
Back in May ’11 we learned that Zabb Modern Asian restaurant would be coming to the old Straits of Malaya space at 1836 18th Street, NW. You can see their menus here. Any fans? How’s the space itself? The roof deck?

Back in May ’11 we learned that Zabb Modern Asian restaurant would be coming to the old Straits of Malaya space at 1836 18th Street, NW. You can see their menus here. Any fans? How’s the space itself? The roof deck?

“Dear PoPville,
I live in Logan Circle and I noticed the the “For Rent” sign is no longer in the window at the Old Shirt Laundry at the corner of 14th and Q. Also, the “curtains” blocking the windows seem to have been pulled down. I was wondering if it possibly has been rented or whether something else is going on there. If you recall there was a rumor that Stephen Starr (Philadelphia Restaurantuer) was looking into the space. It would make a great place for a restaurant.
Any insights into what might be going on?”
There has been tons of speculation about this sweet spot at the corner of 14th and Q St, NW. We’ve heard the possibility of an Italian restaurant as well as the interest of the Starr group from Philadelphia.
I’m psyched to be able to share some concrete news based on a recent liquor license application. Though we don’t know the name of the new spot we have learned that a group called Parc Deux Restaurant Partners, LLC has applied for a liquor license for a:
“This is a French restaurant, bistro, and café serving classic French cuisine for breakfast, lunch dinner and brunch. Recorded back ground music will be provided. No nude performances. Number of seating 246 and Total Occupancy Load of 275. Number of Sidewalk Café seats is 44.”
Sound good?
As to who Parc Deux Restaurant Partners really are – well a quick search shows that they are based out Philadelphia…
More info when it becomes available.


It’s been a little over a year since Iron Gate restaurant closed at 1734 N St, NW. When I was checking out the boarded up buildings on N Street, I also stopped in at the Topaz Hotel. Turns out the chef from Iron Gate is now the chef at Topaz Lounge located right across the street at 1733 N St, NW. Nice.
Still no word on a replacement for Iron Gate though.


An Italian restaurant? First I heard a Panera would be taking over the space, then I heard a Corner Bakery would be coming to the former Adams Mill Bar and Grill space which closed in Feb. ’11 at 1815 Adams Mill Road, NW. This property is killing my scuttlebutt to fact percentage. Well I’m in too deep to stop speculating now.
A reader sends a very scant report saying that a “new bar” was coming to the space and would probably open in April ’12. But no other details were revealed. So I’ve chatted with folks who usually have pretty good scuttlebutt percentages and they now say they hear an Italian restaurant will be taking over the space. I’m gonna keep digging for more details.

The folks inside said they had a grand opening 2 weeks ago but I think there was previously an Asian restaurant in this space at 312 Pennsylvania Ave SE. At any rate – they’ve got Pho. You can see their full menu here.
Ah cool, looks like they are related to the folks from North Sea in Adams Morgan. Their Web site says:
“With North Sea Restaurant’s 25 years Chinese & Japanese culinary experience in Adams Morgan, owner Annie now brings her food and service to Capitol Hill. Come and enjoy our authentic Asian food.
Japanese cuisine will be available in Oct 3rd.”
Anyone try the Pho?


Photos courtesy of LINCOLN – Peanut Butter Waffle
From a press release:
“November is National Peanut Butter Lovers’ month, a time to celebrate one of America’s favorite foods. This official month-long celebration inspired LINCOLN’s Executive Chef Demetrio Zavala to add three items to the menu that include peanut butter.
Since Peanut Butter is one of those foods that seem to strike a particular comfort food cord with most people, Zavala created three delicious courses with a soup, savory dish, and a dessert to celebrate peanut butter.
The three menu items include:
• Peanut Soup with Sautéed Shallots, Tomato and fresh chive
• Bourbon Marinated All Natural New York Strip with a Peanut Butter
Parsnip Purée, Caramel Apple Jalapeno Butter
• Peanut Butter Applewood Bacon Waffle with Grape Jelly MousseThe Peanut Butter items will be available at LINCOLN for the entire month of November.
LINCOLN Restaurant is located at 1110 Vermont Avenue, NW”

Photos courtesy of LINCOLN – Peanut Soup

Photos courtesy of LINCOLN – NY Strip

Urfa Tomato Kabob is located at 740 6th St, NW in Chinatown. You can see their menu here. Any fans? Any must order items?

Photo via LoganTavern.com
From a press release:
“The owners of Logan Tavern have announced the appointment of Alexander Zeppos as the restaurant’s new Chef de Cuisine. In this role he will oversee the culinary operations for the Logan Circle eatery.
Most recently, Chef Zeppos was the Executive Chef and Director of Operations for Growlers of Gaithersburg, Maryland where he oversaw the culinary and business operations for the historic restaurant. Under his management, Growlers received numerous awards from the Brewers Association of Maryland as well as Zagat.
Prior to his position at Growlers, Chef Zeppos was the Executive Chef at Local 16 in Washington, DC from 2004-2006. In addition, he’s held a variety of local culinary positions including Executive Sous Chef at Zaytinya, Jaleo, and Ardeo.
Chef Zeppos brings unique culinary skills from his experience at these different concepts, ranging from American, Greek and Spanish. His years in cooking for both casual and more upscale dining rooms make him an ideal fit for the popular Logan Circle restaurant. His breadth of knowledge and strong personal commitment to local farmers and ingredients will build upon Logan Tavern’s excellent reputation of supporting sustainable farming and the purchasing of ethically raised animals.”
Logan Tavern is located at 1423 P St, NW.

I think we’ve spoken about the crab cakes at Market Lunch in Eastern Market’s North Hall. Some say they have the best in DC. Any other must order items?

Yesterday I noted the Komi expansion looked nearly completed at 1511 17th St, NW. Turns out it is completed. A reader attended some preview events and shares a few details:
“I ate here last week. It’s called Little Saroh? Little Serah? Not quite sure of the spelling.
It’s a thai pre-fixe menu for $45. Walk ins only.”
In an email they shared some more details:
“6-7 course meals that change often (3-4 weeks or so). Kat Bangs from Komi is also doing the wine list there. No full bar, just beer and wine. I think the official opening is slated for the end of this week.
I don’t remember the names of the dishes, but they’re served family style, seating for 35 or so people….
Same quality you expect from Komi, served family style.”
More info when it becomes available.