TRUE FOOD KITCHEN TO OPEN BETHESDA LOCATION IN 2016 (PHOTO)

The future Solaire Bethesda luxury apartment building has its first tenant, a healthy lifestyle-themed restaurant based on the principles of Dr. Andrew Weil. True Food Kitchen will occupy a 6400 SF ground floor space when it and the Solaire open in 2016. A partnership between Phoenix-based Fox restaurants and bestselling medical author Dr. Weil, True Food Kitchen has an existing area location in Fairfax County's Mosaic District.

Developer Washington Property Company believes the restaurant fits Bethesda's reputation as a healthy place to live. “We think Solaire Bethesda is the perfect location for True Food Kitchen,” said Daryl A. South, Senior Vice President of Development and Acquisitions in a statement yesterday. “Bethesda is home to the National Institutes of Health and is one of the nation’s most bicycle-friendly communities. We think this exciting restaurant concept will be a magnet for Bethesda’s discerning and health-conscious residents, as well as visitors from all over the area.” Two other healthy dining concepts attempted in Bethesda have had mixed results - Rock Creek closed on Elm Street (and at Mazza Gallerie) a few years ago, but Seasons 52 remains a mainstay at JBG's North Bethesda Market.

In addition to the restaurant, the Solaire Bethesda will house 139 luxury apartments, and is being marketed with its proximity to the popular restaurants, shops and theaters of the Bethesda Row area in mind.

The Solaire will rise on the site remembered for its historic Eastham's Exxon service station, which was demolished to make way for the new development at 7100 Wisconsin Avenue.

HISTORIC EASTHAM'S EXXON DEMOLISHED IN BETHESDA (PHOTOS)

The historic Wisconsin Avenue service station best known as Eastham's Exxon (or Eastham's Esso earlier) was demolished yesterday. A fixture in 20th century downtown Bethesda history, Eastham's survives - for now - as an auto repair facility at the corner of Fairmont Avenue and Old Georgetown Road. The demolition clears the way for a mixed-use residential building on the site. But yesterday was the end of an era, for anyone in town with a driver's license prior to a year ago. Eastham's opened in 1929 at this location, 7100 Wisconsin Avenue. Soon downtown Bethesda will be down to 3, then 2, gas stations. And then... Happy motoring!