Banana French Toast flavor arrives at Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams at Bethesda Row

The latest limited-time flavor is here at Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams at 4918 Elm Street at Bethesda Row. Banana French Toast combines banana ice cream with maple syrup from centuries-old maple trees at Butternut Mountain Farm, and French Toast-flavored "gravel" that duplicates the caramelized edge of a slice of the real thing. Enjoy it in a scoop, a cone, or in a $12.00 pint.

Shots fired inside Bethesda parking garage

The Montgomery County Police Department reports that officers investigated the sound of gunfire in the 4900 block of St. Elmo Avenue in downtown Bethesda "in the early morning hours of" February 11, 2024, but have not identified or located any suspects in the incident so far. That is all the department has stated publicly as of this writing.

However, DMV News Live reported on Twitter that a police officer was patrolling in the vicinity of the Cordell-St. Elmo Public Parking Garage 40 at 4935 St. Elmo Avenue around 3:15 AM that morning, and heard gunshots coming from inside the garage. The officer saw two vehicles - makes and models were not identified - speed out of the garage and flee the scene. 

MCPD officers investigated inside the garage, and located shell casings on the parking deck around 4:05 AM, confirming that shots had indeed been fired inside the structure. The suspect(s) remain at-large.

Monumental Sports Network to broadcast Old Glory DC pro rugby matches for 2024 season

Monumental Sports Network has reached an agreement to broadcast 13 of Old Glory DC's Major League Rugby matches during the 2024 season. Old Glory DC plays its home games here in Montgomery County, at the Maryland Soccerplex in Germantown. The season and broadcast schedule will begin with Old Glory DC's road opener against the New Orleans NOLA Gold this coming Saturday, March 2 at 4:00 PM EST. The games streamed by Monumental Sports Network can be watched through your Pay TV subscription on cable TV, on monumentalsportsnetwork.com, or by downloading the Monumental streaming app on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, and Amazon Fire TV, and using an "eligible TV Everywhere log-in."

"Monumental Sports Network is the ideal partner to carry Old Glory and bring all the action, intensity and elegance of professional rugby to the entire Greater Washington Region," Old Glory DC Chairman Chris Dunlavey said in a statement Wednesday. "Rugby is the greatest team sport in the world, and Monumental is bringing it to your living room."

“We are thrilled to welcome Old Glory to the Monumental Sports Network family,” Monumental Sports Network VP of Content & Programming Caitlin Mangum said. “We are happy to bolster our live programming lineup and offer D.C.-area sports fans the chance to enjoy this exciting and quickly growing sport.”

The schedule for Old Glory DC matches on Monumental Sports Network will be as follows:

Saturday, March 2 at NOLA Gold at 4pm

Saturday, March 9 at New England Free Jacks at 2pm

Saturday, March 16 vs. Chicago Hounds at 4pm

Saturday, March 23 vs. San Diego Legion at 4pm

Saturday, March 30 at Charlotte Rugby at 6pm

Saturday, April 6 vs. RFC Los Angeles at 5pm

Saturday, April 20 vs. Houston Sabercats at 5pm

Saturday, May 11 at Chicago Hounds at 6pm

Friday, May 24 at Seattle Seawolves at 10:30pm

Saturday, June 1 vs. Charlotte Rugby at 7pm

Saturday, June 8 vs. New England Free Jacks at 7pm

Saturday, June 22 at Miami Sharks at 7:30pm

Saturday, June 29 vs. NOLA Gold at 7pm

Zuma by Chef Ninja in Bethesda receives court summons

An order to appear in court has been posted at the premises of Zuma by Chef Ninja at 4866 Cordell Avenue in Bethesda. Plaintiff Greendell, LLC of Rockville has filed a complaint for Wrongful Detainer for the property, and says it has incurred $21,015.68 in financial damages from Zuma's actions. The owners of Zuma are being summoned to court at 9:00 AM on April 3, 2024 to tell a judge why the property should not be restored to Greendell. According to the document, the reason it is now posted at the restaurant is that the summons was not able to be successfully served to the defendants in-person.

Historic Bank of Bethesda building to be auctioned off online

A historic Bethesda landmark could be yours next month, if you win an online auction of the property, located at one of Montgomery County's most-heavily traveled crossroads in downtown Bethesda. The Bank of Bethesda building opened in 1927 at 7500 Wisconsin Avenue. It sits at the crossroads of Wisconsin, East-West Highway and Old Georgetown Road, and directly opposite the Bethesda Metro station. The building would later transfer to other banks, such as Crestar and - most recently - SunTrust. 

A Prince George's County development firm acquired the building for $6,175,000 in 2020. The reason for the "low" price at such a prime location is largely tied to the fact that redevelopment options are far more restrained than for a non-historic property. As we've seen at The Whitney up the street, residential or office space can be added to a historic property, if key structures and facades are retained. So there is lucrative potential for the site with the right architectural vision, but a developer can't simply raze the bank and redevelop every square foot of the property. Alternatively, a new owner can keep the building as-is, and lease it out to banks or other retail/office tenants for significant income.

Transwestern is handling the auction, which will be held online starting March 19, 2024, and continuing through March 21. The starting bid is $1,250,000. Could it go for less than $6,175,000? Given how much you could charge for rent in the Bethesda market, or realize in a partial redevelopment/addition to the site, that could end up being a steal.

Vacant Chevy Chase school broken into

Montgomery County police officers responded to a report of a burglary at a vacant school building in Chevy Chase early Sunday evening, February 25, 2024. The break-in was reported at the vacant Rollingwood Elementary School at 3200 Woodbine Street at 7:15 PM Sunday. Officers arriving at the scene found evidence of forced entry at the school.

Neighbors have previously raised concerns about crime, vandalism and drug use taking place on this abandoned Montgomery County Public Schools campus. After MCPS closed Rollingwood in 1982, the building eventually became home to the private Rochambeau French International School until 2022, and the community awaits a decision on its future use.

Giant logo blacked out on original Westwood Shopping Center sign in Bethesda (Photos)

The Giant logo on the old Westwood Shopping Center entrance sign has been blacked out on Westbard Avenue. Giant has relocated into the new retail building directly adjacent to the old Giant store. Vehicular access to the new grocery store is now made from the garage entrance further up the block across from the Citgo gas station.

Perhaps Regency Centers is trying to avoid confusion for drivers, as access to the soon-to-be-demolished strip mall has been fenced off. However, I think they would be smart to keep and modify this tall sign. Such a sign could not be erected today, but this one is grandfathered in as already-standing, making it quite valuable. Spiffed up, it could advertise the new Westbard Square development, Giant, or anything else Regency Centers wanted to post on it.

Sophia Bethesda tower crane removal - Day II (Photos)

Removal of the tower crane at the Sophia Bethesda apartment tower construction site continued yesterday. Even a flock of birds had to check it out. The block of Fairmont Avenue between Norfolk Avenue and Old Georgetown Road remained closed at mid-block Sunday for the work. A September 2024 delivery is anticipated for the Greystar-Duball, LLC development.

First renderings, pricing of Westbard Square townhomes revealed in Bethesda (Photos)

Developer EYA has revealed the branding, design and pricing of its future townhomes at the Westbard Square development in Bethesda. The homes, which will be located between the property's future mixed-use apartment building and the existing Kenwood Place condos, will be called The Brownstones at Westbard Square. Pricing is given as $1,000,000 to start, and $1.4 million with elevator option. Rear yards will also be an option. A rendering of the homes shows a perspective slightly above and behind the top deck of the Giant building's parking garage looking toward Westwood Tower (which is shown as a more-modern high-rise to the right in the background) and the Kenwood community.

Ad shown to readers of The Wall Street Journal

The reveal comes as the real estate firm begins marketing the 101 homes, on which construction has not yet begun. These images are now being shown to online readers of The Wall Street Journal. It's unclear if these will be the final designs of the townhomes, or if any unique elements - such as the local quarry stone being employed by partner Regency Centers on its buildings at the property - will be added to the facades. The website refers to the "brick facades," so perhaps not. A second Brownstones at Westbard Square townhome site will be located on the former nursing home property at the northwest corner of River Road and Brookside Drive.

The other half of the WSJ banner ad

Images courtesy EYA

Sophia Bethesda tower crane removal (Photos)

The Sophia Bethesda apartment tower project hit another milestone this weekend, as a crew began disassembling the tower crane at the site yesterday morning. Fairmont Avenue was closed mid-block between Old Georgetown Road and Norfolk Avenue to make room for the mobile cranes assisting in the operation, and remained closed as of last night. Developed by Greystar and Duball, LLC, the 22-story Sophia will house 276 luxury apartments, 6000-square-feet of retail and restaurant space, and a 222-space underground parking garage. A September 2024 delivery is anticipated.

Drug bust at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

A shoplifting call turned more serious after Montgomery County police officers responded to an incident at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda Friday afternoon, February 23, 2024. At least one individual was accused of also possessing a synthetic narcotic, and drug paraphernalia. The shoplifting incident was reported at the mall at 4:27 PM Friday.

Bethesda woman arrested in downtown Bethesda robbery and assault

Montgomery County police have arrested a woman who allegedly committed a strong-arm robbery and assault on a Metrobus in Bethesda on Sunday, February 18, 2024. Officers responded to a report of a robbery in the 7600 block of Wisconsin Avenue at 9:26 AM that morning. An adult female victim told them that a woman had assaulted her and stolen her phone. The suspect then exited the bus, and walked toward Old Georgetown Road, the victim said.

Police found a woman matching the description of the suspect in the vicinity of Old Georgetown Road and Edgemoor Lane. When they attempted to take her into custody, she allegedly assaulted two of the officers.

Crystal McArthur, 37, of downtown Bethesda has been charged with robbery, theft, and multiple counts of assault, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. She is being held without bond. Police have not released a mugshot for McArthur.

Old Glory DC pro rugby team to host open training session for fans today in Germantown

Professional rugby arrives at the Maryland Soccerplex at 18031 Central Park Drive in Germantown today, February 24, 2024. Old Glory DC, a Major League Rugby team, will host an open training session from 1:00 to 3:00 PM this afternoon. In addition to a preview of the team in action, fans can meet the coaches and players after the session ends. Team ambassadors will provide "Rugby 101" explanations and provide real-time match analysis, and food and beverages (including adult beverages) will be available for sale from vendors on-site. Admission to the event is free.

Old Glory DC's new head coach is Simon Cross. This season's roster features stars from 11 countries around the world, including Team Captain Jamason Faanana-Schultz (AUS), DC native Jack Iscaro (USA) Rob Harley (GBR) of the Glasgow Warriors, Damien Hoyland (GBR) of the Edinburgh Rugby Club, Axel Muller (ARG), and Perry Humphreys (GBR). 

The team's season will begin March 2, 2024 with a road game against the New Orleans NOLA Gold. Old Glory DC's home opener at the Soccerplex will be on March 16, when the club hosts the Chicago Hounds. Single match and season tickets can be purchased during today's event, or online.

Hinata to temporarily close in Bethesda

Hinata, a Japanese grocery store and sushi carry-out at 4947 St. Elmo Avenue in downtown Bethesda will be taking one of its annual short breaks starting today, February 23, 2024. The store will be closed though this coming Monday, February 26, 2024. Hinata will reopen for regular hours on Tuesday, February 27.

Ala restaurant sets opening date in Bethesda

The new, second location of D.C.'s Ala restaurant in Bethesda now has an opening date. It will begin operation on Friday, March 1, 2024 in the former Positano Ristorante Italiano building at 4948 Fairmont Avenue. Featuring the cuisine of the Levant region of the Middle East, Ala is owned by Bethesda resident Deniz Gulluoglu, and the kitchen will be helmed by native Maryland chef Zachary Baker. 

Among Baker's specialities on a menu that draws from the culinary traditions of nations like Turkey, Syria, Israel and Lebanon will be mutabal, biber dolma, and adana kebab. Ala's wine list will feature selections from Georgia (the country, not the state), Israel, Lebanon, and Italy. Cocktails will employ turmeric, sumac, fig, rhubarb and dill. A bottomless brunch will be offered on weekends, and the restaurant will host a happy hour from 2:00 to 6:00 PM, Monday through Thursday.

The 90-seat dining room will retain many elements of the decor from Positano. "When the time came for Positano to undergo a renovation, AAG Interiors approached the task with reverence and respect for the memories that had been woven into its walls," Jelal Gulluoglu, owner and architect, AAG Interiors said in a statement. "It was very important for us to understand the significance of preserving the essence of Positano while creating the space for ala’s new location." New additions include new lighting, renovated restrooms, and an expanded bar with seating. For those who prefer al fresco dining, 30 seats will be available on the patio - weather permitting.

At a time when many Americans are cutting back on restaurant dining, Ala will be welcoming the community by reducing the cost of eating out. First-month customers will receive 30%-off on their dining check, and a parking reimbursement discount will offered for each reservation. "We have always wanted to open a second restaurant closer to our home, in our community," Deniz Gulluoglu said. "Bethesda restaurants offer an array of culinary flavors, and we are thrilled to offer the community Ala Bethesda, an exceptional Levantine dining experience, in the heart of Bethesda."

Photos courtesy funfoodgroup

Bethesda Black cemetery advocates to protest at Jamie Raskin campaign event tonight

The Bethesda African Cemetery Coalition will hold a protest rally outside of a campaign event for Maryland Congressman Jamie Raskin (D) tonight, February 22, 2024, at 7:00 PM at the Silver Spring Civic Building. Advocates for the desecrated Moses African Cemetery in Bethesda have been seeking Raskin's help in getting federal action on the historic gravesite, which is hidden under parking lots behind the Westwood Tower apartments. BACC President Marsha Coleman-Adebayo says that the cemetery is in Raskin's district, but that he "refuses to condemn the desecration and flooding" of the burial ground.

Those interesting in participating in tonight's protest are asked to meet up at Ben and Jerry's at 903 Ellsworth Drive in Silver Spring (across from the Civic Building) at 6:00 PM tonight. But if you can't get there that early, just head to the Civic Building at 7:00.

Dig Bethesda soft opening appears to be underway today

A soft opening appears to be underway today, February 22, 2024, at Dig. Located at 4733 Elm Street in Bethesda, the fast-casual "seasonal comfort food" is now officially scheduled to open tomorrow, February 23. But if you are in the area already, you might want to check it out today.

Bethesda Lidl grocery store construction to start

Work on the interior fit-out of the new Lidl grocery store at 7625 Old Georgetown Road in Bethesda is set to begin. A construction permit for the interior work has just been issued by Montgomery County, and has been posted at the site. Some preliminary work on a vestibule area was performed in December 2023. Lidl will be the new anchor tenant of the Bethesda Place development, replacing Safeway.

Ledo Pizza Corner Shoppe expected to reopen at Westbard, Potomac Giant stores today

The new Ledo Pizza Corner Shoppe inside the Westbard Giant grocery store at 5320 Zenith Overlook in Bethesda shut down only a couple of weeks after it opened. Last Friday night, the Take-and-Bake Ledo pizzas were gone, and other non-Ledo merchandise was placed on the shelves. The Corner Shoppe page, which listed all of the participating Giant locations and menus, disappeared from the Ledo website a few days later. What happened?

Last Friday night

A spokesperson for Ledo Pizza said that the company began the Corner Shoppe program without realizing that additional paperwork had to be filed with the State of Maryland. Those documents have now been submitted. According to the spokesperson, the Westbard Giant and Potomac Promenade Giant Ledo Pizza Corner Shoppe locations are anticipated to reopen and begin serving pizzas again today, February 21, 2024.

Non-Ledo Pizza merchandise filling the shelves
last Friday night

Corner Shoppe page on Ledo Pizza website

7126 Wisconsin high-rise plan revised to accommodate neighbor The Seasons in Bethesda

Developer Foulger-Pratt has revised the design of its planned high-rise at 7126 Wisconsin Avenue in Bethesda, in response to concerns from next-door neighbor The Seasons. The wing of the building that is to be adjacent to The Seasons, which is also a high-rise apartment building, will now be 10' back from the property line on the second-through-sixth floors. A corresponding change has been made to the same wing on the Miller Avenue side of the building. 

Bethesda Avenue design "before"

Bethesda Avenue design "after"

Foulger-Pratt's attorney, Heather Dlhopolsky, writes in a letter to the Montgomery County Planning Department that it is "the Applicant's understanding that the representatives of The Seasons are now supportive of the project and its accompanying revisions." The changes have reduced the total gross floor area of the project, and will therefore reduce the amount of the required Park Impact Payment to Montgomery County. With windows now facing west on the affected lower floors, the new design is also more pedestrian-friendly under the "eyes on the street" theory.

Miller Avenue "before"

Miller Avenue "after"

7126 Wisconsin Avenue incorporates several lots, including the current or former homes of Vace Italian Delicatessen, Starbucks, Lance's Beer & Wine, Carroll Community Bank and Capital One Bank. When completed, it will hold up to 335 residential units, up to 9000-square-feet of retail space, and underground parking. The project revisions will be reviewed by the Bethesda Design Advisory Panel today, and - tentatively - by the Montgomery County Planning Board at its March 7, 2024 meeting.

Renderings courtesy SK+I Architecture/Architect: Andy Czajkowski

Suspects sought in assault and theft at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Montgomery County police are looking for three suspects in a February 5, 2024 assault and shoplifting incident at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The three entered Zara and grabbed merchandise, police say. On their way out of the fashion boutique at 12:22 PM, they allegedly assaulted a store employee. This is the second assault reported at the mall this year.

Police describe the suspects as a Black male around 40 years of age, a Black male aged 20-25, and a Black female aged 20-25. If you can identify any of the suspects, or have any information related to this incident, you are asked to call police at the anonymous Crime Solvers tipline at 1-866-411-8477, or the non-emergency number at 301-279-8000.