I’ve always been a fan of El Torogoz located at the 4000 block of 9th Street (around the corner from Domku). Thanks to a reader for sending an announcement stating that El Torogoz is looking to add karaoke. Anyone think this is good idea? I think it could be awesome. I used to be a regular at a Korean karaoke place downtown, back in the day. I’m not sure if I’ve asked before, but where are your favorite spots for karaoke in the city? Full notice after the jump. (more…)
Dan Searing is one of the best bartenders (general managers) in the city. We were lucky to have him for so long at Temperance Hall and then Looking Glass Lounge. The only solace in his departure is that he won’t be going far. For those who are looking for classic posts/comments, surely, you remember this epic battle?
From the man himself:
“Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Some of you know me as the former General Manager of Temperance Hall and its successor the Looking Glass Lounge. Since stepping down as manager this summer to work on the soon-to-be-open wine bar, Room 11, (in Columbia Heights at 11th and Lamont) I have continued to work as a bartender. Tuesday, March 31st is my last shift. Please come by to say farewell and enjoy a free taste of some homemade limoncello and other drink specials. To receive updates about Room 11 please email me at [email protected]. To all I had the pleasure of serving, thank you.
Cheers,
Dan Searing”
Don’t forget the PoP Happy Hour is tonight at Solly’s (11th and U Streets, NW) This is a casual event though it looks like there will be some fun bands. Hope you all can make it. I’ll be wearing a PoP T-shirt so just come up and say hi.
8pm – Alexander Gruenburg www.myspace.com/
9pm – Hello Midnight (nyc) www.myspace.com/
10pm – Vox Pop www.myspace.com/voxpopsound
11pm – STROMA www.myspace.com/stromasounds
Solly’s U St. Tavern
1942 11th St, NW
Washington, DC
I posted a couple of interior shots last week but received a bunch more from their soft opening. The restaurant and lounge located at 14th and T, NW will open to the public on Thursday, March 26th starting at 5pm.
Lots more photos after the jump. (more…)
photo by susansimon
A friend came into town, and we were planning where to grab drinks.
Me: Red derby?
Him: Nah…no Big Buck Hunter there.
Me: Somewhere on H Street?
Him: I don’t think they have Big Buck Hunter around there, either.
Me: So, you only want to go to a bar where you can shoot at Bambi’s parents?
Him: Exactly.
Why has Big Buck Hunter become trendy? Personally, I wasn’t a fan, primarily because I suck at any and all video games. My Tetris pieces have died a cruel death being crushed against each other. Every time Mrs. Pac Man ventured into her maze, she was gobbled by ghosts/blobs/amoebas (whatever those gelatinous villains are). And poor Luigi always got confused and go the wrong way on his go-cart, then shamefully scooted into last place 15 minutes after everyone else. When Big Buck Hunter reemerged on the bar scene, I did not want another video game infiltrating my life, especially at a bar when I just want to shoot the shit, not deer. But, late one night I decided to give it a go, and even though the digital deer were almost as cute as the real ones, I really liked killing them. Even though my success rate was 1 deer out of every dozen, it was undeniably fun. While I still don’t understand why the hunting game has become the cool thing, I’ll defend it. I just wish I didn’t suck at it so much.
Where can you find BBH in DC? All I know is the one at the Big Hunt. The irony.
Ed. Note: I’m a huge Big Buck Hunter fan and know for sure there is one at Solly’s at 11th and U. But I’d like to add a question to this In Defense of – do you think there should be video games in bars? Or do you think the only diversion in bars should be a juke box or maybe pool table? I think of two types of bars – Solly’s and the Saloon. Both are fun but very different. Saloon has a no standing rule and certainly no video games (though they do have board games). What is your preferred bar experience?
As I mentioned last week, Policy located at 14th and T, is set to open soon. And the place looks great. I was able to chat briefly with owner Omar Miskinyar who sent me a couple of photos and some info on the restaurant. The restaurant will open up for Thursday (March 19th), Friday and Saturday and the Lounge is booked for private events but will open to the public the following Thursday. I’m pretty excited to try this place out. The lounge area upstairs has some serious potential for a good hangout.
Folowing is the press release from the designer, CORE:
“Policy is a modern interpretation of the classic diner, created through the use of iconic features such as red vinyl booths and metal finishes. Omar Miskinyar, the owner of Policy, wanted to create a hip and inviting restaurant with an upbeat tempo and exceptional design. CORE decided to use the colors and finishes typical of a diner to engage guests and help create a lively atmosphere.
Policy is situated near the corner of 14th and U streets in Washington, DC, where the trendy neighborhoods of Logan Circle and U Street converge. Complementing the neighborhood spirit of inclusion, vitality, and interest in food and art, the design for Policy is well suited to its surroundings.
As true with each of CORE’s designs Policy is one-of-a-kind. A grouping of Max lighting fixtures by Costa hang inside the front door like suspended raindrops greeting guests. The ground floor, which is the main dining area, has channeled leather booths, black tin ceiling panels, and glass tile that create the upscale diner environment. The red booths are wrapped in black millwork and tile and have inlaid lighting fixtures creating ample dining light while maintaining the dim atmosphere that is consistent throughout the restaurant. Continues after the jump. (more…)
This is the newly refurbished spot next to Marvin on 14th and U. I ran into one of the construction managers who told me the name of this spot will be Patty Boom Boom. It’ll be a night club/restaurant. The construction manager told me that it still has a long ways to go before it opens. I’ll update as more info becomes available.
The prime spot on 14th Street next to Vastu (just south of T Street) is slated to become a restaurant. Looks like it will be a restaurant called Massa 14.
Anyone know anymore details?
The Carvel shop on 14th Street in Columbia Heights in the Tivoli Complex is slated to become a deli! They should open sometime in April. I think a deli is a great addition. You?
Also I’ve been getting a number of emails about the progress of the wine bar, Room 11, slated to come to the corner of 11th and Lamont. I’ve been emailing one of the owners, Dan Searing, and he says things are rolling along nicely. I still do not know when the opening date will be but I suspect it’ll be sometime in the Spring. There were lots of folks working there when I walked by this weekend. From the outside you’ll notice a fence has been erected. I’ll update with more info as it becomes available.
According to the ABRA license the prime spot at 1805 14th Street will become a lounge and grill:
Sounds good to me. Although I’m always suspicious of places that leave the “e” of blue…
Sound good to you?
Red Derby (3718 14th St. NW) Mardi Gras Party
Fat Tuesday
Feb. 24th – 8pm on
King Cakes, Hurricanes, Beads, Feather Masks
Ed. Note: I wish it was Fat Friday because Hurricanes may make work on Wed. a bit brutal…
The folks at Fusion (4815 Georgia Ave. NW) tell me they are “starting a happy hour at Fusion starting today from 12 pm to 6. pm all beers at $3.00, wine $6.00 a glass and Martini’s for $ 6.00”.
Happy hour is from Tues – Sunday.