IN THE MIDDLE OF IT ALL.

Winter Holidays

The chilly winter month of December is filled with celebrations, parties, and holidays all around the world. Some are filled with solemn traditions while others focus on fun and frolic. 

Hanukkah: While the exact dates change every year, this is an eight-day Jewish holiday. Those who celebrate light a special candle holder called a menorah. They do this to remember an ancient miracle in which one day’s worth of oil burned for eight. 

Winter Solstice: This year the winter solstice takes place on December 21st, which will be the shortest day of 2022. People all over the world celebrate with festivals and celebrations. 

Christmas: This Christian holiday is celebrated annually on December 25th. In the US the holiday centers around spending time with family and exchanging gifts. Festivities in Ireland tend to be more religious, and celebrations last until the 6th of January. 

Kwanzaa: A holiday based on ancient African harvest festivals which celebrate the ideals of family life and unity. Celebrated from December 26th through January 1st. 

No matter what holiday, or holidays, you celebrate, we wish you a very happy, healthy, safe, relaxing, and fun holiday season! Happy holidays!

Enjoy Plant-Based Fare at Planta

Planta isn’t just devoted to plant-based dining. It’s also dedicated to environmental sustainability. So in addition to serving only vegan food, every process the restaurant has put in place benefits Mother Earth. From compostable to-go packaging to locally sourced produce, Planta has taken steps to decrease its footprint wherever possible.

So you can feel really good about dining at Planta whether you’re a vegan or not. You won’t even miss the meat at the plant-based Asian restaurant. Its sushi chefs artfully craft rolls sans seafood, using veggies like eggplant or even watermelon as stand-ins. For instance, the ahi watermelon nigiri comes glazed with ginger and citrus soy, while the mushroom “bacon” inari harnesses the umami flavor of fungi. Meanwhile, a baked crab roll is actually stuffed with hearts of palm, plus ponzu and spicy mayo. Foray into raw fare with the pad Thai slaw, kelp noodles tossed with green papaya, peppers, cabbage, and peanut sauce. Or sink your teeth into a signature entree such as the avocado-lime tartare, showcasing beetroot “tuna” with pine nuts, capers, citrus soy sauce, sesame, cilantro, and crispy taro chips.

Music Old and New Rings Out Across the Concert Hall at MCYO: Symphonic Essence

Vivaldi. Mozart. Bizet. These are some of the musical icons inspiring the pair of MCYO: Symphonic Essence concerts on Sunday, December 11th. With one performance slated for 2 p.m. and another set to begin at 7 p.m., you have two opportunities to experience the passion with which the orchestra delivers its cheery holiday symphony.

MCYO is made up of a mix of young artists and seasoned adult musicians led by meticulous conductors who guide them as they master some of the most difficult and famous melodies of all time—alongside some lesser-known tracks. On deck for MCYO: Symphonic Essence is Overture to the Merry Widow, a newly composed suite from Wagners Lohengrin, and Three Sketches for Unbridled Earth. The latter by Jordan Jinosko has actually never been played before in public, and it’s essentially a love poem to Mother Nature. Oscar Navarro’s Libertadores will serve as another homage to the earth, this time the Amazon rainforest and its native people. Tickets to the performances start at $10.

Thankful for Thanksgiving

It’s more than eating turkey, watching football, and taking naps! 

Thanksgiving is a national United States holiday that takes place every third Thursday of November, this year on November 24th.

The first Thanksgiving dates back to 1621, when the Plymouth colonists and the Wampanoag shared an autumn feast. Then, for more than two centuries, Thanksgiving was celebrated on different days by the US colonies and states. It wasn’t until 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November. 

According to the National Turkey Federation, 90% of American households eat turkey for Thanksgiving- whether it be roasted, baked, or deep-fried. Other traditional foods include stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. 

Parades have also become a common aspect of the holiday. Presented by Macy’s department store since 1924, New York City’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the largest and most famous, attracting up to 3 million in-person spectators along its 2.5-mile route and drawing an enormous television viewing crowd. 

As in the name, Thanksgiving is dedicated to giving thanks. So, this year take an extra moment to figure out what you are most grateful for. 

The spooky side of Maryland

Who doesn't like a good ghost story? Do you binge Ghost Hunters until 3 am? And who doesn’t like to see, first hand, the sites of hauntings? Eventbrite is sponsoring the Savage Mills Ghost Tours to satisfy that spectral itch you’ve been having.

Discover the Mill’s haunted history where restless spirits continue to roam these halls to this very day. Learn about the working conditions during 19th century Savage Mill and how they tie to the ghostly encounters today and the cheeky little girl who loves tripping the living.

Tours are available on November 2nd and 5th, from 8:00 pm until 9:30 pm. You will be guided on your tour by the Savage Mill’s historian who will regale you with stories and impress you with all sorts of facts and information about the Mill and its history.

Information about this once-in-a-lifetime experience can be found here. You can also purchase tickets for either date as well. Come on out and give it a try, we’re confident you’ll have a great time.

Better food means better living

Does the idea of delicious food that is also fresh, healthy, and fills not only your stomach, but also your spirit and soul make you stand up and say “I know where I want to eat tonight”? Give True Food Kitchen a try.

True Food Kitchen is the only restaurant fundamentally based on science which ensures all of its craveable dishes and drinks work to increase the longevity of our people and planet.

At True Food Kitchen, their menu is carefully crafted so that every bite and every refreshing sip serves up big flavor, an abundance of fresh ingredients and a taste of the unexpected. Their artisan chefs create crave-worthy classics alongside a steady rotation of seasonal offerings that take advantage of naturally ripe fruits and vegetables so their flavor is full and their nutrients rich. Creative, hand-crafted beverages built around seasonality, quality ingredients and simple preparations complement every occasion from brunch, lunch, dinner and, of course, dessert. Always room for dessert.

Visit True Food Kitchen at 221 Rio Blvd, Suite 0221, Gaithersburg. More info and a menu can be found here. 

Holiday Crafts and Treats Event

It’s ooky and spooky! It’s filled with ghouls, goblins, monsters, and mayhem! It’s the Silver Spring Holiday Crafts and Treats Event! 

From arts & crafts vendors, to jewelry, bath and body products, holiday decor, treats and desserts, and much more. Kick off the holiday season here! 

Just in time for the kid’s candy celebration of Halloween, come on out to the Veteran’s Plaza for a delectable excursion in the world of sweets and desserts! 

Veteran’s Plaza in Silver Spring, MD will be hosting its first dessert fair this fall season. Taking place on Sunday, October 30, from 12 noon until 5 pm. 

Then, of course, with Halloween right around the corner, there will be a Kid’s and Pet’s Halloween Costume Parade! With the Kid’s Halloween Parade having a best costume prize from 3 pm - 3:30 pm. But costumes are encouraged for everyone! 

Other fun activities include pumpkin decorating, storytelling, and much more. Admission is free!

The Restaurant Elle

Voted in the number one spot on the list of Top Ten Essential Restaurants Across America according to Resy, everyone needs to visit Restaurant Elle. 

Featuring both a daytime and dinner menu, everyone will find something they love!

The daytime menu features classic brunch staples. Such as coffee and tea to drink. Then, breakfast sandwiches, bagels, burgers, and sandwiches. Also featuring sweet treats like scones, muffins, and cookies. 

The dinner menu also seems to be just as delicious. With poutine, burgers, pasta, and more. As well as desserts, cocktails, wine, and beer! 

Restaurant Elle is open during the daytime from 8 am until 3 pm, seven days a week. Counter service only, no reservations- seating is first come first serve. As for evening dining, outdoor reservations are accepted. However, outdoor reservations may be canceled due to inclement weather unless seating is available indoors. A credit card is required for reservations, no-shows will be charged $25/ person. For both daytime and evening, a 20% service fee is automatically added to every bill. 

Restaurant Elle is located at 3221 Mt Pleasant St NW, Washington DC, 20010.

DIY Halloween Decor

Let’s cut to the chase, Halloween is peaking its head around the corner. Well, it’s a headless horseman head! With that, there is nothing more exciting than decorating for Halloween. Here are some DIY decorations you can make to get in the spooky spirit! 

Delightful Devilish Handsoap- Buy some hand soap from the Dollar Store, and fill it with a few plastic spiders or festive confetti for an ominous touch.

Make A Pumpkin Vase- Turn your pumpkin into a vase for a Halloween-chic centerpiece. 

Whip Up A Scary Dessert- Your desserts can double as decor, too. Try making some Halloween dirt cups; chocolate pudding topped with Oreos, chocolate chips, and Belvita cookies. 

Send Test Tubes Invitations- Don't limit Halloween party decor to the big event itself. Make sure your invitations are just as spirited and fun. 

Make A Googly Eye Wreath- You'll need a lot of ping pong balls, but the scary mass of watching eyes will be so worth it.

Paper Bats- Frame a doorway with flying paper bats for a super simple but fun Halloween vibe at home. 

Decorate your entire space with these terrifyingly terrific DIYs!

Handcrafted Barbeque at 2fifty BBQ

Who is ready for some delicious southern BBQ, right in your neighborhood!? With everything handcrafted and wood-smoked daily? Cut and served to order daily? Then, get ready to visit the incredible 2fifty Barbeque. 

With delicious BBQ and delicious dishes, check out their entire menu here. Discover all of the classic barbeque menu items. Such as Prime Brisket, Pork Spare Ribs, Turkey, Beef Ribs, Pulled Pork, Smoked Chicken, and a Pulled Pork Sandwich. 

Then there is a new special item every day of the week. This Wednesday the special is a McLoaded Baked Potato; a baked potato with butter, sour cream, choice of protein, house-made mac n cheese, and freshly chopped cilantro. 

Then make sure to find the most perfect side dish. Choose from options like CornBread, Brisket Beans, Mac N Cheese, Coleslaw, Potato Salad, Mango Salad, Texas Toast, and so much more! 

Finally, finish it all off with a delicious dessert. Like Banana Pudding, Key Lime Pie, Homemade Apple Pie, and Blueberry Cheesecake. 

2fifty BBQ is open Wednesdays - Saturdays from 11 am until 7 pm. And Sundays from 11 am until 6:30 pm. Located at 4700 Riverdale Rd, Riverdale Park, Maryland 20737.