Opening Press Release

Exercise Your Mussels

Chef Robert Wiedmaier Flexes His Belgian Talents in Bethesda, Maryland

What the world needs now is not another burger joint – but isn’t it high time for a good mussel dive? Ok, not so much a dive, since the one leading this DC trend is none other than Robert Wiedmaier, of Marcel’s fame.  And while he is not alone, he’s certainly one of the first to ‘muscle’ the craze and honor his Belgian roots with a new and inviting establishment serving seriously good, yet inexpensive, Flemish fare.

This confident new move bringing the savory mollusks to the forefront of his own gastro-pub is the latest venture of DC’s master of Belgian cuisine, who already serves them to great acclaim at Brasserie Beck, the more casual side-kick of his formal French flagship, Marcel’s.  Mussel Bar, dedicated to mussels and other Flemish favorites, opened on Bethesda’s lively Woodmont Avenue, July, 2010.

In fact, the inspiration for Robert Wiedmaier’s Mussel Bar is an old-world Belgian roadhouse serving Bière, Moules & Frites, the kind of place where Chef in his youth would head late night to unwind with kitchen colleagues.  To achieve the look, he’s collaborated with CORE architecture + design [who were also responsible for the smart vintage appeal of Brasserie Beck's interior,] making the atmosphere match the vision, with contemporary touches here and there to keep it fresh.  It will have vintage-inspired wooden booths and wood wainscoted walls hung with vintage Belgian beer signs.  Polished concrete floors and pressed tin ceiling are definitely “no-frills beer hall,” and the central bar with a distressed wooden surface, rusticated metal hanging units, and chalkboard menus add to the air of authenticty.  Those looking closely will note that the concrete tops of the standing bollard tables surrounding the bar are cleverly embedded with crushed mussel shells.  But the real focal point is the massive 16′ long “Beer Tower” of wood and glass, with three refrigerated illuminated glass cases.    The open kitchen is seen through a tower of rusticated metal mussel bowls on a counter inspired by vintage beer barrels.  Handmade tables of reclaimed pine and weathered wooden chairs form the seating in the main dining room, grouped communally under a custom light fixture of – what else? – beer bottles!  The undulating amber soffit surrounding this whimsical feature keeps the atmosphere comfortably modern.   And a monumental antique Belgian train clock becomes a Robert Wiedmaier signature furnishing,  linking this new interior to that of Brasserie Beck.

The mussels at Mussel Bar are the finest that Prince Edward Island has to offer, prepared to please all tastes, including “Classic” with Sauvignon Blanc, Roasted Garlic and Parsley; “Spicy  Green Curry Thai;” “Delirium” with Fennel, Lemon and Stilton Cheese; “Provencale” with Tomato, Garlic, Capers, and Basil; and “Wild-shroom,” with Pancetta, Parmesan, and Truffle Cream.  Tasty as they are, they’ll be even better with a side of frites with a trio of mayonnaises…

In addition to the main attraction, Mussel Bar also features savory wood-fired tarts flavored with elegant combinations from wild mushrooms and bacon to truffled ham and organic poached eggs; selected entrees of grilled salmon and steak, seasonal soups, salads, and sandwiches   In keeping with its culinary theme, Mussel Bar offers over 75 Belgian beers, eight of which are on tap including Antigoon and BRABO Pils, exclusively brewed in Belgium for Wiedmaier.  Its wine list is limited to fewer than a dozen red and white wines, and a classic martini menu, as well.

Mussel Bar is a walk-in establishment, open seven days a week, all day, and serves breakfast on the weekends. Seating is 125 inside and 50 outside.  Outdoor dining is for lunch, breakfast and evening cocktails.

Mussel Bar

7262 Woodmont Avenue

Bethesda, MD 20814

301-215-7817

www.musselbar.com

facebook.com/musselbar

twitter.com/musselbar



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