Tomatillo Taqueria is located at 1347 Connecticut Ave NW serving out of the Big Hunt space. According to Yelp it looks like it has been open since October and their users seem to like it. What’s the word here? Anyone try them out yet?
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Restaurants
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Last week I mentioned that Rogue States was coming soon. This past weekend I was able to chat with owner and chef, Raynold Mendizabal, of Rogue States. First off, they are trying to open this week, though they are still awaiting some permit approvals so this week might be a bit ambitious. Their mission is written write on the wall:
“To be a rogue member of the fast food industry, serving great artisan food in an undeniably chic environment.”
Still a bit of work going on inside:
All of their burgers are half pound and will cost $7. It is interesting to note that when they do open the place will be open from 11am – 5am daily. I’m not too familiar with food options open this late in DC. I see this as a positive development for late night eating in DC.
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I’ve always been a pretty big fan of LZ Restaurant located on Florida Ave. just west of 14th. I really enjoyed their gyros. Sadly the last 4 times I’ve walked by the space has been closed. Has anyone else noticed this? It was a pretty tough location that was a bit off the beaten path. I hope it’s just a temporary closing.
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Potter’s House is located at 1658 Columbia Road NW. We took a look back in August 2008. A reader recently writes:
“This past Saturday I walked down to Tryst to do some reading and could not find a single seat – understandable since it’s a nice location to have a drink, people watch, and socialize. After doing two “laps” around trying to find a seat, I eventually left and started my cold walk back home. One my way, I passed The Potter’s House on Columbia Rd., and figured, why not, I’ll give it a try. I’m really glad I did! There are no baristas and it’s not quite the “scene” that Tryst is, but it’s warm, relatively empty, clean, and cozy.”
Anyone other fans out there?
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New York Pizza is located in the old chicken spot (either Popeyes or KFC, can’t remember which) on North Capitol Street, NE not far from Florida Ave. A buddy of mine lives nearby and says it’s decent. For folks that live in Eckington/Bloomingdale have you tried it out yet? Is it better than fast food chicken?
For folks that live in this area, please also let me know if there are any other restaurants nearby that I should check out. And in other North Capitol news, I was recently emailed the North Capitol Street Cloverleaf Feasibility Study.
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Bistro Cacao recently opened up at 320 Mass Ave., NE. They just announced they are starting a brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am – 3pm. From their Web site:
“Bistro Cacao is the third restaurant venture in DC for the Bolukbasi Brothers. Their first concept was Mezè in Adams Morgan which has given Washington, DC a taste of authentic Turkish cuisine and Istanbul nightlife for more than a decade. Their second venture is Ezme in Dupont Circle which offers select wines and fine small plates for weary Washingtonians and travelers alike.
In Bistro Cacao’s historic location we now invite you to enjoy our new concept of modern bistro-style French cuisine in a romantically charming and comfortable setting blending old France with modern creative touches.”
You can see their menus here.
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Toscana Cafe and Catering in a new(ish) spot located at 601 2nd Street, NE (not far from Union Station). A friend of mine on the Hill says their sandwiches are fantastic. You can see their menus here. Anyone check them out yet?
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We’ve been following the progress of this building as well as its tenants for quite a while. (No more word on Vegetate taking the second floor…) But the good news is that John Andrade of Asylum has sealed the deal on his project Meridian Pint. I spoke with John on Monday afternoon and took a quick tour of the property. First of all, the property is huge! I had no idea how large it was. Here’s what the first floor looks like:
I’m not sure if the photo properly conveys the size but it is 3000 square feet. And the basement is also 3000 square feet. So this is quite a big project. I took a look at the floor plans and the set up promises to be pretty sweet. The basement section, which will be more of a bar than restaurant, will be called The Joint Chiefs. In this space you will have 3 pool tables (available by the hour), a hand shuffle board table, and 25 American Craft beers on tap including one cask.
On the first floor, the space will feature the Restaurant – Meridian Pint. Here you will have booths, tables, a bar, and of course 25 American Craft beers on tap (there will be no bottles or cans). The menu will feature “contemporary American cuisine with an international flair”. When the weather warms up there will also be an outdoor seating patio area. They will feature a brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 9am – 3pm.
At the moment, John plans to open both spaces by early June in time for the World Cup (Soccer). During the World Cup the space will be open during lunch and will show the games. There will be four televisions in the basement space. For those that have been to Churchkey and Birch & Barley on 14th St. in Logan Circle – there is a similar layout here. The layout is similar in that there will be one space that is more of a restaurant with a bar and one space that is more of a bar that will also serve food.
One last cool aspect John told me about was some planned bicycling trips for customers. He hopes to be able to take some folks on tours of breweries and vineyards in Virginia to see where many of the beers and wines you are drinking come from.
All in all the whole project sounds pretty sweet. And now I have another reason to look forward to the World Cup. Allez Les Bleus!
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House of Philly is located at 2311 Calvert Street, NW in Woodley Park. I don’t think we’ve ever judged this place before. I think back in the day I once got a slice of pizza here… Anyone ever try the Philly cheesesteaks here? Are you glad to see it being renovated or would you prefer a new spot all together open up.
Incidentally, The old crepe spot, Cafe de Paris, which closed last March is still for lease located right above the House of Philly.
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Ed. Note: thanks to a reader for sending the initial heads up about Enology closing.
Enology Wine Bar located at 3238 Wisconsin Avenue, NW has closed and will reopen as Alliance Tavern:
Word on the street was that the owners will remain the same. However, the new place seems like it will be much more casual than Enology. A sign said that new space will also have a DJ.
I wonder if this is the beginning of the end of the Wine bar trend? But before I jump to conclusions I have to add that this location may be cursed as it seems to change businesses/names every few years. What do you guys think – has the wine bar trend run its course? Do you think we’ll see other wine bars around town either close or change their style?