PoP Preview – Ping Pong Dim Sum, Opening Dec. 12th

Here’s the spot from 900 7th Street, NW that we discussed last week. I was fortunate enough to get a sneak peek at a media preview. It’s a great big space covering 6100 square feet with a capacity of 238. Pictured above is the open kitchen and though I didn’t get to taste anything it smelled great. You can see the food menu below:

ping pong dim sum web menu

The bar was pretty nice as well.

Here’s an alcoholic bubble tea drink I got to try:

You can see the drinks menu below:

ping pong drinks web menu

Continues after the jump.

So for the most important news – it looks like they’ll be opening Dec. 12th:

This is their first restaurant in the United States. They currently have restaurants in London, Sao Paolo and Dubai. General Manager Christine Stachitas mentioned that they will be opening up more spots in the US with another one in the works for the DC area.

I believe someone asked the last time I posted whether or not there will be carts. There will not be food carts but the menu is a check off type where you select what items you’d like and of course can always order more. The most popular dish in the London spot is Crispy hoi sin duck spring rolls ($6). For those that don’t want to dine in there will be take out as well as delivery for a “few block” radius. You can call ahead to make reservations if you have a party of 5 or more.

The seating arrangements are pretty interesting as well. Ed. Note: They were having a mock service for employees when I took these photos. In the circular tables, pictured above, you can be seated with other folks which serves up to 4 “two tops”. Though if you don’t feel comfortable dining with strangers you can be given the choice to sit on your own. I should mention there is also a backroom that can be rented out which serves up to 52 people.

Parts of the ceiling are decorated with four Chinese sayings in Mandarin:

1. Love it first sight
2. Extravagant
3. Opportunity comes but once
4. Straight to the point

Finally I’ll mention that they have a great tea selection. They even have the tea that opens up into a flower when hot water is poured. Nice. My only fear is that this place is going to be insanely crowded. I’m just happy I live on the Green line as this place falls between the Gallery Place and Convention Center metro stops…