Restaurants

Recommend a Neighborhood Business To Receive a $500 Grant

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

My name is Yvette and I work at LEDC ( Latino Economic Development Corporation). We are offering $500 grants to businesses that have potential but need some graphic design/marketing/other consulting services (the vendor of their choice).”

I suggested the great El Limeno restaurant located on the 200 block of Upshur across from the Hitching Post. What do you guys think – know of any worthy local businesses that could use some graphic design/marketing services? Put your suggestions in the comments section and Yvette will check back at the end of the week.

They previously awarded a grant to Jam Down the new Jamaican restaurant, located at 3303 Georgia Ave., we spoke about last week.

Coming and Going – Signs Edition

By Prince Of Petworth

A reader writes:

“I noticed a bunch of signs for new businesses on 14th street today. Masa 14 and the new Cork market now have “coming soon’ signs.

In sadder news, Shoefly on U appears to have reduced its hours to only be open on weekdays. Hope that’s enough to keep them there.”

And I thought I’d add another from 14th St.:

And in “Going” news it looks like Score the educational center has closed in Columbia Heights (in the plaza where the new fountain is going near Julia’s Empanadas).

Judging Restaurants – I Ricchi

By Prince Of Petworth

I Richhi is located at 1220 19th St., NW. In my quest to find the greatest Italian restaurant it’s time to judge I Richhi. I’m hearing it’s a bit overrated but I’ve also heard folks that love it. You can see their menu here. Any fans? Worth the dough?

Judging Restaurants and Bars – Murphy’s

By Prince Of Petworth

Murphy’s is located at 2609 24th St NW. When I lived in Woodley Park this used to be one of my favorite spots. Recently I noticed lots of folks there during the day. So a couple of questions – is the food any good? Second, with Nanny O’Brien’s (in Cleveland Park) under new ownership, is Murphy’s the best Irish bar left in the city?

Judging Markets/Sandwich Shops – Dupont Market

By Prince Of Petworth

Dupont Market is located at 1807 18th St NW. I’ve often walked by this spot but have never stopped in. Last weekend I was dying of thirst at this point and popped in for a bottle of water. I was surprised to see it was fairly crowded. There was a pretty big wine selection but I’m more curious about the sandwiches. Is this the deli we’ve all been looking for?

PoP Preview – Social – Coming to 14th and Meridian Streets, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

Ever since I had a preview dinner with the folks from Social I’ve been super psyched about its arrival. A press release went out saying they were going to open up Aug. 17th but it is looking like that target will not be hit. I believe they will open up either on Monday, August 24th or sometime that week. They have done all of their hirings and are just waiting on some final permits. I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek and as you can see in the photos below, the place looks great and ready to roll. Just as a refresher the space has two floors. I’ll show the bottom floor first. After the jump see the upper floor and a sneak peek at the menu. I’ll be sure to announce the official opening day when all the permits are squared away, but it shouldn’t be too much longer now!

Downstairs bar:

Downstairs lounge area (dang the photos a bit blurry):

Another angle downstairs:

More photos after the jump. (more…)

New Jamaican Restaurant Opens at 3303 Georgia Ave. NW

By Prince Of Petworth

At 3303 Georgia Ave, a new Jamaican restaurant opened 5 or so days ago. I’m loving the sign:

Lunch Specials are $5.99 and include Curry Chicken, Brown Stew Chicken, Jerk Chicken, Jerk Chicken Salad, and Jerk Sandwich. There are also appetizers and entrees. Some entrees include Curry Goat ($8.99), Brown Stew Snapper ($11.50) and some appetizers include Fried Plantains ($2.20) and Coco Bread ($1.50) of course lots more options available.

In Lieu of a FQotD Please Accept a Sneak Preview of Room 11 (Located at Corner of 11th and Lamont)

By Prince Of Petworth

Forgive me if the following post is not terribly coherent but I am weeping tears of joy as I write this. Plus I’ve had a few glasses of wine… Le Jour de Gloire est arrive. The glorious day has arrived. Or it will arrive Monday, August 10th. As first reported here July 20th the new wine bar, Room 11 is set to open on Monday and had a sneak preview tonight that I was fortunate enough to attend.

It is hard to believe given all the build up but it exceeded my expectations. The place looks fantastic.

Both inside:

And outside:

What is hard to explain is how good the vibe feels. It is simply a very comfortable place. Of course it doesn’t hurt that the wine, food, and proprietors are fantastic! Dan Searing (pictured in the first photo) is one of the nicest people in town and those who remember him from Temperance Hall will surely appreciate his presence here. His famous Punch Club will be continuing on a weekly basis in the near future. In the kitchen is an Aussie, fellow owner and super nice guy, Ben, who will cook up some paninis and eventually some Asian themed food to include possibly Thai Beef Salad, Vietnamese Chicken Salad, Summer Rolls and more.

One of the most delicious things I tasted besides the cheese and prosciutto were the goat cheese cake balls by Paisley Fig:

Room 11 located at the corner of 11th and Lamont Streets, NW is filling a gap for the neighborhood. One of the investors told me, “there is definitely something for everyone, nothing is ordinary. You can find things here that you won’t find anywhere else.” And you’ll also find super nice folks with a super mellow/comfortable vibe. And that’s why I think this place is going to be super successful. Be sure to check them out on Monday. Lots more photos after the jump. (more…)

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