Story by Cassandra Ellis and photos by Joseph Ellis (unless otherwise indicated)
Wild Tomato Restaurant
Damian and Stephanie Salvatore were looking to start a restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere that would appeal to everyone, from children to the most distinguished guests. They opened Wild Tomato on January 14th, 2011, and the restaurant has been a warm and inviting place in Cabin John ever since. A neighborhood gathering spot for a quick pizza and a beer or sit down to salad and pan-seared salmon or clam linguini. Whatever choice you make you cannot go wrong. The Wild Tomato is a neighborhood fixture.
7945 Macarthur Blvd., Cabin John, Maryland 20818
Sal’s Italian Kitchen
Damian Salvatore, “Sal” of Sal’s Italian Kitchen, graduated top of his class from Bethesda’s La Academie de Cuisine. Launching Sal’s in 2016, after a successful career with top chefs in D.C., and having opened a restaurant in Bethesda and Wild Tomato, in Cabin John, the Salvatore’s opened the restaurant as an homage to their heritage. Crispy calamari or fresh bruschetta, specialty pastas and salads, and do not forget to leave room for dessert, tiramisu, or caramel and banana bread pudding.
7945 MacArthur Blvd., Cabin John, Maryland 20818
Rice Paddies Grill
Made to order Vietnamese and fusion, conveniently located on the corner of Wisconsin and Bethesda Avenue, Rice Paddies Grill has been a staple in Bethesda for years. Starting with the freshest of ingredients, and offering gluten-free and vegetarian options, with affordable pricing and fast service. Try the crispy spring rolls and rice and pasta bowls, enjoy a dessert of bananas with sticky rice or young coconut and a glass of Thai iced tea.
4706 Bethesda Avenue, #A, Bethesda, Maryland 20814
Georgetown Cupcakes
Best-selling authors of The Cupcake Diaries and Sweet Celebrations, sisters Katherine Kallinis Berman and Sophie Kallinis LaMontagne have made baking cupcakes into a successful nationwide business, beginning in D.C. in 2008 and expanding to Bethesda all the way to New York and Los Angeles, and areas in between, Georgetown Cupcakes in Bethesda is a terrific place to grab a latte and a scrumptious cupcake, from the everyday menu, including vanilla or chocolate birthday and chocolate ganache, to specialties like salted caramel, the flavors and choices are always a delight.
4834 Bethesda Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland 20814
Mrs. K’s Tollhouse
On April 1, 1930 Mrs. K’s Toll House Tavern opened their doors. Originally an actual tollhouse in Montgomery County, Blanche and Harvey Kreuzburg established their country restaurant in Silver Spring, Maryland. Experience a magical trip to the past as you dine at a cozy table for two or eat in the front parlor turned dining room, take your time to explore the restaurant’s antiques and their special pieces of history.
Try the delicious deviled eggs or mushroom risotto, seafood pasta or braised and boneless short ribs. And for dessert try the state’s delicacy, Smith Island Cake, or the bread pudding with a Myer’s rum banana sauce.
9201 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
Ikko Sushi in Silver Spring
Take away or eat in, Ikko Sushi offers specialty sushi, including their own D.C. Monument Roll, big enough to share, and the Dragon and Volcano rolls, rice bowls and teriyaki dinners. A small restaurant with a welcoming staff, situated a few blocks away from Silver Spring’s Metro station, the food is fresh and made to order with plenty of seating inside or you can step outside to enjoy NOAA’s Coastline wave pool.
1215 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
Head to Samantha’s for Latin Cuisine
Samantha’s has been our go-to restaurant when we are looking for Latin flavor. The food has the traditional flavors of Latin America, with a variety of pupusas, tamales like my mother-in-law makes, tropical salad and taco salad, and sopa de rez (beef soup) or carne asada, or their amazing seafood paella, the menu is varied and delightful. A small piece of Latin American flavor, you will be seated and immediately and served handmade chips and salsa.
631 University Boulevard East, Silver Spring, Maryland 20901
The Common at the College Park Marriot Inn and Conference Center
Looking for some traditional pub fare with a twist check out The Common at the College Park Marriot Inn and Conference Center in Adelphi, Maryland. The kitchen is headed up by Executive Chef Francisco Merizalde, who is from Ecuador and learned to cook by his mother’s side. Her influences have inspired his cooking. Always a favorite are the Cajun shrimp and grits, or you might prefer a Maryland classic crab cake sandwich. For dessert, the toffee bourbon cake or you can never go wrong with a Smith Island cake.
3501 University Blvd East, · Adelphi, Maryland 20783
Crafty Crab Seafood in District Heights
Crafty Crab Seafood is a new restaurant in District Heights, Maryland. They serve 100% fresh, Cajun seafood. The gumbo and crawfish are reminiscent of a table in New Orleans and the hush puppies are perfectly fried. Tender and juicy steamed oysters cooked exactly right. If you are looking for some downhome Cajun seafood while traveling around the Beltway this is the place to go.
5644 Silver Hill Road, District Heights, Maryland 20747
Public House – National Harbor
Comfortable dining best describes The Public House. A terrific spot for entertaining or being entertained The Public House offers a lively atmosphere and friendly staff, and a varied menu to enjoy. Start with panko onion rings, lightly battered sweet onions served with ranch and horseradish crème, or sweet corn hushpuppies perfectly fried and served alongside a tomato remoulade. Follow that up with chicken and waffles accompanied with a citrus vanilla butter and maple syrup or locally sourced rockfish served with corn risotto. If you cannot decide, The Public House offers a daily supper from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. And for dessert enjoy the black raspberry ombre cake or chocolate peanut butter pie.
199 Fleet Street, National Harbor, Maryland 20745
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