Bao Bei, a Taiwanese eatery based in Rockville, made its mark on Food Network show The Great Food Truck Race.
The eatery was created by Kevin Hsieh. Chef Hsieh wanted to preserve tradition and provide authentic Taiwanese flavors.
“Bao Bei is a term of endearment in my native language used to describe someone or something you treasure deeply. It is a homage to my family, who have instilled in me the traditions and recipes that I hold dear,” Hsieh quotes on the Bao Bei website.
Chef Hsieh recruited the help of his good friends Zakary Keres and Cody Hoover. They competed against eight other teams on Season 17 for a chance at winning $50,000.
They made it to the final rounds after coming in second place.
Bao Bei started as a ghost kitchen back in 2022 and has received regional and national recognition for its flavors.
Credit: Bao Bei
The main seller is, of course, the Bao buns! Bao Bei offers a mouthwatering pork belly with pickled greens and peanut sugar or a vegan Tofu-Riffic Bao with slow braised tofu with pickled greens, cilantro, and peanut sugar. It doesn’t stop there.
If you aren’t in the mood for a bao bun, you can get their slow-braised tofu or pork belly in a bowl with rice, a braised egg, and pickled greens. And there’s something sweet on the menu with their Brown Sugar Swirly Buns, Almond Tofu Jelly, and a seasonal Pumpkin Cinnabao, handmade with real Japanese pumpkin.
After The Great Food Truck race ended, Bao Bei announced on their Instagram plans of opening a brick and mortar location in Montrose Crossing. Chef Hsieh says they plan on opening in early 2025. They still plan to operate out of the ghost kitchen until the restaurant is open, and then the ghost kitchen closes.
Rockville, Maryland, has a proud connection to one of the world’s top wrestlers, Helen Maroulis. As she gears up for the 2024 Paris Olympics, her journey continues to inspire many in our community.
Early Beginnings in Rockville
Helen Maroulis started wrestling at age seven, facing the challenges of a male-dominated sport. At Magruder High School in Rockville, she mostly wrestled against boys and made a significant mark by becoming the first female to place in county and state wrestling tournaments. Her high school career record was an impressive 99 wins and 26 losses.
Olympic Achievements and the Road to Paris 2024
Maroulis made history at the 2016 Rio Olympics by defeating Japan’s Saori Yoshida, an undefeated three-time gold medalist, and becoming the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in wrestling. After dealing with concussions, PTSD, and shoulder surgery, she returned to win a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in the 57kg wrestling freestyle.
Photo Credit: Team USA
A Hometown Inspiration
When not wrestling, Maroulis enjoys salsa dancing and playing the harp. Her journey from Rockville to the Olympics is a source of pride and inspiration for our community. We look forward to supporting her as she aims for another Olympic medal in Paris.
Independence Day week in Rockville, Maryland, is a time of vibrant celebration, community gatherings, and delicious international culinary experiences. This year, the city is gearing up to offer two standout events that promise to make the holiday unforgettable: the spectacular Rockville Fireworks display and the mouth-watering Global Bites Fest Dining Days. Whether you live in Rockville, are a Montgomery County resident, or are a visitor from afar, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Rockville this Fourth of July.
Rockville Fireworks: A Dazzling Display of Patriotism
A Tradition of Splendor
The Rockville Fireworks display has long been a cherished tradition. It brings together families and friends to celebrate the nation’s independence with a night of spectacular lights and sounds. Held at Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park, the event draws thousands of attendees each year, creating a festive atmosphere that epitomizes the spirit of the Fourth of July.
Event Highlights
·Date and Time: The festivities will begin at 7:00 p.m. on July 4th. The fireworks will light up the sky starting at 9:15 PM. ·Location: Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park, 1800 Piccard Drive, Rockville, MD. ·Pre-Fireworks Entertainment: Arrive early to enjoy live music, family-friendly activities, and a variety of food trucks offering delicious treats. ·Parking and Accessibility: Free parking is available in lots along Shady Grove and Gaither Roads and on Piccard Drive, which are conveniently located near the event site.
Tips for a Great Experience
· Arrive Early: To secure a good spot, it’s best to arrive early and bring a blanket or lawn chair. · Stay Hydrated: July temperatures can be high, so bring water bottles and stay hydrated. · Safety First: Follow all event guidelines and watch children in the crowd.
Global Bites Fest Dining Days: Savor the World in Rockville
Adding to the Independence Day weekend excitement is the Global Bites Fest Dining Days, a celebration of Rockville’s diverse culinary scene. From June 22 to July 6, over a dozen restaurants offer exclusive deals and discounts through the Rockville Rewards Dining Passport.
Participating Restaurants and Cuisines
Rockville is known for its cultural diversity, reflected in its various cuisine options. During the Global Bites Fest Dining Days, purchase the Rockville Reward Dining Passport and visit participating restaurants.
Event Details
· Dates: June 22 – July 6 · Special Offers: Look for discounted dishes, gifts with purchase, happy hour specials, and more. · Restaurant Participation: Visit the Global Bites Fest page for a list of participating restaurants and their unique offerings.
Making the Most of Global Bites Fest
· Plan Your Route: With so many options, plan your dining route ahead to ensure you can sample a bit of everything. · Reservations: Some restaurants may require reservations due to high demand, so book early. · Share Your Experience: Tag @ExploreRockville and @RockvilleRewards on social media to share your culinary discoveries and join the community celebration.
Independence Day weekend in Rockville, Maryland, offers the perfect blend of traditional festivities and culinary exploration. The Rockville fireworks display will fill the night with wonder and joy, while the Global Bites Fest Dining Days will take your taste buds on a journey around the world. Bring your appetite and get ready to celebrate this Fourth of July in Rockville with family, friends, and a whole lot of fun.
Whether watching the fireworks light up the sky or savoring the diverse flavors from around the globe, Rockville is the place to be this Independence Day weekend.
Prepare to tantalize your taste buds and embark on a global culinary adventure at the highly anticipated Global Bites Fest! Explore Rockville, a Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) program, is excited to announce this epic event celebrating Rockville’s culinary cultural diversity from June 22 to July 6, 2024. Whether you are a seasoned foodie or love exploring new cuisines, the Global Bites Fest offers three unique experiences that promise to delight and entertain.
The Kick-Off: A Day of Flavor and Fun June 22: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The festivities begin with a vibrant in-person event on Saturday, June 22, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Rockville Town Square. Attendees will have the chance to enjoy a diverse array of mouthwatering dishes prepared by restaurants surrounding The Square and featured vendors, each offering their unique spin on global flavors. From savory to sweet, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
But the Global Bites Fest isn’t just about food and beverages. The day will be filled with live performances showcasing Rockville’s vibrant arts scene. From traditional dance to contemporary music, the entertainment will be as diverse as the cuisine. And for those looking to quench their thirst, Rockville Town Square will transform into a designated beverage district. Attendees can purchase and enjoy to-go alcoholic beverages from participating restaurants while they explore the festival.
“REDI is thrilled to host the Global Bites Fest kick-off event in partnership with Morguard,” said Susan Prince, Board Chair of REDI. “This event not only highlights Rockville as an epicenter of culinary diversity and excellence but also drives traffic, attracts new customers, and boosts sales, contributing significantly to the vitality of our local food industry.”
A Culinary Journey Across Rockville: Global Bites Dining Days June 22 – July 6
The celebration continues with Global Bites Dining Days, inviting food lovers to discover hidden culinary gems and savor authentic dishes from around the world. From June 22 to July 6, participants can take advantage of exclusive deals and discounts at participating restaurants using the Rockville Rewards Digital Card. This is the perfect opportunity to explore new eateries and enjoy old favorites, all while supporting the local dining scene.
Exclusive Events: Foodie Functions June 24 – 26 and June 30 – July 2
For those seeking a more immersive experience, Global Bites Fest includes “Foodie Function” events hosted by participating restaurants on select days. These ticketed experiences are special: live cooking demonstrations, themed dinners, exclusive tastings, expertly curated beverage pairings, and engaging sessions with guest speakers. Whether you’re an aspiring chef or enjoy a great meal, these events provide an inside look at the culinary world and a chance to interact with some of Rockville’s finest chefs.
For more information about the Global Bites Fest and how to participate as a restaurant, please visit Explore Rockville’s Global Bites Fest.
Mark your calendars and prepare your appetites for an unforgettable culinary journey at the Global Bites Fest. Whether you’re sampling international dishes at the kick-off event, exploring local restaurants during Dining Days, or attending a Foodie Function, this festival promises to celebrate food, culture, and community. Don’t miss out on this epic culinary adventure in the heart of Rockville!
Terry Thompson, a self-taught American artist born in Chicago, Illinois, now based in Baltimore, Maryland effortlessly blends creativity with discipline in his roles as a successful banker and a recognized visual artist. Alongside his in corporate America, Thompson is a renowned veteran club DJ, producer, and promoter, with releases on the London-based label Defected. Thompson began his art career with small shows, drawing influence from Romare Bearden, Picasso, and his friend, Spanish painter Salvador Bru. His unique artistic style now reflects inspirations from dance culture, fashion, and dreamscapes.
With a portfolio that spans across various mediums, Thompson’s art is both diverse and captivating. By embracing the spontaneity, exploration, and investigation inherent in his approach to painting. But what is the secret behind Thompson’s innovative thinking? According to him, it lies in the transformative power of the arts. Learning to write, play music, paint, or dance fosters the development of skills crucial for success in any endeavor—skills like seeing the big picture while focusing on execution, internalizing patterns, recognizing nuances, and expressing unique ideas.
Muse #8 by Terry Thompson
As we navigate the ever-changing landscape of our society and economy, one thing remains clear: art and culture are central to our collective journey towards understanding, empathy, and innovation. And in Terry Thompson, we find not just an artist, but a visionary whose creative spirit illuminates the path to a brighter future.
Terry Thompson: The Intersection of Business and the Arts was curated by Julie Ann Cavnor and is on display at Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) office (51 Monroe Street, PE20, Rockville, MD) from May 20 – July 26, 2024. The show is open to the public:
· Wednesdays: 2pm-5pm
· Friday: 1pm-3pm
REDI invites businesses and community members to engage with Thompson’s work, and meet the artist on Tuesday, May 21 at 5:30pm. Visit https://terrythompson-artisttalk.eventbrite.com for more information and RSVP.
Rockville, Maryland, the heart of Montgomery County, is a vibrant tapestry of cultures, flavors, and experiences. Washingtonian magazine showcased Rockville’s diverse culinary scene, burgeoning retail spaces, and exciting developments in its February 2024 issue.
Some of the Washingtonian Neighborhood Guide highlights included:
The article also provided insight into some of Rockville’s current and upcoming projects including the mixed-used development, Twinbrook Quarter, and Shady Grove Innovation District – a development with state-of-the-art laboratories, luxury apartments, and public spaces.
The Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is a significant festival celebrated in China and other East Asian countries. It marks the beginning of the new year on the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar. The date of the Lunar New Year varies every year but is usually between January 21st and February 20th
Where is the Lunar New Year celebrated?
This celebration is observed in many countries, including China, South Korea, Vietnam, and other East Asian countries. The festival is celebrated with regional customs and traditions that vary widely, but share the same theme – seeing out the old year and welcoming in the luck and prosperity of a new year.
How is the Lunar New Year celebrated?
In South Korea, Seollal (Lunar New Year) is the biggest holiday of the year and is celebrated with a feast shared with family. Many Korean families gather in hanbok, Traditional Korean clothes, where the younger generation performs saebae – the act of bowing deeply with respect to wish a happy new year to elders while saying Saehae bok mani badsaeyo. In return, elders gift envelopes filled with money along with a blessing.
Tet or Tet Nguyen Dan – the Vietnamese name for the Lunar New Year – marks a time of renewal and celebration. Families start with cleaning their homes and purchasing new clothes symbolizing fresh starts and new beginnings. Children receive ‘lucky money’ – lì xì – along with wishes for growth and success. Families and friends greet each other by saying ‘chúc mừng năm mới’- ‘Happy New Year’ and share traditional meals including bánh chưng, a sticky rice cake filled with mung beans and pork.
In China, the Lunar New Year is celebrated by putting up decorations, eating reunion dinner with family on New Year’s Eve, giving red envelopes and other gifts, lighting fireworks, and watching lion and dragon dances. One popular tradition includes preparing and eating a whole fish (head and tail intact) as part of the New Year dinner. The word for ‘whole fish’ in Chinese (quán yú), is similar to the pronunciation of the word ‘surplus’ or ‘abundance’ (shèngyú), resulting in a play on words. The 15th day of the new year marks the end of the Lunar New Year and the celebration of the Lantern Festival. On this day families make and eat a rice ball soup as a symbol of their reunion in the new year.
Where can I celebrate the Lunar New Year in Rockville?
Events
Lunar New Year Celebration Every year, the City of Rockville hosts a free annual Lunar New Year celebration, inviting all community members to celebrate with performances, interactive displays, and more! Learn more at https://www.rockvillemd.gov/730/Lunar-New-Year
Rockville Town Square Lunar New Year Celebration
This free annual celebration welcomes families to Rockville Town Square to enjoy live performances, local vendors, red envelope giveaways, drumming, lion and dragon dance, and more! Learn more at https://rockvilletownsquare.com/events-news/
Food
Indulge in Lunar New Year traditional foods from local restaurants and supermarkets including:
If you’re a Rockville native, the name Clarence “Pint” Isreal might ring a bell, and for good reason! This homegrown hero was a standout baseball player, Negro World Series champion, and an unforgettable figure in Rockville’s Lincoln Park community.
Born in Georgia but raised right here in Lincoln Park, Isreal’s journey to stardom started at Lincoln High School. He went from playing local semi-pro ball to joining the Newark Eagles of the Negro National League. A stellar player with speed and agility, Isreal made a name for himself both on and off the field.
But it wasn’t all about the game for Isreal. After serving in the military during WWII, he returned to clinch the Negro National League Pennant with the Eagles in 1946. And while injuries may have slowed him down, they didn’t stop him—Isreal still played a crucial role in the Eagles’ World Series win against the Kansas City Monarchs.
After his illustrious career, Isreal continued to contribute to his community, co-founding the Black Angels Boys Club and leaving a lasting impact that’s memorialized in a local park named in his honor. Even today, his legacy lives on through the annual Clarence “Pint” Isreal Juneteenth Classic game established in 2022 by Bethesda Big Train.
From the field to the community, Clarence “Pint” Isreal is a name that will forever be a part of Rockville’s rich history.
Want to know more about Rockville’s remarkable residents, past and present? Stay tuned to Explore Rockville!
It’s more than a car show; it’s a celebration of automotive history right here in Rockville! For over six decades, the Rockville Antique and Classic Car Show has been a staple event, dazzling attendees with a rolling museum of automotive history.
Every year, hundreds of car collectors and enthusiasts alike converge at Rockville Civic Center Park, transforming the area into a car lover’s paradise. Whether you’re drawn to the classics like Packard and Plymouth or have a taste for the exotic like Fiat and Ferrari, the Rockville Antique and Classic Car Show features a diverse range of cars from multiple car clubs.
What Makes it Special?
Admission is Free: That’s right! This event is open to the public and free of charge.
Venue: The show takes place against the charming backdrop of Glenview Mansion, making for some spectacular photo opportunities.
More Than Just Cars: In addition to the main event, visitors can explore a flea market, enjoy live music, and indulge in an array of food and drink options available for purchase.
Make sure to check out the Rockville Antique and Classic Car Show website and Facebook page for ongoing updates and a sneak peek into what you can expect at this staple Rockville event.
Looking for a weekend getaway destination? Why not spend time just outside of Washington DC in Montgomery, County Maryland? You’ll never have a dull moment while you wine, dine, hike, and climb your way through Rockville in our 48-hour weekend itinerary.
Day 1: Cambria Hotel
Cambria Hotel, located conveniently near the Rockville Town Center, is the perfect suite-style place to call home for the weekend. Enjoy the hotel’s many amenities such as the Bistro and Barista Coffee Bar, an indoor heated pool, fitness center, and a full dining menu to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
Day 1: Breakfast at First Watch
Start your day off right by fueling yourself with a hearty breakfast from First Watch. Choose from a full list of fresh, made-to-order breakfast dishes such as the smoked salmon & roasted vegetable frittata , power breakfast quinoa bowl, or the million-dollar bacon.
Day 1: Take a class at VisArts
Get your creative juices flowing by learning a new art skill at VisArts. Choose from an array of classes like drawing, painting, photography, jewelry making, and more.
Day 1: Try Local Food and Beer at 7 Locks Brewery
Sip on Pilsners and enjoy food trucks every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7 Locks Brewing. Sit back and listen to live music from local talent and test your skills at their Trivia Nights.
Day 1: Dinner at Il Pizzico
Wrap up your first day in Rockville with authentic Italian food from Il Pizzico. Delicious dishes like Rissoto Del Giorno and Penne Alle Melanzane will leave you feeling like you just touched down in Italy.
Day 2: Breakfast at Silver Diner
After a good night’s sleep, fuel up for your second day with a farm-to-table breakfast from Silver Diner. The menu includes popular American-style breakfast staples like eggs Benedict, caramel French toast, and buttermilk pancakes.
Day 2: Explore the Croydon Creek Nature Center
Let a day of exploration begin at the Croydon Creek Nature Center. Immerse yourself in nature during a hike along the three miles of trails, and on your way back, visit the Nature Center where you’ll find a variety of animals as a part of their conservation and education efforts.
Day 2: Go for a climb at Movement Rockville
Exercise while having a blast at Movement Rockville! Climb your way through more than 38,000 feet of terrain during an instructed class or head to “Open Climb” to experience extensive lead, top rope, and bouldering routes at your own pace.
Day 2: Dinner at Clyde’s at Tower Oaks
Adjacent to a 21-acre nature preserve, Clyde’s at Tower Oaks is the most ideal spot for a relaxing dinner to end your getaway to Rockville. Take in the beautiful lodge-like décor while you enjoy dishes sourced from local farms in the Maryland area.
Share your weekend getaway to Rockville with us by tagging us in Instagram or share using #MontgomeryMoment.
