The Bench Kitchen, Bar and Lakeside Patio Open at Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center

GAITHERSBURG, MD--(Marketwired - May 2, 2013) - Work and play mix deliciously at The Bench, a new restaurant in Gaithersburg now open at Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center.

The Bench -- representing the best seat for life's events -- is the ultimate destination for productive business lunches, romantic dinners and refreshing cocktails at the thriving Rio Washingtonian Center shopping, dining and entertainment complex. The Bench's kitchen, bar and lakeside patio are the highlight of the dynamic new Marriott Greatroom that replaced The Grille at Washingtonian restaurant and traditional lobby in a multi-million dollar renovation by the Gaithersburg hotel's owner, Host Hotels & Resorts, and manager, Marriott International.

"We're pleased to offer our guests a restaurant and greatroom designed for the modern lifestyle, whether they're staying at the hotel, working in the neighborhood, or simply looking for an exceptional local dining experience," says Sara Moore, general manager, Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center.

Executive Chef Aaron Tootill has created a menu of regional American cuisine infused with modern attitude for breakfast, lunch and dinner sourced from artisan purveyors and Maryland brewers. Shareable social plates feature regional ingredients like the Flying Dog Heffeweizen broth on Blue Hill bay mussels and local honey-grain mustard dipping sauce served with buttermilk fried chicken bites. Snack on roasted yellow pepper and crab soup, Parmesan and chile kale chips and old-school deviled eggs. For a bigger appetite, try Flying Dog Pale Ale battered fish n' chips and authentic Maryland jumbo lump crab cakes. Finish off with a range of sweets, from Maryland's own Moorenko's ice creams and flavored ices to house-made donuts with bittersweet chocolate and strawberry sauces. Craft beers, signature cocktails and a selection of international wines are available from the bar.

Conceived by designONE studio of Atlanta, The Bench combines stylish, adaptable furnishings with state-of-the-art technology to encourage guests to gather, connect and relax. The palette includes natural shades of beige, brown and ivory accented by bold red and rich walnut reminiscent of its lush lakeside location.

In addition to bistro and banquette seating, a 14-seat communal table doubles as a hot bar for breakfast and encourages conversation in the evening, bringing total indoor seating capacity to 106 in 2,700 square feet. Comfortable seating at custom technology cubbies allows home-style television viewing inside, and big-screen televisions join tables and couches on the 1,000-square-foot patio overlooking the picturesque lake. Thoughtful amenities such as convenience outlets and purse hooks are located throughout the open-concept space.

The Bench is located at 9751 Washingtonian Boulevard at Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center, a top hotel in Montgomery County, Maryland, one of more than 500 Marriott Hotels & Resorts properties worldwide. Visit www.GaithersburgMarriott.com for more information or call 301-590-0044. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GaithersburgMarriott and follow us on Twitter, @MarriottGWC.

About Marriott Hotels & Resorts
Marriott Hotels & Resorts is Marriott International's signature and most widely distributed brand. Marriott continues to inspire performance and a balanced life on the road for discerning and high-achieving business and leisure travelers, offering warm, professional service; sophisticated yet functional guest room design; lobby spaces that facilitate working, dining and socializing; restaurants and bars serving international cuisine prepared simply and from the freshest ingredients; meeting and event spaces and services that are gold standard; and expansive, 24-hour fitness facilities. All Marriott hotels participate in the award winning Marriott Rewards frequent travel program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay. For more information, visit www.MarriottHotels.com. Follow Marriott Hotels & Resorts on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Marriott.