TYBER BIERHAUS AIMS FOR FEBRUARY OPENING IN BETHESDA (PHOTOS)

One of the more interesting restaurants coming to downtown Bethesda is Tyber Bierhaus, which will take over the former home of The Box Bar and Grill at 7525 Old Georgetown Road. Now I hear that, according to Tyber's general manager, they are hoping to open in mid-February. However, the specific day is not firm yet, so stay tuned. Meanwhile, here's a look at the ongoing makeover of the spot ahead of the opening:

LANDMARK BETHESDA ROW CINEMA REOPENS AFTER $1.6 MILLION RENOVATION (PHOTOS)

The Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema officially reopens today, after a massive, $1.6 million renovation inside and out.

Last night, the theater held a VIP reception to mark the grand reopening. The new bar/concessions area did live up to the designs promised in renderings before the theater closed.  However, the "shimmering screen" that hangs above is more subtle than you might have expected.

Speaking of concessions, the new bar is nicely-designed to accommodate a crowd. The bartenders - or at least, the bartender who made my drink - know how to mix drinks properly. I had the Signature Cocktail, the Bethesda Row Fizz. This consisted of Buillet Bourbon, ginger ale, Cointreau and a fresh - organic! - navel orange slice. Quite refreshing.

They also had sliders, and catering by their neighbors, Mon Ami Gabi and Haagen-Dazs. The latter supplied ice-cream cupcakes designed to resemble popcorn bags, with real popcorn on top.

I took the opportunity to test the seating, to find out which rows and seat numbers are the best. That's good to know, as all seating is now reserved. I also did a test run on the automatic ticketing machines in the lobby.  This I got on video, to show you it's so easy, a caveman can do it.

There was a screening of new film Kon-Tiki at 8:30, and I found the new screen to be pristine and error-free, which can't be said about other local theaters.

The popcorn was above average, but not life-changing. I got movie theater butter on mine.

One celebrity in attendance was legendary Washington movie critic Arch Campbell. It was an honor to meet him, after watching his reviews since I was a child. Arch said the renovated theater is a great addition to Bethesda Row, and he certainly knows movie theaters!

I can also report that the Phillips Crab Pretzel is still on the menu, as well as Phillips Crab Cakes.

The leather seating is the widest I've encountered in the region, and there was a wonderful "new car" aroma in the air.

Any issues? The air-conditioning could have been turned up a bit higher. And maybe I did subconsciously expect the Mark Cuban connection to score at least one movie star for last night's event. I was a little disappointed there weren't searchlights out front, as they used to be synonymous with movie premieres.

But, to paraphrase the hipsters, don't let perfect be the enemy of the great, as this makeover is great.

There's a full set of brand-new movies debuting today, with stars like Pierce Brosnan, Robert Redford and Kate Hudson. So give the new Cinema a spin while it's still got the new car smell!

More pics to come!

LANDMARK BETHESDA ROW CINEMA CLOSED UNTIL MAY 3 FOR RENOVATIONS (PHOTOS)

The popular Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema has temporarily closed its doors for extensive renovations, and the construction of a new cafe/bar area. Alcohol will be served when the theater reopens, and it will be the first theater in Bethesda - and maybe the county - to offer reserved seating.

Bethesda Row's arthouse theater is scheduled to reopen May 3. While there's no good time to close, this is probably the only "off season" BRC has. The rest of the year is either summer, or Oscar season.

FIRST IMAGES OF FUTURE BETHESDA ROW CINEMA BAR AND CAFE (PHOTOS)

EXCLUSIVE!

Check out these very cool renderings of what the new bar and cafe area will look like at the Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema.

Click on the images to blow them up for the fine details. The renderings are very detailed, showing the sweeping, wraparound "shimmer screen" that will play off of the new pendant lights high above the space.

Wall sconces, high-end finishes, and lighted cabinetry will enhance the modern feel.  You can also see where TVs will be installed.

This is all in relation to the theater's acquisition of a liquor license, allowing beer, wine and spirits to be sold in this cafe, and at the bar.

I've included a photo of how the space looked yesterday, so you can compare it to the future design.

The new space, which the theater calls the "Bethesda Row Cafe," should be ready to go by the summer season at Bethesda Row.

I like the design, and the soon-to-be-realized concept proves the County Council doesn't get out in Bethesda very often. Last time I checked, we already are "hip" over here.

WATCH LONDON 2012 OLYMPICS IN BETHESDA, AND YOU COULD WIN PRIZES!

Where to watch the Olympics in Bethesda, or the DC area in general?

Union Jack's Bethesda!

And now the British pub has sweetened the deal beyond just the 20 flatscreens, giant projection TV with theater-quality sound, and British food and adult beverage specials:

Now they're giving away prizes!

The more times you come to Union Jack's for the Olympics, the better your chances of winning British-themed prizes that will be awarded after the closing ceremonies in London.

One prize is a Newcastle home draft system.  Just what every man-cave (or woman-cave) needs!

For dog owners, don't miss the special Olympic Doggie Brunch on their patio from 11 AM to 2 PM today!  Not only will there be British dog treats, but a photographer will be on hand to snap photos of your mutt Royal-paparazzi style.