3 MOCO Restaurants Make Best New Dining List By Post Food Critic

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — In a roundup labeled "The 26 best new restaurants in the D.C. area," Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema included three Montgomery County venues on the list.

"The food scene in and around the nation’s capital is vibrant these days, with Italian, Ethiopian, Salvadoran and more," the newspaper said.

Here is an excerpt of what Sietsema said about his list.

"If you like Mexican food, it’s a good time to be eating in and around Washington. The choices have never been better or more varied. … If you live in the suburbs, lucky you. The slate of interesting new restaurants … is apt to keep you close to home for meals.

"Now is also an opportunity to sink your teeth into hamburgers of all stripes, explore youthful mom-and-pops and see what some prominent names are up to. … My spring guide is a celebration of what’s new, but also what’s worth your time and money."

These Montgomery County new venues were recommended:

Cielo Rojo, Mexican food, 7211 Carroll Ave., Takoma Park

"I applaud the cooking. Imagine quesadillas stuffed with roasted mushrooms, hit with fried garlic and a splash of tequila, and fabulous, brick-red pozole. The soup is thick with hominy, shredded chicken and buttery avocado, and it thrums with toasted dried chiles, garlic and Mexican oregano. The finishes woo, too."

Aventino, Italian food, 4747 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda

"Aventino is a consistent and creative place to eat. Every forkful of a recent salad (roasted asparagus, ramps and hazelnuts) delivered a taste of spring and underscored a trend (prosciutto fueled the vinaigrette). Lemon — and caviar — elevated my last plate of spaghetti here."

District Bistro, American food, 11230 Grandview Ave., Wheaton

"Veteran chef Pedro Matamoros offers two ways to eat under one roof: Frank’s Burger Place, featuring a hamburger named after the chef’s stepfather, and District Bistro, a more elevated but still casual source for American comfort foods. … His past kitchen stints have included the late 8407 Kitchen Bar in Silver Spring, whose popular lavender chicken recipe is revived on the menu at the bistro."

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