Mother’s Day Brunch at Redwood.

One of the joys of being a foodie is being trusted to chose the perfect spot for special occasions. For Mother’s Day I have invited my mother, my sister, and my mother-in-law to join me for a special ladies only brunch at Redwood located in the trendy restaurant and shopping mecca, Bethesda Row (7121 Bethesda Lane, Bethesda). Ironically, the last time that I was there was with my sister last May for Christian Siriano’s runway show.

Photo by http://www.hfggreen.com

I’m excited to return to Redwood, which is offering special Mother’s Day brunch Sunday, May 9 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. that will include a traditional buffet highlighting the best of the season. Very reasonably priced at just $35 for adults and $15 for children under 12, the Mother’s Day buffet includes a carving station, omelet station and dessert station, which are beautifully displayed throughout the lounge and dining bar.  For the perfect pairing, bottomless mimosas will also be available for $15 while enjoying tunes courtesy of the George Oakley Jazz Trio. 

My first impression last year of Redwood was phenomenal. I had the opportunity to meet Chef Blake Schumpert and Owner Jared Sager. In addition to meeting the new Chef, I learned that Blake is quite well versed in preparing dishes using the best local seasonal ingredients available. Restaurant Owner Jared Sager and Chef Schumpert share the same mission to offer seasonal menu items that showcases the best mid-atlantic ingredients using  produce, meat, and seafood that is naturally-raised, organic, or sustainable whenever possible, and sourced from local growers and ranchers.

This time last year I met Chef for the first time. I found his resume to be quite impressive including working with recent James Beard Foundation National Outstanding Chef award winner, Chef Dan Barber of New York City’s Blue Hill. Chef Schumpert has also worked with one of my favorite local DC Chef’s world- re-known Chef Michel Richard of DC’s Citronelle. Blake also served as the Executive Chef of Ashok Bajaj’s Ardeo from 2003 to 2006. Just before coming to Redwood, he was Chef at Millie’s in Richmond, a diner-like space with simple, seasonal food.

For reservations or additional information please call (301) 656-5515 or visit www.redwoodbethesda.com

Bethesda Row Restaurant Week kicks off April 26 for the “fashionably hungry”

Just in time for the beautiful spring weather, Bethesda Row located in the heart of Bethesda, Maryland, known for its chic shopping and upscale dining is offering Restaurant Week Monday, April 26 through Sunday, May 2. Eight of Bethesda Row’s top restaurants, including Jaleo, Redwood, and Assaggi Mozzarella Bar, will offer diners a special three course prix-fixe lunch menu for just $15 and three course prix-fixe dinner for only $30.

Bethesda Row, brings the ultimate in dining while giving locals an opportunity to view spring’s latest fashions from trendy boutiques including Urban Chic, Wear It Well, and Ginger.  In addition to hot clothes and assessories, patrons can shop for imported Italian pottery, cooking supplies, or the the new iPad. One lucky diner will also win a $200 dinner certificate to any Bethesda Row restaurant; diners can visit www.bethesdarow.com to register to win.

Participating Spring 2010 Restaurants ( menus here).

Jaleo- World-renowned Executive Chef, Jose Andres has created a menu that offers over 60 unique hot and cold tapas dishes that reflect the rich regional diversity of traditional and modern Spanish cuisine.

Lebanese Taverna- Lebanese Taverna, rich in family and tradition, has crafted a variety of authentic and delicious Lebanese dishes including vegetarian and kid-friendly options.

Parker’s American Bistro- Classic All-American cuisine is Parker’s specialty. Diners can partake in variety of steaks, burgers, seafood and salad – the American way.

Raku- A fusion of contemporary Asian cuisine and an unbelievable array of sushi, Raku has a lively environment and a breath-taking modern Asian-inspired interior. 

Assaggi- The Italian word for “tastings”, Assaggi definitely will have your taste buds dancing. For anyone who loves fine Italian dining, this is the place for you. Assaggi specializes in mozzarellas from the United States and Italy.

Mon Ami Gabi- With a bustling atmosphere and delicious cuisine, Mon Ami Gabi is a classic French bistro. Weekend brunch, live jazz, and an exciting happy hour are just some of the highlights of renowned and highly respected Chef and Owner Gabino Sotelino.

Redwood- Showcasing a seasonal menu, Redwood features only the best mid-Atlantic ingredients available. Redwood encourages flavorful, organic, farm-raised, and sustainable food choices whenever possible.

Le Pain Quotidien-Le Pain Quotidien is dedicated to providing guests with great wholesome, quality food. The restaurant also provides a warm and relaxing setting perfect for a meal anytime.

Photo courtesy of Crescent Plaza Blog

In addition, the Bethesda Central Farm Market will open its second season beginning May 6. Located on Bethesda Lane in the center of Bethesda Row, the market will be open from 3-7pm on Thursdays from May 6 through October. Bethesda Central Farm Market also runs a Sunday market from 9-1 off Elm Street between Wisconsin and Woodmont Avenues.

The Thursday market will feature a selection of the region’s best local farm fresh produce, including fruits and vegetables, as well as locally raised, grass fed beef, lamb, pork, artisan cheeses, breads, poultry, eggs, boutique olive oil and vinegar, sausage and salami, flowers and plants, prepared foods and condiments. Click here for a list of featured vendors.

The market will also continue to showcase local chefs and restaurants with ongoing demonstrations from restaurants including Redwood, Raku and Lebanese Taverna.

About Bethesda Row

Bethesda Row is a 521,000 square foot shopping, dining and living destination in the heart of Bethesda, Maryland. With a tremendous collection of national retailers, local boutiques, eclectic restaurants and 180 luxury apartments, Bethesda Row is the best of Bethesda, all in a row. For more information, please visit www.bethesdarow.com