I drove by the Cabin John Center yesterday after work to see if China Gourmet Bistro was having its Grand Opening as planned. The new sign was in place and there were six large bouquets of flowers and balloons set-up outside. This would be the third Chinese Restaurant in this location since we moved to West Bethesda in 2005.

Have you ever gone to a restaurant where everyone else seems to be a regular? The manager and wait staff greet each customer by name and appear to know all about them and each member of their party. Have you been to a place like that recently? I have.

You know that first really cold day of Autumn? The day that the sun is shining, but it’s cold and windy and it gives you a chill that you haven’t had in a long time. The day that as a child, your mom would have made you a grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup…

I’m not sure if my clients realize that I’m always listening to them for recommendations. If they mention their great handyman, I immediately ask for his name and number. When they give me a tour of the great bathroom remodel they just completed, I inquire about who helped them with design or tile work. And, when a client passes a pizza shop and says, “This is my favorite pizza.”

Ever since Buyer’s Edge moved to our new office space on Rugby Avenue, I’ve been waiting for the warm weather to start enjoying the many outdoor eating options available in our new neighborhood. Tia Queta looked like it may be a good warm-weather option.