Restaurants

Java Green for Sale!

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by flickr user tvol

Thanks to a reader for sending the heads up that Java Green was for sale at 1020 19th St NW. The MRIS listing says:

“A rare opportunity to own a locally renowned Vegetarian eatery w/great lunch business in “K St corridor” w/room to expand to breakfast. Loyal existing customer base & owner will train buyer on existing product line. This is turnkey & staff (7) can remain. Take right over. Catering business can be expanded & recipe products are uniquely created & easy to produce w/small area. Business only for sale…”

The listing says the price is $599,000 which has to be some sorta typo right? Also not clear if this will affect sister store Cafe Green located at 1513 17th St, NW.

Are there any fans of Java Green?

Japanese Tapas Restaurant, Izakaya Seki, Applies for a Liquor License at 1117 V St, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

Back in June ’11 we learned of plans for a Japanese tapas style restaurant coming to the old Spotts barbershop which has reopened on the 2nd floor of 809 Florida Ave, NW. At the time there were still a few concerns of whether or not they’d be able to open up at 1117 V St, NW – but I’m happy to see that they’ve now applied for a liquor license. According to the application the restaurant will be called Izakaya Seki:

“A neighborhood Japanese restaurant serving small tapas, traditional Japanese home cooking, fish, vegetable, and meats.”

I am so pyshed this project is moving forward. I peeked in the window and there has been a complete gutting of the property. I can’t wait to see how the space looks when the renovations are completed. I’ll be sure to update with more photos as construction progresses.

Dear PoPville: Pho 14 – Closed Sunday Night Due to Kitchen Fire/Alarm

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

The fire alarm was going off when we walked in and we asked the staff if they were still serving or if there was a problem and they acted normal and seated us. We assumed all was fine because the rest of the restaurant was acting normal. We were seated and the alarm continued going off for about 10 minutes. The DCFD arrived and notified the staff that they were closing the kitchen for the rest of the evening, but I didn’t hear them specify damage.

We didn’t see or smell any smoke. The staff then told us we all needed to leave.”

Pho 14 is located at 1436 Park Road, NW. As of 7:25pm Sunday evening calls to the restaurant encounter a continuous busy signal. Whatever happened, let’s hope Pho 14 is able to reopen as soon as possible!

Strictly Scuttlebutt, Though Very Sweet Scuttlebutt: Chef Mike Isabella Also Coming to 14th and W St, NW?

By Prince Of Petworth

I’m so glad you guys like scuttlebutt because this is a really good one…

Chef Mike Isabella seems to be on a roll. First the Italian Graffiato in Chinatown, then yesterday we got word of a new Mexican spot coming to Georgetown, and now I’m hearing rumors of another Isabella spot coming to the/near the new project being built at 14th and W St, NW. Word on the street is that it will be a Greek restaurant but I also heard it could be a pizza spot so who knows. But if a new Chef Mike Isabella spot is coming to 14th and W St, NW – that would be a huge score for the neighborhood.

Cross your fingers that this is reliable scuttlebutt. Obviously this project is pretty far down the road as major construction still needs to be completed but I’ll be sure to share more info if/when it becomes available.

Jimmy John’s Update – Getting Very Close

By Prince Of Petworth


14th and L St, NW

The folks from Jimmy Johns were a bit optimistic when they mentioned a late Aug/early Sept. opening for their new DC stores. But I am happy to say – they are getting damned close. Here’s what the inside looks like at 14th and L St, NW (which looks like will open first):


14th and L St, NW


1717 Pennsylvania Ave, NW

And how the second location on Pennsylvania Ave, NW was looking on Saturday:


1717 Pennsylvania Ave, NW

Chef Mike Isabella to Open Modern Mexican Spot in Former Hook Space in Georgetown in Early 2012

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo of Hook, pre-fire, via Hookdc.com

From a press release:

“Chef Mike Isabella announces plans to open his second restaurant in Washington, D.C., in early 2012. Bandolero will open as a modern Mexican small-plates concept in the former Hook restaurant space in Georgetown (3241 M St. NW). Hook has been closed since June 29, 2011, due to a fire. The Bandolero space is owned by Jonathan Umble, restaurateur and proprietor of Hook and Tackle Box.

“My vision for Bandolero is a high-energy, high-volume restaurant to match the bustling vibe of the Georgetown neighborhood and feed the late-night appetite of its college students. The menu will change frequently with my twist on classic Mexican dishes and a large cocktail menu,” said Chef/Partner Mike Isabella. “Jose Garces has been one of the most influential chefs of my career. With Bandolero I’ll draw from my early culinary experience with him learning to create modern Latin American dishes.”

Much like Graffiato, the Bandolero menu will feature sections of small plates including salsas, guacamoles, ceviches, tacos, vegetables and more. Large-format “carbons,” Chef Isabella’s take on fajitas, will be available for the table. Untraditional fillings such as duck, goat and off-cuts of meat as well as surprising flavor combinations will keep the menu interesting and anything but traditional Mexican cuisine. The 5,000-square-foot space will be open for lunch and dinner seven day a week. After the kitchen closes, tacos and guacamole will be available through last call.

Chef Isabella will draw from the Graffiato talent pool to open Bandolero. Plans include moving James Horn, Graffiato General Manager, and mixologist Sam Babcock to the Georgetown restaurant.

The Bandolero beverage list will feature at least two dozen cocktails, including a section for margaritas and modern cocktails made with tequila or mezcal. While the wine list will be significantly smaller than Graffiato’s 60-plus bottles, Prosecco on tap will flow at Bandolero as well.”

Hook closed after a fire at 3241 M St. NW back in June ’11.

Grand Trunk – South Asian American Fast Food – Coming to Penn Quarter

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to a reader for sending word that Grand Trunk is coming to the old Artifactory space at 7th and Indiana Ave, NW (641 Indiana Ave, NW) between Penn Quarter Sports Tavern and Starbucks. And of course the real question is: What is South Asian American Fast Food? Has Shophouse (from the Chipotle folks) started a trend? But wait, wouldn’t that make them the World’s second South Asian American Fast Food Brand?

I’m def. intrigued. Has anyone ever heard of Grand Trunk before? More info as it becomes available as they come closer to opening this winter.


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