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Celebrating Diversity: The Inspiring Stories Behind Solaire Social's Flavorful Flavors

Fire Pit chef and co-owner Gui Gonzalez and his mother, Gladis Leorato, who works with him. (Deb Lindsey for The Washington Post)

As we all know, Solaire Social has opened as the newest hotspot in downtown Silver Spring! We hope you have already visited the stunning Solaire 8200 Dixon building and its 13,000-square-foot food hall. If not, what are you waiting for? Silver Spring is recognized as one of the top five most diverse cities in the U.S., and the variety of cultural dining representations at Solaire Social reflects this rich diversity.

Shuga X Ice Founder Ndidiamaka Agu

Let's dive into some of the unique and inspiring stories behind a few of our vendors! To start, we have Shuga x Ice, an African-inspired ice cream company founded by Ndidiamaka Agu. Shuga x Ice brings a celebration of the rich, diverse flavors of Africa to our food hall. Ndidi's passion for ice cream was ignited by a significant turning point in her life, leading her to create delightful flavors like Gbas Gbos (milk chocolate ice cream with a kick of African peppers), Chin Chin + Cream (coconut cream frozen dessert with chin chin cookie pieces), and Tea + Bread (tea-flavored ice cream with buttered agege  bread pieces). Next, we have Kati Roll Wala, founded by Praveena, offering healthy, quick meals inspired by her home-cooking experiences during the COVID-19 lockdown. Praveena’s Kati Rolls and Wala Bowls are a testament to her dedication to flavorful, nutritious food. Kati Rolls are Indian flatbread wraps layered with or without beaten eggs, loaded with proteins that are marinated and cooked in a blend of aromatic spices, sliced onions, and complementary sauces. Finally, we have Fire Pit, managed by a family of Southern Brazilians who have lived in the US for over 20 years, bringing the authentic Gaúcho-Brazilian barbecue experience to Silver Spring. Their commitment to preserving their cultural traditions is evident in every dish they serve. Be sure to visit Solaire Social to experience these incredible stories and savor the exceptional flavors they bring to our vibrant community.


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