Three openings at Pike & Rose, Normandie Farm says goodbye

South Block, a D.C.-area chain offering smoothies, bowls and fresh-pressed juices, opened this week next to Call Your Mother Deli at Pike & Rose. The menu here is a lot like the one at Playa Bowls: heaping scoops of fruit, granola, coconut flakes and other toppings on a base of acai, pitaya, almond milk or kale/spinach combos. In addition to the juices and smoothies, South Block also offers avocado toast, banana toast, fresh granola to-go and bags of plant-based protein balls. This is the first Maryland location for South Block, which has four stores in D.C. and seven in northern Virginia.

Also new at Pike & Rose this week is Roaming Rooster, another D.C.-area chain opening its first location in Maryland. Located next to Bibibop around the corner from Sports & Social, this place is known for its Southern specialties: buttermilk-fried chicken, biscuits, fries, honey butter and pickles. The Pike & Rose location is the ninth for Roaming Rooster, which started seven years ago as a food truck.

The third new addition at Pike & Rose is LensCrafters, now open next to Greek restaurant Melina across the street from REI. This is the first eyeglass store to open at Pike & Rose, but it won’t be alone for long: Warby Parker is also on the way. More on that in our Feb. 24 edition.

July 4th is just around the corner, and Rose’s Luxury/Rose’s at Home is here to make your celebration festive, delicious… and convenient. No need to drive to D.C. when the Michelin-starred favorite can bring the summer cookout right to your door. Opt for Rose’s “Build-a-Burger Kit,” and you’ll get custom-blended ready-to-grill patties, sesame buns, smoked onion aioli, cheese and fresno pepper jelly. Or choose the make-your-own lobster rolls, topped with brown butter and garlic aioli. Side dishes include pesto pasta salad, sour cream and onion dip with potato chips, grilled pole beans and summer squash, and mixed greens with strawberry vinaigrette and candied almonds. For even more special touches, add a Rose’s Signature Lychee Salad or blueberry pie with whipped cream. Ready to get started? Click here.

This weekend is your last chance to visit Normandie Farm before chef/owner Cary Prokos ends his 39-year run. The Potomac landmark has been sold to a D.C. restaurant company with deep pockets and big plans for its next incarnation. (More on that in our May 5th edition.) Prokos says he’s been touched by all the good wishes from longtime customers, some of whom have been buying up his plates, coffee mugs and popover tins. “They’ve all been coming out here to say goodbye, but we’re the ones who should be saying thank you to the entire community for supporting us all these years,” he says. “Some days have been better than others, but it’s all been a fantastic adventure.” Prokos is throwing a party Sunday night, open to everyone at $30 a head, featuring a cocktail buffet with all the goodies that are still left in the refrigerator.

A weekly guide sponsored by some of our favorite local businesses

This week we welcome Seniors Helping Seniors to the Store Reporter Guide. This national company, with a newly opened office in Bethesda, matches able-bodied seniors looking for work with other seniors who need a bit of help. Scroll down for more.

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