Back in July we learned that the folks from nearby Masa 14 would be opening up a new Taqueria here at 1819 14th St, NW next to the Black Cat:
“New restaurant/Taqueria with entertainment serving Mexican cuisine. Entertainment to include acoustic bands, Mexican style music. Restaurant will have Summer Garden with 99 seats and a Sidewalk Café with14 seats. Total occupancy load is 274.”
Wow, I didn’t realize it would popping up. So far so good I think. You think the pop up will look ok?
In honor of Mardi Gras I thought it’d be fun to judge The Cajun Experience which opened up in the old Inti Peruvian space at 1825 18th St. NW. You can see their menu here. Does it take you back to the shores of Lake Pontchartrain? Any must order items?
“Dear PoP,
Heartbreaking for those of us in north Dupont. All the windows were broken out.”
Thanks to all who sent in emails about the very sad news.
Banana Leaves is located at 2020 Florida Ave, NW. On Sat. night/Sun. morning (12:30am) @dcfireems wrote:
“2020 fla Av NW – 2 sty restaurant; damage-$200K; cause-malf gas water heater; area of origin-2nd fl;no inj; alarms worked.
Bananna Leaves (Asian) Retaurant, 2020 Florida Av NW ; business closed at time of fire; no inj; health dept notified.”
Thankfully nobody was injured but based all the emails I’ve received people are very saddened by this news. We judged Banana Leaves back in Dec. ’08 to very positive reviews.
I’ll be sure to update as more info becomes available in general and on a possibly renovation in particular.
In addition to Banana Leaves, its next door neighbor Universal Liquor remains closed as well.
More photos after the jump. (more…)
Pound Coffee is opening it’s second location on Capitol Hill, Pound The Hill, at 621 Pennsylvania Avenue SE. I was able to stop by Thurs. afternoon to get a sneak peek before their soft opening next week (official opening March 14th.) I’ll say it straight off – just based on aesthetics – this is by far the nicest looking coffee shop I’ve seen open in DC. Hands down. The space is just awesome. It is clear that owner Karl Johnson spent a lot of time on fulfilling his vision. And his vision is far more than a coffee house. Those who are familiar with their first location, Pound in NoMa, will recognize that they offer great international lunch options as well. Pound on the Hill will not only offer international lunch options but will also be serving breakfast and dinner. And in the next 6 months or so stay tuned for a liquor license.
And while the paint is still drying I couldn’t resist asking about future location and there is no doubt in my mind we will be seeing more. Obviously, the focus will be on ensuring Pound the Hill is a success but in the next year or two keep your eyes peeled for Pound the Street (U Street) and/or Pound the Circle (Dupont Circle). And if the coffee and food taste anywhere near as good the space looks I’m sure will Karl and his partners will be Pounding many more neighborhoods.
And to further entice you to check out the new space – the folks from Pound the Hill will be offering one of their specialties free. 1000 of their specialities – Nutella lattes. Starting March 21st, for 10 days in a row the first 100 people will get a free Nutella lattes. Nice.
What do you think of the space (lots more shots after the jump.) (more…)
Photo of by Flickr user photocredit.sfitzstephens
Whoa, this has huge potential. According to The Feast:
Named ‘6th & Rye,’ the truck will serve traditional Jewish items like corned beef sandwiches and knishes.
The truck will be a Friday-only lunchtime affair, parked outside 6th & I, a former synagogue that has experienced a rebirth as a Jewish center and secular concert venue. Micheline says the plan is to roll out toward the end of April.
I imagine if done well this truck could have lobster roll like lines…
Spike Mendelsohn is, of course, of Good Stuff and We the Pizza fame on Capitol Hill.
Great timing on this email because I was just admiring the above sign at Restaurant Judy located at 2212 14th St NW (just south of Florida).
If you have love for a local restaurant that should get more attention than it does, just send me an email with a photo if possible to princeofpetworth(at)gmail
“Dear PoP,
I wanted to chime in to share some love for a local spot I don’t think gets enough attention. Restaurant Judy (on 14th just south of Florida) seems to almost always be pretty much empty. It’s not a fancy spot by any means but they have really tasty, really cheap food… I think they borrow a little from various Central American cuisines and everything we’ve had has been good. I also take it as a good sign that whenever I’ve been in there my party is the only non-native Spanish speaking table there. The fried plaintains are AMAZING, there is something totally awesome about their super creamy beans and you can’t beat $2 for one of their delicious pupusas. On our most recent trip we met “the” Judy and she was beyond friendly. She shared that they’re trying to put together some Happy Hour specials and I hope it draws some more people in. I know further up 14th and into Mt. P there is an abundance of Salvadoran eateries, but Judy’s is a neat spot that fills a bit of a niche down around U. I have no affiliation with this place in any way other than as a patron and hope that others will give Judy’s a shot as well.”
Ten Penh is located at 1001 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. I can’t believe we haven’t judged them yet because I feel like they have a very good reputation. Their Web site says:
“TenPenh is the second venture for the owners of DC Coast and now Ceiba and Acadiana restaurants, as well. Located in the heart of the city at Tenth Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, the upscale southeast-Asian-inspired restaurant opened its doors in July 2000. A Feng Shui Master respectfully directed the owners to follow certain Asian customs and guidelines.”
You can see their menu here. Is still Ten Penh still as good as I heard it was a few years ago?
Beau Thai is located at 1700 New Jersey Avenue NW (by R St). When the first opened back in August there were lots of fans. Seems natural that they should be able to serve alcohol as well. I’m also eager to see the “Sidewalk Café with seating for 30.” – looks like a perfect space for a sidewalk cafe.
La Loma is located at 316 Massachusetts Ave NE. I’ve always thought this section of Mass Ave had the greatest patio areas. Does the food match the awesomeness of the patio?
“Dear PoP,
What’s up with GII Lounge at Georgia and Fairmont St, NW? It has been dark for several weeks.
It is one of the few sit-down restaurants on lower GA Ave and my boyfriend and I enjoyed going there on occasion. I think we still even have our receipt where they listed our tab as “White Couple.” They seemed to do well business wise, but what do your sources tell you??”
GII Lounge, located at 2632 Georgia Ave NW, opened up back in Aug. ’09 (even though their Web site, warning very loud, still says coming soon.) The phone number I had is now disconnected and when I stopped by on Sat. it was closed. Anyone know if they are permanently closed?