Monday, December 31, 2012

STAR TREK 2012 SPOCK ORNAMENT REVIEW

Here is an exclusive video review of the 2012 Hallmark Star Trek ornament, "An Extraordinary Meeting."  This Christmas ornament is based on a scene from the 2009 J.J. Abrams Star Trek reboot.  In the scene, Spock (Leonard Nimoy, obviously) meets his younger self (Zachary Quinto) via time travel.

As far as I can tell, this is the first and only video of this talking ornament on YouTube.

Enjoy another exclusive, and stop by the Robert Dyer Channel again tomorrow, as we continue counting down the 12 Days of Christmas.

NEW SPEED CAMERAS COMING TO DOWNTOWN BETHESDA (PHOTOS)

Workers in unmarked white vans appeared to be putting the finishing touches on several pole-mounted cameras in the median of Wisconsin Avenue near Montgomery Avenue.

A Bethesda real estate agent tells me that intersection, among many others along state highways in Bethesda, is scheduled to have new speed cameras installed now or in the future.

Other routes targeted include River Road.

Google Street View records show a different type of camera at the 355-Montgomery intersection than those now being installed.

My photos show the new cameras and one of the mystery vans working Sunday evening at the intersection.

We have to assume their camera-revenue department works faster than their sidewalk repair department.

BRUCE VARIETY CLOSING

Bruce Variety is closing. I called the store moments ago, and an employee confirmed they will be closing.  The closure is due to high rent increases, and an inflexible landlord, at least six sources tell me.

A go-to store for amateur-to-expert tailors, harried parents, and Bethesda residents in need of... just about anything, "Bruce's" has been a community fixture for decades.

This closure should strongly signal that the ownership of the classic Bradley Shopping Center could be planning to redevelop the site.  That would be highly-controversial.

The store employee could not say at this time if the shop would reopen in another location.

A very sad day in Bethesda.

Sunday, December 30, 2012

TRON LIGHT CYCLES CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS

Today's video features a review of two Tron light cycle ornaments from Hallmark

A new video each day through January 6!

WHERE TO WATCH REDSKINS COWBOYS IN BETHESDA TONIGHT

Sure, you'll have the best seat in the house on your own living room television tonight at 8:20, when legendary rivals the Washington Redskins and Dallas Cowboys meet in a must-win game.

But if you want to get out tonight, here is a list of the best places in Bethesda to cheer on the Redskins:

American Tap Room
Rock Bottom
Union Jack's

Saturday, December 29, 2012

MCDONALD'S GRILLED ONION CHEDDAR BURGER EXCLUSIVE VIDEO REVIEW AND UNBOXING!

Enjoy this exclusive, first and only video review and unboxing of McDonald's newest sandwich: the Grilled Onion Cheddar burger!

The Grilled Onion Cheddar arrived in stores this week, and is on the Dollar Menu.

WHERE TO WATCH UFC 155 IN BETHESDA TONIGHT

Tonight at 10 PM eastern, Junior Dos Santos will defend his UFC Heavyweight Championship against Cain Velasquez.

Which Bethesda bar or restaurant is the place to catch the fight, a rematch of the most-watched contest in UFC history?

The Box Bar and Grill is the only Bethesda spot confirmed to be showing UFC 155 tonight.

The Box is located at 7525 Old Georgetown Road, right by the Bethesda Metro Center. Hence, those wondering where to watch UFC 155 in DC might just want to come out to Bethesda on the Red Line.

Although the heavyweight fight is at 10, The Box says its UFC night will begin at 7 PM.

Friday, December 28, 2012

KEEBLER JINGLES CHRISTMAS COOKIES REVIEW (VIDEO)

The 12 Days of Christmas continue on the Robert Dyer Channel with this new Christmas cookie review.

A new video every day through January 6!

BETHESDA METRO ELEVATOR REOPENING POSTPONED UNTIL JANUARY 4, 2013 (PHOTO)

According to WMATA, elevator service at the Bethesda Metro station will not be restored until January 4, a week later than promised.

Last night, I saw Metro employees working at the site (see photo below), but apparently it was not enough.

KRIS KRIMINAL? ROBBERY, ASSAULT ON CHRISTMAS IN DOWNTOWN BETHESDA - BETHESDA CRIME REPORT

Criminals celebrated Christmas their own way in downtown Bethesda this year, and Santa Claus has some names on his Really Naughty list already for next December 25.

According to crime data, a robbery occurred Christmas Day in the 4900 block of Battery Lane.

An assault was also reported at the Bethesda Row Cinema, of all places. It's important to note that the address from which an assault is reported is not always the location at which the assault took place.  Remember, for example, the jogger who was assaulted on the Capital Crescent Trail; the crime was listed in data as having been reported from the nearby home where she sought help afterward.

Thursday, December 27, 2012

STAR WARS HAN SOLO VS. GREEDO HALLMARK CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT REVIEW (VIDEO)

On today's episode, I review another Hallmark Star Wars Christmas ornament, featuring Han Solo.

Check back every day for a new episode of the 12 Days of Christmas Vlogmas on the Robert Dyer Channel! Have you subscribed, and shared the videos with friends yet?

SERENBERRY YOGURT UP FOR SALE AT WESTFIELD MONTGOMERY MALL

The owner of Serenberry Yogurt at  Bethesda's Westfield Montgomery Mall has put the 2-years-young frozen yogurt and smoothies bar on the market.

With a prime, first-level spot outside of Macy's, there is certainly the prospect of business success there.  The current asking price, according to the owner, is $75,000.  But he says the stand brings in more than that in revenue.

That's a lot of yogurt!

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

DU-PAR'S HAMBURGER HAMLET CHRISTMAS DINNER (VIDEO/PHOTOS)

My guide to restaurants open Christmas Day came in handy, as I ended up dining at one! Join me in this video, for Christmas dinner with all the trimmings at Du-par's Hamburger Hamlet in Bethesda.

Everything was good on the Turkey Platter, a deal at $19.95.  I did pay extra for a Du-par's Famous Brownie Sundae, because other people at the table were getting the house-made fruit pies.  And that meant getting to test more of the menu. (And, of course, as regular readers know, I'm pretty serious about Brownie Sundaes!).

The mashed potatoes were real mashed potatoes, like your Mom would make.  My mom still holds the title for World's Best Stuffing, though.  For turkey, you got white and dark meat, and the sweet potatoes with marshmallows were another standout.

Corn Bread was substituted for the advertised dinner rolls, but that was a positive for this fan of Southern cuisine.

They also had Barq's Root Beer.

I don't know if any staff changes occurred when Du-par's joined Hamburger Hamlet, but there was a real team effort as far as service last night. The bartender even came over into the restaurant section to ask if we needed anything.

Here are a few photos, but watch the video for the full story!

4935 BAR AND KITCHEN GETS EXTERIOR FACELIFT (PHOTOS)

4935 Bar and Kitchen has already moved into the former Tragara space on Cordell Avenue.

But an exterior makeover is making the building more uniquely theirs.

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

CHRISTMAS VIDEO MESSAGE

Click here for a Christmas video message from Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row.

A new video each day of the 12 Days of Christmas, through January 6!

Monday, December 24, 2012

HOOD CARAMEL EGG NOG REVIEW (VIDEO) - NATIONAL EGG NOG DAY!

Today's video will help you celebrate National Egg Nog Day!

It features a review of Hood's limited-edition Caramel Egg Nog.

A new video each day through January 6!

HECKUVARUSH - LAST DAY OF CHRISTMAS SHOPPING IN BETHESDA GUIDE (PHOTOS)

Caught at the last hour without Christmas gifts?

Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row to the rescue!

Here are gifts available right here in Bethesda that are sure to make recipients' hearts grow 3 times in size - even the Grinch!

FOR HIM:

Mr. Beer

What more do you need to know?  This kit makes homemade beer in 14 days, and is available at Sears in Westfield Montgomery Mall.

FOR HER:

Starbucks Verissimo Coffee System

Get this money-saving home machine at - where else - Starbucks in Bethesda!

FOR KIDS:

North Pole Express train set

Available at Toys R Us, this nicely priced complete train set plays Christmas carols, and even hauls animated elves on 2 of its cars!

Check out these photos (Click to enlarge):

DREAMING OF A WHITE SLEETMAS (EVE)? - BETHESDA WEATHER

It's not a dream!  There is a 100% chance of rain and/or sleet through this afternoon.

The current temperature in Bethesda is below freezing: 30°.

Let's hope we get above freezing soon.

The good news is that Christmas Day is forecast to be mostly sunny, with a high of 47°.

It won't be a White Christmas, but be careful on the roads today.

Sunday, December 23, 2012

BATTLESTAR GALACTICA CYLON ORNAMENT REVIEW (VIDEO)

Today's episode of the Christmas Countdown features a review of Hallmark's 2011 Battlestar Galactica Cylon Centurion Christmas ornament.

Come back every day for a new video through January 6!

CREATIVE PARTIES LTD MAKES THE BIG MOVE IN DOWNTOWN BETHESDA (PHOTOS)

Creative Parties, LTD has officially made the big move from the little house on Woodmont Avenue into the Landow Building on St. Elmo Avenue.

Take note that CP is currently offering 75% off on Christmas items.

And that Valentine's Day items are currently appearing on some Bethesda area shelves!  While the Christmas trees are still up!

Saturday, December 22, 2012

PRINGLES WHITE CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT POTATO CHIP REVIEW (VIDEO)

Can a peppermint chocolate potato chip really work? Watch my review on the Christmas Countdown today, and find out!

A new video each day through January 6!

NEWS EXPRESS INSTALLS STOREFRONT SIGN, MAILBOXES (PHOTOS)

News Express, downtown Bethesda's newest convenience store and newsstand, has installed a permanent sign over its future Cordell Avenue storefront.

Another intriguing addition is the bank of post office boxes, which strongly hints that the functioning U.S. Post Office in the old News Express could be returning at the new location.

That would be good news for residents and businesses in the northern part of downtown Bethesda, who are not within easy walking distance of the nutty new post office location at 6900 Wisconsin Avenue.  Contrary to political and media assertions, the failings of 6900 and its lack of parking persist, and have absolutely not been resolved to the satisfaction of residents.

Friday, December 21, 2012

UTZ SNOW BALLS WHITE CHEDDAR CHEESE BALLS REVIEW (VIDEO)

Today's video features a test of new, holiday edition Utz Snow Balls White Cheddar Cheese Balls.

A new Christmas Countdown episode every day through January 6!

FREE HOLIDAY WINE TASTING IN BETHESDA TONIGHT

Start your Christmas holiday weekend with a free, holiday wine tasting from 4-7 PM tonight at Bradley Food and Beverage.

Jackie from Frederick Wildman and Sons will be pouring 5 holiday wines from Spain, Italy and France.

This will be a good time to purchase gifts and wines for holiday dinners, as these bottles will be 10% off tonight only.

The store is located at 6904 Arlington Road, in the Bradley Shopping Center.

THUNDERSHOWERS KNOCK OUT POWER FOR SOME IN BETHESDA, HIGH WIND WATCH IN EFFECT - BETHESDA, MD WEATHER

A relatively mild series of thundershowers last night left some in Bethesda without power.

I received a reader report of a power outage late in the evening off River Road in the Springfield neighborhood. The traffic signal was dark at Ridgefield Road and Westbard Avenue, as well.

This morning, I'm told that outage has been restored, and was fixed within a few hours by Pepco.

High winds and colder temperatures will be hitting Bethesda today. In fact, the National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Watch through 6 PM Saturday.  Wind gusts up to 58 MPH, falling trees and power outages are all possible during that time.

Stay safe, and have a happy holiday weekend!

COURAGE. b BOUTIQUE OPENING AT BETHESDA ROW!

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive!

Here's a big fashion story to close out the year: COURAGE. b is opening a boutique at Bethesda Row in early 2013.

Maybe all you need to know is that COURAGE. b has existing addresses in the Hamptons, Palm Beach and Aspen.

But, with my readers being so smart, maybe you want to know a bit more?

COURAGE. b started in New York City with FOPP'S, which fashionistas have probably heard of.

COURAGE. b designs and manufactures all of their garments, bags, accessories and shoes in-house.  They are not pioneers in outsourcing.  Of course, sometimes their prices reflect that.  But many of their pieces are surprisingly affordable, as well.  And many of the designs will make women stand out in a crowd - in a good way.

Check out their latest using the above link, and start your shopping list.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

SOUTHERN COMFORT VANILLA SPICE EGG NOG REVIEW! (VIDEO)

Today's episode of the Christmas Countdown features a review of Southern Comfort Vanilla Spice Egg Nog.

Come back every day for a new Christmas video through January 6!

NOOK HD AND NOOK HD+ ARE GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFTS FROM BETHESDA ROW (PHOTOS)

Still searching for great gifts for your intelligent and literary friends?

End the search at Barnes and Noble at Bethesda Row.

Their new Nook HD and Nook HD+ tablets/readers are perfect for consuming mass quantities of books and publications.

Including this blog, as you can see in the screen shots below.

If you're seeking a high performance tablet, with a large app store, the Nook HDs won't replace a Nexus 10 or an iPad.

But for the average reader, the Nook will give them their money's worth.

WIZARD OF OZ 2012 CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT BY HALLMARK REVIEW (VIDEO)

Yesterday's Christmas Countdown video did get uploaded - but not until 10:30 last night, thanks to the same internet problem as last week.

In this episode, I review Hallmark's 2012 Wizard of Oz ornament. And I have a few beefs with Hallmark, as you'll find out in the video.

Fortunately, today's episode (December 20) has already successfully uploaded, so you'll be getting twice the holiday entertainment today!

MYSTERY TRENCH DUG ON ELM STREET AT BETHESDA ROW (PHOTOS)

A surprisingly deep trench appeared on Elm Street, in front of Mamma Lucia at Bethesda Row yesterday.

It has the appearance of a utility pipe dig of some sort, but nothing is posted to inform people about what's going on there.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

SAMSUNG HAPPY HOUR EVERY EVENING AT WESTFIELD MONTGOMERY IN BETHESDA!

Stop by the Samsung pop-up kiosk at Bethesda's Westfield Montgomery Mall between 5 and 8 PM every evening through New Year's Eve, and get a gift card!

Test out the latest gadgets from Samsung, and receive a Corner Bakery, California Pizza Kitchen or Caribou Coffee gift card.

BETHESDA MOM SPOOKED BY SANTA CLAUS

Emergency vehicle sirens have been echoing throughout west Bethesda over the last two evenings. 

But it was no emergency - it was Santa Claus.

Each December, Santa makes his way through every street of that part of Bethesda, with the help of the Glen Echo Volunteer Fire Department.  Having grown up there, I can tell you that this tradition is much beloved by the community. The excitement of Santa Claus passing by rivaled the Christmas tree purchase for biggest holiday event of the month (unless Santa's other appearances at Montgomery Mall count). 

But - understandably - new arrivals may be unaware of St. Nick's annual journey, which takes a while to accomplish.

So it was that one resident took to a local "Mommy Blog" to seek answers:

"We live in the Sumner neighborhood between Mass Ave and Sangamore," wrote "Anonymous" at 7:21 PM last night.

"For the better part of the past half hour there has been the sound of emergency vehicle sirens (police?) going through the neighborhood. Does anyone know what occurred?"

Residents responded to reassure the poster that it was just Santa Claus.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

BETHESDA MARKET OPENS, DELI SECTION TO OPEN NEXT WEEK

The new Bethesda Market opened yesterday at the Shops at Sumner Place on Sangamore Road.

This week, the beer and wine sections are open, just in time for nearby residents to get ready for holiday parties and dinners.

Owner Vijay Mhera told me their Deli section will open next week, as soon as Montgomery County issues the permits.

So, if you live nearby, it's beverages this week, and lunches next week.

CAP'N CRUNCH CHRISTMAS CRUNCH REVIEW (VIDEO)

A holiday tradition, Cap'n Crunch Christmas Crunch, on today's episode of the Robert Dyer Channel Christmas Countdown!

A new video each day through January 6!  Share the holiday spirit with your friends, and subscribe on YouTube.

UPDATE TO WISCONSIN AVENUE SIDEWALK UPDATE (PHOTO)

Since I posted the update on Bethesda sidewalk repairs over the weekend, another section of Wisconsin Avenue sidewalk was closed.

This closure is just north of Pumphrey's Funeral Home, on the northbound side.

PIKE AND ROSE: ANOTHER MOCO MISADVENTURE IN ARCHITECTURE

Not again. The "new" designs for future mini-Manhattan Pike and Rose resemble the lackluster ones previously revealed. Clusters of non-descript office towers and mixed-use town centers sit, bump-on-log style, astride a once-bustling shopping center, a half-hearted paean to "The Man."

We're giving up Toys R Us for this?

In that case, I don't want to grow up, Geoffrey!

The plan aesthetically refutes all of the buzz phrases so-called "Smart Growth" development advocates enjoy deploying in planning work sessions nationwide.

To use one of their phrases, there's no "there" there.

Examine the close-up of what seems to be the Bethesda Lane or Rockville Town Square of Pike and Rose.  Context aside, where are you in this scene? Can you identify a single architectural feature that says Pike and Rose, White Flint, Montgomery County, anything? (Please leave it in the comments if you can!).

The comparison to Bethesda Row is indeed a stretch. Bethesda Lane is probably one of the few town centers anywhere that actually has an identity of sorts.  But at Pike and Rose, one could be in New Jersey or Portland or at any of the other bland, nondescript town centers in the DC area.

And why does it look like the grand curve of Old Georgetown Road has been whipped into an old-fashioned, 4-way urban intersection?  Not only is the new work disappointing, but they're going to iron out one of the few road stretches with character in the area to boot? L'Enfant may rise from the dead if he hears of this.

Speaking of roads... That trench labeled "Montrose Parkway" at the top?  That's supposed to be a six-lane Rockville Freeway. And without the Rockville Freeway (and additional MARC and Red Line capacity), this whole White Flint plan simply cannot handle the influx of cars it will bring.

It's no secret I opposed the White Flint plan as passed by the Montgomery County Council.  But if you're going to "transform" an area, at least do it responsibly, and utilizing designs that improve the aesthetics and quality of life for residents.

Despite my opposition to the WF plan, I would probably approve the 2 towers (one already built) and the "ziggurat" development proposed by JBG nearby.  While not Dubai-esque, at least they have something to offer artistically and help define a location.

Maybe it's early, and the buildings shown are placeholders for exciting designs to come at Pike and Rose. But at the moment, what's being touted is only reinforcing what I had predicted long ago.

In the richest county in the richest country in the world, why are we content to take an architectural back seat to Dubai, Hong Kong, and Shanghai?

Monday, December 17, 2012

NEWS EXPRESS, FUTURE BETHESDA CONVENIENCE STORE, MAKING STEADY PROGRESS (PHOTOS)

Bethesda's newest convenience store, News Express, is moving closer to opening in the ground floor of Triangle Towers, on Cordell Avenue.

Where rubble was strewn a few months ago, the typical appointments of a convenience store are now popping up:  Moneygrams, phone cards, energy drink refrigerators, copying machine, and newspaper/magazine racks.

News Express will be a newsstand, as well as a convenience store.

STAR WARS CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM DARTH VADER AND EMPEROR PALPATINE (VIDEO)

On today's episode of the Christmas Countdown, a Star Wars Christmas ornament with lights and sounds that recreate a classic scene from The Empire Strikes Back!

A new video every day through January 6! Have you subscribed yet?

BETHESDA BLUES AND JAZZ SUPPER CLUB NOW PLANS FEBRUARY 2013 OPENING (PHOTOS)

The new Bethesda Blues and Jazz Supper Club, which had planned to open later this month, has now confirmed February 2013 as its targeted opening date.

Work continues inside, and residents of The Whitney claim to have even heard some music at least once.

This one should be worth the wait, if you are as big a fan of New Orleans and Cajun cuisine as I am.

Sunday, December 16, 2012

UNBOXING RANKIN-BASS ORIGINAL CHRISTMAS CLASSICS DVD SET (VIDEO)

Today's episode of the Christmas Countdown features an unboxing of 7 certified-classic Christmas TV specials!

Tune in every day for a new episode through January 6, and don't forget to share the videos with your friends across the social media universe. Oh, and you can subscribe to the Robert Dyer Channel, to be the first to view new videos when they're uploaded!

CHALK ARTIST RETURNS TO LUKE'S LOBSTER AT BETHESDA ROW (PHOTOS)

That talented artist at Luke's Lobster on Bethesda Lane is at it again!

This time, his or her chalk has spawned the Chowderminator. And yet, he or she still had time to write the winter specials on the other side. All four sound perfect for a December day like this.

BETHESDA SIDEWALK REPAIR UPDATE (PHOTOS)

After belatedly restarting work on downtown Bethesda sidewalks, the MDSHA is finally making some progress.

Unfinished sidewalk construction has bedeviled pedestrians up and down Wisconsin Avenue since the summer.  Trip-and-fall surfaces abounded, and dangerous jaywalking was encouraged in spots.

Now, as these photos demonstrate, bricks have been laid at the corner of Fairmont and Wisconsin.  Other spots remain in shabby condition. Let's hope all of this is finished by the Inauguration, to spare us further embarrassment when tourists pour into our fair city.

Friday, December 14, 2012

CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN: SUGAR COOKIE EGG NOG! (VIDEO)

Could drinking Egg Nog keep you fit this holiday season?

Today's episode features Hood's Limited Edition Sugar Cookie Egg Nog.

Find out my verdict, and hear a live, sneak preview of the Elf Choir from the North Pole.

ONLY ONE BETHESDA BUSINESS OFFERS THE GIFT OF GODZILLA FOR CHRISTMAS (PHOTO)

Give the gift of Godzilla - as the Nissan GT-R is known - from Chevy Chase Nissan in downtown Bethesda.

The GT-R is the spiritual successor to legendary Japanese sports cars like the last-generation Toyota Supra, and Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4.

All three feature timeless designs that suggest no specific decade -  designs that innovate, rather than ape other classic cars.

Like the VR-4, the GT-R features a twin-turbo V6. But at nearly 3 times the price, the GT-R is a true supercar.  545 horsepower. 0-60 in 2.7 seconds.

With stats like that, the GT-R really will treat vehicular challengers to a Godzilla-style beatdown.

The showroom Christmas tree sets quite a scene, with this GT-R in its most flattering color - black.

BETHESDA RESTAURANTS OPEN CHRISTMAS DAY 2012

Wondering which Bethesda restaurants will be open Christmas Day for dinner?

Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row to the rescue!

Here's a list of restaurants that will be serving Christmas dinner, with menu and hours if the restaurant included that information:

ASSAGGI
BENIHANA
BRASSERIE MONTE CARLO

DU-PAR'S HAMBURGER HAMLET
- Du-par's is going all-out for its first East Coast Christmas Dinner.

A plated turkey or glazed ham dinner will be only $19.95 for adults, and $11.95 for children under 12.

Side dishes will include Pumpkin Soup, Green Bean Almondine, glazed carrots, homemade stuffing, sweet potatoes with marshmallows, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, baked dinner rolls, and Du-par's famous house-made fruit pies.

You can also order large, family-size turkey or ham dinners for pick-up Christmas Day.  Call 301-897-5350 to place an order, or to ask any questions.

LEGAL SEA FOODS
- Legal Sea Foods is in Westfield Montgomery Mall.

RUTH'S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE
- Another great-if-pricey menu from Ruth's Chris in downtown Bethesda:
A 6 oz. Filet Mignon, and your choice of lobster tail or Alaskan King Crab legs, for $46.95.

This is the complete list I have as of this morning. Other restaurants could be open, but aren't sharing it with me yet. If yours is one, let me know, and I'll add it (if it is actually in Bethesda, of course!).

Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays!

Thursday, December 13, 2012

CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN: GHIRARDELLI LIMITED EDITION HOLIDAY CANDY ASSORTMENT (VIDEO)

In today's episode, I review a limited edition candy assortment from Ghirardelli.

A new episode each day!

BETHESDA CRIME SPIKE IN GROSVENOR AREA

Residents in the Grosvenor area should be aware of increased crime activity there over the last few days.

3 of the 4 crimes occurred at or near apartment complexes; the fourth took place on Hatherleigh Drive, a residential street of single family homes off Grosvenor Lane.

Buildings along the affected blocks include The Jefferson at Inigo's Crossing, and Archstone Grosvenor Tower. There is no specific information to confirm at which complexes, if any, these crimes occurred.

Until the police report further details, this is a good reminder to keep doors locked, stay aware of your surroundings, and to report suspicious activity or vehicles to police.

Here is the full list of crimes:

December 8:

Theft. 10200 block of Grosvenor Place.

Burglary. 10200 block of Hatherleigh Drive.

December 9:

Theft of vehicle. 10300 block of Grosvenor Place.

December 10:

Theft. 5400 block of Tuckerman Lane.

FOONG LIN REOPENING IN NEW BETHESDA LOCATION ...SORT OF

Foong Lin fans rejoice: the venerable Bethesda Chinese restaurant may be making a comeback a few blocks away from its old home. Sort of.

Moon Gate restaurant at 4613 Willow Lane says it is now under new management by - Foong Lin owner, Fu Cheung!

So, what does this mean?  As of last evening, Moon Gate remains Moon Gate. But it would certainly make business sense - given Foong Lin's popularity and good name in the community - to consider changing the name to Foong Lin in the future. And given that Fu Cheung's name is now associated with Moon Gate, old Foong Lin customers could rightfully come in expecting Foong Lin classics from the kitchen.

Whatever is about to happen or not, Foong Lin's website is not yet announcing it.

But it's great news that Fu Cheung has found a new location in town. It's very hard for an independent restaurant owner to secure space in downtown Bethesda for a long term at an affordable rate.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN: PEPPERIDGE FARM HOLIDAY HOMESTYLE COOKIE COLLECTION (VIDEO)

Should you serve this Pepperidge Farm cookie assortment at your Christmas party?

Watch my review in today's episode, and come back every day for a new one through January 6!

AROMA ESPRESSO BAR BETHESDA SNEAK PEEK! (PHOTOS)

Bethesda may be days away from the opening of the first Aroma Espresso Bar in the DC area.  As you remember, Aroma is essentially the equivalent of Starbucks in Israel. But unlike Starbucks, Aroma will also have beer and wine on the menu.

The store says their original December 15 target opening date may slip by a few days, due to unexpected delays.

While we're waiting, here are a few images of what the finished Aroma will look like: