I recently heard someone raving about the food tents found on Columbia Road, NW in the little triangle park a block east of 18th St. So what’s the word here – are the empanadas the must order item or is there something that shouldn’t be missed? Is one tent better than the others? How are the prices?
Progress on the Red Derby (3718 14th St. NW at Quincy) roof deck is progressing nicely. I hear anywhere from two to four more weeks until completion. Nevertheless, I can’t look at the above picture without smiling.
And in nearby news at 3513 14th Street, NW I was happy to see Pho Viet get some outdoor seating. Upper 14th Street looking good!
“Dear PoP,
I was wondering if you had heard anything about the new Indian restaurant opening at 1700 Pennsylvania NW soon – they’re supposedly opening in the space on Pennsylvania between the Wachovia and the parking garage. There are some permits posted on the door but I can’t find anything about it on the Internet. My coworkers and I are chomping at the bit waiting for this place to open and I was hoping you had heard something!”
I checked this place, Spice Indian Bistro, out on my Sun. walkabout hoping to bring you good news. Alas, when I peeked in the window, it seems a lot of work is still left before it comes anywhere close to resembling a restaurant. Ed. Note: When I was peeking in the window and taking photographs this is one of the few buildings where the security guard immediately came out and asked me what the hell I was doing (nicely). I’m not sure if it is because of proximity to the White House but A+ for that security firm. It looks like the space was formerly the lobby or offices to a lawfirm so if I had to guess I’d say there’s still at least another month or more of build out before they open for business. I’ll be sure to update when that happens.
Estadio is located at 1520 14th Street, NW. When we first heard about Estadio coming to this space there was pretty big anticipation. The expectations seem to have been met as it is nearly impossible to get a seat here unless you plan way ahead. Is the adult slushie really that good?
What are the other must order items on the menu?
“Dear PoP,
My partner and I headed to Georgia Ave in search of food. We were aiming for Moroni and Bros., but passed by the new RAS and noticed it was open. One of the proprietors came out to greet us and invite us in. She explained that it is an Ethiopian/Jamaican blend of menu items. There was a large party in the back – apparently friends and family – celebrating the opening. I think we were the only paying customers. Anyway, we ordered two light meals and the food was fantastic! Spicy chicken wings were nicely seasoned and not fatty at all, and the gouda grits were amazing. They offer three types of chicken wings and other miscellaneous dishes and sides. My partner ordered the Bake and Vegetables and loved it, especially the interesting bread. They specialize in “Bake and Shark” which the waitress said was fantastic, so I’ll try that next. And prices are great.
I’d like to note that the people were so gracious and welcoming. The chef visited our table, and the owners visited and offered us some “birthday cake.” All in all, I was very impressed and they appear to be fully open and ready for business. Another great addition to the neighborhood!”
Photos of inside and see the menu after the jump. (more…)
TBD’s Sommer Mathis is reporting some potentially very good news:
“Fans of Cleveland Park’s Dino, commence salivating. Chef/Owner Dean Gold says he’s conducting a serious search for a location to open a second restaurant.
Among the neighborhoods Gold is looking at most closely are Dupont Circle, Capitol Hill, and Columbia Heights.”
We judged Dino’s Cleveland Park location here. If they open a new place in Columbia Heights, I will once again attempt a back flip…
Back in Feb. ’09 we learned that Everlasting Life, located at 2928 Georgia Ave, NW, had temporarily closed for renovations. While renovations took a little longer than expected a reader sends in word and a few shots of the renovated space looking good:
“They still have a vegan deli, they added a stage, tables, and a bar. They are working on a liquor license.”
Thanks to a reader for sending the heads up. Stars bistro was located at 2120 P St, NW. We judged it back in June ’09.
It seems like new Italian restaurants are nearly as big as food trucks. Anyone ever hear of Vento before? A google search shows that there was a Vento in New York’s meat packing district but it closed it not too long ago. Not sure if there is any relation but stay tuned for more info as it becomes available.
Back in July we first heard about the burger fumes lawsuit where a law firm, Steptoe & Johnson, is suing Rogue States located at 1300 Connecticut Ave, NW.
Thanks to a reader for sending the update from The Blog of Legal Times:
“Steptoe & Johnson is getting what they ordered in their dispute with a local burger joint.
In a hearing yesterday, D.C. Superior Court Judge John Mott granted Steptoe’s request for a preliminary injunction and ordered Rogue States, A Burger Company to come up with a way to stop emitting offensive odors within 30 days or risk facing court-ordered penalties. Mott also set Oct. 4 as the trial date in the ongoing burger dispute.”
Mie N Yu is located at 3125 M Street, NW. Their Web site says:
“Executive Chef Tim Miller has a passion for being true to ethnic cuisines from cultures along the ancient Silk Road. After all chef Miller is not only trained in Culinary Arts, but is an Anthropology major as well. Just like the American story, the Silk Road was, and is, a fusion of cultures. For a chef and anthropologist, exploring the cuisines and cultures of the Silk Road represent endless possibilities.
Mie N Yu partners with local farmers to bring the best that the region has to offer in meats, seafood, dairy, and produce.”
You can see their menus here. Any fans?