Loft at 4935 gets its own sign (Photos)

Most attention is on the conversion of the ground floor of 4935 Cordell Avenue into George's Chophouse, expected to open in September. But the Loft at 4935 lounge upstairs is still open, and is now getting its own sign on the second level of the front facade.

George's Chophouse posts Coming Soon signage in Bethesda (Photos)

Coming Soon signs are now posted at the future George's Chophouse, located in the ground floor of 4935 Cordell Avenue in downtown Bethesda. It appears the wood paneling addition to the facade has been completed, as work on the interior continues. The Loft at 4935 upstairs remains open throughout the construction.

Bethesda construction update: George's Chophouse (Photos)

It looks like more than just a fresh coat of paint is being applied to the future George's Chophouse at 4935 Cordell Avenue. Yesterday, workers were attaching wood planks to the front facade of the building. The Loft at 4935 remains open on the upstairs floor of the building.

Bethesda construction update: George's Chophouse (Photos)

The transformation of the ground floor and facade of 4935 Bar & Kitchen to George's Chophouse is underway at 4935 Cordell Avenue. This is a new concept from chef-owner Ashish Alfred, who also owns the popular and award-winning Duck Duck Goose a block away. The top floor Loft lounge and event space remains open during the renovation, according to their Facebook page.

Duck Duck Goose applies for liquor license in Bethesda (Photos)

Duck Duck Goose, a French small plates brasserie opening in the former Brasserie Monte Carlo space on Norfolk Avenue, has applied for its liquor license. They've already begun giving the building a makeover, most noticeably a darker exterior paint.

The restaurant is the next venture from 4935 Bar and Kitchen's owner and executive chef Ashish Alfred. Duck Duck Goose is expected to open next month.

Fundraiser for Walter Johnson HS Tech Fund tonight in Bethesda

A holiday kick-off party will launch the fundraising drive for Walter Johnson High School's Technology Fund tonight in Bethesda at 7:30 PM, at 4935 Bar and Kitchen, at 4935 Cordell Avenue. Sponsored by Creative Gifts and Favors, the party will include music, dancing, drinks, appetizers and a silent auction.

Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.

4935 Bar & Kitchen reduces menu prices in Bethesda

The menu prices dropped at 4935 Bar & Kitchen on Friday. Chef-owner Ashish Alfred said the restaurant's success as an event venue has enabled them to reduce their prices, without reducing the quality of the food or ingredients.

Alfred said the more affordable prices will not only make 4935 more competitive for dining dollars, but is also an attempt to be "more neighborhood friendly" for nearby residents.

4935 Bar & Kitchen

4935 Cordell Avenue

(301) 951-4935

GALLERY BETHESDA OKTOBERFEST (PHOTOS)

Despite a few last minute changes due to Montgomery County's antiquated liquor laws, the Gallery Bethesda had a good turnout for its first Oktoberfest celebration yesterday. Guests enjoyed food and beer catered by Woodmont Triangle neighbor 4935 Bar & Kitchen in the building's well-appointed lobby and cyberlounge. Outside, music was supplied by DJ Maxi and attendees played cornhole on the Gallery's outdoor green space, which was decorated with a fall harvest theme.

Fall decorations on the plaza

4935 Bar and Kitchen's chef
and owner, Ashish Alfred, at
the bar in the Gallery's cyberlounge

Gallery Bethesda property manager
Manuel Majano and DJ Maxi behind
the turntables

Bethesda start-up Spotluck was
there to promote its new app
that gives new deals on downtown
Bethesda restaurants every day

A cornhole game underway

Maybe this will become
an annual event

Hay bales on the plaza

New grass added this week

Spotluck was at the party inside,
too, with a human demonstration
of how the app works

Fun at the photo/video booth

4935 Bar and Kitchen is
at 4935 Cordell Avenue

These signs reminded attendees
that beer drinking had to be
limited to the indoors

While the beer-related changes did not spoil the fun of the event, I do mention them because I was not even aware of these particular regulations. And because these should be a topic in the current discussion about the county's and state's outdated liquor laws, and how they are stifling local business and creative events that are vital to our downtown areas.

You may recall the original plan was for an outdoor biergarten, and a German beer list to be supplied by Gallery Bethesda's own convenience store, Aria Beer Wine & Deli. But citing yet more regulations, the County said the beer would have to be consumed inside the building only. And County regulators said the building could not buy beer from its own convenience store, for an event on its own private property!

This is what I mean when I say that liquor "reform" in the county can't just be about a few issues particular politicians want to change. We hear a lot about the need for public gathering space in downtown Bethesda, and here the county's own outdated rules prevented the public from enjoying an outdoor beer garden setting, on just such a gathering space in the Woodmont Triangle. Clearly these two regulations should be added to the list of those needing review and change.

WHERE TO WATCH USA VS. BELGIUM WORLD CUP MATCH IN BETHESDA

Which bars in Bethesda will be showing the USA vs. Belgium World Cup match today, July 1, at 4:00 PM? The question might be, which bars aren't showing the game? But here are a few among them who are offering specials during the game:

4935 Bar & Kitchen

Stop in at 4935 Bar & Kitchen starting at 3:30 PM. World Cup specials will include $1 oysters, $3 draft beers, $6 specialty cocktails, and half-price appetizers.

4935 Cordell Avenue

American Tap Room

There are always plenty of TV screens at American Tap Room at Bethesda Row. Specials will include loaded fries, Signature ATR Wings and a patriotic Tito's Red White & Boom cocktail.

7278 Woodmont Avenue

Brickside Food & Drink

With a 160" HD screen, Brickside Food & Drink has a lot of best seats in the house. Specials during the game will include $3 Miller lite and yuengling drafts, $4 rail drinks, $4 house wine for sophisticated types, $4 Premium drafts, $5 craft drafts, and $5 bombs in case everything goes south for your team.

4866 Cordell Avenue

Mussel Bar

Here's a very interesting spot to watch the game. The Belgian-inspired Mussel Bar will be hosting the game, so you might feel at home no matter which team is yours in this match. Specials will include $5 Palm (from Belgium) or Flying Dog (from Frederick, MD USA) drafts.

7262 Woodmont Avenue

BIG COMEDY SHOW AT 4935 BAR + KITCHEN FRIDAY IN BETHESDA - WAYNE MANIGO, MYKE WRIGHT, GAVIN YATES, MATEEN STEWART

4935 Bar + Kitchen is expanding into comedy. This Friday night, June 13, Bethesda favorite Wayne Manigo will join the national Wellspoken Comedy Tour at the Cordell Avenue nightclub and restaurant. The Wellspoken Comedy Tour features several comedians - Myke Wright, Gavin Yates, Mateen Stewart - who have appeared on national television programs like Jimmy Kimmel Live, Tosh.0 and Adult Swim.

The show will start at 9:00 PM, and tickets are on-sale online.

$15

4935 Bar + Kitchen

4935 Cordell Avenue

4935 BAR AND KITCHEN NOW OPEN REGULAR HOURS FOR DINNER IN BETHESDA

4935 Bar and Kitchen, the restaurant that replaced Tragara at 4935 Cordell Avenue over a year ago, is now open regular hours. While the restaurant has functioned primarily as a nightspot with varying schedules, a spokesperson says patrons can now dine Tuesdays through Saturdays from 4:00 to 11:00 PM.

Last night's New Year's Eve party was a Grand Opening for the restaurant, which hired new staff in December. 

4935 BAR AND KITCHEN EXPANDS HOURS

4935 Bar and Kitchen on Cordell Avenue is expanding its hours of operation. While the new establishment has been open primarily Friday and Saturday nights since opening, the owners now want to serve weeknight diners, as well.

The restaurant will now be open for dinner every evening from Tuesday through Saturday, starting at 5:00 PM.

The head chef is Ashish Alfred.

4935 BAR AND KITCHEN GETS EXTERIOR FACELIFT (PHOTOS)

4935 Bar and Kitchen has already moved into the former Tragara space on Cordell Avenue.

But an exterior makeover is making the building more uniquely theirs.

4935 BAR AND KITCHEN SOFT OPENING PARTY TONIGHT

The hottest party in town tonight will be the soft opening at 4935 Bar and Kitchen, in the former Tragara space on Cordell Avenue in Bethesda.

DJ Groove will be spinning from 8:00 PM until 2:00 AM, there will be special cocktails to celebrate the occasion, and you'll get to sample the chef's menu before it officially opens.

Dress code of "Dress to impress" will be strictly enforced at tonight's event.