As surreal as it may sound, Tuesday night’s “exclusive tasting” of the new menu at Bowlmor Lanes on Westbard Avenue (formerly Strike Bethesda) was hosted by alleged White House party crashers/former Real Housewives of D.C. reality stars Michaele and Tareq Salahi.
And surreal it was: The couple posed and preened for the paparazzi (yes, even in Bethesda), and Michaele bowled in spike heels and a gold, glittery mini dress. “This is a very glamorous place!” the very tall, thin and blond Salahi gushed at one point.
As for the new menu, it’s the brainchild of New York chef David Burke, who, like the Salahis, has appeared on a Bravo reality show (Top Chef). Burke wasn’t there, but the food at the event was actually pretty good—mini tacos, cornbread crusted crab cake bites, steamed shrimp dumplings, spring rolls and sliders. I didn’t stay long enough to watch the Salahis eat, but they apparently did sample the appetizer spread.
I did, however, ask Tareq Salahi when was the last time he went bowling, and was surprised to hear this was his first outing ever—particularly since his second throw was a strike. “I grew up on a farm,” he said. “There was one stop light in the town.”
Lately, of course, he’s been surrounded by lights, plus cameras and action…all the things that go along with being famous for being famous.
