BAINBRIDGE BETHESDA CONSTRUCTION UPDATE (PHOTOS)

Here are photos of the progress at the next luxury apartment building expected to be delivered in downtown Bethesda, the Bainbridge Bethesda. The 17-story tower is located between St. Elmo and Fairmont Avenues in the Woodmont Triangle. These are the last photos in which you will see the tower crane, as it was disassembled after these were taken.

BETHESDA METRO CENTER ESCALATOR STILL OUT AS 2ND DEADLINE PASSES (PHOTO) #WMATA

The escalator between the plaza and bus bays at Bethesda Metro Center remains offline tonight, despite promises by WMATA that it would be fixed by today. This is the second missed service deadline for this escalator this week. This photo was just taken at the station this hour:

GRINGOS AND MARIACHIS MENU (PHOTO) - NEW BETHESDA MEXICAN RESTAURANT

Here's the menu for Bethesda's newest Mexican restaurant (click photo to enlarge for detail):

Gringos & Mariachis is located at 4928 Cordell Avenue.

DOLCEZZA NOW OPENS AT 6 AM AT BETHESDA ROW! (PHOTO)

There's a new morning coffee player in town: Dolcezza is now open at 6:00 AM at Bethesda Row. Known best for authentic Italian gelato, Dolcezza also pours a very high quality cup of coffee. This might take some of the sting out of Dunkin' Donuts' expected departure from Bethesda Avenue this summer. Might.

7111 Bethesda Lane, 301-215-9226.

BETHESDA METRO CENTER ESCALATOR OUTAGE UPDATE (PHOTO) #WMATA

WMATA has a moving target for returning the plaza-to-bus-bay escalator to service at Bethesda Metro Center. Originally, the escalator was due to reopen February 4. But, as of last night, it was still offline. According to WMATA, it should be back in service sometime today. I'm reminded of the scene in Airplane!, where the gate arrival announcement keeps changing as the out-of-control jet passes each one. This photo was taken last evening. We'll get there when we get there, apparently.

LANE CLOSURES JAMMING TRAFFIC IN DOWNTOWN BETHESDA (PHOTOS)

Poorly-timed lane closures on Old Georgetown Road, Arlington Road and Wilson Lane are causing worse-than-usual traffic congestion in that area of downtown Bethesda tonight.

I'd like to say to take the Northwest Freeway to avoid it, but they never built it. So you're stuck with Wisconsin Avenue as the alternative.

TIA QUETA GETS A MAKEOVER IN BETHESDA (PHOTOS)

Tía Queta, the Mexican restaurant on Del Ray Avenue in downtown Bethesda, is suddenly fitting in more with its new neighbor, the Gallery Bethesda luxury apartment tower. Its previously yellow and blue exterior paint scheme has been replaced with muted earth tones, that blend with the high-rise next door. They still have the traffic light on the roof, and the Margarita St. sign has a prominent placement. The updated logo over the door has a downright fiery appearance. Compare these new photos with the old design as seen in Google Street View:

HEALTHY CHOICE CLASSIC CHICKEN AND NOODLES REVIEW (VIDEO)

Healthy Choice has just added a new frozen dinner to their lineup: Classic Chicken and Noodles. The meal features grilled chicken breast, pasta, celery and carrots in a cream sauce. Let's test it out in this review.

GRINGOS AND MARIACHIS OPENS IN BETHESDA (PHOTOS)

Bethesda's newest Mexican restaurant opened yesterday on Cordell Avenue. Gringos and Mariachis is the latest venture from the ownership of the popular Bethesda Italian restaurant, Olazzo. The restaurant also specializes in tequila and whiskey.

FUTURE BETHESDA &PIZZA LOCATION HIRING (PHOTO)

DC pizza chain &pizza is closer to opening in Bethesda. Work continues at their 7614 Old Georgetown Road location, and the restaurant is now hiring. Potential employees can apply at &pizza's website. They have an online video chat interview process.

STAR WARS - SHAKESPEARE-STYLE - IS COMING TO BETHESDA

Bethesda is about to find out what Jedi proverbs sound like in iambic pentameter, when Flying V Theatre brings its William Shakespeare's Star Wars play to town on Monday, February 17, at 8:00 PM.

No tickets will be sold - the show is a first come, first-served "pay-what-you-can" event at The Writer's Center at 4508 Walsh Street in downtown Bethesda.

Over 20 local actors will portray iconic Star Wars characters, speaking as if George Lucas were alive in the age of Shakespeare. But with fight choreography by Jonathan Ezra Rubin, the evening promises plenty of action, as well. The play is is written by Ian Doescher, and directed by Kevin Finkelstein.

Proceeds from the night will fund Flying V's new season, which will be announced that evening.

BROWN PAPER COVERS WINDOWS AT NOW-CLOSED MAGGIE'S IN BETHESDA (PHOTO)

The brown paper is up, meaning something else will be replacing the now-shuttered Maggie's on Cordell Avenue in the near future. Meanwhile, as I reported yesterday, the owner of Maggie's is seeking a new location to reopen the sports bar.

BILL TO STUDY NEW MD-VA POTOMAC RIVER BRIDGE ADVANCES IN VA HOUSE

The Virginia House Transportation Committee voted Tuesday to send a bill requiring further study of a new Potomac River crossing to the House Appropriations Committee. Bill HB-1244 would require the Virginia Department of Transportation to review the results of an ongoing demand study for a new bridge. The study area is between existing crossings at Point of Rocks (US 15) and the Harry Nice Bridge (US 301). A new crossing would be constructed within that area.

Historically, new Potomac River bridges had been planned at several locations. Most notable were those to connect the unbuilt Rockville Freeway to the Fairfax County Parkway at Riverbend Park, and the unbuilt Outer Beltway (I-370 extension) to VA 28. Other bridges were considered at Arizona Avenue in the District, and in relation to the George Washington Parkway. Failure to build some - or all - of these crossings is a major factor in today's congestion on the American Legion Bridge in Bethesda, and on I-495 and I-270. A recent Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments study concluded that about a quarter of all traffic on the American Legion Bridge is heading to or from the Dulles area.

If the study shows a need for a new crossing (duh!), the bill requires VDOT to furnish recommendations for specific crossing sites to the Virginia General Assembly, and VA Secretary of Transportation, by December 1, 2015.

HB-1244 is co-sponsored by Del. Thomas Davis Rust and J. Randall Minchew. There is some urgency regarding the bill, as the House Appropriations Committee has only three meetings scheduled before all non-budget House bills must be finished.

A new crossing has been endorsed by U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D-Virginia).

BETHESDA ICE/WEATHER UPDATE (PHOTO)

It is now above freezing in Bethesda. Expect rain or freezing rain intermittently over the next few hours, but this further precipitation shouldn't stick due to the temperature increase.

Temperatures will remain above freezing all day, and the Winter Storm Warning expires at 10:00 AM this morning.

We're not thawed out yet, though, as you can see on this Bethesda Ride On sign.

NAPLES 45 RISTORANTE E PIZZERIA OPENING IN BETHESDA

People in DC are always talking about New York City pizza being the best. Well, they'll be delighted to know that we're getting an actual New York City pizzeria here in Bethesda: Naples 45 Ristorante e Pizzeria will open later this year at Westfield Montgomery Mall.

Naples 45 will be located by the future dining terrace and ArcLight Cinemas, currently under construction. The Bethesda location will be the only one outside of NYC, except for their Disneyland and Disney World restaurants.

The pizzeria specializes in Neapolitan pizza. That style relies on a lean, fine dough containing only flour, yeast, salt and water. The thin crust features a crispy, thin exterior, and a slightly-chewy, soft interior. Is it authentic? Naples 45 is one of only 3 NYC pizzerias to win the La Vera Pizza Napoletana certification, for authentic Neapolitan preparation, ingredients and cooking methods. They were similarly awarded the Ospitalità Italiana certification for those reasons.

Still not convinced? Tony Gemignani, World Champion Pizza Maker - and official U.S. Ambassador of Neapolitan Pizza (as bestowed by the city of Naples, Italy, no less) - says real Neapolitan pizza should use Caputo flour and San Marzano tomatoes. And, by golly, Naples 45 uses both.

Here's a great video showing the actual Naples 45 Disney World location, that will let you see the cooking process and restaurant firsthand. I don't know about you, but I'm ready for a slice of this pizza.

If you're on a dinner-and-a-movie visit there after the ArcLight Cinemas open - and somebody in the group isn't a pizza person - there are also plenty of pasta, seafood, meat and salad dishes on the menu.

This is another strong statement by Westfield about boosting food offerings to the level expected at a top flight mall. Westfield Montgomery Senior Marketing Director Christa Allen says the mall is committed to "continuing to bring unique dining options to the table.” If they can add something special in the Legal Sea Foods space, like a Great American Restaurants Group restaurant (Coastal Flats, Jackson's Mighty Fine Food, etc.), that would arguably make Montgomery Mall an equal to Tysons Corner.

BETHESDA CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across Bethesda on January 31 and February 1:

January 31

Vehicle theft. 4800 block Wellington Drive (downtown Bethesda).

Theft. 7100 block Clarendon Road (just west of Bethesda Row).

Vehicle theft. 5600 block Little Falls Parkway.

Theft. Bloomingdales (Friendship Heights).

Theft. Lord and Taylor (White Flint Mall).

Vehicle burglary. 5400 block Tuckerman Lane (Strathmore area).

Theft. 11300 block Woodglen Drive (White Flint).

Theft. 7100 block Democracy Boulevard (Westfield Montgomery Mall area).

February 1

Assault. Wisconsin Avenue at Bethesda Avenue.

Theft. 5400 block Center Street (Chevy Chase Village).

Liquor arrest. 8900 block Bradmoor Drive.

WIN $1000 JUST FOR TOURING GALLERY BETHESDA APARTMENTS (PHOTO)

Here an easy way to win $1000: stop by the Gallery Bethesda luxury apartment tower leasing office at 4800 Auburn Avenue and take a tour.

Afterwards, the leasing agent will record your comments on your favorite aspect(s) of the just-opened building. This video will be posted with all of the other entries on the Gallery Bethesda Facebook page. The person whose video receives the most Facebook likes by April 1, 2014 will win $1000.

You can take the free Bethesda Circulator right over to the building from the Bethesda Metro station, among other downtown Bethesda locations.

MAGGIE'S MAY REOPEN IN NEW LOCATION (PHOTO)

Maggie's, which just closed in downtown Bethesda, may not be finished yet. The owner is attempting to find a new location to reopen the sports bar, which has an almost-65-year-old history in the DC area.

BETHESDA VALENTINE'S DAY 2014 DINNER SPECIALS

You have lots of Valentine's Day dinner options in Bethesda this year. It's never to late to plan that romantic evening, and here is guide to some of the many Valentine's packages around town. But don't wait too long - Valentine's Day is next Friday!

Redwood

Redwood is offering a Love at First Bite 3-course, prix-fixe dinner for $68. Entreé options range from traditional (filet mignon) to exotic (Stuffed Quail Purse, Scallop and Pork Belly Surf n Turf). Here's a preview of the entire menu.

7121 Bethesda Lane, 301.656.5515.

Mussel Bar

Lovebirds dining at Mussel Bar can choose from the regular menu, or the special Aphrodisiac Menu ($60, or $80 with wine pairings). Don't have a valentine this year? Mussel Bar invites you dine anyway, and stick around for their Anti-Valentine's Afterparty at 10:00 PM until close. The party will feature Happy Hour specials, and music by Kara and Matt from The Fuzz.

Here is the Aphrodisiac Menu for the night:

Starting Cocktail:

Cavas Mestres Brut Rose with Champagne Grapes and Baby Strawberry

Course 1

Pan Seared Sea Scallop, Asparagus Tips, Basil Lavender Essence

Pairing: Le Jade Viognier

Course 2

Grilled Oysters, Panko Blue Cheese Crust with Honey Chardonnaya

Pairing: Vincent Dampt Petit Chablis

Course 3

Veal medallion, Heart(shaped) Ravioli, Rosemary Fig Cream

Pairing : Pas d'Escalette petit Pas Rouge (grenache blend) or La Cabotte "Colline" Cotes-du Rhone

Dessert

White Chocolate Mousse, Crystalized Orchid

Pairing: Saarstein Riesling

7262 Woodmont Avenue, 301.215.7817.

Positano Ristorante

Want to avoid overspending but still have a romantic setting? Positanto Ristorante will allow you to order anything you like from their regular menu, and will be serving complimentary Prosecco to all Valentine's Day guests.

4948-4940 Fairmont Avenue, 301.654.1717 or 301.986.0042.

Chef Tony's

Chef Tony's urges you to make your reservation early, as they have been booked solid every Valentine's Day in the past. Here's a preview of the menu (you can also make a reservation right from that page). However, because the menu is often driven by what is available fresh at the market, it is subject to change. A more firm menu will be posted online on February 13.

4926 St. Elmo Avenue, 301.654.3737.

Assaggi

Assaggi will offer specials like Maine Lobster Risotto, beef tenderloin and a chocolate tasting plate, in addition to their regular Italian menu. 

4838 Bethesda Avenue, 301.951.1988.

Jaleo

Jaleo will have its regular Spanish tapas menu, plus specials like Oysters with Cava, Pork Carpaccio, Wild Red Berry Soup, and more.

7271 Woodmont Avenue, 301.913.0003.

Lebanese Taverna

Lebanese Taverna at Bethesda Row is offering a $35 three-course dinner, with a wine pairing for an additional $15).

7141 Arlington Road, 301.951.8681.

REDWOOD WILL BE CLOSED TODAY AT BETHESDA ROW (PHOTO)

Redwood is closed today on Bethesda Lane, due to building maintenance. They will reopen tomorrow (Tuesday, February 4) at 11:30 AM for lunch, as usual.

DUNKIN' DONUTS OPENS AT BETHESDA METRO CENTER! (PHOTOS)

It's time to make the donuts! Today is the grand opening of the new Dunkin' Donuts in the Clark Building at Bethesda Metro Center, where the doors opened at 5:00 AM this morning. 

Finding the donuts shouldn't be a problem with the many helpful signs spread around the vicinity. Next up: another Dunkin' Donuts in the Norfolk-Cordell II building, scheduled to open later this month. That one will also house a Baskin Robbins, returning to Bethesda after many years. And hopefully bringing Baseball Nut as a flavor in time for Spring Training. Peanut Butter and Chocolate was my favorite of the regular 31 flavors.

BETHESDA / DC AREA SNOW FORECAST AND WEATHER REPORT

The snow forecast for Bethesda is insignificant today. Expect a mix of rain and snow between early morning and mid-afternoon. Temperatures are forecast to remain above freezing throughout the day. Clouds will give way to clear skies by 8:00 tonight, but temperatures will drop below freezing - expect them to be in the upper twenties overnight.

ST. ELMO AVE. REDUCED TO ONE LANE (PHOTO)

There is currently one lane open on St. Elmo Avenue near the Bainbridge Bethesda construction site (near Union Jack's). As you can see, construction operations are utilizing much of the roadway at the moment.

BETHESDA CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across Bethesda on January 30, according to crime data:

Theft. 5000 block Bradley Boulevard.

Theft. 5300 block Western Avenue (Mazza Gallerie area).

Vehicle burglary. 5000 block Wyandot Court (Glen Echo Heights area).

Theft. 10600 block Weymouth Street (Strathmore area).

Theft. 11100 block Cedarwood Drive (Old Georgetown Road corridor).

Theft. 5000 block Nicholson Lane (White Flint).

Theft. Westfield Montgomery Mall.

Theft. Macy's at Westfield Montgomery Mall.

DUNKIN' DONUTS GRAND OPENING AT BETHESDA METRO 5 AM MONDAY!! (PHOTO)

It's official! The new Dunkin' Donuts in the Clark Building at the Bethesda Metro Center will open its doors tomorrow (Monday, February 3, 2014) at 5:00 AM. Hot coffee, donuts, breakfast sandwiches... Commuting on Metro may be slightly better than usual as a result. Maybe?

MAGGIE'S CLOSED IN BETHESDA (PHOTO)

Just before the biggest day of the year for sports bars, Maggie's has closed at 4914 Cordell Avenue in downtown Bethesda. I noticed Maggie's had been dark for a few nights, and now it is confirmed that they have closed.

While Maggie's had not been in Bethesda that long, the location and name have a history. The restaurant space was formerly Wing Hub, and Maggie's kept a good selection of wings and sauces on the menu, to retain wing fans from the old business. But Maggie's goes back further than that. Phil Magenello opened the original Maggie's in Tenleytown, DC, in 1950. In 1964, Magenello sold the business to Joe Trilling. Maggie's closed in DC around the turn of the century. It was Joe's son, Jeff Trilling, who decided to bring back the Maggie's tradition in Bethesda.

Bethesda is a tough market, with rising rents and many sports bars to compete with. But I suspect we'll hear of another location or concept from the owner in the future. I thought the outdoor Tiki Bar was a great concept, even if things have not worked out as planned in the end.

BETHESDA CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across Bethesda on January 29:

Theft. 4500 block Middleton Lane (downtown Bethesda).

Theft. 8200 block Woodmont Avenue.

Theft. 5000 block Bradley Boulevard (Safeway/Bradley Shopping Center area).

Assault. Suburban Hospital (note: assaults that occur elsewhere are often reported to police when the victim seeks treatment at Suburban Hospital; the assaults do not necessarily occur at the hospital).

Theft. 5300 block Western Avenue (Mazza Gallerie area).

Vehicle burglary. Unit block of Wellesley Circle (Glen Echo).

NO DIVING IN THIS BETHESDA DUMPSTER (PHOTOS)

There is some activity at the recently-sold office building at 8003 Woodmont Avenue in Bethesda. It appears a cleaning out, or renovation, may be getting underway, as this dumpster has been placed out front (they have a permit to place it in the street). It will be interesting to see what happens with this building.

TYBER BIERHAUS INSTALLS AWNING (PHOTO)

Future Bethesda restaurant/bar Tyber Bierhaus has installed an awning out front. They hope to open later this month.