Restaurants

Judging Restaurants – Pizza No. 17 (reader request)

By Prince Of Petworth

Pizza no. 17 is located at 1523 17th St, NW in the former Pasha Bistro space in Dupont.

A reader writes:

“Their food is good — really good, even. Their brick oven pumps out awesome crispy/chewy pies, but they also back it up with killer salads and bruschetta. But I expected a lot more in the drink department from a place with an outdoor patio. No beers on tap, only a few bottles (though I didn’t see any local brews), and basically just rail liquor. Service is sub-par, though. Servers don’t seem to know anything about their menu or drinks, and their to-go orders take forever.”

Anyone else check them out yet?

Sorriso Cafe e Gelateria Now Hiring in Woodley Park; Upstairs to Become a Consignment Shop?

By Prince Of Petworth

Back in Nov. 2011 we learned Cafe Sorriso was coming to 2311 Calvert St, NW in the former House of Philly pizza spot in Woodley Park.

“New restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner specializing in homemade gelato, deserts, and coffees. Recorded music. Occupancy load is 49. Sidewalk Cafe has 20 seats.”

Cafe Sorriso is from the same folks who run Sorriso up in Cleveland Park at 3518 Connecticut Ave, NW. Looks like the new Gelateria (ed. note: what an awesome word) getting close to opening:

Cafe Sorriso will be located between the new CVS and Afghan Grill on Calvert just east of Connecticut Ave, NW.

I also heard one more piece of interesting info while I was checking the spot. The upstairs might become a consignment store. Stay tuned.

Executive Chef Ari Gejdenson From Acqua Al 2 Will Take Over Former HR-57 Space in Logan Circle

By Prince Of Petworth


1610 14th St, NW

Back in Feb. 2012 we learned that a new Italian gastro-pub and wine bar was coming to the former HR-57 space at 1610 14th St, NW in Logan Circle. It was later revealed that the Hilton brothers were going to take over the space and include a performance space. I’ve just learned that the Hilton brothers will be focusing on their current (numerous) projects and will hand over the lease to Executive Chef Ari Gejdenson from Acqua Al 2. So it looks like we’re in store for an Italian restaurant after all! Stay tuned.

Sticky Rice Launches New Sat./Sun. Brunch Items on H St, NE

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user philliefan99

From an email:

Welcome our new addition to the Sticky Rice Brunch DC line-up:

Chicken and waffles, sushi style!

Tempura battered and all-natural chicken breast, rolled in soy paper with jalapeño infused blue agave nectar, accompanied by fresh waffle pieces and bacon bits.

Drink too much the night before and “never want to drink again”?

Sticky Rice DC is now offering Pedialyte in assorted flavors to help you battle that hangover.

Other popular Sticky brunch favorites include shrimp and gouda grits, blueberry waffles, curry or coconut fried rice, and french toast with mixed berries and honey-cream.

With our popular brunch drinks, Asian pear sangria, bloody Sunday bloody Marys, and Sakimosas!

Two questions – anyone try the brunch at Sticky Rice (1224 H St NE)? And more importantly – does Pedialyte help cure hangovers?


Photo courtesy of Sticky Rice

Utopia Closing For 14 Months on U Street; Stem, DC Noodles to Close for at least a Year

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

We stopped by on Friday and it was closed. A former waiter said they had a big party on Thursday before it closed for a long time. Why aren’t the other restaurants closed as well?”


1418 U Street NW

I also passed Utopia at 1418 U St, NW on Sunday. I spoke with the folks at Stem two storefronts down. They said that both Stem and DC Noodles would also be closing soon (he didn’t have an exact date of when) for at least a year while construction of the nearby Louis at 14th development takes place. I’m guessing Coppi’s will also temporarily close at some point. In the meantime Stem is having a clearance sale on all of their inventory.

New Ethiopian Restaurant, Kokeb, Opens at 3013 Georgia Ave, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to a reader for sending the word:

“Kokeb Ethiopian restaurant just opened yesterday at 3013A Georgia Ave NW. It looks like they’re still getting their things in order (no menu yet), but the food (we tried the Keye Wot and assorted veggies) was as good as any of our other favorite Ethiopian places in DC.

I really hope this one sticks in the neighborhood.”

Nice! Sounds promising. We’ll def. revisit for a proper judging after they’ve been open for a bit and finalize their menu.

3013 Georgia Ave, NW is located just north of Columbia Road.

Menomale, Pizza Napoletana and Craft Beer, Signs Voluntary Agreement in Brookland

By Prince Of Petworth


2711 12th St, NE

It’s been quite the saga for Menomale to get their liquor license in Brookland. Good news came via the Brookland listserv yesterday afternoon from the folks behind Menomale:

“Thank you so much for your support this experience has been invaluable. We literally just signed a voluntary agreement w Mr Bennett on behalf of the ANC. We have agreed to not serve alcohol from 2-5 schooldays as a show of good faith towards the community. With this we have also received the ANC’S approval for our sidewalk cafe in the process gathering friends and not enemies. We absolutely love this communities support and will make an announcement following our hearing tomorrow.”

Time To Judge The Hamilton, No Longer Staying Open 24 Hours

By Prince Of Petworth


The Hamilton just before opening in Dec. 2011

Another thing I missed yesterday afternoon was the scoop from Guest of Guest about The Hamilton no longer staying open 24 hours:

“The Hamilton’s new hours:

Monday – Thursday 7:30am until 1am
Friday 7:30am until 2am
Saturday 8:30am until 2am

The bar section will remain open until 2am on weekdays and 3am on weekends.”

The Hamilton is located in the old Borders bookstore at 14th and F St, NW.

Seems like a good time for a proper judging – has anyone checked them out yet? If so how’s the restaurant? How’s the music space?

Scuttlebutt Confirmed! Taylor Gourmet Opening In Former Mixt Greens Space in Dupont

By Prince Of Petworth


1200 19th Street, NW

Back in early Feb. 2012 I shared some scuttlebutt that Taylor Gourmet (Taylor’s) would be moving into the former Mixt Greens space, which closed in Dec. 2011, at 1200 19th Street, NW (just north of M St.) I’m happy to report that scuttlebutt is confirmed. Walking by the space yesterday you can see that demo has already begun. If all goes according to plans they will be open by July.

With the recent opening of G Street Food nearby at 1120 19th St, NW, not to mention the Greek Deli next door, this section of 19th St, NW continues to be a solid lunch destination.

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