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!

Happy Father's Day!

There are some fun and different ways to get Dad going on Father's Day. Among the many restaurant specials and store promotions around town, a couple of notables worth mention: Try the tasty fare of the new chef at neighborhood hangout redDog Cafe on Grubb Road, enjoy live jazz by Chuck Redd on the patio and check out some works by local artists on the walls. After Dad has eaten, take him over to Bethesda's Writer's Center Father's Day Open Mic for a little self-expression. No? You can always feed him for free at Austin Grill or let him go crazy at Delhi Dhaba's Indian buffet. He can also pick out his own cookout fixins at the new Bethesda Farm Market behind Jaleo today from 9-1.