PLAZA DEL SOL CLOSED IN BETHESDA - FOR GOOD?

I noticed Plaza del Sol was closed this past weekend, and then again last night. The Mexican restaurant on St. Elmo Avenue opened to positive reviews last year, and there was no indication the business was in trouble.

But last night, I found the ominous note below attached to the front of the restaurant.

In essence, it says the restaurant is closed indefinitely, but that the owners would like to reopen "once we have resolved matters."

What those matters are, they have not shared. But the note says they cannot access the telephone or voicemail for the restaurant, which suggests they are locked out of the building.

Hopefully they can get whatever the issues are resolved. Plaza del Sol has perhaps become best-known for its weekly flamenco concerts, featuring guitarist Miguelito and a revolving cast of dancers, a rare find in downtown Bethesda.

AIR FLAMENCO IN DOWNTOWN BETHESDA AT PLAZA DEL SOL (PHOTO)

You may have caught the weekly flamenco performance by guitarist Miguelito - and his revolving cast of talented dancers - at Plaza del Sol restaurant.  But you've never seen the show like this, from several stories in the air, above the restaurant's St. Elmo Avenue patio last Saturday night:

Click photos to enlarge!

CINCO DE MAYO IN BETHESDA: THE BEST EVENTS

Cinco de Mayo is Saturday!  This is one of the most festive days of the year, all over the world.  And that includes Bethesda!

Primero, wherever you go, be ready to correct "that guy" who is going to announce this is Mexican Independence Day.  Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day!  (That's actually September 16, by the way).  But what can you do with a guy who doesn't know the difference between El Grito and a Chipotle burrito?

Bueno.  Now on to the guide!

THE BEST

GUAPO'S

I'm picking Guapo's as the top spot, because they're doing more for Cinco de Mayo than any place I've heard from so far.

Saturday evening, they will have an actual mariachi band in the house.  The Budweiser Girls will be handing out giveaways and beer samples.  And a DJ will finish out el noche from 10 PM to close.

It sounds like an evening of not only genuine Mexican atmosphere, but also fun, and that's what Cinco de Mayo is really about, right?

Guapo's, 8130 Wisconsin Avenue.  301-656-0888.

DATE NIGHT

OK, so what if you aren't single, and your date isn't going to be favorably impressed by Budweiser Girls?  I have the solution:

PLAZA DEL SOL

The Gazette said that Plaza del Sol has the best Mexican food in downtown Bethesda.  Their chef is the former executive chef of Lauriol Plaza downtown.  You may have heard of it!

What makes it a great date night spot, is that they are having a live, flamenco performance by guitarist Miguelito, and dancer Ginette at 7:00 PM Saturday night.

Plaza del Sol, 4932 St. Elmo Avenue. 301-215-4199.

BEST OF THE REST

Now, a number of places are keeping quiet about their plans.  I'll try to keep you updated here, and on Twitter at @BethesdaRow as late news comes in.

For now, here are some I've heard from, and in other cases, I have to channel Carnac the Magnificent to guess, because they're not sharing!

UNCLE JULIO'S

Every day is Cinco de Mayo at Uncle Julio's at Bethesda Row!  So I'm surprised their marketing for Saturday simply says, "Beer.  Margaritas."

I guess that's enough for certain target audiences, but don't forget, they've got great food, patio dining and - of course - their famous Swirls!

Uncle Julio's, 4870 Bethesda Avenue.  301-656-2981.

UNION JACK'S

Specials from 4-9 PM:  $3 Coronas, $15 Corona buckets, $5 Margaritas.  You get the idea.

They'll also have Game 4 of the Capitals vs. the Rangers on at 12:30 PM.

Union Jack's, 4915 St. Elmo Avenue. 301-6-JACK-61.

TIA QUETA

This is a family-owned Mexican restaurant in Old Town Bethesda.  The most distinctive feature of the restaurant, is their rooftop patio, the only one in Bethesda besides the Doubletree hotel!

They celebrate Friday and Saturday, with special prices on appetizers and drinks.

Tia Queta, 4839 Del Ray Avenue.  301-654-4443.

CALIFORNIA TORTILLA

Caltort is making it a 48-hour affair, too!  Make any purchase Friday, May 4, or Saturday, May 5, and you will receive a coupon for a FREE TACO, which you can redeem between May 6-15, 2012!

California Tortilla, 4862 Cordell Avenue.  301-654-8226.

Feliz Cinco de Mayo from Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row!