Back in January I mentioned that Bella was going to take the space of the old Asmara Cafe at 900 Florida Ave, NW (across the street from 9:30 Club). I had the opportunity to peek inside and have a quick chat with the owner. First of all this place has been completely gutted and redone. Bella will take up two floors. They will have some music occasionally on the second floor. He expects to open in about 2 months. I’ll be sure to update with more photos as the construction progresses.
It has been almost a year since I noticed DC Noodles opened up at 1410 U St, NW. A friend who works nearby says it is fantastic. You can see their menu here. Any fans?
And for the curious you can see their controversial mural here.
Sushi Taro is located at 1503 17th Street, NW. I’ve wondered how this place is given its proximity to some of the best restaurants in the city. You can see their menus here. Any fans?
Photo by PoPville flickr user ewilfong
From an email:
“After working with Compassion Over Killing, Tonic Restaurant on Mt. Pleasant St. has just added a brand new vegan menu in addition to their current menu. They are now offering poblano pepper, broccoli risotto, and a lot more! In order to celebrate the new menu, DC Vegan Drinks is being hosted at Tonic on April 5th at 7 pm.”
While we’re on the topic, I’m still waiting to hear if Vegetate has found a new home.
We first learned of this great name back in August ’09. Now that it’s been open a bit I’m wondering what folks think of the food? While I’m curious about the kabob, I’m equally curious about the pizza. Anyone check them out yet?
Wow, this is huge news. Alero currently has three locations in Cleveland Park, Dupont and in U Street. The space where Alero is moving into was formerly the home of Rumberos which after some confusion actually did close in Sept. ’09.
I called the U Street Alero location and they confirmed to me that indeed they will be opening another location in the Tivoli at 3345 14th St, NW. They hope to open some time in April. Thanks to a reader for the tip and stay tuned for more details as they become available. In the meantime you can see their current menus here. Think this is a good fit for the location?
A reader wrote in saying that it closed rather abruptly. I walked by this weekend to snap a photo and saw some permits in the window. It said the proposed use will continue to be a restaurant. Does anyone know if it will remain Jack’s or become a new restaurant?
Thanks to a reader for sending the great news:
“I was walking past today at Solea and saw this alcohol license in the window for Du Vin Osteria. A wine bar and small plates restaurant with seating for 199 and patio seating for 28. Very exciting news, especially with Pica taco moving in across the way.”
The alcohol license says:
“New tavern. Small plates. Formaggi selections and Charcuterie selections. Occupancy load 199. Sidewalk Café seating for 28.”
I’m psyched to hear they’ll also have a sidewalk cafe.
We discussed the non profit going into Solea here.
Update: Thanks to a reader for sending a bit more info from a Facebook page:
Du Vin Osteria was conceived as a wine and tapas bar found in rural towns in the South of France and Northern Italy. I liked both places so much I wanted to mesh the best of both worlds and create a rustic unpretentious place where people gather to savor wines, artisanal /seasonal beers, swanky drinks and eat hearty small meals while indulging in conversation or reading the paper. We also will have an outdoor café with table service to dine alfresco for your most enjoyment during the spring and summer seasons.
Our Wine selection will be dynamic and embody not only excellent vintage but also simple “vin de table” wines for on-site consumption. We will also have in hopes in the future months have a section of the Osteria particularly on the lower level called The Du VinMarket that will comprise of wines, artisanal and seasonal beers for retail purchase to go.
The food will be comprises of a variety of small plates, great bread, International cheeses, bruschettas, charcuterie, olives, desserts and more to be shared with one another.
I hope to give an enjoyable sense of comfort, away from our daily hectic schedule; a throw back to some old rustic country living…where time stands still for Du Vin…
David M. Shott-Proprietor
I believe PoPtrekker videoographer, Intangible Arts, is a huge fan. Rita’s is located at 3322 Georgia Avenue, NW. They got some solid reviews on Yelp. One user recommends the Curry goat or chicken roti. Any other fans out there? Any recommendations on particular dishes?
Bistro Bistro is located at 1727 Connecticut Ave NW. We noted their grand opening back in June ’09 (for some reason that post got messed up but the comments are still there).
I know folks are fond of the nearby Bistrot du Coin.
I think enough time has passed to properly judge Bistro Bistro. You can see their menus here. Any fans?