Restaurants

Acre 121 to open at End of June in old Commonwealth space in Columbia Heights

By Prince Of Petworth

A couple of weeks ago I gave an update on the new bar/restaurant coming to replace Commonwealth at 1400 Irving St, NW. At the time I was able to share that it will offer bbq and have a southern/bluegrass/country music component. I’ve been getting lots of emails for an update – particularly asking about the new name. It’s called Acre 121.

Acre 121 comes from the history of Columbia Heights. Apparently 14th and Irving St, NW fell under a parcel called Acre 121 consisting of 121 acres of land. It was acquired in 1881 by Sen John Sherman who then named the 121 acres Columbia Heights. Later on there was also a horse track that ran through this area so when all the decorating is completed, you’ll be seeing lots of historical photos inside.

As I’ve mentioned before the food is going to bbq style so expect to see lots of pulled pork, chicken, cornbread etc.

But to be honest – my favorite part is the music element. The band they had last night even played some Mumford and Sons! There will be live music 5 nights a week.

And the space has been opened up nicely (though some furniture will be updated):

So mark your calendars for June 29th opening.

Lots more photos after the jump. (more…)

Founding Farmers and GWU Launch “largest restaurant-owned urban apiary” in DC

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user annejuliet

From a press release:

Founding Farmers, the greenest restaurant in Washington, D.C., is partnering with The George Washington University to establish the largest known restaurant-owned urban apiary in the country. The restaurant installed six beehives on the roof of Lisner Hall, an academic building on the GW campus that sits just two blocks away from the restaurant.

In its first year, the Founding Farmers’ apiary may produce 10 pounds of honey per hive, but by the end of the second year, in 2012, each hive may produce between 20 and 120 pounds of honey which Founding Farmers will use on the menu at the restaurant and for small-production bottling.

In addition to creating the apiary, Founding Farmers also established a $5,000 scholarship that will be awarded to an undergraduate GW biology student who will oversee the apiary for the next year. The scholarship is the second that Founding Farmers has created for the university. Earlier this year, the restaurant awarded the first annual $5,000 Scholarship for Sustainable Hospitality, which is awarded to a student attending the GW School of Business.

Judging Restaurants – Pica Taco + Burrito Eating Challenge Sat.

By Prince Of Petworth

Pica Taco has two locations at 1629 Columbia Rd, NW and 1406 Florida Ave NW. You can see their menus here. I finally got to try a breakfast taco and I thought it was awesome. I also noticed a sign up for a burrito eating challenge this Sat.

“Do you think you have what it takes to battle EL TORO BURRITO?
4 pounds, 45 minutes, $14.99 (if you don’t finish).

Square off against friends, or fellow brave challengers. Winners earn an exclusive El Toro T-shirt, gift certificate, and bask in eternal fame on the Wall of Champions.

Challenges take place one Saturday each month and alternate between our Columbia Rd. and Florida Ave. locations.”

Georgia Ave News: GII Restaurant and Lounge is Dead. Long Live GII/The Proof Restaurant and Lounge + New Breakfast All Day Option at Ma Ma’s

By Prince Of Petworth

Back in very early March a reader noted that GII had been closed for a while at 2632 Georgia Ave NW. I just saw some new menus and a new alcohol application has gone up on their window:

The alcohol application says:

” Neighborhood restaurant, offering American style cuisine, Entertainment to include
occasional acoustic Jazz bands, karaoke, open mike and DJ. Capacity 86 Total load 100″

I feel like I’ve been burned a few times with this place but I’m cautiously optimistic that some “acoustic Jazz bands” could be pretty cool.

And quick side note: in other Georgia Ave, NW news – Ma Ma’s Southern Cuisine located at 3118 Georgia Ave, NW is now serving Breakfast all day. Sadly they were closed at 11am on Sat. when I would’ve enjoyed some breakfast… But seriously, I’m a huge fan of breakfast all day options – I look forward to trying them out.

Judging Restaurants – Wok N Roll (Adams Morgan)

By Prince Of Petworth

Wok N Roll is located at 2400 18th Street NW (there is also a location at 604 H Street. NW.)

Wok and Roll”s new opening in heart of Adams Morgan, serving the best of Japanese and Chinese cuisine. The clean, modern and warm atmosphere inspiring our guests from delicious dishes, great selection from the sushi bar with the finest Asian organic ingredients, variety of Cold and Warm Sake and much more… Come to enjoy our Happy Hour from Monday to Friday 4 to 7PM. Our new Karaoke entertainment system features over 50,000 hit songs from all the time. We offer the free Wi-Fi for all business meeting and social networking’s need. Enjoy one of the best patio in Adams Morgan.

So in addition to the food – has anyone tried out the karaoke?

New Japanese Izakaya Restaurant Coming to 1117 V St, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

This was one of the hardest secrets I’ve ever had to keep quiet. I’m so psyched to finally share the good news. As you can tell there is some construction and permits that need to take place before we get too excited. But if all goes well the new spot should be open by next spring. While a name has not been selected I am told that it will not be a sushi restaurant (though some raw options will be available) rather it will be like a a Japanese “tapas” style restaurant. The space will be on the small side as you can tell from the building. I’ll be sure to share more details as the space and menu are finalized.

Ed. Note: Spotts barbershop has reopened on the 2nd floor of 809 Florida Ave, NW.

Judging New Restaurants – Lincoln

By Prince Of Petworth

Lincoln is located at 1110 Vermont Ave, NW:

Lincoln’s seasonal menu will showcase simplistic market fresh dishes by Chefs Demetrio Zavala & Karen Nicolas crafted from fresh ingredients supplied by local farmers, daily seafood catches by local fishermen, and artisanal meat from ranchers around the region. There will be many nods to Abraham Lincoln’s favorite foods including oysters, gingerbread and chicken fricassee.

Master mixologist, John Hogan created one of the city’s most distinctive and fresh bar programs completely around the restaurant’s artistic concept. From the unique Mason jars featuring infused bourbons to the city’s first moonshine list all served in antique style copper cups, each hand-crafted drink truly reflects the simple values and tastes of an era that evoked change.

I’ve already started hearing good things. You can see their menus here. Anyone check them out yet?

View More Stories