SNEAK PREVIEW OF NEW BETHESDA CALIFORNIA TORTILLA (PHOTOS)

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

Here's an exclusive sneak preview of the interior of the new California Tortilla restaurant in downtown Bethesda:

This sun suspended from the ceiling is
the centerpiece of the room; check out
those high-quality chairs - with cushions!

An appropriately avocado green wall color

George Kovacs light fixtures - swanky!

BETHESDA'S VETERANS PARK IN VIOLATION OF U.S. FLAG CODE AGAIN

FLAG, MEMORIAL

FALL INTO

DARKNESS AGAIN

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

The display of the U.S. flag in downtown Bethesda's Veterans Park is again in violation of federal law, which requires that flags flown at night be illuminated.

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Last night - and by my recollection, other recent nights - the flag was flying in total darkness.  You may remember that the flag, and memorial to Bethesda-Chevy Chase veterans killed in action over the last century, had been unlit at night this year until I pointed this out publicly. Within a week, lighting was restored.

This is how it's supposed to be done
July 2012

Once the lights were back on, I reported that many people were now stopping at the memorial, and reading the inscription to themselves or their children.  In other words, Veterans Park was again serving its original purpose - preserving the memories of community members who made the ultimate sacrifice, for the cause of freedom.

Beyond that, the park has been more active and welcoming at night with the lights on.  Active and inviting public spaces are a major part of the successful urban environment in Bethesda and elsewhere.  Why shouldn't this park be all that it can be?

With that context, I am perplexed as to why the park has gone dark again recently.  If a bulb has burnt out, or wiring has failed, the flag must then be lowered at night, and raised again in the morning.  But if the lights are working, they must be on every night.

This isn't just my advice as a onetime Bethesda Cub Scout.  It just happens to be the law.

U.S. Code, Title 4, Section 6a, to be precise:

"It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset...However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness."

Oops.

As you can see in the photo, this was not the case last night.

Perhaps some feel this is not a big deal.  I do realize that when the weather turns colder, the fountain turns off for the winter.  But the flag and memorial should remain lit year-round.

This is just a matter of respect, and civic pride, if nothing else.  What if an Iraq War veteran - now a traveling businessman - is staying at the Doubletree Hotel, and takes a walk down Woodmont at night?  Upon reaching the park, he finds the veterans memorial and flag in darkness.  Is that the message we want visitors to take away from Bethesda?

It's flat out embarrassing, and I hope most people reading this feel the same.

And in the case of the flag, it just happens to be against the law.

Time to turn the lights on.  Again.

BETHESDA NEIGHBORHOODS JOLTED BY THEFT SPREE

6 THEFTS THURSDAY

INCLUDED 3 IN

1 BLOCK

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

Fast-fingered thieves opened car doors across west Bethesda Thursday, as 5 thefts from vehicles were reported, as well as one other theft.

Particularly hard hit was the 6100 block of Cromwell Drive, where three cars were hit by one or more thieves.

Cars were also entered in the 4800 block of Willett Parkway, and the 6100 block of Ramsgate Road.  The latter street connects to Cromwell, so those thefts are very likely connected.

An additional theft was reported in the 4900 block of Sentinel Drive, a street with several apartment and condominium complexes by the Shops at Sumner Place.

There have been a few scattered thefts in Bannockburn and Glen Echo Heights over the last week or so, but Thursday's spree was a bit more unusual.  I haven't heard of any arrests in these cases, so assume the thieves are still out there, and lock your car doors at all times.

REDWOOD OKTOBERFEST PHOTO GALLERY 2012

TRADER JOE'S PEANUT BUTTER RECALLED AFTER "FAST-MOVING OUTBREAK" OF SALMONELLA

Peanut butter sold at the downtown Bethesda Trader Joe's is being recalled, after a "fast-moving" salmonella outbreak linked to the product has sickened 29 people in 18 states.

Jars of Trader Joe's Creamy Salted Valencia Peanut Butter (SKU 97111) may be returned to the Bethesda store for a refund.

RELIC NIGHTCLUB MOVES OUT - EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS

The final words in the final chapter of troubled Bethesda nightspot Relic were written this week.  After losing its liquor license, and then its home to foreclosure and auction, the club appears to be vacating the premises.

Despite its unpopularity with police and county officials, the club did have a loyal following.  Whenever I pass by that building on Fairmont Avenue, there is almost always someone just discovering that Relic is closed.  Relic will be most remembered for being the first in Bethesda history to offer bottle service and VIP tables.  BlackFinn and The Parva soon followed, and still offer that on specific nights (for example, Thursdays at BlackFinn, and, usually, weekend nights at The Parva).

I'm still holding out hope - albeit a futile one, given our county's rudderless "leadership" - that Bethesda will eventually get a pretentious, Las Vegas-style nightclub.  Complete with rope lines, bottle service, swanky surroundings, and C-list celebrity guest hosts.  Bethesda wallets can afford it, but the question is, will anyone build it?

GRAND REOPENING OF WESTBARD GIANT IN BETHESDA - WIN FREE GROCERIES FOR A MONTH!

The best Giant in Bethesda - and possibly, anywhere - is celebrating its Grand Reopening at the Westwood Shopping Center, on Westbard Avenue.

You could win FREE groceries for a month, by playing the in-store treasure hunt game today and Sunday, between noon and 5:00 PM.  It partly involves collecting a rubber stamp from each location where free food samples are being given away.  Yesterday, it was not necessary to even take the sample - such as sliced tomatoes and cheese - because you stamp your own "treasure map."  At the end, you find out if you are the winner.  Alas, it just wasn't my day.  But today could be yours!

There are other prizes, too, including free reusable bags and free bags of Giant brand products.

If you're a regular reader here, you've already seen my exclusive preview of the Westbard Giant's colossal new organic section.  But other changes include the relocation of the Flower Shop to a spot near the entrance, and - regrettably - reduced space for books and toys.  The freezer aisles have changed the location of TV dinner brands, but pizzas, Hot Pockets, etc., are still about or exactly the same, depending on the product.

I'm biased, because this is the Giant store I grew up going to.  But it's still the best, in my opinion.  This makeover was less drastic than the last, which was only about 5 years ago, if I recall correctly.  Today's design is quite different from the older store, which had glass all across the front by the checkouts.

Stop by and check out the new Giant on Westbard Avenue, and it could be worth your while this weekend.

LILLY PINK PALM BETHESDA ROW OKTOBERFEST SALE THIS SATURDAY

Lilly Pulitzer fans have one more reason to head to Bethesda Row during Redwood's Oktoberfest celebration this Saturday:  OKTOBERFEST SALE!

Did you miss out on items from Lilly's Spring and Summer collections?

Colleen romper

Your patience has paid off - literally; remaining stock of those lines will be 50-75% off!

Ferra dress

Spend $100 (and that won't be hard for you to do, right?), and you'll get a FREE Pink Palm mystery gift.

Fall collection

So drop the BF or husband off for beer on Bethesda Lane, and hurry into The Pink Palm between 10 AM and 8 PM this Saturday during Oktoberfest.

BETHESDA CRANE WEEK: LIFE OF A CRANE OPERATOR

Bethesda Crane Week continues!  Wednesday, you learned crane signals.  But what about the brave men and women who climb into the clouds and operate these machines?

It's not a lifestyle for the faint of heart!

Up on these rigs, even getting lunch is a major operation.  And there's no elevator ride to the top, either.

Experience the crane operator's non-operating challenges vicariously, in these exclusive photos:

In this close-up, you can see the ladders leading
up to the crane rig.  That's Triangle Towers in
the background

Click to enlarge this, and you'll see an
intrepid crane man making the climb

The day is over, but the crane men can't carry
their lunch coolers down; they're lowered down

A long way down!

"Hope I screwed that Thermos lid on tight!"

"Don't drop my egg salad!"

In case you doubted those were really lunch coolers

MY FIRST BETHESDA APARTMENT - A YOUNG PERSON'S WEEKLY GUIDE TO APARTMENT HUNTING IN BETHESDA, MD - BETHESDA APARTMENTS, RENTALS

Welcome to the fifth installment of My First Bethesda Apartment:  a weekly, urban guide to the intimidating task of apartment hunting in Bethesda, and scoring and furnishing your dream pad once you find it.

BETHESDA APARTMENTS

OF THE

WEEK

1 BR/1 BA  THE CHRISTOPHER (Click for listing) - $1750 a month

Once again, the rate is a bit steep, but not too bad if you have a roommate to pay half.  The tradeoff is a luxury building right by the Bethesda Metro Station.  Utilities are extra, but parking, storage and water are included in the rent.  Please note that the move-in date is not until December 1.  Lots of amenities, in a modern building, and location, location, location!

PRIVATE SUITE IN BROOKMONT HOME (Click for listing) - $1100 a month

Although I am usually directing you to the best units in the best downtown Bethesda buildings, this suite in a private home is worth considering if a) you work near the Sangamore Intelligence Campus, Georgetown, American University, Sibley Hospital or on the Red Line (Ride On bus to Friendship Heights passes by the home); b) price is more important to you than the excitement of downtown living.

This house is within walking distance of the Shops at Sumner Place shopping center, with a great CVS, a Safeway, Bethesda Market (opening soon), Praline French bakery and restaurant, Passion Fin sushi bar, and a Starbucks.

Obviously, you'd want to do a thorough inspection, but $1100 a month is a very good price in Bethesda.

=[]=

SPLURGE OR FAKE IT

Spend lavishly, or just make everyone think you did!

Let's consider another basic piece of furniture that everyone has - the coffee table.  There's nothing wrong with the traditional wood coffee table, but maybe you want something a bit more contemporary.

SPLURGE

Skye Indigo coffee table from Crate and Barrel - $319

FAKE IT

Wall Street coffee table - $149.09

Both of these have similar lines and designs, but faking it will save you about $180 this week.  Nothing says "living large" like Wall Street, right?  Gordon Gekko would approve, and so will your wallet.

FIRST-TIME RENTER

TIP OF THE WEEK

Security.  An unsafe apartment isn't worth any amount of money.  When apartment hunting, do your own security audit of the building, and the particular unit.  Do doors and windows lock securely?  Do blinds or curtains give you privacy when you want it?  Is the garage or parking lot secure?  How easy is it to gain access to the building?  Is the front desk manned?  Is that "man" on duty 24 hours a day?  Can you have a dog?

Have a great weekend, and hurry out to check out these apartments before they're gone.  I believe that every Apartment of the Week I've featured so far, has been leased by the end of the weekend.  Let me know if this guide helps you to find the apartment of your dreams, in the Richest Town in America!

CAMPING OUT AT BETHESDA ROW APPLE STORE - IN LINE FOR iPhone 5 [PHOTOS]

BETHESDA LINE

PALES AGAINST NYC

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

While New York's iPhone fanatics waited outside every night for the last week, ahead of today's iPhone release, Bethesda Row's Apple sidewalk was dead, dead, dead.

You may be forced to relinquish your Hipster Cards, Bethesda, should Forbes and the other "Top 10 Towns for ________" curators get wind of this Apple Apostasy.

Fortunately, by last night at 7 PM, a contingent of 6 brave souls had stepped forward to save us from an international embarrassment.  Yes, 6 people who realized that blankety-blank percent of life is just showing up, finally showed up.  As the hours passed, more joined them, to spend the night in the warm glow of the Apple logo, with promises of nothing more than a few slices of pizza.  Maybe.

If it seemed that there were more reporters asking questions than actual iPhone buyers in line, well, it wasn't just your night-before giddiness getting the best of you.  That Mix 107.3 van out front?  Uh, actually, they were across the street for the dog event on Bethesda Lane at Redwood.  Arf!

Personally, I think the new iPhone is a worthy competitor that does get trumped in several categories by the Samsung Galaxy S III.  There should be a good turnout throughout the morning, but it's too late to put the genie back in the bottle:  the fact is, the excitement level just wasn't there.  We know that, because the live bodies weren't there lined up all week outside the store.

iPhone 5 is anything but a failure.  But the response here in Bethesda is a warning to Apple:  the quality is there, but the magic is gone.  What's needed in an iPhone 6, is a feature, a concept, a revolution that brings the magic back.  What that is, has never been up to us, the consumer; Steve Jobs gave us products and features we never imagined or thought we needed.  The problem now is that Steve Jobs is gone.  Let's face it, the Google Glass presentation blew away any of the post-Jobs Apple product reveals.

Jobs/Apple fans like me will always have a nostalgia and affinity for the brand.  But it takes more than that to excite the masses.

After finding 6 people outside the Apple Store T-minus 12 hours before iPhone 5, I do know what Apple needs to address.  "Help Wanted:  Visionary."

WRITERS ON THE ROW: BETHESDA ROW'S BLOCKBUSTER BOOK AND AUTHOR EVENT, OCTOBER 11-14, 2012

SAVE THE DATE FOR

4 DAYS OF FOOD, FASHION,

FAME AND... BOOKS!

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

Bethesda Row is playing host to one of the best book festivals in the area this October 11-14:  Writers on The Row.

Unlike some book fairs, you've likely heard of most or all of the authors appearing at this one.  And with this being Bethesda Row, expect food and fashion events to be a part of the celebration.

Are you a fan of Pardon the Interruption on ESPN, Pregnant in Heels on Bravo, or True Blood on Showtime?  How about Georgetown Cupcake?

Then you definitely don't want to miss this blockbuster event!

Here's a rundown of the events scheduled so far:

Thursday, October 11

Michael Wilbon of the aforementioned PTI will be at Equinox from 7-9 PM, to discuss The Best American Sports Writing 2012.

True Blood fans, however, will be on Bethesda Lane to meet Karen Sommer Shalett, co-author of True Blood:  Eats, Drinks, and Bites from Bon Temps.

Friday, October 12

Rosie Pope, star of Pregnant in Heels, will appear on Bethesda Lane with her upcoming book, pregnancy guide Mommy IQ, from 6-8 PM.

Saturday, October 13

Meet Cheryl and Peter Barnes, authors of Woodrow for President, from 2-4 PM on Bethesda Lane.

Actor/comedian/author Richard Belzer will be on Bethesda Lane (is that a movie plot in itself, or what?) from 4-6 PM.  I think I remember this guy from the short-lived but classic superhero series, The Flash - but most know him from slightly-trendier, mainstream shows.  His book, Dead Wrong:  Straight Facts on the Country's Most Controversial Cover-Ups is definitely a daring choice for Bethesda.  This is a government town, where conspiracy theories are not usually warmly received.  That will definitely be an interesting 2 hours.  Is Bethesda ready for "the truth?"

Sunday, October 14

Bethesda Row favorites Katherine Kallinis Berman and Sophie Kallinis LaMontagne of Georgetown Cupcake will be on the Lane from 1-3 PM.  They'll be talking about the book that's likely to be one of the most popular holiday gifts this year, Sweet Celebrations:  Our Favorite Cupcake Recipes, Memories, and Decorating Secrets that Add Sparkle to Any Occasion.

From 3-5 PM, they'll be followed by Maz Rauber and Amy Reingold, who wrote the novel Capital Girls under the nom de plume (hey, it's Bethesda Row, and I'm speaking French) Ella Monroe.  Now becoming a series of books, Capital Girls takes Gossip Girl and Pretty Little Liars to Washington, D.C.  If that sounds interesting to you, you know where you'll be that afternoon.

Stay tuned for more details as the event gets closer, but it's quite an impressive lineup Federal Realty has assembled for such a new event.

THE PSYCHIC OF BETHESDA

"YOU'RE A SAGITTARIUS?

YEAH, I KNEW THAT."

Perhaps, like me, you've noticed the neon signs glowing above St. Elmo Avenue.  A hand and a phone number bookend a simple ad message:  Psychic of Bethesda, Spiritual Healer.

We've got a regular Kenny Kingston on our hands here!

But where and how does one reach this all-knowing oracle?  It's time we found out!

What's your sign?

To reach the psychic, you have to
enter the building's main door at
7805 Old Georgetown Road

You mean, I have to make an appointment?
What if I need immediate spiritual healing?

Who knows what awaits at the top of
these stairs?  Of course, a psychic would know

WOODMONT PEDESTRIAN DETOUR CLOSED - BETHESDA ROW CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

The Woodmont Avenue pedestrian detour I wrote about last week  has been permanently sealed off now by Clark Construction, according to Jane Mahaffie of Stonebridge Associates.

Mahaffie says the closure took place Monday, September 10.  I cannot dispute that, because I did not physically go up to the path every day last week.  However, I did check it every night from the Barnes and Noble corner to see if lighting had been added, just not close enough to see that it had been fenced off.  The idea that civilians would somehow just know - through ESP? - that the pathway would close at a later date, is naivete on the developer's half at best.  You can't blame citizens, if you fail to inform them.

Overall, the Woodmont Avenue shutdown operation went like clockwork, and was very impressive.  I just think the question about this pathway fell through the cracks.  All along, I've had lists of the many "moving parts" involved in this project - what's to be done, and when.  Nowhere was it mentioned specifically how pedestrians would access buildings south of Bethesda Row via Woodmont.  Then this detour appeared.

I stand by the points made in my post.  If you examine the photos, you can clearly see that the fencing - and the fact this was left open - very neatly defined a detour.  Many people were using it that weekend.  So many, that it took time to get the photos, waiting for pedestrians to get out of the way for clear photo shots.  And while it was open, it was unsafe at night.  If the pathway was really not a pathway, it should not have been made to resemble one, and never should have been left open.  That was an invitation for trouble, and it's just fortunate nothing happened along there.

The other issue is, this closure really places a burden on those trying to live a car-free lifestyle around Bethesda Row.  One must take the long way via Wisconsin Avenue.  This minor point was not really emphasized in the pre-closure public relations.

On the bright side, we are two weeks closer to getting our 900-space parking garage!

LOW-HANGING WIRE ON ST. ELMO AVENUE PROMPTS FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONSE

A low-hanging utility wire on St. Elmo Avenue prompted a response by the Bethesda Fire Department shortly before 8:00 PM tonight.  Firefighters examined the wire near Knots rug shop, and then left the scene.  Apparently, the wire presently poses no danger to the public.

Stay tuned for any further details.

DRYBAR AT BETHESDA ROW NOW TAKING APPOINTMENTS - AND ON YOUR iPhone

The Drybar at Bethesda Row hasn't even opened yet, but demand is so high, they're already taking appointments!

There's also a Drybar app you can use to quickly make your appointment; sadly for Android users, it is only available for iPhone at the moment.

Ladies, this means you can pick up your new iPhone 5 on Friday, and make your Drybar blowout apppintment before you even leave the Bethesda Row Apple Store!

I AM NOT ROBERT S. DYER - YOU'VE GOT THE WRONG ROBERT DYER!

There has been a lot of confusion over the last 48 hours, and I want to make clear to readers, or those searching the internet,

I AM NOT ROBERT S. DYER

Apparently, there is a Robert S. Dyer involved in some dispute with the Smith Point establishment.

The Washington Post heightened confusion by describing that individual as a Bethesda native.

So let's clear this up:

I am not "Robert S. Dyer."

My middle initial is not "S."

I am not a lawyer.

I am most definitely not 50 years old!

I am a lifelong resident of Bethesda, and I've never even heard of this guy!

If you are seeking the "Robert S. Dyer" involved in a Smith Point news story, you have the wrong website, the wrong guy, the wrong Robert Dyer.

MARKET REPLACING BETHESDA MARKET AT SUMNER PLACE TO BE CALLED... BETHESDA MARKET?!

Just a quick update on the saga of the Bethesda Market at the Shops at Sumner Place on  Sangamore Road:  I went by on Monday night, and there is a liquor license application for the future market that will take over the space that belonged to the now-defunct Bethesda Market.

While the name of the new market was not announced, the liquor license sign touts the name as... Bethesda Market.

Since applicants have to state the name of their establishment on the application, this would suggest the new market operator is going to revive the old "Bethesda Market" name.

DO YOU KNOW YOUR CRANE SIGNALS? - BETHESDA CRANE WEEK

After a day off for torrential downpours, Bethesda Crane Week is back in full swing (pun intended).

Today, we should brush up on crane signals.   In fact, everyone in downtown Bethesda should!  If you know the signals, you'll be able to follow the action at the Monty and That 70s Building construction sites like a pro.

Crane signals - click for larger image

With crane fever spreading in downtown Bethesda, I expect workers to empty out of offices at lunch, and head to Bethesda Lane for a crane signal workout.  When I think of the large dance and yoga gatherings held previously outdoors at Bethesda Row, my thought is, why not crane signals?

Sure, maybe you know the latest dance moves, but do you know how to "Lower the Boom" or "Dog everything?"

It's just a matter of time before Equinox adds a Crane Signal Workout!

CORDELL-ST. ELMO GARAGE CLOSED ON ONE SIDE

Work continues inside the county Public Parking Garage on St. Elmo Avenue and Cordell Avenue.

The garage is now closed on the Cordell side

Cordell entrance

The St. Elmo side is open, but you can't
turn left here