More Bethesda Restaurant Shutters, Plus More Intel

The Shutter

Robert Dyer picks up on two recent shutters in the Westfield Montgomery Mall. Both Shanghai Bao Kitchen and Yum Crepes are no more, and the Stone Cold Creamery is for sale. The bao restaurant was from the chef behind popular soup dumpling destination Bob’s Shanghai 66. The revamped mall and its dining terrace has seen plenty of additions over the past year or two, and some closures, too (Lobster Me, anyone?). [RD]

Adventures in Drinking

Bearnaise will kick off 2017 with a revamped bar program. The Sheppard's Davis Strauss, who's buddies with Béarnaise owner Spike Mendelsohn, will re-train the Parisian bistro’s staff to adopt techniques found at his newly-salvaged speakeasy. He'll also create a new list of French-themed cocktails; think more chartreuse, cognacs, and champagne. And say au revoir to soda guns and bonjour to fresh juices. — Tierney Plumb

Controversies

Middle Eastern Adams Morgan restaurant institution Mama Ayesha’s has a mural depicting all of the country’s recent presidents (starting with Eisenhower). But come 2017, there are no plans to add Donald Trump to the artwork. The restaurant tells Washingtonian that their “official position” is that it isn’t in the budget. [Washingtonian]

Switcheroos

It’s worth noting that the former QTea Cafe in Fairfax is now Kiroran, an Uyghur restaurant. Tyler Cowen reviewed the place earlier in the month. [TC]