PHILLIPS SEAFOOD

25% OFF AT

GIANT

Today through Thursday, all Phillips Seafood products (except Party Packs) are 25% off at participating Giant stores.

I've tried just about all of the frozen seafood line, and every product has been delicious.

They have two kinds of crab cakes based on the famous restaurant recipe. Serve them with a side dish, or put one into a high-quality hamburger bun with Phillips Tartar Sauce for a Crab Cake Sandwich.

I was initially skeptical about Salmon Cakes in general, but once I tried the Phillips brand Salmon Cakes I wanted a second right away.

Need appetizers for a party? There won't be any Phillips Buffalo Shrimp left behind on the plate! Another pleasant surprise, as these are the first frozen shrimp I've had that are restaurant quality.

I haven't seen the dim sum or flatbread products on the shelves yet, but the Salt and Pepper Calamari was in stock, and I'm looking forward to trying it.

The Crab Pretzel is another good choice - each is a single-serving.

Soups are restaurant quality as well. My favorite crab soup is the original Cream of Crab recipe from the original Phillips Crab House in Ocean City. That has a thin broth, but I wonder if it does not translate well to a frozen product. For whatever reason, this is the thicker kind, but there's nothing wrong with that.

I haven't tried the Clam Chowder yet, and I'm hoping it's the same recipe they serve at the Rockville Phillips, which was the best Clam Chowder I've had. Not to mention that they have the World's Best Potato Salad at Phillips Crab House in Ocean City. I hope they can figure out how to package that someday for grocery stores.

With 25% off, this is the time to try out all of the Phillips products, and also to use the many recipes they offer on their website:

http://www.phillipsfoods.com/

I've been dining at Phillips in Ocean City my whole life. There are a lot of new, trendy restaurants in Ocean City, but Phillips Crab House is still the best in my opinion. With a long, cold winter ahead, their grocery line brings the best seafood in Ocean City to Bethesda any night of the week.

ROCKVILLE FREEWAY

UPDATE FOR

JANUARY 2012

Momentum continues to build for construction of the Rockville Freeway, to connect White Flint with the ICC (MD 200) near Indian Spring Country Club, via the Rockville Facility right-of-way.

KOHL'S COMING TO ASPEN HILL

Black Friday in Aspen Hill is going to be pretty exciting in a few years, and getting there for the sales will be a lot easier if the Rockville Freeway is built.

Kohl's plans to open a store on the lot of the former Super Fresh (although, if you're hardcore Aspen Hill, you know it as the A&P! And the Aspen Hill McDonald's once was one of the two best Roy Rogers in Montgomery County).

So at 10 PM on Thanksgiving, you're going to have a choice of Doorbusters at Kohl's, Walmart and Kmart. All three are within 1 to 1-and-a-half blocks of planned interchanges of the Rockville Freeway.

SAFETY, CONGESTION CONCERNS

A tragic, five-car pileup on 355 in late December caused a complete shutdown of Rockville Pike in Pooks Hill. Part of the wreck crashed through fencing of a private home along the road, and reignited safety issues. It was noted that, due to the failure to build roads like the Northwest Freeway, more traffic is forced to use 355.

More significantly, though, the shutdown highlighted the need for new roads to not only relieve traffic, but upon which rush hour commuters can be detoured in the event of just such an event.

I want to address the specific issue of the area between downtown Bethesda and Pooks Hill on 355 and 185 here on the blog in the near future.

But for this Rockville Freeway update, it's notable that the freeway would be an everyday relief valve for 355, by taking cars off that road and getting them going in the true directions they are trying to head towards.

WHERE'S THE ROCKVILLE FREEWAY?

Another missing road point was made by a commenter on Greater Greater Washington. GGW published an article asking if the ICC will ever be used in the numbers once projected. The commenter lamented the far-north alignment of the ICC, noting that he and other Bethesda and North Bethesda residents have little use for the road. He said he recalled that the ICC was once planned for a more southerly route. He was correct.

The road he was thinking of? That's right, the Rockville Freeway. The Rockville Facility right-of-way was once planned as the route of the Outer Beltway, a circumferential highway reduced to a straight line. That straight line was called the ICC. Protests had resulted in the ICC being moved north to I-370. That was when the Rockville Facility was redesignated as the route for the Rockville Freeway.

BIG ROCKVILLE FREEWAY ANNOUNCEMENT

Finally, the biggest Rockville Freeway news was the announcement by the Lerner Company that they intend to demolish White Flint Mall. Just after millions of new square feet of development had been added to the White Flint sector plan total, now the entire mall site is on the table.

2500 housing units are proposed, as well as retail and commercial development.

This was a troubling announcement because White Flint will be losing about 70% of the reasons people currently travel there. It may be that Cheesecake Factory and P.F. Chang's will reopen as first-floor streetfront restaurants in the new "town center" development." If they don't, or if there is a significant delay, White Flint will lose popularity. Studies show that once a business is closed, or has an erratic schedule, customers put it out of their minds and don't come back even once it reopens. By that time, they have a new routine and are used to shopping or dining elsewhere.

It's also sad to hear another mall joining the list of demolitions in the DC area. Montgomery Mall is where I've shopped all my life, so I don't have the emotional attachment to White Flint Mall that others might. But I hope we as a citizenry will make clear that the mall demolitions have to stop. No one is tired of shopping malls, and this trend is all about developers making money.

If the White Flint demolition is approved and a town center is built, however, it adds weight to the overwhelming need for the Rockville Freeway. I hope that Lerner will act responsibly and put its weight behind building this 60-year-old highway project.

# # #

The Rockville Freeway will connect massively expanding residential and employment centers like White Flint, Burtonsville, White Oak, Konterra and Columbia. There is no question that the demand and need are real. If Montgomery County and Maryland officials are to be taken at their word, there will be commuters traveling between these locations during rush hour, rather than the traditional north-south travel pattern.

It's not a question of whether or not we'll have growth. It's a question of whether we can move from so-called "smart growth," which leaves 85% of transportation capacity unbuilt, to "Responsible Growth," which provides 100% highway and transit capacity.

The answer in White Flint, Rockville, Bethesda and Aspen Hill is the Rockville Freeway. It can be built for less than $1 billion. The costs in lost revenue and productivity if we don't build it are far higher than that.

WESTBROOK STUDENT,

ASPIRING REPORTER,

COVERS FORMER

WESTBROOK STUDENT

IN

NEW HAMPSHIRE

PRIMARY

Friday's post here on the blog about Jon Huntsman's years in Bethesda was even timelier than I thought!

It turns out that a current student of Gov. Huntsman's alma mater - Westbrook ES - is a reporter on the campaign trail in New Hampshire.

The Hill newspaper ran into Zoe Farley, 10, "furiously" taking notes as candidates spoke. "Farley said she was a reporter for the Puppy Post, which she runs with a handful of friends, and proudly noted she hails from Westbrook Elementary School...the same school Jon Huntsman attended decades ago," The Hill reported.

No mention of Gov. Huntsman's reaction to that, but great publicity for an aspiring journalist and for Westbrook.

BETHESDA CENTRAL

FARM MARKET

SPECIAL OF THE

WEEK

The Bethesda Central Farm Market returns this Sunday on Elm Street, from 9-12:30.

Walnut Hill Farms has a special deal this week: Buy 1 pasture-raised chicken, and get a 1 pound package of 100% Natural Angus Ground Beef - FREE!!

Or if you're strictly a beef person, buy 4 of the Angus packages and get a 5th free.

Other highlights of this Sunday's reopening?

Susie Sunshine fresh-ground Nut Butters!

Heirloom Kitchen Soups for cold winter nights!

Bees and Blossoms' Creamed Honey and Bee Pollen products that give an all-natural alternative to cold and flu products - just in time, as the first case of flu in Maryland was reported this week!

Support your local farmer, and your health, Sunday morning at the farm market.

UNION JACK'S

BETHESDA:

AMERICA'S GAME

AT A

BRITISH PUB?

It's so crazy, it just might work. The NFL Playoffs will be on 22 flatscreens at Union Jack's today and Sunday.

Take advantage of the $10 Beer and Burger special: any burger or wings plus a full pint of Yuengling, Bud Light or Iron City (Sunday only).

But I'll be expecting to find Boddington's on tap at a British pub!

Watch Tim Tebow take on the Steel Curtain. Ray Lewis wipe the field with the competition! (I'm picking the Ravens for Superbowl Champions)

So head to Union Jack's, an absolutely brilliant idea.

Cheers!

WHOLE FOODS

WHOLE WEEKEND:

THE WHOLE STORY:

Whole Foods Bethesda on River Road has a weekend's worth of news for you - literally!

You may have noticed the renovations taking place in their Whole Body department the last few days. Well, stop by and see the results today!

While you're there, pick up 85% Lean Ground Beef for only $2.99 a pound.

Saturday, Interfaith Works of Montgomery County will be collecting winter clothing aboard their truck outside the store.

Bring your good condition winter coats, gloves, underwear, hats, etc.

After you've helped your fellow neighbor, head into the store and save 50% on Snofrisk cheese spread and a $1.50 on fresh pork sausages made right in the store.

Sounds like some good snacks for the big game or the big New Hampshire debate.

But before you fire up the flatscreen and the easy chair, get your shopping and good deeds done first at Whole Foods Bethesda!

RED HOOK

LOBSTER TRUCK

RETURNS TO

BETHESDA FOR

LUNCH TODAY

Lobster lunches are back in downtown Bethesda! The Red Hook Lobster Truck is scheduled to be near the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue and Leland Street.

Don't forget, they have hot soups and chowders for cold weather like this. And of course, your favorite lobster rolls.

It's been some time since the lobster truck came to Bethesda, but nothing will stand between you and a lobster lunch today! Well, except the people ahead of you in line.

Follow @lobstertruckDC in case they have a last minute location change. And don't forget to follow me at @BethesdaRow on Twitter, too!

JON HUNTSMAN'S

BETHESDA

CONNECTION

Presidential candidate Jon Huntsman was once a Bethesda resident. When he was a child, his father moved here to take a White House job. The Huntsmans lived in exclusive and expensive Spring Hill, off Massachusetts Avenue. Governor Huntsman attended Westbrook Elementary School.

This was reported by the Washington Post a few months ago, but if you are a lifelong Bethesda resident, these stories are also passed down from neighbor to neighbor or witnessed firsthand. For example, Donald Rumsfeld once lived in Westmoreland Hills, right next door to the Huntsmans' neighborhood. One old tale Rumsfeld's former neighbors tell is how a truck would come and pick him up when it snowed in the winter.

I wonder if Gov. Huntsman went to Farrell's (now the location of Anglo Dutch Pool & Toys) and Bowl America (now Bowlmor Lanes) on Westbard Avenue during those years. I'm pretty sure he would remember the old railroad that passed through there then. It would have been the B&O Railroad then, but was Chessie System and then CSX when I was a kid.

It's a sad statement about American politics today that Gov. Huntsman has not been considered a front runner, with his record and experience. He now has front-runner status only through his old-fashioned shoe leather campaigning across New Hampshire. Anyone interested in politics is going to enjoy a very unpredictable weekend of contentious debates, retail campaigning by the candidates, and Tuesday's primary election.

So Bethesda has a hometown candidate in the race, and a hometown athlete going to the summer Olympics in London, and a famous comic book writer whose latest Marvel title - Winter Soldier #1 - goes on sale in early February.

It's no wonder Bethesda is rated the smartest town in America!

COULD IMMINENT

BETHESDA ROW

PARKING CRUNCH

PUT MONEY IN

POCKETS OF NEARBY

HOMEOWNERS?

New Urbanism's Urban-Suburban Faultlines

May Have Silver Lining for SFH Owners

Urbanization in Montgomery County and other jurisdictions - often in the form of infill development - has negative impacts on adjacent suburban communities. Noise, light and exhaust pollution are only matched by shadow-casting towers on the usual list of complaints.

These complaints are justified, particularly as zoning rules are rewritten at an astonishing pace. Smart Growth gurus from Rollin Stanley to Roger Lewis tout a future in which skyscrapers loom over backyard barbeques in existing neighborhoods of single family homes.

But change is not the only constant in America; the spirit of free enterprise is just as steadfast.

So if it seems there is much to grumble about for the homeowner next to an infill redevelopment project, it could also be time to turn those lemons into lemonade.

How does $3000+ extra income a year sound?

That's how much new website http://www.Parkatmyhouse.com claims your 20814 zip driveway is worth per year, if you rent it to drivers who desperately need a parking space. How does it work? Drivers fill out a form; so do homeowners who have parking spaces available to rent. When enough people sign up in a locality, Park at My House starts serving that area. PAMH is currently serving Washington, New York City and Boston.

Small consolation, in light of the macro and micro issues:

On the micro scale, here on Bethesda Avenue, we are about to lose two public parking lots this month. Officials and the media have downplayed the effect of this. In my opinion, this will have an impact on business around Bethesda Row. Sure, you can park further away, and take the free Bethesda Circulator back to Bethesda Row. But time, inclement or cold weather, and inconvenience will certainly annoy some customers. And not just those who rely on the surface lots: space in the public and Federal Realty garages will now be even harder to come by.

Parking is going to be more frustrating than ever.

Then there is the nationwide macro issue of infill development, reflected by the projects replacing those lots. Clearly, The Darcy will loom over the small houses on Leland Street behind it. Now, the situation is not exactly the same as those in the Westbard sector of Bethesda, or in Woodley Gardens in Rockville. Downtown Bethesda has always been urban in nature, whereas those latter two areas have been commercial centers, that exist to serve surrounding neighborhoods.

I welcome The Darcy. It sounds like a fantastic addition to Bethesda Row. The rumor exists that it will have a Harris Teeter on the ground floor. The list of amenities would make Phillip Drummond green with envy (they do your grocery shopping, and even detail your car in the garage!).

But officials should have had a better plan to offset the temporary loss of parking until the public spaces within The Darcy garage are available.

Park at My House represents a classic American response to innovate in changing times, and fill needs that exist. In this case, parking spaces that are temporarily or permanently disappearing in urban areas.

I think this concept of renting private driveways is extremely timely.

It is fascinating to consider that it is an economic activity only made possible by infill development. In a completely urban area, there are no houses and no driveways to rent out! At the same time, driveway rentals directly conflict with new urbanism's desire to reduce automobile use.

But could such rentals be one of many small-scale approaches (more valet parking, speeding up Circulators, getting Capital Bikeshare stations operating sooner, insert your idea here) to addressing parking problems in the coming 24 months at Bethesda Row?

Who says you need to lease your spot through Park at My House anyway? If you live a block or two west of Arlington Road, east of Wisconsin Avenue or along Leland Street, you too could be a independent operator - a mini parking mogul!

Realistically, driveway rentals won't prevent the parking crunch. They could provide a minor consolation to homeowners who feel they're getting all the negatives from redevelopment.

Most of all, they spur an intelligent and interesting discussion: What other new economic opportunities might urbanization that bumps up against suburbia generate?

BETHESDA CENTRAL

FARM MARKET

RETURNS JAN. 8

The popular Bethesda Central Farm Market will return for 2012 this Sunday, January 8.

This is the first winter season of the now year-round market. Please note the winter hours will be 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM. The market is located in the Elm Street parking lot.

Weather is expected to be unseasonably warm this weekend, so make plans to stop by. With the seasonal nature of farm products, expect a different set of fresh produce, and old and new processed favorites from vendors. Support local and regional farmers year round, and stay for brunch at the many restaurants of Bethesda Row!

ORDER YOUR

ROSCON DE REYES

CAKE FROM

JALEO BETHESDA

Jaleo Bethesda is baking Roscon de Reyes cakes for Epiphany. These are a Spanish variation on the French/New Orleans King Cake. That Mardi Gras favorite usually has a plastic baby baked inside. The person who finds it is supposed to buy the next King Cake. Gee, thanks!

As big a fan of New Orleans King Cakes as I am, I have to admit the Spanish idea is an improvement: If you find the baby in the Roscon de Reyes cake, you are the King of the Party - or as Jaleo puts it, King for a Day (even better!). Only if you find the bean in the cake must you buy the next Roscon de Reyes.

Now, some King Cakes substitute a bean for the baby. So that means... Hmm...

While I'm pondering all of the existential questions, why don't you go ahead and download the PDF order form, so you can send it to Jaleo.

Cakes will be ready for pick-up at Jaleo on January 5 and 6.

Check with the restaurant at 301-913-0003 for availability; quantities may be limited, or they might have some on hand for purchase without the preorder. So it might be a good idea to give them a call.

http://www.jaleo.com/images/uploads/Roscon_Pre_Order_sheet_2012.pdf

It's from José Andrés, so it's got to be good, right?

¡Felices Reyes!

from

Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row

BETHESDA RESTAURANT

WEEK 2012

FIRST MENUS

PREVIEW

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive!!!

Bethesda Chevy Chase Restaurant Week is January 23-29, 2012. As of this hour, participating restaurants and menus have not been released. However, I've done some detective work for you, and found the first two menus from Jaleo Bethesda and bezu!

I think you're going to like these menus:

b e z u

9812 Falls Road, Potomac, MD 20854

LUNCH $16

DINNER $33

http://www.bezurestaurant.com/content/events

Jaleo Bethesda

7271 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda, MD 20814

LUNCH $20.12

http://www.jaleo.com/images/uploads/Jaleo_DCRW_Lunch.pdf

DINNER $35.12

http://www.jaleo.com/images/uploads/Jaleo_DCRW_Dinner.pdf

Stay tuned for more updates on Bethesda Restaurant Week, and be sure you are following me on Twitter at @BethesdaRow for all the latest on what's going on in Bethesda!

PUREE ARTISAN

JUICE BAR

OPENS AT

BETHESDA ROW

Stop by Puree Artisan Juice Bar on Elm Street today as they celebrate their Grand Opening!

One of the most unusual shops to open at Bethesda Row, Puree is an ultra-healthy destination that can help you keep your New Year's resolutions. (You haven't broken yours already, have you?)

100% fresh, organic, vegan and raw foods and housemade beverages are the specialties. The menu is not online yet, but you'll find juice, purees and shakes that refresh and fortify. Those seeking raw and vegan small plates will want to make Puree a regular habit.

Puree's shop is LEED Gold certified, and 100% wind-powered by Clean Currents, which is a local company that provides clean electricity.

But it's all about the food, so stop by Puree at 4903 Elm Street today. Questions? Give them a ring at 301-654-PURE. Their web site is http://www.PureeJuiceBar.com

ROUND HOUSE THEATRE

BETHESDA LOSES

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

TO

CINCINNATI

Blake Robison is headed for Ohio's Queen City. The producing Artistic Director at Bethesda's popular Round House Theater has been hired by Cincinnati's top theatre, Playhouse in the Park. He will serve as Artistic Director there as well.

Cincinnati is one of my favorite American cities I've visited, and is undergoing a renaissance of its downtown, transit and arts. So we can't begrudge them for snatching away talent from our city. Most recently, Round House staged a well-received adaptation of Jane Austen's Pride and Predjudice.

Based on what Robison tells Gannett/USA Today affiliate Cincinnati.com, he plans similar offerings in his new venue.

"I like adaptations of classic literature," Robison noted, and added that he wants to emphasize diversity.

This hiring reflects the great strides Bethesda's arts community has made over the last two decades, and is really the ultimate compliment to the quality programming Round House is providing. Bravo!

PEDICAB TO OPERATE

IN DOWNTOWN

BETHESDA TONIGHT

AT CO2 LOUNGE

Remember when I reported that Bethesda's new CO2 Lounge was bringing pedicabs to Bethesda? Tonight it becomes reality as the new nightspot by Bethesda Metro Center celebrates New Year's Eve starting at 9 PM.

The pedicab service will ferry patrons around the downtown, and presumably to the Metro station so they can take transit home.

I've heard the pedicabs may have heated blankets, as well.

All questions will be answered tonight!

This is a first for Bethesda, so it is interesting from both a practical standpoint, as well as for bringing a service found in other cities to our downtown.

THE MAJESTIC

GASTROPUB

OPENING IN

BETHESDA

IN 2012

Breaking News!

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive!!!

Stefan Lalos has announced he is opening the first gastropub in the history of Bethesda in the former Gaffney's space at 7141 Wisconsin Ave.

Not related to the beloved Majestic in Alexandria, it is named in tribute to the Pittsburgh bar owned by his grandfather, Lalos said in a statement.

The Majestic will be "like no place you've ever been," with upscale gastropub cuisine and an emphasis on golf.

I'm sorry Gaffney's is no longer around, as I thought they were on to something promising with the recent Latin events held there over the last year. As well as being known for their food.

But this is great news. We've never had a gastropub in town before, so this is an exciting 2012 opening to look forward to.

NEW YEAR'S EVE

IN

BETHESDA:

COLOSSAL GUIDE TO

THE BEST NYE PARTIES

IN DOWNTOWN

BETHESDA

Not a Laundry List; The List!

Tired of going into DC for overhyped hipster New Year's Eve bashes? Entertainment that just wasn't worth the Metro or taxi fare? Cheap-quality food and drinks, but outrageous ticket prices that go up every hour as December 31 approaches?

Or just panicked because you waited too long and have no idea where to go Saturday night?

Then this guide is for you!

HOT PARTIES

BLACKFINN BETHESDA

BlackFinn's party sold-out last year, and just might again this year. This time the theme is the Roaring Twenties, and they are turning the saloon into a speakeasy. But Prohibition won't be a problem here, especially during the hours the open bar is available! Can you beat the rush? You just might if you hurry and use this handy link to order tickets you can claim at the door:

http://fullhouseconcerts.musictoday.com/FullHouseConcerts/moreInfo.aspx?event=146467&outlet=9

UNION JACK'S BETHESDA

Union Jack's is hosting a Little Black Dress Ball. Your ticket will get you 3 drink tickets, heavy Hors D'oeuvres (8-10 PM), Champagne Toast at Midnight, Continental Breakfast after Midnight, Party Favors, and "DJ Powered Dance Excitement," until 2 AM! Breakfast included? They've thought of everything!

It's not too late! Order tickets online right here:

http://unionjackstix.com/QQUl4

COOL SPOTS

AMERICAN TAP ROOM

Bobby Vickers is a chef deserving of more attention in the DC area. For New Year's Eve, he's pulling out all the stops with a grand menu for only $50 a person. Are you going to pick Filet Mignon in Cabarnet Wine Butter with Crab-Stuffed Jumbo Shrimp, confetti vegetables, and Pancetta-White Cheddar Potato Croquettes... ...or the Grilled Cape Swordfish? I'd have to pick the Warmed Guinness Gingerbread with Bailey's Chantilly Cream and Chocolate Caramel Sauce for dessert.

Check out the full menu selections here:
http://fb.me/EWOwMMPg

And call American Tap Room at Bethesda Row to make reservations: 301-656-1366.

NEWTON'S TABLE

New to Bethesda Row in 2011, Newton's Table (just named of the Top 100 restaurants in Washington!) is offering a five-and seven-course tasting menu, priced at $75 and $95. Wine pairings will also be available, plus an a la carte menu.

They had only 12 seats left at last check! Are there any left? Hurry and call 301-718-0550 to find out.

INTERNATIONAL ADVENTURES

REDWOOD

Redwood - located right on Bethesda Lane at Bethesda Row - may have the most creative party in town: a James Bond 007 Casino Royale night! Complete with (legal-and-just-for-fun) gaming tables. Order your tickets while they last:

http://www.redwoodbethesda.com/events.html

LEBANESE TAVERNA

Just around the corner from Redwood, Lebanese Taverna bids to match 007 with "endless mezza," belly dancers, party favors and a champagne toast.

$65 per person. Seating starts at 9 PM. Call 703-841-1511.

http://fb.me/UbX6QRwT

THE PARVA

If you compare the New Year's Eve TV fare on the Spanish-language networks with the American networks, you might reach the conclusion that Latin America celebrates the new year better than anyone.

So why not head to the premiere Latin fusion restaurant in Bethesda? The Parva! You won't just be partying, but also enjoying fine cuisine prepared by Chef Andy. He hasn't gotten much attention from the DC area food critics yet, so he's still one of the best-kept secrets in town. And he'll be working in the kitchen until 3 AM New Year's Morning! Limited table service also available!

Get all the details here:
http://fb.me/1wFmkt5w3

JALEO

They know how to celebrate occasions in Spain, and Chef José Andrés knows how to provide you with the freshest and most innovative Spanish cuisine in all of the world, right here at Bethesda Row! Make reservations and check out the stellar menu here:
http://www.jaleo.com/index.php/about/calendar/new_years_eve_at_jaleo1

MON AMI GABI

Magnifique! Who wouldn't like to celebrate New Year's in the City of Lights, in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower? Can't quite stretch the budget this year? Give Mon Ami Gabi a ring today at 301-654-1234 and reserve your table for Saturday night! You will be transported to the Continent with "savory French fare, fabulous wine and the best of company." Not to mention a FREE glass of champagne to toast with at Midnight.

FAMILY FRIENDLY

FREDDY'S LOBSTER AND CLAMS

For only $45, you get all-you-can-eat lobster, and they have a kids menu (and half-price for kids, too!). Click here for all of the details:

http://fb.me/ZLeQOz0t

WINE LOVERS

GRAPESEED

5 Courses for $85, Optional Wine Pairings $30 or $50.

Call (301) 986-9592 today to inquire if reservations are still available.

FREE ENTRY/NO COVER CHARGE

MUSSEL BAR

Think it's ridiculous to pay any ticket price just because it's New Year's Eve? So does Chef Robert Wiedmaier's Mussel Bar. No entry fee! Order what you like from the NYE menu, a la carte at normal prices. But affordable is high-end in this case, because you're dining at the restaurant Zagat recommends you take friends from out of town to in Bethesda!

Mussel Bar will be open from 10 AM - 1 AM Saturday. At 10 PM, Sean Chyun and the Deceivers will perform live, and Chef Wiedmaier's outstanding Happy Hour menu will be available. Great deal!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

FROM

ROBERT DYER

@

BETHESDA ROW!

NORTHWEST FREEWAY:

BETHESDA'S MISSING

HIGHWAY

Yesterday's colossal crash on Rockville Pike just outside of downtown Bethesda was another painful reminder that Bethesda traffic didn't have to be this way.

In more responsible times, and in preparation for expected growth, I-70S (which we know as I-270 today) was planned to enter Washington, D.C. through Bethesda along the 355 corridor.

This 6 lane, grade-separated highway was to be called the Northwest Freeway.

Why was the Northwest Freeway cancelled?

Political and financial influence of its opponents. Nothing more.

In fact, Montgomery County's political establishment and the special interests that get them elected were so desirous of self-benefitting traffic gridlock, they never even entered a true planning phase for the road.

Now we pay the price every day in wasted time and fuel on Wisconsin Avenue.

If one day we had politicians with the sense and courage to build the Northwest Freeway, where would it go?

Tough question, but I'll try to answer it.

Herman, set the wayback machine to the days of Eisenhower and JFK.

In the good old days, I-66 was planned to run through part of Washington. But it also had an I-266 spur that would cross the Potomac on an also-planned Three Sisters Bridge directly below Georgetown University. A beautifully-designed interchange would allow access to M Street, the George Washington Parkway, the (also-cancelled Palisades Freeway, and - one of my favorite roads - the iconic, Hollywood-famous Whitehurst Freeway.

But there was one more connection: the Northwest Freeway north through Glover Archbold Park. Yes, the park is a highway facility that you have been told is a park.

Heading north, you would have the option to exit to an eastward leg taking you past the National Zoo and on to a connection with I-66 within DC. But staying on the Freeway, you'd have passed under Tenley Circle in a tunnel. Underground, you would be on the right side of Wisconsin Avenue heading northwest.

Stop right there. This entire leg can be built this way today. But when we exit the tunnel, we have a problem. The right-of-way has been redeveloped.

Today, the costly tunnel would have to extend to past Western Avenue. Then current parking areas at the Collection at Chevy Chase and Saks Fifth Avenue could be rebuilt as garages over the freeway trench. Then there are houses. The freeway would have to go over, under, or the properties would have to be acquired.

The area where the Chevy Chase Club meets 355 is clear for the road.

Then you hit the commercial area in downtown Bethesda. Like Friendship Heights, redevelopment was irresponsibly allowed where the highway was to go. The one crude map I've found of the downtown Bethesda segment is woefully out of scale.

Today, you'd have to tunnel under Bradley Lane, the church and the initial shopping centers on the east side of 355 (Trader Joe's, etc.). But you could bring the road above ground through the parking lots and Elm Street Park (it would likely be in a trench). Then tunnel under the East West Highway area.

Resurface again and acquire properties? Unlikely. The tunnel would have to extend underneath Jones Bridge Road.

Then the freeway would be above ground the rest of the way to its connection with the Beltway. This would also allow the highway ramp directly into Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. For that reason alone, this segment of the Northwest Freeway would be heavily or entirely-subsidized by the federal government and the Pentagon.

Okay, wiseguy, you may be asking, how does the freeway get from Cedar Lane to I-495?

Glad you asked!

Because no map exists of this segment, I've wondered about this myself.

After studying Google Maps, I think I've figured it out.

Cross Cedar Lane to...

Elmhirst Parkway! It has all of the characteristics of a classic right-of-way placeholder. Plenty of room for six lanes, and the green space at the dead end hits - you guessed it! - the Beltway.

I've finally solved the mystery of the Northwest Freeway.

Now let me take off my Indiana Jones fedora. As you have just read, a viable but expensive Northwest Freeway is still viable today. And as Bethesda drivers know, it is desperately needed. As is political will and courage to finally get the DC area's missing freeways built.

BETHESDA HAS 5

RESTAURANTS ON

WASHINGTONIAN

TOP 100

Bethesda is well-represented on the Washingtonian Top 100 restaurant list.

Here is the list:

Bistro Provence

4933 Fairmont Ave.

301-656-7373

Food Wine & Co.

7272 Wisconsin Ave.

301-652-8008

Grapeseed

4865-C Cordell Ave.

301-986-9592

Jaleo Bethesda

Woodmont Avenue and Elm St.

301-913-0003

Newton's Table

4917 Elm St.

301-718-0550

Make a reservation at one of these great restaurants tonight.

LIVE JAZZ

TONIGHT AT

MON AMI GABI

BETHESDA

Enjoy a live jazz performance by the Greg Harrison Trio tonight from 6-9 PM at Mon Ami Gabi at Bethesda Row.

Between 6-7 PM, you can also take advantage of the Happy Hour specials. Order from a list of wines by the glass that are 50% off. And choose from Country Style Pate, Onion Soup Au Gratin, and Steak Sandwich with Frites - only $5 each!

Take a detour to Paris on Woodmont Ave. tonight at Mon Ami Gabi for the sounds and cuisine of France without leaving Bethesda Row or with a lighter wallet!