Chuy's to celebrate Elvis' birthday this Sunday in Rockville

Chuy's, the recently-opened Tex-Mex restaurant in Federal Plaza on Rockville Pike, will celebrate the birthday of Elvis Presley this Sunday, January 8 - and the birthday gift could be for you. Come dressed as Elvis or Priscilla Presley, and you'll receive a free entree. Even if you don't arrive in costume, you'll still get $1 off The King's namesake plates at the chain, Elvis Green Chile Fried Chicken and the Elvis Presley Memorial Combo.

Also on sale, will be the appropriately-named frozen Blue Hawaiian cocktail, and limited-edition Elvis t-shirts. If you remember my review when Chuy's opened, you'll recall that Elvis is something of a patron saint for the restaurant since the first one opened in Austin in 1982 sporting a $20 velvet painting of The King.

"Our annual birthday party for Elvis is just one of thequirky things that makes Chuy's - Chuy's," John Korman, Director of Operations for Chuy's, said in a statement. "We love any excuse for a party, so why not enjoy a plate of enchiladas with a Frozen Blue Hawaiian and toast The King on his birthday? We hope folks will join us and have a good time."

Elvis would have been 82 on Sunday.

12266 Rockville Pike

(Federal Plaza)

 (301) 603-2941

Rockville Town Square's Toy Kingdom assists MCPD's annual Autism Outreach Holiday Party (Photos)

Toy Kingdom's Paula Aulestia,
Officer Laurie Reyes, and
Officer Tara Bond

More than 50 children and their siblings celebrated the holidays just before Christmas at the annual Montgomery County Police Department Autism Outreach Holiday Party, held at the county's Public Safety Headquarters. MCPD's Autism/IDD/Alzheimer's Outreach Program teamed up with local attorney John Malouf, and Toy Kingdom to sponsor this year's event.

Toy Kingdom, an independent toy store located at Rockville Town Square, donated the toys for the event and assisted officers in choosing the right ones for the kids who would be attending. They also helped organize and wrap the gifts. Malouf contributed about $250 to the event, as well.

Reyes and Aulestia pose with
two of the attendees

“Because we are a specialty toy store, we are able to select the best toys for kids with autism meeting their sensory needs,” said Paula Aulestia, whose family owns Toy Kingdom. She has been involved with the MCPS autism program for nearly 10 years. Aulestia said her involvement with the autistic community led her family to take on this giving project.

Rockville Town Square developer Federal Realty praised Toy Kingdom's participation in the event. Deirdre Johnson, VP of asset management at Federal Realty called it "an example of the important role small, independently-owned businesses play in the fabric of our community."

Reyes hands out
gifts to children

Officer Laurie Reyes also lauded the toy store's role in the event, at which kids enjoyed pizza, cookies, a ballon artist and live music.  “Toy Kingdom has been such a great resource and a wonderful partner for us for this program, and Mr. Malouf’s generosity has enabled us to engage with the members of our Austism IDD community and encourage a trusting relationship between those children and our officers. It’s really great to see these children interact with our officers in a positive way,” said Reyes, of MCPD's special operations division.

A Bite of China posts Coming Soon signage in Rockville (Photos)

Some readers were asking where in College Plaza A Bite of China will be opening. Here are a couple of photos, including the "Coming Soon" signage the restaurant has posted on the storefront. A Bite of China will be at 15106-A Frederick Road.

Firefighters respond to vacant American Tap Room in Rockville (Photos)

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue personnel entered the vacant American Tap Room in Rockville Town Square early last evening. They appeared to be searching the building, and inspecting the kitchen. There apparently was no fire, but it's unclear what brought the firefighters there. American Tap Rom closed about three weeks ago.

CS NY Pizza to bring New York-style pizza to Rockville

Having mastered the art of real Neapolitan pizza, the owners of Pizza CS in Rockville are turning their attention to a pizza capital a little closer to home: New York City. CS NY Pizza is promising to bring authentic New York-style pizza to the Edmonston Crossing shopping center, located at 1020-1066 Rockville Pike, just north of Taco Bell.

CS NY Pizza is scheduled to open in March.

Rockville is ready for A Bite of China

A Bite of China isn't just a Chinese television show anymore. It's also going to be the newest addition to Rockville's exploding Asian community and businesses. The restaurant will be located at 15106-A Frederick Road, in the College Plaza shopping center. A Bite of China has applied for a liquor license from Montgomery County. Stay tuned for further details.

Winchester Homes closes on 1900 Chapman Avenue deal in Rockville

Winchester Homes is the developer that will construct 61 townhomes at 1900 Chapman Avenue in Rockville. The former site of Syms, the property is divided between Winchester's project, and a 318 unit apartment building by a separate developer. Winchester has now purchased the 104855 SF site for $10,365,000, according to real estate records. The project is directly adjacent to the CSX railroad tracks and Twinbrook Parkway.