Lilac Luxury 

Bond-Eye “Blake” bikini, $115 (bandeau top) and $90 (hipster bottom) at South Moon Under, 10247 Old Georgetown Road (Wildwood Shopping Center), Bethesda, 301-564-0995, southmoonunder.com

Twice as Nice 
Grace linen two-piece set, $248 at Reformation, 4823 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, 240-551-5125, thereformation.com

Woven Wonder 
Odna Italian raffia bucket tote, $428 at Johnny Was, 4867 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, 301-263-3505, johnnywas.com

Under the Sea
Kendra Scott “Shea” statement earrings, $198 at Kendra Scott, 4835 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, 240-743-2428, kendrascott.com

Hats On 
Embellish Your Life bucket hat, $36 at Jurisdiction, 7937A Tuckerman Lane (Cabin John Village), Potomac, 301-250-6987, jurisdictionclothing.com

Shell Game
Lizzie Fortunato cowrie shell necklace, $395 at Morley, 7112 Bethesda Lane, Bethesda, 301-664-6440, shopmorley.com

Beachy Blue 
Shoshanna tiered midi dress, $395 at Sassanova, 7134 Bethesda Lane, Bethesda, 301-654-7402, sassanova.com

Ibiza Inspired
Stuart Weitzman “Ibiza” slide sandal, $225 at Nordstrom, 7111 Democracy Blvd. (Westfield Montgomery mall), Bethesda, 301-365-4111, nordstrom.com

Sleek Sunnies 
Warby Parker “Aubrey” sunglasses, $95 at Warby Parker, 4821 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, 240-614-4317, warbyparker.com

The post Go ‘coastal chic’ with these finds appeared first on MoCo360.

Java Nation, a combination coffee bar and restaurant, opened its fourth locationin Montgomery County in March. The new Silver Spring locale features two distinct concepts, each with its own hours and offerings: Java Restobar is a full-service restaurant and bar with outdoor seating, and Java Market offers an espresso bar with grab-and-go food options. The vibe at Restobar is contemporary with mid-century modern wooden furniture and glass pendant lighting, making it ideal for breakfast, lunch or dinner, all of which are served daily. You’ll also find live music from local artists on the expansive 80-seat patio (check the website for the schedule). At both Restobar and Java Market, customers will find house-roasted coffee drinks (try the honey lavender latte), Instagrammable pastries and locally sourced products. Standout dishes at the full-service restaurant include the savory leek-and-Gruyère quiche, the huevos rancheros on crunchy corn tacos with avocado, and the linguine tossed with sauteed spinach, shrimp, garlic, butter and parmesan. For dessert, you can’t go wrong with any of the housemade treats, including tres leches cake and expertly crafted espresso martinis. 

1010 Wayne Ave., Silver Spring, java-nation.com

New in town

The beloved Glenmont food truck Tacos Don Perez, which began as a casual catering service, established a brick-and-mortar location on Kensington’s Antique Row in March. It is owned and run by Mexico City-born Wheaton residents Salvador and Norma Perez and their children Brenda, David, Destiny, Andrea and Emely. The authentic fast-casual taqueria offers counter service in a colorful space with wooden tables and a row of stools at a high-top overlooking Howard Avenue. Sip the agua de sandia, a refreshing watermelon drink offered seasonally, before diving into tacos de birria, a cult favorite comprised of freshly made corn tortillas wrapped around tender braised beef, which customers can order as a single taco or in sets of three, six or 12. The birria broth, a separate menu item, is a must for dipping. Other specialties include the chicken tinga tacos served with a smoky chipotle-tomato sauce and the open-faced birria tostadas layered with refried beans, lettuce, a drizzle of crema, cotija cheese and a slice of avocado. The Kensington location is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday. You can also order online for pick up—or hire the food truck to come to you. 

3784 Howard Ave., Kensington, tacosdonperez.com

Comings & goings

Potomac native Richard Weiner opened No Regrets Pizza Co. in North Bethesda in May. 

Mussel Bar & Grille, a Robert Wiedmaier eatery that closed in April 2022, was slated to reopen on Cordell Avenue in Bethesda in June. 

Laurel, Maryland-based Chido’s Tex-Mex Grill, which boasts specialty margarita towers, is set to open in Silver Spring this summer. 

Charbel Abrache, the head pastry chef at D.C.-based Seylou Bakery, plans to open Red Hound Pizza with partner Andrea Alvarez in Takoma Park this summer. 

MOD Pizza, a fast-casual chain based out of Seattle, closed its Gaithersburg location in March.

Pinch of wisdom

“When making a sandwich, don’t spread the ingredients all the way to the sides because it will spill out. Leave a finger or two on the edge, and when you press down to cut, it will naturally even out.” 

—Daniela Moreira, chef and co-owner of Call Your Mother in Bethesda and at Pike & Rose in North Bethesda

This story appears in the July/August edition of Bethesda Magazine.

The post Java Nation’s fourth location brings a latte to Silver Spring appeared first on MoCo360.

Flare Deal: Mother “The Hustler” ankle-fray jeans, $218 at Evoluxxy, 11804 Grand Park Ave. (Pike & Rose), North Bethesda, 301-281-2999, evoluxxy.com

Stitch Perfect: French Connection “Nellis” dress, $98 at South Moon Under, 10247 Old Georgetown Road (Wildwood Shopping Center), Bethesda, 301-564-0995, southmoonunder.com

Sea scallops: Marysia swimsuit, $359 at Everything But Water, Westfield Montgomery mall, Bethesda, 240-760-2147, everythingbutwater.com

Sunning in Style: Prada “Symbole” oval sunglasses, $517 at Bloomingdale’s, 5300 Western Ave., Chevy Chase, 240-744-3700, bloomingdales.com

Pretty in Pleats: Uniqlo linen/cotton shorts, $40 at Uniqlo, 11853 Grand Park Ave. (Pike & Rose), North Bethesda, 855-486-4756, uniqlo.com

Blanc Canvas: Elan “Jacqui” jumpsuit, $115 at Scout & Molly’s, 11882 Grand Park Ave. (Pike & Rose), North Bethesda, 301-348-5047, scoutandmollys.com

Shell Game: Anine Bing “Jennie” top, $120 at Anine Bing, 7243 Woodmont Ave., Suite 10A, Bethesda, 240-744-0100, aninebing.com

This story appears in the May/June edition of Bethesda Magazine.

The post 7 shopping recommendations for a ‘whiteout’ wardrobe appeared first on MoCo360.

Cielo Rojo, a fine-casual Mexican restaurant previously at 7056 Carroll Ave., owned and operated by Bethesda native Carolina McCandless and her husband, David Perez, reopened in a new location on the same street in January. The move expanded the restaurant’s capacity from 40 to more than 120 guests in addition to a private dining room, a 13-seat bar and a 40-seat seasonal patio. McCandless, who oversees operations, and Perez, the executive chef, fell in love with the former Austin-Healey showroom’s expansive windows, which let in abundant natural light. Custom millwork, crafted almost entirely by McCandless’ father, complements the Mexican art and minimalist lighting. Longtime fans have been pleased to find that Perez has carried over several of the former location’s beloved dishes, such as pozole rojo, a red chiles-based hominy stew garnished with chicken, avocado and herbs; quesa birria, a trio of mini quesadillas filled with braised grass-fed short ribs; and a wide selection of heirloom corn tacos filled with ingredients ranging from slow-cooked pork to tequila-infused cremini mushrooms. New menu items include an array of shareable plates, as well as chicken enchiladas topped with a trio of housemade mole sauces. Cielo Rojo is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday, with brunch available on weekends. Stay tuned for tequila, mezcal and Mexican wine tastings this summer. 

7211 Carroll Ave., Takoma Park, cielo-rojo.com 

New in town

Vegans (and all lovers of delicious fresh food), rejoice: In January, a second plant-based restaurant opened for business in Bethesda. Joining the already heralded Planta is Rooted3, an eatery and market run by Chevy Chase residents Molly Gibson and Melissa Peppe. Embracing the motto that “good food = good mood,” Rooted3’s totally plant-based menu is free of nine top allergens, say Gibson and Peppe: milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, crustacean shellfish, wheat, soybeans and sesame. Gibson, a trained chef, and Peppe use 100% organic whole foods, often sourced from the Lancaster Farm Fresh Cooperative, and serve the fare in compostable containers. From 7 a.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. on weekends, customers can order gut-friendly smoothies, gluten-free pancakes and protein waffles at the counter before sitting inside the beachy botanical-inspired cafe or in the outdoor courtyard. For lunch or dinner, try a handcrafted bowl, such as the umami shroom version with arugula and herby brown basmati rice topped with fritters, roasted broccoli and beets, crunchy pepitas, crispy onions, citrus pickled cabbage and red onion drizzled with a roasted garlic dressing. Air-fried sides, housemade spritzers and organic cocktails are also available. Looking to stock up on healthy foods? Gibson shelves a curated selection of her favorite allergen-free snacks and gluten-free breads. She also plans to serve housemade items, including seasonal salads and chia seed pudding, via a grab-and-go this spring. 

4916 Cordell Ave., Bethesda, rooted3.com

Comings & goings

Super Bowl Noodle House closed its Rockville location in April.

The Clarks Lodge Bar & Grill, offering a variety of pasta, seafood and steaks, opened its doors in Clarksburg in April.

The restaurateurs behind the Levantine restaurant ala in Dupont Circle unveiled a second location in Bethesda in March. 

Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls, a national chain serving Maine lobster, is scheduled to open an outpost at Rio in Gaithersburg this spring. 

Pinch of wisdom

“Don’t be shy on the seasoning! A pinch of salt, a squeeze of lemon, a few drops of good olive oil and lots of fresh chopped herbs go a long way to making a boring dish much more delicious.”

Matt Adler, chef and partner at Caruso’s Grocery in North Bethesda

This story appears in the May/June edition of Bethesda Magazine.

The post Same street, new menu items: Cielo Rojo reopens appeared first on MoCo360.

Koma On, Koma On

Adorned with an oversize mural of a fernlike latte art design painted by local artist Chris Lynch, Koma Café is a welcome addition to the Long Branch neighborhood of Takoma Park. The all-day eatery owned by Jared Mack, Marc Pickering and chef Brad Feickert (of Soko Butcher) provides a spot for neighbors to socialize over quality food, craft cocktails and European wine. Breakfast fare includes a variety of oat and chia bowls, egg dishes and six toasts ranging from honey-lemon ricotta layered with mint and thyme to burrata and tomato jam laced with raspberry balsamic. Salads, sandwiches and breakfast are served until 4 p.m. In a nod to its Italian-leaning menu, Koma has a daily aperitivo from 4 to 6 p.m. with discounted beer and wine, $7 cocktails and shareable bites such as charcuterie and a caramelized onion-fig spread. The dinner menu shines with artisanal pizzas made with a three-day fermented dough as well as housemade pastas, including an umami-rich fusilli tossed in a miso pesto with 24-month Parmesan, ricotta, basil and sunflower seeds. Pair it with one of the five sparkling wines on offer.

8006 Flower Ave., Takoma Park, koma-cafe.com

New in town

Red Ribbon Bakeshop, which opened in Wheaton in September, has quickly gained a cult following for its Filipino-style cakes and pastries, many of which are made with a soft, buttery chiffon base and feature ingredients such as mango and ube, a yam native to the Philippines. The Filipino-owned business originated in 1979 and has since expanded to over 500 locations worldwide, including more than 30 across the United States. While many customers seek out Red Ribbon for a specialty cake to celebrate an occasion, everyday shoppers can purchase cake by the slice, as well. Sweet tooths should try the bestselling Mango Supreme Cake, the purple-hued Ube Overload Cake or the dense Rocky Road Cake, a chocolate pound cake studded with cashews and marshmallows. Order in advance via the bakery’s website for carryout, or stop in for counter service. Other unique offerings include four types of empanadas; savory meals such as arroz caldo, a soup made with rice and chicken; and various flavors of mamon, a muffin-shaped chiffon cake that comes in singles or in packs of six. 

2501 University Blvd. W, Silver Spring, redribbonbakeshop.com

Comings & Goings

TerrainCafé, inside Anthropologie in Bethesda, closed in November.

Stone Silo Brewery, a family-owned farm operation, opened in late January in Damascus.

D.C. star chef Mike Friedman launched the long-awaited Aventino and AP Pizza Shop in January in Bethesda.

Dig, a New York City-based healthy fast-casual chain, was scheduled to open this winter in Bethesda.

Sarah’s Handmade Ice Cream, a Bethesda-based parlor, announced the imminent opening of a Rockville location.

Celebrity chef Jose Garces is slated to open Buena Onda Baja Taqueria, a beach-inspired, fast-casual restaurant, in Rockville in April. 

Pinch of Wisdom

“Chilling the glass before savoring any cocktail enhances its allure. This imparts a refreshing quality to the drink and ensures frothy goodness, elevating its overall presentation.”

Carlos (Tico) Rodriguez, bar manager at Julii at Pike & Rose in North Bethesda

This story appears in the March/April issue of Bethesda Magazine.

The post Koma Café adds an all-day eatery to Long Branch appeared first on MoCo360.

Subtle sparkle: Generation Love tank, $215 at Belina Boutique, 10215 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, 301-897-2929,  belinaboutique.com

Gold rush: Gorjana “Venice” watch bracelet, $75 at Gorjana, 4810 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, 301-288-1407, gorjana.com

Shimmer down: Veronica Beard “Delphine” dress, $598 at Veronica Beard, 4840 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, 240-425-4808, veronicabeard.com

Copper contemporary: Calvin Klein metallic ball gown, $299 at Macy’s, 7125 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda, 301-469-6800, macys.com

Mirror image: Reformation “Agathea” chunky loafer, $268 at Reformation, 4823 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, 240-551-5125, thereformation.com

Golden girl: INA “Quinby” satin skirt, $48 at Evoluxxy, 11804 Grand Park Ave. (Pike & Rose), Rockville, 301-281-2999, evoluxxy.com

Heavy metal: BTB Los Angeles “Marbella” clutch, $178 at Sassanova, 7134 Bethesda Lane, Bethesda, 301-654-7402, sassanova.com

The post Shine bright in these metallic picks appeared first on MoCo360.

New in Town

Ken and Aki Ballogdajan, the brother-and-sister duo behind Kenaki Sushi Counter in Gaithersburg and Ako by Kenaki in Capitol Hill, opened a third eatery in Cabin John Village in July. Kema by Kenaki is an elevated fast-casual concept: Order at the counter, and you’ll be served at your table. The playful Japanese menu features such warm and cold dishes as pork belly buns with hoisin-ginger barbecue sauce, and a crisp arugula, orange and watermelon radish salad laced with a yuzu-shoyu vinaigrette. Sushi, however, is the main event. Daily offerings include an array of maki, nigiri and sashimi, as well as hand rolls, which have quickly become a local favorite. Try the Chunky Spicy Tuna or the Deep Sea, a sublime blend of miso-marinated Chilean sea bass tempura, roasted pineapple, gari, red onion, cilantro and cucumber. Bringing the kids? They’ll go gaga over the strawberry and banana parfait, which includes such unexpected touches as Nutella mousse, toasted meringue and cornflakes. 

11325 Seven Locks Road (Cabin John Village), Suite 115, Potomac, kemasushi.com

Let’s Have a Chaat

Chances are high you’ve driven past Guru Groceries and Chaat House on Old Georgetown Road, but don’t let its nondescript exterior fool you—inside lies one of Bethesda’s hidden gems. Opened in July 2019 by the husband-and-wife team of Deepak and Madhu Khemka, this grocery/snack shop hybrid is a go-to for stocking up on Indian pantry staples, frozen Indian cuisine and freshly made chaat. Look for imported spices and Indian mangoes, as well as  specialty items such as curry leaf trees and fresh mithai come Diwali. Locals are particularly fond of frozen meals, including chicken tikka masala and saag paneer, to heat up at home. Although Chaat House has been closed for sit-down service since the arrival of the pandemic, freshly made fare such as mango lassis, vegetable samosas and lentil fritters are available to go. The Khemkas offer catering as well. 

7817 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, facebook.com/gurugroceries

Comings & Goings

Wiseguy Pizza opened its fifth regional location at the Westfield Wheaton mall
in September.

Zuma opened in Bethesda in September, featuring an Asian-Latin fusion concept by chef Mitsuhisa Nishio. 

Sushi Damo closed its doors in Rockville Town Square in October.

Mackie’s Barbecue Co., a family-owned and -operated business with locations in Frederick and Gaithersburg, expanded to Olney in October.

Pinch of Wisdom

“Whether you’re grilling or pan searing, it’s essential to let your meat rest to allow the juices
to redistribute before slicing. This will prevent your meat from drying out or becoming chewy.
A good rule of thumb is to allow the meat to rest for half the time you cooked it.”

–Colin McClimans, chef and co-owner of Opal in Chevy Chase, D.C., and ElenaJames in Chevy Chase, Maryland

This story appears in the January/February issue of Bethesda Magazine.

The post Local restaurant openings and closings appeared first on MoCo360.

I could barely even glimpse my black-and-yellow cycling shoes beneath my swollen belly that December morning in 2018. “Mind over matter,” I muttered to myself as I clipped into the bike. Stevie Nicks’ raspy voice began to croon, “Listen to the wind blow, watch the sun rise,” and I settled into the beat. Taking in the sea of familiar faces, my self-judgment began to evaporate. My SoulCycle community—my people. Not only had we sweated, cried and whipped our towels in the air together, we had forged deep connections. Friendships that saw me through my divorce, my remarriage and, now, my soon-to-be firstborn.

I had moved from the West End of Washington, D.C., to Bethesda in the fall of 2015 knowing exactly one person—the boyfriend I would end up marrying. Newly divorced and carless, I had secured a one-bedroom rental that happened to be two blocks from a SoulCycle studio. Little did I know that spinning would bring me back to my field hockey and lacrosse days at boarding school, where my freshman-year teammates became lifelong friends.

One evening after work, I finally strode over to a class. The wide-grinned instructor, Michelle, spoke openly about her family relationships, shared stories about her acting career and told us about a recent date. “You are exactly where you are supposed to be,” she emphasized between songs. “Trust the process, Everyone in this room has gone through something hard.” Instead of fighting back tears, as I had done on and off for months at work, I felt a release as they melded with the sweat dripping down my cheeks.

Over the next several months, SoulCycle became my house of worship, and I came to think of Michelle’s ever-evolving affirmations as thrice-weekly sermons. When I quit my law firm job nearly a year later, I was up to six classes a week and counting. But it wasn’t just Michelle drawing me in. 

As I began to rebuild my life after divorce, the faces of strangers had become those of my closest confidantes. Similar to the locker room banter of my boarding school classmates followed by team dinners and training trips, quick chats in the spin studio turned into yoga, barre and coffee dates. Those soon stretched into lunches and dinners. Eventually we found ourselves consoling one another after miscarriages, celebrating birthdays and even vacationing together on the shores of Nantucket. Just as I still do with a close circle of my school teammates.

On the morning of my wedding to that boyfriend-turned-fiancé, we donned our respective bride and groom tees for a celebratory ride. Dripping with sweat afterward, we clinked our Champagne flutes and cut into a cake made by our friend Polly. “I couldn’t help myself,” she said with a grin as she pointed to the custom topper—a pair of bicycles.

After my daughter was born in 2018, I began to mix in yoga classes as well as stroller walks with fellow parents. Like spinning, heated yoga provided a sanctuary from the pressures of parenting and working, allowing me instead to focus on the simple movements of my body. 

But in March 2020, my routine came to an abrupt halt. Like every fitness studio around the country, SoulCycle and CorePower Yoga closed their doors when the pandemic hit. People feared even masked walks outside. For weeks I lamented the loss of my physical and emotional outlets. Would our friendships go by the wayside, too, I wondered?

A small group of us got our act together for a couple of Zoom happy hours—cocktails encouraged. We shared workout playlists and took the occasional masked walk 6 feet apart on the Capital Crescent Trail. Pregnant this time with my second, I even donned a pair of headphones and tried out a few of the silent disco spin classes in the parking lot of the Marriott in North Bethesda. 

With fleeting ambitions of practicing downward-facing dog and cycling while my newborn and toddler napped, I jumped at the chance to livestream yoga classes and purchase a spin bike. But zero accountability and the inevitable distraction of my husband and kids made it easy to skip those planned workouts. And those occasions when I managed to lay down my mat or clip in? I had a dark room with a mirror. Music turned up to the loudest decibel. I even had a scented candle. But I didn’t have my community. Turns out, that was the key to it all.

Fast forward to January 2023. Here goes nothing, I thought as I clipped into a bike at the Bethesda studio. “Welcome back,” Michelle said with her signature grin. “Close your eyes,” she encouraged me and the many other riders who had recently returned. “Trust that your body knows what to do.” Within minutes, I felt my mind and body relax as I moved intuitively to the beat—pushups, tap-backs and all. I gazed around the dark room during the last song, feeling the contagious energy of my fellow riders cheering and whipping their towels in sync. I truly came home at that moment—not simply to the end of the class, but to my fitness family here in Bethesda.

Since then, I’ve started getting to know the new staff and riders who’ve flocked in since the pandemic eased, reconnected with old fitness acquaintances and invited my longtime workout buddies over for dinner. Our crew spans five decades. We are lawyers, writers, fitness instructors, publicists, stay-at-home parents and entrepreneurs. But we are united by a collective basic human desire: to connect.

And that’s how I remembered that exercise can be about more than simply burning calories, boosting endorphins or dutifully checking a box for the day—though it does all those things, too. It’s about moving your body and connecting with the people around you. Whether you’re passing the ball to a teammate, riding with the pack or flowing on your mat alongside others, group fitness allows you to feel a part of something larger than yourself, drawing you in at times when you might feel out to sea. I’m back in the saddle these days, and I hope you will be, too. 

This story appears in the November/December issue of Bethesda Magazine.

The post How spin class and the SoulCycle community saved a local writer’s soul appeared first on MoCo360.

Dress: $298 at Reformation, 4823 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, 240-551-5125, thereformation.com

Sweatshirt: $180 at Anine Bing, 7243 Woodmont Ave., Suite 10A, Bethesda, 240-744-0100, aninebing.com

Heels: $845 at Nordstrom, 7111 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda, 301-365-4111, nordstrom.com

Lip color: Tom Ford Liquid Lip Luxe Matte in “Carnal Red,” $59 at Bluemercury, 7105 Bethesda Lane, Bethesda, 301-986-0070; 10231B Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, 301-897-0006; 11885 Grand Park Ave. (Pike & Rose), North Bethesda, 301-816-3003, bluemercury.com

Earrings: $68 at Sassanova, 7134 Bethesda Lane, Bethesda, 301-654-7402,
sassanova.com

Corduroys: $298 at Veronica Beard, 4840 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, 240-425-4808, veronicabeard.com

Sunglasses: $145 at Johnny Was, 4867 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, 301-263-3505, johnnywas.com

This story appears in the November/December issue of Bethesda Magazine.

The post Stand out with our fiery red shopping picks appeared first on MoCo360.

Coctel de Algarrobina

What Pisco, algarrobina syrup, cream, egg white, cinnamon
Why  This carob concoction akin to eggnog is typically served on Christmas in Peru; why not celebrate early?
Where La Canela, 141-D Gibbs St., Rockville

Antipasti Dirty Martini

What House tomato gin, basil, olive brine, mozzarella, cherry tomato, Castelvetrano olive 
Why Order a pair of these savory coupes to accompany Caruso’s antipasti for two.
Where Caruso’s Grocery, 11820 Trade St. (Pike & Rose), North Bethesda

Side Car

What Courvoisier VS cognac, Grand Marnier, lemon, simple syrup
Why  This sweet winter sipper is just as enticing as its summer sister, the margarita.
Where  La Ferme, 7101 Brookville Road, Chevy Chase

 Spiced Pear Margarita

What  Bozal mezcal, housemade pear puree, ginger syrup, agave, lime
Why  Lick the cinnamon sugar rim before slurping down this smoky yet sweet elixir.
Where Gringos & Mariachis, 4928 Cordell Ave., Bethesda; 12435 Park Potomac Ave., Potomac

Bull in a China Shop

What  Tito’s vodka, chamomile tea, agave, honey-lemon ginger simple syrup, mint
Why A calming citrus cocktail to warm you (and your throat).
Where  Hawkers, 7117 Bethesda Lane, Bethesda

Smoke Fashioned

What McClintock Bootjack rye, Angostura bitters, honey maple syrup, orange, applewood smoke
Why Watching this old fashioned get smoked tableside is as alluring as the drink itself.
Where J. Hollinger’s Waterman’s Chophouse, 8606 Colesville Road, Silver Spring

The Bouboulina

What Ilegal Joven mezcal, roasted beets, lime, ginger honey syrup, fennel
Why A bright beet blend that’s sweet and earthy enough to appeal to even the most modest of mezcal drinkers.
Where Melina, 905 Rose Ave. (Pike & Rose), North Bethesda

Pumpkin Spice White Russian

What  Vodka, Kahlúa, pumpkin spice liqueur, cream
Why Keep the Thanksgiving vibes going all season with this spiced dessert of a drink.
Where Old Angler’s Inn, 10801 MacArthur Blvd., Potomac

Gray Wolf Rye Whiskey

What A Maryland-made take on a classic
Why Order it neat, on the rocks or in a cocktail; whichever, you’ll appreciate this spirit’s warm notes of cinnamon, vanilla and oak.
Where Quarry House Tavern, 8401 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring

Spritzler

What Aperitivo Cappelletti, sparkling wine, housemade grapefruit cordial, soda, Alpino bitters
Why  This herbal spritz served with a lemon wheel and olive comes with major après-ski vibes.
Where The Girl & The Vine, 7071 Carroll Ave., Takoma Park

This story appears in the November/December issue of Bethesda Magazine.

The post 10 seasonal cocktails on menus in Montgomery County appeared first on MoCo360.