Jose Andres packs the house at Jaleo

Last night's event at Bethesda's  Jaleo starring Chef Jose Andres of the PBS show, Made in Spain, was packed from start to way past finish. Fans thronged in to join a line that snaked the length of the restaurant for a chance to meet the ebullient Andres and get a signed copy of his cookbook, Made in Spain. The tapas at $4 were magnifico--we enjoyed garlic chicken, endive stuffed with cheese and almonds and exquisite figs with bacon. Even better than the food and half-price drink specials was the presence of the very personable chef, who took time to speak with every single fan until the night was over. Viva Espana!

Calling all foodies to Jaleo

... to meet the great Spanish chef Jose Andres of Jaleo, enjoy complimentary tapas and drink specials, and snag a signed copy of his cookbook, Made in Spain: Spanish Dishes for the American Kitchen, for $25. 6-7:30

Eight days and a gazillion pieces of Lego

Tired of spinning the dreidel? Or perhaps sick of those same old reindeer games? Ok, so why don't you build a giant menorah out of Legos? Think I'm kidding? I'm not. There's a whole new spin on holiday fun on Sunday in Bethesda Lane for those of you with lots of chanukah spirit-- and fine motor skills. The event also includes hot latkes, gelt, a magic show and music.

I want you so bad it's driving me mad

I Want You! 

I want you so baad

I want you

I want you so bad it's driving me mad

It's driving me mad.

_I Want You (She's so heavy)

John Lennon/Paul McCartney

A little birthday madness for MoCo today. 

THE holiday shoe. 

Badgley Mischka $215

Bloomingdales.com

Tom Binns, Tim Burton, Red Queen--Oh My!

As if the March 2010 premiere of Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland" weren't enough to generate some visual excitement, innovative jewelry designer Tom Binns has created two Alice-inspired jewelry lines to debut in the spring. The Signature line is comprised of six pieces based on the five main characters--notably the fashion-forward Red Queen--and will retail for $1,000 - $3,000 in fine boutiques and jewelry stores. The Couture line features 35 pieces incorporating photo inlay and Swarovski crystals and will go for $50 - $250. I. Can't. Wait. Binns says in the NYT Magazine that "With 'Alice,' I could be my mad self, but in the context of Tim Burton's 'Alice,' my madness actually seemed rather tame." To get the full effect, watch the movie trailer here. We're predicting 2010 as the year of Burton-inspired fashion fantasy. By then, we may be all too happy to slip down the rabbit hole into Wonderland. Note: A retrospective of Burton's work is on display at MOMA till April 26.

Extra-special holiday surprise

Know a special girl who deserves some top-of-the-line pampering this year?? Cyla Weiner and her sister, Helen Kestler, the lingerie experts of Sylene in Chevy Chase, are offering an exquisite holiday gift to two lucky women this year. The sisters' shop is best known as the "go-to" place for lovely lingerie, post-surgery bra fittings and expert advice. Now they're willing to come to the recipient's home, sort through her intimates, tell her what works and what doesn't, and what she should toss or keep. After a glass of bubbly she'll be whisked away to Sylene for a private fitting and shopping spree, where she'll enjoy champagne and hors d'ouevres as she browses through luxurious lingerie from La Perla, Eres, Simone Perele, Hanky Panky, Cosabella and many more. The lucky lady will receive all the store's trademark "S Factor" bras: seamless, sexy, strapless, sport, spa, specialty, three undies, two shapewear pieces, one sleepwear ensemble ....and a swimsuit! After the shopping spree, a driver whisks this lucky shopper back home to revel in her new lingerie. Have just the right person in mind? Perhaps yourself?? Contact Cyla Weiner at Sylene for all the details: 301-654-4200.

Whole Lotta Things Going On

It's shopping, special events and even Walter Johnson H.S. Madrigals.

Start today with amazing discounts at Bethesda Row during today's Fashion The Perfect Holiday Event. Find deals everywhere from bluemercury to Lou Lou to Redwood for drinks.  See deals here:

Next head up to Stretchalicious at Cabin John Mall to preview chic styles from My Best Friend's Closet, a new biz featuring deeply discounted gently used clothing for teens & "the young at heart."

Need the sound of angelic voices? Go hear the Walter Johnson High School Madrigals tonight at Rockville Town Square Holiday Open House. Hark the Herald Angels Sing. No, not the song, I'm talking about the Madrigals, a truly talented bunch of kids.