Grapeseed to close in Bethesda

Grapeseed, a perennial winner on many regional "100 Best Restaurants" lists, will pour its last glass on July 29, according to chef-owner Jeff Heineman. Over 17 years in Bethesda's Woodmont Triangle, the restaurant became known for its well-curated wine lists and pairings as much a Heineman's inventive cuisine.

Grapeseed chef-owner
Jeff Heineman

Also known for special menu items based on what was fresh that day, Grapeseed has offered some excellent deals on high-end cuisine and fine wine. Heineman aims for the final weeks to carry on that tradition. All wines will be 33% off this week, then 50% off later this month, finally dropping to "Best Offer at month's end.

"I am filled with mixed emotions as I announce that Grapeseed will be serving its final meals this month," Heineman wrote in a letter emailed to patrons. "Sad, because I have given so much of myself and asked so much of others, only to fall short of some of my more ambitious goals. Grateful, for all the great people who have pitched in to help me as I often needed help. And Relieved, that I can finally schedule a couple of orthopaedic surgeries and start walking like a human again, get to know my family, and find a new challenge.   I take great pride in what we accomplished here and even in the things I tried to accomplish and failed. Learning all the way."

Grapeseed is located at 4865 Cordell Avenue. To make a reservation, call (301) 986-9592.

Grapeseed hosting wine-pairing dinner in Bethesda tonight

Grapeseed is hosting a wine-pairing dinner tonight at 7:00 PM. Wines will be from the Spire Collection, and the menu is being prepared by Chef Jeff Heineman. The 5-course meal will cost $140, and seating is limited, so call 301-986-9592 to make your reservation soon.

Here is a preview of the menu:

MENU

Galerie Equitem Sauvignon Blanc, Knights Valley 2013 (91pts WE)

Peruvian Causa, Sea Bass, Ossabaw Hog Prosciutto, Asian Pear Butter

Wind Racer Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley 2012 (91pts IWC)

Suckling Pig Confit, Lentils du Puy, Cashew

La Jota Merlot, Howell Mountain 2011 (95+pts Galloni)

And

Mt. Brave Cabernet Sauvignon, Mt. Veeder 2011 (93pts RP)

Herb Marinated Slow Cooked Lamb, Warm Mushroom Salad,

Carolina Gold Rice Grits

Cardinale 2011 (95pts RP)

Seared Bison, Crisp Potato, Spinach, Brandy Pan Sauce

Chocolate Terrine, Fresh Berries and Coffee

Grapeseed

4865 Cordell Avenue

BARREL & CROW TO OPEN IN FREDDY'S LOBSTER SPACE (PHOTOS)

Veterans of Bethesda's Grapeseed restaurant are taking over the former Freddy's Lobster and Clams space next door. Their new restaurant will be called Barrel & Crow, according to their Montgomery County liquor license application. The menu has yet to be announced, but Bethesda Magazine reports that it will be centered on "Mid-Atlantic regional cuisine," and that the new concept is on-track to open in March.

PERFECT PAIRINGS WINE TASTING/CHESSIE FEST TO TEMPT BETHESDA TODAY

Two big dining events to choose from today in downtown Bethesda is a good problem to have. Are you a wine connoisseur? Bethesda Row's Perfect Pairings is for you. Seafood lover (or just have a weak spot for local mythology and sea creatures)? Head to Grapeseed for Chessie Fest II.

PERFECT PAIRINGS

Tour 10 spots at Bethesda Row between 1:00 and 5:00 PM today, where you'll enjoy fine wines paired with some of the finest dishes around the Row. Wine experts will guide you along the way, and tapas will give you a taste of some of Bethesda Row's top restaurants.

Participating merchants include: American Tap Room, Cork & Fork, Jaleo, Lebanese Taverna, Mamma Lucia, Mon Ami Gabi, Mussel Bar & Grille, Raku, Redwood Restaurant & Bar and Vino Volo.

Start your journey on Bethesda Lane (the pedestrian street that extends between Bethesda Avenue and Elm Street, opposite the Apple Store), where you can buy tickets today for $49. For that sum, you will get more than 20 wine tastings and small bites (usually 2-4 per location).

Note: Be sure to have your picture ID to prove you are 21 or older for the event.

CHESSIE FEST II

Chessie is a sea serpent people have claimed to have spotted in the Chesapeake Bay of Maryland since the 1930s. Such creatures are not entirely fictional, as in the early times of this planet, creatures tended to be far larger than after the extinction of the dinosaurs. There is so far no proof that Chessie actually exists. But don't let that stop you from attending Chessie Fest at Grapeseed in Bethesda today.

From 12-3 PM today, diners will feast on Chesapeake Gold Oysters, Wild Blue Catfish, Blue Rays, smoked Bluefish, hushpuppies, and more. Beer and wine specials will be provided by Evolution Brewery and Pacific Prime Wines.

Best of all, ongoing raffles during the event will benefit the non-profit Oyster Recovery Partnership, the leading non-profit working to restore the Bay. Prizes include a dinner for 8 at Grapeseed.

Tickets can be purchased at the door for $40.

Grapeseed

4865 Cordell Avenue

NEW $10 LUNCH AT GRAPESEED IN BETHESDA (PHOTO)

Grapeseed is offering a new $10 lunch special starting this week. Start off today with a $10 soft shell crab sandwich, Maryland's official State Sandwich. Tuesdays will feature a seafood special like this in future weeks.

Wednesdays, $10 will get you any Big Entrée Salad, including The Bethesda, The Cordell, The Woodmont, Caesar or Big Mixed Green, and a bowl of soup of the day.

On Thursdays, head south with Southern-style fried chicken, served with spicy greens, mashed potatoes and gravy. Friday is fish-and-chips day – crispy cod filets beer battered and fried, served with their house-cut French fries and coleslaw.

And on any weekday, you can still get Chef Jeff Heineman's special burger, made of dry-aged beef ground in-house, for just $10.

Lunch is served from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM.

Grapeseed

4865 Cordell Avenue

(301) 986-9592

LUNCH AT GRAPESEED STARTING TODAY IN BETHESDA

Grapeseed chef and owner Jeff Heineman is bringing lunch back, starting at 11:30 this morning. Lunch will now be served Tuesday to Friday, 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM.

For this week only, to celebrate the launch of lunch (only Chuck McCann and Bob Denver could appreciate that alliterative phrase), you can get any Main or Entrée salad for half-price.

Interesting dishes include 2 kinds of Calamari, grilled swordfish, Grapeseed Burger on a housemade pretzel bun, and a Korean chicken sandwich with kimchee.

Prices are relatively reasonable - and an absolute steal at half-price - given that Grapeseed often lands on top restaurant lists in the DC region.

Grapeseed is located at 4865 Cordell Avenue, next to Freddy's Lobster.

NEW SPECIALS AT GRAPESEED THIS WEEKEND

This weekend, try one of these specials at Grapeseed, on Cordell Avenue in Bethesda:

*Lobster Salad with Ugli fruit and arugula

*Fresh crab cakes with coconut and ginger, served with a Lucky Lo Hei Salad and avocado