 |
| They're spunky and they know it! As day... |
 |
| ...turns into night |
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
HUGE LINES FOR FREE BURRITOS AT CALIFORNIA TORTILLA BETHESDA GRAND OPENING (PHOTOS)
California Tortilla gave away a lot of burritos yesterday - I hope you got one. The lines went on and on. Are you in one of these photos?
BANGKOK ONE CLOSED - BETHESDA THAI RESTAURANT CLOSES FOREVER
DC LOCATION
STILL OPEN
Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive
Bethesda Thai restaurant Bangkok One has closed. Located at 4928 Cordell Avenue, the restaurant officially closed at the end of September, according to an employee who answered the phone at Bangkok One's DC location. That location remains open.
 |
| The restaurant has been cleaned out |
The restaurant had its fans, but was not usually crowded. But it's too bad they didn't stick it out a while longer, as - by my count - downtown Bethesda has recently lost two other Thai restaurants, greatly reducing the competition.
Here's hoping an interesting new restaurant leases the space.
Tuesday, October 09, 2012
ROBBERY ON BETHESDA RESIDENTIAL STREET - BETHESDA CRIME UPDATE
SECOND MASS. AVE
AREA ROBBERY IN
THREE WEEKS
Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive
A robbery occurred Saturday, October 6, in the 5100 block of Cammack Drive. Cammack is a dead-end street with a cul-de-sac, and some very expensive homes, in the exclusive west Bethesda enclave of Spring Hill.
The incident was the second robbery in that area in the last three weeks. It took place yards away from the first of those robberies, the September 15 pepper spray assault and robbery on Massachusetts Avenue, near Baltimore Avenue. The suspect in that case was described as an adult white male, unshaven facial hair, and short hair. He is still at large. Could it have been the same guy? There is no description of the newest robber to go by yet.
The best advice is to be alert for a man of that vague description, or any other suspicious person, particularly in the Massachusetts Avenue corridor.
WESTWOOD SHOPPING CENTER, OTHER WESTBARD PROPERTIES SOLD TO EQUITY ONE IN MASSIVE BETHESDA REAL ESTATE DEAL
NEIGHBORHOOD
COULD LOSE
GIANT FOOD
STORE IN 2019
Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive
The future of the Westbard Sector in Bethesda has just been upended again. In a shocking development, Capital Properties has sold the retail Westwood Complex - including the venerable Westwood Shopping Center- plus the Manor Care nursing home, and Westwood Tower apartment building, to Equity One for $140 million.
Terms of these properties' leases have become public in the transaction. Giant Food's lease in the Westwood Shopping Center expires in 2019, meaning that Giant could be lost in any redevelopment. It is important to note that Giant once held a 99-year lease, which began in 1959. Strangely, Giant signed a new lease just a few years ago. My guess at the time was that Capital Properties offered them a lower rate, in exchange for a shorter lease. Now it appears that is likely what happened. Could the neighborhoods around Westbard lose the Giant in 2019? Would Giant sign a new lease in the existing space, or in a new, redeveloped space on Westbard? The point is, we don't know at this point.
Even worse, we now know that Manor Care's lease is up in 2015, and Westwood Tower's in 2017. Of the two, the nursing home is more likely to be demolished to make way for a new development.
In any case, the game has changed again, and until I can do some research on Equity One, I can't tell you what kind of company they are to deal with. Capital Properties was widely considered one of the toughest and most formidable in citizen-developer negotiations.
Coincidentally, or not (hmm....), Montgomery County's Planning Board announced just hours before Equity One made its announcement, that it will take up the Westbard Sector Plan in 2015. Just in time to make changes favorable to the developer - how convenient. And the first lease expires that year. Just a coincidence, folks!
To be more optimistic, maybe the new developer will be more willing to work with the community. Like bringing Farrell's back to the Westwood Shopping Center.
Strangely, the Park Bethesda and Bowlmor were not announced as part of the deal. There are also two Citgo gas stations on Westbard. Kenwood Place Condominiums is owned by the residents, and not subject to sale.
Stay tuned for more details!
COULD LOSE
GIANT FOOD
STORE IN 2019
Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive
The future of the Westbard Sector in Bethesda has just been upended again. In a shocking development, Capital Properties has sold the retail Westwood Complex - including the venerable Westwood Shopping Center- plus the Manor Care nursing home, and Westwood Tower apartment building, to Equity One for $140 million.
Terms of these properties' leases have become public in the transaction. Giant Food's lease in the Westwood Shopping Center expires in 2019, meaning that Giant could be lost in any redevelopment. It is important to note that Giant once held a 99-year lease, which began in 1959. Strangely, Giant signed a new lease just a few years ago. My guess at the time was that Capital Properties offered them a lower rate, in exchange for a shorter lease. Now it appears that is likely what happened. Could the neighborhoods around Westbard lose the Giant in 2019? Would Giant sign a new lease in the existing space, or in a new, redeveloped space on Westbard? The point is, we don't know at this point.
Even worse, we now know that Manor Care's lease is up in 2015, and Westwood Tower's in 2017. Of the two, the nursing home is more likely to be demolished to make way for a new development.
In any case, the game has changed again, and until I can do some research on Equity One, I can't tell you what kind of company they are to deal with. Capital Properties was widely considered one of the toughest and most formidable in citizen-developer negotiations.
Coincidentally, or not (hmm....), Montgomery County's Planning Board announced just hours before Equity One made its announcement, that it will take up the Westbard Sector Plan in 2015. Just in time to make changes favorable to the developer - how convenient. And the first lease expires that year. Just a coincidence, folks!
To be more optimistic, maybe the new developer will be more willing to work with the community. Like bringing Farrell's back to the Westwood Shopping Center.
Strangely, the Park Bethesda and Bowlmor were not announced as part of the deal. There are also two Citgo gas stations on Westbard. Kenwood Place Condominiums is owned by the residents, and not subject to sale.
Stay tuned for more details!
COMMUNIST CHINESE OFFICIALS ADVISING MONTGOMERY COUNTY ON BUS RAPID TRANSIT (BRT) PLAN
STRANGE
BUT
TRUE!
Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive
The saga of the Emperor's new bus (a.k.a. Montgomery County Bus Rapid Transit) took another bizarre turn yesterday. A statement regarding a recent - but, strangely, unpublicized - visit by transportation officials from the province of Henan in Communist China, included a reference to the BRT project.
While the 18 officials from Zhengzhou were here to "learn about" planning and transit, the statement went on to say that they "shared insights about their own bus rapid transit system."
So to set the scorecard straight, Chinese officials have had more opportunity to weigh in on the BRT project than the taxpayers of Montgomery County.
How ironic, as China is the only country in the world to successfully accomplish what county politicians have claimed is their goal: "get people out of their cars." Oh, and they just happened to force people to do it. For example, one day half of the people are allowed to drive into work, and the next day, the other half can drive.
Is having Communist officials advising you on an already-controversial project good PR? Mmm... not so much.
This is the latest public relations disaster to befall the BRT "juggernaut." First, the finished plan was presented and endorsed by several elected officials - without a single public hearing on the matter. Then, when citizens like myself started pointing out that some downtown Bethesda residents could pay $1000 a year or more in BRT taxes, irate taxpayers turned out to a belated afterthought of a public hearing (again, after the plan had been finished).
Without those massive taxes, BRT was suddenly with no source of funding. Primary BRT advocate Marc Elrich then demanded the business community pay for the system. If they didn't, Elrich warned ominously, businesspeople would "get their worst nightmare." Unfortunately, he declined to specify what that "nightmare" would be.
And the county's own master planner said the BRT system won't work, and won't have the ridership.
With a terrible concept being made worse by gaffe after gaffe, it's time to retire the downright nutty BRT plan, and get to work on building our decades-delayed master plan highways.
As the Chinese officials may have told them, Beijing has not just one Outer Beltway, but five!
Ask their advice.
BUT
TRUE!
Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive
The saga of the Emperor's new bus (a.k.a. Montgomery County Bus Rapid Transit) took another bizarre turn yesterday. A statement regarding a recent - but, strangely, unpublicized - visit by transportation officials from the province of Henan in Communist China, included a reference to the BRT project.
While the 18 officials from Zhengzhou were here to "learn about" planning and transit, the statement went on to say that they "shared insights about their own bus rapid transit system."
So to set the scorecard straight, Chinese officials have had more opportunity to weigh in on the BRT project than the taxpayers of Montgomery County.
How ironic, as China is the only country in the world to successfully accomplish what county politicians have claimed is their goal: "get people out of their cars." Oh, and they just happened to force people to do it. For example, one day half of the people are allowed to drive into work, and the next day, the other half can drive.
Is having Communist officials advising you on an already-controversial project good PR? Mmm... not so much.
This is the latest public relations disaster to befall the BRT "juggernaut." First, the finished plan was presented and endorsed by several elected officials - without a single public hearing on the matter. Then, when citizens like myself started pointing out that some downtown Bethesda residents could pay $1000 a year or more in BRT taxes, irate taxpayers turned out to a belated afterthought of a public hearing (again, after the plan had been finished).
Without those massive taxes, BRT was suddenly with no source of funding. Primary BRT advocate Marc Elrich then demanded the business community pay for the system. If they didn't, Elrich warned ominously, businesspeople would "get their worst nightmare." Unfortunately, he declined to specify what that "nightmare" would be.
And the county's own master planner said the BRT system won't work, and won't have the ridership.
With a terrible concept being made worse by gaffe after gaffe, it's time to retire the downright nutty BRT plan, and get to work on building our decades-delayed master plan highways.
As the Chinese officials may have told them, Beijing has not just one Outer Beltway, but five!
Ask their advice.
FREE BURRITO AT BETHESDA CALIFORNIA TORTILLA GRAND OPENING TODAY!
All of the hard work that went into preparing the new California Tortilla at 4871 Cordell Avenue - and moving into it from the original location across the street - will pay off today. For you!
That's because you'll receive a FREE burrito from 11-2, and from 5-8 today during the Grand Opening.
That's because you'll receive a FREE burrito from 11-2, and from 5-8 today during the Grand Opening.
JOSÉ ANDRÉS PEPE FOOD TRUCK COMING TO BETHESDA ROW TODAY!!
The big day is finally here: Pepe is rolling into downtown Bethesda for lunch around 11:30 AM today.
Pepe will stop in front of its owner's restaurant, Jaleo, at Bethesda Row on the corner of Woodmont Avenue and Elm Street.
Don't want to wait in a long line? Just head straight into Jaleo to enjoy the same great Spanish cuisine.
Pepe will stop in front of its owner's restaurant, Jaleo, at Bethesda Row on the corner of Woodmont Avenue and Elm Street.
Don't want to wait in a long line? Just head straight into Jaleo to enjoy the same great Spanish cuisine.
Monday, October 08, 2012
VINO VOLO BETHESDA ROW DESIGN REVEALED! EXCLUSIVE IMAGES!
Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive
The first images of the exterior and interior of Bethesda Row's future wine bar, Vino Volo, have been revealed!
 |
| Here's how Vino Volo at Bethesda Row looks now |
 |
| But this is what it will look like when finished, thanks to impressive designs by Collective Architecture, LLC |
 |
| Collective Architecture, LLC |
 |
| Collective Architecture, LLC |
JALEO BETHESDA SERVING COLUMBUS DAY BRUNCH
Jaleo at Bethesda Row is serving a special Columbus Day Brunch today from 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM. I have to make one correction to their announcement; Columbus was actually born in Genoa, not Spain. But, understandably, Spain considers him one of their own.
BETHESDA ROW CINEMA ADDING BEER, WINE AND LIQUOR TO MENU
ALCOHOL COULD
BE ON SALE
BEFORE HOLIDAYS
Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive
Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema has applied for a Montgomery County license to sell beer, wine and spirits during its movies. The movie theater's hearing is scheduled for November 15, at 9:30 AM.
Landmark's other Washington area theater, E Street Cinema, already offers alcohol at its concession stand. Adding alcohol sales at Bethesda Row will almost certainly boost that theater's profits; as any restauranteur can tell you, most dining establishments take their biggest profits from liquor sales.
The move comes after a revamped concessions menu, including the delicious Phillips Crab Pretzel. But the theater is referring to the new menu and adult beverage selections not as a "snack bar," but as the Bethesda Row Cafe. Of course, regulars are already used to Landmark's more upscale concession and coffee offerings not usually found at the average cineplex.
What will be on the list? Montgomery County's liquor regulations make it costlier and more challenging to put together beer and wine lists than in the District. Having said that, there is little on E Street's list that I haven't already found in Bethesda.
As an example of what's coming to Bethesda Row, E Street is currently offering a "Scotchtober" tasting menu of scotches, bourbons and whiskeys. They also have a Beer of the Month, which for October is Sierra Nevada Tumbler Autumn Brown Ale. And DC Brau is on their beer list. As an upscale touch, wines are available both by the glass and bottle. Spirits range from Captain Morgan to fairly-affordable single malt scotches.
Fair warning: prices will be higher here, due again to jurisdictional policies.
And Landmark will be checking your driver's license.
Is this a plus for you, or do you think alcohol will change the the currently staid atmosphere for the worse? Leave your thoughts in a comment below.
Personally, I think the theatergoers at Bethesda Row Cinema tend to be mature - not so much in age, as more commonly, in behavior. I can think of many times when intoxicated people have come from nearby establishments into the Regal Bethesda, so in-house Prohibition doesn't necessarily stop poor behavior.
But I'm definitely curious to hear people's reactions to serving alcohol at the theater.
Sunday, October 07, 2012
THE STRANGER SIDE OF TASTE OF BETHESDA 2012 (PHOTOS)
Saturday's Taste of Bethesda was arguably the best one yet. The weather was not 100% perfect, but no one who attended last year's monsoon-afflicted affair was going to complain. It doesn't hurt that more and more great restaurants keep opening in Bethesda, but as the event grows in scale, Bethesda Urban Partnership has managed to meet the challenges.
While the dining takes center stage, one of the more intriguing aspects of Taste of Bethesda is the colorful cast of characters (and vehicles) you will encounter in the Woodmont Triangle.
With that in mind, here's a photo gallery of some of the more unusual moments from Taste of Bethesda 2012:
 |
| Speaking of characters, ladies and gentlemen, we have a winner |
 |
| Avast! There be a pirate aboard the Freddy's Lobster tent! Arrr... |
 |
| Food, fun, and... math? Seriously, though, smart marketing by Mathnasium to get out there with so many parents at Taste of Bethesda |
 |
| Dick Tracy checked the menus on his wristwatch |
 |
| My favorite Bethesda UP vehicle - they have their own little trash truck |
LATEST VA FEDERAL HIGHWAY FUND GIFT TORCHES MoCo POLS' CLAIMS OF "NO FEDERAL MONEY" FOR ROADS
Even as Bethesda and other parts of Montgomery County endure crippling traffic jams, Montgomery County politicians keep assuring us that there is no federal money available to build badly-needed roads and bridges.
What they don't tell you is, they haven't even applied for any!
In order to be eligible for federal funds, a transportation project must first be placed into a master plan. But our politicians have done just the opposite, deleting master plan highways like the Rockville Freeway and Outer Beltway from the books in methodical fashion.
If you wondered why our stimulus money ended up going to paving and sidewalks - while Virginia was getting money to finish its Rockville Freeway counterpart, the Fairfax County Parkway (the 2 roads were meant to connect, via a new Potomac River bridge by Riverbend Park) - it was because we didn't have any shovel-ready road projects in the pipeline. Result: we lost out on tens of millions of dollars.
What happens to federal money states and counties can't spend, because their leaders subscribe to anti-car ideology? It gets taken back by Uncle Sam, and distributed to states with common sense.
Like Virginia.
I believe they got $67+ million for the Fairfax County Parkway. But they're not done yet!
The Federal Highway Administration has just awarded an additional $52 million to Virginia, funds that - you guessed it - were passed up by states that are ideologically-opposed to building roads. Even if the Feds are picking up a large portion of the tab.
$52 million!
Why is Virginia getting $52M extra?
As the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported, Uncle Sam is giving a treasure chest of $1.4 billion "to states, like Virginia, that have eligible projects ready to go."
Why didn't we have the Rockville Freeway, Outer Beltway and Potomac River bridge "ready to go?"
Why didn't the state have the extension of I-70 to I-170 in west Baltimore "ready to go," to handle the explosion of truck traffic westbound from the port [and earn truck toll revenue - duh!], when the new Panama Canal opens in 2014?
Ask your elected officials.
What they don't tell you is, they haven't even applied for any!
In order to be eligible for federal funds, a transportation project must first be placed into a master plan. But our politicians have done just the opposite, deleting master plan highways like the Rockville Freeway and Outer Beltway from the books in methodical fashion.
If you wondered why our stimulus money ended up going to paving and sidewalks - while Virginia was getting money to finish its Rockville Freeway counterpart, the Fairfax County Parkway (the 2 roads were meant to connect, via a new Potomac River bridge by Riverbend Park) - it was because we didn't have any shovel-ready road projects in the pipeline. Result: we lost out on tens of millions of dollars.
What happens to federal money states and counties can't spend, because their leaders subscribe to anti-car ideology? It gets taken back by Uncle Sam, and distributed to states with common sense.
Like Virginia.
I believe they got $67+ million for the Fairfax County Parkway. But they're not done yet!
The Federal Highway Administration has just awarded an additional $52 million to Virginia, funds that - you guessed it - were passed up by states that are ideologically-opposed to building roads. Even if the Feds are picking up a large portion of the tab.
$52 million!
Why is Virginia getting $52M extra?
As the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported, Uncle Sam is giving a treasure chest of $1.4 billion "to states, like Virginia, that have eligible projects ready to go."
Why didn't we have the Rockville Freeway, Outer Beltway and Potomac River bridge "ready to go?"
Why didn't the state have the extension of I-70 to I-170 in west Baltimore "ready to go," to handle the explosion of truck traffic westbound from the port [and earn truck toll revenue - duh!], when the new Panama Canal opens in 2014?
Ask your elected officials.
Saturday, October 06, 2012
EASTHAM'S EXXON SITE DECONTAMINATION BEGINS (PHOTOS)
CLEANUP REQUIRED
AT BETHESDA GAS
STATION TO REZONE
LAND FOR
RESIDENTIAL USE
Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive
Developers wasted no time in hiring a decontamination crew for the former Eastham's Exxon site on Wisconsin Avenue. A battalion of trucks entered the fenced-off property in downtown Bethesda Thursday.
Eastham's closed forever Monday, as the developer was unwilling to extend a lease allowing continued operation as a service center. The swift boot by the developer, and the nearly-immediate launch of the decontamination process, strongly suggest the new owners intend to begin construction of their luxury residential building as soon as possible.
SUSPECT ARRESTED, CHARGED IN CAPITAL CRESCENT TRAIL ASSAULT - BETHESDA CRIME REPORT
Montgomery County Police acted on a tip, and arrested a 16-year-old Rockville resident in connection with a September 29 assault and attempted robbery in downtown Bethesda.
The teen has been charged with attempted robbery and 2nd degree assault, after he allegedly tried to mug two other juveniles walking on the Capital Crescent Trail at approximately 8:50 PM that evening.
Detectives from the Bethesda Investigative Section located and arrested the suspect on Thursday, October 4. As many as 5 other male juveniles were involved in the alleged robbery attempt, but police have not yet indicated whether or not those youths have been identified, or will also face charges.
Friday, October 05, 2012
DEMOLITION PERMIT REQUESTED FOR FOONG LIN BUILDING
GREEN BUILDING ON
FAIRMONT, NORFOLK
TO BE DESTROYED TO
MAKE WAY FOR
JBG BUILDING
Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive
The wrecking ball is warming up for the green shopping center along Norfolk and Fairmont Avenues. Home to a convenience store, Foong Lin, Haandi (which is moving to Norfolk Avenue), Sweet Basil among others, the structure is scheduled to be demolished by JBG for a 17-story residential building in the coming months.
TASTE OF BETHESDA MENUS 2012
Here's all you need to know to plan your strategy for Taste of Bethesda 2012, Saturday, October 6, from 11 AM to 4 PM! On that official page, is every menu for almost every restaurant.
INTERIORS OF WASHINGTON TAKING OVER FORMER MEMENZA JEWELERS SPACE ON NORFOLK AVENUE
BETHESDA STUDIO
MOVING ACROSS
TOWN
Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive
Interiors of Washington, a 20-year-old interior design studio, is moving from Bradley Boulevard into the old Memenza Jewelers space on Norfolk Avenue.
There'll be quite a racket there in the short term, as the Norfolk-Cordell II project is being built right next door. That site's old building has been demolished, as regular readers know.
TESLA MOTORS TO OPEN BETHESDA SERVICE CENTER
ELECTRIC CAR
FACILITY TO OPEN
IN
MARCH 2013
Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive
High-end electric car manufacturer Tesla Motors has announced it will open a vehicle service center in Bethesda in March 2013.
The actual location has not yet been announced.
The facility will not be a dealership, but Tesla is opening one in Tysons Corner. That location will not have a service center, and likely will direct owners to our Bethesda facility. Tesla's Washington, D.C. location has sales and service on one site.
Where will the Tesla facility go?
You might say, "not Bethesda Row!" But don't rule it out. Tesla has a location at California's Santana Row development. Don't forget: there's a very conspicuously out-of-place auto repair shop on Elm Street, near Taylor Gourmet and Newton's Table. Hmm... Hmm indeed!
There are limited options, as only an industrial site or previously auto-contaminated property like a gas station are eligible.
Other than the Westbard industrial zone, or one of the two shuttered gas stations downtown (excluding Eastham's) Tesla's only real options other than Elm Street would be Montgomery Mall (which is unlikely to use the valuable Ourisman Ford site for more auto uses - but you never know!) or to join with EuroMotorcars as Lotus did. Think about it.
Stay tuned!
Thursday, October 04, 2012
SPECTACULAR HALLOWEEN FALL DISPLAY AT WESTBARD GIANT IN BETHESDA (PHOTOS)
FREE PINK
LEMONADE
THIS WEEKEND
Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive
I noticed that the Giant on Westbard Avenue had a much more elaborate Halloween/Fall display than the Bethesda Row Giant. The Westbard Giant continues to celebrate its Grand Reopening.
This Saturday and Sunday, you can get a FREE cup of pink lemonade between 12 and 4 PM, and win pink pastries from the bakery section.
For now, enjoy these photos of the fabulous display outside the store, as we are officially in Halloween season:
Giant, 5400 Westbard Avenue, Bethesda.
FREE WINE TASTING IN BETHESDA TONIGHT
SAMPLE 4
FRENCH WINES,
LEARN FROM
THE EXPERTS
Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive
Enjoy a free French wine tasting tonight from 5:30-8:00 PM, at Capital Beer and Wine in downtown Bethesda.
Stepane Defot of Z Wine Gallery Imports will discuss and pour 4 wines, which will also be sold at a special discount, should you wish to buy after you try.
Two whites and two reds will be sampled:
Domaine de Laxe Blanc is from the Cotes de Gascon region of France. With tropical, citrus, and grass flavors, it is perfect with chicken or seafood.
Domaine de Varoux Bourgogne Chardonnay comes to us from the Burgundy region. This white has a more noticeable acidity, with notes of citrus and peach. Try pairing this with lobster, grouper, flounder or cod.
Domaine Boudau Clot del Pila is from the Cotes du Rossillon region. A blend of Syrah and Grenache, the dark fruit flavor and slight hint of pepper might be worth trying with sausage.
Chateau Fourcas Dupre is a product of Listrac. If you like a suggestion of smoke and coffee with your dark fruit wine, this goes as well with burgers, steak and spaghetti as it does with a bachelor's can of beef stew.
Expand your wine knowledge tonight - for free! - at Capital Beer and Wine.
Capital Beer and Wine, 7903 Norfolk Avenue, Bethesda.
(Parking hint: Try the small Lot 8 around the corner on St. Elmo, between Norfolk and Woodmont Avenues, if space is available)
EASTHAM'S EXXON CLOSED PHOTO GALLERY - UPDATED! NEW LOCATION FOR EASTHAM'S?
EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS
EASTHAM'S EXXON CLOSED!
 |
| A final look under the gas pump canopy |
 |
| Crescent Plaza looms over a fading piece of Bethesda history |
MICROSOFT POP-UP STORE OPENING OCTOBER 26 IN BETHESDA
Microsoft's pop-up store will be located at Westfield Montgomery Mall through the holiday season.
Wednesday, October 03, 2012
AIR FLAMENCO IN DOWNTOWN BETHESDA AT PLAZA DEL SOL (PHOTO)
You may have caught the weekly flamenco performance by guitarist Miguelito - and his revolving cast of talented dancers - at Plaza del Sol restaurant. But you've never seen the show like this, from several stories in the air, above the restaurant's St. Elmo Avenue patio last Saturday night:
 |
| Click photos to enlarge! |
THE JEANS RIHANNA WORE... NOW ON SALE AT BETHESDA ROW
When it comes to fashion icons in the year 2012, you'd have to put Kate Middleton at the top. But not far behind is Rihanna, who may wear outlandishly-expensive designer wear on red carpets and runways, but who also dons more-affordable styles at times. Her fashion sense is such that the UK's River Island has even signed her up to design her own line for them.
But you can steal one of her looks today at Bethesda Row, with these Citizens of Humanity Avedon skinny jeans, available at Luna on Woodmont Avenue.
Tell them Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row sent you!
But you can steal one of her looks today at Bethesda Row, with these Citizens of Humanity Avedon skinny jeans, available at Luna on Woodmont Avenue.
Tell them Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row sent you!
Luna, 7232 Woodmont Avenue. 301-656-1111.
BOLD BITE HOT DOG CART HITS STREETS OF BETHESDA
FAIRMONT AVENUE
RESTAURANT
GOES MOBILE
Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive
While the food truck market continues to expand, Bethesda's Bold Bite is entering the curbside dining phenomenon backwards, launching a food cart out of the existing bricks-and-mortar hot dog restaurant on Fairmont Avenue.
While world-famous chef Jose Andres recently made news with the launch of his food truck, Pepe, Bold Bite's venture is a more natural development. In fact, Bold Bite the restaurant was originally inspired by co-owner Alonso Roche's memories of hot dog and sausage carts in Venezuela. So, perhaps it was inevitable after all.
 |
| Bold Bite Cart |
This is a good chance for those who work on the Bethesda Row side of town - but only buy lunch within walking distance (although I consider Bold Bite within walking distance of Bethesda Row, it just depends how much lunch time you have) - to try Bold Bite.
Follow @BoldBite on Twitter to find out what days the cart is out, and where to find it. It's a chance to literally "buy local," as your dollars "stay in the neighborhood" when you purchase from Bold Bite.
GOOGLE OFFERS AND ZAGAT HOST TENT AT TASTE OF BETHESDA 2012
GIVE YOUR OPINIONS
ON BETHESDA RESTAURANTS,
GET GOOGLE DEALS FOR
BETHESDA DINING!
Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive
One of several new developments at this year's Taste of Bethesda (this Saturday, October 6) is that Google Offers and Zagat are teaming up at Tent F on Norfolk Avenue.
At the tent, you can sign up for the Montgomery County hub on Google Offers, and get dining deals in your inbox, like 50%-off dinner at selected Bethesda restaurants.
Zagat will also be conducting a survey, and wants your opinions on your favorite (and not-so-favorite) restaurants in Bethesda.
Tuesday, October 02, 2012
VIP OUTDOOR WINDOW DISPLAY (PHOTO)
Here's just a small sample of the outerwear for sale at David Castain's VIP Outdoor shop at Bethesda's Westfield Montgomery Mall.
I also saw one of my favorite brands, The North Face.
I also saw one of my favorite brands, The North Face.
MATHNASIUM OPENING IN FAIRMONT AVE. STOREFRONT (PHOTOS)
Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive
Here's a leasing update from Old Town Bethesda: Professional math tutoring company Mathnasium is coming to Fairmont Avenue. The tutoring center will take over the storefront next to the future Take 5 Boutique.
Mathnasium provides children struggling with math a diagnostic evaluation, and then tailors a custom learning program.
This is good news for students and parents in Bethesda, and a convenient location. Of course, for the rest of us who might have been hoping for an interesting new restaurant, or specialty store, this is a bit of a letdown...
ROBBERY AT SUBURBAN HOSPITAL - BETHESDA CRIME REPORT
A robbery was reported at Suburban Hospital on Saturday, September 29. No details regarding the exact location on the campus the crime took place, the robber's description, or what was stolen, have been released.
I will pass those along as soon as the police make them available.
I will pass those along as soon as the police make them available.
EASTHAM'S EXXON COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN, STRIPPED OF SIGNAGE - EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS!
HOPES DASHED
FOR STATION'S
BID TO REMAIN
AS REPAIR SHOP
Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive
The developer of the historic Eastham's Exxon gas station in Bethesda showed no mercy Monday.
While gas sales were expected to end forever on Sunday, September 30, Eastham's ownership had been seeking a temporary lease to stay open as a service center, until the site was demolished for a luxury building.
But those hopes were dashed Monday, as the gas station was abruptly encircled by security fencing, and stripped of all signage. The flags are gone from the flagpoles, and Bethesda has lost yet another auto repair facility.
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| A post-apocalyptic atmosphere permeates Eastham's Exxon Monday evening |
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| The Eastham's flagpoles are bare, as storm clouds roll into Bethesda |
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| Like McDonald's and Hot Shoppes, Eastham's was a last vestige of the Golden Age of Motoring in Bethesda |
I am aware of a site available for lease in the Westbard industrial zone on River Road. Perhaps the Eastham's folks should investigate this, as it is a hidden site, but their customers are loyal enough to seek it out. They would be able to have a sign out on River Road.
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| Could this be a future location for Eastham's service center? 5200 River Road is for lease, but is not roadside |
Monday, October 01, 2012
THE DRYBAR AT BETHESDA ROW SNEAK PREVIEW - EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS!
A BLOW DRYER
LIGHT FIXTURE?
Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive
Okay, ladies, I know how excited you are about The Drybar opening at Bethesda Row, so once again, I'm delivering the goods with these exclusive shots.
You won't find these anywhere else: exclusive photos of the interior of the future Drybar at Bethesda Row!
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| By golly, that light fixture really is made of blow dryers! Nice theming |
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| Would you believe, the word "drybar" is in raised letters on the front counter? |
NEW "COMING SOON" SIGNAGE AT URBAN OUTFITTERS BETHESDA LOCATION (PHOTO)
Urban Outfitters has updated the signage at their highly-anticipated Westfield Montgomery Mall location, scheduled to open this month.
NEW BETHESDA CALIFORNIA TORTILLA TO OPEN OCTOBER 3 [PHOTOS]
ORIGINAL LOCATION
CLOSED LAST FRIDAY
Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive
Cal Tort fans: "Keep your fingers crossed" for a Wednesday, October 3 Grand Opening of the new location at the corner of Cordell and Norfolk Avenues.
Last Friday, the legendary original Cal Tort closed its doors forever across Cordell.
Regular readers have already gotten an exclusive sneak preview of the new Cal Tort's slick interior here on the blog.
Remember the large sun that hangs from the ceiling inside? Get this: it lights up!
Now that's impressive.
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