Back in early March we learned that Leftbank was closing its doors at 2424 18th St., NW. We knew that a restaurant was going to take its place but we now know that Slaviya, an Eastern European restaurant has opened up in the space.

I had a chance to chat with one of the new owners over the weekend. In addition to an Eastern European restaurant there will also be live music and DJs. Last night they featured a Bulgarian Folk Singer ($10 cover charge). Next Sat. they will be featuring the uber popular Romanian duo, Morandi, who is regularly #1 on MTV Europe according to co-owner Irena. If you want to see Morandi, it will be $30 in advance and $35 at the door and Morandi will go on at midnight (though you can always just go to the restaurant if you are not interested in the music).

Much of the space looks the same though there have been some slight changes. More photos after the jump including photos of the brunch menu. (more…)


Las Placitas is located at 517 8th Street, SE on Barracks Row. I hear that some of the chefs at nearby Barracks Row eateries grab food from this spot. That seems like a pretty high endorsement. You can see their menu here. Any fans? Any must order items?


Lots of folks have been inquiring about the status of Meridian Pint coming to 11th and Park Road, NW. I’m happy to report that the place is progressing nicely and they will be open in about a month (definitely in time for the World Cup). I was able to take a bunch of photos of the progress.


upstairs bar has used some reclaimed detailed old wood

Lots more photos after the jump. (more…)


Thanks to all the readers who wrote in about the new signage here. This is of course the old Rumberos location in the Tivoli at 3345 14th St, NW. I chatted with the GM who said there will be a soft opening Sunday evening and they will be gearing up for a big party on Cinquo de Mayo on Wed.


Before this proper sign went up on Wed. the coming soon banner had been taken down and I received a half dozen emails asking if they were still coming. As the new sign demonstrates, they’re definitely still coming to this space in the Park Place building above the Petworth metro. I’m told that the build out is very far along so we could see them open up in about a month or so.


Does anyone know what restaurant is going into the space next to the (soon to be) Pitango Gelato place in Penn Quarter? They put some signage in the window as a tease. Next door the Pitango looks fairly close to opening:


Jaleo is located at 480 7th Street, NW (with two other locations in Bethesda and Crystal City). The Web site says:

“Under the direction world-reknowned chef José Andrés, Jaleo’s menu offers diners an extensive selection of more than 60 different hot and cold tapas, little dishes, reflecting the rich regional diversity of classical and contemporary Spanish cuisine. The bar boasts a wide variety of Spanish red, white and rosé wines, available by the glass, as well as a selection of sherries.”

Since Oyamel is so nearby (401 7th Street, NW) and also owned by the same group that owns Jaleo, I thought I’d ask which folks like better. I realize that Jaleo is Spanish and Oyamel is Mexican but if you had to choose between the two, which would you say is better or are they equally good?


Cafe Green is located at 1513 17th St, NW and takes up two floors. There had been a coming soon sign at this spot for ages, so when I walked by last weekend I was, happily, shocked to see them open. I was able to chat with one of their owner and GM, Jimmy Cooney (the other partner owns Java Green located at 1020 19th St, NW).


Upstairs dining area

So here’s what I learned:

They will be having their grand opening in late May but they “will be having a big opening party this coming Saturday, May 1st, from 11 am to 11 pm. A Gift Card Raffle, Music, and Specials on the menu will round out the day”.

They will soon have a full bar including liquor, wine including organic wine, beer, juice and coffee.

Below is a desert and beverage menu that will have some minor changes:

Café Green Beverage Dessert Menu 4.19.10

Below is the dining menu:

Cafe_Green_Dining_Menu_4_27_10

They will soon be serving brunch as well.

A few more photos after the jump including a photo of the soft opening menus. (more…)


Woah, don’t know how I missed this last Friday. Thanks to Jeff for sending the link. Washington Business Journal reported on Friday:

Z-Burger’s on the move. The company is planning locations in Southwest and White Marsh, and is negotiating leases in Columbia Heights and near the Navy Yard as well.”

Any fans of Z Burger? I’ve never actually eaten at one. I’ll be sure to keep my eyes peeled to see where in Columbia Heights they might open up. Maybe this solves the mystery of 3313 11th St, NW


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