DOUGLAS DEVELOPMENT TO UNVEIL PLANS FOR DOWNTOWN BETHESDA PROJECT (PHOTOS)

One of the two anticipated Douglas Development redevelopment projects is about to be unveiled to the public in downtown Bethesda. The DC-based developer is hosting a public meeting Tuesday, July 15, at 7:00 PM, in room D at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center, located at 4805 Edgemoor Lane, regarding its plans for the 8008 Wisconsin Avenue property. That property runs along Cordell Avenue, as well, and consists of the former Ranger Surplus store, a dry cleaners, and a beer-wine store, known as the "Beer House."

This entire city block is about to be entirely overhauled by Douglas and another developer, JBG. What will be left standing in a few years includes Fairmont Plaza, Bruce Variety and a future chocolate shop.

All we know so far is that the project will include up to 135 apartments, and 4000 SF of commercial space. Fifteen percent of the apartments will be MPDUs, above the required 12%. Douglas Development is also seeking a parking waiver for the project.

Several land deals by Douglas in recent times have left residents wondering what will become of those properties, which also include the potential for a major project on the sites of Tommy Joe's and Pines of Rome.

The former Ranger Surplus
on Wisconsin Avenue

A tattered POW-MIA flag
flutters in the breeze behind
the Ranger Surplus building

Flag again, plus a view from the
site towards Triangle Towers

Sign announcing the meeting

Dry cleaners

Beer House

NEW MURAL AT PIKE & ROSE (PHOTO)

The latest design touch at Federal Realty's Pike & Rose development is this large mural on Old Georgetown Road. Other than the musical reference, it is mostly an abstract design, topped off with the development's official logo.

ASSAULT ON GROSVENOR LANE + MORE - BETHESDA CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across Bethesda on July 2, according to crime data:

Theft. 5500 block Greentree Road.

Theft. 5500 block Wisconsin Avenue.

Theft. 8600 block Melwood Road.

Assault/"other sexual offense." 5700 block Grosvenor Lane.

Vehicle burglary. 4400 block Tournay Road (Westmoreland Hills).

Vehicle burglary. 6000 block Bryn Mawr Avenue (Glen Echo).

Theft. 5100 block Nicholson Lane.

Vehicle burglary. 5500 block Nicholson Lane.

Theft. 7100 block Democracy Boulevard.

Drug arrest. Montrose Parkway at Chapman Avenue.

GREENWICH SANDWICH SHOP REPLACING QUIZNOS TUESDAY IN BETHESDA (PHOTOS)

Toasty is toast. The Bethesda Quiznos at 4817 St. Elmo Avenue is getting a big makeover - and reopening as greenWICH on Tuesday, July 8, at 11:00 AM. In fact, while many were out at parades and picnics, and getting ready for fireworks, a construction team was furiously at work inside the space on the 4th of July.

greenWICH will specialize in sandwiches and salads, so it will still meet sandwich needs for lunch, albeit in a less "toasty" form. They've also got a very popular sandwich shop about a block away from them - local favorite Jetties - to compete with.

Quiznos fans can still get their toasty sandwiches at the Bethesda Metro Center Quiznos, located at 4801 Montgomery Lane. But it seems those who pronounce Greenwich like "sandwich" have finally attained some measure of misguided vindication.

Behind the papered windows,
a lot of work was going on

The Bethesda Metro Center
Quizno's shop is still open

BETHESDA POWER OUTAGE UPDATE

About 45 Pepco customers are currently without power in Bethesda, a vast improvement over the thousands who were in the dark after yesterday's storm. Today's outages are primarily in the Brookmont area, and in the area around Wilson Lane and Bradley Boulevard. Pepco is forecasting restoration of power to those residents by 12:30 AM.

WENDY'S STEAKHOUSE JR. CHEESEBURGER REVIEW (VIDEO)

What is more appropriate for the 4th of July than the American cheeseburger? Wendy's Steakhouse Jr. Cheeseburger has arrived in Montgomery County, at the Wendy's located on Rockville Pike at First Street. Before you start thinking about a 1/3 pound Wagyu beef patty, that's not the kind of Steakhouse Wendy's is talking about. This is the standard Dave's Hot and Juicy 100% junior beef patty, with Steakhouse seasoning added.

A garlic aioli finishes the steakhouse theme, along with other standard toppings: lettuce, tomato, red onion, and American cheese.

Does the Steakhouse Jr. Cheeseburger live up to the steakhouse hype? Watch my video for the full report! Plus, our expert reminisces about a celebrity encounter from his earliest days in Hollywood.

MORE AUTO BREAK-INS IN W. BETHESDA, N. CHEVY CHASE + MORE - BETHESDA CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across Bethesda on July 1, according to crime data:

Burglary. 7600 block Old Georgetown Road.

Theft. 8200 block Woodmont Avenue.

Theft from vehicle. 7400 block Exeter Road.

Vehicle burglary. 8800 block Walnut Hill Road.

Vehicle burglary. 3200 block Flushing Meadow Terrace.

Vehicle burglary. 3200 block Flushing Meadow Terrace.

Theft. 5100 block Worthington Drive.

Drug arrest. Old Georgetown Road at I-495.

Vehicle burglary. 5300 block Albemarle Street (Westmoreland Hills).

Burglary. 4500 block Boxwood Road (Westmoreland Hills).

BETHESDA ROW CONSTRUCTION UPDATE (PHOTOS)

The Lot 31 development project across from Bethesda Row continues, as The Darcy and The Flats rise higher above the future, realigned Woodmont Avenue. There is daily concrete work at the Bethesda Avenue side of the site. The 3 tower cranes are also joined by a smaller, fourth crane atop The Flats. Here are some photos from the site (click to enlarge for detail):

BETHESDA STORM DAMAGE PHOTOS + POWER OUTAGE UPDATE

Limb down in downtown Bethesda

Power outages and many fallen tree limbs are the primary evidence of the violent storm that hit Bethesda late this afternoon. One woman was struck by lightning at Old Georgetown Road and Democracy Boulevard. Her injuries were considered non-life-threatening, according to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue spokesman Pete Piringer.

Thousands are without power in Bethesda; the hardest hit areas are along the River Road/Massachusetts Avenue corridors, and North Bethesda. Multiple traffic signals along River Road were dark this evening. Pepco's outage site is not giving estimated times for power restoration for any of these outages.

Here are some photos of the aftermath; there may be more photos (not to mention more storms) to come tonight, and tomorrow.

Tree limb meets car

Dark traffic signals at River Road
and Ridgefield Road

Tree limb blocks northbound lanes
of Arlington Road just south
of Bradley Boulevard

Storm-tossed fencing and construction
equipment at the 7770 Norfolk
luxury apartment tower construction
site

Bethesda Urban Partnership
cart got knocked aside in
Veterans Park

DEMOLITION FENCES INSTALLED AROUND THE HAMPDEN, HOUSES ON BETHESDA CONDO SITE (PHOTOS)

Fencing was erected around the future site of The Lauren ultra-luxury condos on Hampden Lane yesterday. The Hampden garden apartments, and several homes, will be demolished to make way for the exclusive residential building. Condos "from the several millions" will be situated on prime real estate adjacent to Bethesda Row. However, the asbestos removal project will have to be completed before the buildings can come down. That project was scheduled to be finished by the end of today.

AUTO BREAK-INS IN W. BETHESDA, N. CHEVY CHASE, LUXMANOR, POOKS HILL - BETHESDA CRIME UPDATE

The hot weather is really bringing out the thieves in the Bethesda-Chevy Chase area. Vehicles in several neighborhoods were targeted on Monday. Which brings up the usual reminder - lock those car doors, and don't leave any valuables inside. These sorts of thieves walk up a street, look into each car, and test each door handle. If you don't give them anything to work with, they'll usually move on to the next target.

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across Bethesda on June 30, according to crime data:

Theft. 4800 block Bethesda Avenue.

Vehicle burglary. 4300 block Chestnut Street.

Burglary. 9800 block Bristol Square Lane (Pooks Hill).

Vehicle burglary. 8800 block Walnut Hill Road.

Vehicle burglary. 8800 block Brierly Road.

Vehicle burglary. 9500 block E. Stanhope Road.

Vehicle burglary. 5100 block Baltimore Avenue (Westgate).

Vehicle burglary. 4700 block Jamestown Road (Westmoreland Hills).

Vehicle burglary. 10800 block Montrose Avenue (Garrett Park).

Vehicle burglary. 6100 block Lux Lane (Luxmanor).

Theft. 12200 block Braxfield Court.

NOISY NIGHTS AHEAD ON BETHESDA AVENUE

StonebridgeCarras, developer of the Lot 31 project across from Bethesda Row, has requested a noise waiver from the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection. The waiver is needed for nighttime installation of electrical utilities under Bethesda Avenue its intersection with Woodmont Avenue.

This utility work will begin around Monday July 7, between the overnight hours of 9:00 PM and 7:00 AM. It is expected to take 5 nights to complete the project. The waiver allows the work to exceed nighttime decibel levels, in order to avoid disruptions to pedestrians and traffic during the daytime hours. Safety is also an issue for pedestrians, according to the DEP.

Downtown residents most affected will be, primarily, in The Seasons. Secondarily, will be residents of Crescent Plaza, Upstairs at Bethesda Row, and the houses within the Sacks neighborhood behind the Lot 31 site.

The Lot 31 project includes The Darcy condominiums, The Flats apartments, and a 900-space public parking garage that is located under both buildings.

FIXING THE WACKIEST SIDEWALK IN BETHESDA (PHOTOS)

What happens when your sidewalk is higher than the guy's next door? Possibly a scene reminiscent of Chevy Chase playing Gerald Ford, if you don't fix it. So fix it they are, on Fairmont Avenue in front of the new Bainbridge Bethesda and the former Dansez Dansez/Fresh Grill building.

Here was phase 1 of the repair:

Next is Phase 2:

The brick pavers will bring the level up to
the curb height

ITEMS TAKEN FROM CARS IN GARRETT PARK, BETHESDA ROW THEFTS + MORE - BETHESDA CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across Bethesda on June 29, according to crime data:

Theft. Barnes and Noble at Bethesda Row.

Theft. Apple Store at Bethesda Row.

Drug arrest. 7000 block Wisconsin Avenue.

Theft. Bloomingdales (Western Avenue).

Vehicle burglary. 10600 block Weymouth Street.

Theft from vehicle. 10700 block Keswick Street (Garrett Park).

Vehicle burglary. 10700 block Clermont Avenue (Garrett Park).

Theft. 6800 block Bradley Boulevard.

MISS BETHESDA BIKINI CONTEST LAUNCHES JULY 11 AT HANARO LOUNGE

A bikini contest in Bethesda - that's not something you hear often. But for the first time, one woman will be crowned Miss Bethesda this summer at Hanaro Restaurant and Lounge, on Norfolk Avenue. The first annual Miss Bethesda Bikini Contest will open next Friday, July 11, with registration at 10:00 PM.

Registrants will compete in Round 1 starting at 11:30 PM that night. You can register or RSVP in advance by emailing Hanaro. 

The semifinals will be July 18, and the finals on July 25. When Miss Bethesda is chosen on the 25th, she will receive a $1000 cash prize.

There will be drink specials, a live DJ, and the kitchen will stay open until 1 AM. Patio seating is also available.

For the finals on the 25th, there will be celebrity judges and giveaways by liquor sponsors of the event. No word yet if I will be named a celebrity judge...

Hanaro Restaurant and Lounge

7820 Norfolk Avenue

301-654-7851

PITZZE TABLE CLOSED FOR RENOVATIONS TODAY IN BETHESDA (PHOTOS)

Pitzze Table, a reinvention of the existing Haven Pizzeria in downtown Bethesda, will be closed today to facilitate that transformation. The return of Tiger Mullen to the helm of the pizzeria is bringing new recipes, new menus, new kitchen equipment - and even breakfast - to the restaurant.

If you remember my post about the future Naples 45 pizzeria coming to Westfield Montgomery Mall this year, you'll be glad to know that the new Pitzze Table will indeed be using real, imported San Marzano tomatoes on its pizza pies. And the clams on your pizza will be fresh from New England, not fresh from a can.

House-baked breads will be a prominent part of the breakfast menu, and you can also expect much-improved gelato for dessert.

Pitzze Table is located at 7137 Wisconsin Avenue, and will reopen Wednesday, July 2, for its inaugural breakfast menu at 7:00 AM.

WHERE TO WATCH USA VS. BELGIUM WORLD CUP MATCH IN BETHESDA

Which bars in Bethesda will be showing the USA vs. Belgium World Cup match today, July 1, at 4:00 PM? The question might be, which bars aren't showing the game? But here are a few among them who are offering specials during the game:

4935 Bar & Kitchen

Stop in at 4935 Bar & Kitchen starting at 3:30 PM. World Cup specials will include $1 oysters, $3 draft beers, $6 specialty cocktails, and half-price appetizers.

4935 Cordell Avenue

American Tap Room

There are always plenty of TV screens at American Tap Room at Bethesda Row. Specials will include loaded fries, Signature ATR Wings and a patriotic Tito's Red White & Boom cocktail.

7278 Woodmont Avenue

Brickside Food & Drink

With a 160" HD screen, Brickside Food & Drink has a lot of best seats in the house. Specials during the game will include $3 Miller lite and yuengling drafts, $4 rail drinks, $4 house wine for sophisticated types, $4 Premium drafts, $5 craft drafts, and $5 bombs in case everything goes south for your team.

4866 Cordell Avenue

Mussel Bar

Here's a very interesting spot to watch the game. The Belgian-inspired Mussel Bar will be hosting the game, so you might feel at home no matter which team is yours in this match. Specials will include $5 Palm (from Belgium) or Flying Dog (from Frederick, MD USA) drafts.

7262 Woodmont Avenue

PR FRESH LOOK STORE COMING TO PIKE & ROSE

If stylish, upscale hair salons are a must for today's luxury mixed-use communities, Pike & Rose has found one in PR Fresh Look. A concept by salon chain PR at Partners, with a flagship store in Tysons Corner, the PR Fresh Look store will offer blowouts and hairstyles tailored to the individual customer. Potential clients will be able to read bios of each stylist online, and those stylists will also be able to teach them tips and tricks for pulling off salon styles at home.

PR Fresh Look will be located by Del Frisco's Grille on Grand Park Avenue, the same block that will hold the iPic Theaters cineplex.

The salon will open this November.

PR Fresh Look salon will be
located at left on
Grand Park Avenue