Bethesda Actually

Our friends at Nest DC currently have this fantastic craftsman home available for rent in Bethesda.  Nest is a terrific, socially responsible property management company with a strong community focus.  Check out the listing below (and visit them at their website):

Bethesda at it’s best.  Forget rentals having the worst track record for elegance.  Honestly, with so many questions about buying – the rental world is a good temporary landing if you aren’t quite sure it’s the right time to jump into the market and inventory for great rentals has never been better.  We have an absolutely gorgeous custom craftsman home that was built just a few years ago with hardwood flooring, tons of windows, incredible light, 5 large bedrooms and 5 bathrooms.  The kitchen features ceiling height cabinetry, a built-in banquette and booth-style dining area for cozy breakfasts and dinners. The formal dining room offers lots of space for larger occasions and the main family room is open and inviting.  Suburban living just minutes to DC – it really is the best Nest has to offer. Please contact Lisa Wise for more information. 1-202-390-1513.

I’m not a massive fan of shopping but every time I’ve been into the Mustard Seed on Wisconsin Avenue I’ve come away with some great clothes at amazing prices, so thought it was about time Mustard Seed got a shout out on Bethesda Actually!  In fact I find it hard to find button downs that fit well in the usual stores, but not so at the Mustard Seed.  Last time I went I came out with a Ralph Lauren shirt as good as new, for a very reasonable $16.  Thanks massively to the Mustard Seed for this great bargain, and thanks too to the guy who donated it!

The moment we’ve all been waiting for has arrived!  Bethesda’s latest eatery, Mussel Bar, opened for business last night and by all accounts it truly lives up to the hype.  More to come on Mussel Bar soon!

Picture published with generous permission of D.C.-based food writer Amanda McClements. Check out Amanda’s website, metrocurean.

The Bethesda Actually team dropped by Ali Baba’s Falafel (corner of Willow Lane and Wisconsin Avenue for lunch today – it’s been on our radar for a long time so we finally decided to check it out!  Satisfied?  Absolutely!  Ordered the small falafel, which was plenty filling enough for lunch time and reasonably priced.  And while we’re used to the Palestinian/Egyptian falafel, Ali Baba’s is the Eqyptian variant, well worth tasting.

Mohamed Elrafal traded in his antique business for his falafel stand, and the line waiting for his cuisine indicates it was a good move.  To find out more about Ali Baba’s and Mohamed, check out this article from the Washington City Paper.  And if falafel isn’t your thing, there’s plenty of standard fare on the menu too.

We’re very excited about the opening of the Mussel Bar on Woodmont Ave.  We’d heard it was due to open yesterday but according to the restaurant’s Facebook page, today is looking like the big day due to server training.  The picture below shows employee training underway.  Definitely check out the Facebook page; it’s an active group and really drawing the community into this exciting new eatery!

Image by Mussel Bar

The new Med-Grill in “Old” Bethesda is open to the public this week for limited hours and with a limited menu – the management seems keen to ensure that the staff are trained up before a full launch. This is a smart move, too many restaurants stumble in the initial opening and this approach allows the Bistro team to work out any issues at a time when customers will be more understanding.

Your Bethesda Actually team will try and sample the Bistro fair this week and report back but if you get there first place leave a review below.

Friends — spread the word — Food, Wine and Co. are hiring so if you have know anyone looking for a gig think about sending them that way.

We’re number one! Well — according to CNNMoney we are! Here is a portion of the description:

Population: 56,763
Median Family Income (Per Year): $172,541
Median Home Price: $725,000

There’s a party for every season in this commuter town: Enjoy concerts and ice sculpting in the winter and Taste of Bethesda in October; schmooze with Pulitzer Prize winning authors at April’s literary festival; and enjoy the strains of delta blues, soul and swing in the summer

 

I’m glad they focus on more than our earning power — this is a super place to live and play! Check out the rest of the article here!

Georgetown Cupcake is celebrating the premiere of its new TLC reality show “DC Cupcakes” TODAY – with free cupcakes all day long!  Head down to their store at 4834 Bethesda Avenue (or 3301 M St. N.W. if you’re in DC) to get your cupcake.  Here’s the deal:

In honor of its grand television debut, the delicious and oh-so-trendy shop will be serving up free special cupcakes all day long. Take your pick of either a chocolate or vanilla cupcake with buttercream icing, decorated with a “D.C. Cupcakes” fondant logo. Just choose wisely, ’cause there’s only one sugary treat per person.

For those of you living who have been under a rock the past two years, Georgetown Cupcake is the original Washington cupcakery that kicked off the area’s insatiable obsession with certain frosted confections.

Here’s a quick update from Brian at Equinox:

Our current presale special expires tonight at 7PM. $120/month with $0 initiation. You can lock-in a great rate at absolutely no risk with our 5 day evaluation period! Why wait to pay more? Stop by the presale office today or give me a call and I will get your membership reserved over the phone.

In good health,

- Brian

And here are some endorsements Equinox has been getting in the media:

Are you ready to commit? You will surely see results and be amazed by our:

…Group Fitness Program

“Best Classes in America” – Fitness Magazine

…Personal Training Program

“Equinox gets high profile clients de-stressed, centered and into amazing shape” – Vogue

…Club maintenance and cleanliness

“Clean freaks rejoice!” – Los Angeles Times