Best Rockville Restaurants, According To Urban Spoon

>Rockville Central friend Jonathan Smith sent me a note listing the top ten restaurants in Rockville according to the dining website Urban Spoon. Here’s what he says:

I don’t agree with it, but here is Urban Spoon’s current top ten list for Rockville restaurants (based on website votes). I think you need a certain minimum vote count to make the list.

Best in Rockville

1. Giuseppi’s Pizza
2. Clyde’s Tower Oaks Lodge
3. Chipotle
4. Cava
5. Urban Bar-B-Cue Company
6. Houston’s
7. Crisp & Juicy
8. La Canela
9. Niwano Hana
10. Yuan Fu Vegetarian

There are a number of my faves that aren’t on the list, for instance Apollo Diner. What are your favorites that aren’t there?

All About National Night Out

Tuesday, August 4, 2009, is >National Night Out Against Crime. More than three dozen events are planned from 6-10 PM throughout Rockville. It will be one big party!

Evert neighborhood has its own special flair. Some have cookouts, moon bounces, or kid’s games. I always enjoy the visit from McGruff the Crime Dog and our Rockville City Police officers. Since it’s an election year, I’m sure the Mayor and Council and many candidates will be making the rounds.

The following neighborhoods are having block parties, check with your association for exact locations:

• East Rockville
• Fallsmead
• West End
• Lincoln Park
• Rockshire
• Hungerford
• Twinbrook
• Woodley Gardens
• Redgate Farms
• Lynfield
• Falls Ridge
• American Centre
• Welsh Park
• Woods Edge
• Village Green

The Twinbrook neighborhood has sent along a special invitation:

All Rockville residents and friends are invited for a free evening of swimming (gate opens at 4pm) at the Twinbrook Pool on Atlantic Avenue and Denfield There will be hamburgers and hot dogs, sodas, chips, candy and ice cream for sale at the snack bar.

Knock on your neighbors doors and get a group to come down together, bring some blankets and folding chairs and have a no-fuss get together at the Twinbrook Pool. Choose a theme for your group — everyone dress up like walruses for example, or make a great sign proclaiming you are the Midway Maniacs!

We will turn up the radio and spend some time swimming, talking and getting to know one another. As National Night Out is in collaboration with our Rockville Police Department, if they are not otherwise detained (hope for a quiet night) one of the officers will be coming by to meet the kids!

We are also having raffles. We already have some items up on the Twinbrook Pool web site and we have other items being donated, including services from some of our neighborhood businesses. Questions: Jacquie Kubin [email protected]

Good suggestions no matter which block party you attend! I’ve been lucky enough to have events in both my neighborhoods in Rockville - Twinbrook and West End/Lynfield. Go out and meet some neighbors. Make sure you know who lives nearby. You’ll be safer if you do.

For more information about National Night Out in Rockville, call Cpl. Ken Matney at 240-314-8922 or e-mail [email protected].

POTD: Seasonal Reminder

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I was at my friend Ruth’s the other day. She just loves animals and she had this important reminder in her shop window.

People: Kate Gosselin Staying Put

It’s not every day that >People has to set the record straight, but it looks like today’s one of those days:

Despite numerous reports that Kate Gosselin either has purchased or is considering purchasing a condo in Rockville, Md., a source close to the reality star says the mother of eight is absolutely not making a move that would put her miles away from her children.

“She is not buying or renting in the area,” says the source. “Kate was having lunch there, and after spending a total of one hour in a restaurant that has condos for sale above it, a rumor began that somehow, suddenly, she was buying a condo there. She didn’t even know there were apartments for sale there. It’s totally false.”

The original story appeared in Radar Online yesterday. Sorry for the false alarm.

Event Pick of the Week 7/30/09

>Pick of the Week

Photo from the Razor website

The Razors at Dad’s Neighborhood Pub
Friday, July 31, 2009 9:00 PM
I discovered this new location for live music entertainment on Rockville Living. We have a new venue for bands and they are booking quite a few regularly throughout the week. The Razors are a rock, country & blues cover band. The Pub has no cover charge and a cute name, plus on Fridays the margaritas are $1.95 until midnight.

Events in Rockville

Here’s the links to Rockville Living’s events in two formats - a one week list or six week calendar.

Six Week Calendar

This community event listing is a partnership between Rockville Central and Rockville Living. If you would like your community event listed, submit your information to Rockville Living using this form. Please become a regular contributor by requesting a username so that you can enter the information directly to the database..

If you attend an event, we invite you to write a Contributor Review. Just send it to Cindy Cotte Griffths for consideration. Rules: Event is in Rockville; fairly recent; article is your work; you are not offering it for publication elsewhere. Try to keep it under 500 words; we will edit for length. Include a photo if you have one.

Contributor Opinion By Herb Winkler: Indigenous Rock For Rockville

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Recreational rocks being installed at Town Square

I applaud the choice of recreational equipment in out Town Center. Rocks are stylish, maintenance free and could be carbon neutral, depending on how far they had to travel. I propose shopping locally next time. If we can’t get a decent town center rock in Maryland’s Rockville Town Center, which Rockville should we shop: CT, IN, MN, MO, NE, SC or UT?

In support of the Buy Rockville campaign, I propose we dig up our own rock during our next excavation.

The city does well with the various imported rockers, but we have to realize the importance of indigenous species, i.e. The West End. Our very own rock could serve as a mascot, sparing us the $75,000 marketing campaign (p.3 of the pdf link). A version of the mascot (Rocky?) could loose some weight and show up at civic events. This guy is saving us money already, and we haven’t even unearthed him yet!

Getting back to the business at hand: obtaining our soon to be beloved Rock (perhaps Rocko, a less violent cultural reference). Admittedly, there is no ongoing need for such items, as we have to brand our rocks before we can market them. Therefore, I propose we poll ourselves to determine what we want, and inform retailers of our findings.

As has already been discussed on Rockville Central, the wares that we need but can’t get in Town Center are hardware and underwear. That surprising result indicates the poll was not conducted properly, so let’s try again. I’ll ask one of our blogs, REDI, or the city itself to host a site to take your vote and address (so people don’t stuff the ballot box), and post results online. This won’t guarantee that we’ll get those stores, but some merchants may elect to carry useful items along with their usual wares. This could keep residents from having to navigate the Pike to shop.

When these items are available, will it increase the parking problem in Town Center? Recent blog entries about library parking have me concerned that it would. People, remember that the RideOn 45 stops right on the square, and I never have difficulty getting a bike rack. And walking works when we have a parade or fireworks, so try it when you shop.

By Herb Winkler

This is a contributor opinion. Rockville Central encourages readers to submit such opinions for consideration — the more voices the better. We especially welcome people who disagree with us. We ask that all such contributions be civil and we reserve the right to edit (in consultation with the author) or reject. Contributor opinions should not be seen as reflecting opinions held by Rockville Central editors, as they are just as frequently at odds with our own views. That’s the whole point!

POTD: See The Rainbow

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This hopeful shot (if you look closely you can see the rainbow) was submitted by Rockville Central friend Kate Savage. Of it, she says: “I love rainbows and Carver [education center] seems to be a good spot for them to appear. This was taken by my husband, Tom Sickles, around 7pm on Mannakee St.”

Thanks guys!

Sources: Kate Gosselin Moving To Town Square

We don’t normally have a “celebrity beat” here at >Rockville Central and we’re not necessarily into reality shows. But Our Fair City will increasingly be in the news as word has come that star Kate Gosselin of “Jon & Kate Plus 8,” whose split with husband Jon has been making the tabloids and celebrity blogs, is planning a move to Rockville and will apparently be living in Town Square.

Rumors have been circulating for a week or two now and it appears they are true.

This from Radar Online:

“Kate Gosselin is moving to Maryland, RadarOnline.com has learned exclusively. She’s buying a condo in Rockville, a wealthy part of Montgomery County.”

There’s a photo gallery here, which shows a number of views of Town Square.

I always find it interesting how others characterize Rockville. Here’s a question: How would you like Our Fair City to be characterized in national news stories?

Free School Supplies Available From City

>This from the City of Rockville:

The City of Rockville will distribute free school supplies and backpacks for the ninth consecutive year at its annual Back to School Jam on Friday, Aug. 21, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Lincoln Park Community Center, 357 Frederick Avenue. Proof of residency is required and each family is limited to three backpacks of school supplies.

The City is accepting donations prior to the event at Lincoln Park Community Center. Supplies most needed include pens, pencils, notebooks and binders.

“The Back to School Jam has become a big tradition over here in Lincoln Park, and the event continues to grow each year,” said Neal Owens, Lincoln Park Community Center supervisor. “We try to get the kids excited about the upcoming school year and give them a head start to help them feel confident going into school.”

Last year the event had over 800 visitors and handed out 426 backpacks, which volunteers stuff with supplies the night before.

The Back to School Jam will also feature the opportunity to meet staff from local schools, food, a DJ, a moonbounce and children’s activities, and information about Rockville’s youth programs.

The event is done in partnership with Linkages to Learning at Maryvale Elementary School, Mount Calvary Baptist Church and Rockville Housing Enterprises.

For more information contact Neal Owens at 240-314-8780, or [email protected].

POTD: Hall Of Mirrors

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It was really, really bright out when I took this and it was fun for me to look into the broken-up mirrored panels/

Rockville Will Be The State Capital (for a day!)

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Governor Martin O’Malley and Maryland’s Executive Cabinet will spend Thursday, July 30, 2009 in Rockville, declaring it Maryland’s “Capital for a Day.” The monthly program brings the State Capital to “every corner of Maryland”. Started in 2007, the program provides an opportunity for officials to share and discuss local concerns.

The City’s Press Release explains:

During the visit Thursday, the governor, cabinet secretaries, state and county elected officials, city staff, business and community leaders, and the Rockville Mayor and Council will participate in tours of the city, a business roundtable, briefings and meetings. The day will culminate with a cabinet meeting at 1:15 p.m. in Town Square. The cabinet meeting scheduled for Thursday afternoon is open to the public.

Last night at the Mayor and Council meeting, the staff suggested Mayor Susan Hoffmann could hand over some paperwork to the Governor, but it was decided it was probably best to use the regular procedure. Personally, I don’t think we want to take a chance on misplacing documents during the trip!

If you are available at 1:15 p.m., stop by Town Square for this special opportunity.

Joe Jordan Remarks At Citizens Forum: Email Sharing Policy Needed

Potential City Council candidate >Joe Jordan gave the following address at Citizen’s Forum at last night’s Mayor and Council meeting. (It’s taken from prepared text that he shared with us this morning.)

Jumping the shark is a phrase used to denote the point in a tv program history where the plot veers off into absurd story lines or out-of-the-ordinary characterizations. It corresponds to the point where a show with falling ratings becomes more desperate to draw in viewers. Shows that have “jumped the shark” are deemed to have passed their peak and declined in quality. Witnessing the display exhibited by members of this M&C two weeks ago, it could be said this M&C has indeed “jumped the shark”.

As part of a response to a speaker’s citizen forum statement on the budget, CM Robbins took the opportunity to explain why she voted against the FY2010 budget. Her greatest concern was the $1.7M in COLAs and merit increases included in it. She had spoken eloquently as to why she would vote against the budget when it came before M&C for approval in May. That should have been the end of the story.

Some weeks after the vote CM Britton wrote an opinion piece as to why he voted for the budget and why he supported the salary increases. It was posted on the Rockville Central blog and illicited 8 responses, divided equally for and against his position. Rather then being content with expressing his own views, Mr. Britton brought Ms. Robbins and a city resident into the fray. There was no mention of Ms. Marcuccio, who also voted against the budget, nor other residents who had letters published in the Gazette or spoke at CF in opposition to the raises.

Among those Mr. Britton copied was City Manager Scott Ullery, who forwarded the piece to his senior staff, some of whom forwarded the piece to their staffs. I’m sure before long it was all over city hall. Ms Robbins spoke of how this action by the CM was damaging to her personally and as an elected city official. She heard things that were hurtful. She made it clear she took no issue with an elected official writing, and having published, opinion pieces. What she did have a problem with was staff sending them to city employees…and without her knowledge. The story could have ended here, but the mayor didn’t let it. When Ms. Robbins finally agreed to continue discussion later in the meeting, you Madam Mayor…egged her on, asking if she was finished…interrupting CM Marcuccio who was trying to intervene…referring to Ms Robbins in a condescending manner, referring to her as “MAM” and cross-examining her as though she were on trial. All the while this was going on, CM Gajewski was snickering and making fun of Ms Robbins, and Mr. Britton interjected that he “confesses”…he wrote the piece. This was after he challenged us to figure out what he really said when he told Ms Robbins she was full of “it”. I would expect this behaviour from kids in the schoolyard.

Mr. Gajewski then read email comments and praised staff for not saying pejorative things about Ms Robbins, encouraging them to continue sending out these kinds of pieces. What he didn’t do was venture a guess at how many of the 500+ city employees saw the emails…or what was said at lunch or over coffee. Ms Robbins has every right to be upset by what some see as an abuse of power and position.

In closing, the only one who showed any leadership or understanding of the harm done was CM Marcuccio. She spoke of how this episode suggested favor of one councilmember over another…of how it is crucial for hired city staff members and employees to remain neutral and not suggest that something written as an opinion by one carries more weight then that of another.

It was a sad thing to witness and those who took part in bullying Ms Robbins should be ashamed and owe her an apology. I am speaking out on this because I care about our city, how we treat each other and how others see us.

Note: Rockville Central does not endorse candidates. But we are glad to publish major statements and significant events of all candidates for City office, always trying our best to be fair to all. We don’t publish everything, but we do publish most things! If you are a Rockville city candidate, please share as much information with us as possible so we can make sure your voice is heard.

Another Note: I have long been meaning to encourage all who speak before Citizen’s Forum to share their prepared remarks with Rockville Central, as we are eager to print them for all to read. As with candidate activities, we won’t necessarily print every last one, but we’ll run most!

Pierzchala Statement On Why He's Running For City Council

City Council candidate >Mark Pierzchala gave the following remarks to Citizens Forum at the Mayor and Council meeting last night. (These are from prepared text that he shared with us.)

In 2007, I ran for Mayor and came in second of three candidates. In January this year I declared my candidacy for council. This early announcement was intended to clarify my intentions, but while the office is different, two main reasons for running remain much the same.

Budget

In 2008, this body passed its first budget and increased City spending by 9.5% to $102M and increased City staff by 17.9 positions. To be fair, I acknowledge here, and have acknowledged on the campaign trail, that this body’s second budget decreased spending by a half percent. But this is small consolation given its first year’s deed and the voters ought to hold you to account. The manner in which Mayor and Council approach the budget process also concerns me. This body just does not bring a great deal of budget expertise to this most important expression of the City’s values.

Though Rockville has seen prodigious increases in revenues for many years, by FY 2012 we could see serious revenue problems. The federal, state, and county budgets are all in crisis because these governments did not take their impending and potential problems seriously enough, soon enough.

As a council member, I will work for a long overdue and very thorough review of the budget, and a revamping of the budget process. Hopefully this would be with full concurrence of Mayor and Council, but if not, when it comes my turn to ask the questions, I just won’t shut up until I get answers. Mayor and Council should undertake a series of substantive work sessions, one department at a time, and one program at a time. This year, I could only shake my head as Department Chiefs, some representing over $20M in spending, appeared before this body for only a few minutes each.

There is much work that Mayor and Council can do now to prepare for rough budget years. This is the best way to ensure that Rockville can continue to do many good things even in lean times.

Governance

A second reason I’m running is the way that this body conducts its business. We still see explosive and corrosive relationships between members of this body. The extended performance at the last meeting has been mentioned to me many times the past few weeks as I have knocked on doors. This is but the latest of several incidents and this behavior gets in the way of business.

In my opinion City Staff have assumed a greater role in formulating policy and setting the agenda over the past 2 years. This year there have been fewer meetings and more agenda items in each meeting. Some of these meetings run very late. For example, tonight’s agenda has 14 substantive items with 40 documents to download from the City’s website, representing several hundred pages of text, pictures, charts, maps, tables, and graphs. One document has 238 pages, and one picture took me 20⁵ minutes to download on broadband access. Three items are on complex transportation issues, and you just can’t give this full consideration in one night! The 2- and 3-week gap between meetings also means it is harder for Mayor and Council to put off consideration of an item. I’ll work to reverse this practice should be voters put me on the council.

Note: Rockville Central does not edorse candidates. But we are glad to publish major statements and significant events of all candidates for City office, always trying our best to be fair to all. We don’t publish everything, but we do publish most things! If you are a Rockville city candidate, please share as much information with us as possible so we can make sure your voice is heard.

Phyllis Marcuccio Schedules Announcement For Campaign For Mayor

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Phyllis Marcuccio

This from Phyllis Marcuccio’s campaign:

On August 1, 2009, at 11:00a.m., in Rockville Town Square, Phyllis Marcuccio will announce her candidacy for Mayor of the City of Rockville. Phyllis will offer her platform and plans for an exciting and upbeat campaign. In recognition of her dedication to the growth and greening of Rockville there will be free flower seeds to all who attend. Everyone is invited.

For more information, call 301-424-4777.

Editors Note: Rockville Central doesn’t endorse candidates, and we try to make sure we cover all candidates fairly.

Best Of Rockville Featured In Washingtonian Magazine

It hurts a web-only publication like ours to ask you, dear reader, to saunter over to the news stand to purchase a hardcopy magazine, but I am afraid that’s exactly what I am going to have to ask you to do.

That’s because the latest edition (August 2009) of Washingtonian Magazine contains a multi-page feature detailing the Best Of Rockville, including a number of locals’ personal favorites and finds.

Among those whose picks are featured is Mayor Susan Hoffmann.

I’d just give you a link to the article but our friends at the magazine are not making it available online — so if you don’t subscribe, head on over to your nearest Rockville-based newstand and pick up a copy!