WANT TO BUY A SUSHI PLACE? MATUBA IS FOR SALE IN BETHESDA

There have been rumors floating around for months that Matuba, a sushi bar and Japanese restaurant at 4918 Cordell Avenue, might be for sale. I've now confirmed that the rumors are true. Owner Kunio Yasutake just celebrated his 34th year in downtown Bethesda last month, and it seems he plans to go out on top.

If you've dreamed of owning your own sushi restaurant, this is a turnkey opportunity that will include restaurant equipment, the kitchen, the sushi bars, and upstairs office space, as well as a storage area. There is private parking behind the restaurant for owners/employees.

No asking price is given.

Cordell Avenue has come a long way in just the last few years, and is arguably one of the top dining destinations in the Woodmont Triangle, with a wide variety of cuisines. Alternatively, it would be interesting to see what could be done with a modification or redevelopment of this property.

The restaurant is still operating as of last night, and there is no indication it will close prior to a sale.

NEW SUSHI BUFFET IN BETHESDA - LUNCH AND DINNER

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

I like this new retro sign

Bethesda's newest sushi bar at Berry Yogurt on Norfolk Avenue has added a buffet for lunch and dinner.  Prices are $8.49 and $11.95, respectively.

MENUS FOR BETHESDA'S NEWEST SUSHI BAR - BERRY YOGURT ON NORFOLK AVENUE

Things have turned around in the 48 hours since my last update on the new sushi bar at Berry Yogurt.  In contrast to Tuesday, on Wednesday there were a good number of people dining inside and on the sidewalk patio.

I have the actual sushi menu here for you, and pricing beyond the initial 49 cents per piece rate I told you about on Wednesday.  It's a pretty short menu - California Roll, California Roll with fish roe, two kinds of Avocado Rolls, "Futo Maki" (futomaki is a thicker, larger sushi roll), and "Hoso Maki" (hosomaki=thinner roll).

Last evening, there were still more people there than usual, although you certainly can't tell that from the pictures here.  Wednesday, there were actually two sushi chefs in white outfits.  It seems that the addition of the sushi bar is actually boosting business for them, which is always good news.

I also have a picture here of the Japanese grocery store I was telling you about - Hinata on St. Elmo Avenue.  It's well worth a visit, even if you're not actually dining there.  All kinds of imported Japanese products - you never know what you might find.

Berry Yogurt,  7920 Norfolk Avenue.  301-654-5316.

NEW SUSHI PLACE IN BETHESDA - PAY BY THE PIECE, 49¢ EACH!

Berry Yogurt seems an unlikely place to have sushi.  But a few days ago, the Norfolk Avenue frozen yogurt shop put up a sign promising just that in the near future.

Yesterday, I was headed over to Cordell Avenue towards the California Tortilla Grand Opening, and Berry Yogurt had a new sign - and sushi.

I didn't have time to stop in, but did not see sushi being made at that time. There is a case that is storing sushi, and an employee wearing a white chef's outfit.  The shop had no customers at the moment, and as you can see in the photo, Cal Tort's grand opening was drawing all the crowds.

Berry Yogurt faces tremendous competition from Yogiberry and Sweetgreen at Bethesda Row, so they obviously are hoping to appeal to a wider audience.  And the lunch crowd.  Their main competition is probably going to be the Japanese market around on St. Elmo Avenue.  They fly their seafood in from Japan, so I'm interested to find out more about Berry Yogurt's sourcing.

But for now, just a quick heads up to let you know it's open.

PASSION FIN SIGN INSTALLED AND LIT

The grand opening of new sushi restaurant Passion Fin is near in Bethesda. Last night, the new external sign was lit.  The front door was propped open, but no one was going in or out when I passed by.

Passion Fin, located in The Shops at Sumner Place on Sangamore Road, currently has no internet presence (website, Facebook, etc.).  It would be an unorthodox approach to open without any marketing or announcement, to say the least.  Diners in the Bethesda area are not familiar with the owners' other restaurants outside of Baltimore.  So they will need to let us know what their concept and approach to sushi are at Passion Fin.  A "secret" opening would not really be a great idea under those circumstances.

Having said that, there is a lot of excitement in the neighborhood around Sumner Place about this opening.  From the appearance of things, it won't be too long now.

HANARO SUSHI ROLL OF THE MONTH: STRAWBERRIES AND CREAM

Don't miss this unusual but ultra-fresh roll at Hanaro.  Perfect for welcoming summer in downtown Bethesda.

Hanaro, 7820 Norfolk Avenue, Bethesda.  301-654-7851.

PASSION FIN UPDATE

PROGRESS AT BETHESDA'S

NEWEST SUSHI BAR

Just a quick note on Passion Fin - the new sushi reataurant opening this year at the Shops at Sumner Place, on Sangamore Road in Bethesda.

As you recall, Passion Fin had been scheduled to open early this year, but the renovations of the former clothing boutique stalled out during the winter.  Week after week, month after month, the same window coverings, dumpster out front and exposed ceiling remained static.

But when I passed by on Tuesday night, although the windows remain covered (normal for any restaurant before it opens), the dumpster is now gone.

There is now some kind of white molding, around angular arched openings near the front of the restaurant.  It's dark in there, and you can only see what is visible at the top of the front windows above the coverings.

So I don't know if that is part of the final design, or simply a stage in the renovation.

In any case, the opening is highly anticipated.  My guess is we're talking about a June opening, if I was a betting man.  But who knows?  Maybe they're getting close to done behind the coverings, and we'll hear something sooner.

Stay tuned!