On Wednesday, Sept. 18, BRX American Bistro in Great Falls celebrated its 10th Anniversary, offering a special menu, organizing a fundraiser for Autism Speaks, and having owners of local businesses working behind the bar.

The name of the restaurant is derived from the word “brix”, meaning a measurement of the sugar content in grapes and wine. When grapes reach 25 degrees “brix,” they have reached the optimal degree of ripeness for picking. The owner of the restaurant Ashwani Ahluwalia wants his place to be about the optimal time to spend with friends and family.

“Ashwani always had this vision of creating a space where community could come together,” Dimple Ahluwalia, Ashwani’s sister and part owner of BRX, explains the concept of the restaurant. “Kids, families, everybody could come together, have good food, really enjoy the time as a community”.

Many guests and friends came to say “thank you” to the chef and his team. Sandra Crippen, a long-time resident of Great Falls and a BRX regular, joined the celebration with her friends and family.

“It's just a very friendly place,” said Crippen. “The food is fresh and it's always good. Ashwani is always right there trying to make sure that you're well taken care of.“

GUESTS highlighted that BRX exudes a personal touch and generates positive energy.

“When I was sick, he fixed me the dinners to go,” added Crippen.

Tom Schaaf, a manager working with Crippen and Ashwani for years, expressed his respects to the chef and his team:

“Ash has become a legend in his own time,” Tom Schaaf said. “In fact, this restaurant is a treasure for the community. We would all starve without him. Lunch, dinner, brunch – the food is always excellent. The staff is so friendly. They're like members of our family, and that's what makes it our neighborhood and our family restaurant.”

At the party, the guests were served by unusual bartenders. Partick Bazin, chef and owner of Bazin’s on Church, a restaurant in downtown Vienna was working behind the bar along with Mike Kearney, the owner of The Old Brogue Irish Pub, a famous neighborhood gathering spot.

BRX made their anniversary extra-special this year by organizing a silent auction to help raise money for Autism Speaks to support research and awareness on this topic. The items and services auctioned off were donated by friends and regulars of BRX.

Patrick Corbin, pitcher for the Washington Nationals, donated his autographed jersey. The silent auction included an autographed baseball bat from Ryan Zimmerman, first baseman for the Washington Nationals. The local family-operated jewelry store, Adeler Jewelers, contributed a custom-made gold ring. It's hard to list all kind-hearted and benevolent people who participated in auctions as donors and bidders.

THE ANNIVERSARY PARTY had live music featuring “Ukulele Phil & The Hula Kids.” Julia and Philip Hildreth entertained guests with hula dancing and rhythmic ukulele.

“There's a story behind everything. How a picture got on a wall,” Author Mitch Albom wrote in his book, One More Day. Next time you visit BRX American Bistro, pay attention to the paintings, photographs, and artifacts on the walls. Some tell stories about the family and their journey. Others create the atmosphere that will enhance your dining experience.

What is the chef’s secret formula for success? Dimple Ahluwalia answered this question promptly: “Love! It’s more than a job, it's a vocation and a way of life. He loves taking care of people. He makes it personal. He loves to make people feel like they are home,” said Ahluwalia.