FREE PINT TOAST TO WILLIAM, KATE AND THE ROYAL BABY AT UNION JACK'S BETHESDA WITH THIS COUPON TODAY

Bethesda residents who are just bursting with excitement over The Royal Baby will want to attend a special event right here in downtown Bethesda today.

Use this coupon between 4-9 PM tonight at Union Jack's Bethesda, and get a FREE pint of Bass or Strongbow Cider to toast William, Kate and the future king.

Bring all of your royal family and British history knowledge to bear on the British pub's Guess the Baby's Name prize raffle.

And get 25% off all British items on the menu, like Fish and Chips.

There will also be special prices on all British pints, and select British bottles.

MOTHER'S DAY BRUNCH IN BETHESDA 2013

It's not too late to plan for Mother's Day brunch or dinner in Bethesda! I've checked Open Table just now, and found openings still available.

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT...

Detective Mom Mother's Day Brunch at Flanagan's Harp & Fiddle, 4844 Cordell Avenue.

A murder mystery Mother's Day Brunch. Definitely a first for Bethesda!

STAY CLASSY, BETHESDA

If it's a more traditional brunch menu and high-end setting you're looking for this year, try Strathmore.  The music center's Lockheed lobby will be the site of a full buffet brunch, accompanied by live, light music.

The brunch has two seatings at 11 AM and 1 PM. Reservations are $40 per adult, $22 per child (ages 6-12), and free for children under the age of six. Call (301) 581-5220 to make a reservation.

MENU:

Morning Sweets and Savories:

Assortment of mini pastries and bagel bar

Whipped honey butter, fresh preserves, and cream cheeses

Salad and Antipasto Buffet

Fresh fruit, berries, and granola

Selection of grilled and roasted seasonal vegetables

Imported and domestic artisan cheeses

Chopped cucumber, tomato, and avocado salad

Field greens

Caesar salad

Chef's Seafood Table: Shrimp cocktail, Oysters

Hot Buffet:

Spring English pea and mint soup

Applewood smoked salmon filet

Challah french toast, berries, whipped cream, and maple syrup

Eggs benedict on brioche with hollandaise sauce

Applewood bacon

Chicken and apple sausage

Potato and cheddar hash

Omelet Bar: Made to order omelets, whole or egg whites with all the fillings

Carving Station: Black pepper and salt crusted prime rib, Red wine au jus, Horseradish sauce

Country breads and rolls

Desserts: Assortment of mini pastries, mousses, cakes, and cookies

Sounds great!

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BEST OF BETHESDA ROW:

Mon Ami Gabi:

Brunch at Mon Ami Gabi will be served from 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM on Mother's Day.

Enjoy favorites like the Brie and Butternut Squash Crepe, Eggs Florentine with Spinach, Artichoke and Hollandaise Sauce or the Waffle with creamy Nutella.

But wait, there's more!

Mon Ami Gabi will give each Mother a special gift as their way to say santé (cheers!) to the special day.

To make reservations, call Mon Ami Gabi Bethesda at 301-654-1234.

Jaleo Bethesda:

Jaleo has added several menu items to the brunch menu especially for Mother's Day. Treat Mom to brunch from world-famous Chef José Andrés at Jaleo!

Call 301-913-0003 to make reservations.

Others to try:

Food, Wine & Co.
American Tap Room
Redwood
Guardado's
Assaggi
Uncle Julio's

Happy Mother's Day
from
Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row!

CAPITALS VS. RANGERS GAME 4 TONIGHT IN BETHESDA

Union Jack's is the official Washington Capitals game watch venue in downtown Bethesda, and Game 4 is tonight at 7:30!

Enjoy the game and the specials, such as $4 Blue Moon and $3 Coors Light, and 50¢ wings.

Enter to win the team-autographed Capitals jersey, and have the best seat in the house with 25 HD screens and 3 projection screens.

4915 St. Elmo Avenue.

NEW SPECIALS AT GRAPESEED THIS WEEKEND

This weekend, try one of these specials at Grapeseed, on Cordell Avenue in Bethesda:

*Lobster Salad with Ugli fruit and arugula

*Fresh crab cakes with coconut and ginger, served with a Lucky Lo Hei Salad and avocado

BLACKFINN BETHESDA BEER-OF-THE-MONTH

Starr Hill IPA is the beer of the month at BlackFinn in Bethesda.

It earns an average score of 82 (good) on Beer Advocate, and comes from Charlottesville, Virginia.

Enjoy it for only $4 this month at BlackFinn.

MARYLAND VS. BOSTON COLLEGE GAME WATCH AT BRICKSIDE TONIGHT AT 9 PM - BETHESDA TERPS GAME WATCH

Enjoy the Maryland vs. Boston College game tonight at the newest bar and restaurant in downtown Bethesda - Brickside Food and Drink, on Cordell Ave.

There will be food and drink specials starting at 8 PM (the game starts at 9:00):

$3 Natty Bo or NB Light, PBR, Busch Light,

$4 rails, domestic drafts, or house wine

BBQ Chicken Pops $5.95

Polenta Fries with Bleu Cheese Dip $3.95

Burger with smoked bacon and Cheddar $8.95

Brickside Food and Drink, 4866 Cordell Avenue, Bethesda.

BETHESDA ROW VALENTINE'S DAY 2013 SPECIALS

The faux-European ambiance of Bethesda Row can be a romantic setting any evening of the year. But for Valentine's Day, things really get serious around here.

A massive list of special offers and FREE stuff ranges from a "Kiss the Cook" (your date, not the restaurant's cook!) cooking class and dinner at Lebanese Taverna, to a FREE pair of diamond studs at Lou Lou, and Rappahanock oysters at Jaleo.

Check out the list to plan your Valentine's Day date and shopping at Bethesda Row.

VALENTINE'S DAY BETHESDA 2013 RESTAURANT DINNER SPECIALS - VALENTINE'S DAY BETHESDA GUIDE

Valentine's Day is nearly here, and the time to start planning that special dinner is right now!

Bethesda is a great - though expensive - place to celebrate the most romantic holiday of 2013, and this guide is here to help you along the way.

As always, I've tried to bring you the best, rather than a laundry list.

RESTAURANT SPECIALS

VINO VOLO

What is more romantic than a wine bar - especially one as upscale as Vino Volo at Bethesda Row. Their Valentine's Day Wine Tasting Dinner offers 4 courses, and 6 wines. The price is expensive, but the vino and food pairings are decidedly upscale.

Course 1 features a sample of Le Grande Cortâge Cremant, paired with a cheese and charcuterie board.

For your storybook romance, the second course will pour a Storybook Viognier, paired with your choice of mixed greens and citrus or butter lettuce with chicken and avocado (I'll choose the latter).

Course 3 calls for... more choices! Now you get to pick from 3 choices of 3 3-wine flights (they're serious about that "3" theme).  Speaking of serious, Serious Syrahs will pair off with NY Strip Steak and garlic roast potatoes.  Tour of Burgundy pairs with grilled monkfish, sherry-lemon salsa and tarragon vinaigrette asparagus.  Or, go with option 3, baked penne pasta with fontina and Parmesan cheeses, drizzled with truffle oil (I've had this, and this is what to order if you are seeking a decadent Valentine's Day).

For the sweet finish, try the Piper Heidsieck Demi-Sec Champagne paired with Cocoa Truffles.

All of this will run you $75 per person. Call 301-656-0916 for reservations.

<3

REDWOOD

Want to spend slightly less, but have more selection of entrees and desserts? Try Redwood's $68 Valentine's menu, with dishes like shortribs and lobster, and even an amuse bouche.

Call 301.656.5515 for reservations, and download a complete menu at RedwoodBethesda.com.

<3

CHEF TONY'S

Chef Tony's menu will begin as always with fresh fish and other ingredients straight from local markets. For $59, choose from options like "Bethesda's Best Calamari," rockfish, and crab and brie-stuffed salmon. A bottle of house wine is included.  ChefTonysBethesda.com has the full menu.  Call (301) 654-3737.

<3

BLACK'S BAR AND KITCHEN

Black's promises their Valentine's menu will "dazzle that special someone."  Having dined there several times myself, I can say that's likely to happen.  Enjoy selections like fresh Arctic Char, Duck Confit Salad and Pavlova. $85 with wine pairings. $65 without.  Great raw bar and cocktails, as well.  BlacksBarAndKitchen.com.  Call  301.652.5525 for reservations.

<3

CHALK ARTIST RETURNS TO LUKE'S LOBSTER AT BETHESDA ROW (PHOTOS)

That talented artist at Luke's Lobster on Bethesda Lane is at it again!

This time, his or her chalk has spawned the Chowderminator. And yet, he or she still had time to write the winter specials on the other side. All four sound perfect for a December day like this.

WHERE TO CELEBRATE MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY IN BETHESDA - ¡VIVA MEXICO!

Sunday, September 16th is Mexican Independence Day.  Why not celebrate at one of downtown Bethesda's Mexican restaurants?

Uncle Julio's, at the corner of Arlington Road and Bethesda Avenue, is a Bethesda Row favorite.  Their beverages - alcoholic and non-alcoholic - are standouts on the menu, especially their Swirls.

Tia Queta

Ascend to the open-air rooftop patio for specials and perfect weather Sunday at Tia Queta, at 4839 Del Ray Ave.

Guapo's may be the most popular Mexican restaurant in downtown Bethesda.  8130 Wisconsin Avenue.

Bethesda's newest place for Mexican food and drinks is Plaza del Sol, at 4932 St. Elmo Avenue.

What is Mexican Independence Day?  It started with Father Hidalgo's Grito de Dolores on September 16, 1810.   At 11:00 tonight, the Mexican president will ring a bell, and address a crowd in the Mexico City public square, concluding with a triple "¡Viva Mexico!"

Join them in spirit, tonight or Sunday, at one of the many Mexican restaurants in downtown Bethesda!

WATCH LONDON 2012 OLYMPICS IN BETHESDA, AND YOU COULD WIN PRIZES!

Where to watch the Olympics in Bethesda, or the DC area in general?

Union Jack's Bethesda!

And now the British pub has sweetened the deal beyond just the 20 flatscreens, giant projection TV with theater-quality sound, and British food and adult beverage specials:

Now they're giving away prizes!

The more times you come to Union Jack's for the Olympics, the better your chances of winning British-themed prizes that will be awarded after the closing ceremonies in London.

One prize is a Newcastle home draft system.  Just what every man-cave (or woman-cave) needs!

For dog owners, don't miss the special Olympic Doggie Brunch on their patio from 11 AM to 2 PM today!  Not only will there be British dog treats, but a photographer will be on hand to snap photos of your mutt Royal-paparazzi style.

FREE PINT OF BEER TONIGHT IN BETHESDA!!

I found FREE beer for you again!

Just print out this coupon, and redeem it at Union Jack's Bethesda tonight after 9 PM.

This time, you're getting a full pint!

BETHESDA FOURTH OF JULY 2012 EVENTS

July 4th is here!  But most people have been spending the last 5 days dealing with power outages, gas shortages, and extreme heat.

Fortunately, I've got the best of the best Fourth of July events around Bethesda for you:

Redwood

Redwood is having the biggest event in town:  a backyard barbecue out on their Bethesda Lane patio!  Hamburgers, hot dogs, coleslaw, even a $5 Fourth of July cocktail.  The BBQ will run from noon until 6 PM.

Cafe Deluxe

Cafe Deluxe will be serving brunch until 3 PM today.

Mussel Bar

Mussel Bar will be open from 11:30 AM to 11:30 PM.  Stop in and celebrate with Red, White and Blue Chimay!

Matuba

Is sushi what you want?  Matuba on Cordell Avenue will be open for dinne only, from 5:00 to 9:30 PM.

Fireworks

It's all about the fireworks, isn't it?  Although the county bizarrely canceled its official government firework displays, fortunately, we have fireworks right here in Bethesda tonight!

Happy Fourth of July!

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND IN BETHESDA: THE BEST OF THE BEST!

Spending Memorial Day Weekend in Bethesda?

Mussel Bar, American Tap Room and The Parva are three places to get the most out of the weekend!

Why not start today and Memorial Day at Mussel Bar?  Couldn't get away to the beach this weekend?  Everyone's favorite Ocean City and Delaware summer drink is coming to you, at Bethesda Row!

Check out this Orange Crush - or better yet, order one at Mussel Bar!

Burger lovers - converge on American Tap Room for their burgers and beers Memorial Day special!

The Parva keeps rewriting the rules of Bethesda nightlife.  Two separate floors of music and dancing - and their famous Colombian Mojitos! - tonight!

HAPPY WEEKEND!

SUPER BOWL

SUNDAY IN

BETHESDA

Supersize your Super Bowl Sunday with this guide to the super events other laundry lists aren't telling you about. With this guide, you'll have more moves than Joe Namath on Super Bowl Sunday.

BETHESDA CENTRAL FARM MARKET

"A farmers market on Super Bowl Sunday?! What are you, some kind of wise guy?" In fact, I am a guy, and I am wise to direct you to the Elm Street parking lot until 12:30 PM today for Super Bowl party shopping.

"What do you think, I'm gonna eat a salad during the Super Bowl?" Well, why don't you just examine the Super Bowl spread you can put out from BCFM tonight:

Steak

Ribs

Sausages

Salami

Angus Burgers

Farmstead cheese to melt on the burgers!

Sun-dried feta, lemon pepper and pecorino dip

Red pepper, walnut and tahini dip

Spinach and white bean dip

Betty's Chips and Salsa

Belgian waffles and chocolate for dessert

AMERICAN TAP ROOM

Head to American Tap Room at Bethesda Row where every seat is the best seat in the house with all of the flatscreen TVs throughout the restaurant and bar.

But wait! It's no ordinary game day at ATR. They have a special menu, which starts with $4 drafts of Brooklyn Brewery for Giants fans, and $4 Samuel Adams for Patriots fans.

1 dozen Beer-steamed spiced shrimp $12

Basket of Tabasco onion rings $5

3 ATR Burger Sliders with cheddar cheese, pickle, onion and Special Sauce $6

And my personal favorite:

2 all-beef Hot Dogs with housemade chili, cheddar cheese and onions $6

Don't forget, they also have the best Brownie Sundae in town!

THE PARVA

This is the first Super Bowl Sunday ever at The Parva!

$2 Domestic, $3 Imported beers

$4 Parva drinks and Appetizers

Free shooters throughout the game!

Buy one, get one FREE bottle specials!

The party starts at 1PM at The Parva.

RI-RA

Want a package deal? Head to Ri-Ra on Elm Street. For $20, you will receive 2 domestic beers, and all of the hot dogs, nachos and wings you can eat - all night long!

For the purist, there will be $4 pints of Guinness available.

WEAR IT WELL

Last, but not least, I haven't forgotten about the ladies out there who couldn't care less about football (there are still a few out there).

All day today at Wear it Well on Bethesda Ave. at Bethesda Row, you will receive a surprise discount at check-out!

Have a great Super Bowl Sunday, and make sure to follow me on Twitter at @BethesdaRow to find out all the inside information about what's going on in downtown Bethesda!