Hey, Rockville!

Friend of the Pod Deborah Landau and Suzan drive around on a snowy, rainy fall day to preview local businesses for Small Business Saturday. Here's a short excerpt of their conversation and a couple of interviews with local business owners. Happy Thanksgiving, and happy Small Business Saturday!Please note -- we do not sell advertisements and we have received nothing in-kind from the businesses on our list. These are businesses we have experience with or that have been highly recommended to us. InterviewsWool Winders--for knitters and crochetersShafa Blend Teas--highest quality teas, spices, fancy chocolate bars, tea accessories, and a few lovely gifts.Other stops and recommendationsGourmet Bazaar has gorgeous sweets, nuts, party food, cheese, and a nice variety of fancy rock sugar for the tea you pick up at Shafa Blends. They also have a take-out counter with hot food, subs, kabobs, etc. made to order.Kielbasa Factory is under new ownership and is much the same, but fresh eyes have had a happy effect. They offer more than just sausage—pick up fresh Polish doughnuts or babka for holiday breakfast or brunch and European flour, butter, and jams for baking. They also have fancy candies and a small selection of Polish pottery.Mariuchi Japanese Grocery and Gift is a few doors from the Kielbasa Factory. Pick up a rice cooker, chopsticks, or a sake set. Nice selection of Japanese groceries, and a really friendly staff. Vignola Gourmet--Italian market with great items for foodie gift baskets and family meals for take-out. Across the parking lot from the Friends of the Library Bookstore, and technically in North Bethesda. Purple Narwhal Music and Manga is a great place to find something unique for the vinyl and manga lovers in your life.The Clay Co-op is across the parking lot from Purple Narwhal on North Stonestreet. In addition to classes, owner Chris Landers offers beautiful and functional tableware. He was sold out at last check, but keep an eye on his website for a restock.Z&Z Manoushe Bakery--Recently on Bon Appetite's Best Restaurants in the US list, this little spot in Woodley Gardens offers prepared sauces, dips, spreads, and seasonings. Pick up a manoushe and a present after work.Appalachian Spring offers hand-crafted gifts from around the country. They have unique, high-end handmade gifts for babies and young children and a nice selection of jewelry and home accents. Humane Society Thrift and Gift is gentle on the planet and helps the community.Town CenterSaints Valley--gorgeous, one-of-a-kind jewelry, scarves, pashminas, and other unique finds for your special people.Nature by Trejok--fun boutique with new and vintage finds Cottage Monet--classic gifts and decorMaryland Women's Business Center Shop Local--creative gifts by women artisans and curatorsExperiencesHammer and Stain--fun and relaxed craft classesVis Arts--a variety of art classesClay Co-op--ceramics classesBones Jones Music--music lessons in a band setting with local performances.Thrive Yoga--well-established yoga studio on the Pike Rockville Civic Ballet--purchase tickets to the Nutcracker as an early gift.Rockville Little Theatre tickets make great gifts that last beyond the holiday season.

We wrap up "the past, present, and future of Rockville" by bookending our conversation with Sunil Dasgupta with Mayors Ashton and Ashman, who talk about what cooperation and competition look like in practice. They had many restaurant recommendations, and hopefully we captured them all below. What a great hour!Rockville mentions:Rockville Holiday Drive Engage RockvilleGlobal BitesF. Scott Fitzgerald Literary FestivalHome Town Holidays (returning to Town Center in 2025!)Interfaith WorksRockville's Role in the Underground RailroadRockville Classics:Bombay Bistro--Rockville legend La Canela--gracious, family-owned, and run, you'll feel a little fancy when you go there.Giuseppi's Pizza Plus--Community favorite and a tremendous supporter of Rockville, just signed another 10-year lease!Hard Times CafeIl PizzicoGood for informal meetings:Japon BakeryFinnegan's WakeWorld of BeerNew or new-ish:Yummy BowlChef Tony'sLittle Miner TacoKung Fu KitchenVegetarianSt. Veg--recent award winner!Yuan FuGaithersburg Mentions:Gaithersburg Book FestivalGaithersburg Holiday GivingGaithersburg Restaurants:Gemelli's (brace yourself--it's amazing!)Inferno PizzaMayan MonkeyIxtapalapa TacoVasili's KitchenVillage Green

Rockville is well-known for its diversity and its friendly, inclusive community. That didn't fall out of a coconut tree--today's vibrant Rockville has early roots in the Civil Rights Movement. The Gibbs decision played a crucial role in equal pay laws, and that decision was made right here in Rockville. Life-long resident Patrick Woodward shares his family's role in this monumental case that all residents of Rockville should know and be proud of.Jaime and Suzan recently spent almost two hours talking with Judge Woodward and his wife, Patricia, about Rockville history.An interview with Prof. Larry Gibson, author of Young Thurgood, which Patrick references:https://youtu.be/soDusxjw65Q?si=DCXObTubxqZxc7tmJaime has eaten at the new Yummy Bowl in Twinbrook and highly recommends it. https://www.eatyummybowlmd.com/

Jaime and Suzan recently spoke to Cindy Rivarde, CEO of Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) about the history of the organization, what it does for the City and its business community, and what's on the horizon. Of course, every Rockville business is her favorite, but she did highlight a few restaurants she's enjoyed recently.Little Miner Taco, now open in Rockville Town SquareArirang Korean Restaurant on Gude DriveEast PearlA&JEerkinsKushi Sushi, now open in Rockville Town SquareGyuzoThai ChefTea ManiaMingsNot a restaurant, but a local food business, Maspanadas is the creator of the Pitman family's favorite empanadas.You can read more about REDI on their website.Some of the restaurants are listed on Explore Rockville.

In this episode, Suzan talks with Eric Fulton, founder of the Rockville Pedestrian Advisory Committee, about getting around without a car (spoiler--it's pretty great to walk places!).Pizza MonkeyGyrolandArirangClear Skies MeaderyYork Castle Ice CreamLa SperanzaRockville Pedestrian Advisory CommitteeAsphalt ArtOutlive (book)We talk about the health benefits of walking--we are not doctors or health professionals, just people who have experienced the health benefits of walking. Please do not take our comments about walking and health as healthcare advice. Talk to your doctor before making any changes to your health routines or medications.

We lean Italian in this conversation with Rockville native and City Councilmember Adam Van Grack. Please congratulate Jaime on finally meeting someone who likes to eat almost as much as he does.Adam's enthusiasm and love for Rockville is infectious and we hope you enjoy his insights into our City as much as we did.Where we're eating:Hello VietnamKabutoO'Donnell'sGiuseppe's PizzaLa SperanzaEma RossiFontina GrillAmalfi's/Chef Tony'sPines of Rome ExpressIl PizzicoSuzan finally gets a word in about Gourmet Bazaar (get the saffron soft serve).Thanks to REDI and the Greater Rockville Chamber of Commerce for encouraging these local restaurants and all the other ones we love to visit!

We talk with Sunil Dasgupta, local political science professor and podcaster, about Rockville in the context of the larger community. This is the first in a series on the past, present, and future of Rockville, and we thought it would be helpful to get a big-picture overview before diving in.

A quick intro the next set of episodes on Rockville's past, present and future.

Jaime and Suzan visit with the delightful Molly Kogan, founder of Rockville Vegans. We talk about the whys and hows of veganism, and where to eat vegan in the Rockville area (we're looking at you, St. Veg!).

FoP Debbie Landau spoke with Wayne Breslyn--RedGate Park Champion, Weed Warrior, and YouTube Celebrity--about the creation of the park, trees, doing better for the planet, and YouTube.During his talk with Debbie, Wayne mentions:Friends of RedGate Park:  www.redgatepark.orgRedGate Park Master Plan:https://www.rockvillemd.gov/2311/RedGate-Park-Arboretum-Master-PlanReforest Rockville:   www.ReforestRockville.org

We talk to Billy Jones about running an arts-based business, the Rockville music scene, thriving as a small business during and post-COVID, Australia, and the coffee problem in Rockville. We also forget to mention Rockville and Rockville-adjacent Hank Dietle's, the Outta The Way Cafe, the Digits, Folk-n-Great house concerts, and Java Nation's live shows. We need to get out more. Seriously. We touched on what seems to be a new business trend--a small storefront with food/additional food served from the food truck out front. Let us know your favorite, along with where you like to listen to live music at heyrockville@gmail.com.Bones Jones MusicCorned Beef KingTaste of Montreal

Jaime and Suzan talked to Dr. Lisa Patton, psychologist and fitness instructor, about getting and staying motivated to move when it's cold and wintry outside. We also talk about kids, gym culture and community, and, of course, where we like to eat. Gold's Gym Wintergreen PlazaTaste of KabobJuliiYork Castle Ice CreamIsland Pride Olney Farmers MarketSides Barbeque

Chris Landers is a Rockville artist and owner of the Clay CoOp on North Stonestreet. He talked to us about what it's like owning an arts-based business in the City and building community.The Clay CoOpMore about Chris on MoCo 360Rockville Art LeagueRockville Cultural Arts CommissionVis ArtsBones Jones MusicEma RossiKiin Imm ThaiNiwano HanaBob's ShanghaiNo website but mentioned in this episode:Pines of Rome Express in Congressional CenterJennifer Food Truck on Twinbrook ParkwayChina Bistro Rockville Adjacent:East City ArtUnderground Pizza

Sharon Freeman has a lifetime of experience in international development. She has lived and worked all over the world, but has chosen to make Rockville home for the last 17 years. She is a prolific author and a committed pedestrian with gems of wisdom for Rockville.33 Gems: Wisdom for Living Pieces of Life's Puzzle and other books by Dr. FreemanGems of Wisdom for 2024:Connect with others.Diversify our local economy.Invest in education--industry chooses where to invest based on potential assets like an educated workforce.Don't forget about the "little guy."

Hey Rockville! Thanks for getting us noticed by Bethesda Magazine!We'll be back with more episodes on January 8th-ish and a terrific lineup of guests.

The 2023 City of Rockville election saw more non-candidate activity than elections in recent memory. Along with State Senator Cheryl Kagan's splashy mailer and social media activity on behalf of candidates, Affordable Maryland joined Greater Greater Washington and CASA as a prominent endorser. Unlike GGW and CASA, Affordable Maryland is solely a super PAC. Suzan and FOP (friend of podcast) Matt Perkins spoke to Jonathan Robinson, Chair of Affordable Maryland, about the formation of the PAC, local elections, and getting involved.We also talk about:El Papi Street Tacos: elpapitacos.com/Mirabeau Bakery:www.mirabeaubakerycafe.com/Masthia Bakery: www.mastihabakery.com/Hello Viet Nam: www.hellovietnamfood.com/Best Thanksgiving recipe from 2023: cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1018707-sweet-potatoes-with-miso-ginger-sauce

A few days before the Rockville Mayor and Council inauguration, Suzan and Jaime sat down and talked about the election results--what was surprising and what wasn't.

We spoke with two of our neighbors--long-time residents who care deeply about the City but who are not part of the political machinery that operates behind the scenes. We use campaign literature to frame a conversation about what works with voters, and how this election is a little different than previous, especially when it comes to outside interests funding mailers.Where we've eaten lately:Ema Rossi on NorbeckVilla Maya, also on NorbeckHello Vietnam! on Viers Mill in TwinbrookMimi's Handmade Ice Cream in Federal Plaza

MCPS is at a crossroads, and Caleb Michaud has something to say about it. With an alarming string of scandals and bad news, fresh voices and perspectives are needed for the good of our kids and the future of our city.

Suzan and special co-hosts Mayor Bridget Newton and East Rockville leader Dr. Debbie Landau speak with some of the women candidates running in the city election. Mayoral candidate Monique Ashton and Council candidates Marissa Valeri, Izola Shaw, and Kate Fulton share their views on women in leadership, building on success while leading for the future, and why the success of our schools is essential to the success of our City. Monique AshtonMarissa ValeriIzola ShawKate FultonCity of Rockville ElectionsRestaurant RecsHello VietnamYuan FuGourmet Bazaar