Restaurants

Judging Restaurants – Zee’s Restaurant

By Prince Of Petworth

Zee’s restaurant opened up back in Nov. at 600 Florida Ave, NW in Ledroit Park. Today, the Post’s Tom Sietsema gives them a great review. I’m particularly eager to try this one out:

“Curried goat, cooked over a low fire until the meat is tender, is almost a meal for two when you factor in the accompanying lettuce salad, the chunky potatoes and the folded flatbread known as roti.”

Anyone else check them out yet? Another must order dishes? You can take a look at the inside and some photos of the menu here.

Fmr Yanni’s in Cleveland Park to Become Steakhouse called ‘Medium Rare’

By Prince Of Petworth

While WBJ had the very early word back in Nov. the Washington Post now shares more details of this huge Cleveland Park news:

Medium Rare, says its creator, Mark Bucher, is expected to open as early as next month at 3500 Connecticut Ave. NW (formerly Yanni’s Greek Taverna). There will be a single feature — steak frites — on the menu, although a meatless entrée will be available for vegetarians.

“The only question you’ll be asked when you come in is ‘How do you like your steak cooked? ‘” says Bucher, who, as the guy behind the popular burger chain BGR, knows a thing or two about what the masses like.

This should lessen the sting of National Shoe Rebuilders closing and Yanni’s (3500 Connecticut Ave, NW) I’ll still miss ya but this sounds pretty awesome.

Dear PoP – What’s Up With Snap in Adams Morgan?

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

What’s the deal with Snap on 18th St.? It opened months ago, at first the hours were from 5pm-1am, or something like that geared toward the evening/late night Adams Morgan crowds. Then it changed its hours to open during the day, and that lasted a few months? Now it’s completely close all the time. I haven’t seen it open for weeks! Got any inside dirt?”

Hmm, I stopped by this weekend and on Sat. there were open around 3pm. I can understand the confusion, though, because the hours Mon. – Fri. are a bit unusual. They are open in Adams Morgan, Mon. – Fri. from 6pm – 11pm and on Sat. and Sun. from 10am – 11pm.

Do you guys think these hours make sense?

Snap is located in the old CD Exchange between Caliyogurt and Saki on 18th St, NW. There is also a Georgetown location at 1062 Thomas Jefferson St NW. Interestingly, the Georgetown location’s hours are listed as Mon-Sun 9 am – 11 pm.

New American Bistro, Station 4, Coming to 1101 4th St, SW at Waterfront Metro

By Prince Of Petworth

I’ll admit straight away that I don’t know a lot about the SW-Waterfront area. But after walking around a bit this weekend – well, stay tuned for lots of cool history/buildings and more. And straight away coming out of the metro (one stop after L’Enfant Plaza on the green line) you’ll see two very new buildings. One of them has a killer new Safeway and in the other one there will soon be a new American Bistro called Station 4. Though, peeking in the window it looked like a good deal of construction still needed to be completed on the space but when it’s finished according to a liquor license application out front, it will be a:

“New Restaurant. American Bistro. Entertainment with DJ music or band (maximum 4 pieces) dancing. Summer Garden with 70 seats”

And after walking around the neighborhood a bit, it certainly seems like the area will benefit from a new restaurant. More info when construction comes closer to completion.

Here’s a quick look at the whole building:

Judging Restaurants/Wine Bars – Sonoma

By Prince Of Petworth

Sonoma is located at 223 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. According to their Web site:

Sonoma’s mission is to highlight the Mid-Atlantic’s best naturally-raised and local ingredients and pair the creations with the best American and Italian wines.

Sonoma and Blue Ridge are the ventures of longtime friends Eli Hengst and Jared Rager. The duo, who met as undergrads at Middlebury College, went into business together in 2002 and dedicated themselves to developing neighborhood restaurants.

You can see their menus here. Any fans? Any must order items?

Lion’s Den Jamaican Restaurant Opens at 3619 Georgia Ave, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

I’m happy to report that the Lion’s Den has recently opened up at 3619 Georgia Ave, NW across the street from Looking Glass Lounge and Blue Banana in the old Mario’s Pizza space. It’s more of a takeout restaurant than a sit down place but the menu looks pretty good:

They are open Mon-Thurs from 9:30am-11pm and Fri-Sat. from 9:30am – 12am and closed on Sun.

Anyone sample the goods yet?

Dear PoP – Spice Indian Bistro Opens Downtown

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

I wrote to you back in August to ask about the Spice Indian Bistro coming to 17th and Penn. NW. Well, it’s finally open, and I had a chance to try it today – wanted to let you know that I think it’s a really good addition to the neighborhood. The food is pretty tasty – not gourmet or anything, but flavorful and perfect for quick takeout. I particularly liked the chickpeas. The staff is friendly and fast. And they give you a huge bowl of food (two lunches’ worth) with warm bread and chutney on the side for $7.99 ($8.99 if you order meat). For $4 a meal, I thought it was a really good deal. Hope you and the readers enjoy it!”

Sounds like a great lunch option for those that work nearby. Thanks for the update!

Judging Restaurants – City Lights

By Prince Of Petworth

City Lights is located at 1731 Connecticut Ave, NW. Their Web site says:

“Welcome to City Lights of China, an award winning Chinese restaurant conveniently located in Dupont Circle, Washington DC. Established in 1987, the restaurant is committed to providing you with the finest Chinese cuisine, an elegant atmosphere, and a first-class service.

Our menu offers a broad selection of Chinese cooking, from authentic gourmet home-style to tasteful vegetarian dishes. Freshness is our utmost priority when every order is carefully prepared. While our recipe for each dish has been widely approved by customers as well as food critics, our chef will accommodate your very personal taste.”

You can find their menus here.

Any fans?

TruOrleans Coming to 4th and H St, NE

By Prince Of Petworth

A recent liquor license application says:

“New full service restaurant serving New Orleans style dishes with a Sidewalk Café. Live entertainment will be in the form of New Orleans style by small groups featuring jazz, easy listening and soulful music. Seating capacity is 154. Total occupancy load is 182. Sidewalk Café seats 62.”

Is New Orleans style officially becoming a new DC trend? At the end of Dec. we learned that The Cajun Experience DC would be coming to the old Inti Peruvian Restaurant at 1825 18th St. NW. And of course Hot N Juicy which we spoke about this morning in Woodley Park.

For TruOrleans coming to H St, NE, I’m particularly eager to check out their jazz. Stay tuned for updates as construction progresses.


Former home of Studio 400 Live Music Hall

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