Maryland’s Magnificent Chicken

Many Washington, D.C. residents bemoan the fact that this area doesn’t have an indigenous cuisine to its name. Because of the transient nature of this town, it seems there isn’t a food for Washington to call its own.

That may be a blessing in disguise. Because of the constant influx of newcomers, the D.C. Metro area has a great number of ethnic restaurants.

From authentic Thai to fantastic Middle Eastern food, there is no dearth of meals from any different country.

The best though, might be in a little shop on a main drag in Wheaton, Maryland that channels the flavor of Peru.

El Pollo Rico serves just one dish, which reflects its nomenclature: the most delicious, decadent chicken in town.

The décor in the restaurant is sparse, with white vinyl floors, plain tables and chairs and bright walls, painted in red, yellow and green.

However, when one first walks into El Pollo Rico, the simple decorations are the last thing that people notice. Instead, it’s the overwhelming smell, a combination of sweet and savory spices that please the senses.

The scent comes from the store’s secret spice rub, which is heavily patted over the hundreds of chickens that are roasting in plain sight. Just behind the register sit large brick rotisseries. Sunk into the walls these ovens hold massive heaps of ashen coals, fires that have been going all day and are constantly being stoked.

Above them are approximately fifteen spits, all sitting on a giant wheel. Each is laden with ten to fifteen birds. Each row spins on its individual spit, while the entire contraption constantly rotates, bringing the birds to within inches of the scorching flame then whisking them away. It creates a crisp and crackling skin, but prevents them from being burnt.

These chickens are the only item on the menu and they come in only three portions. A quarter chicken, a half or a whole.

And while all those portions may seem large, the birds are too irresistible to stop eating. The flesh inside is thick and juicy, and a quarter chicken goes down faster than you think. With any order comes a choice of sides: a soupy coleslaw, steamed white rice or thick cut French fries.

Order the fries — they pair amazingly with the restaurant’s two wonderful dipping sauces.

The two sauces come complimentary with any order, and are an exercise in contrast. One is a thick, mayonnaise-based sauce; the other, a biting, vinegary blend of diced jalapenos. Stir the two together for the perfect match, a smooth, creamy yet spicy sauce that tastes wonderful slathered on top of fries or chicken.

El Pollo Rico has one other location in Arlington, VA. At either restaurant, be sure to bring cash. It’s not that the meals are expensive, fifteen dollars will get you a whole chicken and two sides, it’s that neither location takes credit cards.

And even if it requires a trip to the bank, it is worth it to enjoy an out-of-this-world bird.

-David

Rockville, Maryland Market Report – 11/9/10

Here’s my overall analysis:  There have been less unites for sale than one year ago when had Home Buyer Stimulus #1. So comparing this time period to last year is not an equal comparison. But that said, here are the statistics for Rockville, Maryland:

• # of Homes for Sale: 543 (compare to 520 in August and 495 in September 2009)
• # of Homes Sold: 96  (down from 113 in August, and down from 125 at same time last year)
• Median Home Price:  $397,366 (up from $415,354 in August, and up from $400,507 one year ago)
• Average days on the market: 65 (up from 55 in August, and down from 74 one year ago).

Being located in the center of the county and having many transportation, shopping and entertainment options makes Rockville a very desirable place to live. You can enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants along Rockville Pike and in the Town Center.  With the end of daylight savings time, you can enjoy long evenings with the family in one of the many lovely communities spread around Rockville.

Data, commentary and analysis provided by David Hess, Executive Vice President, Avery-Hess, Realtors

Find Your Home. Plan Your Life. www.averyhess.com

Silver Spring, MD Market Report – 11/01/10

The stats in Silver Spring really bounced around in September. One month does not make a trend so rather than pontificate, here are the stats:
Market statistics for Silver Spring, Maryland:

• Homes for sale: 1,436 (up from 1,359 in August and up from 1,243 one year ago)
• Homes Sold: 180 (down from 212 in August but almost the same 183 sales as one year ago)
• Median sold price: $297,214 (down from $335,196 in August, and up from $276,986 one year ago)
• Average days on market: 75 (pretty stable most of this year and nearly the same as one year ago when it was 76)

My prediction is that the market will be slow until after January due to the uncertainties of the elections, repeal of ObamaCare, the negative attention over foreclosure “Robosigners,” and the general malaise among many people caused by their concerns and anxiety for the future of the American Free Enterprise system. For those who are focused on their goals to buy a house, there may be some opportunities over the next 60 days to score a good deal.

Market data and commentary provided by David Hess, Executive Vice President and Managing Broker.
Search for homes in Silver Spring, and all of the DC Metro: www.averyhess.com

Rockville, Maryland Market Report – 10/6/10

Here’s my overall analysis: There is around a four percent increase in homes for sale this year compared to the number for sale one year ago. However, the numbers of units sold is about about nine percent lower.  The current average days on market, is still below what it was last year but it does continues to rise. Houses are on the market for about a month less than they were this time last year and today’s prices are slightly higher. Interest rates are lower and are pretty much at the lowest level they have been in 30 years. My expectation is for a stable market for the balance of the year.
Market Statistics for Rockville, Maryland:

• # of Homes for Sale: 520 (compare to 515 in July and 498 in August 2009)
• # of Homes Sold: 113  (down from 122 in July, and down from 124 at same time last  year)
• Median Home Price:  $374,250 (up from $349,600 in July, and up from $365,750 one year ago)
• Average days on the market: 55 (up from 42 in July, and down from 74 one year ago).

Being located in the center of the county and having many transportation, shopping and entertainment options makes Rockville a very desirable place to live.

Data, commentary and analysis provided by David Hess, Executive Vice President, Avery-Hess, Realtors

Find Your Home. Plan Your Life. www.averyhess.com

Germantown, MD Market Report – 9/29/10

While price statistics this month look like a softening market, one month does not make a trend. We will have to see what the next few months bring after the hangover from the housing tax credit diminishes. In order for buyers to get the tax credit before it expired, some third quarter sales were “pulled” into the second quarter causing inflation in the second quarter.

• Homes for sale: 505 (down from 536 in August, up from 427 one year ago)
• Homes sold:  85 (down from 86 in August and down from 98 one year ago)
• Average sales price: $270,664 (down from $284,660 in August 2010 and down from $283,361 one year ago)
• Average days on market: 45 (down from 52 last month, and the same as 45 days one year ago)

Since we have a stabilized unemployment rate and low interest rates what I expect to happen is similar to what happened in the car business after “Cash for Clunkers” ran out; the market will return to equilibrium over a three to six month period. The market will continue to stabilize as long as we can avoid any more government stimulus.

Commentary and analysis provided by David Hess, Executive Vice President.

Silver Spring, MD Market Report – 8/25/10

In the current housing market, we are living in the “hangover” of the various government stimulus programs. Just like the “Cash for Clunkers” stimulus in the car business, these programs have distorted and changed the timing of the housing demand. This has lead to below normal results as the market returns to equilibrium. No more stimulus please!

Here are the market statistics for Silver Spring, Maryland:

• Homes for sale: 1,402 (up from 1,364 in June and up from 1,276 one year ago)
• Homes Sold: 170 (down from the stimulus induced 288 last month, and down from last year’s stimulus induced 272)
• Average sold price: $353,433 (down from $364,427 last month, and up from $343,655 one year ago)
• Average days on market: 64 (pretty stable most of this year but down from 99 days one year ago)

While the weather is still warm, hop in the car or take Metro to the Silver Spring and spend a relaxing evening enjoying the many shops and various ethnic restaurants – including African, Burmese, Ethiopian, Italian, Mexican, Jamaican to name a few – in the newly revitalized City Place.  You might even dip your feet in the fountain to cool off!  There are many weekends that you can enjoy music, dance and sample new foods at one of the ethnic festivals held in the area. Hope to see you there!

Market data and commentary provided by David Hess, Executive Vice President and Managing Broker.

Search for homes in Silver Spring, and all of the DC Metro: www.averyhess.com