LAST BETHESDA

CENTRAL FARM

MARKET AT

BETHESDA ROW -

EVER!

Popular Farmers Market Moves to

Bethesda ES Parking Lot April 1

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive!!!

Today's Bethesda Central Farm Market in the Elm Street parking lot from 9-12:30 will be the last ever at Bethesda Row.

Boo!

Not to worry, however: Next Sunday, April 1, the BCFM will move to its new weekly location, the ample parking lot of Bethesda Elementary School. For out-of-towners, Bethesda ES is located at the corner of Arlington Road and Wilson Lane. Vehicles can enter from Arlington Road. In addition, you can ride the Bethesda Circulator over that way.

The main reason for the move, is that Woodmont Avenue - between Bethesda and Miller Avenues - will be closing for a couple of years, starting in about two months. This closure is necessary for the construction of two new mixed-use buildings on soon-to-be-former public Parking Lots 31 and 31A.

Engineers with the Montgomery County Department of Transportation have advised that traffic will be more congested than ever in the Bethesda Row area. Traffic patterns will change, and drivers will be frantically searching for parking spaces in the vicinity. Because the BCFM is in a parking lot, and also generates its own traffic, the decision was made to move to Bethesda ES, to better accomodate the safety of pedestrians, drivers and cyclists around Bethesda Row on Sunday mornings.

Two other benefits, are that parking will be free and easy at the new site, and there will be plenty of room to add new vendors, entertainment and activities as BCFM continues to grow in popularity.

Obviously, this is an inconvenience and disappointment for those who live in Upstairs at Bethesda Row or The Seasons. But it is not that far to walk, and the weather is now great for walking.

In addition, the new site is - true to the market's name - more centrally located. So in addition to the easy walk from Bethesda Row or the neighborhood behind Giant and the Bethesda Library, more folks who live in "Old Town" Bethesda (Triangle Towers, 8200, Whitehall, The Palisades, Bethesda Place, Fairmont Plaza, Lionsgate, etc. - just to name a few!) will be able to walk over and enjoy the market.

The location is changing next week, but it will be the same market as always, so the new spot will be old hat before you know it.

**P.S. The market needs 5 volunteers on Sunday, April 1, to man (or woman) the old Elm St. location and direct patrons to the new Bethesda ES site. Volunteers will receive a $25 BCFM gift certificate! To volunteer, email Mitch at berlinermp@aol.com.

CAN YOU SCORE

KATE MIDDLETON'S

JEANS SHOPPING AT

BETHESDA ROW?

YES, YOU CAN!

Is there a bigger style icon in the world than Kate Middleton?

Are you one of those women who follows Kate's sartorial tour de force as she travels the globe?

Luna boutique on Woodmont Avenue at Bethesda Row wants you to know that you won't have to travel the world to find this exact pair of jeans Kate wore while counseling a fellow enduring a severe Fashion Emergency in London recently.

That's because Luna carries them.

SLOTS IN

MONTGOMERY COUNTY?

Montgomery May Soon Be Last

County in MD without a Casino

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive!!!

If you own the Arundel Mills Casino, you're having a bad weekend.

First, Prince Georges County announced plans to open a casino with more slots than a Vegas parlor.

Friday, multiple media outlets reported that Charles County wants a piece of the action. State lawmakers are quickly and quietly moving on legislation to allow the southern Maryland county to open a casino.

Here's the best part: it is located less than one foot from Virginia soil.

If you're not aware, starting at the low tide mark on the shore in Colonial Beach, Virginia, Maryland has jurisdiction over the waters of the Potomac River.

During the 1950s, several casinos operated on piers at Colonial Beach until the gambling was outlawed. On those perches over the water, they were technically in Charles County.

One such casino remained after the golden age ended. I happen to be very familiar with Colonial Beach, and I can tell you this place used to be called The Reno.

Today, it is known as "The Riverboat on the Potomac," and Virginia company Blueridge Ventures is asking for a license to add 1200 slot machines. It estimates these machines would raise $46.5 million annually for the state of Maryland.

The proposal would require the consent of Maryland voters on the 2012 ballot. We now know that Maryland voters will approve just about anything they are told to approve, given that those same "anti-casino" voters handily approved slots a few years ago.

So this legislation is near certain to pass. It should be especially appealing to Maryland politicians and voters, because Maryland gets all the revenue, while Virginia mops up any resulting crime or social problems.

At the same time, I can also tell you from experience, that Colonial Beach has been experiencing hard times tourism-wise since slots left town in the late 50s. Obviously, that was before my time, but the last nice stuff was crumbling away through the 80s and 90s.

So they'll be glad for the influx of gamblers. And the world doesn't seem to end in the many Canadian towns that host casinos. But it does pose a challenge to destinations that want to be known as "family-friendly."

It's funny that just a few weeks ago, I was raising the question of whether a casino would ever open in Montgomery County. The idea seems impossible now. But, as I mentioned, look what happened in Prince Georges County. Much like statewide opinion polls showed, Prince Georges overwhelmingly opposed slots when Gov. Bob Ehrlich proposed legalizing them. And Gov. O'Malley said slots were "morally bankrupt."

About a year later, O'Malley was the biggest backer of one-armed bandits on the East Coast. Ike Leggett and several councilmembers urged Montgomery's delegation in Annapolis to vote for slots - and most did.

And Prince Georges County? A recent poll showed a very slim majority of residents now support slots.

I mention these facts for your consideration, to realize just how quickly political machines in Maryland and local counties can flip-flop on a hot potato issue as contentious as slots.

And how quickly they can use the media to change public opinion.

National Harbor developer Peterson Cos. is supporting that massive casino, which would be located at that site. Peterson is now part of a smaller development here in Bethesda, called Rock Spring. It has been said that hotels at National Harbor and in Ocean City were pre-configured for slots, even though no official plans existed for such casinos at the time.

With casinos popping up in every large county in the state, politicians ready to flip-flop overnight, and county and state spending increasing rather than downsizing...

...how much longer will it be before someone asks for a casino license in Montgomery County?

You have to wonder. I'm predicting it now. Write that down, and tell me if I'm right in a few years.

What do you think about a casino (or more than one) opening in Burtonsville or Bethesda? Impossible? Terrible idea? "Brilliant, I'll be there every weekend?"

The news from Charles and Prince Georges County suggests the time to think about the issue is now.

BETHESDA / NW DC

CRIME WAVE UPDATE

Park Bethesda Ski Mask Gang

Still at Large

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive!!!

Another week without an armed robbery has passed, and the Montgomery County Police official crime report contains no incidents related to the 3 armed, ski mask robbers who struck in the Park Bethesda parking lot January 19.

Let's check the unofficial SpotCrime report for any incidents that might relate to the Ski Mask Gang or a similar group:

Robbery, 4400 block of Reservoir Rd., NW, DC, 3/18/12

Assault, 7900 block of Woodmont Ave., Bethesda, 3/19/12

Assault, Bethesda Metro Center, 3/17/12

Assault, 9600 block of Forest Rd., Bethesda, 3/19/12

Assault, 5800 block of Conway Rd., Bethesda, 3/16/12

None of these sound like the ski mask trio. Police continue stepped up patrols in the Westbard area. It seems that the ski mask folks are laying low indefinitely. Meanwhile, Capital Properties maintained its reduced lighting policy in the Westwood Shopping Center parking lot, which reduces safety for patrons at night. Except for a short return of the lights two weeks ago, large portions of the lot have been pitch black at night for more than a month.

BETHESDA ROW

PARKING LOTS

NOW CLOSING

APRIL 10

But What Grocery Store Will

End Up in The Darcy?

Remember I said to be skeptical about the last announcement of a closure date for Bethesda Avenue lots 31 and 31A?

Well, you were ready then for the latest delay. Yes, they've moved it (again) from April 1 to April 10.

And 60 days later, Woodmont Avenue will close between Bethesda and Miller Avenues.

I'm wondering just what the parking impact will be. The new electronic signs at the Elm Street Bethesda Avenue garages claim there are between 100-something and 400 spaces available during the evening rush hour/dinner time.

Are those all dining/shopping-suitable spaces? And with 279 spaces being lost, you can tell that 150 spaces in the garage won't cut it. Some people refuse to park in a garage, and some of those folks may be gone for good.

The future replacement parking will be all garage.

The Darcy is one of the two buildings going up on the site, and there are new questions about what grocery store it will have onsite.

Rumors last fall suggested that Harris Teeter would come to Bethesda Row. I seconded that prediction based on the comments of a real estate veteran, and the fact that the same developer snagged Harris Teeter for a building it opened in the District.

But talk of Harris Teeter coming to the (disappointing) Trillium replacement project at Wisconsin and Battery Lane, starts the debate anew.

Can there be two Harris Teeters that close, just as Safeway has two downtown Bethesda stores? It's certainly possible. Will the developer turn to another chain (alas, fellow Wegmans fans, there isn't enough room on the ground floor for Rochester's finest grocery store - unless they give them two floors!)?

Or will the promised grocery concierge simply go down the block to the Bethesda Row Giant?

Stay tuned!

HUNGER GAMES

BETHESDA

PREMIERE WILL

HELP

"STOP KONY"

Westfield Montgomery Mall Pairs

Movie Excitement with a Cause

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive!!!

Hunger Games fans will be able to enjoy the movie, and boost a cause, at tonight's Westfield Montgomery Mall Theater premiere.

A thought-provoking book series and film - with themes of socioeconomic inequity and violence involving young people - lends itself well to the real-life human castastrophes in Africa today.

Westfield is offering a special premiere package for $20, a portion of which will go to the Invisible Children organization. The package includes one Hunger Games ticket, a medium popcorn, and a soda.

Here is tonight's schedule:

6:00-7:15 Music, "mingling and munchies." Meet the Invisible Children "roadies," and learn more about their organization.

7:30 PM Screening of "Kony 2012"

8:00 PM Hunger Games

You don't have to donate or watch "Kony 2012," however. Simply buy an ordinary ticket and enter at 8:00 for the movie. (Of course, if you're like me, and hate coming in late when all the good seats are taken, you're probably going to have to sit through Kony!).

There are always other theaters. But if the Hunger Games has inspired you to become more involved in politics, charitable causes and the local and world community, Westfield is offering a great opportunity to take action tonight, even as you enjoy this long-awaited film.

Obviously, this screening could sell out, so take my advice and get your tickets early today at http://www.themoviesat.com or at the Montgomery Mall theater box office. Call the theater directly at 301-469-5180 anytime today if you have questions.

Until next time, save us the aisle seats.

The Movies at Montgomery Mall, 7101 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda

FREE ITALIAN WINE

TASTING TODAY

IN BETHESDA

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive!!!

More Italian wines to try in downtown Bethesda - the great news is that these are different from the ones poured at Cesco last night. So even if you tried the 10 wines at Cesco, these are two you didn't.

The best news? This tasting is FREE!!

Capital Beer and Wine will offer samples of two Italian wines today from 5:30-7:30 PM.

The first is a Ca'Stella Pinot Grigio, from Friuli in northeast Italy. CBW says it "has light, slightly tart fruit flavors of lemons and peaches," and pairs well with linguini and clams or chicken with mustard sauce.

Second is a red, Montaribaldi's Dolcetto D'Alba "Vagnona," from Italy's northwest Piedmont region. Its low acidity and "rich flavors of ripe red raspberries" make it an ideal companion for beef, sausage, pasta or stews.

Stop by today for the free tasting, or any day for more great wine advice at Capital Beer and Wine.

7903 Norfolk Avenue, Bethesda. 301-656-8855.

PUPARAZZI WILL

BE HOUNDING

YOUR DOG AT

BETHESDA ROW

Katharine McPhee has one. Carrie Underwood has two. Even Eddie Van Halen has one. Yes, every celebrity seems to be carrying around a little dog these days. Can you strut your mutt like those stars?

Of course you can! And this Saturday from 11-2 on Bethesda Lane at Bethesda Row, you can help the Washington Humane Society in the process.

For a $25 donation to WHS, your pet will receive a 10 minute photo session, and one digital photo from the shoot to take home. Behind the camera will be Stephen Bobb of Fidojournalism.

Is your dog ready for his or her close-up? Find out Saturday at Bethesda Row! To reserve a time slot in advance, go to http://puparazzi.checkappointments.com and sign up.

BOWLMOR GOES

VINTAGE WITH

NEW SIGNS

Westbard Bowling Alley Plays Up

Retro Theme with Revamped Entrance

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive!!!

Check out the new signs on the front entrance of Bowlmor in Bethesda. The individual bulb design is a throwback to classic American signs of the 50s. What do you think about them?

These are the type of signs you might have found at motels, bars, bowling alleys or in Vegas during the 50s-70s. Although I wonder how Westland parents feel about having a "Bar and Grill" sign so close to the school? I suppose one reason they added that sign was to let people know that it isn't just a bowling alley, and that you can order cocktails and dinner even if you don't bowl.

Of course, the Westbard area continues to lack a family-oriented, sit-down restaurant. The last was Farrell's, which sadly closed in the mid-80s. Today, Farrell's is better known as Anglo Dutch Pool and Toys, which took over the space in the Westwood Shopping Center.

I used to play arcade games, bowl and eat hot dogs at this classic bowling alley when it was Bowl America. The building is a landmark, and I'm glad the interim owner, Strike Bethesda, was able to keep it standing and operational as a bowling alley. I do miss Bowl America, though.

While the overall vibe of the new entrance signs is retro, Bowlmor features upscale food by celebrity chef David Burke.

They also have special events like Sunday Funday, Sundays from 8:00 to close. Games are only $4 and shoe rentals $2.

Bowlmor is great for dates, groups or corporate/office events (which are a specialty for them).

Call 301-652-0955 for more information about planning events.

ITALIAN WINE

TASTING TONIGHT

IN

BETHESDA

Cesco Osteria, the new Italian restaurant and nightspot on Woodmont Avenue, is offering a special $20 tasting of Italian wines tonight, 6:30-8:00 PM.

Walk-ins are welcome!

Try 10 Italian wines, including the three "Killer Bs:" single-vineyard Barolos, traditional and modern Brunellos and Piedmont Barbarescos.

You'll also enjoy hors d'ouevres, included in the price.

Ladies, stick around the rest of the evening in Cesco's CO2 Lounge, because it's Ladies Night.

So, if you've been wanting to try some new wines without breaking the bank, tonight's the night at Cesco.

7401 Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda. 301-654-8333. 21+

THE BULL

IS BACK IN

BETHESDA!

Mechanical Bull Returns to Union Jack's

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive!!!

The mechanical bull is back at Union Jack's Bethesda, tonight at 8 PM!!!

Union Jack's bets you can't stay on for 8 seconds - them there's fightin' words, pardner! Are you up to the challenge?

Take the bull by the horns, or just enjoy the entertainment as your fellow humans try to. But everyone will enjoy 50-cent wings, and $2-off all craft and specialty beers all night.

Union Jack's, 4915 St. Elmo Avenue.

MCDONALD'S

STRAWBERRY & CREME

PIE AND STRAWBERRY

MILKSHAKE:

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO

REVIEW!

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive!!!

McDonald's just introduced two new items yesterday: the Strawberry & Creme Pie, and the Strawberry Milkshake.

This limited edition pie is the first two-filling pie in McDonald's history. And the Strawberry Milkshake returns after a hiatus, new and improved. The milkshake is made with real fruit, not just flavoring.

How do they taste?

Click here for my exclusive video review of both!

Try these new treats today at both Bethesda McDonald's locations. And don't forget to follow me on Twitter at @BethesdaRow to find out what's going on in Bethesda 24/7!

FREDDY'S LOBSTER'S

NEW

(OCEAN)FRONT DESIGN

New England-Style Seafood Restaurant

Gets Closer to the Beach in Bethesda

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive!!!

Regular customers or passersby at Bethesda's Freddy's Lobster and Clams have likely noticed the work being done out in front of the Cordell Avenue restaurant.

Freddy's' "extreme makeover" appears to be just about finished, and here are photos of the result. In addition to being an upgrade of the original, the redesign would be at home on any famous Atlantic boardwalk. If you turned around 180 degrees, you would expect the beach and the ocean to be behind you. Who knows, maybe Freddy's will one day follow Mussel Bar to Atlantic City (or, preferably, Ocean City!).

But for now, the only place in the world to enjoy Freddy's lobster rolls, one-day-a-week fried chicken special, and stupendous beer list is right here in Bethesda! Now, if they can just replace the sidewalk with a boardwalk...

Freddy's Lobster and Clams, 4867 Cordell Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814

EVA LONGORIA'S

BETHESDA ROW

BIRTHDAY (CAKE)

Not-so-"Desperate" Actress and Activist

Celebrates Birthday in DC with Help from

Elm Street's Fancy Cakes by Leslie

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive!!!

Activist and actress Eva Longoria was in Washington this week, and her birthday just happened to fall during her trip.

Rather than cancel her trip - which included her appearance as a national co-chair of President Barack Obama's reelection campaign - Longoria celebrated here in DC, at the swanky W Hotel near the White House.

And the birthday cake?

Her cake was custom-ordered from Fancy Cakes by Leslie, right here at Bethesda Row on Elm Street.

To see the cake yourself, click here

As you would expect for a star who sets flashbulbs ablaze on red carpets, and has fashionistas envying her latest wardrobe change, the cake design was anything but ordinary.

Longoria's busy schedule includes a repeat turn as executive producer and host of the Alma Awards this year.

Hopefully, next time around, she'll stop by the boutiques and restaurants of Bethesda Row.

After all, her role as an activist brings her often to Washington. And her official gig with the Obama campaign means she must be pretty tight with Michelle Obama, who has visited Bethesda Row several times.

That's right: an Eva/Michelle ladies' night at Bethesda Row, and our Commander-in-Chief finally stopping by Kraze Burger to try The Matiz burger.

Sounds like an Alma Awards weekend plan for Longoria, who might just want to stop by Fancy Cakes by Leslie for some baked goods to go.

THE FRONT ROW

AT

BETHESDA ROW

2012 PREVIEW

Project Runway on Bethesda Lane for

Year 4 of DC's Biggest Fashion Event

It's official: The Front Row at Bethesda Row 2012 will be the biggest yet!

Mark your calendar for May 17-19 for the biggest fashion event in the DC area.

This year's VIP guest will be Andy Cohen of Project Runway, The Rachel Zoe Project, Top Design and The Real Housewives of...

He'll be signing his book, "Most Talkative," and be front and center for the Bethesda Lane fashion show on May 18.

The movie at Bethesda Row Cinema this year will be an exclusive screening of "God Save My Shoes," and it will include a live Q&A with producer Thierry Daher.

And, of course, more sales and fashion events at the boutiques of Bethesda Row than ever before.

Stay tuned for more details, and follow me at @BethesdaRow on Twitter.

EASTER BUNNY

COMING TO

BETHESDA

SATURDAY

The Easter Bunny will be making exclusive appearances at Westfield Montgomery Mall, starting this Saturday, March 24.

Mr. Bunny will be holding court near Macy's on the lower level to pose for photos from 11-2 and 3-5 and 7-9, Monday-Saturday, and 11-2 and 3-6 on Sundays through Saturday, April 7.

What does he do during the off hours? According to Westfield, his contract calls for "carrot breaks."

JULIE ZETLIN

BRINGING

HEAVY METAL

BACK TO

BETHESDA

Bethesda Rhythmic Gymnast Brings

Pacific Rim Gold Haul to 3

Bethesda's Julie Zetlin is on a winning streak ahead of her trip to the 2012 London Olympics. Zetlin followed up Friday's All-Around gold medal with two more Saturday, at the Kellogg's Pacific Rim Championships.

The previous Pan American champion took first place in Ball (25.300) and Ribbon (25.250). Zetlin's performances suggest she has recovered from her injuries last year, and bode well for her prospects against formidable competition in London this summer.

BETHESDA'S

JULIE ZETLIN

WINS GOLD

AT KELLOGG'S

PACIFIC RIM

CHAMPIONSHIPS

2012 Olympian Taking Home Medal for

All-Around Victory, More Events Today

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive!!!

In a warm-up for the 2012 London Olympics, Bethesda's Julie Zetlin bested the rhythmic gymnastics field in the All-Around event yesterday at the Kellogg's Pacific Rim Championships in Everett, Washington.

Zetlin took the gold with a total score of 99.900.

Her event scores were:

Clubs 23.150

Hoop 25.950

Ribbon 25.100

Ball 25.700

Competition continues today at 6 PM EDT, with individual events. NBC will broadcast highlights of yesterday's events from 1-3 PM this afternoon. If you get the "rainbow package" on cable, it's possible you might find live coverage tonight at 6 on one of NBC's digital channels (or on your digital broadcast TV (4.2, 4.3, etc.).

BETHESDA / NW DC

CRIME WAVE

UPDATE

No New Armed Robberies to Report,

Capital Properties Takes

Westwood Shopping Center

Back to Dark Ages

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive!!!

The Jan. 19 Park Bethesda armed, masked trio is still at large. No armed robberies fitting the gang's method of operation have been reported.

Let's examine any other crimes within the group's operating area, which centers on the Western Avenue border between Maryland and the District. Specifically, assaults, robberies and auto thefts. This trio clearly has utilized vehicles, given the distance of the Park Bethesda from the nearest Metro station. Criminals in this situation could make use of stolen cars, and switch them as necessary.

Assault, 5100 block of Dalecarlia Place, Bethesda, 3/13/2012 (SpotCrime)

Assault, 7359 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, 3/13/2012 (SpotCrime)

Robbery, 2800 block of New Mexico Avenue, NW, DC, 3/13/2012 (SpotCrime)

Assault, 4900 block of Fairmont Avenue, Bethesda, 3/11/2012 (SpotCrime)

Assault, 4900 block of Fairmont Avenue, Bethesda, 3/10/2012 (SpotCrime)

Robbery, 4800 block of Nebraska Avenue, NW, DC, 3/9/2012 (SpotCrime)

The only notable incident reported by the Montgomery County Police was a theft of vehicle at Macarthur Blvd. and Brickyard Rd., outside of the Park Bethesda robbers' area of activity.

In other news, Capital Properties bizarrely has turned off the lights in one-third of the parking area at the Westwood Shopping Center. Apparently, they think the community is not intelligent enough to realize the lights are off. Once again, it is a dark and dangerous trip to the grocery and drug stores for residents of Park Bethesda and Westbard Mews, who walk across the darkened area of the lot.

After Friendship Heights retailers agreed to leave on more exterior lighting, and Pepco replaced some faulty streetlights, it is beyond embarrassing for Capital Properties to decrease public safety in the Westbard area by extinguishing lights that have been lit at night for decades.

The lights have been off three nights, as of Thursday night. Lighting remains on in parking areas directly in front of stores in the shopping center, as it did during the three week blackout that ended eight days ago.

Now that the lights are out again, nearby residents are wondering what Capital Properties' message is to the neighborhood, even as the developer hopes to win community support for redevelopment of the Westbard sector. Not a great way to go about winning support!

ST. PATRICK'S DAY

IN

BETHESDA

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive!!!

St. Patrick's Day falls on a Saturday this year, and that means it will be an even bigger party than usual.

Unfortunately, we don't yet have a St. Patrick's Day parade in downtown Bethesda. I'm hoping that will change some year soon. Redwood showed that things like this can actually be done when they - finally - brought Oktoberfest to Bethesda, for the first time in the town's modern history. If you didn't attend, it was held right here at Bethesda Row on Bethesda Lane. Maybe one day we can have a real St. Patrick's Day parade, like every other town in America! Okay, let me get down off of the community soapbox.

Now to turn to the celebrations that are available around town this weekend:

McDonald's - The Shamrock Shake is the official non-alcoholic beverage of St. Patrick's Day. This new and improved Irish treat not only tastes better than ever, but comes with whipped cream and a cherry on top! Available at East West Highway and River Road locations.

Dunkin' Donuts - Another special for the whole family is the Lucky Mint Donut. This limited-time glazed chocolate donut with chocolate icing is sprinkled with mint bark. Get yours today at Dunkin' Donuts at Bethesda Row, on Bethesda Avenue.

Flanagan's Harp & Fiddle - Where else to start your St. Patrick's revelry than the successor to Dennis Walsh's original Flanagan's Irish Pub: Flanagan's Harp & Fiddle on Cordell Avenue! Flanagan's has secured a place in Bethesda history, and you can secure your place for a traditional Irish breakfast Saturday, starting at 8 AM. But that's just the beginning. Stand clear for the live Irish bands, Irish dancers and bagpiper. Catch your choice of live European rugby or NCAA tournament games on the big screens. Enter the Sexy Leprechaun Contest. Win prizes! Enjoy giveaways! If you know how serious Flanagan's is about giving you a real Irish experience every day in downtown Bethesda, you won't be surprised that they're going all out for the biggest Irish-American holiday of the year.

Ri-Ra - The other obvious choice is Ri-Ra on Elm Street. The Irish pub will have live bands from 11 AM - 1:30 AM Saturday. Kids are welcome for facepainting, balloon artists and Irish dancers. All proceeds go to Bethesda Cares, which keeps your donations right here in our community, to help the less fortunate. Imagine helping others while enjoying St. Patrick's festivities - now that's in the spirit of the day. Naturally, you'll find a nice pint of Guinness here. And you can cast your vote in their Bully vs. Bacon contest, by choosing your favorite: Bully Corned Beef and Cabbage or traditional Irish Bacon and Cabbage.

Freddy's Lobster - Do they have Leprechauns in Maine? If what Freddy's Lobster and Clams have in store for Saturday is any indication, the answer is an authoritative, "YES!" Stop by this popular Cordell Avenue restaurant all day for the usual favorites, plus these St. Patrick's Day specials: Irish Salmon Stew, Irish Lobster Rolls, and Green Whoopie Pies! Order a mug of Frederick's own Flying Dog Lucky SOB Irish Red Ale, brewed with real four leaf clovers. How can you beat that? Oh, and did I mention they're having FREE giveaways of prizes all day and all night? Sounds like Freddy's is another must-visit spot this Saturday!

Union Jack's - FREE breakfast buffet!! 8-10 AM. It doesn't get any better than that, folks! $1 Killian 8 AM-5 PM. From 5 PM to close, enjoy $3 Killian, $3 Lucky Charm shooters, $4 Jameson Irish Whiskey, and half-price car bombs. One other unique draw at Bethesda's British pub: a chance to win a FREE Caribbean vacation! Less unique: they're also having a Sexy Leprechaun contest. And, like Freddy's, they've also tapped Flying Dog Lucky SOB Irish Red Ale. St. Patrick's Day at a British pub? Yes - just don't tell an Irish person you did it. St. Elmo Avenue.

The Parva - The South Beach-inspired restaurant and lounge is one place in Bethesda that is advertising a St. Patrick's Day must - GREEN BEER. $3 Green Beer to be exact. So much Green Beer that they're celebrating with specials both Friday (5-10 PM) and Saturday (6-10 PM): $3 Green Beer, $2 shots and $4 cocktails. Special note: WEAR GREEN and get extra shots! You have to love the ad copy The Parva sent out - in all caps -"LET'S PARTY LIKE IRISH DO - DRINK DRINK, PARTY PARTY!!!!!!!!" Never be subtle when directness will do.

Caddies on Cordell - Caddies is part of the breakfast club in Bethesda, offering "Kegs and Eggs" starting at 10 AM. They'll also fire up the Bloody Mary Bar. Other specials include $6.50 Frozen Green-Ritas, $4 16 oz. green aluminum Bud Light, $6 Green Bulls, $5.50 Red Bull Bombs, $6.50 Car Bombs. No Sexy Leprechauns, but they promise a visit by the Jameson Girls, bearing shots and Jameson swag.

BlackFinn Bethesda - Breakfast here, too. "Kegs and Eggs." Now where have I heard that before? 10 AM. Giveaways and drink specials all day and night. They also have the magic words: Green Beer! Norfolk and Fairmont Avenues.

CESCO Osteria - The newest spot on the list, the Woodmont Avenue Italian restaurant and lounge in the Newlands Building adjacent to Metro, is saluting the Irish from 11 AM - 2 AM Saturday. Enjoy the these bar specials and Irish music: $5 pints of Guiness/Harp/Black and Tan, $5 Jameson shots, $5 Bailey's and cream, $7 Car Bombs, $5 select drafts including Fat Tire and Peroni, and $6 Svedka/Bacardi/Jose Cuervo/Johnny Walker Red/Jim Beam drinks. Select appetizers will be $6, also. CESCO is the only place offering you a Sunday morning recovery program: Bloody Marys and gourmet breakfast pizzas.

Well, lads and lassies, that concludes this ultimate 2012 Bethesda St. Patrick's Day list. Plan ahead, and you may be able to hit every place on the list. Each one offers something, so take advantage of everything.

Slan go foill! Go n-eiri do thuras leat!