2805 M Street, NW

The ShopHouse coming to the former Furin’s space in Georgetown is now hiring and looking close to opening. Here’s how the space looked in 2010:

2010

ShopHouse’s first location opened in back in Sept. 2011 at 1516 Connecticut Ave, NW in Dupont. You can see their menu here.

Washington Business Journal reports that ShopHouse will be opening a third location in part of the former Ruby Tuesday’s which recently closed at 710 7th Street, NW:

401 F Street, NW

A few weeks ago we learned Hill Country’s Backyard BBQ was coming to the west lawn of the Building Museum at 4th and F St, NW. The BBQ operates Wednesday through Friday from 4–11 pm, Saturdays from Noon–11 pm and Sundays from Noon–9 pm. I was able to attend the kickoff last Friday. As a fan of the brick and mortar Hill Country located at 410 7th St, NW – I love this new outdoor option. For me, this is all about drinking cold beers and listening to live music outdoors (note – I believe the live music will only be Friday and Saturdays.) For those who work in the area this is going to be a phenomenal happy hour spot. Anyone else stop by yet?

Lots more photos after the jump. (more…)

8th and F Street, NW

Nopa Kitchen + Bar is located in the former Zola space at 800 F St, NW:

You can see their menu here.

Their website says:

nopa Kitchen+Bar, a new 160-seat American brasserie in the heart of Penn Quarter. This is the awarding-winning restaurateur’s eighth restaurant in the nation’s capital. The name represents nopa’s location just north of Pennsylvania Avenue and it welcomes guests for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch on Saturday and Sunday.

Greg McCarty is the executive chef for nopa Kitchen+Bar. A graduate of The George Brown Chef School in Toronto, Canada, McCarty’s culinary career began in the New York City kitchen of Jean Georges. He cooked under Chef Vongerichten for six years, working his way up from line cook to executive sous chef of Dune in the Bahamas. In 2005, McCarty returned to Manhattan to open Nobu 57. McCarty worked with renowned restaurateur Drew Nieporent on various restaurant projects, and has also managed his own consulting business, before accepting his new position in Washington.

Ashok Bajaj worked with James Beard Foundation’s award-nominated restaurant designer Martin Vahtra of Projects Design Associates of New York to create nopa. Its striking interior is light-filled, and sports a rustic industrial style. The décor features whitewashed exposed brick, rough sawn wood paneling, steel accents and metal task lighting. These strong elements contrast dramatically with the plush fabric on the red banquettes and camel leather arm chairs, which provide comfortable seating around sleek wooden bistro tables.

For private dining, nopa Kitchen+Bar offers three exclusive spaces: a 40-seat dining room with a working fireplace, expansive views and AV capabilities; a 24-seat dining room next to the bar, which also have floor-to-ceiling windows, and a cozy 14-seat dining room for smaller parties.

Photo by PoPvlle flickr user Joe in DC

@verizoncenterpr tweeted this morning:

“Just announced! @RollingStones add final show to 50 & Counting tour 6/24 @verizoncenterpr Tiks on sale 5/13 at 10am“

777 I Street, NW

Last week Del Campo opened in the former PS7′s space in Chinatown. They are launching their happy hour Wed. May 1st – from a press release:

In honor of the restaurant’s location at 777 I St. NW, $7 drink specials will be offered seven days a week from 5 to 7pm.

Del Campo Happy Hour Drink Specials
Available 5-7pm in the bar area
$7

Margarita
El Jimador Silver Tequila, Luxardo Triple Sec,
Lime Juice, Agave Nectar

Mojito

Bacardi Superior Rum, Lime Juice,
Simple Syrup, Mint, Carbonated Water

A Las Once

Cristal Aguardiente, Chicha Morada Syrup,
Lime Juice, Pineapple Juice

Viñedor

Strawberry Purée, Torrontes Syrup,
Grilled Lemon Juice, Biutiful Cava Brut

Draft Beer
Brooklyn IPA
Peroni

Wine
Biutiful Cava
Bodegas Lurton Pinot Gris
Nieto Senetiner Bonarda

You can see the full bar menu here and regular dinner menu here.

726 7th Street, NW

Lots of changes coming to 7th Street in Chinatown. We knew the Potbelly was becoming a Lime Fresh but now a liquor license has been posted for a new Tavern coming to the basement of 726 7th St, NW:

Jackpot

Tavern serving light food with a seating capacity of 47 for patrons and total load of 160. Request an entertainment endorsement for occasional entertainment.

CityPaper reported:

“Iron Horse Taproom and Rocket Bar co-owners Curt Large and Geoff Dawson are opening a bar called Jackpot in the basement space below Lime Fresh (formerly Potbelly) at 726 7th St. NW.”

712 Seventh Street, NW

And Washington Business Journal reports just down the block that Ruby Tuesday has closed as of Sunday night:

Ruby Tuesday plans to close its doors at the end of service Sunday, making way for at least two new retailers to come into the space. Fast-growing self-serve yogurt chain FroZenYo will lease space there and open there by the third week of June.

WBJ also reports that a “a candy store and a fast-casual Asian joint” could take over the remaining spaces that formally made up Ruby Tuesday. Stay tuned.

Jose Andres’ Oyamel is expanding into the former half price ticket place space at 401 7th Street, NW.

700 5th St, NW courtesy of Douglas Development

From a press release:

Douglas Development announced that it has purchased a new mixed-use property in Chinatown DC, located at 700 5th St., NW, behind the Verizon Center. The 10,000 SF building includes 3 levels of office space and 4,000 SF of street level retail.

Douglas Development purchased this property from the DC-based law firm, Wingfield & Ginsburg, PC. The law firm has since leased back all of the office space from Douglas Development.

Burger King is located currently on the ground floor, but will relocate once its lease expires in early 2014. Douglas Development is in the process of selecting a new retailer to add to its portfolio of trendy Chinatown restaurants that include Graffiato, Sixth Engine, Legal Sea Foods, Matchbox, District of Pi, and new restaurants, Lime Fresh Mexican Grill and NoPa Kitchen + Bar, opening later this year.

405 8th Street, NW

The former Cafe Atlantico space in Penn Quarter officially opens as Azur today. Check out their menus here.

From a press release:

On April 18, Chef Frederik De Pue will open Azur, his second new restaurant of 2013. The upscale casual contemporary seafood spot is located at 405 8th St., the Penn Quarter building long occupied by Jose Andres’s Café Atlantico and Minibar. De Pue and his partner purchased the space in September, 2012, and have transformed it into a 135-seat ode to the sea, complete with subtle ocean hued accents and hand-made furniture. The menu is a reflection of De Pue’s experience in some of Europe’s best seafood kitchens, including the Michelin-starred Sea Grill restaurant in his native Belgium.

“The key to great seafood is cooking simply and with respect for your ingredients, and with Azur I can show off that kind of cuisine,” said De Pue. “It’s going to be a little bit contemporary and a little bit classic. A little bit Washington and a little bit Brussels. But from top to bottom, this is going to be a true seafood restaurant.”

Continues including photos from a preview party after the jump. (more…)

401 F Street, NW

We first heard about it last year but now it’s really happening! From a press release:

Hill Country Barbecue Market Washington, D.C. is pleased to announce the opening of Hill Country’s Backyard Barbecue, a unique branded outdoor experience featuring Hill Country’s award-winning Texas-style barbecue, ice-cold Shiner beers, and signature cocktails on the spacious and picturesque West Lawn of the National Building Museum (401 F Street, NW; www.nbm.org; 202.272.2448). Hill Country’s Backyard Barbecue is scheduled to open on May 3, 2013, with a live performance by fun and feisty Americana rock n’ rollers, the Kalob Griffin Band. Throughout the spring and summer, Hill Country’s Backyard Barbecue will also feature live American roots music on Friday and Saturday nights, presented by Hill Country Live, Hill Country’s Austin-inspired music program.

“Hill Country Barbecue is excited to be teaming up with the National Building Museum to create the ultimate backyard barbecue for Washingtonians who love to be outside when the weather is warm,” said Jim Foss, Hill Country Barbecue Market’s director of operations. “There’s really no experience that can top a night hanging out on the lawn with friends, having some delicious barbecue with an ice-cold beer, and listening to music during the summer!”

“Hill Country Barbecue will energize our West Lawn, a green space in the heart of downtown Washington, and will complement the Museum’s Mini Golf exhibition and other ‘Summer Block Party’ offerings,” said Chase W. Rynd, executive director of the National Building Museum.

Hill Country’s Backyard Barbecue menu will include some of Hill Country Barbecue Market’s signature dishes, as well as a Barbecue Chicken Sandwich and Barbecue Beef Sandwich, and the brand-new Hill Country Hot Links, a house-made spicy and sweet frankfurter-style sausage.
The menu will also include picnic-friendly sides like Confetti Coleslaw, Potato Salad, and Mini Skillet Cornbread. A selection of Shiner beers, including the Bock, Light Blonde, Premium and Ruby Redbird, as well as hand-crafted cocktails like the Hill Country Margarita, seasonal fruit Sangria, and Hill Country’s Backyard Barbecue signature cocktail, the Porch Swing, made with gin, strawberry simple syrup and fresh lemon juice for a refreshing cocktail you can sip outside all day. Rounding out Hill Country’s Backyard Barbecue menu are non-alcoholic options including fresh-squeezed Lemonade and Iced Tea.

Hill Country’s Backyard Barbecue will operate Wednesday through Friday from 4:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m., Saturdays from 12:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. and Sundays from 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. to catch the after-work, happy hour crowd during the week as well as museum visitors on weekends. Additionally, Hill Country’s Backyard Barbecue will be available as a premiere outdoor, private-event venue for corporate events, summer associate parties, fundraisers, birthday parties, rehearsal dinners, weddings, and more. The National Building Museum is open to the public from 10 am – 5 pm Monday through Saturday, and 11 am – 5 pm on Sundays.

777 I Street, NW

On Friday I noted it looked like Del Campo was close to opening in the former PS7s space in Chinatown. April 22nd is the day. From a press release:

On April 22, Chef Victor Albisu will open Del Campo, his first full-service restaurant, in the Chinatown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. (777 I St. NW). Simultaneously rustic and refined, the open, airy dining room calls to mind the rural vineyards and ranches of South America. Those influences loom large on the menu as well, informing the extensive selection of grilled meats as well as traditional Latin American street foods and a robust list of South American wine varietals. In addition to the 129-seat dining room and 36-seat bar, there is a nine-seat Asado Bar located at the heart of the restaurant. Overlooking the open kitchen, this unique dining area gives guests a gallery-style view of the active grill.

“I’ve been dreaming of opening this restaurant my whole life,” says Chef/Owner Victor Albisu. “This is the food I first learned to appreciate from my grandfather, a Cuban baker. This is the food I first learned to cook from the Argentinean and Uruguayan butchers that worked in my mother’s market. It really is the dream come true to be able to take that food, elevate it, and share it with the rest of the city.”

The Menu

Del Campo’s meat-centric menu is a perfect showcase of Albisu’s skill with the grill. The master asador is an expert in the areas of grilling, charring and smoking. But it’s not just meat that benefits from this talent – everything from vegetables to cheeses, breads and salads is given a touch of char. The restaurant’s impressive menu of steaks and slow roasted meats are served with vibrant and flavorful herbed sauces like chimichurri and salsa verdes.

Albisu pays homage to his Peruvian heritage with a raw bar of ceviches, tiraditos and crudos, as well as anticuchos and chicharones, grilled, skewered and fried meats. Even the bread program reflects the restaurant’s roots, featuring warm cast iron country bread served with smoked olive oil. The bar menu, which will continue to be served one hour after the kitchen closes, offers South American sandwiches and street food, including empanadas, anticuchos, albondigas, chicharones, and a chivito sandwich.

The Asado Bar is a showcase for the true art of the South American grill. Reservations are required for the nine-seat space overlooking the restaurant’s grills, where Albisu and his expert asadors work the open flames while interacting with their guests. There are three different fixed-price menus available at the bar, the Traditional, including salad, one board of meat and a choice of cheese or desert; Asado Del Campo that presents two boards of meat and includes sweet breads and other offal cuts along with both cheese and dessert; and a seasonal vegetarian option that demonstrates the flavors that heat and char bring out in everything from greens to cheese.

Like the menu, the liquid selection highlights and elevates classics. Naturally, the bar serves classic South American spirits, such as Pisco, Cachaca and Aguardiente, as well as celebrated regional favorites, like Argentinean mate tea. The real star of the beverage program is the wine list, which leans heavily South American. This focus extends to the serving vessels themselves: some selections will be decanted in traditional Argentine ceramic carafes.

Continues after the jump. (more…)

777 I St, NW

Del Campo looks close to opening in the former PS7s space in Penn Quarter/Chinatown. In Dec. 2012 we learned:

Former BLT Steak executive chef, Victor Albisu, plans to open his first full-service restaurant, Del Campo, meaning “from the country,” at 777 I St. NW in spring 2013.

The food culture celebrated through asado, a traditional South American grill style and the social gathering during which the barbeque is enjoyed, serves as a backdrop for the agrarian space and meat-driven, wine-centric menu.

A rotating menu of grilled meats from the asado, such as wagyu skirt steak, short ribs, chorizo, blood sausage, and sweetbreads, will also be complemented by crudos and ceviches – a nod to Albisu’s Peruvian heritage – and a vibrant selection of seasonal salads and other composed dishes. The grandson of a Cuban baker, Albisu will also make savory and sweet empanadas. Bread service will feature traditional warm cast iron country bread served with smoked olive oil.

he bar menu will focus on more casual South American street food, including Albisu’s take on the chivito and chori-pan, Argentinean sandwiches; anticuchos, grilled skewered meats; and chicharones, fried meats, both from Peru.

The 115-seat dining room will serve dinner seven nights a week, and lunch Monday through Friday. The 50-seat bar will serve coffee and South American pastries by day, in addition to the casual menu of savory snacks and sandwiches. During warmer months, a 40-seat patio will welcome guests to dine al fresco.

675 I Street, NW

The good word comes from the owners:

We are finally opening at our NW location on Monday April 15th! Our actual storefront location is 675 I St NW. We will open for lunch only for a few weeks then full hours- breakfast, lunch and dinner- 7 days a week. Our limited hours for our first few weeks is 10am-4pm Mon-Saturday closed on Sundays. We are SO excited about our new neighborhood and already super supportive neighbors who have been so wonderful and patient!

Dangerously Delicious Pies also has DC locations at 1339 H St, NE and in the Union Station food court. You can see their menu here.

View towards 7th Street

Dear PoPville,

It seems to be a vacant building on F Street, NW between 9/10. It’s been this way since I moved to the city in 2008 and the entire area has become shopping and eating hotspot but nothing happens to this building. It’s next to Ultra Bar and even has a fancy security cameras on top… Doesn’t seem vacant.

I’m wondering if anyone knows what is going on here?

For a detailed history of the building check out the incredible piece written by Streets of Washington:

The space was then used briefly for a teen dance club called Club Bounce that was closed in October 2008 after a shooting incident nearby. New owners planned an events-oriented venue, to be called the “Museum of Arts and Sciences,” but the new club never officially opened. Finally, Douglas Development purchased the property in 2011, announcing that it would be renovated for retail or restaurant use rather than as another nightclub.

777 6th Street, NW

A bit more exciting than an eyefit vision – another retail space has been filled at 777 6th St, NW. A liquor license application reveals it will be:

“A upscale restaurant and wine bar serving brunch, lunch and dinner. Food will be prepared with fresh, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients with a seating capacity for 71 patrons and total load of 132. Request an entertainment endorsement with live performances only for special occasions and sidewalk café with a seating capacity for 24 patrons.”

It’s right next to the Corner Bakery at 6th and H St, NW: