BETHESDA ROW ARTS FESTIVAL PHOTO GALLERY 2012

Here are a few photos from the 2012 Bethesda Row Arts Festival, with more to come!

WMATA was brilliant to shut down Metro
during a major, annual event

Remember when we had
Ben & Jerry's in Bethesda?

My favorite artist at the
festival was R. Michael Wommack

He grew up in Levittown.  Timeless design
that defines the phrase, "American Dream."

I have a feeling David Brooks had
something to do with this

I've got the green light for a crab
cake sandwich

Jim.  Bob.  Jimi. ...Cutlery?
"That is now, man.  That is now!"

POLICE RELEASE DESCRIPTION OF ATTACKER IN BETHESDA SEXUAL ASSAULT ON CAPITAL CRESCENT TRAIL

Montgomery County Police have released the victim's description of the assailant in last night's sexual assault on the Capital Crescent Trail in Bethesda.

He is a white male in his 20s, wearing dark clothing.

The victim remains in serious but stable condition with a head injury at a local hospital.

Police ask anyone with information to call 240-773-5070.

There is now a reward for information.

THE BAR METHOD FITNESS STUDIO TO OPEN IN BETHESDA

NEW TENANT IN

LIONSGATE CONDO

BUILDING

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

The Bar Method, a fitness studio promising a fat-burning, body-sculpting and posture-improving workout, is moving into a vacated retail space on the ground floor of the Lionsgate building in Bethesda.

Boasting celebrity endorsers like Anna Paquin, Zooey Deschanel and Denise Richards, the company says its Bethesda studio will open in 2013.

BETHESDA AWAITS ANSWERS IN ASSAULT, POSSIBLE SEXUAL ASSAULT OF CAPITAL CRESCENT TRAIL JOGGER SUNDAY NIGHT

Is there a rapist at large in Bethesda?

That's the No. 1 question around town this morning, after a 21-year-old woman was knocked unconscious and dragged into the woods off the Capital Crescent Trail early last night.

Police responded at 7:13 PM to a call at a trail access point on Brookeway Drive in the Sumner neighborhood of Bethesda.  They say the woman was jogging, and was struck from behind.

She then woke up in the woods.  This official account did not give any suggestion that the victim or any witnesses saw the assailant.

However, as I reported when I was the first media outlet to break this story last night, the original, anonymous tipster who initially reported the attack to the Coalition for the Capital Crescent Trail told them the assailant was on a bicycle, with a basket attached to the front.

Yet that detail was not mentioned in later accounts.  Nor was any description of the attacker released.

We hope to know more when police release their next statement today.

The attack is sure to spark more questions about trail safety.  Personally, I don't think any woman - or any man! - should be on the CCT after dark.  Especially alone.  That is extremely dangerous.

Stay tuned for further updates.

UPDATE: BETHESDA ASSAULT, ATTEMPTED RAPE ON CAPITAL CRESCENT TRAIL

The latest details on tonight's assault and attempted rape on the Capital Crescent Trail in Bethesda:

The victim is a 21 year old woman who was jogging on the trail, and was struck by the assailant.  He then dragged her into the woods.  The attack took place near Brookeway Drive in the Sumner neighborhood off Massachusetts Avenue.  There is a small trail that connects the Brookeway cul-de-sac to the trail.

Still awaiting official police description/sketch of assailant.

UPDATE: MONTGOMERY COUNTY POLICE CONFIRM CAPITAL CRESCENT TRAIL ASSAULT - BETHESDA CRIME UPDATE

As I posted on Twitter a short time ago, Montgomery County Police have confirmed an assault occurred on the Capital Crescent Trail tonight just after 7:00 PM.

The only details they have confirmed so far:  2nd District officers responded to an assault report on the trail at 7:13 PM.  The victim is an adult female.

Please see my previous post for the full story, and stay tuned for more details.

UNVERIFIED REPORT OF ASSAULT ON CAPITAL CRESCENT TRAIL TONIGHT

Breaking news:  The Coalition for the Capital Crescent Trail is forwarding an unverified citizen report of an assault and attempted rape on the trail tonight at 7:00 PM.

While awaiting any official confirmation of this from the police, I just want to pass along the description of the assailant:  male on a bicycle, with a basket on the front of the bike.

The specific location of the attack was not detailed, only that is was within the Montgomery County section of the trail.

I did receive two reader tips of police cars with sirens responding to something in Bethesda around that time, multiple units.

Stay tuned for updates as they become available.

3 MORE WEST BETHESDA THEFTS - BETHESDA CRIME REPORT

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

Evidence that one or more thieves are currently operating in the Westbard area of Bethesda has been bolstered by 3 new thefts.

A theft Wednesday in the 5300 block of Western Avenue, and two more on Thursday, should remind everyone in that area to lock their doors, windows, garages and vehicles.

The Thursday thefts were in the 5000 block of Worthington Drive, and 6300 block of Walhonding Road.  Those locations are about 2 minutes apart by car.

BONOBOS TO OPEN IN FORMER URBAN CHIC SPACE AT BETHESDA ROW! EXCLUSIVE!

FINALLY, A STORE
FOR GUYS AT
BETHESDA ROW!

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

Breaking news:  The just-closed Urban Chic boutique space on Bethesda Lane is being filled by men's clothing store Bonobos!

I've gone on the record here a few times about the lack of retailers for men around the Row, so it's great to hear there's finally fashion news for us guys around here.

What is Bonobos?  A chain men's apparel company that invented something all of us need: pants that actually fit properly.  Then they took their pants - such as the essential washed chino - and added other name brand apparel and accessories, so that you can put together a complete outfit.

Anyway, this is just the beginning of the Bonobos story at Bethesda Row, so stay tuned for further updates, and enjoy the Bethesda Row Arts Festival.

ZIPVAN MAKES FIRST APPEARANCE IN DOWNTOWN BETHESDA (PHOTOS)

EVEN IF YOU'RE

GREEN,

RESPECT THE VAN

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

I am a van aficionado.  I've always been a fan of the classic Ford Econoline, Chevrolet and Dodge Ram cargo, passenger and conversion vans.  Even small vans get approval from me, and sometimes even imported attempts at vans, when they resemble vans.  Recently, I was admiring the new Nissan van that was getting thrashed by some spaced-out car critics.  I don't know what they were talking about.  It has real-van-man van styling.  Hence it is a van, and gains entry into the exclusive Van Club.  Respect the van.

Now, here comes a Zip vehicle even van lovers can respect:  the Zipvan.  Ordinarily, you'd hear "Zipvan" and think, "it's a Scion, right?"

"Wronggggg!," as Donald Rumsfeld would say.

It's a full-size, American cheeseburger, V-8 packing Ford Econoline van.  And ready to haul all of your belongings, furniture and home theater purchases, etc. around town, or back home to your downtown apartment.

For those living a car-free lifestyle, the Zipvan is a major help in doing so.  It can fill most of the necessary jobs the tiny ZipCar can't.

Plus, if you have Van Fever like me, here's a rare chance to hit the great American highway in your own Ford Econoline.  Even if it's just for a few hours.  Hear that V-8 roar.

Respect the Zipvan.

MICROSOFT POP-UP KIOSK WILL HAVE XBOX, HALO 4, WINDOWS 8 IN ADDITION TO SURFACE TABLET, MICROSOFT EMPLOYEE SAYS - EXCLUSIVE!

BETHESDA KIOSK

NOW MANNED

AND TAKING

SURFACE PREORDERS

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

Breaking news, direct from a Microsoft employee:  Contrary to mass media reports, and in defiance of the space limitations at Microsoft's pop-up kiosks, the kiosks won't just be featuring the Surface tablet on October 26.

Microsoft pop-up kiosk at Westfield
Montgomery Mall in Bethesda Friday

The employee said that shoppers can expect to not only see Windows 8 at the temporary mall structures, but XBOX and Master Chief, as well.

That's right, Halo 4 will be out November 6, and the employee promised a big marketing push from Microsoft.  And one part of that will be the game's appearance at the kiosks.

One disappointing note:  it does not sound like Westfield Montgomery will be having a midnight opening on October 26 for the Surface launch.  The employee said the kiosk would open at 10 AM.  Boo!

Let's hope that is not true.

In conclusion, while there was much muttering and disappointment over the pop-ups being tiny kiosks, instead of actual stores, it would seem the mall stands will be offering an array of Microsoft products in spite of their small size.

START THE BETHESDA SHAKE SHACK RUMORS

BURGER EMPIRE'S

DC LANDLORD

TAKES COMMAND OF

RELIC NIGHTCLUB

BUILDING

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

DC powerhouse firm Douglas Development has taken charge of the 4936 Fairmont Avenue building that housed the now-defunct Relic Lounge.   The company, founded by Douglas Jemal in 1985, not only is an award-winning developer, but also landlord to many prime restaurants and retailers like LivingSocial, Carmine's and... Shake Shack.

Douglas is now leasing the building's units for office and retail space.  But with Relic having been configured as a food service operation, and Shake Shack's rapid expansion to 3 DC locations in 12 months, the scenario is bound to fuel rumors.  If any company has the inside track, and established relationship, to score the next DC area Shake Shack, it's Douglas.  So Bethesda has to move up on the list of potential locations on those merits alone.

Shake Shack will not reveal specific plans, but does not deny the company is actively expanding.

That block of Fairmont Avenue is currently underappreciated.  But JBG is about to redevelop half of it into a 17-story residential building, and The Monty is currently under construction on the Relic building's side of the street.  Now add a major player like Douglas, and the game has changed on this almost-forgotten block.

So the atmosphere on Fairmont - and level of pedestrian traffic - is bound to change over the next two years.  This could make 4936 Fairmont a prime target for Shake Shack, which undoubtedly would like to tap into the deep pockets of Bethesda diners.

Have we maxed out on burger restaurants?  Burger aficionados wouldn't say so!  With spaces opening at Bethesda Row, there will be a lot of speculation about the most-wanted restaurants and retail in the near future.

The only certainty is that, with Douglas Development in charge, 4936 Fairmont is likely to end up with at least one prominent tenant.

THIEVES PROWLING WESTBARD AREA OF BETHESDA

BACK-TO-BACK THEFTS

MAKE LOCKING DOORS

A MUST

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

Two thefts on back-to-back nights along Westbard Avenue in Bethesda suggest thieves are trolling the area for easy loot.

A theft from a parked vehicle was reported Monday in the 5100 block of Westbard Avenue.  That would be the Westbard Mews townhome complex, to be more precise.

On Wednesday, a theft was reported in the 5300 block of Westbard Circle, which consists entirely of the Kenwood Place condominiums.

Residents of the Westbard area would be well-advised to remove valuables from their vehicles, and to lock car, home and apartment doors.

EXPANDED SUSHI MENU - WITH PHOTOS! - BERRY YOGURT BETHESDA SUSHI BAR

INCLUDES

"BETHESDA ROLL"

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

The new sushi bar at Berry Yogurt on Norfolk Avenue continues to grow in popularity.  Now they've posted a new, expanded sushi menu - complete with photos - to tempt passersby.  And now I'm posting it here for you:

URBAN CHIC CLOSED FOREVER AT BETHESDA ROW (PHOTOS)

Urban Chic wasted no time moving out of its Bethesda Row storefront last night.  The Urban Chic truck backed right into Bethesda Lane, as merchandise and everything else was loaded out.

The small boutique chain cited Bethesda's proximity to its Georgetown shop as the reason for the move.  I'm not sure I buy that, as, by that logic, Sassanova and Georgetown Cupcake would have to close their stores.  The fact is that rents are getting out of reach for all but the most revenue-generating businesses at Bethesda Row.

LUKE'S LOBSTER AT BETHESDA ROW ADDING BEER, WINE TO MENU

EXPECT A

MAINE-CENTRIC

BEER LIST

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

Luke's Lobster on Bethesda Lane has applied for a beer and wine license from Montgomery County.  Luke's is the second Bethesda Row establishment to recently announce it is going to liquor up;  its hearing falls on the same day as the Bethesda Row Cinema's, November 15.

Like everything else on the menu, the beer list will emphasize Maine.  That means brewers like Allagash and Shipyard.  The list will change over time.  This will allow Luke's to more equally compete with crosstown rival Freddy's Lobster.  However, there is no indication that Luke's list will match the length and depth of Freddy's.

There may be beer tasting events, as well.

Expect selection and price to vary in light of Montgomery County's arcane and expensive liquor regulations.

BETHESDA CENTRAL FARM MARKET CANCELED THIS SUNDAY

This Sunday's Bethesda Central Farm Market has been canceled.  The market will return the following Sunday, October 28, for a special Halloween market.

BCFM is inviting patrons to a "combined market" at the Mid-Pike farm market this Saturday, 9:00 AM to 2 PM at Mid-Pike Plaza on Rockville Pike.

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS AT BETHESDA ROW (PHOTOS)

There are a lot of great Halloween displays at stores all over Bethesda, but the Paper Source on Bethesda Avenue is thinking further ahead.  With these Lucha Libre and skeletons,  you'll be all set for The Day of the Dead!

CORDELL PARKING GARAGE ENTRANCE CLOSED AGAIN

The St. Elmo/Cordell Ave. public parking garage is once again undergoing repairs, and the Cordell Ave. garage entrance is closed.  You can still access the garage via the St. Elmo Ave. entrance.

Allow extra time for parking

LAGUNITAS DAYTIME FRACTIONAL I.P.A. ARRIVES IN BETHESDA

What is a "fractional I.P.A.?"  Consider it the alcohol equivalent of decaf coffee.  Hence the word, "daytime," in the name of Lagunitas' new, less-alcohol version of its popular I.P.A.

Try pairing this beer with pork carnitas, Cajun crawfish or Thai prawns, or BBQ ribs.

Where to find it:

Cork 57,  4910 Bethesda Avenue.  301-652-4910.