An illustration of “bad” cholesterol molecules, in yellow, binding to receptors, in blue-purple. In the study, patients saw their “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides levels drop by up to 50 percent — and remain steady a year later.

Montgomery County has taken another major step toward advancing the long-planned VIVA White Oak development, with officials ceremonially signing legislation authorizing up to $420 million in bonds to support infrastructure for the estimated $2.7 billion project.

The County Council unanimously approved the legislation in July, authorizing Montgomery County’s first use of Tax Increment Financing (TIF). The financing will support infrastructure including roads, water and sewer systems, utility connections and soil remediation, with the bonds expected to be repaid using a portion of new property tax revenue generated by the development.

At full buildout, VIVA White Oak is expected to include more than 4,400 residences and over 3 million square feet of laboratory, office, medical-office and retail space across the 280-acre development district. The project is expected to generate approximately 9,000 permanent jobs and 19,000 construction jobs.

“This is a project that has been discussed and planned for a long time, and now we are getting to the point where people will actually begin seeing it take shape,” County Executive Marc Elrich said.

The first phase is planned to include a Costco, two apartment buildings totaling 1,000 units, townhomes and a town center with retail and an anchor grocery store. Phase One is expected to be completed by 2033, with the full development anticipated by 2044.

Located near the U.S. Food and Drug Administration headquarters and Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center, VIVA White Oak is expected to represent approximately $2.7 billion in private investment, described by the County as the largest private investment in the history of eastern Montgomery County.

The County projects the development will generate more than $21 million in annual County revenue beginning in 2033, with revenue expected to increase in subsequent years. The first round of financing is expected to begin later this year.

Dolcezza, which operates a Montgomery County location at Bethesda Row, has been named “Best Ice Cream/Gelato” in Washington City Paper’s Best of D.C. awards.

The locally founded business competed against ice cream and gelato shops across D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia with Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream being the only other finalist with a Montgomery County location (Bethesda).

Founded in 2004, Dolcezza specializes in small-batch gelato made with locally sourced ingredients, including seasonal fruit, herbs, nuts and grass-fed Pennsylvania milk and cream.

Dolcezza operates seven locations across the DMV, including its Bethesda shop at 7111 Bethesda Lane. The company celebrated its 22nd anniversary in July with a free gelato giveaway featuring a limited-edition Chocotorta flavor inspired by the popular Argentinian dessert.

MoCo Spurs, Montgomery County’s official Tottenham Hotspur supporters club, has moved its home watch party location from Saints Row Brewing in Gaithersburg, which closed earlier this years with plans to reopen, to Silver Branch Brewing Rockville Beerworks.

The club held its first watch party at the new location on Saturday, August 22. Organizers said the move gives the group a new home where it can continue growing its community of local Tottenham supporters.

Launched in 2023, MoCo Spurs is recognized as an Official Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Club. The group brings fans together to watch matches featuring Tottenham, a Premier League soccer club based in north London, England.

MoCo Spurs previously held its watch parties at Saints Row Brewing in Olde Towne Gaithersburg. When The MoCoShow visited the group in 2024, dozens of supporters gathered at the brewery to follow the action and cheer on the club.

Silver Branch Brewing Rockville Beerworks is located at 7301 Calhoun Place in Rockville. Additional information about upcoming watch parties is available through MoCo Spurs.

The family-owned Japanese restaurant from Montgomery County residents and husband-and-wife team Raymond and Amy Yu held its grand opening last week at 4914 Hampden Lane in downtown Bethesda, taking over the space formerly home to Tako Grill (preview video below).

Our very own “Mr. MoCo” Alex Tsironis recently attended a complimentary tasting event at the newly opened restaurant. During the visit, he tried a variety of items and shared some of his favorites. “The sushi was great, but two additional items really stood out to me. I’m not much of a fish guy, but the miso black cod was amazing. The Hokkaido fresh milk soft serve, which was sea salt lemon flavored with a light blue tint from natural coloring, was possibly the best soft serve I’ve had in recent memory. It was so good that I’ll likely return for that alone.”

Appetizers range from $5 to $16, traditional rolls from $6 to $13 and specialty rolls from $18 to $22. Sushi Masato also offers approximately six-course tasting menus priced at $58, $78 and $98.

The Yus plan to eventually open a separate Japanese-inspired dessert concept called The One Cake alongside the restaurant. The concept will offer handcrafted Japanese-style cakes, mille crepe cakes and soft serve featuring flavors such as Matcha and Oolong. An opening date for The One Cake has not yet been announced.

 

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