PASSION FIN SIGN INSTALLED AND LIT

The grand opening of new sushi restaurant Passion Fin is near in Bethesda. Last night, the new external sign was lit.  The front door was propped open, but no one was going in or out when I passed by.

Passion Fin, located in The Shops at Sumner Place on Sangamore Road, currently has no internet presence (website, Facebook, etc.).  It would be an unorthodox approach to open without any marketing or announcement, to say the least.  Diners in the Bethesda area are not familiar with the owners' other restaurants outside of Baltimore.  So they will need to let us know what their concept and approach to sushi are at Passion Fin.  A "secret" opening would not really be a great idea under those circumstances.

Having said that, there is a lot of excitement in the neighborhood around Sumner Place about this opening.  From the appearance of things, it won't be too long now.

NEW MARKET OPENING IN FORMER BETHESDA MARKET SPACE AT SUMNER PLACE

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive!!!

A new market has signed a lease in the space formerly occupied by Bethesda Market, at the Shops at Sumner Place.

Patty Emory of shopping center owner W.C. & A.N. Miller says that the market will be very similar to the old one, but with "much improved inventory and service."

That is great news for all those who were disappointed when Bethesda Market abruptly closed its doors last year.

Even better news:  the new market will be offering beer and wine, extending the hope that nearby residents - and employees of the soon-to-expand intelligence campus across Sangamore Road - will once again have beer and wine tastings within walking distance.

The as-of-yet unnamed market's owner has "a proven track record and experience," says Emory.

Things are starting to turn around after a brief downturn at Sumner Place.  The future federal employees and residents will soon have a convenient beer and wine store, and a new sushi restaurant called Passion Fin three doors down.

The space in between Passion Fin and Starbucks remains vacant.  Let's hope an interesting restaurant leases that space, or an entertainment related retailer like GameStop.

PASSION FIN UPDATE

PROGRESS AT BETHESDA'S

NEWEST SUSHI BAR

Just a quick note on Passion Fin - the new sushi reataurant opening this year at the Shops at Sumner Place, on Sangamore Road in Bethesda.

As you recall, Passion Fin had been scheduled to open early this year, but the renovations of the former clothing boutique stalled out during the winter.  Week after week, month after month, the same window coverings, dumpster out front and exposed ceiling remained static.

But when I passed by on Tuesday night, although the windows remain covered (normal for any restaurant before it opens), the dumpster is now gone.

There is now some kind of white molding, around angular arched openings near the front of the restaurant.  It's dark in there, and you can only see what is visible at the top of the front windows above the coverings.

So I don't know if that is part of the final design, or simply a stage in the renovation.

In any case, the opening is highly anticipated.  My guess is we're talking about a June opening, if I was a betting man.  But who knows?  Maybe they're getting close to done behind the coverings, and we'll hear something sooner.

Stay tuned!

PASSION FIN

UPDATE

Renovations Still a Long Way

From Completion

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive!!!

This is an update to an update. I was at the Shops at Sumner Place on Friday, and walked over to the future location of highly-anticipated Asian bistro and sushi bar Passion Fin.

The windows at the top across the storefront are uncovered, and I can confirm that - at least as far as the ceiling and interior walls go - there is a long way to go. Ventilation systems and hoses are completely exposed where a ceiling should be. One permit is now posted, for a WSSC inspection. Understandably, the conversion of an apparel boutique to a restaurant would require new plumbing installation for kitchen and restroom water systems. Right inside the front doors, there is an L-shaped makeshift wall.

Out front, the same dumpster is there, and it is not even clear there is anything in it. It has been in the same spot for about 4 months.

All told, and in light of the initial promise of an "early 2012" opening, the project has clearly encountered one or more delays.

When it finally opens, expect Passion Fin to compete more with Yirasai Sushi and similar Japanese restaurants in the Palisades area, more than with Raku and Sushi-ko on the Red Line.

Ironically, Passion Fin, Yirasai and Sushi-ko are all on the route of Ride On Bus 23. So, if you're a rider of the venerable 23, for you there will be a Sushi Showdown in 2012.

For now, sushi fans, patience is a virtue.

PASSION FIN

SWIMMING SLOWLY

TOWARDS

GRAND OPENING

Renovation Continues at Future

Bethesda Asian Bistro and Sushi Bar

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive!!!

Passion Fin, an Asian Bistro and sushi bar expected to open early this year at the Shops at Sumner Place in West Bethesda, seems to be swimming upstream at the moment.

There is tremendous interest in the new Japanese entry. But the announced opening target of "early 2012" does not sound realistic at this point. A generous definition of early would possibly extend through the end of March.

Even the firm that announced the deal to bring Passion Fin to Sumner Place does not know what the restaurant's opening day target is now, according to a representative.

So we have to examine the clues for now. The same dumpster is positioned exactly the way it was several months ago in front of the restaurant. Window coverings are still in place. On a recent evening, one covering appeared to have peeled off. Through the window, I could see what looked like exposed ventilation systems, including a large round pipe. There did not appear to be finished walls or ceilings in place yet. But it was dark, so I can't say for sure.

Finally, no telltale Montgomery County permits or inspection documents hang in the windows, which you would see if an establishment was just about to open.

As they say, good things come to those who wait. The space obviously needs extensive renovation and reconfiguration, as it was formerly a woman's clothing boutique.

Stay tuned for further updates on this intriguing new dining option in West Bethesda.