Restaurants

Bloomingdale’s Rustik Gets an Early Tepid Review from Washington Post

By Prince Of Petworth

Here is the early look from the Post’s Tom Siestma:

“Neighbors tell me they’re thrilled to finally have somewhere to sip and sup. I’d be more excited if the food had more finesse. Mushrooms that smacked of the canned variety lessened the appeal of a thin-crusted pizza billed as Ward Five, and a grilled cheese sandwich, while generous with Gruyere, could have used more seasoning. (Pickled carrot sticks add a colorful touch to the plate, however.) Braised lamb with pita tastes one-note; like the sandwich, it needs a flavor injection.”

Though he was a big fan of the baby octopus and happy hour prices.

Personally, I had a pizza that was delicious. And for those who are a bit more enthusiastic, I’m happy to report that Rustik located at 84 T St. NW (by Rhode Island and 1 St, NW) will soon be offering brunch in the next couple of weeks.

Judging Bars/Restaurants – 19th

By Prince Of Petworth

19th is located at 1900 I St NW. I can’t believe I’ve never heard of this place because it was pretty packed when I walked past it on Saturday. Is this a good sports bar? How’s the food? You can see their menu here. Though, I gotta be honest – I can’t believe how douchey their intro to Happier Hour sounds:

“Because 19th is smack in the middle of the financial district and on any given day you’ll find the big swinging d**cks of DC’s firms celebrating or soaking at the bar we bring you…Happier Hour”

Seriously? Well even so, I’m curious – what’s the story here?

CapMac Pasta Food Truck Launching Mid-Nov.

By Prince Of Petworth

Sounds like a great addition to the food truck scene. You can follow them on twitter @CapMacDC to monitor the exact launch date. From a press release:

Exciting young chef, Brian Arnoff, strikes out on his own to bring gourmet pasta to Washington D.C. Since attending Apicius – The Culinary Institute of Florence, Chef Arnoff, has worked under James Beard Award winning chef Barbara Lynch and most recently has been working at Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak at the Four Season’s D.C. under Executive Chef David Varley and Executive Sous-Chef William Morris. He has decided to take his high level of training out on the road to give the Nation’s Capital a taste of gourmet food on the go.

The specially outfitted food truck will bring a taste of Florence to Washington workers and tourists. Items on the menu will include: soul satisfying soups, salads and pastas including CapMac™ n’ Cheese, Chicken Parmagiano Reggiano Meatball with a secret provolone béchamel sauce, and the Florentine specialty Venti –20 layer lasagna.

Chef Arnoff got the idea for a pasta food truck from the macaroni stands that lined the streets of lower Manhattan’s Little Italy in the early part of the 20th century. The bright yellow and orange truck will be patrolling the streets of Washington D.C. offering gourmet pasta dishes beginning in early November with free tastings of the eponymous CapMac n’ Cheese.

New Restaurant – Mintwood Place – Coming to Adams Morgan

By Prince Of Petworth

I’ve been curious to learn what will become of the space, that most recently was a bodega and sold frozen yogurt, at 1813 Columbia Rd, NW. It closed almost exactly a year ago in Oct. ’09. A recent alcohol application permit recently went up saying:

“Restaurant with recorded music and entertainment limited to DJ with no dancing. Seating capacity is 113. Total Occupancy load is 124. Sidewalk Café with seating for 24.”

I’ll be sure to update when more info becomes available about the restaurant.

Atlas Room Closer to Opening on H St, NE

By Prince Of Petworth

It’s been a while since we heard the news that 1015 H St, NE would become the Atlas Room in the old Napa 1015 space. I just noticed the new awning had gone up and here’s a bit more info from their Web site:

“The Atlas Room offers a dining room that strives to provide a menu of local seasonal offerings in a unique and relaxed atmosphere. Its modern American cooking style draws inspiration from around the globe while focusing the menu on local and sustainable ingredients. The bar offers the opportunity to indulge in a selection of signature cocktails and wines while relishing the seasonal and ever evolving menu. Our style of dining reflects today’s eating sensibility, with the option of all menu choices available in a personal, appetizer or main plate portion size.

The Atlas Room will provide the community with a high quality eco-conscious restaurant and bar. A restaurant is capable of being more than just organic to the neighborhood by fitting into the surrounding landscape and demographic. It should also strive to fill a need at the basic social level for connecting with those around us and experiencing the conviviality of the table. The Atlas Room will have this ambitious goal at the heart of its fine seasonal food and wine offerings and consistently gracious approach to service.”

Hopefully, it’s not too much longer until they open.

Judging Restaurants – Pete’s Diner

By Prince Of Petworth

In yesterday’s judging of Hunan Dynasty a commenter mentioned Pete’s Diner located around the corner at 212 2nd St. SE. Here’s a place that looks awesome that I’ve always wondered about but instantly forget about until the next time I walk past it. So what’s the overall word here? Any must order items?

Chop’t and Potbelly’s Coming to Union Station

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Mr. T in DC

Thanks to a reader for sending the heads up. Last exciting Union Station news we heard was that Chipotle had opened up. And of course we’re still waiting on the Bojangles. But we can add two more to the list of ‘coming soon’. Chop’t and a Potbelly’s are both coming to Union Station. You can see a list of all the dining options in Union Station here.

Judging Restaurants – Hunan Dynasty

By Prince Of Petworth

Hunan Dynasty is located at 215 Pennsylvania Ave SE. Now I’m really curious about this place because on two separate occasions I’ve seen tour buses of Chinese tourists (yes I’m just assuming they were Chinese) go in and it’s making me think this could be really authentic. Alternatively, it could be a tourist trap… You can see their menus here. Any fans? Tourist trap or the real deal?

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