McDonald's Smoky BLT Quarter Pounder arrives in Rockville (Video+Photos)

A new sandwich has arrived at many McDonald's locations in Montgomery County. The Smoky BLT Quarter Pounder with Cheese features the 100% all-beef patty topped with smoky bacon sauce, smoked Applewood bacon strips, Roma tomatoes, shredded lettuce and two slices of American cheese on a sesame seed bun. It cost $6.89 before tax. There is also a Chips Ahoy McFlurry for a limited time.

I have seen the burger at McDonald's restaurants in Bethesda (River Road), Rockville and Silver Spring so far. The secretive sandwich is either a test item, or a near-future release that came out early in our area. Which is great news, because the burger is delicious with the mystery bacon sauce. Watch my review, and then try it yourself.

Miniso opens at Montgomery Mall (Photos)

Miniso has opened at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The Japanese-inspired Chinese lifestyle goods chain offers toys, health and organization products. Some characters are licensed, like Marvel and Coca-Cola, while others are original intellectual property of the growing international company. You may find stuffed animals or pillows in one aisle, kitchenware or fitness equipment in the next, and face masks and hand sanitizer in yet another. Find Miniso on Level 1 in the Macy's wing.

Strong-arm rape reported at Rockville park

City of Rockville police responded to a report of a strong-arm rape at a city park on Sunday afternoon, October 17, 2021. The rape was reported at a park in the 14500 block of Avery Road at 5:00 PM. That appears to be RedGate Park.

Rockville Historic District Commission to review proposed demolition of two Chapman Avenue buildings

1800 Chapman Avenue

Two more midcentury modern buildings will be considered for historic designation by the Rockville Historic District Commission at its virtual meeting this Thursday night, October 21, 2021 at 7:00 PM. A developer is seeking to tear down 1800 Chapman Avenue and 1818 Chapman Avenue, in order to construct a new apartment building.

1800 Chapman Avenue

1800 Chapman Avenue was built around 1954, planning staff found, but documents pinpointing the exact date and architect have been lost. It was built for Bowen & Company, a manufacturer of medical instruments. The building has been vacant since the firm went out of business.

1800 Chapman Avenue

1818 Chapman Avenue was designed by modernist architect Donald N. Coupard, a graduate of Rockville High School, Montgomery College and Catholic University. It was built for Dermot A. Nee, whose father founded the P.J. Nee Furniture Company across the street. Initially a garage and warehouse used to store Dairy Dan Ice Cream trucks when they weren't roaming the streets, it was most recently Tony's Body Shop, and is now vacant. Coupard incorporated design touches into the building from the furniture store, such as its stone pillars and distinctive windows and double doors.

1818 Chapman Avenue

Both buildings have unique designs and represent their time period well. But neither qualifies for historic designation under the existing criteria, planning staff argues in its report. Staff suggests there are "numerous examples of these types of structures within Rockville." Commissioners will consider this, and any other viewpoints from preservation organizations and the public, at Thursday's meeting. They will then make a recommendation to the Mayor and Council. 

1818 Chapman Avenue

1818 Chapman Avenue

Photos via City of Rockville

Chadol to open at Research Row in Rockville

Chadol, a Korean restaurant, is opening at the Research Row shopping center at 1403 Research Boulevard in Rockville. Korean barbecue will be the specialty. The 4055 square foot restaurant will seat 120 people. Chadol's owner currently estimates a November 15, 2021 opening.

Burger King Shady Grove Road construction drags on (Photos)

There won't be any Ghost Pepper Nuggets at the Burger King at 16004 Shady Grove Road, on the border of Rockville and Gaithersburg. I can't recall a fast food restaurant renovation that has taken this long; chains construct entire new restaurants in a fraction of this time. They've added stone to the facade, and put down a new driveway and parking lot since July. 

This BK is the best in Montgomery County; it's not only the highest-rated, but the food seems to always be made fresh when ordered, in my experience. So it's been disappointing to not have it available, as many limited-time menu items have come and gone nationally. Perhaps the construction workers have too often ignored the King's royal dictum: "Don't go to bed before the King."

Thai Chef opens in Rockville (Photos)

Thai Chef is now open at 29 Maryland Avenue at Rockville Town Square. As you can see in these photos, the final product delivered on the architectural renderings released when the new location was announced. Thai Chef has an existing location at Dupont Circle in the District.