MR. BANH MI INSTALLS LIGHTED SIGN IN ROCKVILLE (PHOTOS)

The future Mr. Bánh Mì in the Ritchie Center on Rockville Pike now has its lighted sign installed over the restaurant storefront.

You can also see the gleaming new counter and interior.

TAIPEI TOKYO VILLAGE CLOSES IN ROCKVILLE (PHOTOS)

Taipei Tokyo Village, at 1596-A Rockville Pike, has been entirely cleared out.

CHICK-FIL-A ROCKVILLE OPENING AUGUST 22! (PHOTOS)

The new Rockville Chick-fil-A restaurant, on Route 355 in the Montrose Crossing shopping center, is now scheduled to open August 22.

Here are some photos of the current construction status, and a Chick-fil-A rendering of what the finished restaurant will look like.

MR. BÁNH MÌ OPENING IN ROCKVILLE (PHOTOS)

Wonderful news from the Ritchie Center on Rockville Pike:

A new restaurant called Mr. Bánh Mì is coming soon.  From the name, this could be exciting for fans of bánh mì in Rockville and beyond. There are other purveyors of bánh mì within blocks of this location, so it will be a competitive environment.

If you haven't had bánh mì before, it is a Vietnamese baguette that has its origins in the colonial French influence in Vietnam.  The sandwiches are usually filled with meat, and can also have spicy condiments on board.  In recent years, many upscale American restaurants have started adding these to their menus, but they are usually not as authentic as those served by chefs in actual Vietnamese American restaurants.

Stay tuned for more details.

ROCKVILLE CHICK-FIL-A UNDER CONSTRUCTION (PHOTOS)

A new, stand-alone Chick-fil-A restaurant is under construction in the parking lot of the Montrose Crossing shopping center. It is near Old Navy and Timpano's. There is an existing Chick-fil-A location nearby in Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda.

JUST ARRIVED: FIRST SOFT SHELL CRABS OF 2013 AT AMALFI IN ROCKVILLE!

Here's a sign summer isn't far away:

Tonight is the first night soft shell crabs are being served this year at Amalfi Ristorante in Rockville.

The restaurant says they should have them through the weekend, but they can go fast.

You can always call ahead to reserve a plate, just in case.

12307 Wilkins Avenue, Rockville.
301-770-7888

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:

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:

VALENTINE'S DAY SPECIALS AT ROCKVILLE TOWN SQUARE

Spend a romantic Valentine's Day evening at Rockville Town Square, where dinner can include lobster tails, a “Circle of Love” Heart Shape Dragon sushi roll, or heart-shaped cookies with decadent fillings. Or all of the above.

Many merchants are offering special shopping deals, and you could even win a $100 American Tap Room gift card, and ice rink passes for two in the Valentine's Day giveaway.

CALAMARI + BLUE CHEESE = AWESOME AT BAR LOUIE (PHOTO)

Here's something to try at Bar Louie in Rockville Town Square tonight: Fried calamari with blue cheese!

DC RESTAURANT WEEK 2013 IN ROCKVILLE

Enjoy DC Restaurant Week 2013 without leaving Rockville!

Chef Geoff's Rockville (menu not online yet) and La Tasca Rockville (click for menu) are participating in the popular prix fixe event February 4-10.

Lunch will be $20.13, and dinner $35.13.

I will pass along the Chef Geoff's menu as soon as it is posted. But having dined at other Chef Geoff's locations during past Restaurant Weeks, the menu is usually quite generous - virtually the entire menu was available. Which makes it one of the best RW deals.

HOOTERS ALL YOU CAN EAT WINGS TONIGHT IN ROCKVILLE

Agh! The first full week of work of 2013.  How will you make it to Friday?

How about unlimited wings tonight at Hooters of Rockville?

That's right: After 6 PM tonight, you can enjoy those famous Hooters wings - all you can eat - for only $10.99 (boneless)/$12.99 (traditional)!

Where else can you find wing sauces called Samurai, Daytona Beach or Habanaro BBQ?

Only at Hooters, of course. Offer good for dine-in customers only.

RIBEYE STEAK SPECIAL TONIGHT AT MILLER'S ROCKVILLE ALE HOUSE (PHOTO)

What's for dinner in Rockville tonight? How about this choice Ribeye Steak at Miller's Rockville Ale House!

It includes cole slaw, and your choice of a second side item, for a ridiculously-low price.  You can order it blackened or grilled.

Take on the first night of 2013 with a hearty steak dinner, tonight's special at Miller's Ale House.