The Cider Barrel Revival

In early August we shared a link to Brandi Edinger’s Kickstarter page for her plan to bring The Cider Barrel back to life!

The link can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/MoCoShow/posts/1213589988744958.

A couple weeks later I interviewed Brandi using questions based on YOUR comments on our original post. With just 10 days left to raise over $75k, it doesn’t look like the Kickstarter campaign will be successful (it’s an all or nothing campaign, which means if the full amount isn’t raised, everyone that donated will be refunded their money), but even it the goal isn’t reached it doesn’t mean that the dream to bring The Cider Barrel back to life ends here.

Here’s What Brandi had to say:

What are some of the pastries that you plan to sell (Apple cider donuts)?
I plan on offering things such as fresh cinnamon rolls and sticky buns and other “breakfast pastries” such as seasonal muffins, danishes and crumb cake. I will also offer things like triple choc. mousse torte, assorted flavor filled eclairs and colorful macarons-just to name a few. In addition to that I also plan on offering some gluten free and vegan items since there is a deman for that right now. (I have alot of experience with vegan because I was the Pastry Chef at Equinox Restaurant in DC for a few years and they have a strong vegan following). I even want to have a little selection of dog treats 🙂 I really want my menu to represent the seasons well and I can certainly do so since we are so close to many great farms.

One of our readers asked for a collaboration with the old Montgomery Donuts. Any interest in doing that down the road if this happens?
I would certainly love to talk more about this. I want this to be about creating relationships in the community and what better way than collaborating with a local icon in the industry. That would be a win win in my opinion.

Do you plan to serve regular coffee, capuccinos, frappes, etc.?
Coffee is a must! I will offer specialty coffees but only a select few such as lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos. Since I am hoping for a late fall opening it is a MUST that I have apple cider. I have been very fortunate to meet with Mr. Gene Bollinger, one of the original partners and cider maker of the Cider Barrel. He gave me a few good tips about how to go about selling cider and if anyone knows…it would be him 🙂. I will also offer hot chocolate made from real chocolate and fresh made marshmallows.

Do you think the goal will be reached? A limited amount of people can donate certain amounts, do you think that will hinder the campaign?
$85k is my goal. I would not be telling the truth if I said I did not have any worries. I am very VERY excited about all of this but I am also extremely nervous. $85k is a lot of money but without meeting my goal, this just won’t be possible. I met with a local contractor on Sunday who grew up in MoCo and has many great memories of the CB. His name is Paul Innocenti. Thanks to him, I can now save money and cut down from the original $185-$200k that the bigger companies have estimated this to be. He is currently meeting with a plumber, electrician and concrete company so we can find the most cost effective way to make this happen. The plumbing is where the majority of the money comes in. Once we get answers to a few questions we have, we may be able to cut the cost of the entire project in half (fingers crossed!). Mr. Innocenti will allow myself and anyone else that wants to volunteer, to be hands on to help save money.

What would the parking situation look like?
Many have questioned the parking as well as a few other things such as zoning. I started this journey last August, so it has been a year in the making. During that time I have been crossing every T and dotting my I’s to be sure I was doing this right. Scott Whipple of Montgomery County Parks and Planning has been a big help in all of this. Mr. Whipple confirmed that we are zoned correctly and that there is parking. There will be parking provided behind the CB in front of the Elm’s clubhouse. They will also have proper signs. Many people do not realize, but there is a path leading directly from the parking lot to the side door of barrel which also has a handicap ramp. It ties into the path running along 355.

What’s your response to those that say it’s best to leave it as it is?
For the those who are against this…I can honestly say that the support I have been receiving from the community is overwhelming!

There will always be one in every bunch and I completely expect that, but they are far and few in between. I seriously cannot thank everyone enough. I am very fortunate to have the support from all that I do. Susan Soderberg (President of the Historical Society), has been my guiding light in all of this. I run everything past her before I do anything. I look at this as the CB being her baby. Susan has fought for the barrel for years on many levels so it is extremely important to me that she be behind me on everything. Had she not approved of this, I would not have went any further.

I want everyone to understand that while I am working to open a bakery, this is Soooo much more than that. I want this to be about community. I am constantly building new relationships in effort to bring people together throughout this endeavor. I want to utilize local products as much as I can. Everything from fruits, vegetables and dairy from our local farms to possibly even coffee and donuts. I would love to talk more about Montgomery Donuts as well as reach out to a local roaster in Rockville

​This post has been brought to you by Trapezaria Greek Restaurant. Whether your party is social or corporate, now is the time to book your holiday event to ensure the date is available.

Recent Stories

Chief Antonio DeVaul from the Takoma Park Police Department has announced the arrest of Antonio Thompson, 29, of no fixed address, for stolen auto, theft from auto and 1st degree…

A Rottweiler puppy has been reunited with its owner after a good samaritan found the dog in a dumpster near her Silver Spring apartment on Thursday morning.

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation has announced that beginning Friday, March 29, Ride On Route 76 (Shady Grove/Poolesville) will no longer serve The Crossvines Golf Course as a termination point…

According to Montgomery County Police, the coyote that attacked two people on Thursday, March 28, was located along a trail near Dustin Rd in Burtonsville. It was shot and killed…

FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival

Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.

Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.

Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.

Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.

As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.

Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.

LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!

MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME

2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES

KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!

Bethesda Film Fest

The 2024 Bethesda Film Fest will feature five short documentary films made by filmmakers from Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Screenings will be held Friday April 5 and Saturday April 6 at Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema.

×

Subscribe to our mailing list