The area’s culinary scene continues to garner local and national attention for its quality and diversity, with the newly-opened Solaire Social food hall recently ranked in Eater’s “Hottest New Restaurants Around D.C.” list.
The monthly list features restaurants that have been open for six months or less and suggests the most intriguing or otherwise buzzworthy new restaurants in the D.C. area. Eater’s editors recommend Solaire Social, which has recently added a lineup of events and bar deals, for “globe-trotting options for fried chicken, sushi, Thai, Indian, Brazilian, deli meats, and African-influenced ice cream scoops.”
Silver Spring’s exciting new food hall is filled with globe-trotting options for fried chicken, sushi, Thai, Indian, Brazilian, deli meats, and African-influenced ice cream scoops. Anchoring a new residential and retail complex, the 13,000-square-foot dining destination in a former auto shop features a 40-seat bar and live entertainment stage. Solaire Social’s lineup, curated by chef and restaurateur Akhtar Nawab of Hospitality HQ, includes: SOKO, marking the second location of chef Brad Feickert’s beloved deli and butcher shop in Takoma Park, Just Chicken; a poultry stand co-founded by childhood friends; Kabab 2 Go, an extension of a Charlotte, N.C. brand founded by Lebanese immigrants; Kati Roll Wala, specializing in Indian flatbread wraps and bowls on a bed of basmati rice or salad; Fire Pit Brazilian Cuisine & Barbecue, a quick-serve stall from Southern Brazilian family, and more.
The 13,000-square-foot Solaire Social, the first of two food halls announced for downtown Silver Spring, opened last May on the ground floor of the 27-story, 403-unit Solaire 8200 Dixon apartment building. Featuring a 40-seat bar, an entertainment stage, and a selection of food vendors “representing the diverse culinary fabric of Silver Spring,” ranging from fried chicken to sushi, Thai, Indian, and Brazilian cuisine, as well as a butcher and deli and an African-inspired ice cream shop, all curated by chef and restaurateur Akhtar Nawab of Brooklyn, N.Y.-based Hospitality HQ:
Just Chicken: Co-founders, childhood friends, and Chief Tender Lovers, D’Andre and Mike, found their passion in the food and hospitality industry. With Just Chicken, the fellas wanted something that would be easy to cook up and fun to make without sacrificing quality or flavor. That’s when Just Chicken was born.
Kabab 2 Go: A family-owned and operated restaurant from Charlotte, NC. After immigrating from Lebanon and living more than a decade in the “queen city” they decided to bring their expertise in snacks shops and the restaurant business to the United States. The food is seasoned and prepared with the best imported spices coming straight from Lebanon and freshly made daily.
Kati Roll Wala: Pankaj Kumar, founder of Kati Roll Wala, devised the concept while he was working from home and his kids were in home school. He wanted to eat quick and easy foods with protein, and made Kati Rolls, which are Indian flatbread wraps. Wala Bowls are full of veggies with a protein on a bed of basmati rice or salad. The kids loved it, and Kati Roll and Wala Bowls became Kati Roll Wala.
Pau & Sophia’s Thai Kitchen: Making their debut is this new Thai restaurant that gives diners the opportunity to try a variety of Northern and Southern Thai specialties.
Shuga x Ice: A unique, African-inspired ice cream company, brought to life by the passion and vision of its founder, Ndidiamaka Agu. After experiencing a turning point in her life, Ndidi decided to make her dream of creating an ice cream business a reality. Their ice cream is a celebration of the rich, diverse flavors of Africa, bringing a unique dessert experience to the Solaire Social Food Hall.
SOKO and SOKO Oysters: In addition to operating the venue’s oyster bar, SOKO Oysters, chef Brad Feickert (who also operates Koma Café) operates the second location of this local favorite Takoma Park butcher shop and deli. Soko showcases locally sourced meats and has a commitment to sourcing from sustainable farms.
Fire Pit Brazilian Barbecue: Fire Pit is created, managed, and operated by a family of Southern Brazilians who keep their culture and traditions alive by offering a full experience of Gaúcho-Brazilian Barbecue at an affordable price with a quick service concept. Fire Pit was featured in a recent episode of Signature Dish.
Manna Sushi: Ciin Deih Lun specializes in sushi preparation under the Hissho brand. He also collaborates with ACE Sushi Company, and his experience spans aspects of sushi making from traditional to innovative.
Solaire Social is located on the ground floor of the Solaire 8200 Dixon apartment building in downtown Silver Spring. The food hall is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays and from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Parking is available at the Bonifant-Dixon Garage.
Photo by Scott Suchman / Courtesy of Hospitality HQ