SOULCYCLE/NOODLES & COMPANY CONSTRUCTION UPDATE (PHOTOS)

There's a lot of work going on inside the former RiRa space on Elm Street, but the conversion of the Irish Pub into a spin fitness center and noodle restaurant is busting out through the exterior. SoulCycle and chain restaurant Noodles & Company are going to share the space. A separate, shopping center-wide renovation is also underway at the same time at the Shoppes of Bethesda.

CONSTRUCTION BEGINS AT FORMER RI-RA SPACE FOR SOUL CYCLE, NOODLES & COMPANY (PHOTOS)

The disappointment that the sizable Ri-Ra space in the Shoppes of Bethesda didn't draw a major restaurant or nightclub tenant still stings. But the two future tenants, who have divided the vacant Irish pub in two, are laying the groundwork to move in.

Spinning gym Soul Cycle and fast-casual chain Noodles & Company are the tenants, but general contractor Urban Built is the first on the scene to make it happen. They started work on the Elm Street space Monday.

RI-RA JULY BURGER AND SAM ADAMS SPECIALS (PHOTO)

During its final summer in downtown Bethesda, Ri-Ra on Elm Street is offering a burger special all this month.

It includes a 1/3 pound bacon cheeseburger, Firecracker Fries and a salad for $10.95. Add a draft of Samuel Adams for just $4 more.

A UFO HAS LANDED AT BETHESDA ROW

American Craft Beer Week is enough to get any self-respecting space alien turning his craft in an Earthward trajectory.

But wait?  Isn't ACBW over?  It's Sunday.

No point arguing.  Just head over to Ri-Ra immediately, where they have Harpoon UFO Hefeweizen on draft for just $4 all day and night today.

This UFO Hefeweizen does not have an overwhelming flavor, is light but cloudy like a German Hefeweizen would be, and is a perfect beer for today's weather.  In fact, with Ri-Ra's patio seating, you actually can enjoy it outdoors.

Speaking of German tradition, make sure you get a lemon or lemon slice with your UFO.

Prepare for a Beer Encounter of the Third Kind at Ri-Ra today.

Ri-Ra, 4931 Elm Street, Bethesda.  301-657-1122.

BULLY

VS.

BACON

IN

BETHESDA

A bully is taking on an Irish legend on Elm Street this month. What's the beef?

The bully is beef. "Bully Beef," to be precise.

Ri-Ra Irish pub is holding a competition all month long, and customers will decide the outcome.

It seems the classic Irish dish of Bacon and Cabbage is being challenged by Americans' preference for Corned Beef and Cabbage.

Ri-Ra's Corned Beef entry is called "Bully Beef and Cabbage," and it's in competition with their original "Bacon and Cabbage" in a month-long taste test.

Try both out at Ri-Ra this month for $13.95 each. Both appear to have a white sauce on top - possibly a traditional horseradish sauce?

Who are you picking in this fight?

If you're really serious about Irish legends, ask your server about the special trip to Ireland Ri-Ra's owners have planned for September. There is a special price for the vacation package.

But you can take a much cheaper Irish vacation right here on Elm Street, any day of the week at Ri-Ra.

SUPER BOWL

SUNDAY IN

BETHESDA

Supersize your Super Bowl Sunday with this guide to the super events other laundry lists aren't telling you about. With this guide, you'll have more moves than Joe Namath on Super Bowl Sunday.

BETHESDA CENTRAL FARM MARKET

"A farmers market on Super Bowl Sunday?! What are you, some kind of wise guy?" In fact, I am a guy, and I am wise to direct you to the Elm Street parking lot until 12:30 PM today for Super Bowl party shopping.

"What do you think, I'm gonna eat a salad during the Super Bowl?" Well, why don't you just examine the Super Bowl spread you can put out from BCFM tonight:

Steak

Ribs

Sausages

Salami

Angus Burgers

Farmstead cheese to melt on the burgers!

Sun-dried feta, lemon pepper and pecorino dip

Red pepper, walnut and tahini dip

Spinach and white bean dip

Betty's Chips and Salsa

Belgian waffles and chocolate for dessert

AMERICAN TAP ROOM

Head to American Tap Room at Bethesda Row where every seat is the best seat in the house with all of the flatscreen TVs throughout the restaurant and bar.

But wait! It's no ordinary game day at ATR. They have a special menu, which starts with $4 drafts of Brooklyn Brewery for Giants fans, and $4 Samuel Adams for Patriots fans.

1 dozen Beer-steamed spiced shrimp $12

Basket of Tabasco onion rings $5

3 ATR Burger Sliders with cheddar cheese, pickle, onion and Special Sauce $6

And my personal favorite:

2 all-beef Hot Dogs with housemade chili, cheddar cheese and onions $6

Don't forget, they also have the best Brownie Sundae in town!

THE PARVA

This is the first Super Bowl Sunday ever at The Parva!

$2 Domestic, $3 Imported beers

$4 Parva drinks and Appetizers

Free shooters throughout the game!

Buy one, get one FREE bottle specials!

The party starts at 1PM at The Parva.

RI-RA

Want a package deal? Head to Ri-Ra on Elm Street. For $20, you will receive 2 domestic beers, and all of the hot dogs, nachos and wings you can eat - all night long!

For the purist, there will be $4 pints of Guinness available.

WEAR IT WELL

Last, but not least, I haven't forgotten about the ladies out there who couldn't care less about football (there are still a few out there).

All day today at Wear it Well on Bethesda Ave. at Bethesda Row, you will receive a surprise discount at check-out!

Have a great Super Bowl Sunday, and make sure to follow me on Twitter at @BethesdaRow to find out all the inside information about what's going on in downtown Bethesda!