Washington Post recognizes 2 Montgomery County restaurants for affordability

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. ( DC News Now ) – At a time when restaurant prices seem to keep going up, some businesses are making it a priority to provide top-notch cuisine at an affordable price.

The Washington Post recently recognized two restaurants in Montgomery County for their affordability.

El Chante in Wheaton is one of only a few Nicaraguan restaurants in the entire DMV. The family who owns the restaurant said their No. 1 goal is for customers to enjoy their food at a reasonable cost.

“It’s supposed to be simple,” Marlon Matamoros, son of El Chante’s owner, Pedro Matamoros, said. “Affordable stuff that anybody would recognize if they were Nicaraguan.”

Marlon said they see their customers as members of their family.

“El Chante means ‘the house,’” Marlon said. “So, we want people to feel like they’re at home and not to really break the bank here.”

Since the restaurant opened a few years ago, people’s everyday expenses have increased. That’s why Marlon and his family are adamant about keeping prices the same for customers.

“Our biggest thing has always been satisfying our people,” he said. “So a raise in 50 cents on something is not as important to us as keeping people happy.”

Entrees range from $11 to $20 with the promise of filling bellies up.

“Nicaraguan is very big portions,” Marlon said. “Very heavy, lots of fried stuff. So, maybe not the most healthy, but definitely more satisfying meals.”

In addition to El Chante, the new Peter Chang in Gaithersburg made Washington Post’s list of “Five Great Affordable Restaurants in the DC Area.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.