On Monday we learned that Blockbuster was closing on Columbia Road in Adams Morgan. It turns out it’s not all bad news for that section of Columbia Road. Across the street at 1824 Columbia Rd, NW the old 90 Minute Cafe space is going to become a Pitazzi Mediterranean Delites restaurant.
I’ll be sure to check back when they open up.
When peeking in the window of the old Blimpie space in Chinatown I happened to spot some architectural plans in the window. Looks like a Zpizza may be coming. Anyone ever heard of them before?
Apparently they’re a chain from California and their Web site says:
zpizza was founded in the art colony of Laguna Beach, California, where creativity and craftsmanship have flourished for almost a century. So it comes as no surprise that our critically acclaimed pizza is a true Laguna original. A passion for great food is why we start with dough made from 100% organic wheat flour prepared fresh every day, hand-thrown and fire-baked until uniquely crisp. Our zest for quality continues when the toppings go on. We combine select ingredients using award-winning skim mozzarella from Wisconsin, certified organic tomato sauce, MSG-free pepperoni, additive-free sausage, and fresh produce. Our gourmet salads and sandwiches are just as delicious.
Anyone ever try one of their northern Virginia locations? Their Web site also confirms a coming soon to Washington DC.
The plans say 799 9th St, NW but the old Blimpie space is actually on H St, NW… More as construction advances
Flippin’ Pizza is located at 1745 Connecticut Avenue, NW. They’ve been open for over a month now so I thought I’d check if anyone has tried them out yet. If so, how do they rank compared to other places around town? Are they more of a slice place or a proper pie place?
Fruit Bat is the new bar from the folks behind Wisdom located at 1236 H St, NE between the Pug and Granville Moore’s. Anyone have a chance to check the spot out yet?
And for those keeping track of my scuttlebutt…
And I was surprised to see bags over the windows at Naby’s Island Restaurant located at 1128 H Street, NE. Anyone know if they’ve closed for good or are just getting renovated? They got great reviews when we discussed the best Jamaican spots in town.
I know they’ve only been open for a little more than a week but I’m dying to hear from folks. There was a lot of anticipation when we heard that Desperados was moving into the old Polly’s space at 1342 U St, NW. Maybe it’s too early for a proper judging but for those who’ve checked them out, what are your initial thoughts re: their burgers and the overall atmosphere?
“Dear PoP,
My husband and I were at Sala Thai (Petworth) this past Saturday for some tasty sushi. I think they usually have live music on Saturdays, and that night was no exception. The band was great, but when they stopped for a break, a uniformed police officer who was eating dinner asked the keyboardist whether he (the officer) could try out the keyboard for a bit. The band had no objection, and the officer proceeded to entertain the restaurant with a few songs (all of which I recognized, but none for which I know the name unfortunately). The officer was great, and the restaurant loved it. Just wanted to give a shout-out both to the band who let it happen and the officer who entertained us.”
I know I should’ve saved this for a caption contest but I needed a smile after the trauma of yesterday’s weather and fire…
Listrani’s has a few locations but the DC location is in the Palisades at 5100 MacArthur Blvd, NW. You can see their menus here. Anyone know how far they deliver? Any fans? Must order items?
Since this photo was taken, a polished concrete countertop now adorns the half wall you see.
Earlier in the week I mentioned that Beau Thai a new restaurant will be opening up at the corner of R and New Jersey Ave, NW. At first we thought takeout would open Monday, then Thursday, now I’m hearing on twitter and elsewhere that it is now looking like a Friday opening. But I was able to get my hands on a menu which you can see in a pdf below:
If you can’t open the PDF and have a magnifying glass:
And here’s a bit more info from a Shaw resident working with the new restaurant:
“Beau Thai will initially operate as a fast food establishment due to zoning restrictions. Earlier this year, we submitted an application for a special exception to change the existing nonconforming use (fast food) into another nonconforming use (restaurant). Last month, ANC2C voted unanimously in favor of supporting our application, as did the Convention Center Community Association. We have a hearing before the Board of Zoning Adjustment on September 21, 2010 about our application. If all continues to go well, Beau Thai will be able to operate as a sit down restaurant soon thereafter.
I have sampled many of the items on the menu; the food is FANTASTIC! It’s so fresh, tasty, and authentic. Additionally, the space is really beautiful, with exposed brick walls, crystal pendant lights, dark hardwood floors, etc. As a Shaw resident myself, I can say Beau Thai will be a true asset for the neighborhood and I’m very excited about its opening!”
This’ll be located in the building in the middle of the photo above. You can see the liquor license application taped on, which says:
“New restaurant specializing in French baked goods such as breads, crepes, sandwiches, soups and pastries. Occupancy load is 40.”
Could this be the bakery that so many have been pining for?
Where do you currently go for fresh bread?
Looks like this building had been boarded up for a while:
“Dear PoP,
Maybe you’d be interested to know that Sabores has “unexpectedly closed” (Groupon had emailed everyone who had bought a Groupon for Sabores about receiving a refund). I have no idea why but it has been closed for quite a while. The rumor on the CP listserve was that is was due to “electrical problems” and that they were working it out with the landlords. The sign said that it was closed due to “complications”.”
And by today they also mean tomorrow
I’ve been getting a few emails about the closure of Sabores. This comes on the heels of last Sunday’s closure of the great Yanni’s Greek restaurant located across the street from Sabores. Sabores was located at 3433 Connecticut Ave, NW.
Were there any fans?
Update: Sept. 10 – a reader reports that Sabores has re-opened.