This month, Simply Asia, opened up on Frederick Road in Thurmont.

This new Asian restaurant features a variety of different cultural flavors, including Japanese Hibachi and Sushi, Chinese classics such as Szechuan and Hunan, and spicy Thai dishes.

Owners Sharon Tsai and her brother Chen Qin Jin, originally from Taiwan, are not new to the restaurant business. Before opening their restaurant in Thurmont, they owned a successful Frederick restaurant on 7th Street called Hunan Gourmet. They sold the business to try something new in Thurmont because "I have been here before and I love the country and the beautiful mountains and always wanted to have a restaurant here," said Sharon.

Sharon’s brother Chen is the restaurant’s Chef. He has over 15 years of cooking experience and spent many hours training learning new cooking methods before the Thurmont restaurant opened. The location also has a trained Sushi chef and a Sushi bar.

According to Sharon, Simply Asia uses only the freshest ingredients available. "We change our menu to make a few dishes with the most seasonal crop of vegetables or fruit," she said. "We also use many different herbs to make our dishes unique and fresh tasting," she added.

The restaurant’s specialty is Almond Rice and Pai Thai noodles which was a best seller at their restaurant in Frederick. Customers are welcome to pick a main ingredient and change the sauce. "We’ll customize our menu to suit your tastes," said Sharon. "Plus, I think you’ll find our prices reasonable and our portions large."

Simply Asia is open Monday through Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and Sunday 12:30 to 9:30 p.m. Local delivery is available. Catering is available for small and large groups, including weddings. The restaurant is located at 120 Frederick Road, suites B & C. For more information or take out orders, call 301-271-2857.

Catoctin Dancewear Reopens With New Owners

Catoctin Dancewear in Thurmont changed ownership October 1, 2006. The new owners are Georgine Norwood and Vicky Wilson of Thurmont. They are the mothers of Elower Sicilia Dance Studio Company dance students Kylie Norwood and Meredith Wilson.

"We knew the store was up for sale, and we wanted to see it stay in Thurmont," said Georgine and Vicky. The store is the only one of its kind in northern Frederick County and is very convenient for local families. They are using their experience from former careers in customer service and retail merchandising to help the business grow.

"We currently offer an extensive line of dance apparel and accessories, but are expanding the line to cheerleading and gymnastics and eventually twirling and skating," said the new owners. They also plan to expand their selection of Cougar spirit wear.

Dance inventory at the store includes everything from leotards, tights, jazz pants and skirts to tap, ballet and jazz shoes. You’ll also find other dance supplies such as theater makeup and hair accessories as well as gift items for your favorite dancer. Also available are unique, handcrafted locker magnets by Karina.

Catoctin Dancewear also offers T-shirt screen-printing for local groups and sports leagues. "We’re more than just a dance store, we hope to offer full-service sporting apparel and accessories — and if we don’t have it, we can and will order it for you," said Georgine and Vicky.

Catoctin Dancewear is celebrating their Grand Opening with a sale through Saturday, October 21 featuring 25% off all store merchandise. On Saturday, October 21, join Georgine and Vicky for an Open House to visit the new store, meet the new owners and win door prizes.

Catoctin Dancewear is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 12:00 to 6:00 p.m., Wednesday 12:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The store is located at 5 South Center Street in Thurmont. For more information, call 301-271-7000.