Gaffney’s, the long-running Bethesda restaurant at 7141 Wisconsin Avenue, is closed and being replaced by The Majestic Bar & Grill, a gastropub that owner Stefan Lalos says will be “like no place you’ve ever seen.” At least that’s what he says in what appears to be a fictitious news article on the door of the shuttered Gaffney’s.
In a light-hearted Q & A, Lalos is asked (probably by himself), “why are you opening The Majestic Bar & Grill?” His reply: “I guess it’s because I’m Greek and the restaurant business is in my blood…”
“What kind of food will you serve?” it continues. “Good food. Many great tastes. But all well done…not ‘bar food,’ gastropub food,” Lalos answers.
The “article” goes on to claim that this is Bethesda’s “FIRST” gastropub. I assume he means a bar with better-than-average food, but there are numerous places in the area that probably think of themselves as just that.
Watch this space for updates; in the meantime, you can read Lalos’ full article at www.themajesticbethesda.com
In other new restaurant news, the old Asian Café at 4858 Cordell Avenue is being converted to Smoke BBQ Bethesda, a casual barbecue restaurant serving ribs, pulled pork, brisket, chicken, smoked sausages, daily specials, homemade pie and a large assortment of microbrews.
The restaurant is the brainchild of Bethesda resident Martin Hage and his girlfriend Susan Lennon, currently the manager of Red Star restaurant in Baltimore.
Hage attended Bethesda Elementary School, B-CC High School and Catholic University, where he studied architecture.
This is his first restaurant, and his first gig as a chef. His only culinary training was home ec class at B-CC in 1985, but he says he’s been cooking barbecue for more than 15 years—catering parties for friends and family. “I’m the one who cooks for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and all that,” says Hage.
Look for a March opening.
