Josephine Gluten-Free Bakery opens in Bethesda

Josephine Gluten-Free Bakery has opened at 4927-A St. Elmo Avenue in downtown Bethesda. The bakery offers a wide range of gluten-free products, made in a 100% gluten-free and allergen-free facility. Savory and sweet waffles are a specialty. See their full menu here.

Josephine is named for owner Jean Charles' daughter, and was inspired by his wife's gluten intolerance. Charles, who hails from France - where many of the world's best bakeries are located, has gone from managing bakeries to now opening his own.

Josephine Gluten-Free Bakery "opening soon" in Bethesda

Some more signage has popped up in the front window of the future Josephine Gluten-Free Bakery at 4927-A St. Elmo Avenue in downtown Bethesda. There is a photo of an waffle wrap sandwich stuffed with lettuce, tomato and hard-boiled egg slices. Next to that, it says, "Opening Soon!"

Gluten-free special this weekend at Mamma Lucia at Bethesda Row (Photo)

Mamma Lucia at Bethesda Row is featuring a Chicken and Kale Ravioli special this weekend. The dish includes spinach, cherry tomatoes and mushrooms, and is gluten-free.

4916 Elm Street

301-907-3399

Photo courtesy Mamma Lucia

TAYLOR GOURMET LAUNCHES NEW MENU TODAY AT 11 AM

Taylor Gourmet will launch a new menu this morning at 11:00 AM (synchronize your watch to the countdown clock on their website), at Bethesda Row and all of their other locations. What's new? New additions to the Hoagie and Salad menus. Breakfast hoagies are back on the menu. And any hoagie can now be ordered in a gluten-free wrap.

But wait, there's more!

Today through Sunday, you'll be able to get a FREE Taylor Your Meal side salad - your choice of (new) chickpea salad, kale side salad, pasta salad, or potato salad - with your purchase of any hoagie or salad.

Highlights among the brand-new hoagies include:

Federal Street: Pepperoni, Dried Capicola, Hot Capicola, Genoa Salami, Roasted Tomato Vinaigrette, Basil, Fresh Mozzarella.

Lehigh Avenue: Roasted Cauliflower, Spicy Red Pepper Dressing, White Bean Hummus & Arugula (Vegan).

Cottman Avenue: Choice of Italian Breaded or Grilled Chicken Cutlet, Pepperoni, Roasted Red Peppers, Basil, Fresh Mozzarella.

Pine Valley (Club Hoagie/Triple  Decker): Roasted Turkey, Pesto, Bacon, Cherry Pepper Mayonnaise, Parmesan.

For salads:

Society Hill: Kale, Roasted Tomatoes, Walnuts, Parmesan, Honey Herb Vinaigrette.

Polumbo Square: Romaine Hearts, Genoa Salami, Capicola, Prosciutto, Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onions,  Pepperoncini, Sharp Provolone, Creamy Parmesan Dressing.

Stop by today at or after 11:00 to try the new menu yourself.

Taylor Gourmet is located at 7280 Woodmont Avenue (corner of Woodmont and Elm, beneath Equinox), at Bethesda Row.

WESTBARD GIANT UNVEILS NEW ORGANIC DEPARTMENT - IS IT THE BEST IN BETHESDA?

DESIGN EMPHASIZES

NATURAL THEME, 

HUGE SELECTION

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

Everyone is trying to eat healthier these days, and that just got easier at the Westbard Giant.  The longtime grocery store in the Westwood Shopping Center, on Westbard Avenue in Bethesda, just opened a new organic department.

Replacing the flower shop at the front corner of the store, it is the first phase of the store's current renovation.  Which is odd, because they just renovated the store a few years ago.

Aside from the selection, the design touches reflect the theme.  Hardwood floors with a natural woodgrain, and eco-friendly LED lighting, stand out against the larger store area.

I grew up near this Giant, and still think it is the best in Bethesda.  The change in flooring when you enter the organic department generates a bit of nostalgia.

When I was a kid, the far end of this store - about where the frozen aisles are today - was set up as a small department store.  They had clothes, books, and many other things.  When you got to that area, you would push your cart over a mountable edge - bump, bump - from the tile floor onto the carpeting of the department store area. 

Join me for an exclusive photo tour:

Standing in the produce department [foreground of photo],
 you can notice the contrast between the new organic
section, and the rest of the store

The new design includes special lighting
fixtures, and natural wood flooring

SAVE $5 ON GLUTEN-FREE DINING IN DOWNTOWN BETHESDA

Searching for great, gluten-free cuisine in downtown Bethesda?  Lilit Cafe is the place to go.

But wait:  print out this special coupon, and you'll save $5 on your check!

MOTHER'S DAY IN BETHESDA

Have you been caught without plans for Mother's Day brunch or dinner in downtown Bethesda?

Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row to the rescue!

al fresco

There's good news and bad news.  But what if I told you the bad news is actually good news, too?

The good news is that Redwood on Bethesda Lane is having a great Mother's Day Brunch.  The bad news is that they've sold out.  But wait!

Redwood is going to seat as many walk-ins as possible on the patio on Bethesda Lane!  Which will actually be better than dining indoors, if it doesn't rain.  So stop by on Sunday!  $34 adults, $15 kids.

Redwood is also serving Mother's Day dinner, so give them a call!

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

delicioso

Check out my post about Uncle Julio's Plato de Madre special, for a Mother's Day feast of salmon, shrimp and crab!

voyage to the mediterranean

Lebanese Taverna at Bethesda Row is offering a Unlimited Mezza Brunch and pastry table from 11-4 Sunday.  $29.95 adults, $12.95 kids under 12.

gluten-free

Yes, there is a gluten-free Mother's Day menu available at Lilit Cafe!

buon appetito

Cesco Osteria's  Chef Francesco Ricchi has created a Mother's Day brunch buffet inspired by Tuscany.

Cesco Osteria, 7401 Woodmont Avenue. 301.654.8333.