Food + Beverage

Ela Mesa Taste of Greece

A Farm-to-Table Gathering Spot in Gaithersburg Article by David Robert Lambert | Photography by Ela Mesa Taste of Greece, David Robert Lambert Driving through Gaithersburg's Spectrum Town Center on a Thursday afternoon, I was still getting my bearings in a part of Montgomery County that seems to reinvent itself every few years when I arrived at Ela Mesa Taste of Greece. The restaurant's name means "come in," and after sitting down with owner Georgios "George" Papaevangelou, it became clear why...

Health + Wellness

A Smile Worth Sharing

How Dr. Yu Orthodontics Is Helping Families Build Healthy, Confident Smiles Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Dr. Ceylon Mitchell October is all about gathering around the table. From pumpkin patches and football tailgates to family dinners and Halloween treats, food has a way of bringing people together. Behind every laugh, conversation and celebration is something we often take for granted: a healthy smile. At Yu Orthodontics, creating beautiful smiles is only part of the mission...

Travel

Coastal Luxury, One Course at a Time

Beach House Fort Lauderdale redefines the luxury getaway with elevated dining, curated experiences and unforgettable waterfront hospitality. Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Beach House Fort Lauderdale Some destinations are known for their beaches. Others are celebrated for their restaurants. At Beach House Fort Lauderdale, guests never have to choose between the two. Set along the golden sands of Fort Lauderdale Beach, the newly reimagined all-suite resort offers more than a...

Food + Beverage

THE LOCAL LIST

Eat, Drink & Explore Gaithersburg, Germantown, Olney & Beyond Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Provided From authentic family recipes and chef-driven neighborhood favorites to locally brewed beer, outdoor adventures and entertainment, Montgomery County offers plenty of reasons to get out and explore. Whether you're looking for your next dinner reservation, a laid-back brewery afternoon or something different to do this weekend, consider this your local list of places worth a visit. ...

Food + Beverage

Maple Apple Old Fashioned

A cozy, slightly spiced twist on the classic Old Fashioned, perfect for crisp autumn evenings. Article and Photography by Carly Mac Manus Serves:  1 Ingredients 2 oz bourbon 1/2 oz pure maple syrup 2 dashes Angostura bitters 1 dash apple bitters (or an additional dash of Angostura bitters) Orange peel, for garnish Thin apple slice, for garnish Cinnamon stick, for garnish Large ice cube Directions Fill a mixing glass with ice. Add the bourbon, maple syrup, Angostura...

Food + Beverage

IF IT AIN'T GREAT, IT ISN'T GREGORIO'S

Award-winning Italian favorite delivers comfort, connection, and unforgettable meals for families and neighbors Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Dr. Ceylon Mitchell, Food Images by Jack Hartzman There is something special about a restaurant that feels like it has always been part of your life. Gregorio’s Trattoria is exactly that kind of place. Built on the idea that great food begins with family, the restaurant reflects founder Greg Kahn’s upbringing, where meals were made with...

Food + Beverage

The Mamma Lena Trattoria Napoletana Experience

Boutique dining experience rooted in family, tradition, and true Italian hospitality Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Jennifer Rosaria Film&Photography In Germantown, an intimate dining experience is bringing the warmth, flavors and traditions of Italy a little closer to home. At Mamma Lena Trattoria Napoletana, family is at the heart of everything, from the recipes prepared in the kitchen to the hospitality guests experience from the moment they arrive. The reservation-only...

Food + Beverage

Meet the Makers

Bottles With a Story: Bold Flavors & Handcrafted Spirits Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Grande Guapo Handcrafted Tequila, Song Dog Farm Distillery, 3708 Spirits, The Black Swan Co. MEET THE MAKERS.. From handcrafted tequila to locally distilled spirits and inventive mixers, today's home bar is as much about the people behind the label as what's in the glass. For Potomac-area hosts, these makers bring both standout flavor and story. Grande Guapo Handcrafted Tequila Bethesda...

Education

Rising With Purpose

How Nora Babu Turned a Personal Health Crisis Into a Mission of Advocacy, Music and Compassion Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Kathy Donohue Babu At just 17 years old, Nora Babu is already proving that grace and grit can coexist beautifully. The Maryland teen, nonprofit founder, opera vocalist and pageant titleholder is using her platform to spotlight the people she says helped save her spirit during one of the most difficult seasons of her life: nurses. In October 2024, Babu...

Local Services

The Art of the Perfect Fit

How Silhouette Bridal & Formal Founder Farah Abazary Is Helping Women Feel Their Most Beautiful Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Farahnaz Abazary Some women remember every detail of the dress they wore on one of the biggest days of their lives. Others remember something more meaningful: how they felt wearing it. For Farah Abazary, founder of Silhouette Bridal & Formal in Gaithersburg, creating that feeling has been her life's work. Whether she is fitting a bride before her walk...