The Bethesda, Maryland Food and Drink Notebook
It’s been a few months since my last edition of the Bethesda, Maryland dining news and notes column, and there are some very exciting topics worth mentioning. If you live in or around Bethesda and want the latest rundown of where to go, what to eat and what to drink, then you’re in luck right here. Let’s dive in and take a look…
Dolcezza, purveyor of delicious, artisanal gelato, has a variety of local and seasonally inspired flavors on the menu right now that you absolutely have to check out. This includes their Heirloom Neck Pumpkin, made from ingredients from the sustainable Tree and Leaf Farm in Uniondale, Virginia; the Cucumber Tarragon Gin sorbetto featuring Green Hat Gin from Columbia Distillers; Thai Basil Jalapeno sorbetto incorporating Gordy’s Pickles, and Penn Quarter Porter gelato with DC Brau in the recipe.
100 Montaditos will be opening up in the old Green Papaya space. While I’ll miss the pho from Green Papaya, I could not be more excited for the selection of small Spanish bread-based bites coming onto the scene. After returning from a two week trip to Spain last summer, I have never stopped craving and pining for the food. Now it’ll be right down the street – in a more casual and informal setting than Jaleo, which is also just down the block, of course.
A special $25 for 25 wine tasting event will be held at Redwood on Thursday, November 1 from 7 to 9pm. Called “Harvest on the Lane – A Fall Wine Celebration” snacks and hors d’oeuvres will be served to go along with the two dozen wines. Redwood has been a roll with their events lately, including their jam-packed Octoberfest celebration which was held in September.
In the past, Mon Ami Gabi has been the Bethesda Row’s go-to spot for semi-annual $25 for 25 tastings. Mon Ami is also continuing their series of specialized holiday menus for a variety of occasions throughout the year, including September’s Jewish New Year celebration of Rosh Hashanah.
Wine bar Vino Volo is getting set to open its doors, in a large Bethesda Row space right next to Mon Ami Gabi. Because clearly, we need more places to drink wine. The chain largely consists of wine bars found in airports across the country, and this will be their first stand-alone store in an urban area. You can learn more about Vino Volo and their concepts at their website.
With the Ritz Camera store going out of business right down the block, Bethesda Row food fiends are already pondering what may be opening up in its place. Don’t be surprised if it has something to do with wine or cupcakes. Everyone, apparently, loves wine and cupcakes.
This article was first published by Jake Emen on Yahoo Voices, October 29, 2012
