Restaurants

Bloomingdale’s Rustik Opens to Great Fanfare

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

It was very very festive – felt like a big house party with pizza. Everyone was excited and accommodating to the first night mistakes too. We are just so happy to have it open.”

Sadly I wasn’t able to make Rustik’s soft opening (1st and T St, NW) Friday night. Well to be honest I was scared of the crowds but it looks like it was an awesome time. So for those that went – the most important question for me – how was the pizza!?!?!

Update questions from a reader just in:

“Secondly, I sadly missed the opening weekend for Rustik. I was hoping you could put it out there for discussion, what are the pros/cons, early reactions? Is it packed? If I want to go tonight, what can I expect in terms of waiting, standing, etc. What were the police doing out there in force on Saturday night?”

Beware Flying Pigs – Bloomingdale’s First Bar (Soft) Opens Tonight!

By Prince Of Petworth

After many false starts and teases, the day has finally arrived! Rustik Bloomingdale’s first Tavern opens up tonight at the corner of 1st and T St, NW. You can see their menu here. You can see their Web site here Rustik sends word in a newsletter:

“We are opening at last!

Starting, Friday, September 24th, at 9:00pm, Rustik Tavern will be open to the public.
This is a soft opening, therefore we apologize for any delays in service that you may encounter or random mishaps that may (and will) take place.”

Based on the buzz coming from twitter, I’d say the place is gonna be smashed crowded tonight. But that is understandable given all the anticipation. It is a great day for Bloomingdale.

And don’t forget Boundary Stone another Tavern is still slated to come to 116 Rhode Island Avenue NW. I’m hearing that they are now shooting for a February opening.

Well Bloomingdalians enjoy your beer and pizza tonight, you’ve earned it!

Judging Restaurants – Saki

By Prince Of Petworth

Saki is located at 2477 18th St, NW. I noticed the sign (above) announcing the expanded menu and realized that we’ve never discussed them before. I guess I always thought they were more of a lounge than a restaurant. But some yelp reviews say the sushi is really good. Any fans of Saki as a restaurant spot?

Hadiya Cafe Closes at 3118 Georgia Ave, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

I’ve been meaning to post this for a while but kept forgetting. Well, I don’t think this’ll be too big a surprise to folks as their hours seemed to be rather irregular. When I spoke to the owners back in April ’09 they were super nice and my hopes were high. The space inside wasn’t overly luxuriant but it was quite comfortable. Not really sure what went wrong because I know many neighbors who were excited to patronize the spot but became frustrated by the irregular hours. What is interesting to note is that there is a new construction permit in the front window so perhaps it’ll get fixed up and become a proper restaurant with proper hours. I’ll be sure to update when more info becomes available.

MPD: El Limeno Bar and Restaurant Closed for Cocaine Distribution, 3 Arrested at 201 Upshur St, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

Well back in April ’08 people liked El Limeno. But when I tweeted about this I got two identical responses from folks – “That does explain how they stayed in business.” I am a bit surprised because whenever I’ve spoken about them in the past they’ve had a lot of supporters. On Facebook a reader writes, “I am more pissed about the fact that my favorite pupusas are likely no longer available. :(”

Following is the full press release from MPD:

As a result of a recent quadruple shooting in the area of 2nd Upshur nearly two months ago the Fourth District Vice Unit began a narcotics investigation in the area. The investigation was headed by Vice Officer Edelen of the Fourth District Vice Office. Officer Edelen was able to gain information from confidential informants about a business in the area that was selling cocaine from within. Officer Edelen formulated a plan to attempt and address this problem. Officer Edelen employed the use of an undercover police officer who was able to infiltrate the business and befriend the owners. As a result the Vice Unit was able to purchase on numerous occasions various amounts of cocaine from one of the owners of the business and an employee. The investigation was brought to a conclusion late last night when the vice unit made three arrests and executed a search warrant at the location of the Limeno Bar and Restaurant. The unit seized a substantial amount of cocaine, U.S. Currency and assets including two vehicles.

Commander Missouri has been working tirelessly all day with additional D.C. Government agencies to ensure that the location does not reopen, to include A.B.R.A., Office of Attorney General, and D.C.R.A. Officers Edelen’s tireless work on this case and that of the undercover police officer along with the rest of the Fourth District Vice Unit proved extremely valuable. The Fourth District Detectives Office also assisted and worked side by side with us in this investigation.

More Progress at 3418 11th St, NW Next to Columbia Heights Coffee

By Prince Of Petworth

It’s wild how nice the outside looks now from just a couple weeks ago. Here’s what it looked like on Sept. 9th. So I’ve also found out a few more details. I believe the architect is Gronning Architects and they’ve worked on Commonwealth, Cork Wine Bar, Cork Market, Palena, Pizzeria Paradiso, and Hank’s among others. I’m hearing that they are shooting to open up in Jan. and will have a well known chef. Painfully few details. I just wanna know what type of restaurant it’s gonna be! More details as they become available.

Judging Restaurants – Nando’s Peri Peri

By Prince Of Petworth

Nando’s Peri Peri is located in Dupont at 1210 18th Street, NW and in Chinatown at 819 7th Street, NW. Their Web site says:

“Way back in the 15th Century, in the rich soils and intense heat of Southern Africa, our Portuguese forefathers made a monumentally important discovery – the African Birds Eye Chilli.

Known as Peri-Peri, this fiery little customer is added to special herbs and spices to give our Nando’s original Peri-Peri sauce its unique flavour. The exact recipe remains a closely guarded family secret handed down from generation to generation.

Peri-Peri gives your taste buds an extreme work-out and contains no preservatives, no colourants or artificial flavours so it’s totally natural and healthy. Peri-Peri helps reduce cholesterol and is rich in vitamins A and C. What’s more, it’s reputed to be an aphrodisiac. Hot stuff in more ways than one!”

You can see their menus here. I seem to recall there were some fans when first learned they were opening at the Dupont location. Do they offer the best chicken in DC? Think they’ll open any other spots in other neighborhoods?

Pizza and Deli Options Coming (Back) to Brightwood

By Prince Of Petworth

I spoke with some really nice firefighters who said that they believe the Papa Johns located at 5764 Georgia Ave, NW will be opening around Oct. 1st. Though they also said that there hadn’t been much movement lately on the Washington Deli nearby, on Georgia Ave just south of Missouri, but when I peeked in the window it seemed really close to being completed.

I say coming back in the title because of course the legendary Posins Deli used to be located nearby. Pictures from the heritage trail sign and now after the jump. (more…)

Columbia Heights’ IHOP Grand Opening Nov. 16th – Now Hiring

By Prince Of Petworth

Yesterday the Columbia Heights Listserv sent out word that the Columbia Heights’ IHOP (Irving St. west of 14th in DC USA) will be hosting a couple of hiring events Wed. the 22nd and Mon. the 27th (full details on that after the jump). But there was another item of interest as well. While I had heard that they hoped to open by the end of Nov., assuming no more stop work orders, this is the first time I’ve seen an opening date announced. Nov. 16th sounds great!

Job details after the jump. (more…)

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