Editor’s note: This story, originally published at 10:43 a.m. Aug. 2, 2024, was updated at 6:25 p.m. to correct the nature of the funding presented to Sunflower Bakery in Rockville.
The Dish & Dram, a gastropub in Kensington, is serving up seven Olympic-themed cocktails to celebrate the 2024 Paris Olympics, according to manager and bartender Debby Augenbaum.
Patrons can sip on a Katie Ledecky Downer cocktail, named after MoCo’s own Olympic swimming legend, that’s made with bourbon, fresh blackberry puree, vanilla and lemon juice.
Augenbaum said the seven themed cocktails were created by the pub’s four bartenders and each features a different spirit. The cocktails cost between $11 and $12, but patrons can order them for $2 off during the pub’s happy hour from 2 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, according to Augenbaum. The cocktails will remain on the menu until the end of the Olympics on Aug. 11, and “possibly an additional week beyond,” she said.
10301 Kensington Parkway
Solaire Social, a food hall in downtown Silver Spring, also is offering six Olympic-themed cocktails ($9) at its main bar and all-day happy hour during this summer’s Olympics, according to a press release.
8200 Dixon Ave., Silver Spring
Sunflower Bakery receives a visit and $75,000 check from Maryland senators
Maryland Sens. Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin visited Rockville’s Sunflower Bakery, a full-service bakery that employs young adults and teens with learning differences, on Monday to tour the facility and present a $75,000 check, according to a press release. The direct federal investment secured by the two senators aims to support Sunflower’s employment training programs, reach additional students and offer more training options, the release said.
Three MoCo vegan spots to try, according to Eater
Eater DC featured three Montgomery County restaurants on its recent list of “15 Top-Tier Vegan Spots” in the Washington, D.C., area. Ranging from casual chains serving burgers and bowls to upscale eateries, here are the best places in the county to grab a plant-based meal:
- PLNT Burger: The plant-based burger joint born out of Bethesda is known for its griddled vegan cheeseburgers, crispy herb fries and non-dairy milkshakes. Chef Spike Mendelsohn was featured in the May/June 2023 issue of Bethesda Magazine. PLNT Burger locations in the county are inside Whole Foods grocery stores at 11355 Woodglen Drive in Rockville and 833 Wayne Ave. in Silver Spring.
- Cielo Rojo: The popular Mexican eatery at 7211 Carroll Ave. in Takoma Park offers a menu that caters to vegan eaters with mushrooms and cactus fillings for tacos, enchiladas and quesadillas. Owners David Perez and Carolina McCandless recently opened a Takoma Park burrito shop, San Pancho Burritos, that also has vegan options.
- Shouk: The fast-casual Israeli street food spot in Rockville with a mission to avoid processed foods sells pita sandwiches, bowls and a signature burger. Shouk is located at 5568 Randolph Road.
July openings in MoCo
Kusshi Sushi, a restaurant specializing in modern Japanese cuisine, held a grand opening for its new location in Rockville Town Square on July 12, according to a post on social media. The sushi spot, known for its wide selection of sake and whisky as well as its giant sushi boats, has other locations in the county in North Bethesda’s Pike & Rose, downtown Silver Spring and Woodmont Triangle in Bethesda.
36-G Maryland Ave., Rockville
Lil’ Sumthin’ Sweet, a Black-owned dessert café opened in downtown Silver Spring on Saturday, according to a post on the shop’s social media. The café serves slices of cake and pie, cookies and brownies, as well as ice cream sundaes, ice cream sandwiches, ice cream nachos and milkshakes.
8563 Fenton St., Silver Spring
A new pizza shop, Red Hound Pizza, opened in Takoma Park last week, according to a press release from Mainstreet Takoma. Owners Andrea Alvarez and Charbel Abrache (a former head pastry chef at Seylou Bakery in the District) are serving up Roman and Sicilian-style pizza and slices, the release said. Beer and wine offerings are coming soon.
7050 Carroll Ave., Takoma Park