Forget about that little glass, this one can double as a light meal.
Interesting trivia: Mexican Shrimp Cocktail was added to the menu by CEO Todd Conger.
Try this at Uncle Julio's at Bethesda Row tonight!
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
MEXICAN SHRIMP COCKTAIL!
It's not just Shrimp Cocktail - it's Uncle Julio's Mexican Shrimp Cocktail!
BETHESDA BURGLARS RETURN TO WISCASSET ROAD
A brief streak of burglary-free days came to an end Sunday in Bethesda.
One or more burglars broke-and-entered in the 6500 block of Wiscasset Road June 10.
This is the second break-in in weeks on Wiscasset, fitting the m.o. of previous burglars during this crime wave, which began May 4. The burglar(s) in those cases - one of whom was arrested several times by Montgomery County Police - often hit the same street multiple times.
One or more burglars broke-and-entered in the 6500 block of Wiscasset Road June 10.
This is the second break-in in weeks on Wiscasset, fitting the m.o. of previous burglars during this crime wave, which began May 4. The burglar(s) in those cases - one of whom was arrested several times by Montgomery County Police - often hit the same street multiple times.
Monday, June 11, 2012
FREE SUMMER HOUSE SANDWICH WHEN YOU BUY ONE AT JETTIES BETHESDA!
The Summer House sandwich is now available for the first time at Jetties Bethesda.
Buy one, and get a second one FREE, with this coupon that expires tomorrow, June 12:
Buy one, and get a second one FREE, with this coupon that expires tomorrow, June 12:
Print this, or show it to them on your phone!
Sunday, June 10, 2012
BETHESDA THEFT RAMPAGE
While there have been few burglaries recently, thefts continue to multiply in a 35-day crime spree in west Bethesda.
On June 6 alone, one or more thieves executed a theft rampage in the Bethesda neighborhoods of Woodacres and Springfield. A whopping 9 thefts - all within blocks of each other - were reported to police that day/night, according to SpotCrime.
Not content, perpetrators boldly returned the next day, and stole twice more.
The crime wave once centered on Green Acres now appears to be shifting westward.
On June 6 alone, one or more thieves executed a theft rampage in the Bethesda neighborhoods of Woodacres and Springfield. A whopping 9 thefts - all within blocks of each other - were reported to police that day/night, according to SpotCrime.
Not content, perpetrators boldly returned the next day, and stole twice more.
The crime wave once centered on Green Acres now appears to be shifting westward.
Wednesday, June 6:
Theft from vehicle. 5600 block
of Harwick Road.
Theft from vehicle. 5900 block of Harwick Road.
Theft from vehicle. 5800 block of Wiltshire Drive.
Theft of
vehicle. 5900 block of Welborn Drive.
Theft from vehicle. 6100 block of
Welborn Drive.
Theft from vehicle. 5700 block of Ridgefield
Road.
Theft from vehicle. 5600 block of Pollard Road.
Theft from
vehicle. 5900 block of Gloster Road.
Theft from vehicle. 5900 block of
Gloster Road.
Thursday, June 7:
Theft from vehicle. 5900 block of Gloster Road.
Theft. 5700 block of
Cromwell Drive.
BETHESDA CENTRAL FARM MARKET SPECIALS
Stop by the Bethesda Central Farm Market - 9 AM to 1 PM today at Bethesda ES - for a chef demonstration by Chef Francois Dionot, of L'Academie de Cuisine!
There will be a Father's Day book-signing by author Paul Stankus.
Today is the debut of the first blueberries of 2012, from Moody Blues Farm in Baltimore County!
Plus, organic ketchup, organic lard for baking and another Boordy Vineyards Maryland wine tasting.
There will be a Father's Day book-signing by author Paul Stankus.
Today is the debut of the first blueberries of 2012, from Moody Blues Farm in Baltimore County!
Plus, organic ketchup, organic lard for baking and another Boordy Vineyards Maryland wine tasting.
Saturday, June 09, 2012
BELMONT STAKES IN BETHESDA AT MUSSEL BAR
With I'll Have Another out of the race, no horse can win the Triple Crown at today's Belmont Stakes.
But someone can still win the Triple Crown right here in downtown Bethesda - you!
Head to Mussel Bar today for their Belmont Stakes Triple Crown cocktails.
Each one commemorates a race on the road to the elusive Triple Crown.
But at $18 for all three, or $9 apiece, these drinks won't elude you for long at Mussel Bar.
Start off out of the gate like a winner, with their Kentucky Derby Mint Julep:
Then head to Charm City with a full head of steam for a Preakness Black Eyed Susan:
Finish like a Champion with the Belmont Stakes White Carnation:
Mussel Bar's White Carnation is made with vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, soda water and a splash of cream.
If you're wondering where to go for the Belmont Stakes today in Bethesda, or the DC area in general, head to Mussel Bar to claim your own Triple Crown!
Mussel Bar, 7262 Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda. (301) 215-7817.
Friday, June 08, 2012
LUKE'S LOBSTER BETHESDA ROW GRAND OPENING JUNE 14
I just received exciting news:
The grand opening of Luke's Lobster at Bethesda Row will be June 14, at 11 AM.
Just in time for lunch!
Hopefully the weather will be good for dining on their Bethesda Lane patio that day.
The grand opening of Luke's Lobster at Bethesda Row will be June 14, at 11 AM.
Just in time for lunch!
Hopefully the weather will be good for dining on their Bethesda Lane patio that day.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY BRT TASK FORCE REDEFINES "EVERYONE"
The latest talking point from the less than 20 people ramming a Bus Rapid Transit boondoggle through the Montgomery County "process," is that "everyone" will benefit.
Not just the 10% of residents who might actually ride BRT.
But the 85% who will be stuck in traffic, in longer commutes, after BRT takes existing traffic lanes away from cars along the county's busiest highways.
They will "benefit."
Bethesda residents - who won't even be able to commute via BRT, since the line dead ends in Bethesda - who pay $1000+ a year in new BRT taxes if it passes? Yep, they'll "benefit," too.
After all, as task force chair Mark Winston said, "it's not an express bus...it's not Metro, it's not light rail, it's not a bus...It is a new animal."
He forgot to add that it cures the common cold, and makes a darn good cup of coffee, to boot.
No word if Kevin Trudeau will be named BRT spokesman for the county.
Not just the 10% of residents who might actually ride BRT.
But the 85% who will be stuck in traffic, in longer commutes, after BRT takes existing traffic lanes away from cars along the county's busiest highways.
They will "benefit."
Bethesda residents - who won't even be able to commute via BRT, since the line dead ends in Bethesda - who pay $1000+ a year in new BRT taxes if it passes? Yep, they'll "benefit," too.
After all, as task force chair Mark Winston said, "it's not an express bus...it's not Metro, it's not light rail, it's not a bus...It is a new animal."
He forgot to add that it cures the common cold, and makes a darn good cup of coffee, to boot.
No word if Kevin Trudeau will be named BRT spokesman for the county.
Thursday, June 07, 2012
BETHESDA PUBLIC PARKING LOT 43 TO BE SOLD TO DEVELOPER
Just as downtown Bethesda's parking nightmare has reached its worst, Montgomery County Government is selling yet another public parking lot to a private developer.
Parking Lot 43, at 8009 Woodmont Avenue, will be sold to developer JBG and will be part of a development that will include the new Bethesda police station.
The new police station is desperately needed, but one wishes the county could have staggered the closures of so many of downtown Bethesda's parking facilities. Instead, they've sold them off to developers in one real estate land rush.
Much like Lot 31 and 31A, some parking may come with the new development, but what are downtown businesses and their patrons to do in the meantime?
Parking Lot 43, at 8009 Woodmont Avenue, will be sold to developer JBG and will be part of a development that will include the new Bethesda police station.
The new police station is desperately needed, but one wishes the county could have staggered the closures of so many of downtown Bethesda's parking facilities. Instead, they've sold them off to developers in one real estate land rush.
Much like Lot 31 and 31A, some parking may come with the new development, but what are downtown businesses and their patrons to do in the meantime?
Wednesday, June 06, 2012
VINO VOLO SELECTS TEEL CONSTRUCTION TO BUILD NEW BETHESDA ROW LOCATION
Vino Volo, an upscale wine bar opening at Bethesda Row this summer, has hired Teel Construction to develop its space.
Teel Construction has done many retail, restaurant and office spaces around the DC area. My personal favorite is Circa in Clarendon. If they were to use Circa as a starting point, Vino Volo could be a spectacular design at Bethesda Row.
Vino Volo is also in the process of obtaining its liquor license from the county. Which is kind of important when you have a wine bar!
The new Bethesda Row location is the first Vino Volo not located in an airport.
Teel Construction has done many retail, restaurant and office spaces around the DC area. My personal favorite is Circa in Clarendon. If they were to use Circa as a starting point, Vino Volo could be a spectacular design at Bethesda Row.
Vino Volo is also in the process of obtaining its liquor license from the county. Which is kind of important when you have a wine bar!
The new Bethesda Row location is the first Vino Volo not located in an airport.
Tuesday, June 05, 2012
BETHESDA THEFT SPREE CONTINUES
No rest for the thieves working neighborhoods in west Bethesda.
5 thefts were reported Saturday, according to SpotCrime.
Two were on Willard Avenue, just blocks from Green Acres, which has been the hub of the month-long burglary-theft spree.
A second theft in 48 hours in ultra-wealthy Westmoreland Hills was reported, as were hits on Marbury and Kirby Roads.
Saturday, June 2:
Theft. 5300 block of Blackistone Road.
Theft from vehicle. 7300 block of Marbury Road.
Theft from vehicle. 6000 block of Kirby Road.
Theft. 4400 block of Willard Avenue.
Theft from vehicle. 5300 block of Willard Avenue.
5 thefts were reported Saturday, according to SpotCrime.
Two were on Willard Avenue, just blocks from Green Acres, which has been the hub of the month-long burglary-theft spree.
A second theft in 48 hours in ultra-wealthy Westmoreland Hills was reported, as were hits on Marbury and Kirby Roads.
Saturday, June 2:
Theft. 5300 block of Blackistone Road.
Theft from vehicle. 7300 block of Marbury Road.
Theft from vehicle. 6000 block of Kirby Road.
Theft. 4400 block of Willard Avenue.
Theft from vehicle. 5300 block of Willard Avenue.
Monday, June 04, 2012
BETHESDA THIEF GETS BUSY
The Bethesda burglary-theft spree enters its second month, with the first June crimes being reported.
According to SpotCrime, which retrieves data from a Montgomery County Police department feed, 4 thefts occurred on June 1.
The crime wave has centered on the Green Acres neighborhood, and Friday night's thefts were all in communities adjoining that subdivision.
In Springfield, items were reportedly stolen from parallel streets. Thieves also struck Westmoreland Hills for the first time, and again in Friendship Heights.
According to SpotCrime, which retrieves data from a Montgomery County Police department feed, 4 thefts occurred on June 1.
The crime wave has centered on the Green Acres neighborhood, and Friday night's thefts were all in communities adjoining that subdivision.
In Springfield, items were reportedly stolen from parallel streets. Thieves also struck Westmoreland Hills for the first time, and again in Friendship Heights.
Friday, June 1:
Theft from vehicle. 5200 block
of Duvall Drive.
Theft from vehicle. 5600 block of Jordan
Road.
Theft from vehicle. 5600 block of Lamar Road.
Theft. 5500
block of Friendship Boulevard.
DEBUNKING ROBERT MCCARTNEY'S MONTGOMERY COUNTY BRT PROPAGANDA
The less than 20 Montgomery County officials ramming through a $2 billion boondoggle known as Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) are desperately trying to recover from last week's devastating critique by their own master planner, Larry Cole.
Enter Washington Post columnist Robert McCartney. In yesterday's Metro section, McCartney gave getting the BRT narrative back on track the old college try.
Suffice it to say, McCartney really, really likes the Emperor's new clothes. And he needs to educate the masses, who just aren't smart enough to get these things.
How biased is McCartney's piece? Check out this word cloud of McCartney's descriptions of the BRT plan:
Wow. OK. Whatever happened to the phrase, "critical thinking" or "journalistic skepticism?"
McCartney had bought in to a plan that is nothing more than pie in the sky, by and by. He doesn't need supporting data. And gosh, that's good, because the county council and transit task force sure ain't providing any!
Now let's just take McCartney's piece apart, fiction by fiction:
He tries to float a general theme that there are no beneficial transportation projects that could be built - until these super geniuses, and all-around swell folks, invented BRT.
This is complete hogwash.
The county council and planners have been well aware for decades of our unbuilt master plan highways. They have stalled construction of Midcounty Highway Extended [M-83], and the Outer Beltway for decades. And they cancelled the Rockville Freeway, Northwest Freeway, North Central Freeway and Northern Parkway - just to name a few.
In 2010, Councilmember George Leventhal said, "the Rockville Freeway is dead, the M-83 will not be built in my lifetime."
Mr. McCartney, Leventhal referred by name to just 2 of many "big-ticket transportation projects" that would "make a difference on a large scale."
He, and other councilmembers, have failed to execute the known solutions to gridlock.
So, to say BRT is "all we got," is not fooling anyone.
Second, McCartney boasts that BRT "would actually relieve some of the region's chronic congestion."
Again, patently false. In fact, by taking away existing traffic lanes, and reprogramming traffic signals, BRT will actually worsen congestion.
What will make the 85% who drive take BRT, Mr. McCartney?
His column didn't answer. It's not speed, because it takes BRT 50 minutes to go 15 miles. It's not convenience, because 95% of residents don't live on the major highways where BRT will run.
Pray tell, Mr. McCartney, what does make a person voluntarily agree to double their commuting time, by trading car for BRT? Making it mandatory, like China?
Tell us, because the BRT folks so far cannot.
McCartney's suggestion that Montgomery is falling behind Fairfax County because it doesn't have BRT is ludicrous. Have you checked the number of jobs created in both counties over the last 10 years, or 6 months? The numbers are staggering, and an indictment of the council's failure to do anything but spend money.
Worst of all, McCartney lowballs the tax you'll be charged, which for Bethesda residents will be $1000 or more per year for single family homes, and upscale condos.
Don't "applaud the county" just yet, Mr. McCartney. Failed policies and outlandish spending and taxes are their specialty. BRT is just the latest scheme.
Do your homework, and get back to your readers with fact-based, skeptical, critical thoughts on BRT, a political vanity project run wild.
Enter Washington Post columnist Robert McCartney. In yesterday's Metro section, McCartney gave getting the BRT narrative back on track the old college try.
Suffice it to say, McCartney really, really likes the Emperor's new clothes. And he needs to educate the masses, who just aren't smart enough to get these things.
How biased is McCartney's piece? Check out this word cloud of McCartney's descriptions of the BRT plan:
ambitious, big idea, jazzy (!!),
rare merit,
bold, innovative,
make a difference on a large scale,
visionary, worthy
Wow. OK. Whatever happened to the phrase, "critical thinking" or "journalistic skepticism?"
McCartney had bought in to a plan that is nothing more than pie in the sky, by and by. He doesn't need supporting data. And gosh, that's good, because the county council and transit task force sure ain't providing any!
Now let's just take McCartney's piece apart, fiction by fiction:
He tries to float a general theme that there are no beneficial transportation projects that could be built - until these super geniuses, and all-around swell folks, invented BRT.
"Everybody talks about Washington traffic, but nobody does anything about it. Despite having the region's second-longest commuting time, Montgomery has no big-ticket transportation project underway."
This is complete hogwash.
The county council and planners have been well aware for decades of our unbuilt master plan highways. They have stalled construction of Midcounty Highway Extended [M-83], and the Outer Beltway for decades. And they cancelled the Rockville Freeway, Northwest Freeway, North Central Freeway and Northern Parkway - just to name a few.
In 2010, Councilmember George Leventhal said, "the Rockville Freeway is dead, the M-83 will not be built in my lifetime."
Mr. McCartney, Leventhal referred by name to just 2 of many "big-ticket transportation projects" that would "make a difference on a large scale."
He, and other councilmembers, have failed to execute the known solutions to gridlock.
So, to say BRT is "all we got," is not fooling anyone.
Second, McCartney boasts that BRT "would actually relieve some of the region's chronic congestion."
Again, patently false. In fact, by taking away existing traffic lanes, and reprogramming traffic signals, BRT will actually worsen congestion.
What will make the 85% who drive take BRT, Mr. McCartney?
His column didn't answer. It's not speed, because it takes BRT 50 minutes to go 15 miles. It's not convenience, because 95% of residents don't live on the major highways where BRT will run.
Pray tell, Mr. McCartney, what does make a person voluntarily agree to double their commuting time, by trading car for BRT? Making it mandatory, like China?
Tell us, because the BRT folks so far cannot.
McCartney's suggestion that Montgomery is falling behind Fairfax County because it doesn't have BRT is ludicrous. Have you checked the number of jobs created in both counties over the last 10 years, or 6 months? The numbers are staggering, and an indictment of the council's failure to do anything but spend money.
Worst of all, McCartney lowballs the tax you'll be charged, which for Bethesda residents will be $1000 or more per year for single family homes, and upscale condos.
Don't "applaud the county" just yet, Mr. McCartney. Failed policies and outlandish spending and taxes are their specialty. BRT is just the latest scheme.
Do your homework, and get back to your readers with fact-based, skeptical, critical thoughts on BRT, a political vanity project run wild.
Sunday, June 03, 2012
BUSY NIGHT FOR BETHESDA BURGLAR(S)
After a few quiet days, another break-in has occurred in the Green Acres area of Bethesda. This was the second burglary on Westport Road during this burglary-theft spree that began May 4.
The burglary occurred Thursday, May 31, according to SpotCrime, which retrieves data from a Montgomery County Police feed.
A theft rampage occurred in Green Acres that night, and in the nearby neighborhoods of Sumner and Springfield.
Augusta Lane was hit twice.
The burglary occurred Thursday, May 31, according to SpotCrime, which retrieves data from a Montgomery County Police feed.
A theft rampage occurred in Green Acres that night, and in the nearby neighborhoods of Sumner and Springfield.
Augusta Lane was hit twice.
Tuesday, May 29:
Theft. 4400 block of Willard Avenue.
Thursday, May 31:
Breaking and entering, burglary. 5100 block of Westport Road.
Theft from vehicle. 5800 block of Augusta Lane.
Theft of vehicle. 5800 block of Augusta Lane.
Theft from vehicle. 5600 block
of Jordan Road.
Theft. 5000 block of Little Falls Drive.
COLOMBIA VS. PERU: THE PARVA IS THE PLACE TO BE IN BETHESDA
Where to watch the big game today in Bethesda - Colombia vs. Peru?
At The Parva! Especially if Colombia is your team, but they'll have appetizers and adult beverages for both sides!
Watch the game on the big screens, and enjoy $6 empanadas and $8 picadas.
When the game ends, it's time celebrar - with a victory party that will go until 1:30 AM!
$4 cervezas. Colombian Aguardiente or Pisco, your choice: $5.
The legendary Parva Colombian Mojitos and Pisco Sours will provide the perfect cocktails to go with the game!
Cost to enter will be $5.
At The Parva! Especially if Colombia is your team, but they'll have appetizers and adult beverages for both sides!
Watch the game on the big screens, and enjoy $6 empanadas and $8 picadas.
When the game ends, it's time celebrar - with a victory party that will go until 1:30 AM!
$4 cervezas. Colombian Aguardiente or Pisco, your choice: $5.
The legendary Parva Colombian Mojitos and Pisco Sours will provide the perfect cocktails to go with the game!
Cost to enter will be $5.
The Parva, 7904 Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda.
TAKE YOUR BETHESDA CENTRAL FARM MARKET BAG WITH YOU THIS SUMMER AND WIN!
It's Sunday morning, and that means its time for the Bethesda Central Farm Market at Bethesda ES, from 9 AM to 1 PM.
You now have one more reason to come out to the market:
The "Where in the World is Your Little Red Bag?" Contest is underway!
Pick up your FREE Little Red Central Farm Market Bag at the Pelican Kitchen and Bath tent.
Take your bag with you this summer, and photograph it in interesting or unusual locations here and abroad. Then upload your photo, and BCFM Facebook fans will choose a winner in each of 2 categories.
For all the details, and to enter, CLICK HERE!
The first Garlic Scapes are here.
Another Buy 4, Get 1 FREE special on ground beef from Walnut Hills Farm.
Heirloom Soups has 2 summer vegetable soups with fresh herbs.
A Boordy Vineyards Maryland wine tasting.
Also, Infusion Hot Sauce Company!
Live music by The Nick Mendez and Ted Bazil Duo.
You now have one more reason to come out to the market:
The "Where in the World is Your Little Red Bag?" Contest is underway!
Pick up your FREE Little Red Central Farm Market Bag at the Pelican Kitchen and Bath tent.
Take your bag with you this summer, and photograph it in interesting or unusual locations here and abroad. Then upload your photo, and BCFM Facebook fans will choose a winner in each of 2 categories.
For all the details, and to enter, CLICK HERE!
What's going on at today's market?
The first Garlic Scapes are here.
Another Buy 4, Get 1 FREE special on ground beef from Walnut Hills Farm.
Heirloom Soups has 2 summer vegetable soups with fresh herbs.
A Boordy Vineyards Maryland wine tasting.
Also, Infusion Hot Sauce Company!
Live music by The Nick Mendez and Ted Bazil Duo.
Saturday, June 02, 2012
FIASCO! NEW BETHESDA POST OFFICE HAS NO PARKING FOR POSTAL CUSTOMERS!!!
WARNING:
POSTAL CUSTOMERS
COULD BE TOWED AWAY!
Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive!!!
Ashton Kutcher is apparently now Postmaster General, folks.
Remember my expose months back about the nutty location choice of 6900 Wisconsin Avenue for Bethesda's new Post Office?
And how I pointed out the small lot, without enough spaces for USPS customers?
It just got worse.
Turns out, you can't even park in that lot! Despite USPS claims to the media that "parking would be available," there is currently zero parking available for post office customers.
Bethesda Chevy Chase Services Center Director Ken Hartman is alerting Bethesda residents to the fact that they may find their cars towed away, if they park in the building's adjacent lot. He urges you to park at the Staples/CVS garage, and walk over. Definitely good advice.
This revelation has turned a terrible location choice into a complete fiasco.
A post office. With no parking.
Is this going to be in the late night monologues, or what?
This is an absolute disgrace. A wealthy city like Bethesda has a completely inaccessible Post Office. Why have a post office at all, at this rate?
The new site should have been centrally located, in a walkable area with parking nearby.
Apparently, the USPS did not even do due diligence in securing parking for its customers.
And local politicians didn't even review the basic details, or notice what a crazy location it was.
Now, suddenly, Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D) "has learned of this situation and is working with the US Postal Service to come up with a solution."
What were these guys doing when the decisions were being made?
Are they going to pay the towing charges for innocent customers?
All this because elected officials put the developers first, instead of their constituents.
Embarrassing.
ARCLIGHT CINEMAS TO OPEN 16 SCREEN LUXURY THEATER IN BETHESDA AT MONTGOMERY MALL!!
CHAIN'S FIRST LOCATION OUTSIDE OF
CALIFORNIA TO DIRECTLY CHALLENGE
PIKE AND ROSE iPic THEATER ON
PROGRAMMING, AMENITIES AND PRICE
Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive!!!
Bethesda cinephiles are the winners as a second, premium West Coast theater chain has chosen our town - out of all in America - to expand.
Highly successful ArcLight Cinemas has 4 theaters in Southern California. They have announced that their 5th location will not be in California, but right here in Bethesda, at Westfield Montgomery Mall!
The mall's new 16-screen ArcLight Theater will open in 2014, with construction beginning next spring.
ArcLight and Westfield Montgomery are positioning themselves to squarely challenge the future Pike and Rose iPic theaterplex for the hearts and wallets of Bethesdans who desire - and are willing to pay for - an upscale cinema experience.
Like iPic, ArcLight will offer reserved seating, gourmet food and alcohol.
And like its primary competitor, ArcLight's tickets will be more expensive than the standard multiplex.
So what other advantages will ArcLight bring to the Battle of the Megaplexes?
ArcLight's programming, for starters. Its 16 screens will show not only the latest blockbusters, but also independent films like Bethesda Row Cinema, and even some classic movies.
ArcLight also offers special family events. In California right now, ArcLight is offering Sweet Summer screenings of family films like Pixar's Brave, which include a free "sweet treat" like S'mores or cotton candy, and themed activities.
Art exhibits and Q&A sessions with actors and directors will appeal to the true film buff.
No commercials!! Are you sick and tired of the lame commercials playing before the movie? Commercials begone! says ArcLight.
They'll have special 21+ screenings.
The ArcLight membership program will entitle you to special events, private screenings and advance ticket sales.
What about the food?
Here are some selections:
Crab Cakes with spicy remoulade sauce
Red Potato with sour cream and Tobiko caviar
(caviar - in a movie theater!)
BBQ Swedish Meatball
Lamb Lollipops with tarragon sauce
Beef Empanadas with cilantro creme fraiche
Red Velvet Cake
7-layer Carrot Cake
...and those are just a few that got my attention!
The biggest advantage ArcLight has is its location. It is right on an interstate off-ramp, and slightly closer to downtown Bethesda than White Flint.
Who will win this battle?
Ultimately, the winner is the Bethesda moviegoer, when at least 3 premium theater chains (the third being at nearby Rock Spring) square off for your movie dollar.
At ArcLight Bethesda, your champagne wishes and caviar dreams may just come true!
Friday, June 01, 2012
FREE DONUT TODAY AT DUNKIN' DONUTS BETHESDA ROW WITH ANY BEVERAGE PURCHASE!!
Just purchase a beverage of your choice, and enjoy a free Dunkin' Donut.
COUNTY PLANNER: "PUBLIC BEARS ALL OF THAT COST" FOR BUSES "NO ONE IS GOING TO USE" WITH BRT PLAN
The week had been going so well for the less than 20 supporters of the Montgomery County BRT Rapid Transit Vehicle (RTV) plan.
Just this Wednesday, a Gazette column ostensibly dedicated to the frustrations of driving in Montgomery County, Bumper to Bumper, was dedicated to BRT supporters' noble quest for "an alternative."
While revealing how ponderous mass transit can be, and not identifying the specific routes he took - so readers could double check if he really took the fastest bus and subway routes - the author ultimately did not explain how BRT would help him. No planned route would travel directly from Takoma Park to Germantown. And it's no wonder he could not provide specific time savings. As I proved here on this blog, BRT can be as slow or slower than current bus or car options. Would you pay $1000+ a year in new taxes for that?
How refreshing, then, to discover the first remotely objective mainstream media report on BRT, in today's Washington Examiner.
Rachel Baye's article quotes Montgomery County Master Planner Larry Cole as saying the population density is insufficient to support BRT, and won't be dense enough for at least another 30 years.
As I have been pleading with county residents to understand on this blog for months, Cole says the proposed system and financing is such that "the public bears all of that cost."
And that $2 billion question I've been asking: "Where is the evidence we'll have the ridership?"
Cole's remarks support my skeptical position: "You don't want to build something no one is going to use," Cole warned.
Wow. Does that sound optimistic to you?
Scrambling to defend the pet project of less than 20 county officials, most unelected by the public, Councilmember Marc Elrich only further weakened their straw-grasping case.
Elrich referred to commutes from Glenmont to the west of the county as a major problem. "This is about moving the people from where they live to where they work."
Unfortunately, only a small minority of commuters are heading to Rockville or Gaithersburg during rush hour.
And even for those commuters, better and cheaper options than BRT exist. They include current automobile and bus routes, in some cases, and the ICC.
The unbuilt Rockville Freeway would be the best option for Glenmont residents. For well under $1 billion in construction cost, the Rockville Freeway would carry Glenmont drivers and bus riders at 55 MPH from the Georgia Avenue interchange to Veirs Mill Road and 355. At a fraction of the cost, the Rockville Freeway would move more commuters per day than the entire BRT system!
Elrich's second example was Connecticut Avenue between East-West Highway and the Beltway. First of all, any Connecticut Avenue driver can tell you the backups go way further north than that.
But here's the real reason we have backups there: Unbuilt highways.
The Rockville Freeway, Northwest Freeway, North Central Freeway and Northern Parkway were all planned decades ago to prevent just the gridlock we now have along the 355 and 189 corridors.
Not to mention that county planners warned politicians during the 70s that the Rockville Freeway and a widened Metropolitan Avenue connection to the North Central Freeway were required to support just the growth they were then approving in the Kensington area.
What we need is not a BRT boondoggle, but to build our master plan highways.
Now let's find out if Cole is forced to "walk back" his absolutely devastating, honest and frank comments on Montgomery County BRT. Very inconvenient truth, at a critical time.
Just this Wednesday, a Gazette column ostensibly dedicated to the frustrations of driving in Montgomery County, Bumper to Bumper, was dedicated to BRT supporters' noble quest for "an alternative."
While revealing how ponderous mass transit can be, and not identifying the specific routes he took - so readers could double check if he really took the fastest bus and subway routes - the author ultimately did not explain how BRT would help him. No planned route would travel directly from Takoma Park to Germantown. And it's no wonder he could not provide specific time savings. As I proved here on this blog, BRT can be as slow or slower than current bus or car options. Would you pay $1000+ a year in new taxes for that?
How refreshing, then, to discover the first remotely objective mainstream media report on BRT, in today's Washington Examiner.
Rachel Baye's article quotes Montgomery County Master Planner Larry Cole as saying the population density is insufficient to support BRT, and won't be dense enough for at least another 30 years.
As I have been pleading with county residents to understand on this blog for months, Cole says the proposed system and financing is such that "the public bears all of that cost."
And that $2 billion question I've been asking: "Where is the evidence we'll have the ridership?"
Cole's remarks support my skeptical position: "You don't want to build something no one is going to use," Cole warned.
Wow. Does that sound optimistic to you?
Scrambling to defend the pet project of less than 20 county officials, most unelected by the public, Councilmember Marc Elrich only further weakened their straw-grasping case.
Elrich referred to commutes from Glenmont to the west of the county as a major problem. "This is about moving the people from where they live to where they work."
Unfortunately, only a small minority of commuters are heading to Rockville or Gaithersburg during rush hour.
And even for those commuters, better and cheaper options than BRT exist. They include current automobile and bus routes, in some cases, and the ICC.
The unbuilt Rockville Freeway would be the best option for Glenmont residents. For well under $1 billion in construction cost, the Rockville Freeway would carry Glenmont drivers and bus riders at 55 MPH from the Georgia Avenue interchange to Veirs Mill Road and 355. At a fraction of the cost, the Rockville Freeway would move more commuters per day than the entire BRT system!
Elrich's second example was Connecticut Avenue between East-West Highway and the Beltway. First of all, any Connecticut Avenue driver can tell you the backups go way further north than that.
But here's the real reason we have backups there: Unbuilt highways.
The Rockville Freeway, Northwest Freeway, North Central Freeway and Northern Parkway were all planned decades ago to prevent just the gridlock we now have along the 355 and 189 corridors.
Not to mention that county planners warned politicians during the 70s that the Rockville Freeway and a widened Metropolitan Avenue connection to the North Central Freeway were required to support just the growth they were then approving in the Kensington area.
What we need is not a BRT boondoggle, but to build our master plan highways.
Now let's find out if Cole is forced to "walk back" his absolutely devastating, honest and frank comments on Montgomery County BRT. Very inconvenient truth, at a critical time.
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