HELP OK TORNADO VICTIMS BY DRINKING ADULT BEVERAGES AT REDWOOD BETHESDA? IT'S TRUE!

Can the consumption of alcoholic beverages help your fellow man (and woman)?

The answer is, "Yes!" this week at Redwood on Bethesda Lane.

Through June 2, enjoy this special, limited-time Okies Hope cocktail at Redwood, and 75% of the proceeds will go to the Red Cross.

Pretend you're Brad Pitt or Angelina Jolie, and take on this difficult task for the good of all (wo)mankind. It's a tough job, but somebody's gotta do it.

This drink looks mighty good, I have to say.

GHOSTBUSTERS! BETHESDA ROW OUTDOOR MOVIES UNDER THE STARS TONIGHT AT DUSK

Wear your proton packs on Bethesda Lane tonight, as Bethesda Row and Redwood unleash the supernatural forces of the 1980s with the 1985 classic, Ghostbusters.

The movie and the popcorn are FREE at dusk, but show up early for arts and crafts sponsored by Kidville, and FREE soft serve samples from Puree Juice Bar.

But don't stop there!  Refresh yourself with Redwood's Ghostbuster Cocktail, an otherworldly concoction of cucumber juice, vodka, lime and St. Germain.  Just don't try to drive the Ecto-1 after one too many of these.

Redwood also is serving beer-battered codfish tacos with avocado sauce, and is saving the best for last:  Stay Puft Marshmallow Man S'mores!

Dine at Redwood, and you'll also have the best seat in the house, because their patio is on the lane.

YOU'RE INVITED TO THE BEST OF WASHINGTON HAPPY HOUR AT BETHESDA ROW TONIGHT!

Head to the patio on Bethesda Lane at Redwood Restaurant and Bar tonight between 6:00 and 8:30 PM.

You're invited to Washingtonian Magazine's "Best of Washington" Happy Hour.  A $10 donation to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society will get you one cocktail and 4 tasting tickets to try food from American Tap Room, Vapiano, Mon Ami Gabi, Redwood, Luke's Lobster, Georgetown Cupcake, Lebanese Taverna, Jaleo, Taylor Gourmet, Mussel Bar, Tandoori Nights, and Dolcezza gelato.

You've got some big decisions to make!

Tickets for the July 11 Best of Washington event will be on sale for a discount price during tonight's happy hour.

So stop by for the biggest party in Bethesda tonight at Redwood!

BELMONT STAKES IN BETHESDA AT MUSSEL BAR

With I'll Have Another out of the race, no horse can win the Triple Crown at today's Belmont Stakes.

But someone can still win the Triple Crown right here in downtown Bethesda - you!

Head to Mussel Bar today for their Belmont Stakes Triple Crown cocktails.

Each one commemorates a race on the road to the elusive Triple Crown.

But at $18 for all three, or $9 apiece, these drinks won't elude you for long at Mussel Bar.

Start off out of the gate like a winner, with their Kentucky Derby Mint Julep:

Then head to Charm City with a full head of steam for a Preakness Black Eyed Susan:

Finish like a Champion with the Belmont Stakes White Carnation:

Mussel Bar's White Carnation is made with vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, soda water and a splash of cream.

If you're wondering where to go for the Belmont Stakes today in Bethesda, or the DC area in general, head to Mussel Bar to claim your own Triple Crown!

Mussel Bar, 7262 Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda.  (301) 215-7817.

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND IN BETHESDA: THE BEST OF THE BEST!

Spending Memorial Day Weekend in Bethesda?

Mussel Bar, American Tap Room and The Parva are three places to get the most out of the weekend!

Why not start today and Memorial Day at Mussel Bar?  Couldn't get away to the beach this weekend?  Everyone's favorite Ocean City and Delaware summer drink is coming to you, at Bethesda Row!

Check out this Orange Crush - or better yet, order one at Mussel Bar!

Burger lovers - converge on American Tap Room for their burgers and beers Memorial Day special!

The Parva keeps rewriting the rules of Bethesda nightlife.  Two separate floors of music and dancing - and their famous Colombian Mojitos! - tonight!

HAPPY WEEKEND!

CELEBRATE THE PREAKNESS IN BETHESDA AT MUSSEL BAR!

What happened to The Preakness this year?  The run-up to the race the last few years was filled with hype.

But the 2012 Preakness is this afternoon.  Where's all the hype?  Where is that half-man/half-donkey they used in the marketing last time?  Good riddance!

Oh, well.

You can be sure that I haven't forgotten about what is arguably the biggest sporting event in the state of Maryland.  Let's not forget that horse racing is "the sport of kings," after all!

As little has been heard about The Preakness, even less has been said about where to go in Bethesda to celebrate it.

I've come through for you again, in that regard!

Head to Mussel Bar at Bethesda Row this afternoon for their special Preakness cocktail:  The Black Eyed Susan!

The delicious and refreshing Black Eyed Susan
Preakness cocktail at Mussel Bar (Photo: Abby Schling)

What's in the Black Eyed Susan?

White rum, vodka, pineapple juice, orange juice, crushed ice, and - as you can tell from the photo - a cherry on top.

The cost is $9.

You can also order a Mint Julep!

Mussel Bar will add a third cocktail for the next race, the Belmont Stakes on June 11, providing a Triple Crown of cocktails.

Be first out of the gate today at Mussel Bar, for a Preakness cocktail!

Mussel Bar, 7262 Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda.  301-215-7817.

THE FRONT ROW AT BETHESDA ROW COUNTDOWN:

T-MINUS 72 HOURS

Just 3 days until the DC area's biggest fashion event of the year - The Front Row at Bethesda Row.

While Thursday will be the official start, with events at boutiques around the Row, Friday is the big night attendees look forward to most.  That's when the fashion show happens on the runway on Bethesda Lane at 7:30 PM.  And before that, this year's VIP guest, Andy Cohen (Bravo, Watch What Happens Live, etc., etc.) will sign copies of his new book, Most Talkative, on the patio at Redwood from 5-6 PM.

But speaking of Redwood, that brings me to the best part of this year's Front Row event:  Redwood's outdoor Urban Country Runway Lounge.  

The staff will be serving fashion-inspired drinks (and I'm assuming drinks for men, as well!) even after the fashion show ends.

That's right - Redwood is hosting the first-ever Front Row at Bethesda Row After-Party!  Which means the DJ will keep spinning, and Nate Mann and crew will keep serving up adult refreshments, Redwood-style.

For those who can't afford to miss a minute of the action, reserve a table for dinner Friday evening at Redwood for a front row seat at The Front Row at Bethesda Row!

Redwood, 7121 Bethesda Lane. 301-656-5515.

CINCO DE MAYO TEQUILA CLASS IN BETHESDA

The most interesting Cinco de Mayo event in the DC area I've heard of so far, is right here in downtown Bethesda, at Freddy's Lobster.

Freddy's is hosting a Cinco de Mayo Tequila Class Saturday, May 5, from 1-3 PM.

Bartender Chris Cunningham will teach you about the wide variety of tequilas in the world.  And, most importantly, how to use them to make cocktails yourself.

Chef Jeff Heineman will serve up appetizers paired with each cocktail.

Your total cost will be $50.

Class size is limited, so hurry to snag your seat(s) before they're gone!

To reserve your spot, email lisa@freddyslobster.com ASAP.

Freddy's Lobster, 4867 Cordell Avenue.  240-743-4257.

THERE CAN BE ONLY 50 LUCKY LADIES TONIGHT IN BETHESDA!

THERE CAN BE ONLY 

50 LUCKY LADIES 

IN 

BETHESDA TONIGHT! 

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive!!! 

...And thanks to me you can be one of them!

While other young women are wandering around Bethesda tonight, you, dear reader, will know the score!

While they're paying $7 for the same Chocolate Lava Cake down one street or another, you'll be enjoying a FREE Fraiche Cupcakery gourmet cupcake at BlackFinn on Fairmont Avenue!

And while they're fishing around in their purse to pay for a $6 or $9 drink, you'll be drinking a 1-cent premium cocktail at BlackFinn!

All you must do is be one of the first 50 women at BlackFinn's Cupcakes and Cocktails event tonight at 9:00 PM.

While you're waiting, make sure your friends are following me on Twitter at @BethesdaRow and bookmarking this blog.  Then they'll be ready for the free stuff I'll be telling readers about next week.

BlackFinn Bethesda, 4901 Fairmont Avenue. 301-951-5681.

50 WOMEN ARE

GETTING FREE CUPCAKES

TONIGHT IN

BETHESDA

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive!!!

OK, ladies, you know the drill: Be one of the first 50 women at BlackFinn Bethesda's Cupcakes and Cocktails Party tonight at 9:00 PM, and you'll get a FREE cupcake, and a 1 cent cocktail.

Tonight's cupcakes are from Fraiche Cupcakery in Bethesda.

Good luck!

50 LUCKY LADIES

WILL GET A

FREE CUPCAKE

TONIGHT IN

BETHESDA

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive!!!

The first fifty women at BlackFinn Bethesda's Cupcake & Cocktails event tonight at 9:00 will receive a FREE CakeDreams cupcake!

They will also get their first drink of the evening for one cent.

BlackFinn Bethesda, 4901 Fairmont Avenue. 301-951-5681.

SHAKEN AND STIRRED

AT

BETHESDA ROW

A Martini Month 007

Himself Would Envy!

A couple of weeks ago, when it was National Margarita Day, I suggested everyone try the margaritas all around Bethesda Row, and declare a winner. The winner of my unabashedly unscientific poll was Uncle Julio's.

Well, it seems I've started a trend around here. Now it's Martini Madness Month at Bethesda Row. This time around, you can even win fabulous prizes! Get a FREE martini guide when you register at the official Bethesda Row website!

And what do you have to do to win these fabulous prizes?

Order the specially-priced martini at each participating restaurant around Bethesda Row. Then tell Bethesda which one is the best on Facebook. All kinds of alcohol-induced voting and suffrage will ensue. A winner will be chosen. And someone is going home with a grand prize!

Everything you need to play the game is on the Bethesda Row website and Facebook page:

Click here for all the details!

FAT TUESDAY

ON A

SLIM BUDGET:

MARDI GRAS

IN

BETHESDA

It would be ideal to be in New Orleans today, but you just don't have the vacation time or money to do so. Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row to the rescue!

If you are seeking Cajun cuisine in Bethesda, Louisiana Kitchen and Bayou Bar at 4907 Cordell Avenue is the place to go. This is not a pretentious restaurant, but a place offering Cajun standards and Louisiana specialty beers. Now that Cacao Poulain has closed at Bethesda Row, Louisiana Kitchen is the only regular source of fresh beignets in town.

There are other choices in town for Mardi Gras dining:

Blackfinn Bethesda - Top on my list is their Shrimp and Grits entree, with Tasso ham (it doesn't get anymore authentic than that). Blackfinn also has a Bourbon Street Burger with Boursin cheese and peppercorn sauce (and a Hangover Burger if you need it on Wednesday!), and a real Fried Oyster Po'Boy.

Head to American Tap Room at Bethesda Row for lunch or dinner today: you can order the N'awlins Fish or Creole Sausage sandwiches at either time!

Rather stay in tonight?

Head to Giant and pick up boxes of Zatarain's New Orleans favorites, like Red Beans and Rice. That one gets five stars from me. Add a fresh or frozen catfish filet, and you have a full dinner.

Don't forget Zapp's potato chips! If you're lucky, they'll be in stock at Potbelly Sandwich Works on Elm Street, or one stop away on the Red Line at World Market in Friendship Heights.

Mardi Gras tip: before leaving Friendship Heights, stop by Lia's on Willard Ave, head into the bar, and order an Abita Turbodog, direct from Louisiana.

Top off your Mardi Gras evening with a fresh King Cake from the bakery at Giant, complete with beads and plastic baby hidden inside. A Mardi Gras tradition that goes back to the Old World.

Finally, what New Orleans Mardi Gras would be complete without a Hurricane from Pat O'Brien's?

The problem is, we're here, not in New Orleans. Not to worry, here is a Hurricane cocktail recipe I got from Phillips Seafood restaurants:

HURRICANE

1 oz. light rum

1 oz. dark rum

1/2 oz. grenadine

3 oz. orange juice

3 oz. pineapple juice

Shake and pour over ice.

Add pineapple slice and cherry as garnish.

HAPPY MARDI GRAS!

from

Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row