Restaurants

District of Pi Pizza Opens Today in Penn Quarter

By Prince Of Petworth

District of Pi is located at 910 F St, NW. For those unfamiliar with St. Louis style pizza – you can see their menu here. We’ll be back for a proper judging after they’ve been open a bit.

A press release says:

“The brick and mortar restaurant, at 910 F Street NW, features seating for 200, 2 full bars, a mezzanine with seating for nearly 50, plus a lower level lounge for those awaiting seating or an after-dinner beverage. In a second phase of construction, District of Pi will add lower level “speakeasy” with a focus on classic cocktails.

“While we’re thrilled to have our full menu of eats, we’re equally excited about our 24 draft handles, with a focus on breweries in regions with high numbers of DC transplants. We have some fantastic beers from California, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Missouri and beyond” added Co-Founder Frank Uible. “Four of our handles are from St. Louis’ largest brewery, The Saint Louis Brewery, which brews the Schlafly beers, including our custom ‘Pi Common’ beer, a California Common, or Steam style beer, which is a first for the DC market.” The impressive cocktail list was designed by award-winning mixologist Adam Frager.

The District eatery, like its St. Louis siblings, focuses on sustainability and minimizing its carbon footprint. The buildout maximizes the use of reclaimed materials, both from the original space and others in the area. The entire wine list is also green, consisting of organic, bio-dynamical and other wines by sustainable wine-makers.

District of Pi will be open 7 days per week for lunch and dinner. The kitchen will stay open till midnight on Friday and Saturdays.”

Cafe Eagle Becomes Mexican Restaurant at 1414 9th St. NW

By Prince Of Petworth


1414 9th St, NW, former Vegetate space

“Dear PoP,

Today my girlfriend and I checked out a Mexican restaurant called Cafe Eagle at 1414 9th St. NW. I found you posted about that address a year ago, but it looks like it has shifted from an Eritrean/Ethiopian restaurant to a Mexican one. It looks like they’re still putting things together (the only menu is a sign board that’s leaning against a wall), but they are selling food. Our tacos and tamales cost 2 dollars each and were great. The waiter told us the restaurant opened on Friday. Just thought I’d give you a head’s up and encourage others to go there for some great Mexican.”

Anyone else try them out yet?

Judging Restaurants – A. Xian Food Factory

By Prince Of Petworth

A. Xian Food Factory is located at 1915 I St NW. It’s easy to walk right by it because it’s down a few stairs but I’m curious if this is a good lunch option for those that work nearby?

Jandara Closing in Woodley Park to be Replaced by District Kitchen in October

By Prince Of Petworth

Tom Sietsema broke the news yesterday:

“A little more than a year after he left Mendocino Grille & Wine Bar in Georgetown to pursue a place of his own, chef Drew Trautmann has secured a 75-seat property at 2606 Connecticut Ave. NW. Trautmann plans to convert the Thai-flavored Jandara into the American-themed District Kitchen in October.

The chef had hopes of opening on the Hill, where he lives, but says that his spot in Woodley Park offers several advantages: two major hotels nearby, lots of foot traffic and a Metro stop.”

I spoke with the owner of Jandara who said that he’d try to stay open for 2-3 more weeks. I asked him if he planned on reopening elsewhere in DC and while he said it was possible, he’s gonna take a breather. He also said if he does reopen that it would likely be in Virginia or Maryland. Anyone gonna miss Jandara?

Jandara is located at 2606 Connecticut Ave, NW right next to the recently opened Italian Pizza Kitchen.

Shaw’s Tavern Closed Until Liquor License Granted

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

Sad news – check out the Shaw’s Tavern Facebook page. Looks like they’re not making enough money to stay open while they don’t have a liquor license. Hopefully there will be a positive outcome from the hearing and they’ll be able to reopen. Bummed because I’ve been gone on business travel all month and was looking forward to trying to food when I get back next week!”

Shaw’s Tavern Facebook page says:

“Shaw’s Tavern is closing its doors from Saturday 27th of August.
We could not survive without a liquor license. We will re -open when we are allowed to serve alcohol.”

Shaw’s Tavern is located at 520 Florida Ave, NW. They opened without a liquor license on July 29th 2011.

CityPaper’s Young and Hungry wrote last week:

“At a hearing on Aug. 10, a city inspector testified about documents allegedly doctored by a tavern manager, which were used to illegally obtain alcohol from wholesalers for pre-opening festivities.

The board, in recess until Sept. 14, is expected to rule on Shaw’s lingering liquor issues within 90 days.”

The Pig – New Restaurant from Eatwell DC Group – Coming to 1320 14t St NW in Logan Circle

By Prince Of Petworth

From an Eatwell DC press release:

“Eatwell DC;s David Winer announced the lease for a new restaurant was signed yesterday.

The Pig—located at 1320 14t St NW

The pig will be a pork centric, “Nose to Tail” and “Farm to Table” restaurant, showcasing Eatwell DC’s own farm in La Plata MD, EatWell Natural Farm, and local pork producers, Dorsey Meats in Woodsboro, MD. We will also feature craft cocktails, American Beers and Wines from eco-conscious producers as well as small batch bourbons.

The Pig will be a cozy Logan Circle neighborhood place (2800 s/f), 72 seats and 15 barstools, chef driven operation, that will evoke the feel of old abattoir. “The Pig will be a neighborhood priced, neighborhood driven restaurant,” Eatwell’s president David Winer says. “Our want, goal and desire is serving our neighborhood and surrounding areas with ethically treated and natural products—all local and farm fresh.”

The operators will be David Winer, Josh Hahn, Antonio Oquendo, Andrew Howells and Billy McCormick, Exec Chef, the partners in EatWell DC, owners of Logan Tavern, Grillfish, Commissary and The Heights.

The Pig will initially serve Sat & Sun Brunch as well as Dinner 7 nights a week with lunch to be added eventually.

The Pig is expected to open in early spring of 2012.”

Sweet!!! This is the former Rollin Cycles space that started getting renovated in Sept. ’10.

Brief Update on New Tryst/Diner Coming to 11th and Monroe St, NW in Columbia Heights

By Prince Of Petworth

Since we had a brief update on the taqueria coming to 11th and Lamont St, NW earlier in the week I’ve gotten a number of emails asking for updates on the new Tryst/Diner spot coming to 11th and Monroe St, NW. Last we heard there were fears that up to 1/4 of a thousand patrons would ruin the quality of life on 11th Street. Those fears were not shared with the ABC board – they have been awarded their liquor license and while they obviously won’t be serving 24/7 the plans are still to remain open 24/7.

They are waiting on full building permits which they expect to get any day now after which full construction will start. If they are able to start construction in September then we should see an opening in mid-January.

While permit’s were filed under the name Margot’s Chair a final name has not yet been selected.

As soon as more info becomes available I’ll be sure to share it.

Al Forno Pizza Coming to 3201 New Mexico Avenue, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to a few readers for sending word and photos. One sends an update from the American University newsletter:

“A new Italian trattoria, Al Forno, will open this fall at 3201 New Mexico Avenue in the former Balducci’s location. The restaurant will feature pasta, a wood-burning oven for Neapolitan pizza, and other Italian fare. You also can enjoy meals outside on the terrace. Work on the restaurant is under way and we’ll keep you posted as they move closer to the opening date. The new owner, who also plans to live in the neighborhood, is excited about Al Forno being located in the community.”

Unfortunately one notes, they’ve already got a stop work order. But we’ll def. revisit to judge the pizza when they open.

View More Stories