A Night at Silver Spring's Sligo Cafe
/by Rachael Bender, special to EdibleDC
When you don’t like your lunch options, what do you do? Open a restaurant, of course. “We’re a neighborhood business,” said owner and former music exec David Galinsky, who discussed how he built out the space for the recently opened Sligo Cafe in Silver Spring. While not in the most picturesque part of town, the eatery is walking distance from metro and the interior design makes you forget about what’s going on across the street. The industrial office space is transformed with purple and silver decor and rotating artwork from Margery Goldberg’s Zenith Gallery. And the big windows open up to the sidewalk patio so everyone can enjoy the weekly live music featuring local artists.
But patrons really come for the food from head chef Corey Locker. One of the creative dishes on the menu is the Signature French Onion. More than the traditional broth soup, it’s topped with a mac and cheese gratin. The inspiration for this combination came when Locker was eating with his nine year old son and decided to marry their two dishes. It’s a good match, with the gooey cheese melting into the crevices of the elbow macaroni that already soaked in the beef broth and caramelized onion flavors.
The cafe is planning to go to a small plates concept in the next few weeks, so you can enjoy more flavors in one sitting. That’s great news considering the slew of appealing options on the current menu. From the Beeting Hearts Salad, with peppery arugula mixed with creamy goat cheese, hearts of palm, and beet sauce topped with a pistachio finish to the crispy brussels sprouts with bacon and lemon vinaigrette, there are several can’t miss dishes.
The bar overlooking the kitchen seems always bustling, featuring draft beer from local breweries, wine and signature cocktails. The “what-a-melon” champagne cocktail special had fresh watermelon juice, lemon and an entire sprig of fresh thyme to wake up your palate. The watermelon gin rickey is for those who want a stronger drink, but equally as refreshing.
Save room for dessert too, including plates that incorporate Moorenko’s Ice Cream, which is headquartered down the road. No matter what you order, Sligo Cafe is giving the Silver Spring community a place hang out with friends, eat with your family and enjoy a good meal.
