Darband Kabob is now open at 765 Rockville Pike, Suite E, in Rockville’s Ritchie Center. The new Persian restaurant takes over a space that has previously been home to Taste of Kabab, CM Chicken, and Jumbo Jumbo Cafe. Our very own “Mr. MoCo” Alex Tsironis recently stopped by to support and shared that he believes these are “the best Persian kabobs in Montgomery County.” Preview video available below.

Owner and chef Ali brings decades of experience to the new restaurant, including more than 25 years at Shamshiry, which is one of the DC area’s most renowned Persian restaurants.

The menu features a wide range of kabobs, stews, and classic Persian appetizers, with popular entrees such as Koobideh (spiced ground beef), Barg Kabob (filet mignon), and Rack of Lamb. Guests can also choose from specialty rice options like Shirin Polo and Baghali Polo, along with traditional desserts such as Baklava, Faloudeh, and Persian ice cream made with saffron and rosewater.

Darband Kabob offers both indoor dining and takeout options. The video below shows the experience:

 

 

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A post shared by Mr. MoCo • Alex Tsironis (@mrmoco301)

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Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) is investigating an incident at Sherwood High School after senior class t-shirts distributed this week included a combination of letters and numbers that evoked a racial slur. In a letter sent to students, families, and staff, district leaders said the design, which was intended to celebrate the Class of 2026, appeared to resemble the N-word and described the situation as “unacceptable and wrong.”

The letter, signed by MCPS Chief of School Leadership and Improvement Dr. Peter Moran and MCPS Chief of Equity and Organizational Development Dr. Nyah Hamlett, emphasized that hate, bias, and discrimination “have no place in our schools.” The officials apologized for the harm caused to Black students, families, and staff, and said the district is committed to accountability and healing.

MCPS has launched a formal investigation into how the shirt design was created, approved, and distributed. The district has asked students to return the shirts and will provide redesigned versions at no cost. The senior class photo will also be retaken to ensure that no image associated with the shirts becomes part of the school’s historical record. A team of counselors and psychologists has been made available to support students and staff impacted by the incident. In addition, the district plans to partner with an outside organization specializing in racial healing to host restorative listening circles for students, staff, and families.

District leaders acknowledged that this incident is not isolated and referenced several past racial incidents at Sherwood, including a rope tied to resemble a noose found on school grounds and racist language published in a yearbook. They noted that these repeated events have caused “cumulative trauma” and said the school must do better to prevent future harm.

MCPS officials said they will examine the systems and culture that allowed the situation to occur and develop a plan of action to rebuild trust within the community. “An apology without action is meaningless,” the letter stated. “This is a moment that demands truth, accountability, and sustained commitment.”

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