I think the folks of Bloomingdale have been teased more than any other neighborhood in the city. Ugh. Thanks to a reader for sending the word that the old Fire House at 1626 N Capitol St, NW is on the market again (for $1,100,000).
Last we heard back at the end of July the space was slated to become a three level restaurant. This news may have gotten a bit overshadowed by Big Bear’s liquor license travails.
Keep knocking wood for Rustik Tavern to open up soon…
“Dear PoP,
A friend of mine has gone to the newly opened We the Pizza on Capitol Hill (305 Pennsylvania Ave SE) where a specialty slice of pizza is $4. When paying he was charged $4.44 instead of the $4.40 which is what is expected given the 10 per cent restaurant tax. The manager, when asked, said that the extra 1 per cent was “environmental” and that he didn’t have to pay it.
What gives here?”
Has anyone else heard of this tax? Is it really optional?
Update: Thanks to @Capital Spice for sending a link to Chowhound which explains:
“Far from it. Good Stuff Eatery, which promotes recycling and whose kitchen staff uses “bio-smart” towels, prides itself on “trying to be as green as we can,” says Catherine Mendelsohn, the restaurant’s director of operations and mother of chef Spike Mendelsohn, formerly of TV’s “Top Chef.”
The enviro charge is “around 1 percent” of the bill, she explains, and “if anyone disagrees with it, we’ll remove the charge.” (So far, she has had no takers.) Why not just add the cost to the price of a meal? “I like people to know what they’re paying for,” says Mendelsohn. — Tom Sietsema”
And since we’re talking about it, how’s the pizza here?
Eat Wonky is of course the new food truck serving poutine among other things. They can be followed on twitter here. Anyone have a chance to try them out yet?
On a side note, another reader writes in to remind us about the possibility that legislation will hurt or kill food trucks in DC. You can show your support for food trucks here.
Looks like this new restaurant is going to take over half of the Bartleby’s Books space at 1132 29th Street, NW. The alcohol application license says:
“Mediterranean style restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner specialties to include homemade pastas, sauces, wood-grilled seafood and meats. No entertainment. Seating capacity is 120. Summer Garden seating capacity is 60. Total occupancy load is 180.”
Well definitely judge them when they open. Any fans of the bookstore?
Ceiba is located at 701 14th St, NW. I was able to try this place out for a restaurant week lunch and thought it was really good. (I had the steak.) I’ve heard others say that it was way overrated. What do you guys think – fair, good, great or completely overrated? You can see their dinner menu here.
The painting looks good. Sadly they covered up the mural that was on the side. And I can’t even find the photo I took of it…
We judged El Paraiso here.
“Dear PoP,
Saw this sign on the window of the former Lawson’s, just behind the Krispy Kreme in Dupont Circle. Can it be true?”
It’s true! The old Lawsons is becoming a Panera, right outside the Dupont South Metro stop.
Since my beloved Yanni’s closed in Cleveland Park, lots of readers mentioned Greek Deli as the place to get the best gyro in town. So I thought they deserved a proper judging restaurants post. Greek Deli is located at 1120 19th St, NW. Besides the gyro are there any other must order items? How crowded do they get over lunchtime? You can see their menus here.
And nearby at 1107 19th St, NW is Schakolad Chocolate Factory. I was just curious if any chocolate fans were familiar with this spot?
Ed. Note: Whenever we talk Greek food someone mentions the Greek Spot at 11th and U St, NW. You can see a profile by Tina here.
“Dear PoP,
Any word on Bella Cafe on Florida? I see they’re open, wondering about the menu, etc.”
I’m happy to report that Bella Cafe has opened at 900 Florida Ave, NW (by the 9:30 Club) in the old Asmara Cafe space. I stopped by and the place is looking great though there are not tons of bells and whistles.
I took some photos of the menu after the jump. Anyone check them out yet? (more…)
There’s been a lot of anticipation about the opening of Beau Thai at the corner of NJ and R St, NW. We took a sneak peek at the menu here. So here’s the early word from a few readers:
“I stopped in for some dinner after work, and can at least say that the Pad Se Ew is delicious. They were only taking cash yesterday, but said they expected to be taking credit cards either today or tomorrow.”
and
“It was good. Nothing special, but very good. You really can’t get Thai food wrong though, I’ve never had inedible Thai food. The owner is the sister of Thai X-ing, they both learned to cook from their mother and are all originally from Thailand.”
Any other early reviews yet? Remember so far it is only take out but hopefully in Sept. sit down will be an option as well.