Posted February 28th, 2010 by Tom

The scene above will probably not bring back happy memories of the recent Snowmageddon. But thankfully despite yet more snow forecast for Friday and the weekend, apart from a couple of small snow signals in the air which seemed to vanish as soon as they’d appeared, we’ve yet to be bombarded by the blizzard. In fact, yesterday was a great day and today looks sunny and inviting! That said, a friend visiting from New York City was forced to take the bus after his flight was cancelled on Friday afternoon. I guess we were lucky!
Posted February 26th, 2010 by Tom

I’ve been having a little glance through the Washington Post Metro section, checking out the Going Out Guide of things happening in Montgomery County between February 25 and March 3. If you’re out and about in Bethesda this weekend and fancy taking in a show, why not check out one of these options:
Friday, February 26
- “JUNGALBOOK” This adaptation of Kipling’s “The Jungle Book” is presented by the Pegasus Company, a teenage acting group. For age 5 and older. Friday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 6 p.m. Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda. 301-280-1660. http://www.imaginationstage.org. $10.
- “WENCESLAS SQUARE” A staged reading of Larry Shue’s dark comedy marks the debut of the American Ensemble Theater. 7:30 p.m. The Writer’s Center, 4508 Walsh St., Bethesda. 301-654-8664. http://www.americanensemble.org. Free; reservations required.
- PEKING ACROBATS A show of chair-balancing, wire-walking, trick-cycling, precision tumbling, somersaulting and other feats. 8 p.m. Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda. 301-581-5100. http://www.strathmore.org. $25-$48.
Saturday, February 27
- BALTIMORE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA “Beethoven & Mozart With a Twist” is the theme of this program with conductor Nicholas McGegan and pianist Robert Levin, who will perform Beethoven-esque improvisations. 8 p.m. Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda. 301-581-5100. http://www.strathmore.org. $25-$80.
- DANCE BETHESDA CONCERT Performances by ClancyWorks Dance Company, Janaki Rangarajan, Jason Garcia Ignacio, Karen Reedy Dance, Tappers With Attitude and Washington Reflections Dance Company. Part of the Dance Bethesda festival. 8 p.m. Round House Theatre, 4545 East West Hwy., Bethesda. 301-215-6660. http://www.bethesda.org. $20, age 12 and younger $10.
- WILLIAM KANENGISER The Grammy Award winner will give a classical guitar recital, then perform with Peabody Conservatory musicians in a concerto written by Japan’s Shingo Fujii. Part of the John E. Marlow Guitar Series. Lecture at 7:15 p.m., concert at 8 p.m. Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, 4301 East West Hwy., Bethesda. 301-654-6403. http://www.marlowguitar.org. $25.
- “INDIA’S ORIGINAL PEOPLE” Photographs by Dhairyakant “Titi” Chauhan show Indian people who maintain a traditional lifestyle in the 21st century. This is the last day of the exhibit. Gandhi Memorial Center, 4748 Western Ave., Bethesda. 301-320-6871. http://www.gandhimemorialcenter.org. Free by appointment.
Sunday, February 28
- “FIBER IMAGERY” Fifty hook rugs by Sally D’Alabora, John Flournoy, Carol Koerner, Roslyn Logsdon and Sarah Province. This is the last day of the show. Ratner Museum, 10001 Old Georgetown Rd., Bethesda. 301-897-1518. http://www.ratnermuseum.com.
Wednesday, March 3
- ARI ALLAL The bassoonist, who has performed with the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra, is Strathmore’s artist in residence for March. Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda. 301-581-5100. http://www.strathmore.org. $12.
Of course, if you are planning a trip to the theater, a concert, a gallery, or any other evening show come to that, don’t miss on a good pre-theatre dinner.
Thanks to Mark Berman at Washington Post for these events listings.
Posted February 26th, 2010 by Essie
Just when we thought spring was in the air with beautiful near fifty-degree weather last weekend, the windchill quickly brought us back to the reality of Bethesda’s harshest winter in years. That is why many Bethesdans are jetting off to warmer climates for a week-long getaway. Spring Break provides a perfect opportunity to get a head start on your spring shopping while it’s still chilly. Essie says nautical is the way to go for resort wear this year.
Inspiration – Chloe Resort 2010 -Style.com
In St. Bart’s: Pair your nautical stripes with distressed denim shorts on your way to the Hotel Isle de France pool or throw on linen pants with nude strappy Louboutins and Ray-Bans for a drink at the Carl Gustav.
Bloomingdales.com - Striped Dolman sleeve top – $58

**Similar styles can be found at Urban Chic and National Jean Company.
No need to kill your feet poolside; remember, they’re on vacay too. Espadrille flats provide the perfect blend of comfort and style for all your lounging needs.
Anthropologie.com – Beach Umbrella Espadrilles – $68

As for your beach tresses, Essie spotted the perfect vacation braid strolling down the Alexander Wang SS ’10 runway. Rachel McAdams also sported this look at the 2010 Golden Globes.

With a modern braid, nautical top, distressed white shorts and espadrilles, you’re ready soak up the sun in style. Just don’t forget to come back home with the perfect souvenir – a golden tan!
Ciao,
Essie
Essie Says is a weekly fashion column written by a local style savant.
Posted February 26th, 2010 by Tom

Ever since Gallery Neptune moved to its fantastic new premises in the PeriPoint building on Wilson Lane, the old building has remained unoccupied. Peering through the window the space is bare, while outside – other than the remains of a twisted metal fence, a plant pot and an empty bottle of beer – is a development application dating back to 2007 and a large artists impression of the future development.
The prospective development looks like an exciting and would certainly be a great addition to this corner of Old Bethesda. But does anyone have any further information about which stage of the development process this building is in?
Posted February 26th, 2010 by Tom

The latest wander past the new Bethesda mural has found it completed and looking pretty good. Unfortunately a photo of the entire wall was made impossible by guy who – given the choice of the entire road – had decided to park his truck right in this spot. But imagine a mirror placed vertically down the center of the door (minus the guitar of course) and you pretty much get the picture – literally!
It’s really quite a pleasant scene and very nicely done. Two questions remain though, and perhaps you can help me out here…
1). Who designed the mural and painted it on the wall?
2). Does anyone have any information on the building that’s up for lease?
Here is it being painted, along with some info on the awesome Bethesda Train!
Posted February 25th, 2010 by Raj

As part of our regular review of the Bethesda real estate scene we want to make sure that we give you a flavor of the options, opportunities and challenges facing folks who want to rent an apartment in the community.
Today I wanted to showcase a terrific building on Cordell Ave called Triangle Towers. The apartment complex is run by Southern Management and there is a lot to like about the place. For starters the staff are friendly and keen to be of assistance — always a plus point in apartment or condo buildings. The building has a 24 hour front desk person and has a charming lobby and entrance way. Residents can get access to a community room on the first floor and there is a gym available as well. The roof top has a small pool (not really lap worthy) and a sun deck.
The price structure (taken from their website) seems to be as follows (but check with them for updated info):
Let us know what you think of Triangle Towers and if you find this feature useful.
Posted February 25th, 2010 by Raj

We have previously reported that Equinox fitness will be opening in downtown Bethesda by the end of the year. Now it seems that the state of the art establishment is looking to staff up. Equinox is hiring both managers and sales staff for their Bethesda location. This is really good news in this tough economic environment and one of the nice perks of the job is that you get complimentary use of the gym. You can get additional details here.
Posted February 25th, 2010 by Tom


Noticed this development application on the wall of the Huntington Learning Center and Bethesda Radio building, for 60 residential units plus office and retail space. No dates are specified. The address is in Old Bethesda, on 4921 Auburn Avenue (below).
Does anyone know what is going on with this potential development?

Posted February 25th, 2010 by Raj
Just wanted to follow up on Tom’s post about Hard Times and note that today is National Chili day and I believe that Hard Times is celebrating by offering a free bowl of chili with any purchase. I’m thinking about heading over there later — if you have never been there it could be a good time to check Hard Times out.
Posted February 24th, 2010 by Tom

Your intrepid Bethesda Actually team ventured into Hard Times Cafe for a chili lunch today. If you’re looking for casual comfort food in this chilly weather then Hard Times is the perfect venue – especially if you’re new to the area or have yet to give it a go.
They do a variety of chili dishes from various parts of the country. And don’t worry if, like me, you have no idea which one to go for. The friendly staff will bring you a chili sampler with four different options including a vegetarian choice. They’re all good with subtle differences – Cincinnati Chili is slightly sweeter, Terlingua Red is more spicy, while Texas is cooked in its own juice.
I opted for the Terlingua Red, in a nod to the Texas ghost town that hosted the first chili cook-off. This had a bit of a kick to it but wasn’t so spicy that it cleared my sinuses in the process! Also, quick note about the Texas Chili – the fact that it is cooked in its own juices makes it quite oily, so if that’s not your thing then I’d shoot for one of the other offerings. That said, why not grab the sampler and test them out for yourself?!
Then again, if chili isn’t your thing, Wednesday is also half-price wing day, and they’re sure to be fantastic! Overall a great meal, nice venue, friendly staff and very affordable – $22 for two people (and a generous helping to boot), including drinks. You can check out the menu here.