1905 9th Street, NW
From 1905 owner Tony Lucca:
We’re thrilled to announce that Joel Hatton has joined the 1905 family as our new Executive Chef. He has jumped right in to the operation, and is working on returning 1905 Bistro & Bar to its original vision of a true neighborhood restaurant serving hearty home-style cooking with a strong Southern flair. The plan is to begin rolling out new menus in the next few weeks, and we hope to see you at the restaurant in the near future.
On Sunday Corner Bakery will be closing in Union Station:
But for those who are big fans, fear not, a new one is opening up nearby – photos after the jump. (more…)
425 11th Street, NW
Back in July 2012 we learned that White Apron would be coming to the former Chapters Literary Bookstore space at 425 11th St, NW just south of E Street. Thanks to a reader for sending word of their soft opening last week:
“Opinions around my office are decidedly mixed! Some people liked their sandwiches, and others hated them. Only six options so far, but supposedly more coming.”
After the jump, have a look at their menu. (more…)
1025 Vermont Avenue, NW
Cafe Mediterranean has opened in the Quiznos space at 1025 Vermont Ave, NW just north of K Street. You can see their menu here. Looks awesome. Anyone try them out yet?
click photo to enlarge
A reader sends word of a “writ of Fieri facias from the DC Court on the window” of El Rinconcito Deportivo (3226 11th St, NW.) Last year we learned that El Rinconcito Deportivo would be closing at the end of November. It appears there is a serious landlord/tenant dispute where the court has intervened. In the meantime El Rinconcito Deportivo remains open until the dispute is resolved. More info as it becomes available.
3226 11th Street, NW
901 9th Street, NW
Thanks to a reader for sending the heads up that 901 Restaurant and Bar has closed. Their website has a simple announcement:
“901 Restaurant Bar closed on January 22, 2013. Thank you for the great times and meals we shared together.”
901 originally opened up back in May 2011.
Girard and Sherman Avenue, NW
A few weeks ago I shared some news that a new restaurant was coming to the long vacant building at the corner of Girard and Sherman Ave, NW. Thanks to a reader I was able to speak with one of the owners – Sam Jahanbeen. Sam was kind enough to share his plans for the space. First of all Sam is the nephew of the owner of Saloon on U Street. And that’s not the only Saloon connection – Sam’s business partner is Kaleabe Getaneh the former bar manager of Saloon.
And like Saloon, The Hilltop Restaurant and Bar will focus on German beer and other imports. But in addition to the focus on beer the duo also plan to offer a solid dining option. Nothing fancy but comfortable “American fare”. The key to Sam is comfort. Unlike the Saloon, The Hilltop Restaurant and Bar will not enforce (love it or hate it) no standing rules. They hope to keep the atmosphere relaxed and a real neighborhood spot.
The restaurant and bar will take over the whole first floor. And in the warmer months there will be an outdoor seating area as well as a window that opens up like El Chucho on 11th Street and Pearl Dive on 14th Street. Lots of updates as construction progresses. Can’t wait for late Spring/early Summer!
400 North Capitol Street, NW
Dear PoPville,
Taqueria Nacional, at 400 N Capitol St NW (ground floor of the Hall of States, behind Johnny’s Half-Shell) seems to have officially switched over to serving Johnny’s fare instead of the beloved tacos. The menu offerings changed earlier this week. Any word on when the new location of Taqueria Nacional on T St NW will open?
Below is a photo of their future 14th and T Street, NW location that I took last weekend. Progressing nicely but looks like the opening is probably still a few months away:
On Friday I mentioned that the folks from Chix had opened their second location at 1121 14th Street, NW just south of Thomas Circle (their first location is at 11th and U St, NW.) I took a peek inside yesterday and the space looks great. Another solid lunch option for those who work downtown.
We judged the original Chix back in Oct. 2011.
1121 14th St, NW
1610 14th Street, NW
Back in April 2012 we learned that Executive Chef Ari Gejdenson From Acqua Al 2 would be taking over the former HR-57 space at 1610 14th St, NW next to Pearl Dive/Black Jack. I was psyched to see the new front revealed:
Some sweet history too:
While the renovations are turning out to be pretty sweet, I do admit to missing the music:
January 2010