CITY BURGER BETHESDA CONSTRUCTION UPDATE (PHOTOS)

Construction continues on the interior of the future City Burger, a gourmet burger restaurant at 7015 Wisconsin Avenue, in downtown Bethesda. City Burger is the latest addition to the burgeoning mini-empire of restaurants by chef Michael Harr, which include the popular Food, Wine & Co., and Fish Taco.

BETHESDA CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across Bethesda on April 9, according to crime data:

Drug arrest. Shepherd Street at Connecticut Avenue (Chevy Chase Section 3).

Theft. 8900 block Bradmoor Drive (near North Bethesda MS).

Vehicle theft. 10400 block Grosvenor Place.

Theft. 7100 block Democracy Boulevard.

Theft. Westfield Montgomery Mall.

Theft. Home Depot, 7111 Westlake Terrace.

MONTGOMERY'S GOT TALENT RETURNS TO BETHESDA MAY 18

The 2nd annual Montgomery's Got Talent show will be held at the Bethesda Blues and Jazz Supper Club from 1:00-4:00 PM on Sunday, May 18, 2014. Senior citizens from across Montgomery County will compete as singers, dancers, comedians, or with whatever other skills and talents they bring to this annual event, which recognizes Older Americans Month.

You can order tickets online now. Montgomery's Got Talent is co-sponsored by the Montgomery County Recreation Department's senior programs, the county Department of Health and Human Services, the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County, Inspired Event Productions and Haba Entertainment Group.

Bethesda Blues and Jazz

Supper Club

7719 Wisconsin Avenue

SIGNS INSTALLED AT &PIZZA IN DOWNTOWN BETHESDA (PHOTOS)

The future Bethesda location of &pizza installed signage yesterday at 7614 Old Georgetown Road. Now we await the grand opening of this DC chain, with arguably the most understated website in the history of pizza. Well, at least we know what the hours are going to be. They'll be open fairly late - 11:00 PM Sunday-Thursday, and midnight on Friday and Saturday.

4 VEHICLE BREAK-INS IN DOWNTOWN BETHESDA, 2 GARRETT PARK BURGLARIES - CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across Bethesda on April 8, according to crime data:

Vehicle burglary. 4700 block Montgomery Lane.

Vehicle theft. Woodmont Avenue at Hampden Lane.

Vehicle burglary. 8200 block Woodmont Avenue.

Vehicle theft. 4300 block Rosedale Avenue.

Vehicle theft. 5300 block Baltimore Avenue (Orchardale subdivision, River Road corridor).

Vehicle burglary. Beach Drive at Cedar Lane.

Burglary. 10500 block Grove Ridge Place (Grosvenor).

Burglary. 4600 block Oxford Street (Garrett Park).

Burglary. 10800 block Clermont Avenue (Garrett Park).

Vehicle burglary. 5700 block Marinelli Road (White Flint).

WIN TAYLOR SWIFT'S AUTOGRAPHED SHOES AT NORDSTROM THIS SATURDAY IN BETHESDA (PHOTO)

Whether you are a fan of Taylor Swift, or of Keds, you will want to be at Nordstrom this Saturday, April 12, at Westfield Montgomery Mall. Nordstrom presents the Keds Taylor Swift Collection from 1-4 PM, in the BP shoe department on Level 1.

Enter the contest to win a pair autographed by Taylor herself, get a mini-makeover at the braid and beauty bar, and enjoy a photo booth and live DJ.

WHITE FLINT MALL SOCIAL MEDIA GOES DARK - IS THIS THE END? (PHOTO)

Is the final closure of White Flint Mall at hand?

The Dark Side of White Flint, Part 26

Welcome to The Dark Side of White Flint, an ongoing series about the not-so-wonnerful, wonnerful, wonnerful side of urbanizing the suburbs of Montgomery County.

First it was announced this week that the White Flint Mall U.S. Post Office would close this Saturday, April 12. Then we learned Ted Lerner's own brother, Leonard Lerner, filed suit against the mall's management and ownership to stop the mall's demolition, saying it violates the terms of the 1975 partnership agreement (in which Leonard holds a 2% stake, according to the Washington Business Journal). And I'm backing Leonard on this, just as I support Lord & Taylor and Dave and Buster's efforts to stop the demolition.

Now it gets really weird. Check out this screenshot:

Here's the screen I got
when loading the official
White Flint Mall website
last night

Yesterday, the White Flint Mall website disappeared. And, as best as I can tell, so did their Facebook page. A mall Twitter account remains online, but has not tweeted since 2011 (and only tweeted 12 times when it was operational).

Does this mean the mall is about to shutter for good?

There is conflicting evidence. Note that the Friends of White Flint article mentions the USPS had to vacate, because "demolition planned for their mall space prevents them from staying any longer." That is a very significant statement.

But last night, I called Dave and Buster's and P.F. Chang's, the two remaining restaurant tenants. Employees who answered said both restaurants would be open today, and this weekend, as usual. Since the USPS is open this Saturday, too, that may well be the case.

What about beyond this weekend? Remember when Hamburger Hamlet employees insisted they were not closing, hours before the entire contents of the restaurant were due to auctioned off?

Stay tuned!

Read more in this series:

Part 26: The final hours of Mid-Pike Plaza.
Part 1: White Flint Mall Phase 1 demolition photos.

2 BURGLARIES ON EAST-WEST HWY, VEHICLE BREAK-IN AT YMCA - BETHESDA CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across Bethesda on April 7, according to crime data:

Theft. 7600 block Old Georgetown Road (downtown Bethesda).

Vehicle burglary. 7900 block Wisconsin Avenue (downtown Bethesda).

Burglary. 4500 block East-West Highway.

Burglary. 4300 block East-West Highway.

Theft. 4300 block East-West Highway.

Assault. 5400 block Wisconsin Avenue (Friendship Heights).

Vehicle burglary. YMCA, 9401 Old Georgetown Road.

Theft. Walt Whitman High School.

Theft. 5300 block Tuckerman Lane (near Meridian at Grosvenor Station).

Theft. Lord and Taylor at White Flint Mall.

Vehicle burglary. 11400 block Rockville Pike (White Flint).

MCDONALD'S PEACHES AND CREAM PIE REVIEW (VIDEO)

McDonald's has just added another limited-time-only item to the menu - the McDonald's Peaches and Cream Pie. The Bethesda McDonald's on River Road is one of the first franchises nationwide to offer the pie.

True to its name, the pie features diced peaches and cream filling, inside a buttery, golden brown crust. How does it taste? Let's find out in this YouTube World Premiere review of the Peaches and Cream Pie.

NEWEST BETHESDA CAPITAL BIKESHARE STATION OPENS; LATEST BETHESDA STATION STATS (PHOTOS)

Bethesda's newest Capital Bikeshare station has opened on River Road at Landy Lane, adjacent to the Capital Crescent Trail. This establishes a bike link between the commercial area of River Road and downtown Bethesda via the trail. As expected, bikes located at stations near the trail are used for recreational and exercise purposes. It would not be surprising if an additional CaBi station were added on Westbard Avenue in the future, as part of the Equity One redevelopment of the Westwood Complex.

Chart: Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row

WHICH BETHESDA CaBi STATION IS MOST-USED?

In other Bethesda Capital Bikeshare news, there are some new numbers on Bethesda station usage. Surprisingly, Friendship Heights beats all of the Bethesda CaBi stations in ridership. Not surprisingly, the Bethesda Metro Center station at Montgomery Lane, and the Bethesda Row station, are the most-used stations within downtown Bethesda. Based on the numbers, it looks like one of the most popular trips is from the Metro Center over to Bethesda Row. And vice-versa.

Lined up and ready to go

One is already in use

If you can't tell, lighting
is pretty abysmal at
 the station

Welcome to the Self Storage
Capital of the World, thanks
to the MoCo
"Planning" Department

BLACKFINN CLOSURE WREAKS HAVOC ON BETHESDA EVENT PLANNERS (PHOTOS)

The unexpected closure of BlackFinn has inconvenienced more than those seeking a Bud Light after work in downtown Bethesda. With its large space and convenient location, BlackFinn was a prime spot for events, fundraisers, and parties. When the doors locked for good, event planners found themselves scrambling.

It seems Brickside Food and Drink, a new bar 2 blocks down Norfolk at 4866 Cordell Avenue, has been the primary beneficiary. While an unaware few are approaching the locked doors of BlackFinn, many signs are being posted by event planners on those doors. And most of those events - planned prior to the sudden closure - have been shifted over to Brickside. At least one event, Cocktails and Connections (pictured above), was canceled.

While this has been a major inconvenience, fortunately there are other venues in town which have event space to accommodate future functions.

To Brickside we go!

BETHESDA CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across Bethesda on April 6, according to crime data:

Vehicle burglary. 7300 block Wisconsin Avenue (downtown Bethesda).

Assault. Suburban Hospital.

Theft. 5200 block Oakland Road (Kenwood).

Theft. 9800 block Fernwood Road (near Inglemere Drive).

Theft. Westfield Montgomery Mall.

11800 block Old Georgetown Road (east of MD 355).

NAVA HEALTH AND VITALITY CENTER OPENING IN FRIENDSHIP HEIGHTS (PHOTOS)

Nava Health and Vitality Center is coming soon to 5 Wisconsin Circle, right by the Friendship Heights Metro station. Nava combines Western and Eastern medical and health practices, and offers a variety of alternative therapies. Ailments treated by Nava include anxiety, pain, insomnia and fatigue. They also offer weight loss and nutrition programs.

The leadership team at Nava combines physicians with credentialed experts in therapeutic fields, such as chiropractic medicine, diet and nutrition, acupuncture and massage therapy. Medical Director Dr. Douglas Lord brings 40 years of experience practicing Obstetrics and Gynecology, and as an innovator of family-centered obstetrics in the DC area. Lord and Medical Advisor Mark Sivieri, M.D. both found themselves seeking answers from alternative medicine during their professional careers. Their research has led to what they refer to as the "proprietary Nava Method," which all Nava staff are trained in. Beyond acupuncture and chiropractic treatment, other alternative therapies offered at Nava include hyperbaric oxygen therapy and hormone optimization.

The Nava Method pursues the goal of optimal wellness at all stages of life, emphasizing cures over medication. It breaks up treatment into separate stages: Consultation, Collaboration (among the experts on staff), Action (based on your Custom Vitality Plan), Reassessment, and Support. The plan may also include a nutrition program. Visit their website for more information.

While the Nava approach may not be for everyone, a new health option is coming to Friendship Heights. Nava has plans to expand to a Rockville location in the near future.

BAINBRIDGE BETHESDA RELEASES FIRST FLOORPLANS FOR LUXURY APARTMENTS (PHOTOS)

Bainbridge has released several floorplans for units in the future Bainbridge Bethesda luxury apartment tower, in the final stages of construction at 4918 St. Elmo Avenue. There are a variety of configurations, ranging from studios to multiple 2-bedroom variations. Some have no balcony, while others have small balconies or larger terraces.

Here are a few samples (click images to enlarge for detail):

2 bedroom, with large
balcony and home office

Studio apartment

One bedroom, no balcony

Renderings courtesy of Bainbridge
Top photo: Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row

TESLA SUPERCHARGER STATION OPEN IN BETHESDA (PHOTOS)

The revolutionary Tesla Supercharger station is now open at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. Already, Tesla owners are making use of the facility to recharge their vehicles while shopping and dining. When I stopped by yesterday, two Tesla Model S sedans were getting juiced up at the station, which is located in the garage outside of Nordstrom. 

This Supercharger station is less imposing than some of the outdoor facilities, such as the one pictured when I broke the story about it back in January. But while it doesn't have the massive canopy overhead (and, being within the garage, not needing it), the approximate number of vehicle spaces is the same. The location is fairly close to the Nordstrom entrance, rather than being banished to a far corner.

Remember, the charge is free for Tesla owners, another perk of this cutting-edge vehicle.

BETHESDA CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across Bethesda on April 5, according to crime data:

Liquor arrest. Woodmont Avenue at Edgemoor Lane.

Disorderly conduct. Rock Bottom, 7900 Norfolk Avenue.

Disorderly conduct. 7400 block Wisconsin Avenue (near Montgomery Lane).

Burglary. 4500 block East-West Highway (downtown Bethesda).

Theft. 5300 block Westbard Circle.

Theft. 6300 block Tone Drive (Bannockburn).

Vehicle burglary. 5500 block Security Lane (White Flint).

Theft. 11600 block Nebel Street (White Flint).

Theft. Westfield Montgomery Mall.

Vehicle burglary. 5700 block Marinelli Road (White Flint).

TOUGH TEMPLE CROSSFIT OPENING APRIL 19 IN BETHESDA (PHOTOS)

Tough Temple Crossfit, a crosstraining fitness center at 4907 Rugby Avenue, is having a grand opening Saturday, April 19. One of several gyms that has either opened recently, or is in the works, TTC is in sync with the latest trend of exercises that incorporate a greater range of body motions. But it also adds another unique component - nutrition. Power Supply has contracted with TTC to deliver custom meals designed for the individual client.

There are 3 skill levels at TTC, from beginner to expert, and a variety of price packages. You can also sign up for a Barbell Club, if lifting is your main thing.

Owner and head trainer John Weeks is a Certified Personal Trainer, with 25 years of martial arts experience. Weeks has studied a diverse array of fitness modalities through the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

Doors will open at 10 AM on April 19. If you sign up by the end of that day, you will get two free months in a yearly membership. Check out their website for more details.

Photos: Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row
h/t Megan Molloy (@nygirlindc)

EUROMOTORCARS VOLVO OPENING IN BETHESDA (PHOTOS)

The safest cars from Sweden are coming to 7106 Woodmont Avenue in downtown Bethesda. EuroMotorcars Volvo is taking over the old Bentley/Rolls Royce dealership on Woodmont, near Wisconsin Avenue. Volvos have always been popular cars in Bethesda, but they won't be confused with Bentleys or Rolls Royce anytime soon. There was that car in The Saint, though...

Rolls Royce Parking Only.
You know you're in Bethesda
when...

DUNKIN' DONUTS/BASKIN ROBBINS GRAND OPENING EVENT APRIL 12 IN BETHESDA (PHOTOS)

You're invited to a grand opening event this Saturday, April 12, at the new Dunkin' Donuts/Baskin Robbins store at 4905 Cordell Avenue. The family-friendly celebration will include specials and store products, face painting, a clown, clowns, a balloonist, and a live broadcast by DC 101.

You've also got a chance to win some nifty prizes, too.

Be one of the first 100 people in line, and you'll get a Dunkin' Donuts gift card that will entitle you to a free coffee weekly for a year. And they will be raffling off more gift cards, and an iPad Mini, throughout the event.

The event will be from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM this Saturday. A ribbon cutting is being held at 10:00 AM this morning (right now).

Now, here are some photos from the new store, which is now open:

CALYPSO ST. BARTH OPENING AT BETHESDA ROW

Exclusive!

Calypso St. Barth, the upscale women's resortwear and furniture boutique, is coming to Bethesda Row. The store will open in the current Dunkin' Donuts space at 4810 Bethesda Avenue. Dunkin' Donuts was already expected to leave Bethesda Row this summer, when its lease ends. The only question was, what will take its place? And now you know.

The chain just opened a Georgetown location in the District two months ago. Calypso St. Barth features its own line of apparel, as well as select pieces from other high-end brands. True to its name, Calypso St. Barth did begin its life with a boutique in... Calypso St. Barth.

Sophisticated yet casual, Calypso St. Barth's upscale take on boho vagabond style evokes the romance of travel and island escapes - aspirational selling points for those who may not necessarily be able to afford such international adventures.

You can still wear the clothes, and outfit your living space, when they open at Bethesda Row. That includes art, lighting, and even notebooks.

Image courtesy Calypso St. Barth