Foodie News: Jaleo Makeover, New Pit BBQ, 100 Montaditos Up for Liquor License

Get caught up with the food scene in Montgomery County and adjacent Washington, DC, neighborhoods with Patch’s foodie news column, 1 Meat, 3 Sides. This week, a major restaurant renovation takes center plate.

One meat:

Jaleo Bethesda has been closed since Tuesday for extensive renovation work. The entire place appeared to be getting a makeover when Patch stopped by on Wednesday. The new interior will be inspired by avant-garde Spanish design. 

It's the first major renovation for the restaurant in 12 years. Why now? Chef and founder José Andrés says that "Bethesda, in general, is at its best moment so this is the right moment to do this makeover," Bethesda-Chevy Chase Patch reported.

Three sides:

We're getting ever closer to the opening of famed Spanish sandwich shop 100 Montaditos in downtown Bethesda. The wait has been long, but an end is in sight: A hearing will be held on the eatery's application for a liquor license later this month, Bethesda-Chevy Chase Patch reported.

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Germantown is about to get another barbecue restaurant, Germantown Patch reported. Famous Dave’s Legendary Pit Bar-B-Q is expected to open Sept. 16 at 20660 Seneca Meadows Parkway—down the street from the new Wegmans, which is expected to open the day before, on Sept. 15.

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For the fifth year in a row, California Tortilla is fighting child hunger with "Dine Out for No Kid Hungry." Held at all 40 California Tortilla locations this year, from Sept. 9 to 21, the event aims to raise $25,000 by encouraging customers to donate $1 in exchange for a coupon for a free taco. (Coupons may be redeemed between Sept. 22 and 30.)

And, California Tortilla Group, Inc., will make an additional contribution that matches the dollar amount raised by the restaurant that raises the most money.

Nearly 20 percent of all the 16 million children in the United States live in food insecurity, according to a California Tortilla press statement. Last year, the restaurant's campaign raised more than $38,000.

To Drink:

For a sip of fall, stop by Great Shoales Winery's tasting room at Heyser Farms (14526 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring) for hard apple cider and sparkling wines made from local fruit harvested at the farm.

Dessert:

For the first time since 2008, la Madeleine is offering new sandwich choices—all gourmet ones, made on sourdough rolls. The four new sandwiches are: chicken Provence, French dip au Gruyére, roasted vegetable and turkey and Brie.

But there's more: Two sandwiches previously available only from the catering menu now will be offered in the cafe: balsamic chicken and pesto, and turkey and provolone.

And, la Madeleine's carrot cake ("layers of moist carrot cake loaded with freshly grated carrots and sweet, juicy crushed pineapple, filled and iced with rich, smooth cream-cheese icing") is back for the fall, through Oct. 29, at $4.49 a slice.