Pitzze space up for lease in Bethesda

The restaurant space recently vacated by Pitzze at 7135 - 7137 Wisconsin Avenue in downtown Bethesda is now officially on the market. Bernstein Management is offering the building for lease, and the rate is negotiable, according to a listing on LoopNet. The space is 1872 SF in size, and is next door to the new Robert Wiedmaier venture, Villain & Saint.

Interestingly, the photo used in the listing dates back to the space's previous tenant, Haven Pizzeria. Probably not the most charmed spot if you are planning to open a pizza parlor, I suppose.

Rooftop restaurant Urban Heights to open April 21 or 22 with South Asian menu

The straightforward name Urban Heights, and the previous ventures by Chef Robert Wiedmaier, did not point to the latest RW Restaurant Group brand being anchored by Southeast Asian-Pacific flavors.

But that's the latest intriguing twist at the Bethesda rooftop restaurant currently shooting for an April 21 or 22 opening date.

Your first impression off of the elevator will be the gleaming Tuna Bar, displaying the latest catch for a selection of fresh tuna appetizers. You will have the option of dining indoors on that level, outdoors on the adjacent 2nd story patio, or going for a commanding view of the bustling Woodmont Triangle neighborhood from the roof.

Executive chef Cliff Wharton, who rose to prominence at DC's popular TenPenh, will draw on his Filipino heritage and a fusion of Southeast Asian flavors. You might find him working one of several woks in the kitchen. Or, during the summer, hosting a rooftop pig roast under the stars.

Wharton will bring his signature Red Curry Shrimp with Pineapple and Jasmine Rice to Bethesda. But you'll also be able to choose from dishes like Chicken Adobo sliders, Honey-glazed Shrimp with wasabi grits, and pork belly bites with Korean chili paste. Cool off with a selection from an always-meticulously-selected Wiedmaier beer list. Or enjoy a handcrafted island cocktail designed by Urban Heights' General Manager, Garth Hamilton.

Today's menu announcement has only increased the anticipation for a rebirth of this rooftop space, in the Steven J. Karr, AIA, Inc.-designed Norfolk-Cordell II building at the corner of Norfolk and Cordell Avenues.

Bethesda construction update: Urban Heights rooftop restaurant (Photos)

There was some activity on the second story, indoor level of the future Urban Heights rooftop restaurant last evening in downtown Bethesda. It's hard to get a sense of the interior redesign without actually getting a tour, but some of the furniture and lighting fixtures can be seen in these photos. There is also still a prominent bar on that indoor level, as well. The restaurant is scheduled to open this month at 7940 Norfolk Avenue.

New Bethesda restaurant Villain & Saint sets opening night lineup

Markham's Bar and Grill has closed for renovations, and will reopen as Villain & Saint on Thursday, April 16, according to the new restaurant's Facebook page. The latest Bethesda venture from Chef Robert Wiedmaier's RW Restaurant Group, its website is counting down the days and hours.

The Lloyd Dobler Effect, and guests Elizabeth and Katrina, will perform on opening night, the 16th. The Kelly Bell Band will follow the next evening.

On an interesting side note, the Montgomery Women's Cooperative Farm Market has been reaching out to Villain & Saint, hoping to cooperate on some joint events with their new next door neighbor.

Villain & Saint

7141 Wisconsin Avenue

2nd sign installed at Urban Heights rooftop restaurant in Bethesda (Photos)

A second sign has been installed at Chef Robert Wiedmaier's future rooftop restaurant concept, Urban Heights. The sign was already lit last night on the Cordell Avenue side of the Norfolk-Cordell II building at Norfolk Avenue. Urban Heights is expected to open later this month, after replacing the initial restaurant tenant, Roof.

Urban Heights installs sign in Bethesda (Photos)

The permanent sign is up at Urban Heights, the new concept by Chef Robert Wiedmaier's RW Restaurant Group that is taking over the rooftop space vacated by Roof. That space takes up the top 2 levels of the Norfolk-Cordell II building at 7940 Norfolk Avenue.

URBAN HEIGHTS STAFFING UP IN BETHESDA (PHOTOS)

Future Bethesda rooftop restaurant Urban Heights is hiring staff, as this sign instructing interviewees indicates. The space atop the Norfolk-Cordell II building at that Woodmont Triangle crossroads has been taken over by DC-area restauranteur and chef Robert Wiedmaier (Mussel Bar, Marcel's, Brasserie Beck).

NEW BETHESDA ROOFTOP RESTAURANT TO BE CALLED URBAN HEIGHTS

Chef Robert Wiedmaier's RW Restaurant Group is taking over the rooftop restaurant space at the corner of Cordell and Norfolk Avenues in downtown Bethesda, and they have now chosen the name Urban Heights for the new venture. Wiedmaier is known for a diverse portfolio of restaurants, including the famed Marcel's in the District, and two Bethesda restaurants - Mussel Bar and Wildwood Kitchen.

The rooftop was previously occupied by ROOF. While Urban Heights' menu and cuisine have not yet been announced publicly, the name does play up the hopes one originally had for the rooftop, as a nightlife destination in the rapidly-transforming Woodmont Triangle neighborhood. A fizzled "Nighttime Economy" initiative by Montgomery County instead left Roof and several other nightspots shuttered, and found popular late-night hangout Barnes and Noble closing its doors an hour earlier most nights.

With the success of Mussel Bar's cross of casual atmosphere with serious cuisine, Wiedmaier might just be the man to make this rooftop the place to be and be seen.