CHIMICHURRI RESTAURANT CLOSES IN ROCKVILLE (PHOTOS)

Chimichurri has closed in the Ritchie Center on Rockville Pike. The South American spot drew on the cuisines of Argentina and Uruguay, and also was a destination for fans of tango in the DC area.

VAPE INK OPENS IN ROCKVILLE (PHOTOS)

The vaping craze is officially hitting Rockville, now that the city's first vape store has opened in the Ritchie Center on Rockville Pike. Vape Ink sells vaping equipment, modifications, and the flavored "juice" to fill them up. But it is also a tattoo and piercing shop, as well - hence the "ink" in the name.

The store has a 5-star rewards program for regular customers to join. For example, program members might earn a free juice after spending $100. The selection of flavors is extensive, as are the equipment options. Staff will help you with questions and technical assistance. Customers say it's becoming a popular hangout for vapers in Rockville. Patrons can sample juice flavors, and the shop features a "Juice of the Day"; the store is for those age 18+ only.

Vape Ink is open Monday to Thursday, 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Friday and Saturday, 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and Sundays, 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Vape Ink

765 Rockville Pike, Unit J

941-962-8021

FULL ON CRAFT EATS & DRINKS TO OPEN IN ROCKVILLE (PHOTOS)

A new gourmet sandwich shop will open on Norbeck Road (just north of Leisure World) early this summer. Full On Craft Eats & Drinks will also feature craft beer and wine, at 4007-D Norbeck Road - which is Rockville according to the U.S. Postal Service. But so close to Aspen Hill and Glenmont, that one might consider it Silver Spring, as well. You decide!

What's not up for debate, is Full On's promise not to use preservatives, chemicals or stabilizers in its food. All meats are processed and roasted in-house, not from a factory. And every sandwich will be made to order. Also prepared daily, will be soup, as well as salads made fresh-to-order.

Sandwiches will include Turkey & Cranberry, Ham and Eggs (with egg salad), Crabcake Grilled Cheese, and the Greek Salad Sandwich with smashed chickpeas, greek olives, sliced cucumber, banana peppers, tomato, red onion, and feta cheese, with oil & vinegar.

ROCKVILLE TO ABANDON RIGHT-OF-WAY BETWEEN DOUGLAS AVE. AND FREDERICK AVE. IN LINCOLN PARK

Rockville Mayor Bridget Newton and city councilmembers voted unanimously Monday to abandon a 15'-wide right-of-way, between Douglas and Frederick Avenues, in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. The city determined it had no future need to develop the currently-unimproved right-of-way, and adjoining property owners approved of the abandonment.

Several structures and property features already are within the right-of-way, and the abandonment will bring them into compliance with city code. While rights-of-way are extremely valuable, this particular one did not appear to hold any use for road or transit purposes. Two utility rights-of-way will be maintained, but the city's Department of Public Works determined the abandonment would have no impact on services to city residents.

FORMER ROCKVILLE COUNCILMAN: DON'T FORGET ABOUT KARMA ACADEMY SITE IN BUDGET

Bob Wright, a former Rockville City Councilmember, is urging the current Mayor and Council to take proactive steps to acquire the former Karma Academy property on Watts Branch Parkway. The city was one of several bidders on the site, which is currently owned by Montgomery County. Last year, the Mayor and Council instructed city staff to apply for consideration of acquisition of the site from the county.

Wright, speaking during Monday's Mayor and Council meeting, recalled that much of the city's green space was made possible through plans and acquisitions by previous mayors and councils. He noted that the Karma Academy site is "perfectly situated," next to Wooton's Mill Park in the Rockshire area. But, Wright said, “I’m not aware that the mayor and council have a plan for this parcel. I’m not aware that there’s any money in the budget for green spaces or parcels.”

Speaking prior to a public hearing on the city's next budget, Wright urged city leaders to develop a plan and funding for the potential addition to the existing park. "Please don’t forget about this parcel," Wright concluded.

The Karma Academy property's future is of great concern to Rockshire residents, who have testified in favor of Rockville acquiring the site as parkland in the past.

NIGHTSWATCH: ROCKVILLE CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across Rockville on April 18, according to crime data:

Liquor arrest. 2000 block Veirs Mill Road (Twinbrook Shopping Center area).

Theft. 300 block Rutgers Street (College Plaza area).

Disorderly conduct. Rockville Pike at Thompson Avenue.

Drug arrest. 800 block 1st Street (Maryvale Park area).

Vehicle burglary. Unit block of W. Montgomery Avenue (Town Center).

Drug arrest. N. Stonestreet Avenue at Lincoln Avenue.

Vehicle burglary. 14300 block Travilah Road.

51 MONROE STREET REBRANDED IN ROCKVILLE (PHOTOS)

The tallest building in Rockville (for now) is still called 51 Monroe Street. But it's looking a bit different these days. Recently renovated by owner Washington Real Estate Investment Trust (WRIT), the 1978 office tower complex has a new logo. Look closely at the top of the building, and you can see where the iconic "51" numerals were pried off, and replaced with the new design. WRIT also renovated the main lobby. Sorry, but I'm a fan of the old, larger 70s font numerals.

See the remnants of the
old logo? I preferred it
to the new design, which
is a step down, in
my opinion

Still one of the top
office buildings in
Montgomery County

The renovated lobby

EASTER BRUNCH IN ROCKVILLE 2014

Searching for Easter brunch in Rockville? This is the place to find the answers.

Amalfi Ristorante Italiano

This longtime Rockville favorite has not yet posted a menu or specials, but its Sunday hours are 1:30-9:00 PM.

12307 Wilkins Avenue

301-770-7888

American Tap Room

Let's hope for good weather and outdoor patio dining at Rockville Town Square! American Tap Room will be serving brunch from 10 AM to 3 PM on Easter Sunday. Here's the menu:

36 Maryland Avenue

(301) 838-4281

Chef Geoff's Rockville

Check out the fabulous Easter brunch menu at Chef Geoff's. Including one of my favorites, Big Shrimp and Very Gouda Grits - not that I'm trying to influence your decision or anything. For just $25.95, your brunch also includes a basket of Cheddar Drop biscuits, coffee and your choice of orange juice, mimosa or Bloody Mary. Sides and desserts are extra, and beignets are one of the options. I also like the convenient and free parking here.

12256 Rockville Pike

(240) 621-3090

Founding Farmers

Founding Farmers will open an hour early, at 8 AM, on Easter Sunday. Due to popularity, the restaurant says its remaining reservations are for parties of 4 or less. They'll also serve brunch on Easter Monday, from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Here's their brunch menu.

12505 Park Potomac Avenue

(right off I-270 at Montrose Road exit)

(301) 340-8783

FREE CHIPS AND QUESO TODAY AT CALIFORNIA TORTILLA IN ROCKVILLE!

Got those taxes done? Celebrate turning your hard-earned cash over to The Man with free chips and queso today, at California Tortilla in Rockville!

Taxes not done? Fortify yourself with free chips and queso at California Tortilla for the long night ahead!

Either way, just tell the cashier at Cal Tort this double-secret password:

TAXES SCHMAXES

And that free side of chips and queso is all yours, with any purchase! While supplies last. And depending on your tax situation, this may be all you can afford today.

California Tortilla

199 E. Montgomery Avenue

NIGHTSWATCH: ROCKVILLE CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across Rockville on April 11, according to crime data:

Theft. 1000 block Rockville Pike (Talbott Center vicinity).

Vehicle burglary. 500 block Gilscot Place (Silver Rock).

Vehicle burglary. 1200 block Gladstone Drive (Silver Rock).

Burglary. 500 block Veirs Mill Road (near MD 355).

Disorderly conduct. Rockville Metro station.

Theft. Choice Hotels Circle (Rockville Town Center).

Theft. 300 block Watts Branch Parkway (Rockshire area).

Theft. 1800 block Greenplace Terrace (Fallsmead area).

Theft. 200 block Redland Boulevard (King Farm).

Theft. 9700 block Traville Gateway Drive.

ROCKVILLE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION MEETING APRIL 17

The Rockville Historic District Commission will meet Thursday, April 17, at 7:30 PM, in the Mayor and Council chambers at Rockville City Hall.

On the agenda are applications for Montgomery County historic preservation tax credits for the following properties:

215 Autumn Wind Way

12 Wall Street

709 Grandin Avenue

203 W. Montgomery Avenue

117 West Montgomery Avenue

8 Thomas Street

103 North Adams Street

SPRING LEAF COLLECTION IN ROCKVILLE

Rockville residents have a bonus leaf collection that Montgomery County residents don't get. Spring leaf collection is now underway in the city. Leaves should be raked to the curb, or into the gutter, by 6 AM on the appropriate day. Here is the map, with dates of collection below:

Area 1 leaves are being collected through today. Area 2 collection will be April 9 and 10, Area 3 will be April 11 and 14, Area 4 on April 15 and 16, and Area 5 will be completed on April 17 and 18.

ROCKVILLE PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA FOR APRIL 9 - DRAFT BIKEWAY MASTER PLAN

The agenda for the April 9 meeting of the Rockville Planning Commission will be dominated by the potentially controversial Draft Bikeway Master Plan. Citizens may comment on the draft during a public hearing, which will be the first item on the agenda at 7:00 PM. Commissioners will then discuss the plan, and the public input, in preparation for any direction or changes they may choose to forward to the Mayor and Council.

Are you gung-ho about getting a bike lane on your street? Or concerned about what impact that will have on your street, regarding parking, lane width, safety, etc.? While few details are given in the draft, now would be a good time to make your concerns known to the commission.

The meeting will be held in the Mayor and Council chambers at City Hall next Wednesday.

TACO BELL A.M. CRUNCHWRAP REVIEW (VIDEO)

Back we go to Taco Bell in Rockville, for another sample of the new Taco Bell Breakfast!

The Taco Bell breakfast menu also includes a breakfast variation on the popular Crunchwrap. You can order the new A.M Crunchwrap in three variations: steak (my choice), sausage or bacon.

Inside the warm, grilled tortilla are Taco Bell's marinated thick-cut steak, scrambled eggs, a hash brown patty, cheddar cheese, and jalapeño sauce. It is a heartier entree than the new Waffle Taco.

How does it taste? Watch my video review to find out:

GABLES UPPER ROCK APARTMENT FIRE A SETBACK FOR UPPER ROCK PHASE II (PHOTOS)

Yesterday morning's devastating fire destroyed many apartments in the Gables Upper Rock apartment complex off I-270 and Shady Grove Road. Fortunately, the fire was within an unoccupied part of the complex, which had been expected to open for leasing soon. Instead, crews are turning to a demolition and debris-removal operation today. Equipment was moving into place last evening for that purpose. I'm curious if the sprinkler systems were active at this point in the construction; we're often told by developers that less firefighting resources are needed even as development grows, due to modern sprinkler systems.

Montgomery County firefighters, and at least 4 firetrucks, remained on scene late last night, to inspect and extinguish any remaining hotspots in the wreckage.

MCFRS public information officer Pete Piringer tweeted the following photos of the scene; you can see some of the heavy equipment moving into place for today's operations:

WEAK OFFICE MARKET IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY CAUSING LOWER EXPECTATIONS

What was once denied, is now the newest buzzphrase in Montgomery County: the county office market is weak. With no large employer moving to the county in over a decade, the government - and struggling office building owners - are scrambling to temper once-high hopes.

The gleaming building at 7550 Wisconsin Avenue, that was completely renovated into a Class A office tower by developer Akridge, was poised to become a hot business address. 18 months later? It's a vacant monument to a business climate that fails to appeal to major firms searching America for a new corporate headquarters.

With no significant policy or taxation changes on the horizon, no plans to build a new Potomac River crossing for the Dulles Airport access international firms demand, and landlords having to still pay their bills while vacant, some are now thinking small.

Montgomery County's Economic Development Fund is now offering a program designed to attract smaller firms to vacant office space in the county. The MOVE program will offer $4-per-square-foot rent subsidies to a first-time renting firm that meets 4 criteria. Spaces that qualify are limited to those between 2,000 and 10,000 square feet.

Akridge is ahead of the downward curve in Bethesda.

The company is currently in the process of dividing the fourth floor of 7550 Wisconsin into 3 suites - on spec, as there are still no tenants. But going forward, those new suites would likely qualify for the new MOVE subsidy. There are still many other floors in the building, however. According to a source, Akridge is open to dividing other floors into suites, if the initiative proves successful on the fourth floor.

PIER 1 OPENING IN PIKE CENTER (PHOTO)

The new Rockville location of Pier 1 will be in the Pike Center, at Rockville Pike (MD 355) and Bou Avenue. Pier 1 was forced to close its old location at 1590 Rockville Pike, after being displaced by a pending "town center"-sized mixed use project. That project is also forcing Fuddruckers and other businesses out of their existing locations.

Currently, the store is filled with boxes and crates. But a banner out front says, "Open Soon." The lights were on inside Saturday afternoon.

ROCKVILLE TACO BELL WAFFLE TACO REVIEW (VIDEO)

Taco Bell Breakfast is here, and here is my first review from the menu! The Waffle Taco is available in Egg and Cheese, Sausage or Bacon versions. I chose to start with the sausage version, which has a sausage patty, scrambled eggs, and cheese wrapped in a warm waffle. A packet of maple syrup comes with it, for dipping purposes.

How has the Taco Bell breakfast experiment turned out? Watch my detailed review and find out! I also give an update on the Taco Bell Breakfast Phone.

NIGHTSWATCH: ROCKVILLE CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across the Rockville area on March 25, according to crime data:

Theft. 11800 block Parklawn Drive.

Theft. 11700 block Parklawn Drive.

Theft. 12100 block Rockville Pike (near Bou Avenue).

Theft. 12100 block Rockville Pike (near Bou Avenue).

Drug arrest. 12500 block Twinbrook Parkway.

Theft. 1400 block Rockville Pike (just south of Woodmont Country Club).

Drug arrest. 2900 block Tower Oaks Boulevard.

ROCKVILLE PLANNING COMMISSIONER QUESTIONS LACK OF DETAIL ON BIKEWAY MASTER PLAN

Can you tell what impact
bike facilities will have
on College Parkway
from this map?

Would you buy a car sight unseen, if the salesman said he could only tell you it was a 4-door sedan? Rockville residents are being asked to comment on the draft update of the Rockville Bikeway Master Plan at a public hearing on April 9. But critical information is missing from the draft, according to Rockville Planning Commissioner Jack Leiderman.

While the document illustrates many common on-road bike facilities, and lists a recommendation for specific roads within Rockville, Leiderman noted that residents have no way to know how the proposals will affect parking, the width of existing travel lanes and other relevant details.

Andrew Gunning, the city's assistant planning director (and staff liaison to the planning commission) said planners hadn't gone into that level of detail at this stage. "I'm requesting it," Leiderman responded. "How am I going to comment" on the plan without knowing the details, he asked.

This situation is virtually identical to that of the recent Montgomery County Transit Corridor Master Plan process. With relatively few details worked out on the specific design and traffic impact of the county's proposed bus rapid transit system, the plan was rammed through by the council, with promises that the details would be known later. But if some of the potential impacts were untenable, why would a citizen allow the BRT Master Plan to pass?

The same applies to the bike plan. Should the plan be approved, it will become the document that can be referenced to justify a wide range of changes to city roads. Once adopted as a master plan, those changes - like BRT - will become "a fait accompli," as Leiderman put it Wednesday night.

"I'm not just going to rubber stamp a list of streets," Leiderman said.

Also at Wednesday night's meeting, Planning Commission Chair Don Hadley discussed his upcoming  appearance before the Mayor and Council at their April 7 meeting. Hadley invited his fellow commissioners to attend, but said he has not yet been informed of the format of the discussion. Commissioner John Tyner somewhat jokingly suggested Hadley review the comments of Councilmember Tom Moore on the topic prior to the evening. Moore was critical of the commission's pace last week.

Leiderman advised Hadley to emphasize the importance of taking time to get the plan right: "Measure twice, saw once," he said.