New Restaurant Headlines Greatroom Development At Gaithersburg Marriott

With all the hoopla about new dining coming to Gaithersburg's Crown development, one restaurant is slated to make its debut in April across the street in Washingtonian Center.

The Bench — a kitchen, lounge and lakeside patio — will be part of the new Greatroom at the Gaithersburg Marriott, located at 9751 Washingtonian Blvd.

The restaurant's menu has been developed over the past three months by Executive Chef Aaron Tootill, according to a news release. The process is one Tootill relishes.

“It’s like an episode of Chopped. We start with about 100 ideas, then narrow them to 20,” Tootill said in a statement. “It takes a lot of tweaking, including multiple tastings and input from corporate chefs.”

While the full menu won't be unveiled until The Bench's April opening, a roasted yellow pepper and crab soup, Flying Dog Pale Ale battered fish n’ chips and local craft beers on tap are among its highlights.