Late-night musings: A lament in the face of progress

Ok, so yesterday I was at LOFT using my 30% family and friends coupon (I love that store) and realizing that these are my last few days for making my traditional rounds through Congressional Plaza as we now know it. Whole Foods is the anchor of Congressional Plaza and the excuse for shopping at LOFT, White House and Last Call Studio. On April 12 Whole Foods closes its doors here and moves down the Pike to the new North Bethesda Market. There have been subtle hints of the closing--my Cajun catfish is no more and neither are my Dr. Krackers. The new store will be closer to me and undoubtedly bigger and dazzling with large displays of prepared foods and produce--but lonely with underground parking.  The draw to Congressional is the large outdoor lot, and the opportunity to amble from store to store before finally hitting the bustle of activity in Whole Foods (yeah, remember what walking outside in a suburban shopping center is like?). I love the familiar smell of the store, and yes, the fish guy recognizes me.  I have charted a course through the aisles that doesn't deviate too often. I like finally having a "routine" I look forward to. I don't have many. In a town constantly pelted by "progress," growth and change, familiar routines are hard to come by. But I will adapt. Pretty soon, I'm sure the euro-market-style Fresh Market moving into Whole Food's space will seem like it's always been there. And I may finally learn to love parking garages. 

Making fall fashion dreams reality

A couple of posts ago I was waxing poetic on the dreamy vintage romance of fall fashion. I snapped back to affordable reality when I received the new White House Black Market catalog. They nail it. I get the same feel--ruffles, jackets, cloche hats, rows of pearls--with an updated modern sensibility that I'll feel good in while eating sushi outside at Raku. And we're lucky here in MoCo. There's a new White House in Wisconsin Place in Chevy Chase and another (with tons of free parking) at Congressional Plaza in Rockville. I'm off to the races. (Plus, the prices sure beat haute couture. Now I can get a matching gamine haircut... )

Friday quick bites from Lifetime to dining to shopping

Anticipate: Look for DC writer Cathy Alter's Up For Renewal on Lifetime in the near future. Yes, our local girl made good and just found out her book has been optioned for Lifetime Television. She's wondering who should play her? She suggests Tori Spelling. I say No Way. How about the lovely Sarah Jessica Parker or a more earthbound Cameron Diaz? Much more Cathy-esque.

Dine and Relax: Don't know where to eat? Try redDog Cafe on Grubb Road in Rock Creek Shopping Center, Silver Spring (very close to Chevy Chase). Chef Michael Chretien, formerly of Rock Creek in Mazza Gallerie, whips up a mean gazpacho served in a martini glass. That, the tender scallops served with cauliflower gratin and a glass of crisp white wine on the patio starts the weekend off right.

Shop: Have you visited the new stores on Wisconsin Place yet? Baby store Giggle is well-organized. Its bright white shelves are stocked with everything from organic baby clothes to all-natural baby skincare to a cute, unique selection of toys. Also in the shopping center are a spanking new BCBG Max Azria and White House Black Market, which just opened yesterday. 

Bon Weekend!