Kapnos Kouzina posts Coming Soon signage in Bethesda (Photos)

Kapnos Kouzina, the new concept from celebrity chef and restauranteur Mike Isabella, has posted Coming Soon signage in the windows of the Bethesda Row location. This was formerly the home of Vapiano at 4900 Hampden Lane.

In contrast to Isabella's existing Kapnos-branded locations, this venture will emphasize a more casual, homestyle ambiance. The menu will reflect that with rustic cuisine and dishes designed to be shared, according to the company website.

With the opening now expected for Fall 2015, expect work to begin on the transformation in the near future.

Assault on Dudley La., theft from car in Kenwood Forest + more - Bethesda crime update

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across Bethesda on May 24, according to crime data:

Theft from vehicle. 7400 block Wisconsin Avenue at 9:08 AM.

Theft from vehicle. 6700 block Kenwood Forest Lane at 10:06 AM.

Theft. 10400 block Old Georgetown Road.

Assault. 5100 block Dudley Lane at 12:01 AM.

Theft from vehicle. 7100 block Westlake Terrace at 9:53 AM.

Theft from vehicle. 6000 block Executive Boulevard at 10:02 AM.

Assault. 4700 block Boiling Brook Parkway at 7:35 PM (Randolph Hills).

Silver restaurant begins installing signage in Bethesda

Silver, a new concept from the Silver Diner Development group, has begun installing the permanent signage outside its future Bethesda location. The restaurant will be at 7150 Woodmont Avenue, in The Flats at Bethesda Avenue apartments.

The letters installed appear to be frames for an eventual lighted element.

As you can see, there's still quite a ways to go on the interior of the restaurant.

Sugar Shack pop-up selling sweet summer treats in Bethesda

Just when the heat returned this week, there is a new option to cool off at the Shops at Wildwood in Bethesda. The Sugar Shack is a pop-up shack selling Dolci Gelati, frozen Picnic Pops, Nye's ice cream sandwiches, and Karma Korn caramel corn in front of Red Orchard at 10253 Old Georgetown Road. Each vendor is local or regional, for those seeking to buy local products.

Sugar Shack says their current hours will be from noon until 6:00 PM, but that they are experimenting to see at what hours there is the most demand. You can see a menu online before heading there.

Luke's Lobster to expand at Bethesda Row (Photos)

Luke's Lobster fans would probably agree the only downside at the popular Bethesda Lane eatery is the lack of indoor seating space when the weather isn't so nice for al fresco dining. That will change in a few months.

In late summer, Luke's will expand its space out to Elm Street, where there used to be an M&T Bank ATM if you recall. This will not only increase the indoor seating area, but will also raise the visibility of Luke's Lobster, to those passing on Elm Street.

The project will take a few weeks to complete, a spokesperson for Luke's Lobster said yesterday.

Here is the space where Luke's Lobster will
expand; there used to be an ATM here

Expanding into this space
will increase visibility of
the restaurant on Elm Street

Memorial Day display in downtown Bethesda (Photos)

The construction site for the future Solaire Bethesda made a patriotic statement for Memorial Day weekend, flying the Stars and Stripes from the tower crane high above the Crescent Plaza condos. This is best known as the former site of the historic Eastham's Servicenter on Wisconsin Avenue at Woodmont Avenue.

First look: Park behind The Flats at Bethesda Ave. (Photos)

Here's a sneak peek at the park/plaza common area behind The Flats at Bethesda Avenue luxury apartments. Some vegetation is in place, as well as most of the pavers. Water features are being added, as well. Tucked between the building and the quiet Sacks residential neighborhood, it could be a quiet oasis steps away from the restaurants and shops of Bethesda Row.

In fact, Sacks residents are getting exclusive access to this area, and its more direct connection to the urban district of Bethesda. As you will notice in the photos below, houses that border The Flats now have private staircases and paths that lead into the park.

There is also a circular, drop-off driveway in this area.

You'll also notice that there has been a significant decrease in the construction-related "junk" and equipment placed near the Sacks neighborhood entrance at Leland Street and Woodmont Avenue, now that construction is nearing completion.

Private staircase and gate
for a Sacks resident to
access the park from this
home

Looking toward
Ourisman Honda

Another private access stair

Some vegetation in place,
more on the way

Looking toward houses in
the Sacks neighborhood

 

Indoor common area
for residents; looks like
future spots for a flatscreen TV,
fireplace and bar

A completed unit on
the ground floor

Near the Sacks neighborhood

Eastham's Park at Woodmont Ave.

Jamaican Mi Crazy restaurant coming to Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda (Photo)

Jamaican Mi Crazy, a Caribbean restaurant that began as a food truck, is coming to Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. It will take over the space vacated by Dumpling Dojo in the new Dining Terrace.

Like Dumpling Dojo, it represents another case of Westfield bringing in a local enterprise, as opposed to a chain establishment. Dumpling Dojo was a venture by the son of the owner of the popular Hollywood East Cafe in Wheaton.

Jamaican Mi Crazy Caribbean Cuisine launched as a food truck and catering business in the District in 2012. The truck serves specialties like Jamaican turnovers with beef or chicken, and stewed goat and oxtail. Side items include Mi Crazy Rice and Peas, kidney beans cooked with rice and seasoning.

1st Annual Pig Roast at Mon Ami Gabi this Saturday, May 30

Mon Ami Gabi is hosting its first annual Pig Roast this Saturday, May 30, starting at 11:00 AM. The event will be held on the grass adjacent to the restaurant on Woodmont Avenue.

The restaurant's chefs will roast a pig from Bounty Hill Farms. Side dishes will include Potato Salad, coleslaw and watermelon. 

Stella Artois, Miller Lite and Yuengling will be available for $5 for adults. For kids, they'll have a cotton candy machine on hand, face painting and backyard games. One cotton candy serving per ticket, or $5 a la carte.

Tickets will be $20 for adults, and $10 for kids at the door the day of the event.

Mon Ami Gabi

7239 Woodmont Avenue

(301) 654-1234

Theft on Westbard Ave., disorder on Bethesda Ave. + more - Bethesda crime update

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across Bethesda on May 22, according to crime data:

Theft from vehicle. 4400 block East-West Highway at 9:01 AM.

Disorderly conduct. 4900 block Bethesda Avenue.

Theft. 5400 block Westbard Avenue.

Theft. 7100 block Democracy Boulevard.

Fossil closes at Westfield Montgomery Mall (Photos)

Fossil closed permanently Saturday night at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The company suffered lackluster national sales during the holiday season, and had previously announced its plan to reduce its physical retail presence during 2015.

The company's future earning potential is also threatened by the Apple Watch, some experts say.

Inside the
partially-cleared out
Fossil store Sunday

Bethesda construction update: The Flats at Bethesda Avenue (Photos)

Yesterday, I had an update on The Darcy condos. Today, let's check in on Lot 31's sister building, The Flats at Bethesda Avenue. You can see the pavers, landscaping and plants being added to the public areas around the building. This building will house PAUL French bakery & café, Pottery Barn and Pottery Barn Kids, Chopt, and Silver restaurant.