Bethesda's Grapeseed Closing Doors July 29

BETHESDA, MD — Popular restaurant and wine bar Grapeseed will close at the end of July, owner and executive chef Jeff Heineman says. The venue at 4865 Cordell Ave. in downtown Bethesdaw ill have its last service on July 29, he says, and the wine stock is on sale to clear it out.

Grapeseed, known for its variety of steak and seafood dishes and an extensive wine list, has been a local dining destination for over a decade. Entrees include Norwegian salmon with walnuty bacony mussels, arborio risotto with asparagus, Maryland crabcakes and steaks.

Heineman said in a note on the restaurant's Facebook page that health issues have forced the closure, which brings mixed feelings. "Relieved, that I can finally schedule a couple of orthopaedic surgeries and start walking like a human again, get to know my family, and find a new challenge," Heineman wrote. "I take great pride in what we accomplished here and even in the things I tried to accomplish and failed. Learning all the way."

Customers wished him well on Facebook and offered thanks for great meals and service.

Beth Newman Saguto wrote, "Sad to hear this, but wishing you much luck with your new adventures, as well as some well earned R&R in the interim."

And Jackie Greenbaum said, "Best of luck Jeff. You have every right to be exceedingly proud of your accomplishments at Grapeseed. In many, many ways, you were a trailblazer there. I wish you delight and success in the next chapter of your life."

Here is Heieneman's note to customers in full:

Dear Family, Friends and Neighbors,

I am filled with mixed emotions as I announce that Grapeseed will be serving its final meals this month. Sad, because I have given so much of myself and asked so much of others, only to fall short of some of my more ambitious goals. Grateful, for all the great people who have pitched in to help me as I often needed help. And relieved, that I can finally schedule a couple of orthopaedic surgeries and start walking like a human again, get to know my family, and find a new challenge. I take great pride in what we accomplished here and even in the things I tried to accomplish and failed. Learning all the way.

It has been a long, fruitful 17+ years here in Bethesda. This town was very different in 1999 when I first took over this space. 17 years of a lot of great food, serious and whimsical wines, too many memories to count, and even 6 or 7 marriages between staff members who met here at work. ( I am somehow quite proud of that).

Through the years we have won awards for both our fantastic food and our wine list, and unending thanks goes to all the staff members who made that all possible over the years. From Best New Restaurant, Best Chef in Bethesda, to Best Bar in Bethesda to Best Wine List we have done things we can all be proud of. There have been so many great people, I wish you all the best.

Our last service is scheduled for July 29th, and we will continue to make great food, including our usual fun tasting menu on the weekends. All of the wines on our award winning list will be offered for 33% off this week, 50% off later in the month, and be further discounted to “Best Offer” by the end of the month.

We have made so many friends, and watched so many relationships blossom here over the years, I hope that you will be able stop by or make reservations for one more meal with us. (Or three, there is a lot of wine here).

So please find the time to visit, pat your favorite staff member on the back and tip one back for all of us.

Thank you for 17+ great, great years.
Jeff Heineman, Grapeseed

»Image via Shutterstock