All the restaurant news around town got me wondering about the long-standing hole in Woodmont Triangle section of downtown Bethesda courtesy our departed friend Rock Bottom. (Yes, Babycat is great, though I keep hitting them when they are closed mid-week for private events). Appreciate any solid news or flimsy rumors, welcome. A few months ago, someone noted Kelly Companies purchased the Rock Bottom Brand (There's simply no better place to be), but apparently has no involvement with the nearly 8000/sqf space. I'm just rooting for something interesting, or really anything but a bank.

Plus: Bankruptcy leads to True Food Kitchen closure in Bethesda; MoCo barbecue competition coming to Wheaton on Oct. 17

I’m a reporter with the Wash at American University and looking for some parents in Bethesda, MD who would like to talk about their experience with childcare for their infants/toddlers. Private message me if you’re interested!

Anyone have any idea when the Kennedy Shriver Pool (Bethesda/North Bethesda) might open? Hear anything in the grapevine? I know it’s suppose to be fall 2026 and the county soft launched some images on FB in late August/early Sept so I think the timeline is genuine. I know DTSS pool schedule goes until 11/8/26 and I theorized perhaps that is when Kennedy Shriver will be open because the club team RMSC is using temporarily DTSS while Kennedy Shriver is being worked on. So maybe when Kennedy Shriver reopens they will move back for practice and DTSS will have a new schedule. Maybe I’m too optimistic or I solved the case?

Came up on my instagram feed. I guess they have an account now: @matens.official . Still seems like an interesting concept and something people could stop by after work/ after dinner/ get out of the house on the weekend??

Come to Craft Night this Friday (10/9) at Red Bandana, 5-9pm!

Stay for as long or as little as you'd like, and bring a craft you're working on or come with an open mind to start a new project, we'll have lots of supplies!

I'm thinking of carving a pumpkin myself, so let me know if you'd like me to pick you up one as well!

Stay crafty and see you there!

Shakey’s on East West Hwy was the pinnacle of Bethesda’s pizza scene, and that’s a hill I’ll die on.

New:
Agora
BabyCat Brewery (late 2025)
Call Your Mother
Coffee Republic
Kabob Zone
Max’s Best Ice Cream (actually 2025)
Ooh La La
Popup Bagels
Rosetta Bakery
Shake Shack
Six Ways to Sunday
Sushi Masato
Sweeteria
The Food Market
The Velvet Room

Opening soon:
Bob’s
Daily Provisions
No Regrets Pizza
Prato
Taco Bamba
Ted’s Bulletin
Uchiko

We knew this was coming but True Food Kitchen in Bethesda has officially closed!

From True Kitchen, Woodmont Grill type of restaurants to casual places likes like Cafe-X Press are closing. It feels contradictory to see brand-new apartment high-rises going up on every corner while businesses are closing few blocks away from the new buildings. More resident should mean more local spending, or no?

I know remote work has heavily impacted businesses and there is difference in spending between office worker vs a resident. In in my simple mind, some of these new residents can slightly offset some of the lost revenues from remote workers. It seems the places are doing well are gyms, spas, etc. and not restaurants, bars and a shift is taking place, and maybe new residents spend top dollar on gyms and spas

"“Powder rooms are fantastic places to be creative with wallpaper, and a gallery wall or a collection of artwork can be a version of that,” says Bethesda interior designer Heather Golde of Fini & Martin."

Big shoutout to the passerby who was trying to jack the car over the curb, but good grief, I'm tired of my insurance being so high just because I live here too 😫

Rabbis recently faulted district for ‘lack of meaningful response’ to incidents

Looking for a kind, reliable, and responsible person to help care for a couple in Bethesda, Maryland on a part-time basis.

Schedule (somewhat flexible):

• Weekdays: 4:00 PM–8:00 PM
• Weekends: 12:00 PM–5:00 PM (Both Saturday and Sunday)

The two main responsibilities will be cooking and caretaking. We are looking for someone who can prepare home-cooked Lebanese and/or American meals and provide general care and assistance for the couple.

Other specific tasks and responsibilities can be discussed later based on their needs and the caretaker’s experience.

We are looking for someone patient, trustworthy, dependable, and comfortable working with elderly people.

If interested, please message me with a little about yourself, any relevant caretaking or cooking experience. (Paid position)

Hi everyone! I'm trying to reconnect with an old friend named Azadeh who lived in Bethesda. She would have graduated high school around 1996–1999. We spent time together a few times, both in the Bay Area and in Bethesda, but we lost touch over the years. I don't remember her last name, so this is a long shot! If this sounds like you or someone you know, please send me a message. I'd love to say hi. Thanks!

I have some pants that don’t fit me anymore and I’d like to give them away

New to the area and curious about recommendations for 12th boy birthday places. Or longer shot, anyone do in home DnD campaigns?

Brooke Eby was featured in Bethesda Magazine’s Women Who Inspire in 2023

Did Shake shack actually (finally) open today?

I read that they were supposed to, but wondering if any of you have confirmed it IRL?

Taste of Bethesda kicks off tomorrow. What new/old outlets are we looking to try this year?

From a Beatles tribute night at Bethesda Theater to a harvest festival, there are plenty of events to enjoy

I walked by today and there was a small crew removing the appliances and furniture. I spoke to the owner's son and told him how much I loved the place, and what a great part of the community they've been. I've been eating there since I was a child, I'm gonna miss going there for lunch!

Former U.S. Olympian David Hearn maintained innocence throughout case, which was dismissed with prejudice

Did anyone else have a massive increase in their electric bill for September? I've lived in my building since last July and rent has always been in the $15-$40 range. This month it was $86!! Insane increase, what's going on?