Food + Beverage

A Quiet Culinary Jewel

Tradition Finds a Home at Mamma Lena, Germantown’s Italian Treasure Article and Photography by In the unassuming setting of a Germantown strip mall, where chain restaurants and big-box convenience stores form much of the visual landscape, a modest trattoria has quietly distinguished itself as one of Montgomery County’s most memorable dining experiences. Behind its simple glass front, Mamma Lena Trattoria Napoletana has spent nearly a decade showing that exceptional Italian cooking does not...

Food + Beverage

Local Family Expands from Tacos to Brewing

A Mexican culinary dynasty brews in Gaithersburg Article and Photography by In Montgomery County’s strip-mall landscape, one family has quietly rewritten the script. Over the last twenty years, José and Teresa Valdivia and their extended family have transformed everyday storefronts into beloved culinary destinations that locals and beer lovers cherish. It started in 2003 at Taco Bar El Güero , a gas-station counter tucked into Gaithersburg’s industrial fold. Despite changing from Chevron to...

Food + Beverage

Let's Talk Cheese

Family-owned Wegmans Provides Exemplary Products and Customer Service Article by Debra Wallace | Photography by Provided by Wegmans Food Markets When shoppers at the Wegmans in Rockville sample and buy pieces of authentic Italian Parmigiano Reggiano or Triple-Cream French Brie, they are usually unaware of how much preparation, care, and hard work go into each of these products. When the Rockville store opened in June 2025, the cheese demonstrations and other samples quickly became a customer...

Arts + Culture

Around Town & The Newest Flavors in the Area

Article by Anicia Juarez | Photography by Provided October 2 Wheaton Farmers Market
Evans Neighborhood Park, Wheaton, MD Celebrate the harvest season at this bustling community market, held every Thursday in October from 3–7 PM. You'll find fresh local produce, artisan breads, baked goods, and small-batch jams, perfect for anyone who loves farm-to-table freshness. The relaxed, family-friendly vibe makes it a great spot to grab a snack, chat with local growers, and soak in the fall spirit.
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