Restaurants

Judging Restaurants – Panas

By Prince Of Petworth

Panas opened up at 2029 P Street, NW back in June ’10. Their Web site says:

“Panas specializes in Latin fusion gourmet empanadas. Empanadas are crescent-shaped turnovers, stuffed with a variety of well-seasoned meats, vegetables, spices, fruits, and/or sweets. Our recipes are inspired by the Latin Fusion cuisine; a culinary concept that combines traditional and modern gastronomic techniques with different ingredients from across the Americas.”

You can see their menu here. Any must order empanadas?

Jonathan’s Gourmet Deli Closes in Dupont

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

Just curious if you have any information about the closing of Jonathan’s Gourmet on 1120 19th Street, NW? The buffet-style food was good and the owners were always nice, so I’m sad to find out it has closed. I know there are plenty of buffet-style establishments such as this one, but their service was the best I have experienced – very pleasant and always remembered me.”

Any regulars of Jonathan’s happen to know the story?

Tegeste Ethiopian Restaurant Abruptly Closes in Columbia Heights – Landlord Posts Returned Rent Check

By Prince Of Petworth

Back in Nov. ’10 we first learned that a new Ethiopian restaurant, Tegeste, would be opening up in Columbia Heights at 3521 14th St, NW in the old Catti Mexican Restaurant space (which had been closed for years.) In Dec. ’10 they had applied for a liquor license and just last month they got a great new sign. Word on the street (and here) had been very positive. Unfortunately on Friday I started to receive numerous emails saying that their sign was gone and a for rent sign had been placed in the front window.

I went to check it out on Saturday and unfortunately it is true the restaurant has been closed. In addition to a for rent sign there is also a small sheet of paper under the for rent sign taped up on the front window. The landlord (presumably it was the landlord) posted a canceled rent check showing that there were insufficient funds in the bank. Seems a bit harsh but I don’t know the whole story. If Tegeste is able to open up in a new space I’ll be sure to update.

LINCOLN Restaurant announces the opening of their outdoor patio and the launch of Sunday Brunch

By Prince Of Petworth

From a press release:

“LINCOLN Restaurant announces the opening of their outdoor patio and the launch of Sunday Brunch at LINCOLN. Whether you choose inside or out, Corporate Executive Chef, Demetrio Zavala, and Executive Chef, Karen Nicolas, will be serving up a variety of farm fresh items including Chilled Watermelon and Tomato Gazpacho, Marscapone Stuffed French Toast, Griddled Pancakes with local peach and strawberry compote and a classic fluffy 3 country egg rolled omelet…. Menu items range from $8 – $14

In addition, the LINCOLN mixology team will be creating the city’s only Bloody Mary and Mimosa Punch Bowls customized to your liking in a 64 ounce bowl. Each bowl serves up to 6 and will be $42.

Brunch is available every Sunday from 11am-3pm.

Lincoln Restaurant is located at 1110 Vermont Ave., NW”

We judged Lincoln here.

Ping Pong Dim Sum Opening Their Second Location in Dupont in “Mid-August”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

Have you posted anything about the new Ping Pong location opening up in Dupont Circle at the corner of New Hampshire and O Street (near 20th St)? It looks great! Was wondering when it will open.”

We learned that Ping Pong Dim Sum would be opening a second location back in Nov. ’10. After a few delays and a major build out they are no on target for a “mid-August” opening (according to a phone call with their Chinatown location).

They will be located in the old Fed Ex space at 1 Dupont Circle NW.

You can see their menu here.

Ping Pong Dim Sum’s first DC location opened at 900 7th Street, NW in Chinatown back in Dec. ’09.

Judging Restaurants – El Centro

By Prince Of Petworth

The highly anticipated El Centro opened up in early May at 1819 14th St, NW. Their Web site says:

“El Centro D.F.

Chef Richard Sandoval invites you to gather, dine and raise a glass at El Centro, D.F. Authentic Mexican comfort food and fine Tequilas are served in three vibrant spaces

Taqueria
A lively open kitchen is the backdrop for the casual taqueria. Eat-in or take your tacos to-go.

Tequileria
Dine or lounge in the underground Tequileria, where Mixologists craft Latin cocktails and pour from 200 Tequilas & Mezcals.

Rooftop
Salud! Raise a glass at the rooftop’s two open-air bars.”

You can see their menus here. Any fans? In addition to the food – is this a good place to grab a drink?

Movement at 2208 14th St, NW – Soon to be Piola Pizzeria

By Prince Of Petworth

Back in early April I shared some reader scuttlebutt that a Piola Pizzeria would be coming to the U Street neighborhood. You can see their Arlington menu here.

There had been little visible progress on the building during the intervening months but I’m happy to finally see some movement. They’ve applied for a liquor license and a Michiel Architecture sign have gone up. The liquor license application says:

“International Italian food chain serving genuine Italian food with a seating capacity of approximately 70 people on the 1st floor and 20 people on the 2nd floor. The total occupancy load is 150. A roof-deck (summer garden) with 40 seats and no entertainment.”

Awesome – another roof deck! More updates as construction progresses.

Sweet Charleston’s Coming to 1348 H St, NE

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo of 1348 H St, NE via evolvedc

Evolve’s facebook page announces (via Frozen Tropics):

“The deal is done! The owners of Evolve, LLC and Carolina Kitchen bring you SWEET CHARLESTON’S opening at 1348 H Street NE in 2012!!!”

Carolina Kitchen is located in Hyattsville, MD. Their Web site says:

“The Carolina Kitchen is the most amazing and popular southern cuisine restaurant group; it has a unique charm that appeals to everyone. From the moment one enters, they are transported to another world designed to stimulate the soul and indulge the senses. It was created to offer its guest taste buds an amazing journey through the South. Using only the freshest ingredients to our menu, we combine unique blends of Cajun and Creole spices with traditional and savory home-style cooking.”

You can see their menu here.

Anyone ever check them out?

Judging Restaurants – Liberty Tree

By Prince Of Petworth

At first I was just going to give Liberty Tree props for their new sign but then I realized we’ve never done a proper judging. Liberty Tree opened up at 1016 H Street, NE back in March ’10. You can see their menus here. So two questions – how’s the pizza and are there any other must order items?

And seriously props on the new sign – it looks great.

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