TakEatEasy opened up in the former China Cafe space back in Feb. 2013. You can see many of their offerings on their facebook page. Anyone check them out yet?

Back in Sept. 2012 we learned that Hudson would be closing and would be replaced by an Italian Bistro. A liquor license has recently been posted for Greenhouse Bistro:

“Italian restaurant lounge and bar serving contemporary Italian cuisine in a hip, classy and relaxing environment with a seating capacity of 120. Total occupancy load of 156. Live entertainment will be provided such as violin, guitar and pianist. Sidewalk Café 80 seats.”

A few weeks ago a reader shared some scuttlebutt that a Stoney’s would be moving into the former Lite Stars space at 2101 L St, NW. Washington Business Journal now confirms the lease has been signed pending liquor license approval.

Back in late July 2012 we learned that the folks from Heritage India would be opening up a new restaurant in the former Soho Cafe space at 1901 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. We now have more details on the new spot – Crossroads.

From a press release:

Heritage Management Services (HMS), the restaurant group behind Heritage India, embarks on a new culinary journey with Crossroads, a shared dining experience that takes guests on a culinary tour around the world. Located at 1901 Pennsylvania Avenue NW across from the World Bank and IMF buildings, Crossroads offers tastes of cuisines from Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America.

“With Washington, D.C.’s diverse population, we saw an opportunity to expand our business beyond Indian food,” said Sanjeev Tuli, Owner of HMS. “Crossroads is a place where guests can dine together regardless of their cultural tastes and experience the flavors of the world.”

Leading the kitchen is Chef Ravi Narayanan, who brings over 25 years experience at luxury hotel restaurants worldwide including the Oberoi Hotel in New Delhi, India and Relais Chateaux USA. The menu will feature little wonders from around world, highlighting dishes distinct to each region. Signature items include Roasted Eggplant and Tomato Beignets with Roasted Garlic Cream from the Mediterranean, South American-inspired Fried Calamari with Fried Jalapeno chips, Shaved Cucumber and Marinated White Anchovy, and Deep fried Kale and Brussel Sprout Chips with Baharat Spice and Tzatziki sauce from Africa. Crossroads will also feature a Japanese sushi bar.

Guest will be greeted into the 7,000 square foot space below street level by a cascading waterfall and 5-ft, 500-lb Buddha statue. Crossroads will offer seating for 100 guests including a large bar area with high top tables and benches. Separated by a partition, HMS will open a new Heritage India restaurant adjacent to the Crossroads dining area. The space will also feature a private dining section offering items from both restaurant menus that can accommodate parties of up to 45 people.

An expansive 86-seat patio will allow patrons to enjoy their food outdoors on warm weather days.

Back in June 2012 we learned that Lite Stars bistro closed at 2101 L St, NW. A reader hears that the space will become a second Stoney’s location. Their first location is in Logan Circle at 1433 P St, NW (after moving from 1307 L St, NW.) You can see their menu here. Updates as more info becomes available.

This rental is located at 2130 N Street, NW:

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The listing says:

“1 bedroom/1 bathroom condo walking distance to Dupont and Foggy Bottom metros, Trader Joes, Whole Foods, Georgetown, restaurants, bars and all the city has to offer. Hardwood floors, separate dining area, granite counter tops, stainless steel refrigerator and dishwasher, built in bookshelves, exposures on 2 sides. Pets allowed and roof top deck.”

This 1 bed/1 bath is going for $1,850/Mo.

A new Thai restaurant called Krung-Thep is coming to 2101 L Street, NW (though the entrance is actually on 21st Street a bit north of L Street. According to a liquor license application posted out front:

“New Full Service Thai Restaurant and Bar. Seating Capacity is 142, with a total Occupancy Load of 174 and Summer Garden with 52 seats.”

21st Street looking north

Sweet Diablo opened at 19th and M St, NW back in Aug. 2012. Their website says:

Sweet Diablo brings Portugal’s corner café to downtown Washington, DC. Opened by partners Rosa Silva and Nuno Geraldes Freire in 2012, Sweet Diablo celebrates the European tradition of creating culinary experiences through artisanal confections, freshly made breads, fine cheeses and meats, and farm fresh produce. Life is to be savored, and it starts with what is on your plate.

At Sweet Diablo, we prepare our menu in the Portuguese tradition of using beautiful ingredients in simple combinations to bring out amazing flavors. With recipes created by Chef Michael Guerrieri, our Paoninis are a play on the Panini sandwich combining Portuguese meats and cheeses on freshly baked ciabatta to create distinct flavors that will captivate your mouth. Our soups and salads create a lighter play on some of these traditional ingredients.

We brew Illy coffee to serve alongside our Pastéis de Nata, a Portuguese custard tart whose tradition dates back to 1837 where it was first created in a Lisbon monastery. All of our breads and pastries are baked freshly each morning.

Our Not Your Usual Cheescake (NYUC) is pure temptation. Made without eggs, and topped with a fruit sauce, each bite is delectable.

The Best Chocolate Cake in the World by Chef Carlos Braz Lopes

Sweet Diablo is proud to feature renowned Portuguese Chef Carlos Braz Lopes signature chocolate cake. This flourless, gluten-free confection features thin, crunchy chocolate meringue layers filled with a creamy chocolate mousse and a ganache top. A popular sensation in Portugal, Spain, Australia and Brazil, Sweet Diablo is proud to be the exclusive distributor of the Best Chocolate Cake in the World in the United States.

You can see their full menu here. Any fans?

A new Indian restaurant, Flavors Of India, has opened in the former Marshall’s Bar & Grille space at 2524 L Street, NW. You can see their menu here. You can also see their pretty large delivery areas here.

Anyone try them out yet? Anyone miss Marshall’s Bar & Grille?

From a press release:

Grillfish turns 16 this month, and to celebrate, the West End’s casual neighborhood gem is launching all new menus and opening for weekend brunch.

Felipe Milanese, Grillfish’s new Chef de Cuisine, will debut his dinner menu on October 23rd and a new lunch menu on October 24th. Under his skilled hands, the menus will feature only sustainable ingredients, all handcrafted and locally sourced. Also, an expanded oyster selection will also join the many classic Grillfish offerings.

On Saturday, October 27th, at 11 AM, Grillfish Brunch begins! The all new menu will include classics with a twist as well as Seafood Sausage & Eggs, House Cured Gravlax, Ropa Vieja & Eggs, along with new sandwiches and salads. “We are striving to be the go-to neighborhood brunch spot” says Milanese. Brunch will be served every Saturday & Sunday from 11 AM to 4 PM.

The first twenty diners on Saturday, October 27th, will receive a free brunch entree of their choice. All brunch guests dining at Grillfish on opening weekend (27th & 28th) will be offered a complimentary Mimosa or Bloody Mary with their entree.