Commonwealth Indian opens in North Bethesda
The Indian restaurant arrived at Pike & Rose last week, featuring appetizers, family-style entrees and a full bar with Indian-inspired cocktails.
Commonwealth Indian is the most recent concept from Executive Chef Sunil Bastola, who owns and operates a pair of restaurants in Virginia, both named Bollywood Bistro.
“We’re very excited to bring our second Indian restaurant concept to the DC-metro area and add a new cuisine to the Pike & Rose neighborhood,” Bastola said in a statement. “Whether our guests are gathering with family over dinner or stopping in for a quick work-day lunch, Commonwealth will bring the best of traditional Indian dishes served in a contemporary way that North Bethesda has not yet seen.”
The menu includes traditional favorites such as Rajwadi Murgh (curry chicken), Mutton Ki Biryani (lamb) and Angrezi (butter chicken), along with fresh-baked bread and Indian salad. The bar has Indian beers and wines, and the restaurant will host a champagne brunch on Sundays.
Entrees range from $19 to $29, with the lunch menu items running a few dollars less. Signature cocktails are between $9 and $14.
La Gelatteria opens in Kensington on Friday
The gelato shop is the newest tenant to open at Knowles Station retail center, joining a Verizon store and Knowles Station Wine and Co. restaurant.
La Gelatteria will sell espresso in addition to 20 flavors of gelato, including lactose-free and vegan options.
The shop is at 10414 Detrick Ave.
Knowles Station was completed in February on the grounds of the former roadside stand Hawkins’ Produce.
Dog Haus announces child hunger fundraiser
The gourmet hot dog chain will bring back its Chef Collaboration Series in June, with five celebrity chefs creating limited-time items to benefit nonprofit No Kid Hungry.
This year’s selections will include hot dogs, sausages, burgers, wings and a vegan item, with $1 from each purchase going to the charity organization. Dog Haus has also added a craft cocktail component, enlisting a trio of celebrity mixologists to join in the collaboration.
“Childhood hunger is a constant battle, and Dog Haus is working hard with the culinary community to make an impact,” National Director of Chef and Culinary Relations for No Kid Hungry Jenny Dirksen said in a statement. “We look forward to seeing how this effort with some of the country’s top chefs and celebrity mixologists will benefit children in America.”
King’s Hawaiian’s National Corporate Executive Chef Bert S. Agor Jr. will develop an item for June, then give way to Pastry Chef Duff Goldman of Charm City Cakes. Chef Chris Oh of Seoul Sausage Co. will take August, then Chef Eric Greenspan of Alt Grub Faction in September.
Dog Haus’ Würstmacher Adam Gertler will cover October and November, before Ramen Hood creator Ilan Hall closes the promotion.
“Collaborating with No Kid Hungry and these amazing chefs is exciting for many reasons, but the most important part is giving back, because people matter,” Dog Haus Partner Hagop Giragossian said in a statement. “Working with chefs of this caliber naturally entices customers to check out new takes on our menu while supporting a worthy cause.
Mixologists Phil Wills, Mia Mastroianni and Lisamarie Joyce of the Paramount Network series Bar Rescue will each create two unique cocktails, beginning in August. Just like the chef series, $1 from each purchase will go to No Kid Hungry.
Dog Haus has a location in Bethesda and another coming to Gaithersburg.
Takoma Trukgarten returns on Saturday
The day-long festival will include more than 30 crafts beers, along with cider and a wine tent.
Participants include Silver Branch Brewing Co. and Denizens Brewing Co. from Silver Spring and 7 Locks Brewing from Rockville.
Takoma restaurants Cielo Rojo and Takoma Beverage Co. will provide food, along with Hardy’s BBQ from Bethesda and The Pretzel Bakery and Just AJ’s Veenies from the District.
There will also be live music performances by Moose Jaw Bluegrass, Dan Wolff, Park Snakes, Miss Moon Rising, and Anthony “Swamp Dog” Clark.
Entry and tasting tickets are available online starting at $25, with designated drivers getting in for $10. Tickets can also be purchased at the gate starting at $35, and $10 for designated drivers.
Gates open at noon and the festival goes until 5 p.m.
This story was updated to include the La Gelatteria news.
