MCDONALD'S BLUEBERRY AND POMEGRANATE SMOOTHIE REVIEW (VIDEO)

As I mentioned on Wednesday, a new smoothie has arrived at the McDonald's on River Road in Bethesda. Now I've posted my review.

The Blueberry Pomegranate Smoothie is pretty much what it sounds like: blueberries and pomegranate pureed and crushed with ice in a blender. It is a healthier alternative to soda and milkshakes, so you could probably make a meal with this and a grilled chicken salad.

WESTBARD GIANT UNVEILS NEW ORGANIC DEPARTMENT - IS IT THE BEST IN BETHESDA?

DESIGN EMPHASIZES

NATURAL THEME, 

HUGE SELECTION

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

Everyone is trying to eat healthier these days, and that just got easier at the Westbard Giant.  The longtime grocery store in the Westwood Shopping Center, on Westbard Avenue in Bethesda, just opened a new organic department.

Replacing the flower shop at the front corner of the store, it is the first phase of the store's current renovation.  Which is odd, because they just renovated the store a few years ago.

Aside from the selection, the design touches reflect the theme.  Hardwood floors with a natural woodgrain, and eco-friendly LED lighting, stand out against the larger store area.

I grew up near this Giant, and still think it is the best in Bethesda.  The change in flooring when you enter the organic department generates a bit of nostalgia.

When I was a kid, the far end of this store - about where the frozen aisles are today - was set up as a small department store.  They had clothes, books, and many other things.  When you got to that area, you would push your cart over a mountable edge - bump, bump - from the tile floor onto the carpeting of the department store area. 

Join me for an exclusive photo tour:

Standing in the produce department [foreground of photo],
 you can notice the contrast between the new organic
section, and the rest of the store

The new design includes special lighting
fixtures, and natural wood flooring

RED MANGO FROZEN YOGURT IS COMING TO BETHESDA!

Red Mango is opening a shop on the Bethesda campus of the NIH.

The chain, founded by CEO Dan Kim in 2006, isn't entirely new to the region.  You may have been to the Red Mango in Clarendon.

Frozen yogurt and smoothies are the house specialties.  In fact, Red Mango is rated #1 in that restaurant category by Zagat.

Some of the best flavors, in my opinion, are Madagascar Vanilla, Honey Badger, Cake Batter, Peanut Butter, Sugarcane Cola, Chai and Mojito.

Smoothies come in ultra-healthy (Healthy Bones, Revitalizing Energy) and 1970s Elvis-in-Vegas (Banana and Peanut Butter) flavors.

Red Mango also serves frozen lemonades, Coffee Chillers, Artisan hot chocolate, and parfaits.

Red Mango should open this year at NIH.

Red Mango, 10 Center Drive, MSC 1086, Bethesda.

NEW FRESH YOGURT BAR AT FANCY CAKES BY LESLIE

Bethesda Row has many dessert options, ranging from cupcakes and ice cream to crepes and gelato.

But what if you are still sticking to that New Year's resolution of a healthier diet?

Fancy Cakes by Leslie on Elm Street has the answer:  a brand-new Fresh Yogurt Bar inside their shop!

Photo:  Fancy Cakes by Leslie

Even if you're just waiting to pick up a cake, stop by the bar.  Don't be expecting mass-produced, packaged yogurt - these flavors are made locally from milk produced by grass-fed cows.  That's right, locavores, it's time to buy local yogurt.  In addition, there are 3 Greek yogurts, which are the current fad in yogurt.

Flavors include maple, raspberry and chocolate, and toppings are available to customize your treat.

Stop by Fancy Cakes by Leslie today and find out how fresh yogurt can be!

Fancy Cakes by Leslie, 4939 Elm Street.  301-652-9390.