Carluccio's Caffè ready to start construction at Pike & Rose in North Bethesda's Pike District

When I broke the story about Federal Realty bringing Benedict Cumberbatch's favorite Italian restaurant to its Pike & Rose development, it was unclear what the timetable was for the opening. Would it go into one of the remaining spaces in the Phase 1 construction, or in the Phase 2 section now under construction north of there on the property?

It turns out we'll be trying the world-famous menu of Carluccio's sooner, rather than later. The restaurant and cafe now has a listed address of 11580 Old Georgetown Road, and they have just requested a construction permit from Montgomery County. That would suggest an opening could come in a matter of months, once that permit is issued.

Other famous fans of Carluccio's caffè include Tom Hiddleston and Pippa Middleton.