VAPIANO CLOSES AT BETHESDA ROW (PHOTOS)

Vapiano has closed permanently at Bethesda Row. Shocker! Right? Well, not exactly in my case. I've been aware that Vapiano's space has been for lease for about 10 days. During that time, I have attempted to confirm the status of Vapiano. Ralph Ours, Leasing Director at Federal Realty, replied on October 3 that "Vapiano is still operating at Bethesda Row."

I now have confirmation from Vapiano that their Bethesda Row location is indeed closed, and the space is up for lease by Federal Realty. In recent times, I've noticed less activity around the outside of Vapiano, but still always saw people in there when going past. The location is not the best for foot traffic, and now it faces a construction zone across the street. It will be interesting to see if the next tenant can make a go of it, or if this is going to be one of those tough spots like the one currently occupied by Tyber Bierhaus, where several businesses have come and gone in recent years.

This is certainly sad news, as it seems like yesterday I was attending the VIP party for the restaurant's grand opening. There's no such thing as too many pizza or pasta options, in my opinion.

VAPIANO OLIVE FESTIVAL AT BETHESDA ROW, APRIL 21-MAY 5, 2013

VIVA OLIVA!

Vapiano at Bethesda Row is having an Olive Festival starting April 21, and ending on May 5.

As you may know, Vapiano has olive trees in all of its restaurants, so it's no surprise they would be celebrating its fruit.

Expect pizza, pasta, salad and bruschetta specials featuring... olives.  Try new olive oil creations like olive ciabatta, or special combinations served in glasses: olives and cucumber (April 21), olives and bell pepper (April 28) and olives and feta (May 5).

WRITERS ON THE ROW BRINGS VAMPIRES TO BETHESDA LANE TONIGHT

BETHESDA ROW

GOES ALL OUT

FOR

TRUE BLOOD FANS

(ESPECIALLY FEMALE ONES)

TONIGHT

Bethesda Row's blockbuster book and author event starts tonight, and it's a must-do for fans of HBO's True Blood.

This is just the beginning (check the complete schedule for all the who, what, when and where for the next several days).

But what a beginning it is, and where is Count Gore de Vol when you need him?

Cookbook author Karen Sommer Shalett will be on hand to discuss and sign copies of her new cookbook, True Blood:  Eats, Drinks, and Bites from Bon Temps.

And, the cookbook will come to life in a cooking demonstration in partnership with Bethesda Row favorites Vapiano and Le Creuset.

Secolari will be on hand with Blood Orange Olive Oil tastings.  bluemercury is hosting a Blood Red Lipstick Bar.

And count on Redwood to get in on the act with their always-inspired creations for Hollywood occasions such as these, with drink specials.

Get to Bethesda Lane at 7:00 PM, when all the fun gets underway.

Garlic optional.

THE FRONT ROW AT BETHESDA ROW: FINAL DAY!

The Front Row at Bethesda Row concludes today.  Although the big night of the fashion show and celebrities is now in the past, there are still some events you will enjoy today at The Row!

If you've got kids, sign them up now for the kids' cooking class at Vapiano from 10-11:30 this morning - RSVP to v.martinez@vapiano.com right now.

Enjoy a lobster lunch courtesy of future Bethesda Row tenant, Luke's Lobster on Bethesda Lane from 11 AM - 2 PM.

Take an EQ360 class at 3:00 PM at Equinox.

To RSVP for the Equinox class, and for a full list of today's events, click here!

Finally, stop by Lucy on Bethesda Lane from 12-2 PM, for beauty tips from the experts at Bethesda Row's bluemercury.

ANGIE GOFF TO HOST THE FRONT ROW AT BETHESDA ROW

The DC area's biggest fashion event is here - The Front Row at Bethesda Row starts today!

If you and your girlfriends haven't planned a ladies night out tonight at The Row, get started now:

Click here for the official schedule for today's fashion events around Bethesda Row.

Finally, here are a couple of tips that aren't on there:

While I've told you about the after-party at Redwood on Bethesda Lane Friday night, there may also be an after-party tonight, after the free movie (God Save My Shoes at Bethesda Row Cinema at 7:30).

Rumor has it that tonight's after-party will be at Vapiano, at 4900 Hampden Lane.  There's nothing about this on the promo materials, so just take it as my hint pointing you in the right direction.  You can't go wrong heading to Vapiano anyway, particularly if you are out with friends tonight.

If there's a more official confirmation of this, I'll post it during the day on Twitter at @BethesdaRow.

The other big news is that NBC Washington's Angie Goff will be MOC of Friday night's fashion show, which also starts at 7:30 PM.

BETHESDA ROW

RESTAURANT WEEK

Inside the Menus:

Vapiano

It seems like just yesterday I was walking the red carpet at the Grand Opening of Vapiano at Bethesda Row. Kate Michael was there, and rumor had it Katherine Kennedy and Lady Gaga (who was in town) might show up. And someone asked me if I was a member of the ownership group. The Donald Trump tie does it every time! The original, vertical Vapiano sign out front on Woodmont Avenue is gone, but the quality and freshness are still the same. And Vapiano is still a great choice for lunch, happy hour or dinner. Just ask Joe Biden!

Enjoy this Lunch ($15) or Dinner ($30) menu for Bethesda Row Restaurant Week:

Course 1:

--------------

Your choice of Mista or Caesar side salad. What is a Mista salad? Just a fancy Italian way of saying mixed salad.

Course 2:

--------------

Choose Pasta (Pomodoro, Arabiata (spicy), Aglio e olio (olive oil, garlic and chili), or Pomodoro fresco e basilica (cherry tomatoes and basil))

OR

Pizza (Margherita (many people say this is their favorite at Vapiano), Roasted Garlic and Tomato, Rucola (maybe better known as Rocket or arugula)

OR

Meal-sized, meaty (if you want) versions of the two above salads

Course 3:

--------------

Dessert! House-made chocolate mousse with whipped cream on top. No complaints here!

One other notable point about Vapiano for Bethesda Row Restaurant Week: unlike most restaurants, Vapiano is including a fountain beverage in the price - essentially, a free drink!

So visit the "other side" of Bethesda Row, for a thoroughly modern Italian feast at Vapiano, and you'll find it's a short trip you'll make again and again.