30 ways to celebrate New Year’s in and around Montgomery County

Chatted with Melanie Hirsch, a Silver Spring resident, about how she pulled off tonight’s Jeopardy! victory for @bannermoco.bsky.social:

www.thebanner.com/culture/film...

This is delightful. Our reporters @hannahyasharoff.bsky.social and Hau Chu, doing serious and very important work, taste test all the spice levels at Dave's Hot Chicken.

From Hannah, after eating the "hot" level spice: I’m officially chickening out.

Cardi B, Grammy-winning rapper, spotted shopping at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

A: Two Silver Spring natives, including one celebrity, are about to compete in upcoming “Jeopardy!” tournaments.

Q: Who are [check out the story below to find out]?

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For @bannermoco.bsky.social, I chatted with country singer/songwriter Mindy Miller about growing up in Montgomery County, performing on NBC’s “The Voice” and what she’s learned from her celeb mentor, Snoop Dogg.

www.thebanner.com/culture/film...

Get the complete guide and fully story here: buff.ly/XA7y8Nz

Consumers are increasingly turning to social media and local food experts for restaurant recommendations.

Just ask Kevin Hsieh, a 29-year-old Gaithersburg High School alum whose Taiwanese street food spot Bao Bei, finished in second place on Food Network’s “The Great Food Truck Race” last year.

Has social media killed the TV star?

The year was 2012, and Doron Petersan just won Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars” for the second time. Cupcakes were a hot trend. Lines to try the vegan cupcakes with the national baking show’s stamp of approval extended far past the front door of Sticky Fingers.

The shine of food TV is wearing off. My colleague @hannahyasharoff.bsky.social talks to Montgomery County area chefs who've appeared on major shows and competitions (and won!), but didn't see a boom in business.

For Eater DC, I ate my way through DC’s Detroit-style pizza joints to bring you the complete guide to the best spots to get your fix without having to leave the DMV.

Fried pickles are a pretty big dill, so I tried a whole bunch across DC for Eater DC. Whether you’re Team Chips or Team Spears (and I don’t mean Britney this time), you’ll relish these picks:

dc.eater.com/maps/fried-p...

Whether you're seeking a literary companion for this Valentine's Day or a cozy story to match the current climate, these romance options will keep things hot even when the temperatures outside are anything but.

Getting earnest on main for a second in honor of Dry January: I stopped drinking almost 5 months ago, and as a single 20-something, I was terrified it was going to kill my social life. It actually did the opposite.

Essay for @popsugar.com: