Silver Spring is really as close to us as Bethesda, but we hardly ever go there. This restaurant may change things. It is bright and warm, with delicious food -- described as farm-to-table artisanal American -- and good service. Installed in the shadow of Discovery in what appears to be an old garage or warehouse, there's no place like it in Bethesda, and I'd be hard put to name a place in DC that combines quality and comfort quite so well.
We trekked there from AFI (only two and a half blocks but in freezing cold it was a trek) and sat at the upstairs bar. I had a Manhattan with their handmade mole vermouth, and Andrea had a house cocktail with Old Tom gin and sparkling wine that isn't on their online drinks menu. We ordered a plate of two handmade charcuterie -- the country pork terrine and the trottter tots -- both very fine. I had the pulled pork sandwich, which consisted of a homemade brioche stuffed with tender, sweet pork and very hot fries. Andrea had the risotto starter, which was tasty and delicate and made for a ample meal though both of us had the feeling it was not a true risotto but a baked rice dish. I had a glass of Fying Dog Raging Bitch on tap and Andrea had the Iris Pinot Gris from Oregon.
It was full, and fully booked, on a Saturday night and we were lucky to arrive early enough to get two places at the bar. The upper room is more sheltered and cozier, and livelier with all the table, but the downstairs looked like a perfectly acceptable alternative.
There were many things on the menu that looked worth trying, so we will certainly go back soon. We may even skip the movie and park in the garage right next door.
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