Bethesda Actually

This fantastic collection of photographs was taken by 23-year-old self-taught photographer Verónica Magán on a recent visit to Bethesda.  Each picture captures the “common things” around our streets, from brick walls to sidewalks and doors, framing these objects that we so often take for granted, or simply don’t notice, in a new light.

Verónica, from Venezuela, got to know Bethesda’s streetscene while visiting her boyfriend who works here.  In true DC fashion, most days were spent shopping and visiting museums.  But after a tiring tourist trek they decided to spend the last weekend in Bethesda, which inspired Verónica to create this album.

“While getting to know the colorful streets and restaurants, I noticed the beauty hidden in the “common” things, the things you take for granted when you go by the streets of Bethesda,” she said.

“Every feature of the city has a beautiful detail: the sidewalks, the walls, the benches, the corners, drains… they are all made of different materials and colors that bring Bethesda to life. I guess I could say I felt Bethesda through its textures, so I decided to photograph it.”

And the results are fantastic!  All the pictures were taken using a 30-year-old Pentax KC 1000 with a 35mm ASA400 film.  “I couldn’t think of a better camera to capture the mixture of modern and traditional spirit I found in Bethesda. I’ll be back next Christmas to find new inspiration on a new season,” she added.

Thanks very much to Verónica for allowing us to publish her work.  To see her full set, click here.

Around $4.4 million has been earmarked for improving intersections near Bethesda’s National Naval Medical Center.  The intersections are expected to receive significantly increased traffic as thousands of jobs are relocated following closings and realignments of other military facilities.  More here.

Just to build on Raj’s post a couple of days ago, Gov. Martin O’Malley has actively promoted the Purple Line light rail in his bid for re-election.  The Purple Line is a 16-mile project that would connect Bethesda to New Carrollton via Silver Spring at a cost of almost $1.7 billion.  Full article here.

What a storm we had this a.m.! Lots of pictures to come but here is one from the metro:

A week or so ago we mentioned Bistro Lazeez.  Their website is not yet up and running, although we are assured it is “coming soon”.  In the meantime here are some great reviews (on the whole – a few people were not so impressed, but for the most part feedback looks extremely positive).

Have you been to Bistro Lazeez?  If so let us know what you thought!

This review is an interesting read — mostly positive and one negative:

We have a problem with the paper cone of french fries, however: They’re not hand-cut. Wiedmaier calls his use of a commercial product, from Simplot of Canada, “the hardest decision of my life.” But when a kitchen goes through as many fries as this one does – 1,350 pounds a week, says the chef – fresh is hard to do.

Kind of a bummer — I LOVE fresh french fries and will need to try these to see how they stack up to others in the area.

What do you think?

Our good friends over at Bethesda Central Farm Market are holding their first annual “Bake Bethesda a Pie” contest, inviting amateur bakers to submit two pies which will be judged by some of Washington’s top food professionals.  Applicants must enter before August 31st.  Here’s all the info you will need to take part.  Good luck!

BETHESDA CENTRAL FARM MARKET HOLDS FIRST ANNUAL “BAKE BETHESDA A PIE” CONTEST

–It’s your turn to show off what you can do with a pie! —
–Prizes include gift certificates to local restaurants, shops and BCFM–

Bethesda, MD…. August 4, 2010…Bethesda Central Farm Market, located at the Elm Street parking lot between Wisconsin and Woodmont Avenues on Sundays from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and at Bethesda Row on Thursday afternoons from 3-7 p.m. is holding its first annual “Bake Bethesda a Pie” contest.

To enter, contestants must be amateur bakers. All applications include a $5 fee  that will benefit Manna Food Bank. For an application, go to www.bethesdafarmmarket.com and enter before August 31, 2010. A separate entry form is required for each pie entered; bakers may submit up to two pies. Entries may be e-mailed to moserdebra@aol.com or turned in at the information tent at the Sunday market. For complete details and contest rules, click on www.bethesdacentralfarmmarket.com

The contest will be judged on Sunday, September 5 at 11 a.m. at the market by some of Washington’s top food professionals: Bonnie Benwick, Assistant Food Editor, Washington Post; Carole Sugarman, Food Editor, Bethesda Magazine; Nancy Hickman, Manager, Buzz Bakery Arlington, and Deann O’Brien, Gazette Newspapers. Prizes will be awarded for both fruit and savory pies. First place is $100 gift certificate, second place wins $50 gift certificate and third place is a $25 gift certificate. All prizes can be redeemed at participating local restaurants, shops and at the Bethesda Central Farm Market.

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