craft beer offered by Thompson Hospitality, the owners of Austin Grill. Entrées range from BBQ Glazed Meatloaf Dinner with whipped potatoes and green beans to the lighter Crabmeat Omelet. ❂  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., 301-657-1722, www.bacchus oflebanon.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, including curries, soups and noodle dishes, in a dining room decorated with traditional statues of the gods. L D $

The Barking Dog

4723 Elm St., 301-654-0022, barkingdogbar.com.

A fun place for young adults, with drink specials nearly every night and bar food such as quesadillas and burgers. Salsa dancing on Tuesdays, trivia on Wednesdays, karaoke on Thursdays and a DJ and dancing Fridays and Saturdays. ❂ L D $

BARREL + CROW

4867 Cordell Ave., 240-800-3253, www.barreland crow.com. Contemporary regional and southern cuisine served in a comfortable setting with charcoal gray banquettes and elements of wood and brick.

Menu highlights include Maryland crab beignets, shrimp and grits croquettes and Virginia mackerel. ❂ R 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. The kids’ menu includes a California roll and hibachi chicken, steak and shrimp entrées. J L D $$

Bethesda Crab House

4958 Bethesda Ave., 301-652-3382, www.bethesda crabhouse.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 jumbosized crabs available year-round; call ahead to reserve. ❂ L D $$

Bethesda Curry Kitchen

4860 Cordell Ave., 301-656-0062, www.bethesda currykitchen.com. The restaurant offers lunch buffet and Southern Indian vegan specialties, served in a spare and casual setting. There are plenty of choices from the tandoor oven, as well as vegetarian, seafood and meat curries. L D $

BGR: The Burger Joint

4827 Fairmont Ave., 301-358-6137, www.bgrthe burgerjoint.com. The burgers are good and the vibe is great at this frequently packed eatery next to Veterans Park. Try the veggie burger, made with a blend of brown rice, black beans, molasses and oats. ❂JLD$

Bistro LaZeez

8009 Norfolk Ave., 301-652-8222, www.bistrolazeez. com. Reasonably priced Mediterranean cuisine served in a small, attractive space. Don’t miss the grilled pita and the signature BLZ Chicken Medley, with a grilled, marinated chicken thigh, drumstick and wing basted in a zesty sauce. ❂ J L D $

Bistro Provence (Editors’ Pick)

4933 Fairmont Ave., 301-656-7373, www.bistro provence.org. Chef Yannick Cam brings his formidable experience to a casual French bistro with a lovely courtyard. The Dinner Bistro Fare, served daily from 5 to 6:30 p.m., offers a choice of appetizer, main course and dessert for $35. ❂ R L D $$$

Black’s Bar & Kitchen (Editors’ Pick)

7750 Woodmont Ave., 301-652-5525, www.blacks barandkitchen.com. Bethesda Magazine readers voted Black’s “Best Happy Hour” in 2016. Customers count on the impeccable use of fresh and local ingredients and enjoy dining on the expansive patio. ❂ 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 “fast-fire’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, boldbite.net, 202donuts.com. Made-to-order hickory-smoked burg-

Key Price designations are for a threecourse dinner for two including tip and tax, but excluding alcohol. $ $$ $$$ $$$$ b  B R L D

up to $50 $51-$100 $101-$150 $151+ Outdoor Dining Children’s Menu Breakfast Brunch Lunch Dinner

ers and salads top the menu at this casual spot. Also here is 202 Artisanal Donut Co. with rotating flavors of doughnuts and locally roasted joe. J B L D $

Brickside Food & Drink

4866 Cordell Ave., 301-312-6160, www.brickside bethesda.com. Prohibition-era drinks meet Italian bar bites and entrées. Dishes range from fried chicken and waffles to lobster ravioli. Try one of the colorfully named punches, which include Pink Murder Punch and Snow Cone Punch. ❂ R L D $$

Caddies on Cordell

4922 Cordell Ave., 301-215-7730, www.caddies oncordell.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.cafedeluxe.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. Menu options include burgers, entrées, four varieties of flatbread and mussels served three different ways. ❂ J R L D $$

Cava Mezze Grill

4832 Bethesda Ave., 301-656-1772, www.cava grill.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. Housemade juices and teas provide a healthful beverage option. ❂ LD$

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Cesco Osteria

7401 Woodmont Ave., 301-654-8333, www. cesco-osteria.com. Longtime chef Francesco Ricchi turns out Tuscan specialties, including pizza, pasta and foccacia in a big, jazzy space. Stop by the restaurant’s Co2 Lounge for an artisan cocktail before dinner. ❂ L D $$

Chef Tony’s

4926 St. Elmo Ave., 301-654-3737, www.cheftonys bethesda.com. Chef-owner Tony Marciante focuses on Mediterranean seafood tapas, offering dishes ranging from fish and seafood to chicken, steak and pasta. Desserts include Drunken Strawberries and Classic Creme Brulée. J R L D $$

City Lights of China

4953 Bethesda Ave., 301-913-9501, www.bethesda citylights.com. Longtime Chinese eatery serves familiar Szechuan and Beijing fare, including six types of dumplings and seven handmade noodle dishes.

Red walls and chocolate-colored booths give the place a sharp look. L D $$

COOPER’S MILL

5151 Pooks Hill Road (Bethesda Marriott), 301897-9400, coopersmillrestaurant.com/bethesda.

Hotel restaurant showcases a modern, stylish menu with stone-oven flatbreads, homemade tater tots and locally sourced produce. Local beers on draft and by the bottle, plus regional bourbon and gin.

B R L D $$

The Corner Slice

7901 Norfolk Ave., 301-907-7542, www.thecorner slice.net. New York-style pizza, available by the slice

or as a 20-inch pie. Specialty pizzas include the spinach-artichoke white pie with ricotta, mozzarella and parmesan and the Buffalo Chicken Pie with blue cheese and hot sauce. ❂ L D $

CRAVE

7101 Democracy Blvd., Suite 1530 (Westfield Montgomery mall), 301-469-9600, cravebethesda. com. Minnesota-based chainlet offers an eclectic melting pot of American dishes, including bison burgers, duck confit flatbread and kogi beef tacos.

The restaurant is also known for its extensive selection of wine and sushi.J L D $$

Daily Grill

One Bethesda Metro Center, 301-656-6100, 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, www.donpollo group.com. Juicy, spiced birds and reasonable prices make this Peruvian chicken eatery a go-to place any night of the week. Family meals that serve four or six people available. Locations in Rockville and Gaithersburg, too. L D $

Fish Taco (New)

10305 Old Georgetown Road (Wildwood Shopping Center), 301-564-6000, 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 non-aquatic tacos, plus margaritas and other Mexican specialties. J L D $

Food Wine & Co. (Editors’ Pick)

7272 Wisconsin Ave., 301-652-8008, www.foodwine andco.com. Upscale American fare that includes a farmstead cheese and charcuterie bar, an oyster bar, salads and sandwiches, and entrées ranging from pan-roasted rockfish to a risotto made with local pumpkin, smoked pearl onion and wild mushroom, all served in a stunning setting. L D $$

Garden Grille & Bar

7301 Waverly St. (Hilton Garden Inn), 301-654-8111.

Aside from a breakfast buffet featuring cooked-toorder omelets, waffles, fruit and more, the restaurant offers an extensive menu, from burgers to crabcakes, short ribs and pasta dishes. J B D $$

Grapeseed (Editors’ Pick)

4865 Cordell Ave., 301-986-9592, www.grapeseed bistro.com. Chef-owner Jeff Heineman, who develops each dish on the frequently updated menu to pair with a specific wine, also offers small plates.

Charcuterie offerings include house-made and artisan meats. L D $$$

Gringos & Mariachis (Editors’ Pick)

4928 Cordell Ave., 240-800-4266, www.gringos andmariachis.com. The owners of the popular Olazzo Italian restaurants in Bethesda and Silver Spring trade in the red sauce for salsa at this hip taqueria with edgy murals and plenty of tequila. Voted “Best New Restaurant” by the magazine’s readers in 2015. L D $

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dine Guapo’s Restaurant 8130 Wisconsin Ave., 301-656-0888, www.guapos restaurant.com. This outpost of a local chain has everything you’d expect: margaritas and chips galore, as well as a handful of daily specials served in festive Mexican surroundings. Perfect for families and dates. J R L D $

Guardado’s 4918 Del Ray Ave., 301-986-4920, www.guardados. com. Chef-owner Nicolas Guardado, who trained at Jaleo, opened this hidden gem devoted to LatinSpanish cooking in 2007 and has developed a following with tapas specialties like shrimp and sausage, stuffed red peppers and paella. J L D $

GUSTO ITALIAN GRILL 4733 Elm St., 240-396-6398, gustoitaliangrill.com.

The fast-casual have-it-your-way concept comes to Italian fare, with flatbread, pasta and salad as the base options; meatballs, porchetta, grilled chicken and steak as protein pile-ons; toppings such as artichoke hearts, pancetta and Tuscan corn; and several sauces and dressings. Gusto Stix (rolled flatbread with fillings such as cheese, pepperoni and/or mushrooms), gelato pops and cool chandeliers add fun. ❂ J L D $

Hanaro Restaurant & Lounge 7820 Norfolk Ave., 301-654-7851, www.hanaro bethesda.com. The restaurant’s modern dark woods combined with a light-filled dining room brighten its corner location, and the menu includes sushi and Asian fusion main courses such as pad Thai and galbi (Korean ribs). The bar offers a daily happy hour. ❂ L D $$

Heckman’s Delicatessen & BAR 4914 Cordell Ave., 240-800-4879, www.heckmans deli.com. The deli features all the 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 egg dishes. Sweets include rugelach, black-and-white cookies and homemade cheesecake. ❂ J B L D $

Himalayan Heritage 4925 Bethesda Ave., 301-654-1858, www.himalayan heritagedc.com. The menu includes North Indian, Nepalis, Indo-Chinese and Tibetan cuisines, featuring momos (Nepalese dumplings), Indian takes on Chinese chow mein and a large selection of curry dishes.

LD$

House of Foong Lin 4613 Willow Lane, 301-656-3427. www.foonglin. com. The Chinese restaurant features Cantonese, Hunan and Szechuan cuisine, including chef’s recommendations, low-fat choices and lots of traditional noodle dishes. L D $$

House of Milae 4932 St. Elmo Ave., 301-654-1997. The Kang family, who own Milae Cleaners in Bethesda, bring simple Korean dishes to their first food foray. Chef “M&M” Kang prepares home-style fare such as bulgogi, galbi and bibimbap. The kids’ menu has one item: spaghetti, made from the recipe of owner Thomas Kang’s former college roommate’s mother. J L D $

Jaleo (Editors’ Pick) 7271 Woodmont Ave., 301-913-0003, 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 Span-

ish wines. Voted “Best Small Plates” by Bethesda Magazine readers in 2014 and 2015. ❂ R L D $$

JAMAICAN MI CRAZY

7101 Democracy Blvd. (Westfield Montgomery mall), 301-469-6000. www.jmccurbside.com. Food truck operator Naya Radway adds a Caribbean vibe to Westfield’s dining terrace with a counter-service eatery. The daughter of Jamaican parents, Radway features family recipes for jerk chicken, curry chicken, stewed oxtail and more. L D $

Jetties

4829 Fairmont Ave., 301-769-6844, www.jetties dc.com. The only suburban location of the popular Nantucket-inspired sandwich shop, which has five restaurants in Northwest Washington, D.C. Aside from the signature Nobadeer sandwich (roasted turkey and stuffing with cranberry sauce and mayonnaise on sourdough), look for large salads, a soup bar and an innovative children’s menu. ❂ J L D $

Kabob Bazaar

7710 Wisconsin Ave., 301-652-5814, www.kabob bazaar.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. ❂ L D $

Kadhai (Editors’ Pick)

7905 Norfolk Ave., 301-718-0121, www.kadhai.com.

This popular Indian restaurant formerly known as Haandi serves a variety of traditional chicken, lamb and seafood dishes, plus rice and vegetarian dishes and a selection of breads. An extensive lunch buffet is offered daily. ❂ L D $$

KAPNOS KOUZINA (New)

4900 Hampden Lane, 301-986-8500, www.kapnos kouzina.com. This is chef Mike Isabella’s first foray into Maryland and the second outpost based on Kapnos, his D.C. restaurant that spotlights Greek spreads, salads, small plates and roasted meats. Not to be missed are the pyde, puffed pillows of bread.

They are best as spread-dipping vehicles; crusts for topped, pizza-like flatbreads; or sandwich casings for souvlakis. ❂ R L D $$

La Panetteria

4921 Cordell Ave., 301-951-6433, www.lapanetteria. com. La Panetteria transports diners into a quaint Italian villa with its impeccable service and Old World atmosphere, serving such Southern and Northern Italian classic dishes as homemade spaghetti and veal scaloppine. L D $$

Le Vieux Logis

7925 Old Georgetown Road, 301-652-6816, www. levieuxlogisrestaurantmd.com. The colorful exterior will draw you into this family-run Bethesda institution, but classic French dishes such as Dover sole meunière and mussels in a white wine broth will keep you coming back. ❂ D $$$

Lebanese Taverna

7141 Arlington Road, 301-951-8681, www.lebanese taverna.com. This 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 Middle Eastern Restaurant” by Bethesda Magazine readers in 2016. ❂ J L D $$

Louisiana Kitchen & Bayou Bar

4907 Cordell Ave., 301-652-6945, www.louisiana bethesda.com. The popular Bethesda institution offers a Cajun- and Creole-style menu, complete with

divine fried items. The pain perdou and beignets remain a great way to start a Sunday morning.

BRLD$

Luke’s Lobster

7129 Bethesda Lane, 301-718-1005, www.lukes lobster.com. This upscale carryout features authentic lobster, shrimp and crab rolls; the seafood is shipped directly from Maine. Try the Taste of Maine, which offers all three kinds of rolls, plus two crab claws.❂ L D $

Maki Bar

6831 Wisconsin Ave. (Shops of Wisconsin), 301-9079888, www.makibarbethesda.com. This tiny 30-seat Japanese restaurant and sushi bar offers 60-plus kinds of maki rolls, categorized as Classic (tuna roll), Crunch Lover (spicy crunch California roll) and Signature (eel, avocado, tobiko, crab), along with sushi, sashimi, noodle bowls and rice-based entrées. L D $$

Mamma Lucia

4916 Elm St., 301-907-3399, www.mammalucia restaurants.com. New York-style pizza dripping with cheese and crowd-pleasing red sauce, and favorites like chicken Parmesan and linguini with clams draw the crowds to this local chain. Gluten-free options available. ❂ L D $$

MATUBA JAPANESE RESTAURANT

4918 Cordell Ave., 301-652-7449, www. matuba-sushi.com. Longtime Bethesda Japanese eatery goes more casual, with counter service and carryout added to the traditional seating area. Sushi a la carte, rolls and entrées all available. L D $$

Max Brenner Chocolate Bar

7263 Woodmont Ave., 301-215-8305, www.max brenner.com. 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. A retail section offers bonbons, praline wafers and caramelized nuts rolled in hazelnut cream and cocoa powder. ❂ $

Met Bethesda

7101 Democracy Blvd., Unit 3200 (Westfield Montgomery mall), 301-767-1900. www.metbethesdamd. com. Boston-based restaurateur Kathy Sidell’s restaurant 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 an open kitchen. L D $$

Mia’s Pizzas (Editors’ Pick)

4926 Cordell Ave., 301-718-6427, www.miaspizzas bethesda.com. Mia’s Pizzas’ wood-burning oven turns out Naples-style pies with a variety of toppings, plus homemade soups and cupcakes. Sit in the cheery dining room with yellow, green and orange accents or under an umbrella on the patio. ❂ J L D $$

Moby Dick House of Kabob

7027 Wisconsin Ave., 301-654-1838, www.mobys kabob.com. This kabob takeout/eat-in mainstay was one of the first kabob places in the area. It makes its own pita bread. The menu includes a variety of salads and vegetarian sandwiches and platters. 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 with framed record albums gracing the walls. ❂ J L D $$

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Mon Ami Gabi 7239 Woodmont Ave., 301-654-1234, www.mon amigabi.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. L D $$$

Mussel Bar & Grille 7262 Woodmont Ave., 301-215-7817, www.musselbar. com. Kensington resident and big-name chef Robert Wiedmaier serves his signature mussels, plus woodfired tarts, salads and sandwiches. Wash them all down with a choice of 40 Belgian beers, a list that was voted “Best Craft Beer Selection” by the magazine’s readers in 2015. ❂ R L D $$

Naples Ristorante E Pizzeria E Bar 7101 Democracy Blvd. (Westfield Montgomery mall), 301-365-8300, www.naplesbethesda.com.

Neapolitan-style pizzas from three wood-fired ovens are served at this large, light and airy addition to the mall’s dining terrace. Owned by the Patina Restaurant Group, which operates about 70 eateries

nationwide, Naples also offers Italian wines, small plates, pasta dishes and entrées. L D $$

NOT YOUR AVERAGE JOE’S

10400 Old Georgetown Road, 240-316-4555, www. notyouraveragejoes.com. This Massachusetts-based chain’s moderately-priced menu offers burgers, big salads and stone-hearth pizzas, plus entrées including Anything But Average Meatloaf. ❂ J L D $$

Oakville Grille & Wine Bar

(Editors’ Pick)

10257 Old Georgetown Road (Wildwood Shopping Center), 301-897-9100, www.oakvillewinebar. 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 continues to do it well. L D $$

Olazzo (Editors’ Pick)

7921 Norfolk Ave., 301-654-9496, www.olazzo.com.

This well-priced, romantic restaurant is the place for couples seeking red-sauce classics at reasonable prices. Founded by brothers Riccardo and Roberto Pietrobono, it was voted “Best Italian Restaurant” by the magazine’s readers in 2016. ❂ L D $$

Original Pancake House

7700 Wisconsin Ave., Store D, 301-986-0285, www. ophrestaurants.com. Try one of dozens of pancake dishes, as well as eggs and waffles galore. J B L $

Passage to India (Editors’ Pick)

4931 Cordell Ave., 301-656-3373, www.passageto india.info. Top-notch, pan-Indian fare by chef-own-

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er Sudhir Seth, with everything from garlic naan to fish curry made to order. “Best Indian Restaurant” by Bethesda Magazine readers in 2016. ❂ R L D $$

PASSIONFISH bethesda

7187 Woodmont Ave., 301-358-6116, passionfish bethesda.com. The second location of Passion Food Hospitality’s splashy seafood restaurant (the first opened in 2008 in Reston, Virginia) features stunning coastal-themed décor and an extensive menu of shellfish, caviar, sushi, chef’s specialties and fresh catches of the day. J L D $$$

PAUL

4760 Bethesda Ave., 301-656-3285, www.paul-usa. com. Five-generation, family-owned French bakery becomes an international chain, with locations in close to 35 countries. Aside from breads and pastries, look for soups, sandwiches and quiche. ❂ B L D $

Penang Malaysian & THAI Cuisine & BAR

4933 Bethesda Ave., 301-657-2878, www.penang maryland.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.persimmon restaurant.com. Owners Damian and Stephanie Salvatore’s popular restaurant offers casual fare from salads to sandwiches to meat and seafood entrées in a bistro setting featuring a lively bar, cozy booths and bright paintings on the walls. ❂ R L D $$

Well, it ’s probably mostly about the food. But if all yo u want is good food, yo u can have dinner at yo ur mom’s ho us e.

Of course, that ’s an experience too.

But it ’s different.

n u F

Chevy Chase, Maryland 301.986.5255

lafermerestaurant.com

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dine Pines of Rome

4709 Hampden Lane, 301-657-8775. Local celebrities and families gather at this down-home Italian spot for traditional pasta, pizza, fish and seafood at prices that are easy on the wallet. The white pizza is a hit, and don’t forget the spaghetti and meatballs. L D $

Pizza Tempo

8021 Wisconsin Ave., 240-497-0000, www.pizza tempo.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.pizzeria damarco.net. Authentic Neapolitan pizzas fired in a 900-degree Italian brick oven range from the Siciliana with eggplant confit and black olives to the Solo Carne with sausage, pepperoni and salame. Salads, antipasti and calzones available, too. ❂ 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, 301-229-8180, www. praline-bakery.com. This sunny restaurant offers 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. ❂ J B R L D $$

Raku (Editors’ Pick)

7240 Woodmont Ave., 301-718-8680, www.raku asiandining.com. Voted “Best Sushi” by the magazine’s readers in 2016, 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.redwood bethesda.com. The upscale wine bar features fresh, local food and California-centric wines. Redwood features a frequently changing menu and in-season farmers market dinners. ❂ J R L D $$

Rice Paddies Grill & Pho

4706 Bethesda Ave., 301-718-1862, ricepaddies grill.com. This cute copper-and-green eat-in/carryout makes quick work of Vietnamese favorites such as pork, beef and vegetable skewers infused with lemongrass and the classic beef noodle soup known as pho. L D $

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery 7900 Norfolk Ave., 301-652-1311, www.rock bottom.com. India Pale Ales and specialty dark brews are among the award-winning beers crafted in-house at this cavernous yet welcoming chain, which offers a vast menu. The burgers are the real deal. ❂ J L D $$

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

7315 Wisconsin Ave., 301-652-7877, www.ruths chris.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, which include Caribbean lobster tail and barbecued shrimp. D $$$

Sala Thai

4828 Cordell Ave., 301-654-4676, www.salathai dc.com. This Thai mainstay cooks the classics and offers diners a nearly panoramic view of Woodmont Avenue through huge, curved windows. Live jazz Friday and Saturday evenings. L D $$

Saphire Café

7940 Wisconsin Ave., 301-986-9708. A relaxing spot for tasting everything from Maryland-style crab soup to Argentine skirt steak, Saphire pumps it up a notch on Friday and Saturday nights with drink specials and DJs. Tiki bar open Wednesdays through Saturdays. ❂ L D $

Satsuma

8003 Norfolk Ave., 301-652-1400. satsumajp.com.

Bethesda’s first yakiniku (Japanese barbecue) restaurant has built-in grills at each table. Diners select a cut—short rib, chuck rib, skirt or tongue—and prepare it themselves. There’s also an extensive sushi and sashimi menu, as well as interesting cooked dishes. L D $$

Shanghai Bao Kitchen

7101 Democracy Blvd. (Westfield Montgomery mall), 301-365-8866, www.shanghaiveggies.com. A fastcasual concept offering steamed, then pan-fried buns (bao) with pork or vegetable fillings, and chicken or shrimp dumplings that share the bill with createyour-own rice noodle or garlic-rice bowls loaded up with veggies, proteins, toppings and sauces. 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 Nepalese and Indian Cuisine

7345-A Wisconsin Ave., 301-656-4444, www.shangri labethesda.com. Northern Indian and Nepali specialties such as butter chicken and fresh flatbreads known as naan shine here. The extensive menu ranges from soups and salads to tandoori and kabobs.J L D $

Share Wine Lounge & Small Plate Bistro

8120 Wisconsin Ave. (DoubleTree Hotel), 301-652-2000, www.doubletreebethesda.com/ dining.aspx. 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 $$

SILVER

7150 Woodmont Ave., 301-652-9780, eatatsilver. com. Upscale, tonier version of the homegrown Silver Diner chain, with modern takes on American classics and an emphasis on healthy, local and organic ingredients. Sleek interior takes its cue from the 1920s. ❂ J B R L D $$

Smoke BBQ Bethesda

4858 Cordell Ave., 301-656-2011, www.smokebbq. com. Pulled pork, beef brisket, smoked chicken, ribs and all the fixin’s, plus starters including smoked tomato soup and fried pickles served in a friendly, casual space. Delivery available for orders over $15. J L D $

SOUP UP BETHESDA

5001 Wilson Lane, 301-986-4744, soupup.us.

Jamaican-born Donna Henry branches out from a stall at D.C.’s Union Market to a 46-seat fast-casual eatery in the PeriPoint building. No dairy, butter, oil,

preservatives or additives are used in her soups.

The menu also includes spring rolls, salads and rice bowls. ❂ L D $

South Street Steaks

4856 Cordell Ave., 301-215-8333, www.southstreet steaks.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 subs) and sandwiches called “Phillinis,” a cross between “Philly” and “panini.” J L D $

Stromboli Family Restaurant

7023 Wisconsin Ave., 301-986-1980, www.strombolis restaurant.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, sweetgreen.com.

The sweetgreen fast-casual chain—with its focus on local and organic ingredients—concentrates on salads (devise your own, or pick from a list) and soups.

Look for eco-friendly décor and a healthy sensibility. ❂ LD$

Tako Grill

4914 Hampden Lane (The Shoppes of Bethesda), 301-652-7030, www.takogrill.com. Longtime, popular sushi destination relocates to the space formerly occupied by Hinode Japanese Restaurant. Look for the same traditional sushi menu, plus some new options, such as griddle-cooked teppanyaki at lunch, and more varieties of yakitori at dinner. L D $$

Tandoori Nights

7236 Woodmont Ave., 301-656-4002, www.tandoori nightsbethesda.com. Located in the heart of downtown Bethesda, the restaurant serves traditional Indian fare ranging from tandoori chicken, marinated in yogurt and spices, to a biryani flavored with saffron, nuts and raisins. ❂ L D $$

Tastee Diner

7731 Woodmont Ave., 301-652-3970, www.tastee diner.com. For 80 years, this crowd-pleasing if slightly sagging spot has served up everything from breakfast to burgers to blue-plate specials such as steak and crab cakes to crowds of loyal customers.

Open 24 hours. J B L D $

Taylor Gourmet

7280 Woodmont Ave., 301-951-9001, www.taylor gourmet.com. The sandwich shop offers a menu of upscale takes on Philadelphia hoagies, sandwiches and salads made with top-notch ingredients. Check out the eggroll appetizer of mozzarella, provolone, hot capicola, Genoa salami, peppers and red onion.

LD$

Tia Queta

4839 Del Ray Ave., 301-654-4443, www.tiaqueta. com. This longtime family and happy-hour favorite offers authentic Mexican food such as moles and fish dishes, as well as the usual Tex-Mex options.

Menu includes American and Mexican beers. ❂ J L D $$

TOMMY JOE’S (New)

7940 Norfolk Ave., 301-654-3801, www.tommy joes.com. This Bethesda institution is now in the space formerly housing Urban Heights. The second-floor, window-filled corner location suits its sports bar persona, and the vast rooftop is ideal for outdoor drinking and snacking. Fare includes wings (Poho-style, grilled and smoky, are a good option), burgers, crab cakes and ribs. Chunky brisket chili, on

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its own or on nachos, is a winner. ❂ L D $$

Trattoria Sorrento (Editors’ Pick)

4930 Cordell Ave., 301-718-0344, www.trattoria sorrento.com. This family-run Italian favorite offers homemade pastas, baked eggplant and fresh fish dishes. Half-price 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 $60 per person. D $$

Tyber Bierhaus

7525 Old Georgetown Road, 240-821-6830, www. tyberbierhausmd.com. Czech, German and Belgian brews served in an authentic beer-hall setting, furnished with the same benches as those used in the Hofbrau brewhouse in Munich. Pub menu features mussels, hearty sandwiches, schnitzel and goulash.

R L D $$

Uncle Julio’s Rio Grande Café

4870 Bethesda Ave., 301-656-2981, www.uncle julios.com. Loud and large, this Tex-Mex eatery packs in families and revelers fueling up on fajitas, tacos and more. Kids love to watch the tortilla machine. Voted “Most Kid-Friendly Restaurant” by the magazine’s readers in 2015. ❂ J R L D $$

Villain & Saint

7141 Wisconsin Ave., 240-800-4700, villainand saint.com. Listen to live music while digging into salt-roasted beets or slow-smoked pork ribs at this hip bar, courtesy of chef Robert Wiedmaier’s RW Restaurant Group. Delightfully dated décor in-

cludes lava lamps and photos of late great rock stars. The menu is divided into hearty dishes (villain) and vegetarian options (saint). ❂ R L D $$

Vino Volo

7247 Woodmont Ave., 301-656-0916, www.vino volobethesdarow.com. This wine bar and shop features a rustic café serving small plates, cheeses and cured meats, salads, sandwiches, pizza and a few entrées. For dessert, there’s bourbon bread pudding, gelato or sorbetto. ❂ L D $$

Wildwood Italian Kitchen

10257 Old Georgetown Road (Wildwood Shopping Center), 301-493-9230, www. wildwooditaliancuisine.com. The owners, menu, décor and chef are the same, but the former Geppetto restaurant just gets a name change.

The longtime eatery, owned by the adjacent Oakville Grille & Wine Bar, serves up thick-crusted Sicilian-style pizza, pasta and entrées in a casual atmosphere. ❂ L D $$

Wildwood Kitchen (Editors’ Pick)

10223 Old Georgetown Road (Wildwood Shopping Center), 301-571-1700, www.wildwoodkitchen rw.com. Chef Robert Wiedmaier’s attractive neighborhood bistro serving fresh and light modern cuisine. Entrées range from Amish chicken with a scallion potato cake to grilled Atlantic salmon with creamy polenta. L D $$

Woodmont Grill (Editors’ Pick)

7715 Woodmont Ave., 301-656-9755, www. hillstone.com. Part of the Houston’s chain, the eat-

ery offers such classics as spinach-and-artichoke dip and its famous burgers, but also house-baked breads, more exotic dishes, live jazz and a granite bar. ❂ L D $$$

Yamas Mediterranean Grill 4806 Rugby Ave., 301-312-8384, www.yamasgrill. com. A friendly staff serves gyros, souvlaki, lemon chicken and other Greek specialties at this sunny café. Dinner entrées include Greek-style chicken and vegetarian mousaka. ❂ J L D $

Yuzu 7345-B Wisconsin Ave., 301-656-5234, yuzu bethesda.com. Diners will find authentic Japanese dishes, including sushi, sashimi and cooked tofu, vegetable, tempura, meat and fish dishes, prepared by sushi chef and owner Yoshihisa Ota. L D $$

CABIN JOHN Fish Taco 7945 MacArthur Blvd., 301-229-0900, www.fish tacoonline.com. See Bethesda listing. ❂ J L D $

Wild Tomato (Editors’ Pick) 7945 MacArthur Blvd., 301-229-0680, www.wild tomatorestaurant.com. A family-friendly neighborhood restaurant from Persimmon owners Damian and Stephanie Salvatore, serving salads, sandwiches and pizza. ❂ J L D $

SPRING FESTIVAL

SATURDAY, MAY 21 1-5 PM

FREE fun for all ages!

Squeals on Wheels petting zoo, face painting, live music, beer garden with 7 breweries, food samples and MORE!

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dine

CHEVY CHASE Alfio’s La Trattoria

4515 Willard Ave., 301-657-9133, www.alfios.com.

This Northern Italian classic on the first floor of The Willoughby of Chevy Chase Condominium has been feeding families and casual diners for more than 30 years. Look for traditional pasta, veal and chicken dishes (plus pizza), served in an Old World environment. J L D $$

THE Capital Grille

5310 Western Ave., 301-718-7812, www.capital grille.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. Entrées also include chicken, lamb chops, salmon and lobster. L D $$$$

Clyde’s

5441 Wisconsin Ave., 301-951-9600, www.clydes. com. The popular restaurant features a frequently changing menu of American favorites and a collection of vintage airplanes and cars, as well as a model train running on a track around the ceiling. ❂ J R L D $$

La Ferme (Editors’ Pick)

7101 Brookville Road, 301-986-5255, www.la fermerestaurant.com. This charming Provencestyle restaurant serving classic French cuisine is a popular choice for an intimate dinner or a celebration in one of several private rooms or on the heated patio terrace. ❂ R L D $$$

Lia’s (Editors’ Pick)

4435 Willard Ave., 240-223-5427, www.chefgeoff. com. Owner Geoff Tracy focuses on high-quality, lowfuss modern Italian-American fare at this modern space with a wine room. Pizzas, house-made pastas and fresh fish please business lunchers and dinner crowds. ❂ J R L D $

Manoli Canoli Restaurant

8540 Connecticut Ave., 301-951-1818, www.manoli canoli.com. Italian and Greek specialties abound at a fun family eatery that features a large prepared foods section, dishes made with olive oil from owner Stavros Manolakos’ family farm in Greece and homemade mozzarella on pizza and subs. ❂ J L D $

Meiwah Restaurant

4457 Willard Ave., 301-652-9882, www.meiwah restaurant.com. This modern restaurant on the second floor of a Friendship Heights office building offers top-quality Chinese dishes that are hard to beat.

There’s also a sushi bar with an extensive menu. A fountain sparkles on the outdoor patio. ❂ L D $$

Potomac Pizza

19 Wisconsin Circle, 301-951-1127, www.potomac pizza.com. This cheery, casual dining room provides a break from the ultra-posh shopping surrounding it. In addition to pizza, subs and pastas are popular.

Beer and wine available. ❂ J L D $

Sushiko (Editors’ Pick)

5455 Wisconsin Ave., 301-961-1644, www.sushiko restaurants.com. Known as one of the Washington, D.C., area’s most respected sushi restaurant, Sushiko offers a wide range of sushi and other dishes. A chef’s nine-course tasting menu includes seven original small dishes, a sushi course and dessert. ❂ L D $$

Tavira

8401 Connecticut Ave., 301-652-8684, www.tavira restaurant.com. Fish stews and several versions of bacalhau (salted cod) figure prominently on the menu of

this intriguing Portuguese restaurant, which manages to be charming and attractive despite its location in an office building basement. L D $$

GARRETT PARK Black Market Bistro (Editors’ Pick)

4600 Waverly Ave., 301-933-3000, www.black marketrestaurant.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. Entrées range from swordfish to a burger and pizza, including several vegetable options. ❂ J R L D $$

GLEN ECHO

Japan. Specialties include grilled lamb chops served with mango-soy coulis and miso honey duck breast drizzled with a sake butter sauce. R L D $$

Athens Grill

9124 Rothbury Drive, 301-975-0757, www.athens grill.com. This casual, friendly, family-run restaurant specializes in authentic Greek cooking, using recipes handed down through generations. Specialties such as rotisserie chicken, chargrilled salmon with a lemon dill sauce and lamb kabobs are cooked on a hardwood grill. L D $

Bonefish Grill

82 Market St., 240-631-2401, www.bonefishgrill.com.

While fresh fish cooked over a wood fire is the centerpiece of this upscale Florida chain, the steaks, crab cakes and specialty martinis make it a fun option for happy hour and those with hearty appetites.

R L D $$

the irish Inn at Glen Echo

Boulevard Tavern

KENSINGTON

Buca di Beppo

6119 Tulane Ave., 301-229-6600, www.irishinn glenecho.com. This historic tavern has been a family home and a biker bar, but its incarnation as the Irish Inn has been delivering smiles and hearty food since 2003. Traditional Irish music on Monday nights and The 19th Street Band on every other Wednesday night, plus live jazz on Thursday nights. ❂ J R L D $$

Frankly…Pizza!

10417 Armory Ave., 301-832-1065, www.franklypizza. com. Owner Frank Linn turns out high-quality pizza in a rustic brick-and-mortar restaurant. The menu offers wood-fired pies topped with home-cured meats and tomato sauce made from an 80-year-old family recipe. Wines and homemade sodas served on tap, too. ❂LD$

K Town Bistro

3784 Howard Ave., 301-933-1211, www.ktown bistro.com. Try filet mignon, duck breast à l’orange, chicken marsala and other classic continental dishes from this family-run eatery owned by Gonzalo Barba, former longtime captain of the restaurant in the Watergate Hotel. L D $$

Savannah’s American Grill

10700 Connecticut Ave., 301-946-7917. This casual sports bar serves American bar food, including wraps, burgers, salads and ribs, and brunch on weekends. Diners can enjoy their meals outside on a 50seat patio. ❂ J R L D $

Sub*Urban Trading Co.

10301 Kensington Parkway, 301-962-4046, www. suburbantrading.com. Earthy, neighborhood bistro and market 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. R L D $$

NORTH POTOMAC/ GAITHERSBURG Asia Nine

254 Crown Park Ave. (Downtown Crown), 301-3309997, www.asianinemd.com. Pan Asian restaurant with a first location in Washington, D.C.’s Penn Quarter offers dishes from Vietnam, China, Thailand and

311 Kentlands Blvd., 301-569-4247, thetaverns.com/ boulevard-tavern. Brasserie Beck Kentlands was revamped into a more casual American tavern with an expansive menu including chicken wings, burgers, Maryland crab cakes and mussels. The restaurant also offers a mixture of American and Belgian craft beers and a larger outdoor dining area that sometimes hosts live music. ❂ R L D $$ 122 Kentlands Blvd., 301-947-7346, www.bucadi beppo.com. The Kentlands outpost of this national chain serves huge, family-style portions of Italian specialties from fresh breads to antipasti and pasta dishes amid a sea of Italian kitsch. Desserts include Italian Creme Cake and Tiramisu. J L D $$

Burma Road

617 S. Frederick Ave., 301-963-1429, www.burma road.biz. A good place to sample pickled tea leaf salad and other Burmese specialties. House specials include Three Cup Chicken Casserole and Sizzling Shrimp and Scallop in Hot Garlic Sauce. L D $

Coal Fire

116 Main St., 301-519-2625, www.coalfireonline.com.

Homemade crusts fired by coal and topped with your choice of toppings and three different sauces: classic, spicy and signature, which is slightly sweet with a hint of spice. Salads, sandwiches and pasta also available, plus a full bar. ❂ L D $

Coastal Flats

135 Crown Park Ave. (Downtown Crown), 301-8698800, www.greatamericanrestaurants.com. First Maryland locale for Great American Restaurants, a Fairfaxbased chain. 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 $$

Copper Canyon Grill

100 Boardwalk Place, 240-631-0003, www.ccgrill. com. Large portions of American classics such as salads, ribs and rotisserie chicken prepared with seasonal ingredients at family-friendly prices are the bill of fare at this spacious and casual chain restaurant. J L D $$

Dogfish Head Alehouse

800 W. Diamond Ave., 301-963-4847, www.dogfish alehouse.com. The first Maryland outpost of the popular Rehoboth Beach brewpub, the restaurant is packed with revelers and families clamoring for the Dogfish Head brews, burgers, pizzas and ribs. Check out the burger of the week. ❂ J L D $$

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Growlers

227 E. Diamond Ave., 301-519-9400, www.growlers restaurant.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. ❂ J R L D $

Guapo’s Restaurant

9811 Washingtonian Blvd., L-17, 301-977-5655, www.guaposrestaurant.com. See Bethesda listing. ❂JRLD$

Hershey’s Restaurant & Bar

17030 Oakmont Ave., 301-948-9893, www.hersheys atthegrove.com. Fried chicken that tastes like it was made by an aproned elder is served up in a clapboard building constructed in 1889. Besides the fab fried chicken, Hershey’s serves up warm rolls, inexpensive prices and live music. ❂ J R L D $$

Paladar Latin Kitchen & Rum Bar

203 Crown Park Ave., 301-330-4400, www. paladarlatinkitchen.com. This Cleveland-based chain covers the spectrum of Latin cuisine, with dishes from Cuba, the Caribbean and Central and South America. From Brazil, there’s feijoada stew; from Cuba, ropa vieja; and from Jamaica, jerk chicken. Bar selections includes 50 varieties of rum, 15 tequilas and six types of mojitos. ❂ J R L D $$

Quincy’s Bar & Grille

616 Quince Orchard Road, 301-869-8200, quincys bar.com. Energetic neighborhood pub with a sports bar atmosphere, Quincy’s also has an extensive menu with wings, pizza, build-your-own burgers and chick-

en sandwiches, plus entrées including Guinnessbraised brisket. Live music is also a big draw. L D $

Red Hot & Blue

16811 Crabbs Branch Way, 301-948-7333, www. redhotandblue.com. You’ll find generous portions of hickory-smoked barbecue, plus burgers, salads and wraps, and a Southern attitude at this 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 $$

INFERNO PIZZERIA NAPOLETANA

12207 Darnestown Road, 301-963-0115, inferno-pizzeria.com. Tony Conte, former executive chef of Washington, D.C.’s Oval Room, goes casual with his first restaurant, an authentic Neapolitan pizzeria offering sophisticated toppings such as shaved truffles and garlic confit. Cozy dining room seats 39, with a tiled, wood-burning pizza oven as the centerpiece. D $

Il Porto Restaurant

245 Muddy Branch Road, 301-590-0735, www.il portorestaurant.com. A classic red-sauce menu, elegant murals of Venice and an authentic thin-crust pizza are hallmarks of this friendly, unfussy Italian restaurant tucked in the Festival Shopping Center.

Fried calamari and the white pizza are among customer favorites. ❂ L D $

FINE ITALIAN FOOD MADE FRESH DAILY

Joe’s Crab Shack

221 Rio Blvd., 301-947-4377, www.joescrabshack.com.

This is one of four 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 $$

Le Palais

304 Main St., No. 100, 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. Entrées include squab with chestnuts, prunes and wild mushrooms, and cassolette of lamb. D $$$

Catering available anytime for any occasion Private parties | Family style dinners | Opera Night

The Melting Pot

9021 Gaither Road, 301-519-3638, www.the meltingpot.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 $$

Not Your Average Joe’s

245 Kentlands Blvd., 240-477-1040, www.notyour averagejoes.com. See Bethesda listing. ❂ J L D $$

Old Town Pour House

212 Ellington Blvd. (Downtown Crown), 301-9636281, www.oldtownpourhouse.com. One of the eateries from Chicago’s Bottleneck Management restaurant company, this place features more than 90 local and international brews on tap. Classic American cuisine is served in a setting with copper-inlaid bars and high ceilings. ❂ L D $$

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dine Ruth’s Chris Steak House

106 Crown Park Ave. (Downtown Crown), 301-9901926, www.ruthschris.com. See Bethesda listing.

D $$$

Sardi’s Pollo a La Brasa

430 N. Frederick Ave., 301-977-3222, www.sardis chicken.com. Yes, there’s charbroiled chicken, but don’t miss the other Peruvian specialties, especially the ceviche and Salchipapas, a true Peruvian street food of thinly sliced pan-fried beef hotdogs mixed with french fries and served with condiments.

LD$

Tandoori Nights

106 Market St., 301-947-4007, www.tandoori nightsmd.com. See Bethesda listing. ❂ L D $

Tara Thai

9811 Washingtonian Blvd., L-9, 301-947-8330, www. tarathai.com. Thai cuisine goes high style at Bethesda Magazine readers’ pick for “Best Thai Restaurant” in 2016. With colorful murals of ocean creatures looking on, diners can try dishes ranging from mild to adventurous. ❂ L D $$

Ted’s Bulletin

220 Ellington Blvd. (Downtown Crown), 301-9900600, www.tedsbulletin.com. First Maryland location of the modern diner chainlet from the folks at Matchbox Food Group. Boozy milkshakes, homemade pop tarts and the Cinnamon Roll As Big As Ya Head (served weekends only) are among the specialties. ❂ J R L D $$

TED’S MONTANA GRILL

105 Ellington Blvd. (Downtown Crown), 301-3300777, tedsmontanagrill.com. First Maryland location of billionaire and bison rancher Ted Turner’s restaurant chain, which uses bison as the showpiece in a humongous selection of dishes, including burgers, meatloaf, nachos and chili. Soups, salads, American classics and spiked milkshakes also available at this saloon-style eatery. ❂ J L D $$

Thai Tanium

657 Center Point Way, 301-990-3699, www.thai taniumrestaurant.com. Authentic Thai food laced with lots of chilies and garlic as hot as you like. Try one of the Thai street food dishes, such as roasted pork with Thai herbed sweet sauce and noodle soups. ❂ J L D $

Vasilis Mediterranean Grill

353 Main St., 301-977-1011, www.vasilisgrill.com.

With soaring white pillars and a spate of inviting outdoor tables, this 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 $

The Wine Harvest, The Kentlands

114 Market St., 301-869-4008, www.thewine harvest.com. Stop by this popular Cheers-like wine bar locally owned by the Meyrowitz family for a glass of wine or a Belgian beer. The menu includes salads, sandwiches and cheese plates. ❂LD$

Yoyogi Sushi

328 Main St., 301-963-0001. A no-nonsense neighborhood sushi place with bright fish tanks, it offers the familiar sushi, teriyaki, tempura dishes, plus seaweed salad, soup, green tea and red bean ice cream.

LD$

Ziki Japanese Steak House

10009 Fields Road, 301-330-3868, www.zikisteak house.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.amici mieiristorante.com. Chef Davide Megna and manager/ partner Roberto Deias have created an upscale Italian neighborhood gathering place, with wood-fired pizzas, homemade pastas and creative salads. ❂ R L D $$

Attman’s Delicatessen

7913 Tuckerman Lane (Cabin John Shopping Center & Mall), 301-765-3354, cabinjohn.attmansdeli.com.

This landmark Baltimore deli has run a second location in Potomac since 2013. The menu offers the same legendary corned beef, pastrami and other deli specialties. Third-generation owner Marc Attman is at the helm. J B 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. Think hot pastrami with cole slaw and Russian dressing on pumpernickel. ❂ J B L D $

Elevation Burger

12525-D Park Potomac Ave., 301-838-4010, www. elevationburger.com. Fast-food burgers go organic and grass-fed at this Northern Virginia-founded chain. Veggie burgers, chicken sandwiches, grilled cheese and a BLT available, too. Shake flavors range from banana to key lime and cheesecake. ❂LD$

Gregorio’s Trattoria

7745 Tuckerman Lane (Cabin John Shopping Center & Mall), 301-296-6168, www.gregoriostrattoria.com.

Proprietor Greg Kahn aims to make everyone feel at home at this family-owned restaurant serving a hit parade of traditional Italian favorites, with all the familiar pasta, pizza, chicken, veal and seafood dishes; the gluten-free menu offers pizza, cheese ravioli and quinoa pastas. J L D $$

The Grilled Oyster Co. (Editors’ Pick)

7943 Tuckerman Lane (Cabin John Shopping Center & Mall), 301-299-9888, www.thegrilled oystercompany. com. This Chesapeake-style seafood eatery features small plates, salads, sandwiches and entrées. Named “Best New Restaurant” by Bethesda Magazine readers in 2014. ❂ J R L D $$

Hunter’s Bar and Grill

10123 River Road, 301-299-9300, www.thehunters inn.com. At this Potomac institution and popular English hunt-themed spot, try a big salad or hamburger for lunch and a traditional pasta dish or filet mignon for dinner with the family. ❂ J R L D $$

Lock 72 Kitchen & Bar (Editors’ Pick)

10128 River Road, 301-299-0481, lock72.com.

Well-known chef Robert Wiedmaier’s RW Restaurant Group runs this upscale American pub (formerly called River Falls Tavern). Entrées include crab cakes, fish tacos, grilled bronzino, a New York strip steak and steak frites. ❂ R L D $$

Mix Bar and Grille

9812 Falls Road, 301-299-3000, www.mixbarand grille.com. This casual spot serves charcuterie and cheese plates, brick-oven flatbreads and other light fare. The space is modern and hip, with tall, white

banquettes, Plexiglas chairs, five big-screen TVs, 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.we arefoundingfarmers.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. Try the warm cookies for dessert. ❂ B R L D $$

Normandie Farm Restaurant

10710 Falls Road, 301-983-8838, www.popovers. com. This fine-dining French restaurant, open since 1931, strives to preserve its classical heritage while embracing new traditions. Dinner entrées run from seafood to beef and lamb. The restaurant offers quick service, a casual café option and a violinist at afternoon tea. ❂ J R L D $$

O’Donnell’s Market

1073 Seven Locks Road, 301-251-6355, www. odonnellsmarket.com. This market, from the family that ran O’Donnell’s restaurants in Montgomery County for decades, features a 10-seat bar for lunch and happy hour (11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.). The menu includes a raw bar, salads and many O’Donnell’s classics, among them a lump-filled crab cake sandwich, salmon BLT, seafood bisque and crab gumbo. ❂ L $

Old Angler’s Inn

10801 MacArthur Blvd., 301-365-2425, www.old anglersinn.com. Open since 1860 and known for its refined American food and beautiful fireplaces and grounds, it features live music on weekends. Signature cocktails include hard cider sangria and a pumpkin pie martini. ❂ R L D $$$

Renato’s at River Falls

10120 River Road, 301-365-1900. The Italian restaurant offers fish dishes among its menu of pastas and classics such as osso bucco and linguini with clams and eggplant parmigiana. Traditional Italian desserts include tiramisu, profiteroles and cannolis. ❂ J L D $$

Sugo Osteria

12505 Park Potomac Ave., 240-386-8080, www.eat sugo.com. The Greek guys who own Cava Mezze and Cava Mezze Grill partner with Mamma Lucia restaurants to serve Italian small plates, meatballs, sliders, pizza and pasta. Chef specialities include blue crab gnocchi and charred octopus. ❂ R L D $$

Tally- Ho Restaurant

9923 Falls Road, 301-299-6825, www.tallyho restaurant.com. A local fixture since 1968, the eatery serves an expansive diner-style menu with Greek and Italian specialties. Choose from options ranging from burgers and deli sandwiches to pizza, calzones and dinner entrées. ❂ J B L D $

The Wine Harvest

12525-B Park Potomac Ave., 240-314-0177, www. thewineharvest.com. See Gaithersburg listing. ❂LD$

Zoës Kitchen

12505 Park Potomac Ave., Suite 120, 240-328-1022, www.zoeskitchen.com. The first Maryland outpost of a Birmingham, Alabama, fast-casual chain, Zoës features Mediterranean dishes such as kabobs, hummus and veggie pita pizzas. It specializes in takeout dinner for four for under $30. ❂ J L D $

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PIZZERIA

ROCKVILLE/ NORTH BETHESDA A & J Restaurant (Editors’ Pick)

1319-C Rockville Pike, 301-251-7878, www. aj-restaurant.com/main.html. Northern dim sum is the specialty at this hard-to-find spot in the Woodmont Station shopping center. Warm-colored walls surround the crowd digging into thousand-layer pancakes and fresh tofu. R L D $

Al Carbon

200 Park Road, 301-738-0003, www.alcarbon restaurant.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, tapas and more. Try one of the natural juices including mango and tamarindo. ❂ B L D $

Amalfi Ristorante Italiano

12307 Wilkins Ave., 301-770-7888, www.amalfi rockville.com. A family-run, red-sauce Italian restaurant with specialties including white pizza and lasagna.

Lots of antipasti choices, too. The gazebo is a charming spot to dine during the summer. J L D $$

American Tap Room

36-A Maryland Ave. (Rockville Town Square), 301- 838-4281, www.americantaproom.com.

See Bethesda listing. ❂  R L D $$

Amina Thai Restaurant

5065 Nicholson Lane, 301-770-9509. Pleasant and bright, Amina Thai is run by a husband-and-wife team and bills itself as the first Muslim Thai restaurant in the area, using only halal meats and serving familiar Thai dishes. Chef’s specials include pineapple fried rice and grilled salmon. L D $

Benjarong Thai Restaurant

885 Rockville Pike, 301-424-5533, www.benjarong thairestaurant.com. This Thai food stalwart has a reputation for above-average food served in a gracious setting reminiscent of an upscale country home. Try Thai-style fried bananas with ice cream for dessert. L D $

Bombay Bistro

98 W. Montgomery Ave., 301-762-8798, www.bombay bistro.com. Bombay Bistro opened in 1991 as one of the first Indian restaurants in the area to combine high style, reasonable prices and a fresh take on traditional Indian, and it has been packed ever since.

House specialties include tandoori lamb chops and shrimp and scallops masala. J L D $$

Bonchon Chicken

107 Gibbs St., Unit A (Rockville Town Square), 301637-9079, 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. L D $

BRIO Tuscan Grille

20 Paseo Drive, 240-221-2691, www.brioitalian.com.

Look for a wide range of Tuscan dishes served in a handsome setting. House specialties run from the traditional, such as lasagna Bolognese al forno, to the modern, including grilled chicken and quinoa salad. ❂ J R L D $$

CARLUCCIO’S CAFFE, RESTAURANT AND ITALIAN MARKET (New)

11826 Trade St. (Pike & Rose), 240-669-4694, www.

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carlucciosusa.com. Part of a British chain, Carluccio’s occupies 4,600 square feet, offering full-service breakfast (pannetone French toast, eggs Benedict), lunch and dinner with a wide range of soups, antipasti, pastas, salads and entrées. There is also an onsite market for items such as salumi, cheeses, salads and olive oil. ❂ J B R L D $$

CavA MEZZE (Editors’ Pick)

9713 Traville Gateway Drive, 301-309-9090, www. cavamezze.com. The dark and elegant Cava offers small plates of everything from fried Greek cheese, octopus and orzo in cinnamon tomato sauce to crispy pork belly and macaroni and cheese. There are martini specials, too. ❂ R L D $$

City Perch Kitchen + Bar

11830 Grand Park Ave. (Pike & Rose), 301-231-2310, www.cityperch.com. Located above the entrance to the iPic Theaters at Pike & Rose, City Perch offers creative, seasonal American cuisine in a rustic, inviting space. The menu includes raw-bar selections, small plates, shareable salads and entrée options such as rotisserie-cooked lamb shoulder and black sea bass. ❂ R L D $$$

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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.

LD$

Del Frisco’s Grille

11800 Grand Park Ave. (Pike & Rose), 301-881-0308, delfriscosgrille.com. This is the Texas-based chain’s second location in the area. Look for upscale takes on American comfort foods, such as veal meatloaf and short rib stroganoff, plus trendy items such as kale and Brussels sprouts salad, deviled eggs, flatbreads and ahi tuna tacos. Plenty of burgers, sandwiches and salads, too. ❂ R L D $$

The Dough Roller

800 Pleasant Drive, #160, (King Farm Village Center), 301-869-4584, www.doughrollerrestaurants.com.

Grab a pizza slice and dream of boardwalk breezes at the first inland outpost of Ocean City’s popular pizza and pancake chainlet. Besides pizza, this locale features sandwiches, burgers and other items, including pancakes served all day. J B R L D $

East Pearl

838-B Rockville Pike, 301-838-8663, www.east pearlrestaurant.com. Choose from many options of Hong Kong cuisine, including familiar dishes featuring chicken, beef, poultry, pork and even duck, as well as those for adventurous tastes. Try the soups ranging from egg drop to seafood with bean curd. L D $

El Mariachi Restaurant

765-D Rockville Pike, 301-738-7177, www.el mariachirockville.com. Serving Tex-Mex and South American food in a bright, pleasant space made lively with colorful art. In addition to the usual enchiladas, tacos and burritos, look for Peruvian seafood and Cuban beef specialties. L D $

El Patio

5240 Randolph Road, 301-231-9225, www.elpatio international.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 $

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dine Ev & Maddy’s

101 Gibbs St., Unit C (Rockville Town Square), 301296-6682. Owned by Olney residents Patrick and Eunice Pak, this unpretentious French bistro serves beef bourguignon, lamb sausage, hanger steak and other traditional dishes with a modern twist.

Executive Chef Patrick Pak sports impressive credentials, having cooked at Washington, D.C.’s Komi, Blue Duck Tavern and the former Palena.

J L D $$

Far East Restaurant

5055 Nicholson Lane, 301-881-5552, www.fareast rockvillemd.com. Owned and operated by the same family since 1974, this classic Chinese restaurant greets customers with two royal stone lions out front and sticks to the familiar Chinese-American basics. Check out the daily specials and dim sum menu. L D $$

Fontina Grille

801 Pleasant Drive, 301-947-5400, www.fontina grille.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 available on Monday nights and half-price bottles of wine on Tuesdays. ❂ J R L D $$

Gordon Biersch

200-A E. Middle Lane (Rockville Town Square), 301340-7159, www.gordonbiersch.com/restaurants. 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, small plates, salads, pizza and flatbreads. J L D $$

Grand Fusion Cuisine

350 East Fortune Terrace, 301-838-2862, grand fusionrestaurant.com. Diners will find something for everyone seeking a taste of the Asian continent, a full sushi bar, and Chinese, Malaysian and Singaporean specialties. Chef’s specials include Crispy Eggplant in Spicy Orange Sauce and Double Flavored Shrimp. ❂ L D $

Hard Times Café

1117 Nelson St., 301-294-9720, 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. L D $

Hinode Japanese Restaurant

134 Congressional Lane, 301-816-2190, www. hinoderestaurant.com. Serving traditional Japanese cuisine since 1992. All-you-can-eat lunch and weekend dinner buffet offers 40 types of sushi, 14 hot foods and a salad bar. Check out the patio with full bar service. L D $$

Il Pizzico

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 of mainly Italian wines make even a weeknight meal feel special. L D $$

Joe’s Noodle House

1488-C Rockville Pike, 301-881-5518, www.joes noodlehouse.com. 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, 301-468-8850, www.labrasa rockville.com. A bold, yellow awning marks the unlikely industrial location of the popular La Brasa. Customers rave about the rotisserie chicken, lomo saltado (Peruvian marinated steak), Salvadoran pupusas and Tres Leches. ❂ L D $

La Canela (Editors’ Pick)

141-D Gibbs St. (Rockville Town Square), 301-2511550, www.lacanelaperu.com. Sophisticated, modern Peruvian cooking shines in a regally furnished dining room in a yellow stucco building graced with curvy black ironwork. The menu includes artfully prepared seafood, pork, chicken and beef dishes. ❂ L D $

La Limeña Restaurant

765 Rockville Pike, 301-424-8066. lalimena restaurant.com. Diners can choose dishes such as beef hearts, tripe and homemade pastries in this tiny but well-appointed eatery. Desserts include passion fruit mousse and vanilla flan. And of course, there’s rotisserie chicken to go. L D $

La Tasca

141 Gibbs St., Suite 305 (Rockville Town Square), 301279-7011, www.latascausa.com. The Rockville location of this regional chain strives to keep things interesting with 45 tapas dishes and six kinds of paella, including Paella Mixta with chicken, shrimp, chorizo, scallops, mussels, squid and clams. ❂ L D $$

Lebanese Taverna Café

1605 Rockville Pike, 301-468-9086; 115 Gibbs St. (Rockville Town Square), 301-309-8681; www. lebanesetaverna.com. A casual and pleasant family spot for lunch or dinner after shopping on Rockville Pike, the 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 the numerous tofu dishes ranging from Mushroom Tofu Pot to Seafood Beef Tofu Pot, diners at this Korean stalwart can try barbecue, stir-fried specialties and kimchee, the national dish of pickled cabbage.

LD$

Mamma Lucia

12274-M Rockville Pike, 301-770-4894; 14921-J Shady Grove Road, 301-762-8805; www.mamma luciarestaurants.com. See Bethesda listing. ❂ L D $$

Matchbox Vintage Pizza Bistro

(Editors’ Pick)

1699 Rockville Pike, 301-816-0369, www.matchbox rockville.com. Look for mini-burgers, a “ginormous meatball” appetizer and thin-crusted pizza with toppings including herb-roasted chicken and portobella mushrooms or fire-roasted red peppers and Spanish onions served in a super-cool space in Congressional Plaza. ❂ J R L D $

MemSahib

4840 Boiling Brook Parkway, 301-468-0098, www. memsahibrestaurant.com. Patrons eat the Indian country way, with their hands. MemSahib offers a buffet lunch, including such dishes as tandoori chicken and vegetable samosas and pakoras, and a six-course prix fixe dinner while belly dancers entertain customers. L D $$

Michael’s Noodles

10038 Darnestown Road, 301-738-0370, www. michaelsnoodles.com. Extensive Taiwanese menu

at this popular strip mall eatery includes dim sum, mixed noodle dishes, noodle soup and unusual specialties, such as Shredded Chicken with Jelly Fish and Stewed Pork Intestine and Duck Blood. L D $

Mi Rancho

1488 Rockville Pike, 240-221-2636, www.mirancho texmexrestaurant.com. You’ll find a boisterous party atmosphere every night at a place where customers can count on standard Tex-Mex fare at good prices.

The outdoor patio, strung with colorful lights, is the place to be in nice weather. ❂ L D $

MISO FUSION CAFÉ (New)

33-E Maryland Ave. (Rockville Town Square), 240614-7580, www.misofusioncafe.com. This 65-seat Korean-Japanese fusion restaurant features: yakatori (grilled marinated skewers of chicken, beef, shrimp); ramen bowls; katsu (breaded, deep-fried cutlets) bowls with rice, vegetables, scallions and egg; chicken, beef or pork katsu stuffed with mozzarella cheese and other fillings; and Korean BBQ of chicken, sliced beef, teriyaki salmon and spicy pork belly. L D $

Moa

12300 Wilkins Ave., 301-881-8880. moakorean restaurant.weebly.com. 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. Dol Sot Bibimbap, a mix of rice, vegetables and protein in a hot pot, is a customer favorite. L D $

Mosaic Cuisine & Café

186 Halpine Road, 301-468-0682, www.mosaic cuisine.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, 301-770-5999, www.mykonos grill.com. An authentic Greek taverna with whitewashed walls with Mediterranean blue accents on a busy street, Mykonos Grill turns out legs of lamb and fresh seafood expected at any good Greek restaurant. ❂ 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 who come for the large selection of sushi at this unassuming sushi spot in King Farm. L D $$

Nantucket’s Reef

9755 Traville Gateway Drive, Rockville, 301-2797333, www.nantucketsreef.com. This casual New England-style eatery offers a wide range of reasonably priced seafood dishes, including raw and baked oysters, stuffed cod, fried Ipswitch clams, seafood tacos, tuna and salmon salads, and lobster items. Signature cocktails are made with Nantucket Nectars juices. ❂ R L D $$

Nick’s Chophouse

700 King Farm Blvd., 301-926-8869, www.nickschop houserockville.com. Aged Angus beef cooked over an open fire is the specialty at this upscale spot, but seafood lovers can get their fill from big crab cakes. Signature steaks include slow-roasted prime rib weighing 10 to 32 ounces. Separate bar menu. ❂ L D $$

Niwano Hana Japanese Restaurant 887 Rockville Pike, 301-294-0553, www.niwano hana.com. Clean Asian décor and elegant wooden screens greet diners at this friendly and busy su-

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56th shi spot located in Wintergreen Plaza. There are the usual sushi rolls, plus creative options such as a Spicy Scallop Roll with mayonnaise and chili peppers, noodle dishes, teriyaki and yakitori. L D $$

Old Kimura Sushi

785 Rockville Pike, Unit D, 301-251-1922, www.old kimura.com. A small restaurant serving an extensive sushi menu, along with noodle soups, rice dishes and tempura. Dinner specials include grilled fresh eel served over rice and sushi and sashimi combinations.

L D $$

The Original Ambrosia Restaurant

12015 Rockville Pike, 301-881-3636, www.the originalambrosia.com. Look for an eclectic menu of breakfast, gyros, pizza, crabcakes and soups at this family-owned eatery. Traditional Greek dishes include spanikopita, stuffed grape leaves, moussaka and shish kabob. J B L D $

Original Pancake House

12224 Rockville Pike, 301-468-0886, www.oph restaurants.com. See Bethesda listing. J B L $

Paladar Latin Kitchen & Rum Bar

11333 Woodglen Drive, 301-816-1100, paladarlatin kitchen.com. See Gaithersburg listing. ❂ J R L D $$

Peter Chang

20-A Maryland Ave. (Rockville Town Square), 301838-9188. Chef Peter Chang’s only restaurant in Maryland showcases his Szechuan specialties in an apricot-walled dining space. Garnering a cult-like following over the years, Chang is best known for dishes such as dry-fried eggplant, crispy pork belly and duck in a stone pot. L D $$

Pho 75

771 Hungerford Drive, 301-309-8873. The restaurant is one of the Washington area’s favorite spots for the Vietnamese beef noodle soup known as pho. Soup can be customized with bean sprouts, Thai basil, chilies, lime, and hot and hoisin sauces. Beverages include interesting options such as Iced Salty Pickled Lemon Juice. L D $

Pho 95

785-H Rockville Pike, 301-294-9391. Pho, the Vietnamese beef noodle soup, is king here. Other offerings include fat rice-paper rolls of shrimp, noodles and herbs with a sweet and spicy peanut sauce, Grilled Lemon Grass Chicken and Grilled Pork Chop and Shredded Pork Skin. L D $

Pho Hoa Binh

11782 Parklawn Drive, 301-770-5576. www.pho hoa.com. This pleasant pho restaurant offers the full gamut of variations on the beef noodle soup, plus about a dozen grilled entrées. The Adventurer’s Choice features “unusual” meats, including tendon, tripe and fatty flank. The Vietnamese iced coffee is divine. L D $

Pho Nom Nom

842 Rockville Pike, 301-610-0232, www.phonom nom.net. As the name suggests, the specialty is pho, but there are also grilled dishes, noodles and the Vietnamese sandwich known as banh mi. House specials include Vietnamese beef stew and pork and shrimp wontons. L D $

PHOLUSCIOUS VIETNAMESE GRILL

10048 Darnestown Road, 301-762-2226, www. pholuscious.com. This casual restaurant and bar is home to traditional Vietnamese cooking, with fresh ingredients, minimal use of oil and many herbs and vegetables. The menu features pho, noodle dishes, rice plates and lots of protein dishes. Beverages include bubble tea, smoothies, beer and wine. L D $$

Pizza CS

1596-B Rockville Pike, 240-833-8090, www. pizzacs.com. Authentic Neapolitan pies are offered in a sub-shop atmosphere. Choose from a list of red and white pizza options, or build your own pie with herbs, cheeses, meats and vegetables. ❂ J L D $

Potomac Pizza

9709 Traville Gateway Drive, 301-279-2234, www. potomacpizza.com. See Chevy Chase listing. ❂ JLD$

Quench

9712 Traville Gateway Drive, 301-424-8650, www. quenchnation.com. Urban bar scene in the suburbs, with unique cocktails and contemporary American cuisine. Lots of starter options to try, plus salads, entrées, sandwiches and burgers, and three Asian dishes including pad Thai. ❂ J R L D $$

Quincy’s South Bar & Grille

11401 Woodglen Drive, 240-669-3270, quincys bar.com. See North Potomac/Gaithersburg listing. ❂LD$

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, jalapeño, fish eggs and vegetables) to a Philadelphia Roll (smoked salmon, cream cheese and avocado).

JLD$

Sadaf Halal Restaurant

1327-K Rockville Pike, 301-424-4040. An elegant alternative to the run-of-the-mill kabob places dotting Rockville Pike, Sadaf is pristine, with lace curtains and glass mosaic tiles in front. In addition to kabobs, it offers Persian curries and fish dishes. ❂ J L D $

Sam’s Café & Market

844 Rockville Pike, 301-424-1600, www.samcafe market.com. Fill up on the kitchen’s juicy skewered meats or interesting entrées, including pomegranate molasses stew and marinated grilled salmon, then have a gelato and check out the hookahs. ❂ L D $

Seasons 52 (Editors’ Pick)

11414 Rockville Pike, 301-984-5252, www. seasons52.com. A fresh, seasonal menu featuring items under 475 calories. Choose from flatbreads including Blackened Steak & Blue Cheese and Grilled Garlic Pesto Chicken to entrée salads to meat and seafood dishes. Nightly piano music. ❂ L D $$

Seven Seas Chinese Restaurant

1776 E. Jefferson St., 301-770-5020, www.seven seasrestaurant.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. L D $

Sheba Restaurant

5071 Nicholson Lane, 301-881-8882, www.sheba rockville.com. The menu features authentic Ethiopian cuisine with lots of vegetarian and vegan options. House specialties include Dulet Assa, chopped tilapia mixed with onion, garlic and jalapeño and served with a side of homemade cheese. L D $

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dine Sichuan Jin River

410 Hungerford Drive, 240-403-7351, www.sichuan jinriver.com. Customers find terrific Sichuan cuisine served in a no-frills setting. Take the plunge and try something new with the authentic Chinese menu, inlcuding 23 small cold plates. L D $

Silver Diner

12276 Rockville Pike, 301-770-2828, www.silver diner.com. Customers flock to this trendy diner that still offers tableside jukeboxes. The latest food trends (think quinoa coconut pancakes) share company on the enormous menu with diner staples such as meatloaf and mashed potatoes. J B R L D $

Spice Xing

100-B Gibbs St. (Rockville Town Square), 301-6100303, www.spicexing.com. Chef and owner Sudhir Seth, who also owns Bethesda’s Passage to India, serves up small plates and dishes that reflect the history of culinary influences on India. Try the allyou-can-eat lunchtime buffet. ❂ J R L D $$

STANFORD GRILL

2000 Tower Oaks Blvd., 240-582-1000, www.the stanfordgrill.com. From the Blueridge Restaurant Group, owner of Copper Canyon Grill restaurants, comes this 300-seat American eatery on the ground floor of an office building. Salads, burgers, steaks and seafood, plus sushi, with an eye toward highquality. ❂ L D $$

Stella Barra Pizzeria

11825 Grand Park Ave. (Pike & Rose), 301-770-8609, www.stellabarra.com. Adjacent to its sister restaurant, Summer House Santa Monica, Stella Barra is an artisan pizzeria with a hip, urban vibe. Look for crisp crusts with chewy centers topped with butternut squash and candied bacon or house-made pork sausage and fennel pollen. Italian wines available. ❂ L D $$

Summer House Santa Monica

(Editors’ Pick)

11825 Grand Park Ave. (Pike & Rose), 301-881-2381, summerhousesm.com. An airy, light and stunning space sets the scene for modern American cuisine with a West Coast sensibility. Dishes include Beach Bum Ceviche, Santa Monica Cobb Salad, plus sushi, tacos, sandwiches and steak frites. Do not miss the bakery counter. ❂ J R L D $$

Super Bowl Noodle

785 Rockville Pike, 301-738-0086. www.superbowl noodlehouse.com. Look for a large variety of Asian noodle dishes in super-size portions, plus a large selection of appetizers. Also, bubble tea and desserts, including Sweet Taro Root Roll and Black Sugar Shaved Ice. ❂ L D $

Sushi Damo

36-G Maryland Ave. (Rockville Town Square), 301340-8010, 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 a large selection of fresh sushi, including sushi and sashimi combinations. Lunch specials for under $7. It’s popular, so be prepared to wait.

L D $$

Sushi Oishii

9706 Traville Gateway Drive, 301-251-1177, www. sushioishii.com. This charming sushi bar in the Traville Gateway Center offers friendly service and 24 specialty sushi rolls, bento boxes and a few

grilled items, including beef, poultry and seafood teriyaki. L D $$

Taipei Tokyo

14921-D Shady Grove Road (Fallsgrove Village Center), 301-738-8813; 11510-A Rockville Pike, 301881-8388; www.taipei-tokyo.net. These sister restaurants offer a sizable roster of Chinese, Japanese and Thai dishes. The Fallsgrove Village location is the younger and sleeker of the two, with full sitdown service. The older sister, opened in 1993, is more like a noodle shop/cafeteria. L D $$

Tara Asia

199-D E. Montgomery Ave., 301-315-8008. www. taraasiarestaurantrockville.com. A pan-Asian offshoot of the Tara Thai family, Tara Asia is dominated by a floor-to-ceiling mosaic and has an 82-item menu that spans the cuisine from Japan to Thailand and the tiny islands in between.

L D $$

Tara Thai

12071 Rockville Pike, 301-231-9899, www.tarathai. com.com. See Gaithersburg listing. ❂ L D $$

Temari Café

1043 Rockville Pike, 301-340-7720. Deep-fried oysters, classic rice balls, ramen noodle soup, sushi and sashimi and comic books to peruse while you await your order set this Japanese restaurant apart from the rest. L D $$

Thai Farm

800 King Farm Blvd., 301-258-8829, www.thaifarm restaurant.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.thaipavilionrestaurant.com.

The soaring ceilings decorated with red chandeliers shaped like giant, stationary spinning tops give the feel of a modern museum. When the menu says spicy, believe it. ❂ J L D $$

That’s Amore

15201 Shady Grove Road, 240-268-0682, www.thats amore.com. This local chain focuses on family-style portions of classic Neapolitan dishes such as lasagna and chicken Parmesan in a more elegant setting than might be expected. Good for groups and large families. J L D $$

Timpano Italian Chophouse

12021 Rockville Pike, 301-881-6939, www.timpano chophouse.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 well-prepared pasta. ❂ L D $$$

Tower Oaks Lodge

2 Preserve Parkway, 301-294-0200, www.clydes. com/tower. Here is Clyde’s version of a lodge in the mountains. Well-prepared food runs the gamut of American desires, from burgers to fish, plus a raw bar. Check out the twig sculpture spanning the ceiling of The Saranac Room. J R L D $$

Trapezaria

11 N. Washington St., 301-339-8962, www.thetrap ezaria.com. This down-to-earth and hospitable Greek/Mediterranean restaurant serves top-notch and unfussy small plates and entrées. Choose among a variety of dips, vegetarian mezze, souvlaki,

sausages and more-involved fish and lamb dishes.

Save room for the baklava. L D $$

Urban Bar- B - Que Company 2007 Chapman Ave., 240-290-4827; 5566 Norbeck Road, 301-460-0050, urbanbbqco.com. Urban BarB-Que Company, a tiny joint run by a couple of local friends, has a winning formula and features fingerlicking ribs, burgers and wings, plus salads, chili and smothered fries. Staff is friendly, too. J L D $

Villa Maya 5532 Norbeck Road (Rock Creek Village Center), 301460-1247. Here you’ll find all the traditional Mexican and Tex-Mex favorites from quesadillas to fajitas that are sure to please the whole family. R L D $$

The Woodside Deli 4 N. Washington St., 301-444-4478, www.the woodsidedeli.com. A second location of the venerable Silver Spring eatery and caterer that has been dishing up matzo ball soup since 1947. Choose from a wide selection of sandwiches, burgers and entrées.

This one has a pickle bar. ❂ J B R L D $

Yekta 1488 Rockville Pike, 301-984-1190, www.yekta.com.

Persian cuisine, including a selection of beef, chicken and lamb kabobs, is served in a beautiful dining room. Try a dessert such as frozen noodle sorbet or saffron ice cream. Check out the adjacent market after polishing off your kebab. L D $$

Yuan Fu Vegetarian 798 Rockville Pike, 301-762-5937, www.yuanfu vegetarian.com. From tea-smoked “duck” to kung pao “chicken,” the whole menu is meatless, made from Chinese vegetable products. There is a large selection of chef’s specials, including Pumpkin Chicken with Mushrooms in a hot pot and Baby Abalone in Tomato Sauce. L D $

Silver Spring 8407 Kitchen Bar 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 house-smoked salmon and homecured charcuterie. Signature craft cocktails are a specialty. R L D $$

Addis Ababa 8233 Fenton St., 301-589-1400. Authentic Ethiopian-style vegetables and fiery meats are served atop spongy bread in communal bowls. Traditional woven tables and a roof deck add to the ambience. There’s a weekday lunch buffet, too. ❂ R L D $

Adega Wine Cellars & Cafe 8519 Fenton St., 301-608-2200, www.adegawine cellars.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 for lunch, if only to try the eggplant fries. ❂ L D $

A.G. Kitchen 931 Ellsworth Drive, 301-588-9480, www.ag kitchen.com. Cuban-born Manhattan chef and restaurateur Alex Garcia goes casual at this colorful Latino eatery with a creative menu of foot-long baconwrapped hot dogs with jalapeno, papaya and sweet pickle relish; a Gaucho burger topped with crispy onions and guava barbecue sauce; and crispy Cuban seafood sliders with pineapple slaw. For the less ad-

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venturous, there’s Brazilian-style roast chicken, tacos, Cubanos and paella. ❂ R L D $$

All Set Restaurant & Bar

8630 Fenton St., 301-495-8800, www.allset restaurant.com. American cuisine with a focus on New England specialties. Look for clams, oysters and lobster, plus crab cakes and rockfish, and beef and vegetarian options. The snazzy space is also the setting for clam bakes and fried chicken on Sunday nights. ❂ J L D $$

AMINA THAI

8624 Colesville Road, 301-588-3588. See Rockville/ North Bethesda listing.

Asian Bistro Café

8537 Georgia Ave., 301-589-0123, silverspringasian bistro.com. A bevy of choices, from Japanese sushi and soups to Chinese noodles and vegetarian dishes are offered at this bustling downtown eatery. Try one of the Chinese or Japanese lunch specials. L D $

Azúcar Restaurant Bar & Grill

14418 Layhill Road, 301-438-3293, azucar restaurant.net. The name means sugar, and it fits.

A colorful Salvadoran spot decorated in bright purple and orange with Cubist-style paintings. The pork-stuffed corn pupusas are stars. Also look for more elegant dinners, including fried whole trout.

L D $$

BETE ETHIOPIAN CUISINE

811 Roeder Road, 301-588-2225. Family-run Ethiopian restaurant with a modest dining room but some exemplary cooking. Don’t miss the vegetarian sampler, and in nice weather, opt for eating outside in the lovely, shaded back patio. ❂ J B L D $$

BIBIM (New)

923 Sligo Ave., Silver Spring, 301-565-2233, www. bibim923.com. Korean fare is served in a charming, 65-seat neighborhood restaurant, with outdoor seating for 50. Start with scallion or kimchi pancakes and crunchy, lightly coated chicken wings, then go for the house specialty: bibimbap, an abundant meal-in-a-bowl dish of rice, vegetables, fried egg, various protein add-ons and gochujang (red chili paste). Sip on a nice selection of bourbons and soju, Korea’s beloved distilled rice spirit. ❂ D $$

The Big Greek Café

8223 Georgia Ave., 301-587-4733, www.biggreek cafe.com. Owned by the Marmaras brothers, whose family operated the decades-old Golden Flame restaurant, the café serves a hit parade of Greek specialties, including a top-notch chicken souvlaki pita.

LD$

CAVA MEZZE GRILL (New)

8515 Fenton St., Silver Spring, 301-200-8666, cavagrill.com. See Bethesda listing. ❂ L D $

The Classics (Editors’ Pick)

8606 Colesville Road, 301-588-7297, www.the classicsdc.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. Its less-formal bistro seating is first-come, first served. D $$

Copper Canyon Grill

928 Ellsworth Drive, 301-589-1330, www.ccgrill.com.

See Gaithersburg listing. ❂ J R L D $$

Crisfield Seafood Restaurant

8012 Georgia Ave., 301-589-1306. www.crisfield seafood.com. With its U-shaped counter and kitschy, oyster-plate-covered walls, this landmark seafood diner has customers lining up for the Eastern Shore

specialties such as oysters and crabmeat-stuffed lobster that it has served since the 1940s. L D $$

Cubano’s

1201 Fidler Lane, 301-563-4020, www.cubanos restaurant.com. The brightly colored tropical dining room 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. ❂ L D $$

The Daily Dish

8301 Grubb Road, 301-588-6300, www.thedaily dishrestaurant.com. A neighborhood favorite serving seasonally inspired, locally sourced comfort food, including bar bites and brunch dishes. Fullservice catering is available, too. ❂ J R L D $$

Denizens Brewing Co. (Editors’ Pick)

1115 East West Highway, 301-557-9818, denizens brewingco.com. The bright-orange building houses Montgomery County’s largest brewery, featuring core beers and seasonal offerings, along with drafts from other regional breweries. Menu of snacks, sandwiches and salads includes vegetarian options. There is a large outdoor beer garden and indoor seating overlooking the brewery. ❂ D $

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, dinners and dessert. ❂ B L D $$

Salang Limited-edition jewelry handmade in Italy of semi-precious stones www.SalangOnline.com

El Aguila Restaurant

8649 16th St., 301-588-9063, www.elaguila restaurant.com. A cheery bar and generous plates of Tex-Mex favorites such as enchiladas and Salvadoran seafood soup make this eatery popular with families and others looking for a lively night out. ❂LD$

El Gavilan

8805 Flower Ave., 301-587-4197, gavilanrestaurant. com. The walls are bright, the music’s upbeat, the margaritas are fine and the service is friendly. The usual Tex-Mex fare is here, as well as Salvadoran specialties such as tasty cheese- or pork-filled pupusas. J L D $

the

grilled oyster co.

El Golfo

8739 Flower Ave., 301-608-2121, elgolforestaurant. com. Friendly, home-style Latin service is the hallmark, as attested to by the many Salvadorans who stop in for lunch and dinner. Pupusas, soups and beef dishes such as carne asada as well as more adventurous choices can be found in the charming, raspberrycolored dining room. ❂ J R L D $

Ethio Express Grill

952 Sligo Ave., 301-844-5149, ethiogrill.com. Ethiopian food goes fast-casual in this counter service eatery that offers your choice of carbohydrate bases (i.e., injera, rice, pasta), plus grilled meats (or tofu), sauces and lots of vegetables (the spicy lentils and yellow split peas are especially good). 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. Savory versions range from cheese and ham to roasted eggplant with zucchini, bell pepper, sundried tomato, garlic and onion. B L D $

Fire Station 1 Restaurant & Brewing Co.

8131 Georgia Ave., 301-585-1370, www.firestation1. com. A historic firehouse made over as an eatery

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dine serves 21st-century pizza, sandwiches, meat, seafood and vegetarian entrées. Try the Cuban sandwich with seasoned pork, chipotle mayo, Dijon mustard, pickles and Swiss cheese on a ciabatta roll. L D $

The Greek Place 8417 Georgia Ave., 301-495-2912, www.thegreek place.net. Here are big portions of better-than-average food at reasonable prices. The bifteki pita sandwich, a seasoned ground lamb and beef patty with tzatziki, tomatoes and red onions, is especially good. L D $

GUSTO ITALIAN GRILL 8512 Fenton St., 301-565-2800, gustoitaliangrill.com.

See Bethesda listing. ❂ J L D $

ITALIAN KITCHEN 8201 Fenton St., 301-588-7800. www.italiankitchen md.com. Casual, attractive pizzeria with bar seating also turns out homemade sandwiches, calzones, salads and pasta dishes. Pizza and paninis are top notch.

LD$

Jewel of India 10151 New Hampshire Ave., 301-408-2200, www. jewelofindiamd.com. Elegant décor and top-notch northern Indian cuisine make this shopping center restaurant a real find. Diners will find a good selection of curries, and rice and biryani dishes. L D $$

Kao Thai 8650 Colesville Road, 301-495-1234, www.kao thairestaurant.com. This restaurant turns out topnotch curries, noodle dishes and vegetarian options, plus house specialties, such as Siam Salmon with Spicy Thai Basil Sauce and Thai Chili Tilapia. Dishes are cooked medium spicy. ❂ L D $$

La Casita Pupuseria & Market 8214 Piney Branch Road, 301-588-6656, www.la casitapupusas.com. Homemade pupusas, tamales and other Salvadoran specialties are available, plus a full breakfast menu and a small selection of grocery items. B L D $

LacoMelza Ethiopian Cafe 7912 Georgia Ave., 301-326-2435. One of Silver Spring’s many Ethiopian eateries, Lacomelza serves traditional cuisine from doro wat (chicken legs with spicy sauce) to the ground beef mixture of kitfo in a modern and attractive setting decorated with Ethiopian art. R L D $

La Malinche 8622 Colesville Road, 301-562-8622, www.la malinchetapas.com. Diners will find an interesting selection of Spanish and Mexican tapas, plus a full Saturday and Sunday brunch featuring huevos rancheros, variations of tortillas Espanola and more.

R L D $$

Langano Ethiopian Restaurant 8305 Georgia Ave., 301-563-6700. 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, 301-588-1192, www.lebanese taverna.com. See Rockville listing. J L D $

Mamma Lucia 1302 East West Highway, 301-562-0693, www. mammaluciarestaurants.com. See Bethesda listing. ❂ L D $$

Mandalay Restaurant & Café 930 Bonifant St., 301-585-0500, www.mandalay restaurantcafe.com. The modest dining room is packed most evenings with families and large groups who come for the Burmese food, a cross between Indian and Thai. L D $

McGinty’s Public House 911 Ellsworth Drive, 301-587-1270, www.mcgintys publichouse.com. Traditional Irish pub and restaurant features corned beef and cabbage, live music and dancing. Early-bird special, three-course menu for $15, from 5 to 7 p.m. ❂ J R L D $$

Mi Rancho 8701 Ramsey Ave., 301-588-4872, www.mirancho texmexrestaurant.com. See Rockville listing. ❂ LD$

MIX BAR AND GRILLE 8241 Georgia Ave., #200, 301-326-1333, mixbar andgrillesilverspring.com. Modern American bistro with an older sibling; similar menu, plus a selection of ceviche. See Potomac listing. ❂  R L D $$

MOD Pizza 909 Ellsworth Drive, 240-485-1570, www.mod pizza.com. First Maryland location of this Bellevue, Washington-based chain offers design-your-own fast-casual pies (hence, Made on Demand, or MOD).

Pizzas, cooked at 800 degrees for three minutes, can be topped with a choice of nearly 40 sauces, cheeses, meats, spices and veggies. ❂ L D $

Mrs. K’s Restaurant 9201 Colesville Road, 301-589-3500, www.mrs ks.com. Here’s an elegant, antique-filled option for special occasions and 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. ❂ 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 a kitchen with their Scion restaurant next door. Focus on the noodles, and bring a photo of your “Nainai” (grandmother in Chinese) to tack on the bulletin board. L D $

Olazzo 8235 Georgia Ave., 301-588-2540, www.olazzo.com.

See Bethesda listing. ❂ 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 groups on weekends. L D $

Pacci’s Neapolitan Pizzeria (Editors’ Pick) 8113 Georgia Ave., 301-588-1011, www.paccis pizzeria.com. This stylish eatery turns out top-notch pizzas from a wood-burning oven. Choose from red or white pizza selections, plus four kinds of calzones. ❂ J (upon request) L D $

Pacci’s Trattoria & Pasticceria

6 Old Post Office Road, 301-588-0867, paccis trattoria. com. Diners will find a range of classic Italian dishes, including homemade meatballs and sausage, from the owner of Pacci’s Neapolitan Pizzeria, also in Silver Spring. L D $$

Parkway Deli & Restaurant

8317 Grubb Road, 301-587-1427, www.theparkway deli.com. Parkway features a bustling back dining room that makes this popular spot so much more than a deli. Longtime waitresses greet regular customers and kids with hugs during busy weekend breakfasts. All-you-can-eat pickle bar. ❂ B L D $

Pete’s New Haven Style Apizza

962 Wayne Ave., 301-588-7383, www.petesapizza. com. Sporting more stylish décor than its other locations, this Pete’s 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, phohiep hoa.com. Seventeen kinds of Vietnamese soup called pho can be customized to taste in this upbeat restaurant overlooking the action in the downtown area. ❂ L D $

Samantha’s

631 University Blvd. East, 301-445-7300, samanthas restaurante.com. This white-tablecloth, Latin-Salvadoran spot in an industrial neighborhood is popular because of its welcoming attitude toward families with young children. The steak and fish specialties are good. L D $$

Sergios Ristorante Italiano

8727 Colesville Road, 301-585-1040. A classic redsauce Italian restaurant that manages to feel special, with soothing wall murals and high-quality service, despite a basement location inside the DoubleTree Hotel. Ravioli with asparagus and cheese in a tarragon sauce is popular. L D $$

The Society Restaurant & Lounge

8229 Georgia Ave., 301-565-8864, www.societyss. com. A sleek and modern atmosphere catering to a nightlife crowd, Society offers fare with a Caribbean accent. Check out the rooftop seating and daily drink specials, which include $25 beer buckets. ❂ L D $$

Sushi Jin NEXT DOOR

8555 Fenton St., 301-608-0990, www.sushijinnext door.com. The eatery is spare, clean and modern, and offers terrific udon noodle soup and impeccable raw fish. Choose from 11 appetizers and seven soups and salads. L D $$

sweetgreen

8517 Georgia Ave., 301-244-5402, www.sweet green.com. See Bethesda listing. L D $

Tastee Diner

8601 Cameron St., 301-589-8171, www.tastee diner.com. See Bethesda listing. ❂ J B L D $

Thai at Silver Spring

921-E Ellsworth Drive, 301-650-0666, www.thaiat silverspring.com. The Americanized Thai food is second to the location, which is superb for peoplewatching 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.thaiderm usa.com. This local favorite serves home-style Thai

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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 offered daily. ❂ L D $

Urban Bar-B -Que Company

10163 New Hampshire Ave., 301-434-7427, urban bbqco.com. See Rockville listing. L D $

Urban Butcher (Editors’ Pick)

8226 Georgia Ave., 301-585-5800, www.urban butcher.com. Hip, eclectic setting is the backdrop for this New Age steak house, with its home-cured salamis, sausages and other charcuterie, plus meat dishes made from local animals of yesteryear breeds.

There’s a lounge, bar, meat curing room, retail counter and dining area. R D $$

URBAN WINERY

949 Bonifant St., 301-585-4100, www.theurbanwinery. com. Silver Spring residents Damon and Georgia Callis open the first and only urban winery in the mid-Atlantic area. Tasting facility offers craft wines made with local and international grapes, and customers can even create their own wines (by appointment). Light menu includes artisan cheese, charcuterie and smoked seafood platters, plus Greek mezze. D $

Vegetable Garden

3830 International Drive (Leisure World Plaza), 301598-6868, vegetablegarden.com. The popular vegan, vegetarian and macrobiotic Asian restaurant features a wide variety of eggplant and asparagus dishes, plus vegetarian “beef,” and “chicken” dishes often made with soy and wheat gluten. L D $$

Vicino Ristorante Italiano

959 Sligo Ave., 301-588-3372, vicinoitaliano.com.

A favorite neighborhood red-sauce joint that hasn’t changed in decades, Vicino features some fine seafood choices in addition to classic pasta dishes.

Families are welcome. ❂ L D $ $

The Woodside Deli

9329 Georgia Ave., 301-589-7055, www.thewoodside deli.com. See Rockville listing. J B L D $

Upper NW D.C. American City Diner

5532 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-244-1949, www. americancitydiner.com. Retro diner complete with blue-plate specials such as Salisbury steak and stuffed peppers; malts and egg creams. Diners can catch a classic movie free with dinner. ❂ JBLD$

Arucola

5534 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-244-1555, www. arucola.com. The restaurant serves authentic Italian cuisine in a casual setting, with a changing menu that includes creative treatment of traditional dishes, homemade pasta and pizza from the wood-burning oven. ❂ L D $ $

Blue 44

5507 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-362-2583, www. blue44dc.com. The menu features classic American favorites infused with the flavors of Italy and France, including ratatouille, pork schnitzel and bouillabaisse. ❂ J R L D $$

Buck’s Fishing and Camping

5031 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-364-0777, www. bucksfishingandcamping.com. Diners can enjoy a seasonal menu that changes daily, and offers hip

takes on comfort food such as roast chicken (locally raised) in an artsy-chic setting. D $$$

Café of India

4909 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-244-1395, www. cafeofindiadc.com. Here’s a cute corner café with two levels of dining and an extensive menu that includes vegetarian and tandoori entrées, dosas, samosas, tikkas, curries and kabobs. ❂ L D $$

Chads Friendship Heights

5247 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-362-8040, chadsdc. com. This neighborhood hangout is sometimes compared to Cheers, but it also offers a full menu beyond bar food, including salads, steaks, seafood and sandwiches. ❂ 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. Choose from over 30 toppings to design your own pie. ❂ R L D $

DeCarlo’s Restaurant

4822 Yuma St. NW, 202-363-4220, www.decarlos restaurant.com. This is a family-owned neighborhood staple, with a traditional Italian menu and upscale/casual atmosphere. Signature dishes include agnolotti, veal Bolognese, broiled salmon and handmade pasta. ❂ L D $$

The Grilled Oyster Co. (New)

3701 Newark St. NW (Cathedral Commons), 202362-1719, www.thegrilledoystercompany.com. See Potomac listing. ❂ J R L D $$

Guapo’s Fine Mexican Cuisine

4515 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-686-3588, www.guaposrestaurant.com. See Bethesda listing. ❂ R L D $$

Jake’s American Grille

5018 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-966-5253, www. jakesdc.com. Burgers, steaks and sandwiches are served in a restaurant named after the owner’s grandfather, an accomplished Navy test engineer.

Check out the Boiler Room, a sports bar in the basement. J R L D $$

Jetties

5632 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-364-2465. www.jetties dc.com. See Bethesda listing. J L D $

Le Chat Noir

4907 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-244-2044, www.lechat noirrestaurant.com. This cute, cozy neighborhood bistro is run by French restaurateurs, who cook traditional fare such as steak frites, bouillabaisse and braised lamb cheeks. R L D $$

LUNCHBOX

5535 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Suite 018, 202-244-3470, www.voltlunchbox.com. The Washington remake of chef Bryan Voltaggio’s defunct Frederick restaurant offers specialties including the Southern Bahn Mi with crispy chicken and pickled vegetables and B’More with pepper-crusted pit beef. L D $

Macon Bistro & Larder (Editors’ Pick)

5520 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-248-7807, macon bistro.com. Southern and French cuisine converge at this airy, charming restaurant in the historic Chevy Chase Arcade. Appetizers include raclette and fried green tomatoes, and steak frites is offered alongside short ribs with grits for main courses. ❂ R D $$

Maggiano’s LITTLE ITALY

5333 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-966-5500, www. maggianos.com. The restaurant features old-style Italian fare that’s a favorite for large groups and private celebrations. Check out the signature flatbreads and specialty pastas, including lobster carbonara. J L D $$

Masala Art (Editors’ Pick)

4441-B Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-362-4441, www. masalaartdc.com. Here is fine Indian dining featuring tandoor-oven specialties and masterful Indian spicing. Start off by choosing from a selection of nine breads and 17 appetizers. L D $$

Murasaki Japanese Cuisine and Sushi Bar

4620 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-966-0023, www. murasakidc.com. The restaurant offers a wide variety of specialty sushi rolls plus a full menu, including teriyaki, tempura, noodle soup and other authentic Japanese dishes served in a tastefully understated décor. ❂ L D $$

Parthenon Restaurant

5510 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-966-7600, www. parthenon-restaurant.com. This is a neighborhood eatery taken up a couple notches, with an extensive menu full of authentic selections familiar and exotic, including avgolemono (egg/lemon soup), tzatziki, moussaka, dolmades and souvlaki. ❂ L D $$

Pete’s New Haven Style Apizza

4940 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-237-7383, www.petes apizza.com. See Silver Spring listing. ❂ 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, seats 300 and offers an enormous wine list.

L D $$$

Satay Club Asian Restaurant and Bar 4654 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-363-8888, www.asian satayclub.com. The restaurant prides itself on providing a comfortable/casual setting with a menu that spans Japanese sushi, Chinese moo-shi vegetables, Thai curries and Vietnamese spring rolls. L D $

Tanad Thai

4912 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-966-0616, www. tanadthaicuisine.com. The extensive menu ranges from noodles, rice and curries to vegetarian entrées, and even a Thai lemonade cocktail. House specialties include pad Thai and Drunken Noodles. ❂ L D $$

Tara Thai

4849 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 202-363-4141, www. tarathai.com. See Gaithersburg listing. ❂ L D $$

Terasol (Editors’ Pick)

5010 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-237-5555, www. terasolartisans.com. This charming French café offers soups, salads, quiches and a few entrées, along with jewelry and pottery from local artisans. Live music on Fridays and Saturdays. ❂ B L D $

WAGSHAL’S RESTAURANT

4855 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 202-363-5698, www. wagshals.com. Longtime popular deli expands grocery and carryout section, and adds a casual sitdown restaurant in the Spring Valley Shopping Center. Same high-quality fare, including the overstuffed sandwiches. L D $ n

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A room’s balcony makes a lovely setting for a meal at Inn at Little Washington. For more on gourmet dining in the foothills of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, see page 370.

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S h o p Ta l k

the long & Short of

Skirts

By Jennifer Barger

Silver Spring fashion designer Betsy Garcete, above, thinks all women can look great in a skirt, regardless of their shape, age or size.

That’s why she created Zophia, a line of custom pencil skirts, in 2010.

The high-end, curve-hugging beauties ($499 each) come in fabrics such as luxe tweed and champagne-hued faux leather. Each one is hand fitted and sharply tailored using eight separate measurements. We asked Garcete how to style skirts for spring and summer.

photos by michael ventura

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Slip These On

What’s your favorite way to wear a pencil skirt?

The nice thing about pencil skirts is that they can be dressed up or down. For work, you can wear one with a simple white blouse tucked in and a sleek pump, and it’ll look French. Or on the weekend, put a pencil with a T-shirt and slip on skate shoes.

There’s something about warmer temperatures (and tanner legs) that make us want to put on a skirt. We found lots of great options at local stores.

What about minis?

I love a mini with a button-up blouse and either flats or platforms. You can even make it look truly 1960s by wearing a suede one with tights.

Julia Farr’s flippy “Alexandria” skirt in teal tweed brings boss-lady cred to blazers and blouses. $255 at Julia Farr in Washington, D.C.

What’s the best fabric to buy a skirt in?

When I’m making my own skirts, I just go for things that seem wearable and high quality. And when in doubt, darker colors can be so flattering.

Are skirts easier to wear than pants?

No, because I do think you have to be more careful with what shoes you wear with most skirts. And pants make it easier to hide figure imperfections. But that is why a well-fitting skirt is important; if it follows the curves of your body, well, anyone can wear a skirt.

Zophia skirts are available by appointment only; www.zophiaonline.com

Rebecca Taylor goes girly with this floral mini, a distinctly 1990s-revival feeling piece that, with a denim jacket and T-shirt, could go to the farmers market or the movies on weekends. $295 at Bloomingdale’s in Washington, D.C.

courtesy photos

What about maxi skirts? Are they still a good option?

I think so, especially ones that are sequined, feathered or printed for the evening. A woman gets bonus points if she wears one of those with a simple white T-shirt.

A splatter-print midi skirt by Sugarlips would sizzle with a trim top in summer’s hot-as-the-sun coral. $48 at Current Boutique in Bethesda

Ann Taylor’s striped, mid-calf charmer brings a French vibe to weekend looks, or could be combined with a simple white blouse for a crisp work outfit. $129 at Ann Taylor in Mazza Gallerie in Washington, D.C., and Westfield Montgomery mall in Bethesda Michael Stars’ denim A-line skirt summons a breezy, 1970s vibe. Try it with a floral blouse and chunky heeled sandals. $188 at Luna Boutique in Bethesda

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Fresh Takes

A roundup of new local spas and services Hands on Demand Recently launched massage-on-demand app Zeel sends a licensed masseuse to your door as quickly as within an hour for 60-, 75- or 90-minute rubdowns. Options include Swedish, sports, prenatal or deep-tissue techniques, and the rate is $116 per hour in Maryland and $129 in D.C. Zeel, zeel.com

N e w S pa o n t h e B lo c k In plush wood- and stone-accented digs, a jumbo new branch of a Texas-based chain called The Woodhouse Day Spa plans to open this year in North Bethesda. Choose from 70 body and beauty treatments, including an 80-minute, four-hand massage performed by two therapists ($320). The spa’s own cosmetics, many using natural elements such as lavender or seaweed, star in most services.

The Woodhouse Day Spa, North Bethesda Market, 2 Paseo Drive, North Bethesda, 240-317-3114, www.woodhousespas. com/location/north-bethesda-md n

Potomac’s Shobha Tummula was expecting to open the second D.C.-area branch of her hair-removal salon, Shobha, in April in the new Galvan at Twinbrook mixed-use development. In bright digs that look like a boutique hotel, expect defuzzing services for women and men, including sugaring, waxing and laser-hair zapping, plus eyebrow threading. A single brow-threading session is $22, and a three-pack series of bikini-line sugaring treatments is $139.

Shobha, 1800 Rockville Pike, Rockville, www.myshobha.com

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S m o ot h S e rv i c e s

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By Kathleen Seiler Neary

Coastal Elegance

A local couple’s destination wedding brought seashore touches to a country club setting The couple: Mary McVearry, 35, grew up in Bethesda and graduated from Little Flower School and Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School. She is a physical therapist at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda. Chris Austin, 36, grew up in Missouri and moved to the Washington area in 2006. He is deputy director of congressional affairs for the Peace Corps in Washington, D.C. They live in Friendship Heights and are expecting their first baby in May.

realized they had more in common than traveling to Africa—and ended up talking for three more hours.

drive yet wasn’t here in D.C.,” Mary says.

What made the event special: “I learned from going to several weddings that I actually like when they’re remote because you get to spend more time with all the guests and get to know people from different groups,” Mary says. “We had more opportunities to spend individual time with people.”

How they met: In 2012, a friend of Mary’s met Chris at a fundraiser and thought he’d be a good match for her. She was planning a trip to do volunteer work in Africa and Chris had spent time there in the Peace Corps, so the friend thought they’d have a lot to talk about. He set the two up on a blind date.

The proposal: A year after they started dating, the couple headed to Cumberland, Maryland, where Mary and her sister were competing in a triathlon in Rocky Gap State Park.

Mary suspected Chris might be up to something when they were packing and he didn’t want to share a suitcase.

After Mary crossed the finish line, Chris suggested they go hiking. “They have a lot of pretty trails right where the race finished,” Mary says. “He kept pushing for us to go for a hike.” Mary, exhausted from the race, agreed to a short walk. At one of the overlooks, he proposed. “I was surprised, yet I kind of knew,” Mary says. “We had talked about getting married, but I actually thought [the proposal] was going to be a couple months from then.”

The first date: Chris, who lived in an apartment at Upstairs at Bethesda Row at the time, invited Mary to the nearby Redwood Restaurant & Bar for appetizers and drinks. “I showed up with my itinerary and calendar and talked business for half an hour,” Mary says. They quickly

The wedding: Mary and Chris were married on Oct. 4, 2014, in an outdoor ceremony at the Country Club of Landfall in Wilmington, North Carolina. Mary’s parents own a house in Wilmington and the couple visit often and love it there. “We wanted somewhere that most people could

Number of guests: 165

Favorite moment: On the day of the wedding, Mary was more emotional and nervous than she’d expected. Her favorite moment was when they said “I do” and then walked down the aisle. “Not the anticipation leading up to that!” she says. She also says a toast Chris gave for her was “genuine and heartfelt.”

Favorite detail: The couple incorporated starfish into several elements, including the invitations, programs and table arrangements.

“We picked it because it was beachy, but then when I looked up the meaning of the starfish, it means ‘Mary, Queen of the Sea,’ ” Mary says. They also liked what it stood for. “The symbolism of it is basically regenerating love because starfish

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keep regenerating,” she says. “Love through trying times.”

The music and moves: Mary and Chris took pre-wedding dance lessons at Chevy Chase Ballroom, and enjoyed dancing at their wedding. “We had the band learn a Bruce Springsteen song, ‘Mary’s Place,’ ” Mary says. “My dad loves Bruce Springsteen.”

Cost- cutting tips: “We went with all local vendors because the cost there is so much lower,” Mary says. Mary’s mom acted as wedding planner. The couple considered hiring a pro since the wedding was out of town. “By the time we priced it out we had already done half the stuff anyway,” Mary says.

Time to relax: “I didn’t want people to feel overscheduled,” Mary says. Wedding guests were invited to a casual beachside barbecue the night before at a family friend’s house on Wrightsville Beach. On the wedding day, guests had time to play golf or tennis or hang out on the beach before the 5 p.m. ceremony.

The honeymoon: The couple chose Corsica, a Mediterranean island that is part of France, after listening to an audiobook by Daniel Silva that is set there. “We thought it sounded interesting, so we looked it up,” Mary says. They split their vacation between the north and south parts of the island, exploring historical sites and relaxing on the beach. One day, when the couple left the beach to get lunch, they returned to find wild boars had ransacked their beach chairs and belongings, getting mud on everything.

The photos: North Carolina photographer Christine Kennedy documented the day. n

Photos by Christine Kennedy

The gown: Mary purchased her gown—a one-shoulder silk sheath by designer Amy Kuschel—at a sample sale at Hitched in Georgetown.

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G e t Away

Warm spring days call for the real thing: outdoor vistas that inspire a hike, food straight from the farm, and sunbathing on a poolside terrace. All of that is available at Middleburg, Virginia’s Goodstone Inn & Restaurant, where the land takes center stage.

In 2015, Goodstone’s farm introduced a beekeeping program, which supplies homegrown honey for menu items and in gift jars for purchase. Don a beekeeper outfit and learn how to extract honey from the hive’s trays, and also why honey is different colors depending on the season. You can request a tour of the working farm and meet the chickens (they supply roughly 80 eggs per day), Grayson the llama and his flock of sheep, and Oliver, a 700-pound pig who is the inn’s mascot of sorts.

The farm, located at the center of

Goodstone Inn & Restaurant sits on 265 acres in Middleburg, Virginia.

Goodstone’s 265 acres, includes floral and produce gardens that supply the inn’s award-winning restaurant with flowers, kale, spinach, tomatoes, a variety of berries, deep purple “dragon carrots” and more. The seasonally inspired French country cuisine includes duck-confit-and-leek ravioli, truffled crab cakes and Goodstone’s Classic Chateaubriand, a center-cut prime filet with glazed carrots and mushrooms.

Goodstone’s 18 guest rooms and suites are decorated in English and French country décor and located in six separate buildings scattered around the property. The Carriage House is the inn’s centerpiece and home to the restaurant, three guest suites and the Hayloft room, which has an oversize jetted soaking tub and its own roof deck. Other interesting features can be

found in the other 17 guest quarters, including The Manor House’s brick patio with rockers overlooking the hillside and Bull Barn Cottage’s lavish bath with a steam shower.

Grab a pair of binoculars and a birding guide (both supplied by the inn) and wander a 3-mile trail up and over rolling hills, past horses feeding on grass in the pasture, and alongside Goose Creek, where you can swim or canoe, or rest on a tiny beach. The hotel’s heated pool is open from early May through early October and is especially sweet when the wisteria is in full bloom in May. Rates begin at $299 and include a full breakfast and afternoon refreshments.

36205 Snake Hill Road, Middleburg, Virginia; 540-687-3333; www.goodstone.com

Photos by Jumping rocks photography

Explore Nature’s Bounty

By Christine Koubek

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the Logan photos by andrew bordwin photography; photo courtesy of landsdowne Resort

The Logan hotel features contemporary décor.

Lounge on a Philly Rooftop Few urban pleasures compare with sinking into a fireside sofa at a rooftop bar. The Logan, a new cosmopolitan hotel in Philadelphia, allows you to do just that. Opened in December as part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, the hotel includes the Assembly rooftop lounge, where guests can sip cocktails while seated on a cushy sofa—or in a hanging birdcage chair—and enjoy panoramic views of the city’s art and museum district. Located in the heart of Philly’s art scene, the hotel is a short walk to The Barnes Foundation and the Rodin Museum, and a mile from the Philadelphia Museum of Art (home to the steps made famous in Rocky).

Inside The Logan, the contemporary yet warm public spaces take their cue from James Logan, a mayor of Philadelphia in the 1700s.

Logan’s passion for botany and reading (his personal library contained more than 3,000 books, including many American classics) inspired the hotel’s library and the James Logan Suite, which includes photos of Logan’s family and copies of some of the books he valued. The 391 guest rooms and suites feature local art, 42-inch flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations with Bluetooth music connection, and views of the garden courtyard or Logan Square. Urban Farmer, the hotel’s signature steakhouse, offers locally sourced ingredients and craft beer from nearby breweries. Rates begin at $259.

Play at a Refreshed Resort Lansdowne Resort, one of Virginia’s popular golf and spa destinations, is polished up after a multimillion-dollar renovation that included the spa and all 296 guest rooms and suites. The redesigned rooms are done in earthy tones and a winecountry-inspired décor, with nightstands made from wine casks, and images of farm fields in frames crafted from wine corks. Set on 476 acres overlooking the Potomac River, the resort offers many ways to unwind, including golf (two championship courses or the family-friendly nine-hole course), a massage in the luxury spa, and swimming in five pools (one with a waterslide and pop-up sprays). And if you don’t play golf, but would like to enjoy one of the courses, try FootGolf—it’s golf played with a soccer ball and your feet instead of a golf ball and clubs.

Room rates begin at $189. n 4050 Woodridge Parkway, Leesburg, Virginia; 703-729-8400; www.lansdowneresort.com

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Chef Ian Boden crafts culinary delights at The Shack in Staunton, Virginia.

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Driving Ra n g e

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Gourmet Getaway Food lovers will find lots to like in the foothills of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains

photo by sera petras

By David Hagedorn

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Driving Ra n g e

As backyards go, the one we have roughly 70 miles west of Washington is pretty spectacular. Shenandoah National Park offers a rapturous display of mountain majesty reflecting every color of the rainbow. And the area’s dining landscape is just as vibrant. For epicures, the inns and restaurants alone are worthy of a journey.

Or, as in my case, a series of weekend adventures designed to embrace the seasons—whether you’re hunkering down by a fireplace on a snowy day, biking through hills sprinkled with June blooms, beholding grapes bursting from summer vines or taking in the golden hues of fall’s foliage.

A good strategy is to take Friday off, leave town in late morning and endure the traffic lights along Route 50 in lieu of the dull monotony of I-66. Your first reward comes near the hamlet of Aldie, where the road narrows to two lanes lined by stone fences, the city air goes country and the towns get quaint.

Turn off the road in the village of Paris and check into The Ashby Inn & Restaurant (www.ashbyinn.com), a 10-room property that dates to 1829. In a

L’Auberge Provencale’s gardens offer stunning backdrops.

converted schoolhouse, the cozy Adams Room features a king-size canopy bed, a fireplace, a porch overlooking Ashby’s organic garden and Paris Mountain, and port wine for a pre-slumber digestif.

The dining room here is actually a meandering succession of wood-paneled rooms on different levels, all creaking with history. Chef Patrick Robinson, formerly of Washington, D.C.’s Table restaurant, offers refined but restrained seasonal fare, such as an earthy chestnut-and-oyster

mushroom soup specked with celery leaves and topped with sherry-laced whipped cream. Another starter that is light and bright (but simultaneously decadent) finds chilled shrimp on persimmon slices, surrounded by dollops of Osetra caviar, sliced raw sea scallop, avocado and cauliflower purées and frisée sprigs. A lobster-and-scallop risotto is enhanced with steamed mussels and saffron beurre blanc.

Save room for breakfast the next

photo Courtesy of the ashby inn; L’auberge provencale photo by jumping rocks photography

Shenandoah National Park is rich in mountain vistas and fine-dining restaurants.

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Garden salad at The Ashby Inn & Restaurant

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photo Courtesy of the ashby inn; L’auberge provencale photo by jumping rocks photography

Inn at Little Washington’s lamb carpaccio

morning (apricot scones and custardy brioche French toast with apple compote), then head 10 miles west to White Post, where Celeste and Alain Borel will greet you warmly at L’Auberge Provencale (laubergeprovencale.com). After checking in (ask for Suite 11, the Romantic Suite), stroll the stunning made-for-weddings gardens and have a cheese plate and martinis at the newly installed bar.

L’Auberge Provencale’s recently renovated dining room features bay windows overlooking a purple-and-pink mountain sunset—a fitting backdrop for supping on chef Steve Ferrell’s four- or five-course prix-fixe menu. Standout dishes include a mound of al dente homemade fettuccine interlaced with buttery red-wine braised rabbit, rosemary leaves and grated parsnip; and delicate poached red prawns with sunchokes, smoky speck ham and fried red quinoa.

Come morning, freshly baked croissants and a chicken-and-mushroom crêpe with a sunny-side-up egg will fortify you.

Scenic Route 522 wends past Front Royal and Chester Gap to the tiny town of Huntly, where Glen Gordon Manor (glengordonmanor.com) is situated on 45 lush acres overlooking the eastern side of Shenandoah National Park. Chef Dayn Smith and his wife, Nancy Moon, run the stately seven-suite manor, once owned by a cousin of Wallis Simpson.

Poached egg in puff pastry at Glen Gordon Manor

The Edward Suite is exemplary of the English country house look and features a four-poster king-size bed, a separate conservatory with a claw-foot tub (perfect for soaking up the view) and a private outdoor Jacuzzi.

Smith is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, and a hotel chef who also owns two fine-dining restaurants in Puerto Rico. It’s therefore not surprising that the five-course, prixfixe, chef ’s choice menu in his elegant Houndstooth Restaurant is first-rate.

On my visit, Arctic char and rockfish crudos precede, among other dishes, a cunning study in sunchokes (raw, pickled, fried, roasted, puréed) with goat cheese crema. Next up: a divine Parmesan soup topped with tiny bacon and crouton squares, followed by tender Wagyu sirloin with a ragout of chanterelles, cèpes and hen-of-the-woods mushrooms. At a lavish breakfast the

next morning, a poached egg in puff pastry with hollandaise sauce and duck confit gilds the lily. (And liver.)

Ten miles down the road is the legendary Inn at Little Washington (theinnatlittlewashington.com). Nearly 40 years ago, now world-renowned chef Patrick O’Connell put picturesque Washington, Virginia, on the culinary map with this Relais & Chateaux property, which remains unsurpassed in terms of luxury and quality. Arrive at the earliest possible moment and settle into one of the inn’s 24 opulent rooms and suites, designed by London designer Joyce Conwy Evans, who mixes and matches sumptuous fabrics and patterns to glorious effect. Drink champagne, indulge in a swanky afternoon tea and then take a nap before settling in for a seven-course, prix-fixe, once-in-a-lifetime dining experience with such classic dishes as a tin of sin (a Petrossian tin

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filled with Osetra caviar, Peekytoe crab meat and cucumber rillettes) and lamb carpaccio with Caesar salad ice cream.

Maybe it’s the damask napkins, the profusion of fresh flowers (grown on the inn’s grounds) or the whimsical Anna Weatherley bone china, but breakfast at the inn will spoil you for anyone else’s eggs Benedict or French toast. I recommend a two-night stay to fully enjoy the inn’s resplendent herb and flower cutting gardens, fruit and vegetable farm and Shenandoah vistas. As you pass the dwarf cherry orchard, say hello to the farm’s resident llamas, Francesca and Jonah. Then hit the gift shop and stock up on the Bulgari body lotion bathroom amenity you fell in love with, or pick up a copy of O’Connell’s photo-filled oeuvre, The Inn at Little Washington: A Magnificent Obsession.

Stick around Washington and head a few blocks down Main Street to Foster Harris House (www.fosterharris.com), John and Diane MacPherson’s charming five-room bed and breakfast. Ever since they bought the place in 2004, the MacPhersons have acquired a word-ofmouth reputation for John’s smashing four-course breakfasts. (Mine includes flaky candied ginger scones, poached egg over puff pastry with chipotle cream and glazed bacon, and a lemony German pancake with elderflower coulis.)

Foster Harris House also serves a fivecourse, prix-fixe dinner in its 12-seat dining room, but there’s an even better option. Ask to sit at the table in the renovated kitchen (and do your best to avoid appliance envy), where you’ll enjoy a courtside view as John deftly turns out such fare as yuzu-glazed salmon with caviar-and-pea-shoot coulis; curried sweet potato soup; lighter-than-air truffled ricotta cappelletti with Parmesan cream; braised short rib with saffron polenta; and a salted-toffee gelato sundae. The engaging couple (continued on page 376)

Side - Dishing Bakeries, country stores, a butcher shop—there’s plenty to eat (and drink) on the drive to and from home 24 C ROW S

LO C K E S TO RE

For lunch, locals flock from all around Rappahannock County to grab the few seats at Heidi Morf and Vinnie Deluise’s tiny Flint Hill store, where the menu is brief and ever-changing. Soups are always smashing (in winter, try the butternut squash with apple), as are sandwiches, such as the fried calamari po’boy wrap; the hot Italian salami, oozing with gooey cheeses and caponata; or the hot-pressed panini of smoked turkey, Gruyere, fig and caramelized onion.

Open 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday (lunch served 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.). 650 Zachary Taylor Highway, Flint Hill, 540-675-1111, 24crows.com

Owner Juliet Mackay-Smith offers a perfect blend of house-made takeout foods (pick up a chicken pot pie to bake at home and chow down on a curried egg salad sandwich there), meat, dry goods (including flour milled at the Burwell-Morgan Mill across the street) and beer and wine. The wine selection is so well curated that there is not a clunker in the whole store. Open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 2049 Millwood Road, Millwood, 540-837-1275, lockestore.com

CO COA M I L L C H O CO L AT E CO. Chocolatier Mike Mayo offers irresistible confections at this downtown Staunton shop (he also has a location in Lexington). The super-friendly staff will delightfully feed your addiction with gorgeous dipped fruits (try the apricots); chocolate-covered pretzels, toffee, Oreos and graham crackers; snappers (their version of caramel-and-nut-dense turtles); and truffles (Jack Daniel’s or Baileys are recommended). Don’t miss the bonbons filled with Limoncello cream. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday. 114 East Beverley St., Staunton, 540-460-1555, cocoamill.com

D U CAR D VINE YAR D S Located in Madison County, just south of Sperryville and near Shenandoah National Park’s Old Rag Mountain, DuCard is a tiny (7-acre) winery in a spectacular setting. It highlights grapes Virginia is known for: Viognier, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Norton.

Production is very limited, so snatch up what you can. C’est Trop, its port-style dessert wine (Norton fortified with brandy), makes a great gift. Open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Sunday and Monday holidays; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. every day of the week during harvest: September, October, November. 40 Gibson Hollow Lane, Etlan, 540-923-4206, ducardvineyards.com

NE WTOW N B A K ING On the up-and-coming west side of Staunton, this bakery is the place you want in your own neighborhood. The breads are stellar, including a crunchy but airy baguette and a Paris-worthy croissant. The staff are equally adept at lox-and-bagels breakfast, chicken salad lunch and lamb gyro sandwiches and wood-fired pizzas for dinner.

Take some Danish for the drive back home.

Open 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday; 5-9 p.m. Thursday-Saturday.

960 West Beverley St., Staunton, 540-8853799, newtownbaking.com

OX- E Y E VINE YAR D S TA S T ING RO O M Ox-Eye Vineyards is a boutique winery 8 miles south of Staunton, but the owners smartly put their tasting room in Staunton’s Wharf Area Historic District, in a restored turn-of-the-century office building that once housed a coal and lumber business. Sample wines that take advantage of the Shenandoah’s cool growing conditions: Riesling, Chardonnay, Traminette, Shy Ox Rosé and Pinot Noir. Open noon-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday; noon-7 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday.

44 Middlebrook Ave., Staunton, 540-849-7926, www.oxeyevineyards.com

P EN D R U I D B RE W ERY Three beer-loving brothers from a Rappa-

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hannock farm family—Lain, Van and Jennings Carney—toured Europe for 10 years with their psych-rock band Pontiak before they decided to start a brewery in Sperryville. The result is this biergarten-like brewery built in an old apple-packing warehouse. Quaff on the likes of The Spiritual Nurse (a wild farmhouse ale fermented in red-wine barrels) and Orson (a mixed-culture, dry-hopped double IPA). Open 3-7 p.m. Thursday; noon-7 p.m. Friday-Sunday. 7 River Lane, Sperryville, 540-987-5064, pendruid.com

map by mary ann smith

R E D T R U C K B A K E RY Arlington baker Brian Noyes opened this space in Marshall in early 2015. Though it’s three times the size of his Warrenton location, the bakery is often still packed.

Get there early before the kitchen runs out of sandwiches (the chicken Caesar wrap is stellar) or enjoy a leek and Parmesan

croissant. Take home a strawberry-rhubarb pie, a double-crust apple pie, a Kentuckybourbon-chocolate-pecan pie or a lemon-and-blueberry moonshine cake.

Open 6 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday; 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 8366 W. Main St., Marshall, 540-364-2253, redtruckbakery.com

T H E W H O L E OX Amanda and Derek Luhowiak own this pristine butcher shop in Marshall that also sells cheese, prepared foods, shepherd’s pie, meatballs, stocks, soups, produce and beer and wine. Drop in for a turkey-and-avocado sandwich and load up on house-made sausages, charcuterie and local (and humanely raised) meat from Roseda Farm, Elysian Fields Farm and Saddle Ridge Farm.

Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 8357 W.

Main St., Marshall, 540-724-1650, thewholeox.com

W R I G H T’S DA I RY- R I T E You’d be crazy not to drop by this old-fashioned drive-in restaurant, family-owned since it opened in 1952. On the menu since Day 1: the Superburger, which features two beef patties, American cheese, shredded lettuce, special sauce and a triple-decker bun. Let the server bring it to your car, along with a mound of onion rings and a chocolate malted. Or pop a Wright’s Wheelie: a warm glazed doughnut topped with vanilla ice cream and hot fudge. Open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. MondayThursday; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday.

346 Greenville Ave., Staunton, 540-886-0435, dairy-rite.com

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Driving Ra n g e

also offers food-and-wine bicycle tours around Rappahannock County.

Leaving the town of Washington, continue on Route 211 past Luray—or stop to tour its caverns—pick up I-81 at New Market and head for Staunton (population 25,000). Settled in 1732, this town is full of interesting architectural features. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, architect T.J. Collins designed more than 200 buildings in various styles, among them Italianate, Victorian and Queen Anne.

Staunton is also known for its Shakespeare theater, a renowned music school and the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library.

(Wilson was born in Staunton.)

Near that library is the main draw for foodies: The Shack (www.theshackva. com), a 26-seat, aptly named eatery opened by chef Ian Boden in 2013. The décor may be short on frills—the exception being

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the chic, (and for-sale) pottery made by Boden’s wife, Leslie—but the service and food certainly aren’t. Boden is a real-deal chef whose résumé includes the New England Culinary Institute; New York City’s Payard Patisserie and Bistro and Judson Grill; and Charlottesville’s Glass Haus Kitchen. His cooking earned him a James Beard Award nomination in 2013, and it’s no wonder.

On this particular trip, I feast on heavenly spaghetti with black truffles and beurre blanc, and velveteen pork-liver mousse (dishes are offered in three- or four-course prix-fixe format). Also on the menu: roasted carrots with a Greek-yogurt beet-stem relish; a boldly seasoned lamb larb (Thai ground-meat salad) with fried Brussels sprouts and salmon roe; roasted skate with ginger-laced sweet potato and pork-belly hash; and Charleston gold rice,

fried in brown butter (oh, yes!) with crab, purple watermelon radish, watercress and sliced jalapeños. Dark chocolate crémeux with luscious vanilla custard and chestnut brown-butter cake offer a blissful end to the meal.

To head home, forget I-81 and take Route 11, which parallels the interstate and is prettier. Pass through Harrisonburg in Rockingham County (the “Turkey Capital” of Virginia) and head to New Market, where you can hang a right onto Route 211, enter Shenandoah National Park at Thornton Gap and follow wondrous Skyline Drive all the way to Front Royal, where I-66 takes you back to the D.C. area and, sadly, to reality. n David Hagedorn is the restaurant critic for Arlington Magazine and Bethesda Magazine.

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Pets

By Renee Klahr

Move Over, Rover

illustration by goodloe byron

Lots of people let their pets sleep in bed with them. Is that a good idea?

When Potomac’s Joey Baroni picked up his golden retriever puppy, Rosie, from a breeder last August, he was determined to keep her off his bed. He even set up a cozy corner for Rosie in the living room with soft blankets and toys.

Rosie, apparently, wasn’t impressed.

On her first night home with Baroni, she whined and yelped in the living room for what felt like hours. Baroni finally caved in. Just this once, he thought to himself, she could curl up in bed with him. Tomorrow, things would be different; he wouldn’t let her break his resolve.

Seven months later, Rosie, now quadrupled in size at 53 pounds, still sleeps in his bed every night.

“Rosie refuses to sleep anywhere else,” Baroni says. “Even as she gets bigger, she doesn’t seem to care how much space there is. She just wants to cuddle at night.”

A recent Today show poll of more than 32,000 pet owners found that 86 percent of them allow their pets in their bed at night—a statistic that stands in contrast to conventional wisdom espoused by sleep experts.

Standard sleep recommendations have long suggested that pets should be kept out of the bedroom. Dr. Lois Krahn,

a specialist at the Mayo Clinic Center for Sleep Medicine, co-authored a study in support of keeping pets out of owners’ bedrooms in 2013.

In the study’s abstract, Krahn wrote, “a pet in the sleep environment creates the potential for disruptions that compromise sleep quality.”

Emily Kramer, a Silver Spring resident, remembers letting her cat, Morgynn, on the bed one night while her boyfriend was out of town. Almost immediately, Kramer says, Morgynn began fidgeting, even kicking her in the face several times. After stumbling over the cat in an attempt to get off the bed and get a drink, Kramer had enough. “I scooped him up and put him back in his kennel,” she says. “I barely got any sleep that night.”

But the research on how pets affect sleep may be changing. In a follow-up study published in December 2015, Krahn found that more than half of all pet owners who came through the sleep clinic last year allowed their pets to sleep in their bedroom. Of those, 41 percent reported that having a pet led to better sleep, while 20 percent said that their pets disturbed their sleep in some way.

Former dog trainer Steven Mulder of Rockville is not surprised that the research can be contradictory. “It really comes down to the person and the pet,” he says. “Sometimes my dog sleeps in bed with me, sometimes she will sleep with my kids. But we’ve never had any issues.”

For light sleepers and people who have trouble falling asleep, Mulder recommends keeping pets out of the bedroom.

But Krahn’s 2015 study found that for some people, especially those with anxiety disorders, sleeping with a pet can reduce stress. “Some respondents described feeling secure, content, and relaxed when their pet slept nearby,” the study said. “This appears to be especially true for single sleepers.”

Sharing your bed—whether with a pet or a person—may mean sacrificing some sleep. Erin Morrison of Rockville says her boxer mix, Chester, sometimes wakes her up in the middle of the night—but so does her husband. “My husband is often more trouble in bed than Chester,” Morrison jokes. “They both snore like truckers, so I’ve learned how to make do.” n Renee Klahr is an editorial intern.

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Ticket to

Freedom

A look back at some of the Montgomery County slaves who used the Underground Railroad to escape—and the local residents and communities that helped them on their way

By Mark Walston | historical illustrations adapted by Alice Kresse On April 16, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed into law an act to end slavery in Washington, D.C.—more than eight months before the Emancipation Proclamation. News of the coming abolition in D.C. had spread through nearby Maryland slave communities. Word eventually reached Lewis Swams in his quarters near Sandy Spring. He and six other slaves worked at “Rose Hill,” Deborah Canby’s farm.

In early April, Swams planned his escape to Washington, where he would blend in with the free black community awaiting District emancipation. But first he needed to free his wife, Minty, and their two children from their enslavement on the farm of Francis Bowie in Prince George’s County. The journey was

treacherous. Slave patrols traversed the countryside, reaping rewards for the capture of runaways.

Under the secrecy of night, with the Patuxent River as his guide, Swams made the 20-mile trip from Sandy Spring to the Bowie farm. He spirited away his family and headed for Washington. But the Swams’ escape attempt failed. Minty and her children were returned to the Bowie farm; her punishment is unknown.

On April 11, a court found Swams guilty of “assisting slaves to run away,” sentencing him to 12 years in the Maryland Penitentiary in Baltimore City. His sentence exceeded many of the terms imposed upon first- and second-degree murderers, who received 10 years or less. Swams’ worth was set at $350, which the court delivered to Deborah Canby as compensation BethesdaMagazine.com | may/June 2016 379

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for labor lost by her slave’s incarceration.

Swams entered the Maryland Penitentiary on April 23, prisoner number 5682. Poor health exempted him from working in the prison yards. Insanitary conditions and overcrowding at the penitentiary worsened his infirmity.

Less than four months into his sentence, Swams died in jail at age 40.

His 12-year sentence reflected Maryland’s harsh attitude toward accomplices of slave flight. But the prospect of imprisonment did not dissuade a determined band of Montgomery County residents who, by the 1830s, had created a secret

D.C., and Maryland, and then headed toward free states such as Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York before finally reaching the Canadian border. Along the way, safe houses, churches, natural landmarks and river routes guided fugitive slaves who were traveling mostly under the cover of night.

Reaching Pennsylvania and the Northern states did not guarantee safety after the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850 legalized the pursuit and capture of slaves even in free states. Many escapees headed for Canada, which was out of reach of the slave patrols and bounty

Despite facing extreme weather and relentless reward-seekers on the hunt, Homer made his way northward, passing through safe houses in Montgomery and Frederick counties. network that offered safe haven to slaves fleeing northward. That network joined up with others in the state and nation to form one of the most vital legs of what became known as the Underground Railroad. Free blacks and white abolitionists suspected or apprehended for aiding fugitive slaves risked losing everything, and jeopardized the safety of their family and neighbors. Courage was needed to guide fugitive slaves to freedom or to offer shelter for even one day.

Historians have estimated that 40,000 to 100,000 slaves escaped to freedom via the Underground Railroad, a complex network that began in the slaveholding states of the Deep South, crossed Virginia, traveled through Washington,

hunters. Fleeing slaves who were caught could be returned to their owner for punishment or, the worst fear, put up for auction and sold to the cotton fields of the South, torn from friends and family.

The role of Montgomery County residents in the Underground Railroad is almost purely speculative, with stories passed down through generations.

Most members of the railroad operated in silence, and even after emancipation, few gave up their secret. But from all indications, there was one area in Montgomery County that served as a station: the Quaker community of Sandy Spring.

By the middle of the 18th century, Quaker leaders in Philadelphia had rejected the practice of slavery and threatened congregations with excommunication

if their members refused to emancipate.

After 1781, Quakers in the Sandy Spring community who failed to free their slaves were disowned. Some owners were unrepentant, but most complied, and in the process made the Quakers of Sandy Spring the most cohesive anti-slavery group in Montgomery County.

“Bloomington,” the Bentley family home in Sandy Spring, reportedly served as a stop along the railroad. In the Annals of Sandy Spring, a journal of town goings-on that began publication in the 19th century, long-time resident Rebecca Miller recalled the story of how Richard Bentley was reading late one night when he heard a noise at a window. He saw a familiar black face, a man he knew to be a slave on a nearby farm. When Bentley opened the door, the man asked, ‘‘Mr. Bentley, can you please point me out the North Star?”

For many slaves, it was a celestial guide to freedom.

According to historian Anthony Cohen, the free black communities north of Sandy Spring, off of Brooke Road, also became important components of the Underground Railroad in the county. Escapees could be concealed effectively by fellow blacks, perhaps more so than by white Quaker landholders who were already suspected of being pro-abolition. The entire neighborhood shared the responsibilities of assisting fleeing slaves on their road to freedom.

At their peak in 1810, enslaved blacks accounted for more than 40 percent of the population of Montgomery County—7,575 slaves out of a total population of 18,000. Slaveholding was spread throughout the county, and while western Montgomery County harbored the most slaves, some of the largest slaveholders in the 18th century had been Quakers living in the Sandy Spring area: Evan Thomas, the head of

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historic sidebar compilation by alice kresse; images collected from various historical sources online

the Sandy Spring Friends community, owned 200 slaves, while John Thomas had more than 100.

Saturday night was popular for escapes, because slaveholders often exempted slaves from work on Sunday.

The missing could remain unnoticed until Monday, giving them a day’s head start. Slaves also often escaped during holidays, when their absence was more likely to go undetected for a longer period of time.

It was on a Saturday in 1856 that Alfred Homer fled from Dr. John Anderson’s farm just northwest of Rockville.

Although it was spring, the weather was rough, with drought and unusually cold temperatures.

Anderson placed an advertisement in the Montgomery County Sentinel offering a $100 reward for the capture of the runaway slave. He described Homer as “about 22 years of age; 5 feet 7 inches high; dark copper color, and rather good looking.”

Despite facing extreme weather and relentless reward-seekers on the hunt, Homer made his way northward, passing through safe houses in Montgomery and Frederick counties, crossing into Pennsylvania and, after two harrowing weeks, finally reaching Philadelphia. There, he sought the help of noted black abolitionist and businessman William Still and his Vigilance Committee, founded in 1850 to assist runaway slaves. Some have dubbed Still “The Father of the Underground Railroad,” and he worked with agents in Washington, D.C., and Maryland to set up a network to freedom. Famed railroad conductor Harriet Tubman often found sanctuary in Still’s office.

Tubman herself had escaped enslavement in Maryland, fleeing to Philadelphia, but immediately returned to help liberate and lead dozens of slaves to safety—and then help them find work. She was nicknamed “Moses.”

In 1855, slave Adam Brooks escaped

Harriet Tubman

William Still

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Interested in learning more about the Underground Railroad in Montgomery County?

You can find information at Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park, just south of Sandy Spring. There, a 2-mile hike called the Underground Railroad Experience Trail commemorates the county’s involvement in the railroad.

Though it was not actually part of the Underground Railroad, the trail informs hikers about various techniques used by freedom seekers to elude trackers, find food and navigate their way northward. from John Phillips’ farm just west of Poolesville in an area known as “Hardtown.”

Brooks found his way to Still and the Vigilance Committee in Philadelphia as well, where, according to committee minutes, he reported it his “duty to break his fetters and seek his freedom in Canada.”

Phillips had sold Brooks’ mother, brother and sister only two years before, and constantly threatened to sell Brooks, as well.

Brooks declared his master “was not only a hard man, as a driver on the farm, but at heart actually a bad man.”

The Vigilance Committee believed that Brooks, because of his strength and vitality, could endure the arduous and physical requirements of fleeing to Canada. Brooks left the committee with a ticket for the Underground Railroad and a new identity, William Smith.

That same year, Anne Marie Weems became another Montgomery County slave who followed the railroad northward to freedom. It was a Sunday in 1855 that, at the age of 15, Weems ran away from her owner, Charles M. Price.

Weems was disguised as a male and traveled under the name “Joe Wright.” She escaped south, to Washington, D.C., where she hid among the free blacks for six weeks before starting the daunting journey along the Underground Railroad.

Many Maryland slaves escaping bondage traveled south through Montgomery County, following Rock Creek to Georgetown. There, sheltered by the city’s

large free black community, they could either hide or further their escape by boat.

In 1856, slave Edward Brannum escaped from Henry Harding’s farm outside Rockville, near Cabin John Creek. Harding believed that abolitionists had assisted Brannum’s escape “in a vessel freighted with coal from Georgetown, D.C.” The Powder Boy was one such smuggling ship that worked with Still in transporting groups of runaway slaves to Pennsylvania.

At age 13, Emily Edmonson, born in Montgomery County, fled to Georgetown with her sister Mary and four brothers and, with 77 other slaves, slipped into the hold of the Pearl, an abolitionist merchant schooner. They hid below deck, covered by the ship’s cargo. The plan was to sail down the Potomac River, then up the Chesapeake Bay and Delaware River to New Jersey, a journey of nearly 225 miles.

Sometime after midnight, the vessel set sail, but poor weather hindered the journey. Two days later, an armed posse traveling by steamboat caught up with the Pearl as it lay at anchor on the Chesapeake Bay near Point Lookout in Maryland. The fugitive slaves were transported back to Washington, where they were paraded in chains. As punishment, the owners sold most of the recaptured slaves to traders who sent them to auction in the Deep South.

Emily, Mary and their brothers were transferred to a prison in Alexandria, Virginia, called the Georgia Pen. They

remained there for four weeks before being transferred to Baltimore, where they were placed in a slave pen for three weeks. The six siblings then were boarded onto a steamboat bound for New Orleans, where they were marched to a showroom filled with potential slaveholders.

An epidemic of yellow fever sent the girls back to Baltimore, then to Washington, where they were employed in washing and ironing during the day, and imprisoned by the slave traders at night. The girls’ free black father, Paul Edmonson, negotiated with the traders for the gradual purchase of Emily and Mary for a total of $2,250. It was stipulated that they would be returned to the South if the amount was not paid. Their father traveled to New York, where he was advised to see the Rev. Henry Ward Beecher—brother of Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of the abolitionist novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin—about raising the necessary funds for his daughters’ purchase. The money was raised, and, after seven months of imprisonment, the girls were freed on Nov. 4, 1848.

On Nov. 1, 1864, following the passage of a new state constitution, all Maryland slaves were finally freed. No longer needed, the Underground Railroad in Montgomery County slipped silently into history. n Author and historian Mark Walston was raised in Bethesda and lives in Olney.

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By Joe ZimmermanN

From left: Madison, Doug, Reagan, Angela and Andrew Winter in Sweet Teensy Bakery, which Angela co-owns

family portrait Far from Idaho: Angela and Doug, both 36, grew up near Boise, Idaho, and spent the first few years of their married life there. They eventually “outgrew Boise,” Angela says, so in 2010 they headed east to Montgomery County.

Icing on the cake: After selling baked goods at farmers markets since 2010, Angela partnered with Rick Gossett, a former

owner of Booeymonger, to open Sweet Teensy Bakery in 2014.

She’s made cakes bearing the likeness of Bernie Sanders and Queen Elizabeth. Her most popular item? A red velvet cake.

Family affair: Madison helps with baking, Angela says, and “Andrew’s been known to make a few $5 tips” at the cash register.

Crazy for sports: Angela and Doug go to Redskins games and take the kids to see University of Maryland women’s basketball. Madison and Andrew both play basketball, soccer and golf, so weekends are packed with games and practices.

Sweet tooth: The kids have become a bit spoiled by their mom’s baking skills. “They go to birthday parties and are like, ‘That’s pre-bought—I don’t want that,’ ” Doug says with a laugh. n

photo by liz lynch

Angela and Doug Winter live in East Bethesda with their three children—Madison, 9, Andrew, 6, and Reagan, 1. Doug runs Douglas Woodworking & Design, a custom cabinetry shop in Kensington, and Angela is the co-owner of Sweet Teensy Bakery in Chevy Chase. Angela brings Reagan to work with her every day— she plays and naps in a back office—and the older kids visit when they’re off from school.

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