Bean's smokin' Thursday night; Jefferson's opening soon and fried fish too

That's right, Judge Bean's Barbecue, our newest Town Center restaurant had a soft opening Thursday night and it was hot. Real hot. In fact, so hot that it was too hot for me. But not because I didn't try.
Every parking spot in the Manor House parking lot and even some made up ones were taken during both of my attempts to check it out. I'm on the case, however, and promise to pop in today to get the scoop and let you know how it went. In the meantime, if you were one of the lucky ones to get in, please comment below or send me an email to let me know what you thought.
The official grand opening in Monday, July 20. Good luck finding a parking spot!

Around the world dining
Speaking of food, after being disappointed about not getting into Bean's, I decided to drive to Maryland Farms to see if Jefferson's had opened yet. Unfortunately no, but it looked like it as close.
So this morning I gave owner Jeff Webb a call to get the scoop. He tells me the family-friendly sports bar should open in about two weeks. They're just waiting on equipment.
This will be Webb's seventh restaurant in the small chain, but the first in his native Tennessee. Wings, burgers and oysters are specialties, along with plenty of appetizers.
Jefferson's is the latest restaurant to open in the little strip center off Ward Circle that may just offer Brentwood's most diverse dining. It joins Joey's House of Pizza, China Wok, The Mediterranean Cafe, Hanabi Japanese restaurant and Jersey Mike's subs.
Can't wait to check out the menu? Check out www.jeffersonsrestaurant.com

All-you-can-eat catfish tonight!
If fried fish is more to your liking than brisket, consider heading due west to the 35th annual Bethlehem United Methodist Church Fish Fry today.
All-you-can-eat catfish and fixings will be served from 4:40-8 p.m. today at the church, 2419 Bethlehem Loop in Grassland (just off Hillsboro Road). For our purposes, we'll call it Brentwood West.
Not only will there be great food, you'll find a bluegrass band, kid's games, a bake sale and more.
Tickets are $12 ($5 for those age 9 and under). Need more info? Call the church at 794-6721 or visit the church website at http://www.bethlehemumc.com/