New in town
Little Miner Taco, a scratch kitchen serving up Mexican-inspired plates, expanded to its third location in the D.C. area with the opening of a permanent restaurant in Rockville in July after vacating its space at Pike & Rose’s The Block Foodhall, which closed in April. Bright red, orange and white walls adorned with cacti welcome customers for lunch or dinner at the fast-casual establishment, which seats up to 30.
Stop by on a Tuesday to take advantage of ever-popular specials on taco dishes such as chicken tinga, grilled tiger shrimp, and jackfruit, among others. Don’t miss the standout birria de res queso tacos made with slow-braised beef, salsa roja, jack cheese, onion and cilantro wrapped in a crispy corn tortilla served with a side of beef consomme. If you’re craving something other than tacos, the diverse menu offers a wide range of options, from crispy “munchwraps” and quesadillas to empanadas and loaded fries.
Feeding a crowd? Check out the traveling Taco Picnic Box for two, four or six, ranging from $50 to $150, which includes your choice of proteins, handmade tortillas, a selection of toppings and housemade salsas, sides such as street corn or rice and beans, beverages and a sweet treat such as cinnamon churros with dulce de leche dip or mini mangonadas, a tangy Mexican dessert made with mango chunks, tajin, lime and chimoy.
39 Maryland Ave., Rockville, littleminertaco.com
Discovery
Inspired by the laid-back country setting of wineries and farm breweries, longtime Damascus couple Don and Susan Katzenberger purchased a neighboring plot to their home four years ago to build Stone Silo Brewery, which opened in January. The property’s original stone silo, dating back to 1931, stands tall abutting the brewery’s modern rustic taproom. Gaze at the fields from a barstool perched by panoramic windows or settle into a leather-backed chair facing the gas fireplace. Weather permitting, guests can enjoy the property alfresco at the adults-only pavilion or at the picnic tables—a good spot for families and four-legged visitors.
Choose from 14 beers on tap, plus a variety of seasonally inspired hard seltzers. First-time visitors should try the Nehemiah Nectar, a tangerine hazy IPA named after the property’s original landowner, Nehemiah Moxley. Although the brewery does not serve food, expect a rotating roster of food trucks Thursday through Sunday; see the website for the latest schedule, which also includes live music on weekend evenings. The Katzenbergers also encourage guests to bring in food along with blankets and chairs.
28800 Kemptown Road, Damascus, stonesilobrewery.com
Comings and Goings
- Paladar Latin Kitchen, a Latin fusion restaurant and rum bar, closed its Gaithersburg location in May.
- Carmen’s Italian Ice, which offers more than 60 homemade flavors, is expected to open its third location in Kensington soon.
- The D.C.-based neighborhood pub Duke’s Grocery is set to expand to its first Maryland outpost in Potomac this fall.
- The owners of Taco Bar El Guero, Ixtapalapa and La Gula Mexicana plan to open Mayan Monkey Brewing Co. in Gaithersburg this fall.
- The new Westbard Square in Bethesda will welcome Piccoli Piatti Pizzeria, Silver and Sons BBQ and Tatte Bakery in the fall.
Pinch of wisdom
“Embrace your failures in the kitchen and learn from them. Cooking is a lifelong journey; every step you don’t get quite right the first time is that much more gratifying when you perfect it in the future.”
—Eric McKamey, executive chef of The Salt Line in Bethesda
This story appears in the September/October 2024 issue of Bethesda Magazine.
