Sign installed at Escapology in Rockville

The permanent sign and door stenciling have been added to the front of Escapology, coming soon to 11572 Old Georgetown Road at Pike & Rose. Like another escape room business in downtown Bethesda, this one has been severely delayed in opening, so it's encouraging to see some activity here.

Ding Tea opening in Rockville

Rockville is nearing "peak bubble tea," and the latest addition will be Ding Tea in the Ritchie Center, opening soon at 785-C Rockville Pike. It will be in the space next to Kiin Imm Thai.

eyebobs opens, Crabtree & Evelyn closes at Westfield Montgomery Mall

Westfield Montgomery Mall is one up and one down in tenants. Designer eyewear boutique eyebobs has opened on Level 2. Meanwhile, Crabtree & Evelyn has permanently closed.

China Garden sets soft opening date in Rockville

China Garden is finally happening. The restaurant's owners told me last night that they have scheduled a soft opening for their long-delayed new location at 11333 Woodglen Drive in the White Flint area of Rockville. China Garden will open on July 12, 2019 at 11:00 AM for lunch.

Specializing in dim sum and authentic Cantonese cuisine, China Garden has operated since 1973 in its original Virginia location. All of their chefs are recruited directly from Hong Kong.

KFC Cheetos Chicken sandwich arrives in Rockville/Cheetos Lovers Box Review

KFC launched its limited-time-only Cheetos Chicken Sandwich nationwide yesterday. The sandwich contains a crispy chicken breast brushed with a cheesy Cheetos sauce, served atop a layer of Cheetos and mayonnaise on a bakery roll. It comes in a special Chester Cheetah box.

For larger appetites, there is the Cheetos Lovers Box. For just under $10, you get the Cheetos Chicken sandwich, Cheetos popcorn chicken, potato wedges, mac & cheese and a medium drink. There is no special box for the Cheetos Lovers Box, unfortunately. Watch my review of the sandwich and Cheetos Lovers Box for a full evaluation.

Rockville cooling centers to open if temperature reaches 95 degrees, or Code Red alert issued

The City of Rockville will open four designated cooling centers should the temperature reach 95 degrees or higher - or if a Code Red air quality alert is issued - today or any other day. Visitors can rest for free in the designated public area inside the cooling center. Those wanting to utilize fitness centers, computer labs or other amenities can upgrade by paying a fee. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Rockville's cooling centers are at the following locations:

• Lincoln Park Community Center, 357 Frederick Ave.
• Thomas Farm Community Center, 700 Fallsgrove Drive.
• Twinbrook Community Recreation Center, 12920 Twinbrook Parkway.
• Rockville Senior Center, 1150 Carnation Drive.

After banning circus animals, MoCo gets one-man circus

The Montgomery County Council is infamously known for debating at length, and then approving, a ban on circus animals - at the same time as once-major County employer Discovery Communications was being wooed to relocate by other jurisdictions. Sadness ensued for all, as Montgomery County wound up losing both circuses and the Discovery Channel headquarters. But, now through Sunday, July 7 at Strathmore, it's David Dimitri to the rescue! The son of legendary clown Jakob Dimitri is bringing a one-man circus to Montgomery County, L'homme Cirque.

Dimitri will fire himself out of a cannon as a human cannonball. He will walk the high wire. Strathmore promises he will balance these and other daring feats with "humor, poetry and an accordion serenade." At the climax of the performance, Dimitri will open the top of the tent, and the audience will witness him disappear "into the sky" on the high wire.

The one-man circus is one contingency the anti-circus County Council apparently did not anticipate, and thereby is legal. Teeth are assuredly gnashing at 100 Maryland Avenue, but the show must! go! on! True to the Montgomery Way, though, Dimitri was required to get a permit from the County to erect his tent on the Strathmore property. Big Government for the Big Tent!

You can buy tickets online, and watch a trailer for Dimitri's L'homme Cirque: