First look at Urban Plates
This week we had a chance to preview the menu at Urban Plates, which recently opened at Tysons Galleria and will arrive next month at Westfield Montgomery mall. The restaurant manages to gracefully combine a casual atmosphere and cafeteria-line setup with high-end entrées like osso bucco and striped sea bass, all at a price point well below $20. Sandwiches and salads are plentiful here (including a standout chicken club), along with tasty sides like brussels sprouts with turkey bacon, rainbow carrots with golden beets, and miso mushrooms with sweet potatoes. Desserts and juices also are house-made, and the Westfield Montgomery location will offer wine and beer. This one looks like a winner.
Cinnabon and Amazon Lockers
In other mall news, Cinnabon is moving into the long-empty space next to Popeyes. The Core clothing store, which exited Westfield Montgomery two years ago, is making a comeback in the Nordstrom wing. And here’s a perk for online shoppers: A wall of Amazon Lockers will be installed next month near Forever 21. Not familiar with the concept? Amazon Lockers are self-serve “mailboxes” where you can drop off a package or receive a delivery at the time of your convenience. All you do is schedule the pickup or dropoff online, then Amazon sends you a locker number and a private code to open it. No more waiting for the UPS truck or worrying about porch pirates.
Rooftop skating at Pike & Rose
An ice-skating rink made its debut last weekend on the rooftop terrace of the Canopy Hotel at Pike & Rose. The rink, which features synthetic ice, is open for the rest of this month with lounge seating on one side and a hotel menu on the other. Tickets are $14 to $17 per person and benefit the nonprofit Mel’s Rink Foundation, which is raising money to build an indoor sports facility for kids with special needs.
Goodbye Jerry's, hello Jersey Mike's
Jersey Mike’s Subs is on the way to the Fallsgrove shopping center, replacing the recently closed Jerry’s Subs and Pizza. This will be the second Jersey Mike’s in Rockville, following a three-year-old location at Wintergreen Plaza. Opening date TBD.
Potomac Paddlesports floats out of the Village
Potomac Paddlesports has closed up shop in Potomac Village. After several years selling watersports gear in the mini-mall at the Potomac Promenade shopping center, owner Sunny Pitcher says he wants to focus on his core business of kayak lessons and excursions.
Glad to hear Cinnabon is coming back to Westfield Montgomery. Thank you
I said, “Oh, no!” when I read that Cinnabon was opening at Montg. Mall. I cannot resist; I am helpless. It was great when only airports had them. Oh, woe is me!