Tuesday, April 30, 2013

$1 BURGER NIGHT AT BAR LOUIE IN ROCKVILLE!

Tonight is Burger Night at Bar Louie in Rockville Town Square.

After 5:00 PM, burgers are only $1!

What are you ordering on your burger?

Monday, April 29, 2013

ROCKVILLE MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING TONIGHT AT CITY HALL

Tonight's meeting of the Rockville mayor and council will include a public hearing on the FY 2014 city budget. This is your chance to comment on the proposed budget, including taxes, fees, spending, etc.

The mayor and council will also proclaim May 2013 as ALS and Historic Preservation Months.

Other important items on the agenda: renewal of the city's agreement with Federal Realty for management of Rockville Town Square's district and plaza. And a vote on new political campaign regulations.

Last week's discussion on the latter featured differing opinions on what challengers should be allowed to do in the annual Memorial Day Parade (can they throw candy from parade vehicles like incumbent politicians, what size signage may they carry, how big can their parade unit be).

Attend at City Hall, or watch the meeting on Channel 11.

WINNER OF HOOTERS MARYLAND REGIONAL SWIMSUIT PAGEANT AT HOOTERS OF ROCKVILLE

Contestant Blair Dudley was named the winner of the Maryland region Hooters Swimsuit Pageant at Hooters of Rockville Saturday night. She will now represent the state at the national pageant in Las Vegas. Contestants will be Hooters Girls who win local and regional pageants like the one in Rockville, which drew entrants from Hooters restaurants across Maryland.

Photo: Hooters of Maryland

Sunday, April 28, 2013

TASTYKAKE DREAMIES REVIEW (VIDEO)

Searching for a Twinkie in Rockville?

Tastykake has a new Hostess Twinkies knockoff, called Tastykake Dreamies. How close did their Twinkie cloning process get to the real thing? Watch my review to find out.

Real Hostess Twinkies return to stores in late July, but some fanatics can't wait that long!

Saturday, April 27, 2013

ROAD TO VEGAS REGIONAL SWIMSUIT PAGEANT TONIGHT AT HOOTERS OF ROCKVILLE

One Hooters girl from Maryland could be on her way to Las Vegas, to win it all at the Hooters 2013  International Swimsuit Pageant.

But first, she has to win tonight's regional finals at Hooters of Rockville.

Doors open at 7:00 PM, and a buffet will be served. VIP tickets are $150; general admission will be $75.

Also, at 10:00, they'll be showing the Sonnen vs. Jones UFC Championship.

Thursday, April 25, 2013

$2 BUDWEISER NFL DRAFT SPECIAL AT HOOTERS OF ROCKVILLE

A draft for the draft: Budweiser and Bud Light drafts are only $2 all day, today and Friday!

Hooters will also be showing the NFL Draft tonight, starting at 8:00 PM, and tomorrow night at 6:30 PM.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

ROCKVILLE MAYOR DEMANDS ACTION ON SIMMERING EMPLOYEE CONTROVERSY

Rockville Mayor Phyllis Marcuccio said Monday she is "troubled" by the controversy over the Saul Ewing report on internal personnel matters. The mayor and city council have not yet been permitted to view the report, which was compiled at their request, after several employee complaints about treatment by city staff superiors. Some councilmembers have said publicly they do not wish to review the report because it would be inappropriate, in their opinion.

Marcuccio revealed she has met privately with City Manager Barbara Burns Matthews to discuss a way to resolve the controversy.  The mayor said the city has "got to do something to show we're moving forward," after heavy criticism by some citizens, current and former employees, and the editorial page of local newspaper,The Sentinel.

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

HOT POCKETS LIMITED EDITION CHILI CHEESE DOG REVIEW (VIDEO)

Hot Pockets has a limited-edition Chili Cheese Dog Hot Pocket. Here's my review. The Hot Pocket contains sliced hot dogs (which Hot Pockets terms "Hot Dog Coins"), melted cheddar cheese, and chili sauce with meat "crumbles."

I found these at Target in Rockville.

Monday, April 22, 2013

RIBS AT MILLER'S ROCKVILLE ALE HOUSE TONIGHT (PHOTO)

Tonight's dinner special at Miller's Rockville Ale House on Rockville Pike is a 1¼ Pound full rack of "Fall-off-the-Bone" Baby Back Ribs, served with Cole Slaw & Fries for only $10.99!

Sunday, April 21, 2013

ASIAN RIBS AT ROCKVILLE GORDON BIERSCH FOR A LIMITED TIME (PHOTO)

The new Asian Ribs at Gordon Biersch in Rockville Town Square are only on the menu through May 12.

There's a 5 spice rub on these slow-cooked ribs, and crackling ground peanuts for dipping purposes.

Saturday, April 20, 2013

WATCH CANELO VS. TROUT TONIGHT AT HOOTERS OF ROCKVILLE

Wait a minute, there's one more event scheduled at Hooters of Rockville tonight, beyond everything else already happening there today?

That's right: Tonight at 10:00 PM, you can also watch the Canelo vs. Trout super welterweight championship match, live from the Alamodome.

Friday, April 19, 2013

MEGA SATURDAY AT HOOTERS OF ROCKVILLE

Free food, giveaways, a Hooters Girl car & bike wash, a big sale on Hooters swag, and a UFC event.

That's not the plan for the week at Hooters of Rockville...

It's the plan for Saturday, April 20, at Hooters of Rockville!

Yes, all of that is happening this Saturday, starting at 11 AM.

Bring your car to be washed for charity between 11 AM and 2 PM.

And show them the coupon below on your smartphone (or print it out) to get 10 of Hooters' famous wings (traditional or boneless) FREE, when you buy 10 on Saturday.

With the UFC World Lightweight Championship on the big screens at 8:00 PM, you could find yourself spending the whole day there!

CURRY-OKE TONIGHT AT SPICE XING IN ROCKVILLE

What is Curry-oke?

It's Karaoke, Spice Xing-style!

Tonight at 9:30 PM, get ready to go Bollywood, as you take the mic, and take on Top 40, Hip Hop, and, yes, Bollywood hits.

Entrance costs $10, but you can recover that amount from your food and drink check.

Spice Xing is located in Rockville Town Square, and you can make a reservation by calling 301-610-0303.

Thursday, April 18, 2013

FREE BEER TASTING IN ROCKVILLE TONIGHT!

I know where Rockville beer lovers are heading after work tonight:

Tonight at Gilly's Craft Beer and Fine Wine from 5-8 PM, Ryan from New Belgium is hosting a New Belgium Beer Tasting & Rolle Bolle Summer Release Party. Free tastings, giveaways and more!

Gilly's is located at 2009 Chapman Avenue in Rockville.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

COOL OFF WITH COLD DRINKS AT CHEEBURGER CHEEBURGER IN ROCKVILLE (PHOTO)

Now that the weather is getting warmer, you may have a greater appreciation for an ice-cold beverage.

Give these a try at Cheeburger Cheeburger in the Fallsgrove shopping center:

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

KFC BONELESS CHICKEN REVIEW (VIDEO)

You've probably heard that KFC introduced a new Boneless version of its legendary, original recipe fried chicken on Sunday.

Last night, I bought a Boneless Chicken meal, and here's my review.

The meal included 2 pieces of Boneless Chicken (I prefer dark meat), your choice of 1 side dish (I chose my favorite, mashed potatoes with gravy), 1 biscuit, and a medium drink (Mountain Dew Baja Blast).

I wanted to do a test of the chicken's flavor, juiciness, and meat portion in contrast to the bone-in original.

How does Boneless stack up?

Watch my review for the answers.

Monday, April 15, 2013

LADIES EAT LUNCH FREE TODAY AT AMERICAN TAP ROOM IN ROCKVILLE!

Ladies who live or work in Rockville just hit the jackpot today: The lunch buffet at American Tap Room at Rockville Town Square is FREE for ladies today, between 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM.

It doesn't get any better than that!

Who said there's no such thing as free lunch?

Sunday, April 14, 2013

ROCKVILLE COULD LOSE ITS LAST BURGER KING (PHOTO)

A new development proposal could replace the Travilah Square Burger King with a Walgreens pharmacy.

The shopping center's owner is proposing to demolish the Burger King and a small office building, and build a 14,993 square foot Walgreens. A drive-thru pharmacy would be part of the structure.

All the rest of the shopping center will remain the same.

It's getting harder and harder to find a Whopper in Montgomery County these days!

A town center Walgreens is currently under construction on Rockville Pike, at the former site of the Orange Ball.

Here is the proposed design of the Travilah Square Walgreens:

Saturday, April 13, 2013

STRIPED BASS SPECIAL TONIGHT AT TIMPANO IN ROCKVILLE:

Enjoy tonight's special at Timpano on Rockville Pike:

Pan-seared striped bass fillet over roasted vegetables, in a lemon-dill sauce, and garnished with a balsamic reduction and parsley.

They recommend pairing it with the Ramey Chardonnay.

WATCH THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER SEASON FINALE TONIGHT AT HOOTERS OF ROCKVILLE

Team Jones takes on Team Sonnen in the season finale of The Ultimate Fighter, at 9:00 PM tonight, at Hooters of Rockville.

This event is leading up to UFC 159, the World Heavyweight Championship bout of Jones vs. Sonnen on April 27.

Friday, April 12, 2013

LOS LOBOS BURRITOS CART TO OFFICIALLY DEBUT AT ROCKVILLE TOWN CENTER TONIGHT

Authentic Northern Mexican burritos are coming to Montgomery County tonight at 6:00 PM at Rockville Town Center.

Los Lobos Northern Mexican Burritos won't be selling the type of burrito you are used to from Taco Bell or Patio in the frozen food aisle.

Instead of fillings like guacamole, sour cream and other ingredients that can overwhelm the meat, Pamela Ramos is bringing the original burrito concept from her hometown of Ciudad Juarez to Rockville. That means a hand-rolled tortilla, a swipe of beans, potatoes, and plenty of intensely-flavored chicken and beef in a special-recipe sauce.

How authentic is Los Lobos? The name comes from Ramos' grandfather's ranch, and the cart's logo reproduces one of his actual cattle brands.

Stop by the cart at the Rockville Town Square plaza tonight between 6:00-9:00 PM, for new and authentic Mexican flavors you likely haven't had before.

Los Lobos will also be near the Regal Theater for lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM.

Thursday, April 11, 2013

ROCKVILLE PLANNING COMMISSION BRIEFED ON MONTGOMERY COUNTY BRT PLAN

Montgomery County Planning Department Master Planner Larry Cole told the Rockville Planning Commission last night that a bus rapid transit line along MD Route 355 would take "13-21%" of its ridership from Metro.

Why is this important?

For two reasons. First, it highlights the duplication of existing subway service by BRT. In fact, Commissioner David Hill questioned Cole on that very point at last night's briefing at Rockville City Hall.

Secondly, it confirms my argument from the beginning of this sham of a process regarding BRT:  the duplicative service will attract mostly those who already use transit. In the process, it will slash the already insufficient revenue of the Metro system.

Where will that shortfall be recovered from? From you and I, the taxpayers. And again from you and I, in the form of future Metro fare increases.

It begs the question again - if the county has a magic $5 billion in extra revenue to pay for the BRT system, wouldn't that money be better spent on projects that will actually reduce congestion? These would include M-83 Midcounty Highway Extended, the Rockville Freeway, a new Potomac River bridge, expanded MARC service, the Purple Line and an extension of Metro to Gaithersburg and Germantown.

In contrast to those projects, the ridership, density and demand numbers for BRT simply don't add up.  With no solid evidence that drivers will "get out of their cars," it's safe to assume Metro ridership will be the target audience for the Emperor's New Bus, thereby providing no congestion relief.

What could ultimately end up happening, is a small BRT ridership, taken in even greater numbers from Metro than Cole's projections suggest, riding $5 billion buses along a now even-more-congested Route 355. And Metro in even worse financial straits than ever.

Rockville Planning Commissioners were understandably skeptical of Cole's presentation.

Commissioner Jack Leiderman asked Cole if he was attempting to "punish" drivers by removing 2 car lanes from 355 for BRT. Cole arrogantly responded that drivers "don't own" those lanes.

Mr. Cole, those of us who live in Maryland not only own those lanes, but we paid for their construction, and continue to pay for their maintenance.

Cole made the mistake of comparing the seizure of 2 lanes for BRT to HOV Lanes on I-270. Anyone who actually drives on 270 knows that the HOV idea was a complete failure, and does continue only as a punishment for drivers. The HOV lane is that one which you turn to the left and see hardly anybody in, while you're crawling or at a complete stop on 270. Not only is traffic still jammed, but you're moving even slower, thanks to the loss of 25% of capacity in the Express lanes.  And during rush hour, many HOV drivers are using the lane illegally.

Cole wasn't done making odd comparisons.

When a skeptical Commissioner Dion Trahan quizzed Cole as to how losing already-jammed lanes would reduce gridlock, Cole referred to Ballston in Arlington.

Cole repeated a popular urban myth among "smart" growth advocates, that traffic on Wilson Boulevard in Ballston and Clarendon has actually decreased, despite massive, dense redevelopment.

This is an apples to oranges comparison, and complete bunk. First, the "less traffic" argument is hardly accurate as it relates to Arlington.

But, more importantly, there is no comparison whatsoever between Wilson Boulevard and 355.

The daily traffic count on Wilson is around 15,000 vehicles.

The daily traffic count on Rockville Pike is 43,000 to 46,000 cars.

Wilson is a lower-capacity road than 355.

And Wilson is not an arterial road of the scope of 355.  355 carries heavy traffic from Washington, Frederick, Carroll and Montgomery counties along a corridor that has only one alternative, 270.

In contrast, drivers traveling west-east into Washington through Arlington have many parallel routes to choose from.  Rockville Pike is not Wilson Boulevard, and you can't make it so just to satisfy ideology or developers.

Speaking of which, Cole seems to favor both. Cole's recent suggestion to kill the grade-separated Montrose Parkway certainly revealed an anti-highway, pro-developer bias. That's not a good starting point for a planning department that is supposed to ensure adequate mobility of citizens via a multimodal transportation system.

But there's more ideological dreaming, "behavior-modification" scheming, and development cheerleading going on than planning in Cole's department.

Asked by the commission's chair, Jerry Callistein, why no planning has been done for BRT parking, environmental studies, BRT-Metro transfers, BRT vehicle storage, etc., Cole essentially responded that the dog ate his homework. It's hard enough to get the BRT plan passed without worrying about those little details, Cole suggested.

Unsatisfactory answers were the rule in a presentation on an unsatisfactory boondoggle of a BRT proposal.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

SPICE XING HAPPY HOUR MENU (PHOTO)

Enjoy the fine food and adult beverages of Spice Xing at a great price, during the Rockville Town Square restaurant's weekday Happy Hour.

Click on the photo to enlarge the complete Happy Hour menu:

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

NEW FLATBREAD SANDWICH AT WENDY'S IN ROCKVILLE (VIDEO)

Here's something new to try for dinner tonight: Wendy's new Asiago Ranch Grilled Chicken Flatbread sandwich. I stopped by the Wendy's on Rockville Pike last night to try it out myself.

Here's my review, including a zoomed-in closeup of all the fillings in the sandwich: lettuce, salad greens, bacon, tomatoes, grilled chicken breast, Asiago cheese and ranch dressing.

Don't forget the artisan bread, which is one of the strong points in Wendy's attempt to challenge upscale competitors like Panera Bread.

Monday, April 8, 2013

ROCKVILLE HS STUDENT MICHELLE MILLER DIED IN MURDER-SUICIDE, POLICE ALLEGE

Montgomery County Police say the death of Rockville High School senior Michelle Miller was the result of a murder-suicide.

Police identified the alleged killer as Adam Anthony Arndt, age 31, of the 12900 block of Pinnacle Drive in Germantown. Arndt also died in the alleged incident.

Miller, age 17, of the 5100 block of Russett Road in Rockville, knew Arndt due to Arndt’s assignment as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army, and Miller’s plans to enlist in the U.S. Army Reserves following her graduation, police say.

ROCKVILLE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT FOUND DEAD IN GERMANTOWN

Montgomery County Police report finding the body of 17-year-old Michelle Miller in Germantown this morning. Police say this, and the death of a 31-year-old man also found in the 12900 block of Pinnacle Drive, at about 8:45 a.m., are suspicious.  And that a firearm was found at the location.

Police report only that the man lived at the location, and was a US Army veteran. Miller was reported to be a senior at Rockville High School in Rockville.

THAI RESTAURANT WEEK 2013 IN ROCKVILLE!

Enjoy lunch or dinner in Rockville during Thai Restaurant Week, starting this Wednesday, April 10, and running through next Wednesday, April 17.

The annual event is organized and sponsored by the Royal Thai Embassy's offices of Commercial and Agricultural Affairs, in Washington, D.C.

Participating restaurants in Rockville are:

Amina Restaurant, 5065 Nicholson Lane, 301-770-9509.

Tara Asia 199 E. Montgomery Avenue, 301-315-8008.

Thai Pavilion, 29 Maryland Avenue, 301-545-0244.

Pana Thai, 7224 Muncaster Mill Road, 301-990-8501.

Sunday, April 7, 2013

WRESTLEMANIA IN ROCKVILLE TONIGHT AT HOOTERS OF ROCKVILLE

Can you smell what The Rock is cooking?

No, but you'll smell the aroma of Hooters' famous wings tonight at Hooters of Rockville, while you enjoy Wrestlemania on the big screens.

What is The Rock doing back in WWE, anyway? He must be getting a mighty big check, given his movie star status.

EAST DUMPLING HOUSE MENU (PHOTOS) GRAND OPENING! ROCKVILLE, MD

East Dumpling House has finally opened at 12 N. Washington Street (Unit 14) in the center of Rockville.

There have been some lines, and the staff has had to adjust to the demand in the early days. Suffice it to say, many, many people in the town center area wanted to try East Dumpling House! The new restaurant has been a lunch hot spot the last few days, as a result.

The East Dumpling House hours are 10:30 AM - 10:00 PM Sunday-Thursday, and 10:30-10:30 Fridays and Saturdays.  Their phone numbers are 301-762-6200 and 301-762-6202.

What East Dumpling House offers are some specialties from the northeastern region of China, including traditional dumplings and meat or vegetable kabobs. Other house specialties include house-made tofu and soy milk, pearl milk tea, and Chinese-style potato salad. Speaking of potatoes, french fries are on the menu, as well.

And speaking of the menu, I got pictures of it for you, including lunch specials. Click on each page to enlarge:

Friday, April 5, 2013

DIGIORNO PIZZA DIPPING STRIPS REVIEW (VIDEO)

Just in time for the weekend, I have a video review of the newest DiGiorno frozen pizza product at Giant, DiGiorno Pizza Dipping Strips.

This is basically a DiGiorno pepperoni pizza sliced into 4 breadstick-size strips. You get a small, plastic pocket of marinara sauce to dip the strips in. All of this you can heat up in the microwave.

The serving size per person is 2 strips, but that portion is unlikely to satisfy a grown adult. Yet eating all 4 strips is a tremendous amount of salt and fat.  So, you will definitely want to pick up a somewhat healthier side item to have with these, if you are trying to reduce your salt and fat intake.

Thursday, April 4, 2013

ROCKVILLE CHOICE HOTEL HEADQUARTERS CONSTRUCTION NEARLY FINISHED (PHOTOS)

The new headquarters of Choice Hotels at Rockville Town Center is just about finished. Employees will move in on April 8.

The interior design takes cues from the hospitality industry: the reception area conjures a hotel lobby, and a red and yellow color scheme pays tribute to the original Quality Court hotel and motel chain.

Here is a photo gallery of the new building:

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

GOODBYE TO ICE RINK, HELLO TO SPRING AT ROCKVILLE TOWN SQUARE (PHOTOS)

Warmer spring weather is here - kind of. The Rockville Town Square ice rink has been packed up and put into storage for next winter.

Empty lockers and assorted machines are all that remains.

Last person out, turn off the Zamboni.

Monday, April 1, 2013

RUFFLES MAX BEER BATTERED ONION RINGS POTATO CHIP REVIEW (VIDEO)

The new Ruffles Max Beer Battered Onion Rings potato chip promises "maximum flavor." Can a chip deliver the flavors of one of America's favorite side dishes? Watch my review and find out! I found these chips at Giant.