Jaleo goes into "hibernation" at Bethesda Row, Apple Store shows signs of awakening

The Bethesda Row location of Jaleo has temporarily closed. Celebrity chef José Andrés' popular Spanish tapas restaurant had remained open for takeout service only, but that apparently was no longer sustainable as Montgomery County remains in lockdown. In a statement, the restaurant said, "Due to COVID19, Jaleo Bethesda is hibernating until further notice." They recommended customers order delivery from other restaurants in Andrés' ThinkFoodGroup empire in Northern Virginia or the District.

On Bethesda Avenue, the Apple Store has now lowered a black curtain to block view of the store's interior. A few of the company's stores have reopened in the United States over the last couple of weeks. So far, I have heard of no special policies being implemented by Apple beyond the standard disinfecting regimen throughout the day, and limiting the number of customers allowed in at one time. Masks must be worn by customers and staff alike, and temperatures will be checked at the door, according to a statement from Apple. Customers without masks will be provided with one at the door, as well.

It seems a shame that they just finished remodeling the store to enhance their Today at Apple classes, and now such group gatherings are decidedly passe.

Jaleo closed for renovations at Bethesda Row (Photos)

Jaleo Bethesda closed for renovations yesterday, and says it is scheduled to reopen April 21. It will be interesting to see what changes Chef José Andrés and his Think Food Group have in store for the restaurant. You may recall that it was renovated only about 18 months ago, closing for only a week that time. Those needing their tapas can head to other Jaleo locations in the District or Crystal City - or try other recommended nearby Spanish restaurants in downtown Bethesda: Guardado's or 100 Montaditos.

JOSÉ ANDRÉS TO HOST FRIENDS OF JAMES BEARD BENEFIT DINNER IN DOWNTOWN BETHESDA

THEATER PERFORMANCE

FOLLOWED BY

DINNER AT

JALEO BETHESDA:

TICKETS AVAILABLE!

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

Bethesda Row's world-famous chef, Jose Andres, will host the Friends of James Beard Benefit Dinner in downtown Bethesda on Sunday, October 28, 2012.

This blockbuster event includes a 5-star dinner prepared by Andres himself, and an all-star team of chefs, including Michael Costa of Zaytinya, Ruben Garcia of minibar, and a host of others from various Jaleo locations.

The evening will begin with a theater performance, at Bethesda's Round House Theatre at 3:00 PM.  Actor Nick Olcott will portray "America's First Foodie," James Beard, in the new production of I Love to Eat.

You can buy tickets separately to attend a performance of the play, which opens this Wednesday.

But only this special event follows the play with a dining experience planned by a James Beard Award winner!  Attendees will head to Jaleo Bethesda following the performance.

It goes without saying, but order tickets now!

Tickets are $225 a person, and are not available online.

To order tickets, call the Round House box office at 240-644-1100 weekdays, noon-5 PM.  Ask for Julie or Donna.

Round House performance: 3:00 PM
Dinner at Jaleo Bethesda:  5:00 PM

Buen provecho.

JOSÉ ANDRÉS PEPE FOOD TRUCK COMING TO BETHESDA ROW TODAY!!

The big day is finally here:  Pepe is rolling into downtown Bethesda for lunch around 11:30 AM today.

Pepe will stop in front of its owner's restaurant, Jaleo, at Bethesda Row on the corner of Woodmont Avenue and Elm Street.

Don't want to wait in a long line?  Just head straight into Jaleo to enjoy the same great Spanish cuisine.

JALEO BETHESDA SERVING COLUMBUS DAY BRUNCH

Jaleo at Bethesda Row is serving a special Columbus Day Brunch today from 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM.  I have to make one correction to their announcement; Columbus was actually born in Genoa, not Spain.  But, understandably, Spain considers him one of their own.