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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Food + Beverage

Sweet is So Good

Sweet Findings in the DC Area Article by Marie Robey Wood | Photography by Provided From boutique candy stores to cozy donut pop-ups to charming pastry shops, the metro area has something to satisfy every kind of sweet tooth! Nothing Bundt Cakes “A party without cake is just a meeting.” – Julia Child After working twenty years in the corporate world, Verelyn Gibbs Watson fell in “love at first bite” with Nothing Bundt Cakes, leading her to open the brand’s first location in the DC metro...

Style + Beauty

Velvet Reign

Fall’s most luxurious fashion trends arrive in layers, regal jewel tones, and sculptural jewelry. Article and Photography by In Gaithersburg, fall fashion steps into its most decadent chapter yet. Discover velvet tailoring and gilded accents at Saks Chevy Chase, rich layers at Nordstrom Bethesda, and timeless consignment finds at Chapter Two. From local streets to living rooms, Fall 2025 revels in texture, jewel tones, and baroque drama.

Style + Beauty

Everyday Essentials for Him

Grooming, scent, style, and accessories with timeless appeal. Article and Photography by Creed Aventus A bold blend of citrus, woods, and musk. Available at Nordstrom, Montgomery Mall. Honest Amish Beard Oil Woodsy, natural, and softening. Find it at Whole Foods, Kentlands. Bulldog Skincare Clean, cruelty-free grooming from Target in Rio. Omega Boutique Swiss watches, leather goods, and refined accessories worth the drive to DC. Beyond Measure Custom Tailored suits, shirts, and...

Health + Wellness

The Skin Experts

Gaithersburg’s trusted dermatologists blend science, artistry, and patient-first care Article by Provided | Photography by Courtesy of Center for Cosmetic and Clinical Dermatology For nearly three decades, The Center for Cosmetic and Clinical Dermatology has served as one of the region’s most trusted and respected practices for medical and aesthetic skin care. Founded in 1996 by Dr. Roni W. Ford , who took over the practice of a retiring local dermatologist, the Center has grown steadily in...

Life + Culture

Corvettes and More Corvettes

1978 Silver Anniversary Corvette for Three Generations Article by David Robert Lambert | Photography by Weaber/Aronson Family The Washington DC Auto Show is a beloved annual tradition and the largest public event of its kind in the nation's capital, set to commence on Jan 23rd-Feb 6th, 2026. The Corvette Club of America (CCA) is a proud participant. "It's really special to see six-year-old girls and eight-year-old boys light up," said CCA member Kera Weaber Aronson. "They ask, 'Can I sit in...

Style + Beauty

Marian Style

Maria Torrez brings runway fashion to Rockville Article by Mindy Toran | Photography by Provided Growing up, Maria Torrez recalls fond memories of helping her mother with sewing and crafts at their home in El Salvador. She was captivated by the world of fashion and beauty and dreamed of designing her own clothes someday. She immigrated to the United States at an early age in 1995 with the hopes of bringing her dreams to reality. Maria received her first break when she came across a designer...