Restaurants

Hamilton Square Grill Coming to Corner of 14th and F St, NW (in Former Borders Space)

By Prince Of Petworth

This is the new place from the folks behind Clyde’s. Back in June the Post reported:

Though plans are still in the works, Meyer said the newest restaurant would offer sushi, a raw bar and, on the bottom level, live music. Overall it will be “comfortable, good food, a menu with drinks,” he said. “I don’t think there’s anything in D.C. that really covers all that.”

The liquor license application simply says:

“New Multi-Purpose Facility. Request a sidewalk café with a seating capacity for 96 patrons.”

I’m intrigued by “multi-purpose facility”, I’ve never seen that description before.

Highlands Cafe Launces New Vegan Menu at 4706 14th Street, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

Each Friday there is a vegan chef at The Highlands preparing meals from the beta vegan menu. This campaign will last until the end of January. This is the anticipated date when all cooks have been trained to prepare vegan fare. Once this benchmark has been reached, The Highlands will offer vegan food during regular restaurant hours.”

Highlands Vegan menu

You can see their standard menu here.

PoP Preview – Yola, Fresh Yogurt Parfait Bar and Coffee House Opening in Dupont

By Prince Of Petworth

We first learned about Yola, coming to 1323 Connecticut Ave, NW back in late August. I’m happy to report that they’ll be open for business on Monday. Co-owner Laura Smith was kind enough to give me a quick tour earlier in the week. From Yola’s Web site:

“Co-founders David and Laura, both longtime D.C. residents, are a father-daughter team. The idea for Yola came up during a family dinner in 2009. Laura had seen a similar concept in Europe and wondered why D.C. didn’t have anything like it. David and Laura put their heads together and a year and a half later, Yola was born.”

Their menu is “a combination of tasty seasonal ingredients backed up by an ever-reliable supply of superfoods and organic supplements.” They offer yogurt parfaits with unlimited toppings, smoothies, tea and coffee and eventually some grab and go sandwiches. A regular fresh yogurt is $4.25 and a large is $5.50.

The space is very comfortable and much larger than I thought it would be based on the size of the storefront.

More photos after the jump. (more…)

Shake Shack One Step Closer To Opening in DC

By Prince Of Petworth

I’m happy to report that Shake Shack coming to 1216 18th St NW in the former Fuddruckers space has applied for a liquor license:

“American style restaurant specializing in burgers and shakes. No entertainment or dancing provided. Sidewalk Café with 12 seats. Seating capacity is 102. Total occupancy load is 108.”

Though it’s still not clear if they are going to keep the classic Fuddruckers door handle:

Judging Restaurants/Bars – Blackfinn

By Prince Of Petworth

Blackfinn is located at 1620 I Street NW. Their Web site says:

“BlackFinn American Saloon was established in New York City in 1994. As part of their lives growing up in New York City, the proprietors were exposed to many of the world’s greatest saloons. When the time was right they decided to act on their vision for the great American saloon, and thus, BlackFinn was born. Over the years the proprietors have developed numerous venues and concepts. They recently made the strategic decision to focus on evolving the traditions of the New York Style Saloon. The product of that focus has been making BlackFinn the new standard in the New York Style Saloon experience.”

Perhaps a good after work happy hour spot? You can see their menu here. Any fans?

Tacos Impala Opens up on H St, NE

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to J.T. for sharing the news and photos. He writes, “New Taco Stand on @HstreetDC where the Water Ice place used to be.”

Frozen Tropics has a bit more info on the space located at 1204 H St, NE:

“Tacos Impala is a new taco stand venture from two guys who are no strangers to H Street. Right now the menu is carnitas, braised beef, or bean and cotija cheese, tacos. Tacos run $3 each, and you can wash them down with a Mexican Coke, or Jarritos. Open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week. Late night hours on weekends.”

Reminds me a bit of Tomatillo Taqueria served out of Big Hunt in Dupont.

Discussions Ongoing about Emergency Legislation To Put a Moratorium on Food Trucks

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Mr. T in DC

Back in August we learned that there were some forces who were opposed to the emergence of the DC food truck scene. It looks like even more forces are at work and gaining momentum. And now I’m hearing the emerging food truck scene could be in big big trouble.

From a number sources I’ve been hearing that emergency legislation is being discussed to put a moratorium on food trucks. I spoke to Ward 4 Council Member Muriel Bowser who confirmed that this is a possibility. She also said she opposed the idea of a moratorium. Though she did say in an email that the sales tax situation did need to be worked out. The reason why a moratorium could be a problem, beyond the obvious, is that it is very difficult to overturn. If we are looking for a compromise, perhaps, putting a cap on the number of trucks could be a much smarter move than putting a blanket moratorium on them. Currently there are around 20 food trucks with a few more in the works. If a cap were placed on the number of food trucks in DC what do you think would be a fair number (if any)?

If you don’t want to see a moratorium on food trucks be sure to let your council members know – they can be contacted here. If you live in Ward 4 – Council Member Bowser already opposes the moratorium so be sure to let your at large members know how you feel.

New Restaurant, Graffiato, Coming to 707 6th St, NW

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo courtesy of Graffiato

From a press release:

Douglas Development recently announced that Mike Isabella, former executive chef at the nationally-renowned Mediterranean restaurant, Zaytinya, and Bravo’s Top Chef ® contestant, has leased 5,000 square feet in the three-level Douglas Development-owned property at 707 6th Street, NW. Isabella will open his Italian-inspired restaurant, Graffiato, in Spring 2011.

Mike Isabella’s two-level eatery will feature a large wood-fire oven on the first floor, a charcuterie bar on the second floor, and seating for up to 150 guests. Isabella will serve seasonal, artisanal pizzas and small plates, inspired by the food he grew up eating. Graffiato’s menu will offer Italian specialty dishes, such as roasted potato gnocchi, pork ribs, and warm fresh-stretched mozzarella.

The restaurant will also cater to the late-night dining crowd. Food, wine and beer will be sourced domestically, and specifically from the East Coast, whenever possible. Look for unique additions like barrel wine and Prosecco served from a beverage gun.

“DC is really coming into it’s own as a ‘foodie’ city,” says Douglas Jemal, President of Douglas Development. Jemal adds, “Mike Isabella’s restaurant will be a great addition to the District’s restaurant scene, and we look forward to working with him. I’m confident that DC residents and visitors will readily welcome Graffiato and enjoy its convenient location in Penn Quarter, close to all the restaurants, shops, and museums.”


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