Bitcoin Pizza is real, and you can order it in Bethesda

The future of cybercurrency may be murky at the moment, but the future of Bitcoin Pizza is crystal clear in Bethesda. Launched last May 22 in 10 cities for only 7 days, Bitcoin Pizza pays tribute to the creator(s) of Bitcoin, and the May 22, 2010 Bitcoin purchase of 2 Papa John's pizzas by software programmer Laszlo Hanyecz. The operation became more formal last fall through a partnership with Popchew, which helps online influencers create and sell delivery menu items through ghost kitchens around the country. Now Bitcoin Pizza is available for delivery here, and every pizza ordered supports the Human Rights Foundation's Bitcoin Development Fund.

While we may never know who "Satoshi Nakamoto" is, the Bitcoin creator has a pizza on the Bitcoin Pizza menu. It includes the pineapple and jalapeno toppings Nakamoto is rumored to favor, along with Canadian bacon, house-made red sauce, and a blend of cheeses freshly-grated. Other options are traditional cheese, "Laser Eyes" with pepperoni, vegetarian "Capital Greens," and "Lightning Meat" with pepperoni, Italian sausage, ham and bacon.

And while we may not know the identity of Satoshi, we can know the identity of where the Bitcoin Pizza ghost kitchens are in Montgomery County. Bethesda's is at Mamma Lucia at Bethesda Row. Silver Spring's is at Mamma Lucia in the Blair Park Shopping Center. But you don't go into those restaurants to get Bitcoin Pizza - like the real Bitcoin, it only exists digitally. So order online.

Mamma Lucia reopens at Bethesda Row (Photos)

Mamma Lucia has reopened at Bethesda Row after a remodeling of the dining room. There is a new sign, as well. Of course, indoor dining is not yet allowed in Montgomery County or Maryland due to the coronavirus pandemic restrictions, so the Italian restaurant is only permitted to have outdoor patio, takeout, curbside pickup and delivery service only for now. The space is half the size, but the full menu is still available, as you can see below.

Mamma Lucia renovations taking longer than expected at Bethesda Row

Mamma Lucia's remodeling of their Bethesda Row location is taking a while longer than the original two-week projection. Here are some photos taken earlier this week of the progress.

Mamma Lucia closed for remodeling at Bethesda Row

Mamma Lucia has temporarily closed its Bethesda Row location on Elm Street to remodel the space. The project is expected to take about two weeks.

Mamma Lucia says that they will deliver meals to Bethesda residents from their Rockville and Silver Spring locations (my guess would be the latter for downtown and southern Bethesda residents) during the closure. You can place your delivery order online. I have to admit I was concerned to see the signage removed, though!

Mamma Lucia downsized at Bethesda Row (Photos)

The plan to cut the size of Mamma Lucia at Bethesda Row in half that I reported a few months ago has come to pass. It is now more the size of a carry-out, and the other half has been walled off and is being demolished. If the current signage font size were kept, it could only be called "Mamma" at this point.

Neither Mamma Lucia nor landlord Federal Realty has commented publicly on the reason for the division. Mamma Lucia declined to comment when contacted. My prediction has been that this will be the as-yet-unidentified location for Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, which will be on Elm Street but doesn't have a street number yet.

Mamma Lucia selling furniture ahead of remodeling

Mamma Lucia at Bethesda Row is selling "all tables, chairs and booths for the best offer," according to an online listing. The restaurant says it is remodeling. A permit filed with Montgomery County seeks to split the restaurant's space in half. The newly-created Elm Street space is rumored to be the future location of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams.

Capitals Game 5 watch party at Bethesda Row tonight

Bethesda Row is hosting a Washington Capitals watch party for Game 5 tonight on Bethesda Lane, starting at 6:00 PM. Alex Ovechkin's favorite Mamma Lucia will be selling food and drinks from a pop-up on the lane. Bring your own chair and blanket, or stand and watch.

Gluten-free special this weekend at Mamma Lucia at Bethesda Row (Photo)

Mamma Lucia at Bethesda Row is featuring a Chicken and Kale Ravioli special this weekend. The dish includes spinach, cherry tomatoes and mushrooms, and is gluten-free.

4916 Elm Street

301-907-3399

Photo courtesy Mamma Lucia

Celebrate National Italian Cold Cut Day at Mamma Lucia at Bethesda Row today

Today is National Italian Cold Cut Day. Celebrate at Mamma Lucia all day, with a $4.99 special: Cold Cut sandwich with french fries. Choose from your choice of toppings. The offer applies to dine-in, carryout and delivery customers.

4916 Elm Street

(301) 907-3399

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.