2208 14th Street, NW

From an email:

“Monday, May 20th we will open our doors for a Soft Opening to let you sample our delicious food at 50% discount through the week. Help us train our staff, so we can meet your expectations and serve you better in the future!”

Ed. Note: See the extensive renovations at Piola here.

13th and U Street, NW

The folks from &Pizza coming to the former Quiznos space outside the U Street metro have applied for a liquor license:

“New Restaurant to prepare and sale Pizza and prepared pizzeria food products. Seating Capacity is 10. Total occupancy load is 13.”

I was a little surprised that the seating capacity is only for ten but now that I think about it, that’s about the same capacity as the former Quiznos. You can see they are coming along nicely and should be opening very soon:

2208 14th Street, NW

In early April we took a peek in the window of Piola Pizzeria coming to 2208 14th St, NW (just north of W.) Having stopped inside, that hardly did this incredible renovation any justice. They open to the public Monday but in the meantime you can see how great the space turned out:

second floor

Piola’s website says:

Piola’s cuisine is rigorously Italian: Simple and healthy. Piola’s pizza is thin-crust and well cooked, but above all, Piola’s pizza menu is very creative: the classic Italian pizzas are flanked by many other creations, all delicious and original.

But Piola is more, much more:

Piola opens its doors to culture, hosting film premieres, book and magazine events, art exhibitions and many other social and artistic activities.

You can see their Arlington menu here.

Lots more photos after the jump. (more…)

Yesterday @TheYardsDC tweeted the good news:

“This just in: Nicoletta NYC Pizzeria will be opening in the seasonal stalls at The Yards Park/The Yards DC”

A recent liquor license posted at the Lumber Shed lists Osteria Morini/Nicoletta:

“New full service, fine dining restaurant specializing in authentic Italian food. Separate kiosk for casual dining and takeout/delivery. Inside seating capacity is 165. Two summer gardens with a total of 136 seats. Background music, occasional live music and/or DJ will be provided.”

This is gonna be awesome.

634 Florida Ave, NW

Dear PoPville,

Any word on the Italy Pizza on Florida ave (next to the now for lease capoeira place)? They have been closed for at least a couple days and the sign has been taken down.

While their website is still live, their phone has been disconnected. Anyone know if they plan on reopening in a new space?

Update From a reader who knows the owners:

“They are going to take the summer off and regroup in the fall. As far as I know the space (and the one beside it) are still available for lease from the landlord.”

Italy Pizza in happier times – Feb. 2012:

13th and U Street, NW

Thanks to all who sent emails about the new signage. Back in February we learned &Pizza had signed a 10 year lease for the former Quiznos space at 1250 U St, NW:

Last summer, H &pizza opened its first location in the H Street Atlas District with great success. Soon, U Street pizza lovers can walk up to &pizza’s counter and choose from traditional, whole-wheat or nine-grain dough with five types of house made sauces and whole-milk mozzarella, freshly prepared daily. Customers can then decorate their pizza pies with a wide range of fresh, locally sourced ingredients compatible with any dietary need. Pizzas are topped and then blast-fired in &pizza’s oven, ready to eat in minutes.

Standby for a May opening.

2208 14th St, NW

Late last month we noted the new signage at Piola Pizzeria. Looks like the inside is gonna be just as sweet. Can’t wait for them to open!

2711 12th Street, NE

This edition of Eating Around Town was written by Abbey Becker. Abbey previously wrote about Middle Eastern Cuisine and Market in Takoma Park and she lives near Eastern Market.

When I went to Toki Underground for the first time two years ago, I was hooked. Since then, I’ve been upwards of 15 times, and it’s safe to say that it’s my favorite DC restaurant.

Except Menomale is now jockeying for that top spot. Not only is it a contender as one of the area’s best Neapolitan pizzas, it’s one of the places I want to eat at each and every week.

You may remember reading about Menomale’s struggle to obtain a liquor license earlier last year. Visiting now, you’d never know they hit a bump in the road—their beer, wine, and cocktail offerings are eclectic, fairly priced, and creative.

If you’re a fan of craft beer, you’ll love co-owner (and homebrewer) Leland Estes’s choices for their 10 or so taps. When I went earlier this week, they had Old Rasputin, a high-percentage Russian imperial stout; Rodenbach, a Belgian oaked sour that’s one of my favorites; and Racer 5, an IPA that many of my beer nerd friends consider an excellent, if more “mainstream,” example of the style. Menomale also has a fridge stocked with several bottles, including Rodenbach Grand Cru and Mad Elf.

Sometimes I prefer a glass of wine, and if you’re looking for affordable, go for the Barbera. It’s $6 most times, but when I went on the later side on a weeknight, it ended up being $2 off! I don’t expect much out of the cheapest wine option on a menu, but this one is actually pretty good—not vinegary or too tannic like some cheaper reds end up tasting.

Let’s talk pizza, though.

Continues after the jump. (more…)

1250 U Street, NW

Back in Dec. 2012 we learned H &Pizza would be opening a second location in the current Quiznos outside the U Street metro. Now comes word of an opening date – May – and a press release:

The Atlas District’s popular quick-casual pizzeria restaurant concept H &pizza is making its way to U Street. EastBanc, Inc. and Jamestown announced today that owners Steve Salis and Michael Lastoria have signed a ten-year lease to occupy the 1,300 square foot retail space at 1250 U Street, NW. Using the catchy title from its H Street counterpart, the new location is simply called &pizza and will replace the current occupant, Quiznos, immediately to prepare for the necessary build-out and renovations, with a grand opening slated for mid May. Gary Taubin of Streetsense represented U & Pizza in the deal.
Last April, EastBanc and Jamestown expanded their retail portfolio into the U Street corridor with the purchase of 1250 U Street, NW – an office and retail building located directly above the U Street/Cardozo Metro station on the green and yellow lines.

Last summer, H &pizza opened its first location in the H Street Atlas District with great success. Soon, U Street pizza lovers can walk up to &pizza’s counter and choose from traditional, whole-wheat or nine-grain dough with five types of house made sauces and whole-milk mozzarella, freshly prepared daily. Customers can then decorate their pizza pies with a wide range of fresh, locally sourced ingredients compatible with any dietary need. Pizzas are topped and then blast-fired in &pizza’s oven, ready to eat in minutes.

“Primed to satisfy cravings, &pizza will deliver an original and authentic pizzeria concept to the lively U Street corridor,” said Philippe Lanier, vice president at EastBanc. “We are impressed with its popularity on H Street and know it will be a huge success in the highly visited U Street neighborhood that includes numerous eclectic restaurants and retailers.”

2208 14th St, NW

Thanks to @sailpro99 for sending the photo of Piola’s new signage at 2208 14th St, NW. In Aug. 2011 we heard:

“International Italian food chain serving genuine Italian food with a seating capacity of approximately 70 people on the 1st floor and 20 people on the 2nd floor. The total occupancy load is 150. A roof-deck (summer garden) with 40 seats and no entertainment.”

You can see their Arlington menu here.

From Radius:

“On V Day, all of our bottles of wine are 1/2 off all evening, which is our regular Thursday special. In addition, we will be making heart shaped pizzas for $12. To make everyone feel extra special, we will also be giving away delicious homemade cake pops to all who stop by on Thursday – couple of flavors will be available.”

3155 Mt Pleasant Street, NW

1901 14th Street, NW

From a matchbox press release:

The lunch menu is an extension of dinner service, with the same menu of perfectly portioned wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches and mouthwatering entrees that neighbors and visitors have already grown to love. The restaurant will offer fresh and unique creations like a sweet & tangy calamari salad and a sesame crusted tuna salad with rare ahi tuna, fried carrots, sake marinated cucumbers and roasted peanuts along with local favorites: a jumbo lump crabcake sandwhich with roasted red pepper remoulade served on a toasted brioche roll and a prosciutto & black mission fig pizza with roasted garlic, mozzarella, gorgonzola and the perfect amount of black pepper.

matchbox 14th Street’s full menu is also available to-go for carry out lunch orders. Situated on T street, a separate “To-Go” entrance makes picking up orders a breeze. It sits at the rear of a 65-seat patio slated to open in late spring complete with a fire pit and plenty of people watching. The expansive bar and seating at the pizza ovens will also be open to dine-in lunch guests, where a menu of 23 beers, eight wines and prosecco on tap can tempt anyone headed back to the office (or not).

As of Monday, February 11 matchbox 14th Street will offer lunch daily starting at 11am. Brunch is also served Saturdays and Sundays from 10am – 3pm.

2400 Wisconsin Avenue, NW

A few weeks ago we learned that Arcuri Restaurant would be replacing Kavanagh’s Pizza Pub in Glover Park. They’ve just issued a press release with a bit more info:

We are 4 partners, LLC, is proud to announce; restaurant Arcuri will open in Glover Park on the ground level of 2400 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington DC 20007. Our lease begins on February 1st with an expected opening in April. Arcuri will be a casual, vibrant neighborhood joint serving up American-Italian fare in the heart of Washington, DC’s Glover Park.

The menu will feature a variety of handcrafted wood fired brick oven pizzas, antipasti, pasta and seasonal dishes that use farm fresh and local quality ingredients. Options for vegetarians, vegans and kids will be available, along with some gluten free options. We will combine the menu with a casual, energetic, rustic city feel. Welcoming service, local flavors and good times will abound at Arcuri.

Our partnership consists of four local guys, all with extensive local restaurant experience. Adam Hiltebeitel was born at Sibley Hospital and lived in Glover Park as a toddler. He has worked at local restaurants like The Zebra Room and Faccia Luna. Bryce Gerlach, “Mr. Arcuri”, grew up in Arlington working in restaurants like The Boulevard Woodgrill and Overwood. Chef Richard Jones was raised in Arlington and is a Culinary Institute of America graduate. Following culinary school he has worked at 2941, Peche and most recently in NYC at Locanda Verde. Joe Chapman, originally from Michigan has been a managing force in the DC area for years. He has worked at Austin Grill, Faccia Luna and Overwood.

The Arcuri name is the namesake of owner, Bryce Gerlach’s great grandfather. Rosario Antonio Arcuri was born in Nicastro Italy on January 19, 1895. His passage to America was paid for with the promise of housing and good wages. After several voyages back to Italy and years of hard work, he gathered up his family and made the move to America. Working hard and living the American dream, Rosario raised his family and established his name, Arcuri.

Continues after the jump. (more…)

1348 H Street, NE

In October we first learned Red Rocks Pizza would be opening another restaurant at 1348 H St, NE. Renovations have been progressing nicely and they’ve recently applied for a liquor license:

“New Full Service Restaurant and Bar serving Neapolitan Pizza and a DJ on the 2nd Floor.

Seating Capacity is 281, total occupancy load is 370. Summer Garden with 76 seats.”

Should be a great addition for springtime, when they hope to open.

Slices on the Walk is now open at the former Auntie Anne’s pretzel shop outside the movie theater in Chinatown off 7th Street.