The Bling Ring burglars are now averaging a break-in a day in old-money neighborhoods throughout west Bethesda.
Saturday, a break-in occurred in the 5100 block of Newport Avenue in the Green Acres neighborhood.
Bethesda residents would be smart to lock their doors, windows and vehicles.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
RUBY RED TUESDAY AT BETHESDA ROW MEANS FREE STUFF FOR YOU!
Today is Ruby Red Tuesday at Bethesda Row.
Thanks to you being such a smart person - and thereby reading this blog - you'll be one of the few who knows how Ruby Red Tuesday can equal FREE stuff!
Just go to the box office at the Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema.
Wear red!
Show them you're wearing red, buy one or more tickets to Ruby Sparks, and say the password, "Ruby Red Tuesday."
Et voila, you'll get free Ruby Sparks mystery gifts.
Ruby Sparks is a romantic comedy about a writer whose dream girl character he invented suddenly appears in real life.
All kinds of quirky, arthouse, Bethesda Row Cinema-style antics and mayhem ensue.
And thanks to you reading this blog, you'll get free swag to boot!
Thanks to you being such a smart person - and thereby reading this blog - you'll be one of the few who knows how Ruby Red Tuesday can equal FREE stuff!
Just go to the box office at the Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema.
Wear red!
Show them you're wearing red, buy one or more tickets to Ruby Sparks, and say the password, "Ruby Red Tuesday."
Et voila, you'll get free Ruby Sparks mystery gifts.
Ruby Sparks is a romantic comedy about a writer whose dream girl character he invented suddenly appears in real life.
All kinds of quirky, arthouse, Bethesda Row Cinema-style antics and mayhem ensue.
And thanks to you reading this blog, you'll get free swag to boot!
BETHESDA ROW LOT 31 CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
(pile driving sounds)
Huh? Can't hear you!
Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row here with the answers.
WHAT'S BEEN DONE
- Stormwater management construction along the site's border with the Capital Crescent Trail
- WSSC water line installed
- 70' long traffic signal arm is in place and wired on Woodmont Avenue. Now Pepco must connect it to electricity. It will be activated by September 1
- Pile driving on south side of former Lot 31 (delightful for adjacent residents, I'm sure)
- Restoration of Bethesda Avenue (Barnes and Noble) crosswalk is underway, and will be complete by August 8
WHAT'S NEXT
- Seeding and mulching work to begin Wednesday, August 1, and will last for 2 weeks. The developer advises CCT users to use caution
- Final WSSC water connections to be made by August 15
- Reconnection of Weiner Memorial water fountain
- Installation of overhead protection for CCT will occur between August 1-20
- Pile driving on western area of site, starting next week
Patience is a virtue at this time. Just remember, a 900 space garage will be part of the completed Darcy/Flats development.
Monday, July 30, 2012
BLING RING BURGLARS HIT SAME BLOCK OF DORSET AVENUE 2 NIGHTS IN A ROW!
Residents of the 4500 block of Dorset Avenue in the town of Somerset are shaken up, after the suspected Bling Ring burglars returned for the second night in a row to their street.
According to SpotCrime data, burglars broke into one home Thursday, July 26, and then returned Friday to break into another residence on the same block.
Apparently, the Ring thinks there's a lot of Bling on Dorset Avenue, as they continue to target exclusive, "old-money" enclaves in Bethesda and Potomac, after starting their spree in NW DC's Spring Valley.
According to SpotCrime data, burglars broke into one home Thursday, July 26, and then returned Friday to break into another residence on the same block.
Apparently, the Ring thinks there's a lot of Bling on Dorset Avenue, as they continue to target exclusive, "old-money" enclaves in Bethesda and Potomac, after starting their spree in NW DC's Spring Valley.
BETHESDA ROW OUTDOOR MOVIES UNDER THE STARS 2012
OK, let me get the good news out of the way first:
Every Tuesday in August, Bethesda Row will screen an outdoor movie at dusk on Bethesda Lane.
The theme this year is 80s Movies Under the Stars.
Now, the bad news:
Here are the movies Federal Realty has selected...
August 7: The Breakfast Club
August 14: Ghostbusters
August 21: Pretty in Pink
August 28: Dirty Dancing
Well, one out of four ain't bad!
Oh no, here comes the soapbox.
I have to say that not only is this lineup heavily targeted toward women only, but are curious selections when there are so many better movies to choose from.
I mean, if you're going to say this is an 80s filmfest, where are the masterworks (The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, E.T., Tron, Indiana Jones 1-3, Rambo: First Blood Part II, Rocky III+IV, Back to the Future I+II, Top Gun, Batman...I am just scratching the surface here!)?
Ghostbusters is the only true classic with mass appeal on this list.
If this lineup is your cup of tea, it will be an enjoyable evening under the stars.
But if you share my opinion that the movie lineup should be more inclusive, why not let Federal Realty know, by posting a comment on the Bethesda Row Facebook page?
Every Tuesday in August, Bethesda Row will screen an outdoor movie at dusk on Bethesda Lane.
The theme this year is 80s Movies Under the Stars.
Now, the bad news:
Here are the movies Federal Realty has selected...
August 7: The Breakfast Club
August 14: Ghostbusters
August 21: Pretty in Pink
August 28: Dirty Dancing
Well, one out of four ain't bad!
Oh no, here comes the soapbox.
I have to say that not only is this lineup heavily targeted toward women only, but are curious selections when there are so many better movies to choose from.
I mean, if you're going to say this is an 80s filmfest, where are the masterworks (The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, E.T., Tron, Indiana Jones 1-3, Rambo: First Blood Part II, Rocky III+IV, Back to the Future I+II, Top Gun, Batman...I am just scratching the surface here!)?
Ghostbusters is the only true classic with mass appeal on this list.
If this lineup is your cup of tea, it will be an enjoyable evening under the stars.
But if you share my opinion that the movie lineup should be more inclusive, why not let Federal Realty know, by posting a comment on the Bethesda Row Facebook page?
Sunday, July 29, 2012
BLING RING BURGLARY SPREE CONTINUES WITH SOMERSET BREAK-IN
A recent wave of burglaries, known as the "Bling Ring," for its members' apparent preference for exclusive, "old money" neighborhoods, has victimized Spring Valley in NW DC, Kenwood and other Bethesda communities, and Potomac.
Thursday, another break-in possibly associated with the Bling Ring occurred in the 4500 block of Dorset Avenue in Somerset.
The incident was recorded in SpotCrime's database, which draws on a live feed from the county police department.
Thursday, another break-in possibly associated with the Bling Ring occurred in the 4500 block of Dorset Avenue in Somerset.
The incident was recorded in SpotCrime's database, which draws on a live feed from the county police department.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
WATCH LONDON 2012 OLYMPICS IN BETHESDA, AND YOU COULD WIN PRIZES!
Where to watch the Olympics in Bethesda, or the DC area in general?
Union Jack's Bethesda!
And now the British pub has sweetened the deal beyond just the 20 flatscreens, giant projection TV with theater-quality sound, and British food and adult beverage specials:
Now they're giving away prizes!
The more times you come to Union Jack's for the Olympics, the better your chances of winning British-themed prizes that will be awarded after the closing ceremonies in London.
One prize is a Newcastle home draft system. Just what every man-cave (or woman-cave) needs!
For dog owners, don't miss the special Olympic Doggie Brunch on their patio from 11 AM to 2 PM today! Not only will there be British dog treats, but a photographer will be on hand to snap photos of your mutt Royal-paparazzi style.
Union Jack's Bethesda!
And now the British pub has sweetened the deal beyond just the 20 flatscreens, giant projection TV with theater-quality sound, and British food and adult beverage specials:
Now they're giving away prizes!
The more times you come to Union Jack's for the Olympics, the better your chances of winning British-themed prizes that will be awarded after the closing ceremonies in London.
One prize is a Newcastle home draft system. Just what every man-cave (or woman-cave) needs!
For dog owners, don't miss the special Olympic Doggie Brunch on their patio from 11 AM to 2 PM today! Not only will there be British dog treats, but a photographer will be on hand to snap photos of your mutt Royal-paparazzi style.
BLING RING BURGLARS HEAD WEST TO POTOMAC
The Bling Ring burglars continued their habit of moving westward this week, breaking into 2 Potomac homes.
Tuesday, they hit the 10500 block of Stable Lane in the River Falls area. Wednesday, they followed up with a break-in on Willowbrook Drive.
The first burglaries were in Spring Valley in NW DC, then they moved to Kenwood, then west again to the Whitman neighborhood, and now to Potomac. That doesn't mean they won't make a U-turn and hit Bethesda again, so continue to lock doors, windows and vehicles to protect yourself.
Tuesday, they hit the 10500 block of Stable Lane in the River Falls area. Wednesday, they followed up with a break-in on Willowbrook Drive.
The first burglaries were in Spring Valley in NW DC, then they moved to Kenwood, then west again to the Whitman neighborhood, and now to Potomac. That doesn't mean they won't make a U-turn and hit Bethesda again, so continue to lock doors, windows and vehicles to protect yourself.
Friday, July 27, 2012
GOSSIP GIRL-INSPIRED TRUNK SHOW TODAY AT URBAN CHIC BETHESDA ROW
Ladies, do you dream of owning Blair Waldorf's entire wardrobe?
Urban Chic at Bethesda Row wants to remind you that wardrobe is not complete without her famous hairbands. And today from 10 AM until 8 PM, Urban Chic is bringing a line of Blair Waldorf-inspired hairbands and accessories direct from Manhattan to Bethesda Row.
You'll also meet the line's designer in-person, and enjoy free champagne and a dessert bar. Champagne and desserts at 10 AM - you can't beat that. Oh, wait, you can: you're also going to get 20% off your purchase today.
Blair Waldorfs of Bethesda: Tell Jeeves to bring the car around, and speed directly to Bethesda Row.
Urban Chic at Bethesda Row wants to remind you that wardrobe is not complete without her famous hairbands. And today from 10 AM until 8 PM, Urban Chic is bringing a line of Blair Waldorf-inspired hairbands and accessories direct from Manhattan to Bethesda Row.
DARK KNIGHT RISES POSTER VANISHES FROM BIG PLANET COMICS WINDOW FOLLOWING COLORADO TRAGEDY
Remember that Dark Knight Rises poster in the front window of Big Planet Comics on Cordell Avenue?
Gone.
After the Colorado shootings, the poster has been removed. In related Big Planet news, the third issue of Batman Incorporated that had been scheduled to go on sale Wednesday was postponed until August 22.
Artist Chris Burnham said releasing the violent comic now would be "wholly inappropriate."
Gone.
After the Colorado shootings, the poster has been removed. In related Big Planet news, the third issue of Batman Incorporated that had been scheduled to go on sale Wednesday was postponed until August 22.
Artist Chris Burnham said releasing the violent comic now would be "wholly inappropriate."
WHERE TO WATCH LONDON OLYMPICS OPENING CEREMONIES IN BETHESDA
Where else but at Bethesda's British pub, Union Jack's! Come in tonight at 7:30 PM for the Opening Ceremonies live from London on tons of TVs, plus a giant projection screen with high-quality audio.
While enjoying the Olympic coverage, you'll also enjoy British food and real beers from the UK.
So stop by tonight at Bethesda's official place to watch the London games.
While enjoying the Olympic coverage, you'll also enjoy British food and real beers from the UK.
So stop by tonight at Bethesda's official place to watch the London games.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
BLING RING BURGLARS STRIKE AGAIN IN BETHESDA!
3 BETHESDA
HOMES BROKEN INTO,
10 THEFT RAMPAGE
ROCKS NEIGHBORHOODS
Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive
Just when Bethesda thought it was safe to go on vacation...
After a burglary occurred on Turnberry Drive near Congressional Country Club last Friday, Bethesda homeowners had no idea what the new week had in store.
Then, on Monday, July 23, the Bling Ring burglars struck two more wealthy neighborhoods, breaking into homes in the 6300 block of Lenox Road near Whitman High School, and in the 5100 block of Waukesha Road. Both burglaries fit the pattern begun by recent break-ins at homes in swanky Kenwood and Spring Valley.
But a theft rampage on the same day only heightened the sense that, after a Pepco-derecho pause, the May-June crime wave could be reigniting in earnest.
SpotCrime data recorded nearly a dozen thefts, including a stolen car, across neighborhoods west of downtown Bethesda. This included at least two thefts on Fairfax Road in the Edgemoor neighborhood that adjoins the Bethesda Row urban area.
Other neighborhoods getting a theft encore included Green Acres, Spring Hill and Somerset.
Do the Bling Ring burglaries have any relation to the theft rampage the same day/night? That is unknown for now.
The important thing is to lock your doors and vehicles!
Here's a sampling of Bethesda thefts from Monday, July 23:
Theft. 5100 River Road.
Theft from vehicle. 5300 block of Saratoga Avenue.
Theft. 5400 block of Uppingham Street.
Theft from vehicle. 4800 block of Newport Ave.
Theft from vehicle. 4800 block of Langdrum Lane.
Stolen car. 4900 block of Crescent Street.
Theft from vehicle. Ericsson Road.
Theft from vehicle. 7400 block of Nevis Road.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
RELIC NIGHTCLUB BUILDING TO BE AUCTIONED OFF
FORECLOSURE FINAL BLOW TO
SHUTTERED BETHESDA
NIGHTSPOT
Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive
The saga of the beleagured Relic nightclub will reach an end on Thursday, August 9, at high noon. At that moment, the small building that houses the club and office space at 4936 Fairmont Avenue will be auctioned off to the highest bidder, on the sidewalk out front.
Apparently, Montgomery County's seizure of the club's liquor license - which forced its indefinite closure - sent the building into foreclosure when the property owner defaulted on the mortgage, according to Craig Haughton and Nina Basu, who have been named substitute trustees of the property.
The 15,000 square foot property continues to house several offices, as you can tell by scanning the lobby directory.
Thinking of placing a bid? You'll need $100,000 cash or certified funds if you win.
The property has potential for either a long-term investor, or a large developer. Someone wanting to run a nightclub or restaurant - and who has the capital and patience to wait 5 years for the rebirth of dilapidated and deserted Fairmont Avenue - will be rewarded with a prime spot in the new Old Bethesda.
Developers might be interested in the property, if they can buy adjoining plots to allow for a larger, mixed use development.
Whatever the future of this building, this block of Fairmont is dead, dead, dead right now, and not a street people like to venture down after dark. Of course, that's because pro-developer tax and planning policies by the county have indirectly forced out many of the street's tenants. Although Relic has been the source of many complaints, the tearing-up of its liquor license certainly came at a most convenient time. The shark fins are circling most of the mom-and-pop shops on the most promising avenues across Old Town Bethesda.
So far, nearby residents have been displeased by the project proposed at Fairmont's corner with Norfolk. A primary complaint is the developer's plan to have an "inactive" street level (i.e. no restaurants or shops to activate the area after business hours). I share their concerns. This block is one of the darkest and loneliest at night in town, and the entrance to the street should not be essentially a Berlin Wall.
As I've said many times, with little room to develop downcounty, it is imperative that the Planning Board ensures the most added value from each and every project it approves. And the maximum height and density within walking distance from Metro in downtown Bethesda.
Otherwise, many of those projects will suffer the same fate as 4936 Fairmont Avenue, in the not-so-distant future.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
"EAT LIKE A JUNGLE NATIVE" AT BETHESDA ROW TODAY
Finally, a happy hour that causes you to emit a Tarzan yell with no alcohol involved!
Swing over to Puree Juice Bar this evening between 5 and 8 PM for the Ape-Man Foods Launch Party and Happy Hour!
Meet Ape-Man founder Valerie Grissom, who promises her products will be "raw, vegan, organic and primal." Try them for FREE! (Isn't food in the jungle always free?).
Enjoy special prices on Puree's juices, granitas and mocktails.
If you feel the urge to pound your chest, go right ahead, we'll get out of your way. Just remember, there are no vines to swing on at Bethesda Row.
Swing over to Puree Juice Bar this evening between 5 and 8 PM for the Ape-Man Foods Launch Party and Happy Hour!
Meet Ape-Man founder Valerie Grissom, who promises her products will be "raw, vegan, organic and primal." Try them for FREE! (Isn't food in the jungle always free?).
Enjoy special prices on Puree's juices, granitas and mocktails.
If you feel the urge to pound your chest, go right ahead, we'll get out of your way. Just remember, there are no vines to swing on at Bethesda Row.
RED MANGO FROZEN YOGURT IS COMING TO BETHESDA!
Red Mango is opening a shop on the Bethesda campus of the NIH.
The chain, founded by CEO Dan Kim in 2006, isn't entirely new to the region. You may have been to the Red Mango in Clarendon.
Frozen yogurt and smoothies are the house specialties. In fact, Red Mango is rated #1 in that restaurant category by Zagat.
Some of the best flavors, in my opinion, are Madagascar Vanilla, Honey Badger, Cake Batter, Peanut Butter, Sugarcane Cola, Chai and Mojito.
Smoothies come in ultra-healthy (Healthy Bones, Revitalizing Energy) and 1970s Elvis-in-Vegas (Banana and Peanut Butter) flavors.
Red Mango also serves frozen lemonades, Coffee Chillers, Artisan hot chocolate, and parfaits.
Red Mango should open this year at NIH.
The chain, founded by CEO Dan Kim in 2006, isn't entirely new to the region. You may have been to the Red Mango in Clarendon.
Frozen yogurt and smoothies are the house specialties. In fact, Red Mango is rated #1 in that restaurant category by Zagat.
Some of the best flavors, in my opinion, are Madagascar Vanilla, Honey Badger, Cake Batter, Peanut Butter, Sugarcane Cola, Chai and Mojito.
Smoothies come in ultra-healthy (Healthy Bones, Revitalizing Energy) and 1970s Elvis-in-Vegas (Banana and Peanut Butter) flavors.
Red Mango also serves frozen lemonades, Coffee Chillers, Artisan hot chocolate, and parfaits.
Red Mango should open this year at NIH.
Red Mango, 10 Center Drive, MSC 1086, Bethesda.
Monday, July 23, 2012
ARE SPRING VALLEY "BLING RING" BURGLARS NOW CASING BETHESDA?
Burglary alert! After 2 break-ins in Northwest DC's swanky Spring Valley last Tuesday, a third burglary was reported in Bethesda's even-swankier Kenwood neighborhood two days later.
Burglars apparently after high-end loot invaded posh homes in the 3800 block of Fordham Road, NW and the 4600 block of Verplanck Place, NW, on July 17.
On Thursday, another burglary took place in the 5800 block of Highland Drive, in ultra-exclusive Kenwood.
A fourth burglary on Battery Lane does not seem to fit the pattern of the first 3.
However, having heard no announcement about this from authorities, I want to give readers a heads-up about the possible border-crossing of burglars into Bethesda. It's never a bad idea to lock your doors, windows and vehicle to ward off crooks out for easy pickins.
Stay tuned for further updates if anymore evidence of this Bling Ring surfaces.
Burglars apparently after high-end loot invaded posh homes in the 3800 block of Fordham Road, NW and the 4600 block of Verplanck Place, NW, on July 17.
On Thursday, another burglary took place in the 5800 block of Highland Drive, in ultra-exclusive Kenwood.
A fourth burglary on Battery Lane does not seem to fit the pattern of the first 3.
However, having heard no announcement about this from authorities, I want to give readers a heads-up about the possible border-crossing of burglars into Bethesda. It's never a bad idea to lock your doors, windows and vehicle to ward off crooks out for easy pickins.
Stay tuned for further updates if anymore evidence of this Bling Ring surfaces.
WEIGHT WATCHERS LEASES PRIME SPACE AT SHOPS AT SUMNER PLACE
Bad news for those of us hoping a great restaurant or new post office would open at the Shops at Sumner Place:
The prime space has just been leased by Weight Watchers.
Of course, that's good news for nearby residents hoping to lose weight. But WW already has a location at the venerable Westwood Center II on Ridgefield Road, barely a mile away.
The space is located between Starbucks and Passion Fin at Sumner Place, on Sangamore Road.
This news came the same day as reports claiming Jessica Simpson must lose 30 pounds by late August, or Weight Watchers will void her $4 million dollar bonus. That doesn't sound like a healthy message for people struggling with weight or eating disorders.
I would much rather have a new restaurant at Sumner Place.
The prime space has just been leased by Weight Watchers.
Of course, that's good news for nearby residents hoping to lose weight. But WW already has a location at the venerable Westwood Center II on Ridgefield Road, barely a mile away.
The space is located between Starbucks and Passion Fin at Sumner Place, on Sangamore Road.
This news came the same day as reports claiming Jessica Simpson must lose 30 pounds by late August, or Weight Watchers will void her $4 million dollar bonus. That doesn't sound like a healthy message for people struggling with weight or eating disorders.
I would much rather have a new restaurant at Sumner Place.
ROCKVILLE TOWN SQUARE CELEBRATES 5 YEARS... WITH BETHESDA ROW CUPCAKES?
The same day that The Gazette published an edition bearing a gaffe-ridden ad sticker, the City of Rockville experienced a municipal pride faux pas of its own.
Last Tuesday, Rockville Town Square turned 5. City elders and property owners held a celebration there. According to The Sentinel, the birthday cupcakes given out were from... Bethesda?!
Yes, Georgetown Cupcakes at Bethesda Row, to be precise.
Of course, the fact that Federal Realty owns both Bethesda Row and Rockville Town Square explains why Georgetown Cupcakes would be involved. But why would the city commit such an obvious gaffe, when cupcake shops like Cake Dreams and The Cakery are within their city limits? Predictably, it takes someone like me to point this out, but weren't Rockville residents offended by "imported" cupcakes to celebrate a city milestone?
Speaking of offense, I wonder how former Mayor Doug Duncan feels about being repeatedly referred to as "Dan Duncan" in the Sentinel article?
The City of Rockville and Federal Realty, for insulting the taxpayers of Rockville with outsourced confectionary goods, you are the winners of the Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row "Rick Perry Award."
"Oops."
Last Tuesday, Rockville Town Square turned 5. City elders and property owners held a celebration there. According to The Sentinel, the birthday cupcakes given out were from... Bethesda?!
Yes, Georgetown Cupcakes at Bethesda Row, to be precise.
Of course, the fact that Federal Realty owns both Bethesda Row and Rockville Town Square explains why Georgetown Cupcakes would be involved. But why would the city commit such an obvious gaffe, when cupcake shops like Cake Dreams and The Cakery are within their city limits? Predictably, it takes someone like me to point this out, but weren't Rockville residents offended by "imported" cupcakes to celebrate a city milestone?
Speaking of offense, I wonder how former Mayor Doug Duncan feels about being repeatedly referred to as "Dan Duncan" in the Sentinel article?
The City of Rockville and Federal Realty, for insulting the taxpayers of Rockville with outsourced confectionary goods, you are the winners of the Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row "Rick Perry Award."
"Oops."
Sunday, July 22, 2012
FREE PINT OF BEER TONIGHT IN BETHESDA!!
I found FREE beer for you again!
Just print out this coupon, and redeem it at Union Jack's Bethesda tonight after 9 PM.
This time, you're getting a full pint!
Just print out this coupon, and redeem it at Union Jack's Bethesda tonight after 9 PM.
This time, you're getting a full pint!
ICE CREAM AT BETHESDA CENTRAL FARM MARKET
The newest vendor at Bethesda Central Farm Market (Sundays, 9-1 at Bethesda ES parking lot) is Moorenko's Ice Cream!
Check out their Corn or Honey Lavender ice creams today.
They also have Cantaloupe, Heirloom Tomato and Wild Blueberry sorbet.
Check out their Corn or Honey Lavender ice creams today.
They also have Cantaloupe, Heirloom Tomato and Wild Blueberry sorbet.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
BETHESDA AND MEDICAL CENTER METRO STATIONS CLOSED THIS WEEKEND
Driving is the best option this weekend for anyone living in Bethesda or beyond on the Red Line.
Metro is closing the Bethesda and Medical Center stations for "track work," etc.
You know the drill: Closures and delays for "repairs" that have yet to produce any tangible improvement in service or safety.
Gluttons for punishment will be able to board shuttle buses between Grosvenor and Friendship Heights. Personally, I would just drive.
Metro got their fare increase. Pepco got their rate increase. We're paying for it all, yet our customer experience has not improved. Yet politicians' bank accounts grow fatter by the day, and they heartily approved all of the above.
The "new" Metro "repairs" and "work" are the Emperor's New Clothes almost as much as Bus Rapid Transit.
No one can show any tangible improvement in Metro performance, yet closures and inconvenient weekend schedules persist.
Metro is closing the Bethesda and Medical Center stations for "track work," etc.
You know the drill: Closures and delays for "repairs" that have yet to produce any tangible improvement in service or safety.
Gluttons for punishment will be able to board shuttle buses between Grosvenor and Friendship Heights. Personally, I would just drive.
Metro got their fare increase. Pepco got their rate increase. We're paying for it all, yet our customer experience has not improved. Yet politicians' bank accounts grow fatter by the day, and they heartily approved all of the above.
The "new" Metro "repairs" and "work" are the Emperor's New Clothes almost as much as Bus Rapid Transit.
No one can show any tangible improvement in Metro performance, yet closures and inconvenient weekend schedules persist.
Friday, July 20, 2012
BETHESDA METRO ESCALATORS IMMORTALIZED IN PAINTING AT BOLOCO BETHESDA
With the escalators at the Bethesda Metro station having gone out of service last night for the billionth time, and the station set to be closed all weekend(!!) for more "repairs" that show zero results, I thought you might like this painting I discovered at the new Boloco restaurant at Bethesda Row.
The artwork by Boston artist Sean Boyce shows what life at the Bethesda Metro station is like when all goes well: commuters traveling up and down working escalators, among impressive modern architecture.
Boyce says he was drawn to the Bethesda Metro station, when he walked around the downtown searching for landmarks to depict in art for Boloco.
He finds Metro to be "one of the most efficient subway systems in the country."
I love this painting, and the one of the Bethesda Metro Center that hangs next to it.
 |
| Bethesda Metro station |
The artwork by Boston artist Sean Boyce shows what life at the Bethesda Metro station is like when all goes well: commuters traveling up and down working escalators, among impressive modern architecture.
Boyce says he was drawn to the Bethesda Metro station, when he walked around the downtown searching for landmarks to depict in art for Boloco.
He finds Metro to be "one of the most efficient subway systems in the country."
I love this painting, and the one of the Bethesda Metro Center that hangs next to it.
FREE BREAKFAST HOAGIE AT TAYLOR GOURMET BETHESDA ROW SATURDAY!
Taylor Gourmet at Bethesda Row (corner of Woodmont Avenue and Elm Street) will be giving away FREE breakfast hoagies this Saturday, July 21, from 8:30-10:30 AM!
Here is the Taylor Gourmet Breakfast Menu:
Jefferson Street - Taylor pork roll, onions, eggs, cheddar
Aramingo Avenue - Bacon, sausage, hash browns, eggs, American cheese, Hangover Cheese Sauce
Frankford Avenue - Bacon, eggs, arugula, Parmesan
Reed Street - Pepperoni, eggs, sharp Provolone
Passyunk Avenue - Roast pork, eggs, bacon, sharp Provolone
Queen Lane - Sausage, broccoli rabe, eggs, sharp Provolone
Lehigh Avenue - Eggplant, eggs, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese
Remember, you can order breakfast 7 days a week (8-11 AM) at Taylor Gourmet Bethesda Row.
Here is the Taylor Gourmet Breakfast Menu:
HOAGIES:
Jefferson Street - Taylor pork roll, onions, eggs, cheddar
Aramingo Avenue - Bacon, sausage, hash browns, eggs, American cheese, Hangover Cheese Sauce
Frankford Avenue - Bacon, eggs, arugula, Parmesan
Reed Street - Pepperoni, eggs, sharp Provolone
Passyunk Avenue - Roast pork, eggs, bacon, sharp Provolone
Queen Lane - Sausage, broccoli rabe, eggs, sharp Provolone
Lehigh Avenue - Eggplant, eggs, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese
BREAKFAST RISOTTO BALLS
FRESH SQUEEZED ORANGE JUICE
COFFEE
Remember, you can order breakfast 7 days a week (8-11 AM) at Taylor Gourmet Bethesda Row.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
GAZETTE FAILS BETHESDA GEOGRAPHY TEST IN EMBARRASSING FRONT PAGE GAFFE
Can you find the error in this advertisement?
Hint: There's no "Old Germantown Road" in Bethesda!
This sticker advertising Le Vieux Logis French restaurant was plastered on who knows how many Gazette front pages yesterday.
Angry, hungry diners are driving in circles throughout downtown Bethesda, as their GPS systems melt down trying to locate Old Germantown Road.
Try "Old Georgetown Road."
But wait - did you catch the second mistake?
Check that URL: have you ever dined in a "restautant?"
Oops.
Hint: There's no "Old Germantown Road" in Bethesda!
This sticker advertising Le Vieux Logis French restaurant was plastered on who knows how many Gazette front pages yesterday.
Angry, hungry diners are driving in circles throughout downtown Bethesda, as their GPS systems melt down trying to locate Old Germantown Road.
Try "Old Georgetown Road."
But wait - did you catch the second mistake?
Check that URL: have you ever dined in a "restautant?"
Oops.
BOLOCO BETHESDA FREE BURRITO DAY! CAN BETHESDA BREAK THE WORLD RECORD?
Today's the day!
Boloco Bethesda is opening its doors on Elm Street - and giving away FREE BURRITOS to celebrate.
But there's more at stake here than free eats!
The Boloco burrito giveaway world record stands at 3300 burritos. That's a lot of burritos. But aren't we up to the challenge?
Let's set the new record right here in Bethesda! Come down out of that office for lunch, and bring your coworkers with you. Soccer moms, bring the minivan around and treat the whole vanpool to free burritos. Not in Bethesda? Jump on the Red Line and get over here. There is such a thing as free lunch!
Not to mention that you can cool off with a Jimmy Carter shake, or a refreshing creation of 100+ possible flavors from Boloco's Coke Freestyle machine.
It's time to get motivated. It's time to eat free burritos. It's time to break the record!
Boloco Bethesda is opening its doors on Elm Street - and giving away FREE BURRITOS to celebrate.
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| Delicious, and - today only - FREE at Boloco Bethesda! |
But there's more at stake here than free eats!
The Boloco burrito giveaway world record stands at 3300 burritos. That's a lot of burritos. But aren't we up to the challenge?
Let's set the new record right here in Bethesda! Come down out of that office for lunch, and bring your coworkers with you. Soccer moms, bring the minivan around and treat the whole vanpool to free burritos. Not in Bethesda? Jump on the Red Line and get over here. There is such a thing as free lunch!
Not to mention that you can cool off with a Jimmy Carter shake, or a refreshing creation of 100+ possible flavors from Boloco's Coke Freestyle machine.
It's time to get motivated. It's time to eat free burritos. It's time to break the record!
Boloco, 4930 Elm Street, Bethesda.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
RIDE ON PULLS 26 BUSES FROM FLEET AFTER LATEST BUS FIRE, SYSTEM ON HOLIDAY SCHEDULE THURSDAY, FRIDAY
Attention Ride On riders:
Your bus will be on a "modified holiday schedule" Thursday and Friday.
Montgomery County Executive has pulled 26 Champion buses from the Ride On fleet after yet another one burst into flames.
The bus drivers' union had urged Leggett to do so for months.
One exception to the special schedule relevant to the Bethesda area is that the Route 2 bus to Walter Reed will have full service both days.
All bus routes will run, but will have 20% less frequency.
Your bus will be on a "modified holiday schedule" Thursday and Friday.
Montgomery County Executive has pulled 26 Champion buses from the Ride On fleet after yet another one burst into flames.
The bus drivers' union had urged Leggett to do so for months.
One exception to the special schedule relevant to the Bethesda area is that the Route 2 bus to Walter Reed will have full service both days.
All bus routes will run, but will have 20% less frequency.
BOLOCO BETHESDA ROW SNEAK PREVIEW!
CELEBRATE GRAND OPENING
THURSDAY WITH
FREE BURRITOS!!!
And to celebrate, they'll be giving away FREE burritos!
I was invited to Boloco's Very Important Burrito Eaters party last night, and I made sure to bring back photos and video for you.
Most importantly, how is the food at Boloco?
Well, join me on the red carpet for a visit to our new neighborhood burrito restaurant.
Yes, there was an actual red carpet out front. The Boloco twist was to replace the standard velvet ropes with burrito-wrapperesque foil.
Inside, I met Cait Simmons, who was handing out name badges, and whose name I recognized from the @boloco Twitter team. Nicole Ravlin, a publicist for Boloco, gave me a tour of the restaurant.
The first thing you'll probably notice, is the painting of the Bethesda Metro Center on the right side wall of the dining area by Boston artist Sean Boyce. As a big fan of the Metro Center buildings and plaza, I loved that.
I tested several burritos: Classic Mexican, Teriyaki, Tikka Masala and The Summer.
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| Jimmy Carter Shake, Tikka Masala burrito, The Summer burrito (mini size) |
Burritos come in 3 sizes: Original, Small, and Mini, the last one being great if you want to try different flavors without committing to a massive burrito.
You can also choose your wrapper (flour or whole wheat tortilla, or just a bowl) protein (chicken, white meat chicken, steak, carnitas, tofu or fajita veggies) and decide if you want to add Boloco's special guacamole. Or build your own from dozens of options.
For beverages, they were actually handing out beer and wine at the party last night, but I was on a quest for the Jimmy Carter Shake. I've been waiting to try this concoction of peanut butter, banana and "super premium" ice cream since I first examined the Boloco menu so many months ago.
Alas, the Jimmy Carter was not being sampled last night! But wait. Nicole disappeared into the kitchen. A few minutes later, Jason Hutchinson, Executive Chef and co-founder of Boloco, emerged from the kitchen with a cup in hand. "I hear you wanted a Jimmy Carter Shake," he said, and handed me a full-size cup (not just a little sample size) and straw. In my hand, he explained, was the very first Jimmy Carter Shake to be whipped up at Boloco Bethesda. Now that's world class.
And delicious. Imagine the limited-edition Elvis Peanut Butter Cups, minus chocolate, added to a rich, vanilla milkshake. 5 stars - my new favorite beverage at Bethesda Row, and I think it will be yours, too.
While testing all of this, I also had a couple of interesting conversations with Allison of Boloco's marketing team, and Boloco CEO and co-founder John Pepper.
Yes, you read that right - the actual CEO was in the house, and talking with guests. He emphasized the company's focus on advancing employees and treating them well, as if they were customers being served by the company. To illustrate that, he pointed out a hidden back room you won't see when you visit the restaurant: a break room for employees, that he asked architects to make nicer even than the main dining area.
Whether it's hormone-free meat or fresh, organic fillings, the larger goals of the company - to change lives and the world with globally-inspired burritos - is reflected throughout the customer experience. As an example, check out what the side of my Jimmy Carter Shake cup said:
This cup grew up in Blair, Nebraska.
It really did.
It's made entirely of plants.
It's 100% compostable.
You can't help but be impressed. If you're just at Boloco for delicious burritos, you'll be satisfied. But if bigger issues concern you as well, you too will be a satisfied customer. Boloco is a nearly guilt-free dining experience at Bethesda Row, as you can know you are helping people, your health and the environment with every meal.
The focus on employees shines through in their interaction with customers. Without exception, every employee was friendly, courteous and going out of his or her way to ensure a better experience for customers.
And now it's your turn!
Stop by Thursday for FREE burritos!
And we've got a record to break, folks.
3300 burritos is the standing record for Boloco burrito giveaways at a single location.
I know we can beat that!
So get ready to goloco for Boloco Thursday, and bring your family and friends. They also have a kids menu, and are open for breakfast with breakfast burritos. Did I mention they have the amazing Coke Freestyle dispenser that lets you create over 100 drink flavors?
Here's an exclusive video to get you warmed up!
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
PASSION FIN MENU - BETHESDA'S NEWEST SUSHI RESTAURANT!
PASSION FIN IS OPEN!
Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive
Passion Fin Asian Bistro and Sushi Bar is finally celebrating its Grand Opening! Located in the Shops at Sumner Place on Sangamore Road, Passion Fin is - along with Boloco - the most anticipated Bethesda restaurant of 2012. I have received so many inquiries about when Passion Fin would be opening, and I'm pleased to report the day is finally here.
The restaurant offers a solid Japanese/sushi menu, but true to its "Asian Bistro" subtitle, adds a decidedly Thai twist, and inspiration by way of India.
There are also the Chef's Signature selections, which provide adventurous entrees for those diners not adventurous enough for sushi.
I've always predicted Passion Fin would become a lunch destination for employees of the intelligence campus across the street, and nearby Sibley Hospital. The restaurant has acknowledged that potential with a large selection of lunch specials.
Passion Fin's fabulous location provides both plenty of free surface parking (and also Ride On Bus access), and some stiff competition from French secret gem Praline, and popular China Pavilion. Both competitors are steps away in the same shopping center.
Dishes that stand out on the menu include Roti Canai (Indian pancake), Lump Crab Asparagus Soup, Yum Chicken Salad, Lobster and Filet Mignon hibachi dinner (pricey at $26.95), Passion Chicken, and Fire Work Ice Cream.
And, of course, there's the sushi!
Some of the more unique rolls include the Funky Monkey Roll with Shrimp Tempura, spicy lobster salad, cucumber, mango and tempura banana(!!) wrapped with soybean paper and a blast of the chef's special sauce; and the Godzilla Roll, which is just a great name.
Here are exclusive photos of the much sought after menu! Click to enlarge.
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| Appetizers |
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| Soups and salads |
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| Sushi bar appetizers |
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| Sushi entrees |
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| Seaweed maki/temaki |
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| Rice maki/temaki |
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| Special rolls! |
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| More special rolls! |
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| From the grill... |
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| Rice and noodle dishes |
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| The chef's signature creations |
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| Desserts |
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| Lunch specials |
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| Lunch sushi platters and hibachi specials |
Passion Fin offers take-out dining. You can phone in your order at 301-229-2848.
So try out Bethesda's newest sushi restaurant, and its Thai-Indian-fusion variety in the Shops at Sumner Place, a great spot to escape the parking nightmare of downtown Bethesda for a change.
Passion Fin, 4611 Sangamore Road, Bethesda. 301-229-2848.
Hours: Lunch Mon.-Fri. 11:30 AM-2:45 PM
Dinner Mon.-Thurs. 4:30-10:00 PM
Fri. 4:30-11:00 PM, Sat. 12-11, Sun. 12-9:30 PM
Monday, July 16, 2012
BIG PLANET COMICS READY FOR DARK KNIGHT RISES, BEFORE WATCHMEN
Big Planet Comics on Cordell Avenue is decorated for this Friday's blockbuster, The Dark Knight Rises, and the controversial new Before Watchmen comics series.
MoCo COUNCILMEMBER THREATENS BUSINESSES: BUILD MY BRT SYSTEM, OR FACE YOUR "WORST NIGHTMARE"
Yes, Montgomery County is indeed "open for business."
Well, I can't wait to hear what Gigi Godwin and Ginanne Italiano have to say about this:
Montgomery County Councilmember Marc Elrich was quoted threatening county business owners with "their worst nightmare," if they refuse to "step up" and fund his pet Bus Rapid Transit project.
Wow. I mean, don't let it be said this county isn't business-friendly, right?
This meltdown by Councilmember Elrich came after champagne wishes and BRT dreams were burst last Thursday evening, by citizens condemning his fiscally-irresponsible BRT Tax plan at a public hearing.
With Elrich, Ike Leggett and the other less-than-20 people ramming BRT through the process unable to sell their busway-robbery tax scheme, they are now scrambling to salvage the BRT project.
The new trial balloon being floated, is to fund the BRT system through a tax on businesses.
Do you notice something really strange about the BRT money panic?
What are the targets they are aiming at?
First, they aimed at your wallet/purse, for $1000+ per year, in the case of many Bethesda residents.
Now county business owners are in their crosshairs.
But have you noticed what group is not being targeted for BRT taxes?
Developers. Yes, developers - the ones who are actually going to profit from the BRT scheme!
Is this a surprise? No. Not even in the case of Marc "No Developer Influence" Elrich. Of whom one developer admiringly said, "He's come a long way, baby."
BRT was just one of the reasons developers, and the county establishment they fund, threw their John Candy-meets-Fat Albert weight behind Elrich in 2010. The others being his sudden support for tax cuts for developers (including one $72 million tax cut for White Flint developers), and his enthusiastic "YES!" votes for the massively-oversized White Flint and Science City sector plans.
If developers want the BRT boondoggle, they should pay for it.
Instead, Elrich is turning yet again to struggling citizens and business owners, and demanding "more!"
This after slamming poor and middle class residents with a massive energy tax since 2010, the same tax that bodyslammed business owners.
And making the county's bloated, profligate budget bigger this past May, and boosting taxes even further.
Elrich is not even engaging in negotiations. He is demanding and threatening. Is this Steve Hendrix's "Man for All Seasons?"
"If the business community is not willing to step up...then they will get their worst nightmare."
Unfortunately, Elrich did not explain what "nightmare" businessmen and women in the county will experience, if they decline to bow to his demands.
This coming from the same council whose energy tax had Target, Magruder's and other stores turning off lights, even during business hours. And boosted your water bill just so utility employees could get a raise, even while you are getting furloughed or fired.
Is this how we attract companies, and recover from the lowest job creation numbers in the DC region?
It's certainly a novel approach.
You can be sure Bob McDonnell and Gerald Connolly are having another hearty chuckle at our expense.
Can I help you out with some new economic development marketing lines, Steve Silverman?
"Come to Montgomery County, where the taxes are high, the jobs and parking spaces are few, and our councilmembers promise your worst nightmare if you won't pay up!"
They're lining up at the border already, folks.
Well, I can't wait to hear what Gigi Godwin and Ginanne Italiano have to say about this:
Montgomery County Councilmember Marc Elrich was quoted threatening county business owners with "their worst nightmare," if they refuse to "step up" and fund his pet Bus Rapid Transit project.
Wow. I mean, don't let it be said this county isn't business-friendly, right?
This meltdown by Councilmember Elrich came after champagne wishes and BRT dreams were burst last Thursday evening, by citizens condemning his fiscally-irresponsible BRT Tax plan at a public hearing.
With Elrich, Ike Leggett and the other less-than-20 people ramming BRT through the process unable to sell their busway-robbery tax scheme, they are now scrambling to salvage the BRT project.
The new trial balloon being floated, is to fund the BRT system through a tax on businesses.
Do you notice something really strange about the BRT money panic?
What are the targets they are aiming at?
First, they aimed at your wallet/purse, for $1000+ per year, in the case of many Bethesda residents.
Now county business owners are in their crosshairs.
But have you noticed what group is not being targeted for BRT taxes?
Developers. Yes, developers - the ones who are actually going to profit from the BRT scheme!
Is this a surprise? No. Not even in the case of Marc "No Developer Influence" Elrich. Of whom one developer admiringly said, "He's come a long way, baby."
BRT was just one of the reasons developers, and the county establishment they fund, threw their John Candy-meets-Fat Albert weight behind Elrich in 2010. The others being his sudden support for tax cuts for developers (including one $72 million tax cut for White Flint developers), and his enthusiastic "YES!" votes for the massively-oversized White Flint and Science City sector plans.
If developers want the BRT boondoggle, they should pay for it.
Instead, Elrich is turning yet again to struggling citizens and business owners, and demanding "more!"
This after slamming poor and middle class residents with a massive energy tax since 2010, the same tax that bodyslammed business owners.
And making the county's bloated, profligate budget bigger this past May, and boosting taxes even further.
Elrich is not even engaging in negotiations. He is demanding and threatening. Is this Steve Hendrix's "Man for All Seasons?"
"If the business community is not willing to step up...then they will get their worst nightmare."
- Marc Elrich, Examiner, July 15, 2012
Unfortunately, Elrich did not explain what "nightmare" businessmen and women in the county will experience, if they decline to bow to his demands.
This coming from the same council whose energy tax had Target, Magruder's and other stores turning off lights, even during business hours. And boosted your water bill just so utility employees could get a raise, even while you are getting furloughed or fired.
Is this how we attract companies, and recover from the lowest job creation numbers in the DC region?
It's certainly a novel approach.
You can be sure Bob McDonnell and Gerald Connolly are having another hearty chuckle at our expense.
Can I help you out with some new economic development marketing lines, Steve Silverman?
"Come to Montgomery County, where the taxes are high, the jobs and parking spaces are few, and our councilmembers promise your worst nightmare if you won't pay up!"
They're lining up at the border already, folks.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
BETHESDA RESTAURANT WEEK MENUS JULY 16-22, 2012
Why waste time clicking all over the internet for Bethesda-Chevy Chase Restaurant Week menus, when I've done all the work for you?
Surprisingly, many restaurants haven't posted their menus so far. But here are the ones that have:
Throughout Restaurant Week, Lunches are $13-16, and Dinners are $33.
Enjoy Restaurant Week, and I will add any additional menus as soon as they are posted.
Surprisingly, many restaurants haven't posted their menus so far. But here are the ones that have:
Assaggi
Jaleo
Lebanese Taverna
Lia's
Mon Ami Gabi
Passage to India
Dinner (this is their January RW menu, but it should be fairly similar)
Tragara Ristorante
(Great chance to try this expensive restaurant for a low price)
Throughout Restaurant Week, Lunches are $13-16, and Dinners are $33.
Enjoy Restaurant Week, and I will add any additional menus as soon as they are posted.
Here is a complete list of participating restaurants:
| American Tap Room 7278 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda, MD 301-656-1366 |
Lunch $16 & Dinner
$33 |
| Assaggi
Mozzarella Bar 4838 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, MD 301-951-1988 |
Lunch $13 & Dinner $33 |
| Bezu Restaurant 9812 Falls Rd., #G, Potomac, MD 301-299-3000 |
Lunch $16 & Dinner $33 |
| Brasserie Monte
Carlo 7929 Norfolk Ave., Bethesda, MD 301-656-9225 |
Lunch $16 & Dinner $33 |
| The Capital
Grille 5310 Western Ave., Chevy Chase, MD 301-718-7812 |
Lunch $16 & $33 Dinner |
|
Clyde's of Chevy Chase 5441 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, MD 301-951-9600 |
Lunch $13 |
| Food, Wine & Co. 7272 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, MD 301-652-8008 |
Lunch $16 & Dinner $33 |
| Geppetto
Restaurant 10257 Old Georgetown Rd., Bethesda, MD 301-493-9230 |
Lunch $13 |
| Grapeseed
American Bistro & Wine Bar 4865 Cordell Ave., Bethesda, MD 301-986-9592 |
Lunch $13 & Dinner $33 |
| Guardado’s 4918 Del Ray Ave., Bethesda, MD 301-986-4920 |
Lunch $13 & Dinner $33 |
| The Irish Inn
at Glen Echo Restaurant 6119 Tulane Ave., Glen Echo, MD 301-229-6600 |
Lunch $16 & Dinner $33 |
| Jaleo - Bethesda 7271 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda, MD 301-913-0003 |
Lunch $16 & Dinner $33 |
| La
Ferme 7101 Brookville Rd., Chevy Chase, MD 301-986-5255 |
Lunch $16 & Dinner $33 |
| Lebanese
Taverna Bethesda 7141 Arlington Rd., Bethesda, MD 301-951-8681 |
Lunch $16 & Dinner $33 |
| Le Vieux
Logis 7925 Old Georgetown Rd., Bethesda, MD 301-652-6816 |
Dinner $33 |
| Lia’s 4435 Willard Ave., Chevy Chase, MD 240-223-5427 |
Lunch $16 & Dinner $33 |
| Mon Ami Gabi 7239 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda, MD 301-654-1234 |
Lunch $16 & Dinner $33 |
| Newton’s Table 4917 Elm St., Bethesda, MD 301-718-0550 |
Lunch $16 & Dinner $33 |
| Oakville Grille and Wine Bar 10257 Old Georgetown Rd., Bethesda, MD 301-897-9100 |
Lunch $16 & Dinner $33 |
| Old Angler’s Inn 10801 MacArthur Blvd., Potomac, MD 301-365-2425 |
Lunch $16 & Dinner $33 |
| Passage To India 4931 Cordell Ave., Bethesda, MD 301-656-3373 |
Dinner $33 |
| Persimmon
Restaurant 7003 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, MD 301-654-9860 |
Lunch $16 & Dinner $33 |
| Raku- Bethesda 7240 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda, MD 301-718-8680 |
Dinner $33 |
| Redwood Restaurant 7121 Bethesda Lane, Bethesda, MD 301-656-5155 |
Lunch $16 & Dinner $33 |
| Tavira 8401 Connecticut Ave., Chevy Chase, MD 301-652-8684 |
Lunch $16 & Dinner $33 |
| Tragara Ristorante 4935 Cordell Ave., Bethesda, MD 301-951-4935 |
Lunch $13 & Dinner $33 |
Saturday, July 14, 2012
PEPCO PROBLEMS SHUT DOWN FAIRMONT AVENUE
A utility pole malfunction wreaked minor havoc on Fairmont Avenue last night.
The first floor of popular bar BlackFinn was dark after a partial power outage occurred. Bethesda Urban Partnership and Montgomery County Police officers arrived quickly to block off the area around two utility poles. A Bethesda UP SUV was parked as a temporary roadblock, while officers rushed to rope off the street in front of Bold Bite, and the vacant Fresh Grill, with police tape.
Officers told approaching drivers and pedestrians they could not go down Fairmont. Crowds began to gather, and BlackFinn employees assessed the situation from in front of their main entrance.
Speculation was cleared up when a Pepco truck arrived. Police helped the truck enter the taped-off area, and a Pepco lineman rose into the air to a pole on the north side of Fairmont Avenue.
Apparently, that wasn't the problem. Then he moved to the pole on the opposite side of the street.
Finally, the problem was diagnosed so repairs could be made.
Unfortunately, that required turning off power to the Foong Lin restaurant.
The Pepco employee explained to a Foong Lin staff member that he would need to turn off their power for about 10 minutes. Now, that's actually reasonable in most circumstances, but as you can imagine, it's a nightmare for a restaurant. Diners are dining in an AC-cooled dining room. Meals are in the middle of being cooked. Potential customers will go elsewhere if they walk up to a dark restaurant.
"Are you ready?" asked the Pepco worker.
"I'm ready, and I'm not ready," replied the Foong Lin gentleman, who then turned back into the restaurant and called out instructions to employees. With the restaurant having taken exterior damage from the storm of two weeks ago, this was probably the last problem they wanted to deal with. A tarp covers the portion of the sign that was torn off by an 80 MPH wind shear; the sign now reads, "Lin Restaurant."
With some irony, Foong Lin has been offering a special cocktail since reopening: the Dark and Stormy. I suggest you stop by and try one.
Pepco went into action, and soon power was restored.
Have you heard of Christmas in July? This was Black Friday in July. Friday the 13th. Hmm...
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| Spectators gather after police shut down Fairmont Avenue |
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| Yellow police tape blocks Fairmont, as authorities await arrival of Pepco crew to fix transformer on pole at upper-left corner of photo |
The first floor of popular bar BlackFinn was dark after a partial power outage occurred. Bethesda Urban Partnership and Montgomery County Police officers arrived quickly to block off the area around two utility poles. A Bethesda UP SUV was parked as a temporary roadblock, while officers rushed to rope off the street in front of Bold Bite, and the vacant Fresh Grill, with police tape.
Officers told approaching drivers and pedestrians they could not go down Fairmont. Crowds began to gather, and BlackFinn employees assessed the situation from in front of their main entrance.
Speculation was cleared up when a Pepco truck arrived. Police helped the truck enter the taped-off area, and a Pepco lineman rose into the air to a pole on the north side of Fairmont Avenue.
Apparently, that wasn't the problem. Then he moved to the pole on the opposite side of the street.
Finally, the problem was diagnosed so repairs could be made.
Unfortunately, that required turning off power to the Foong Lin restaurant.
The Pepco employee explained to a Foong Lin staff member that he would need to turn off their power for about 10 minutes. Now, that's actually reasonable in most circumstances, but as you can imagine, it's a nightmare for a restaurant. Diners are dining in an AC-cooled dining room. Meals are in the middle of being cooked. Potential customers will go elsewhere if they walk up to a dark restaurant.
"Are you ready?" asked the Pepco worker.
"I'm ready, and I'm not ready," replied the Foong Lin gentleman, who then turned back into the restaurant and called out instructions to employees. With the restaurant having taken exterior damage from the storm of two weeks ago, this was probably the last problem they wanted to deal with. A tarp covers the portion of the sign that was torn off by an 80 MPH wind shear; the sign now reads, "Lin Restaurant."
With some irony, Foong Lin has been offering a special cocktail since reopening: the Dark and Stormy. I suggest you stop by and try one.
Pepco went into action, and soon power was restored.
Have you heard of Christmas in July? This was Black Friday in July. Friday the 13th. Hmm...
BETHESDA ROW FIRE
A small fire broke out on a roof in the Bethesda Lane section of Bethesda Row Thursday evening.
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue units responded immediately, and the fire was quickly extinguished. Amanda Earley of the restaurant Redwood, which is a tenant of the affected building, said only a fan was lost, there was no damage to the restaurant, and no injuries.
In fact, Redwood was fully open Friday, and serving stupendous meals like Crab Cakes with real Maryland jumbo lumb crabmeat (which makes all the difference in the world, for the true crab aficionado! Like me!) and a refreshing Caprese Salad.
So stop by - it's a cooler weekend than the last one, and a great time to try the summer menu at Redwood, where they've beaten the heat this week - literally!
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue units responded immediately, and the fire was quickly extinguished. Amanda Earley of the restaurant Redwood, which is a tenant of the affected building, said only a fan was lost, there was no damage to the restaurant, and no injuries.
In fact, Redwood was fully open Friday, and serving stupendous meals like Crab Cakes with real Maryland jumbo lumb crabmeat (which makes all the difference in the world, for the true crab aficionado! Like me!) and a refreshing Caprese Salad.
So stop by - it's a cooler weekend than the last one, and a great time to try the summer menu at Redwood, where they've beaten the heat this week - literally!
Friday, July 13, 2012
FASHIONISTA DOG OWNERS HAVE A DOUBLE DATE SATURDAY IN BETHESDA
Was it Paris Hilton who started the craze where every fashionable woman had to have a dog - and usually one that could fit in a purse?
Whatever happened to Paris Hilton, anyway?
Ladies, if you love shopping at Bethesda Row, and spending quality time with (Girl's) Best Friend (a.k.a., your dog), you have a big day ahead of you in downtown Bethesda this Saturday!
Your first stop is Doggie Brunch between 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM on the patio at Union Jack's Bethesda.
Once girl and beast have satisfied their appetites, it's on to Urban Chic at 7126 Bethesda Lane!
Yes, your dog is allowed to join you at Urban Chic.
In fact, only those ladies with mutts in tow (or in handbags?) will get a 20% discount on all of their purchases.
If you don't have a dog, or are a cat person (Catwoman?), you can get the 20% discount by making a $20 donation to the Washington Animal Rescue League.
Everyone may want to consider making a $5 donation to WARL, because that will enter you in a contest to win a "chic mystery item" worth over $100.
Treats for dogs and people will be served, as will refreshing beverages.
So type this into your smartphone calendar now, ladies.
Your dog is going to be very disappointed if you miss this!
Arf!
Whatever happened to Paris Hilton, anyway?
Ladies, if you love shopping at Bethesda Row, and spending quality time with (Girl's) Best Friend (a.k.a., your dog), you have a big day ahead of you in downtown Bethesda this Saturday!
Your first stop is Doggie Brunch between 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM on the patio at Union Jack's Bethesda.
Once girl and beast have satisfied their appetites, it's on to Urban Chic at 7126 Bethesda Lane!
Yes, your dog is allowed to join you at Urban Chic.
In fact, only those ladies with mutts in tow (or in handbags?) will get a 20% discount on all of their purchases.
If you don't have a dog, or are a cat person (Catwoman?), you can get the 20% discount by making a $20 donation to the Washington Animal Rescue League.
Everyone may want to consider making a $5 donation to WARL, because that will enter you in a contest to win a "chic mystery item" worth over $100.
Treats for dogs and people will be served, as will refreshing beverages.
So type this into your smartphone calendar now, ladies.
Your dog is going to be very disappointed if you miss this!
Arf!
MONTGOMERY COUNTY BRT PUBLIC HEARING
Last night was a long-overdue and poorly-publicized public hearing on the
Montgomery County Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) proposal.
Readers of this blog are among the few who have any sense of the coming catastrophe that BRT will be, if implemented. The only other published critique I've found of MoCo BRT was a letter to the editor.
So with a 3 minute time limit (hastily corrected from the press release claim of only 2 minutes of testimony), I had to present the devastating case against BRT. But was still able to talk a bit about what we could better spend the money on (Rockville Freeway, M-83, Purple Line).
The weirdest part of the night was the venue. The press release stated the hearing would be in the "1st Floor Auditorium of the County Council Building." I just assumed they meant that swanky new hearing room with the leather seats that the council wasted taxpayer money on. It's right off the lobby to the left when you enter the building.
Well, I pull the big door open, and it's pitch black inside. Okay.
Is it on the 7th floor? Nope.
Finally a county employee directs me to... the 1st Floor Auditorium.
Huh?
This musty chamber must have been opened for the first time in 40 years. Funereal colors and aging wood paneling dominate the small "auditorium." I think Jim Gleason was probably the last County Executive to preside over a hearing in that room. Behind Ike Leggett's seat on the stage were two breakaway panels in the wall. Any minute you'd expect the panels to open, and the ghosts of councils Past to stagger forward.
This BRT plan is so bad, just such a paranormal event could well occur!
Fortunately, despite efforts by developers and their allies, the Coalition for Smarter Growth, to stack the deck, opponents outnumbered supporters.
The only reporters I recognized were Victor Zapana from the Post, and Rachel Baye of the Examiner.
I have to comment on a couple of points Mr. Leggett made at the end of the evening. First, he reassured attendees that he had not yet made a decision on BRT. That is not what he said a few months back. He vehemently stated then, that the county absolutely was going to build this system, and the only questions were cost and how soon.
Second, he made a point often made by supporters of the oversized Science City and White Flint sector plans: that the massive BRT system is not imminent, and will take "20 or 30 years" to complete.
But just as almost the entire White Flint "I" sector plan permits have been issued within only 2 years of its passage, so too are these empty reassurances on BRT.
In fact, the state of Maryland has already begun the official process of studying Veirs Mill Road, and Georgia Avenue between Olney and Glenmont, for construction of BRT routes on both. They've even held a public workshop for each.
Like Science City and White Flint, BRT too will explode out of the gate. You'll have lost 2 lanes to buses on 355, 97, etc. within a year or two of passage. And you'll get that higher tax bill, too.
The reason is that billions and billions of dollars are at stake for developers, and the politicians who get fat checks from them.
Oh, yeah, one other thing: Stewart Schwartz, I believe, testified that we could never solve traffic gridlock. Again, my friends, billions of developer profits depend upon you believing that statement.
The fact is, if we built the master plan highways (Outer Beltway, Rockville Freeway, M-83, Northern Parkway, Northwest Freeway), gridlock would cease to exist in Montgomery County. Period.
Without further adieu, here is my speech from last evening:
Readers of this blog are among the few who have any sense of the coming catastrophe that BRT will be, if implemented. The only other published critique I've found of MoCo BRT was a letter to the editor.
So with a 3 minute time limit (hastily corrected from the press release claim of only 2 minutes of testimony), I had to present the devastating case against BRT. But was still able to talk a bit about what we could better spend the money on (Rockville Freeway, M-83, Purple Line).
The weirdest part of the night was the venue. The press release stated the hearing would be in the "1st Floor Auditorium of the County Council Building." I just assumed they meant that swanky new hearing room with the leather seats that the council wasted taxpayer money on. It's right off the lobby to the left when you enter the building.
Well, I pull the big door open, and it's pitch black inside. Okay.
Is it on the 7th floor? Nope.
Finally a county employee directs me to... the 1st Floor Auditorium.
Huh?
This musty chamber must have been opened for the first time in 40 years. Funereal colors and aging wood paneling dominate the small "auditorium." I think Jim Gleason was probably the last County Executive to preside over a hearing in that room. Behind Ike Leggett's seat on the stage were two breakaway panels in the wall. Any minute you'd expect the panels to open, and the ghosts of councils Past to stagger forward.
This BRT plan is so bad, just such a paranormal event could well occur!
Fortunately, despite efforts by developers and their allies, the Coalition for Smarter Growth, to stack the deck, opponents outnumbered supporters.
The only reporters I recognized were Victor Zapana from the Post, and Rachel Baye of the Examiner.
I have to comment on a couple of points Mr. Leggett made at the end of the evening. First, he reassured attendees that he had not yet made a decision on BRT. That is not what he said a few months back. He vehemently stated then, that the county absolutely was going to build this system, and the only questions were cost and how soon.
Second, he made a point often made by supporters of the oversized Science City and White Flint sector plans: that the massive BRT system is not imminent, and will take "20 or 30 years" to complete.
But just as almost the entire White Flint "I" sector plan permits have been issued within only 2 years of its passage, so too are these empty reassurances on BRT.
In fact, the state of Maryland has already begun the official process of studying Veirs Mill Road, and Georgia Avenue between Olney and Glenmont, for construction of BRT routes on both. They've even held a public workshop for each.
Like Science City and White Flint, BRT too will explode out of the gate. You'll have lost 2 lanes to buses on 355, 97, etc. within a year or two of passage. And you'll get that higher tax bill, too.
The reason is that billions and billions of dollars are at stake for developers, and the politicians who get fat checks from them.
Oh, yeah, one other thing: Stewart Schwartz, I believe, testified that we could never solve traffic gridlock. Again, my friends, billions of developer profits depend upon you believing that statement.
The fact is, if we built the master plan highways (Outer Beltway, Rockville Freeway, M-83, Northern Parkway, Northwest Freeway), gridlock would cease to exist in Montgomery County. Period.
Without further adieu, here is my speech from last evening:
This task force's mantra appears to be, "The debate is
over."
The fact that you produced your report, some elected officials
have said we're going to build it, and the public only now is allowed to speak,
is an outrage. But looking at the facts of BRT, I can understand why you're
scared to debate.
* 85% of people drive
* Your own master planner says
we lack the density to support it
* "Rapid" is an Orwellian name for a bus
that goes 15 miles in 50 minutes
* BRT will increase congestion, taking car
lanes, and throwing off synchronized signals
* BRT duplicates Red Line
service
* You've understated the annual BRT tax - Bethesda residents could
pay $1000 or more
* Why should Bethesda and Silver Spring subsidize BRT, when
it ends in our towns, and we won't even be able to ride it to work?
We've
passed the tax limit. I understand the [County] Council has a new benefactor -
Mitch Rales. Maybe you can get him to pay for it.
We should focus on
building the Purple Line, and our Master Plan highways.
The M-83
upcounty.
We could build the Rockville Freeway - which would connect White
Flint and Columbia, two areas we already know are going to have massive growth - for less than half the cost of BRT. And the Rockville Freeway would carry more
commuters per day than the entire BRT system.
BRT is a sprawl generator
in places like Olney. You can call building a city in the country a lot of
things, but "smart growth" isn't one of them.
To summarize:
* We
can't afford it
* Your own planner says it won't work
* It will increase
sprawl and traffic congestion
I guess you're right, the debate is
over.
Thank you.