Thursday, January 31, 2013

THEFT AT BETHESDA ROW APPLE STORE, BURGLARY AT HOLTON ARMS - BETHESDA CRIME REPORT

A theft at the Bethesda Row Apple Store, a break-in at Holton Arms School, and a stolen car on Lone Oak Drive are among the notable crimes reported this past Monday, January 28, in Bethesda.

Here's a longer list:

Saturday, January 26:

Theft from vehicle.  5500 block of Huntington Parkway.

Sunday, January 27:

Theft from vehicle. 7000 block of Broxburn Drive.

Monday, January 28:

Burglary. Holton Arms School.

Theft. Bethesda Row Apple Store.

Narcotics arrest. 9700 block of Old Georgetown Road.

Burglary. 5500 block of Pembroke Terrace.

Stolen car. 6600 block of Lone Oak Drive.

Theft from vehicle. 5600 block of Southwick Street.

Theft from vehicle. 7300 block of MacArthur Boulevard and 7198 Wilson Lane.

Theft. 4300 block of East-West Highway.

Theft. 7200 block of Wisconsin Avenue.

Theft. 6900 block of Wisconsin.

Burglary. 5200 block of Hampden Lane.

Disorderly conduct. 5300 block of Westbard Avenue.

WATCH OUT FOR THAT - OUCH! - TRENCH ACROSS RIVER ROAD IN BETHESDA! (PHOTO)

A trench - likely man-made - has appeared on River Road in Bethesda, between Ridgefield Road and Whole Foods (Kenwood Station shopping center).

Part of it appears to have collapsed slightly, creating a pothole rut in places (enlarge photo to see more detail). Apparently, somebody thought this was a brilliant idea.

Just wanted to pass this along, as the polar temperatures are likely to only make it worse by the time the evening rush hour comes around.

Pass it on, if you know people who take River Road through there.

AROMA ESPRESSO BAR UNVEILS INTERIOR AHEAD OF BETHESDA GRAND OPENING (PHOTO)

The wall in front of the future Aroma Espresso Bar in Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda has been removed.  Shoppers passing by are getting their first look at Aroma's sleek interior. But the first coffee from the Israeli version of Starbucks won't be poured before late next week.

An Aroma spokesperson says they are targeting Saturday, February 9 as the opening date. But stay tuned, as that could change.

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

DON'T LEAN BACK ON THE "CRIME SCENE" BENCH IN DOWNTOWN BETHESDA (PHOTOS)

I don't know what, if anything, happened on this bench on Old Georgetown Road. But don't lean back, because there is no back.  It has temporarily been named, "The Crime Scene Bench," for its police tape wrap.

VOLKSWAGENS INVADE ABANDONED BETHESDA FORD DEALERSHIP (PHOTOS)

The former Ourisman Ford dealership by Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda was abandoned several years ago. The site has been expected to be redeveloped in the future.

But a swarm of German Volkswagens has appeared in the lot, where the service area has been apparently utilized by an auto repair business temporarily.

Ourisman must still own the site, because these VWs are from Ourisman Volkswagen on Rockville Pike.

So if you're in the market for a VW, I guess you can get a no-sales-pressure look at the exterior in Bethesda right now.

That GTI looks pretty nice.  It's awfully tough to live up to the sports car legacy of the Ford logo on the building behind it, though.

The Ourisman Ford font on the facade certainly brings back memories of many now-closed Ford dealerships, including one that used to be in the area now called... Bethesda Row!

SNODREAM CLOSING IN BETHESDA, LAST DAY TODAY FEATURES BOGO DEAL

Taiwanese snow ice kiosk Snodream will close forever at 9:00 PM tonight at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda.

For its final day today, January 30, Snodream is offering a buy-one-get-one-free deal as a thank you to customers. The deal applies to sno ice, crepes and Dream Big-size desserts (Dream Big = 3 toppings, 1 syrup).

The Snodream kiosk itself is for sale, and includes a refrigerator for toppings.

Today may be your last chance to try 2 unique products Snodream serves.  What makes Taiwanese snow ice different from traditional Taiwanese or Hawaiian shaved ice?

Snow ice has the flavors frozen into the ice itself, which is shaved off ribbon-style.

The other unique product is Japanese crepes, which are thinner and crisper than French crepes.

Sno ice comes in flavors such as Snog, Harajuku, Taste of Taro, and - for Maryland alumni - Terp Time.

Snodream is the second dessert kiosk at Westfield Montgomery to go up for sale in the last year, although frozen yogurt chain Yogi Castle had a successful launch elsewhere in the mall during that period.

Snodream opens at 10:00 AM this morning.

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

BETHESDA LIBRARY HOSTING AUTHOR RACHEL COHN WITH NEW NOVEL, BETA

The Bethesda Library on Arlington Road, in conjunction with the Politics and Prose bookstore, has been hosting some very interesting author events for fans of Young Adult dystopian science fiction. In other words, if you finished the Hunger Games trilogy long ago, you may find something new-yet-familiar at these events.

This Thursday, January 31, at 5:00 PM, YA author Rachel Cohn will discuss her new novel, Beta.

Beta is the story of a 16-year-old clone named Elysia, sold as a "companion" to a wealthy family on the island of Demesne. (If you paid attention in Classics 101, you're going to figure out there's something symbolic about these names). Everyone on Demesne is rich, and is intoxicated by a narcotic-like element placed into the air by the government.

Elysia was cloned from a girl who supposedly died in the cloning process. But now Elysia is starting to remember things she shouldn't be able to remember. And isn't an emotionless drone like the other clones.  Sounds like there's going to be trouble there.  And a love triangle. And a surprise ending. Which sets up a - you guessed it - future trilogy.

Hmm.  Clones. An island. Clones with partial memories they shouldn't be having. Clones who start getting wise to the raw deal they've been dealt by The Man.

This sounds like one of my favorite movies, The Island (2005).  Yes, I know I am one of maybe 3 people in the world who enjoyed The Island.  Ewan McGregor, Scarlett Johansson, a gull-wing Cadillac Cien supercar, a pre-Game of Thrones Sean Bean, Pete from Benson, Djimon Hounsou, and directed by Michael Bay - now that's a movie.

If you like this novel a lot, I think you'll like The Island. I'm still waiting for an ultimate super-duper edition to be released on Blu-ray, because there's just a single-disc with no extras on it available right now.

"I'm Tom Lincoln!!"

PANAS GOURMET BETHESDA SUPER BOWL EMPANADAS SPECIAL

Panas on Elm Street is a second Bethesda restaurant offering a Super Bowl Sunday carry-out special.

For $19.95, you can get a dozen empanadas of your choice, either hot or frozen. You can buy with this special offer today through Sunday.

Don't forget to ask for sauces to go with them!

CESCO OFFERING SUPER BOWL TAKE-OUT MENU

Italian restaurant Cesco Osteria, on Woodmont Avenue in Bethesda, has announced it will offer pre-ordered carry-out meals this Super Bowl Sunday.

The menu includes the following:

VEGETARIAN LASAGNA - made with eggplant

CLASSIC LASAGNA - with Bolognese sauce

FRESH FIELD GREENS SALAD

HOMEMADE FOCCACIA - topped with rock salt and tomatoes

1 lasagna + 1 salad + 1 foccacia serves 8 people - $65

1 lasagna - $49

PIZZA ($10 each)

Margherita
4 Cheese
Capricciosa

Place order by this Friday. Orders must be prepaid. To place a Super Bowl take-out order, call 301-654-8333.

Pick up orders by 7:00 PM Sunday.

Monday, January 28, 2013

GLEN ECHO STREETCAR ROUTE MAP AND HISTORY (VIDEO)

Here's a video with some background, and a map overview, of a fully intact streetcar right-of-way between Georgetown and Glen Echo/Cabin John via Bethesda. The streetcar once served the former Glen Echo Amusement Park.

A future return of streetcars here is now jeopardized by a bike path plan that has designs on a segment of the right-of-way.

MCDONALD'S FISH MCBITES EXCLUSIVE REVIEW (VIDEO)

It's been 48 hours of firsts - yesterday I had the first review anywhere of the Katy Perry Popchips.  Today, I have the first review of McDonald's new Fish McBites, which have just arrived in Bethesda.  Watch the video to find out how Fish McBites rate!

RIDDLE ME THIS: MATTHEW LESKO SIGHTING IN DOWNTOWN BETHESDA (PHOTO)

It's actually one of the more-common celebrity sightings you're likely to have in downtown Bethesda, kind of like Mike Tyson in the 90s:  TV infomercial pioneer Matthew Lesko.  Or, in this case, his Mini Cooper, parked near BlackFinn this past weekend.  The question marks often have him mistaken for The Riddler.

"To the Batcave, Robin!"

BETHESDA ROOFTOP RESTAURANT CONSTRUCTION PHOTOS - TAKEN FROM A ROOFTOP!

Construction continues at the Steven Karr-designed rooftop restaurant building on the corner of Norfolk and Cordell Avenues.

Check out these photos of the progress from high above the site.

Saturday, January 26, 2013

BETHESDA MCDONALD'S CONSTRUCTION SITE UPDATE - 4500 EAST-WEST HIGHWAY BUILDING (PHOTOS)

The debris of the demolished Bethesda McDonald's on East-West Highway has been hauled away, and preliminary construction work has begun on the future office building that will replace it.

Friday, January 25, 2013

Pączki AT GIANT IN BETHESDA (VIDEO REVIEW)

Pączki are Polish doughnuts made on Fat Tuesday before Lent.  Giant sells Pączki filled with raspberry jelly or Bavarian creme in the bakery section. Watch my video review to learn more about Pączki, and find out how they rate.

ROBBERY ON OLD GEORGETOWN ROAD TUESDAY - BETHESDA CRIME REPORT

A robbery took place in the 10400 block of Old Georgetown Road this past Tuesday, January 22, according to crime data.

The following incidents were also reported Tuesday in Bethesda:

Theft from vehicle. Valerian Lane.

Theft from vehicle. 5200 block of Pooks Hill Road.

Burglary. 4900 block of St. Elmo Avenue.

Theft. 5200 block of Battery Lane.

Theft. 7400 block of Wisconsin Avenue.

Theft. 7400 block of Arlington Road.

On Monday, January 21, a burglary was reported in the 7100 block of Heathwood Court.

And on Saturday, January 19, an assault was reported near the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue and Bradley Lane.

NPS ATTEMPTS TO SEIZE PART OF GLEN ECHO STREETCAR RIGHT-OF-WAY

Just 10 months after shipping its historic Glen Echo PCC streetcar off to a scrapyard without public notice, the National Park Service is at it again.

Without wide public notification, NPS has already created a proposal to turn a portion of the streetcar's still-existing right-of-way into a bike trail.

In fact, they've even completed the  environmental assessment at taxpayer expense, before said taxpayers even knew the proposal existed.

It's outrageous.

I thought NPS had no money.  It has been scrapping streetcars and canal boats, and according to the Washington Post, can't even clean the restrooms in its public parks.

So how did they afford to pay for an environmental assessment?

Much as local NIMBYs played a major role in shutting down Glen Echo Amusement Park - and then made sure its amusement rides were never restored, but, rather, demolished - this proposal sounds awfully familiar.

With Washington DC's streetcar revival flourishing, and massive employment growth occurring along the MacArthur Boulevard corridor, the time has never been more right to study restoration of streetcar service to the old Georgetown-Glen Echo-Cabin John right-of-way.

So, wouldn't this be just the right time for NPS to assume its familiar role as NIMBY Protection Service at Glen Echo.

"We're not going to have an amusement park start up in this neighborhood again! And we're not going to have streetcars running through here, either!"

Says who? Says who?

I continue to say we ought to have both. Every single American is paying to maintain Glen Echo Park, but instead of providing joy and entertainment to the masses as it once did, it is essentially a social club for the narrow audience its programming is targeted towards.

Likewise, streetcar service would have environmental and congestion-relieving benefits for large areas on both sides of the Potomac. Why would we provide a benefit to a few with this trail, at the expense of the many?  Doesn't our anti-car, anti-highway county council say we need more transit? Just not in this case?

Something's not right about this. So, as Barney Fife used to say, we've got to nip this in the bud right now.

With no advance notice, I could not attend last night's hush-hush NPS public meeting.

But comment I have, anyway! They always assume the average citizen won't take the time to comment. I say, let's prove them wrong!

Here's the text of my comments (NPS is accepting online comments  through February 8):

# # # # # # # #

I strongly object to the proposed bike trail along part of the historic Glen Echo streetcar right-of-way (ROW).

The most fundamental problem with this proposal is the unnecessary relocation of bike facilities onto the streetcar ROW.  Rail rights-of-way are virtually impossible to obtain in Montgomery County today, both fiscally and practically.

Bike paths and lanes - as demonstrated in the county and in the District - are relatively easy to obtain and locate where space exists.  In contrast, there is no alternative route in this corridor for a streetcar. Therefore, the streetcar ROW must be accommodated in this case. 

This is critically important to any future reinstatement of streetcar operation between Georgetown and Glen Echo (and beyond).

A large residential population in the Palisades and on the county side, the coming expansion of the Sangamore Road intelligence campus, and the rapidly-growing Sibley Hospital campus call for serious consideration of returning streetcars to the still-existing Georgetown-Glen Echo-Cabin John ROW.

Therefore, I am perplexed not only as to why NPS would propose blocking the ROW at this juncture, but why the county council and Planning Board are not strenuously objecting to the plan, as well.

I am also concerned with the arbitrary nature of this sudden proposal. I've known of the need to improve bicycle safety along the MacArthur corridor for years. But I've never heard seizing part of the streetcar facility as a proposed solution before yesterday, January 24.  It was then that I read online that a meeting was being held that evening, which I could not attend on such short notice.

Why was there no published announcement in widely-circulated newspapers, or advance notice via the press? Such poor outreach suggests public input is not welcome.

How did we already get an environmental assessment with no public input as to whether or not the larger, taxpaying public wants this project, or not?

The impression such a closed process presents - accurate or not - is that, once again, a few well-connected citizens are attempting to prevent future streetcar service along part or all of the ROW.  Or that a few cyclists are attempting to appropriate a public resource that holds potential environmental and infrastructure benefits to all, at the expense of the rest of us.

I don't even understand where NPS obtained funds for an environmental assessment when its financial distress is well-known, and it claimed it could not afford to repaint the PCC streetcar last March, and gave it away for scrap.

Given the latter episode, the optics of NPS giving away more of the streetcar legacy - and future potential - are terrible PR-wise and communitywise.

I know that rails-to-trails is a classic NIMBY tactic to stop commuter rail service. As we see in the Purple Line debate today, once a trail goes in, it is extremely unpopular to have it replaced with rail in the future. With the coming growth in this corridor, blocking the streetcar ROW would be highly irresponsible.

Another solution can be found for bicycles in that area. But you are not going to find another streetcar right-of-way.

For that reason, I strongly urge you to scrap plans to utilize any portion of the streetcar right-of-way and creek trestle for bicycling or other vehicular or recreational use.

Limited resources at this time would be better spent cooperating with the DC DOT on a potential extension of DC Streetcar service into Maryland, via the former Glen Echo right-of-way.

Respectfully,

Robert Dyer
Bethesda, MD

Thursday, January 24, 2013

SNOW, ICE REMOVAL SUPPLIES AT STROSNIDERS IN BETHESDA

What little snow there is won't be going anywhere for awhile. Freezing temperatures make snow and ice removal a real chore.

Strosniders Hardware in the Bradley Shopping Center has what you need to tackle the job.  Ice scrapers, ice melting pellets and snow shovels are all there.

But they also have heated stair and front walk mats that will melt away snow and ice without chemicals being left behind for kids or pets.

BACON CHICKEN CLUB BURRITO RETURNS AT CALIFORNIA TORTILLA!

After nearly 4 years of waiting, Bethesda bacon lovers can once again find the Bacon Chicken Club burrito at California Tortilla.

But for a limited time only!

For the uninitiated, the Bacon Chicken Club contains the following:  grilled chicken breast, Monterey Jack cheese, and smoky hardwood bacon, topped with Jalapeno Ranch and Roma tomatoes, on a bed of romaine lettuce and Mexican rice, wrapped in a soft corn tortilla.

Small size is $6.19.  Bigger bacon appetites demand the $6.99 regular size.

BETHESDA SNOW COULD HAVE BEEN WORSE

About an inch of snow has fallen around Bethesda, but county and state road treatment and plowing have kept roads passable. Some turning areas at intersections - such as at Wisconsin Avenue and Bradley Lane - still have snow and slush that could be dangerous if taken too quickly.

The current temperature in Bethesda is 17°.  Snow is not expected to get significantly worse before ending. Watch for icy conditions through the evening on all roads.

Ride On Bus claims no delays and no detours in the Bethesda area.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

FREE CONCERT AT STRATHMORE MANSION THURSDAY

Score FREE tickets for you and your friends to see internationally-acclaimed classical pianist Berenika - along with funk-rock band SOL - for an evening of diverse sounds at the Mansion at Strathmore Thursday (January 24).

Please RSVP if you would like to attend.

The concert will begin at 8:00 PM in the mansion's Music Room.

This is not Berenika's first appearance in Bethesda, as she previously appeared in concert here with violinist Rebecca Racusin (who may make a guest appearance at tomorrow night's concert herself).

HANARO SUSHI ROLL OF THE MONTH

Tokyo meets New England via New Orleans in January's Roll of the Month at Hanaro Sushi in Bethesda.

Enjoy this roll featuring asparagus, Shiso leaf, eel, ginger, lobster salad, eel sauce, and Cayenne pepper tonight.

Hanaro is located at the corner of Norfolk and St. Elmo Avenues in Bethesda.

THE BROWN BAG MAY ADD SATURDAY HOURS IN BETHESDA

Popular breakfast, lunch and catering restaurant The Brown Bag has been a weekday fixture for Bethesda workers and residents since the 90s.

Now the small chain may become part of your weekend plans, as well.

After experimenting with Saturday hours at their Arlington location, and now launching a similar test at their DC franchise, The Brown Bag says it is considering adding Saturdays to Bethesda, as well.

Saturday hours would be from 8 AM to 3 PM, but may extend longer in the future.

One change, however.  Breakfast will be served all day, but “Build Your Own” noodle bowls and pasta dishes won't be available. However,  catering will be.

Keep your fingers crossed, Brown Bag fans!

MUSSEL BAR TAPPING HEAVY SEAS LOOSE CANNON CASK TONIGHT AT 5:00!

One of my favorite beers is made right here in Maryland: Heavy Seas Loose Cannon.

Tonight at 5:00 at Mussel Bar at Bethesda Row, Heavy Seas will be tapping a cask of Loose Cannon. Hurry in while it lasts! This will be a unique Loose Cannon drinking experience, slightly different from the draft or bottled versions.

The cost is $7, and you get to take home the beer glass, too.

AROMA ESPRESSO BAR OPENING DELAYED

Aroma Espresso Bar, which finally acquired its liquor license last week, says its planned January 28 opening is being delayed.

A spokesperson said the new coffee bar and eatery - the Israeli equivalent of Starbucks - now plans to open on February 5 or 6.

Aroma is located in Bethesda at Westfield Montgomery Mall.

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

MCDONALD'S NEW FRENCH VANILLA LATTE - EXCLUSIVE VIDEO REVIEW!

Here's a second hot beverage recommendation for you today - and this one's French, too!

Now at the Bethesda McDonald's on River Road, McDonald's French Vanilla Latte. Watch my video review to find out how it has changed with the new syrup and new espresso blend.

BETHESDA ROW CONSTRUCTION UPDATE - EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS!

What's really going on behind those fences, down in that hole where Lot 31 used to be on Bethesda Avenue?

You're about to find out with this exclusive photo gallery!

All the blasting and digging is making way for the massive public parking garage that will run beneath Woodmont Avenue.  On top of that garage will rise two luxury, mixed-use residential buildings, The Darcy, and The Flats.

VALRHONA HOT CHOCOLATE AT DOLCEZZA AT BETHESDA ROW

The upscale way to fix the fact that you're freezing today, is to order a Valrhona Hot Chocolate from Dolcezza at Bethesda Row.

This isn't a Swiss Miss pouch, but a 70% dark chocolate beverage that dates back to 1920s France.

Monday, January 21, 2013

CERA WAX STUDIO BETHESDA GRAND OPENING THIS SATURDAY, JANUARY 26

Cera Wax Studio, located on Cordell Avenue in the same building as Zengo Fitness, will celebrate its Grand Opening this Saturday, January 26th.  They are now accepting pre-bookings for Saturday and future dates at 301.657.2372 or info@cera-studio.com.

Cera is also celebrating with special, limited time offers on Facebook for Brazilian, chest, back, and brow waxing, says the studio's Monica Gomez.  As I reported last month, Cera will offer services for both male and female clients, and touts a combination of a relaxed spa atmosphere and a commitment to hygiene in all treatments. They'll also offer spray tanning services.

THREE CRIMES NEAR BETHESDA ROW LAST FRIDAY - BETHESDA CRIME UPDATE

Last Friday, January 18, was a busy day for law enforcement in Bethesda. According to crime data, several burglaries and thefts took place around town that day, with a particular spike in the Arlington Road corridor near Bethesda Row.

The good news is that the other incidents were isolated, rather than one neighborhood being targeted, as often happened in 2012.

Here is a list of crimes reported last Friday:

Burglary. 4600 block of Hunt Avenue.

Theft from vehicle. 4600 block of Nottingham Drive.

Theft of vehicle. Euro MotorCars, 7020 Arlington Road.

Burglary. 4900 block of St. Elmo Avenue.

Theft. 6900 block of Arlington Road.

Theft. 10400 block of Fernwood Road.

Theft.  5100 block of Nicholson Lane.

Burglary.  10000 block of Clue Drive.

CELEBRATE INAUGURATION AT HOME IN BETHESDA WITH CAKES AND APPAREL FROM GIANT, CVS (PHOTOS)

Despite the media hype that suggests everyone will be riding Metro and trudging through Mall crowds in DC today, the reality is that most of us will be at work or at home.

But that doesn't mean you can't celebrate the event right here in Bethesda.

Not only is TV the "best seat in the house," but you can plan your own last-minute party for 1 or a dozen.

Giant Food is taking a non-partisan approach to celebrating the inauguration, and the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Giant's theme is, "Celebrate America," emblazoned not only on its print ads, but on these Giant sheet cakes pictured below.  They are also offering the black T-shirt below, featuring the inauguration date, the American flag, and "OBAMA" on the front.

At CVS on Wisconsin Avenue, at Cheltenham Drive, the drugstore is selling fancier Obama shirts and hoodies, which feature a portrait of the reelected president on the chest.

Whatever your political beliefs may be, Happy Inauguration Day, and a peaceful Dr. King Holiday, from Robert Dyer at Bethesda Row!  I always find it an interesting day, whether the candidate I voted for has won or lost.