Rocklands is located at 2418 Wisconsin Avenue, NW. I know we have lots of bbq fans so I’m curious if there are any fans of Rocklands? Walking by the spot smelled delicious. Many folks mentioned Rocklands when we discussed best bbq in the city. So I thought it deserved its own post. For the fans, what do you like best? Any must order items?
Thaitanic II located on 14th Street just south of Meridian (in the Allegro building) looks very close to opening. The inside looks quite nice (though my photos came out too dark to post, will return for more soon!).
Ashley runs the Web site, From Komi to Marvin which she describes: “After living in D.C. my entire life, I realized that I had only eaten at a third of the restaurants on the Washingtonian 100 Best list. So I decided to take a year, and eat at every single one–no matter how geographically far away, or culinarily unappealing. I’m not a reviewer, just a gal who loves to eat.” Ashley last wrote about Food Trends for PoP here.
There comes a day a couple times a summer where the humidity drops to a tolerable level, the breeze blows in and the temperature stays in the double digits. On those days, Washingtonians feel the need to do something—anything—outside to take advantage of these bits of good fortune. I hate to jog, I burn too easily to sit by the pool, and I have no dog to walk. So what do I do? I eat. And I love it. I like brunching with my sunglasses on, water glass sweating profusely, swatting mosquitoes through my meal. Unfortunately, D.C. doesn’t have a ton of options for outdoor dining. Yes, there are many places that throw a few tables on the sidewalk, but I like restaurants that have put some thought in to their al fresco options. Hope is not lost though; there are a growing number of restaurants with us sun seekers in mind.
Now I’m a gal who loves a good roof deck, not only because there’s more sun and fun three stories up, but I also like the option to toss my food over the side when it fails to impress. Sadly, I have found that when a restaurant has good food they never have roof decks. Or if there’s a roof deck, the food is a few steps down from a Lunchable. But since there is an exception to every rule, Perry’s in Adams Morgan comes through with some nice food and a pretty wonderful roof deck. You can snack on sushi and tapas as you giggle at the drunken fake I.D. crowd stumbling up and down 18th St.
Since we can’t subsist on roof decks alone, fortunately there are significantly more restaurants in our fine city with nice patios. Probably my favorite in town is the one at Leopold’s Kafe in Georgetown. Set back off M St. in the quaint and quiet Cady’s Alley, you can sit by a fountain and sip your (very strong) coffee and have some nice Austrian fare. It’s oh so European that you almost expect your change to come back in Euros. Another great urban oasis patio is the one at Poste. Nestled in the middle of the Hotel Monaco in Chinatown, you would never know you were right next to the Verizon Center if not for the occasional face-painted Caps fan wandering through. Their new “Poste Roast” dinners—family style meals of an entire roasted pig, goat, squab, or lamb among other delicious creatures—serve to remind me that the dinner parties I put together for my friends are pretty lackluster. The patio at Brasserie Beck deserves a mention since their food and beer is great sustenance for a long and leisurely evening spent with friends. But be forewarned that there isn’t much to look at while sitting outside, save for the occasional Circulator bus every 12-14 minutes. Continues after the jump (more…)
As mentioned yesterday, Fasil, the new Ethiopian restaurant located at 1608 7th St, NW will have it’s grand opening party July 24-26. Per IMGoph’s observation I also believe they are currently open this will just be the festive grand opening. By the by I thought I read somewhere that the chef is from Dukem anyone know if that’s the case?
And in bittersweet news we will be losing the great “Dan the Man’s” sign at 1936 9th Street, NW. There is a major renovation going on inside. The folks I spoke to said it was going to become either an Ethiopian or Eritrean restaurant.
One of my favorite topics for sure. So this past weekend I was discussing pizza with some friends and two spots were mentioned that I was unfamiliar with. First is Italy Pizza at 634 Florida Ave, NW.
Second is Baffetto at 2005 18th Street, NW:
What’s the scoop on these places. Great pizza or only good when you’ve had a few beers?
Back in June a number of folks were wondering what was going on with Zenebech Injera, the Ethiopian restaurant located at 608 Florida Ave, NW. I’m happy to report that I was able to go into the restaurant on Monday and it looks nearly finished. I spoke with one of the owners who said that they will open up sometime next week. They will call me when they pick the exact day. But like I said, the inside appeared nearly finished, so you’ll soon be able to get your Zenebech back on!
iPOH Asian Cuisine is located at 2625 Connecticut Ave. NW on the 2nd floor. The place looks pretty nice, you can see some photos here. This place is relatively new as I used to go to a take out Chinese place here back in the day. You can see their menu here. Anyone have a chance to check them out yet?
Above is the location we spoke about located at 1832 14th Street, NW. It will tentatively be named Table 14.
Above is the spot next to Columbia Heights Coffee that we spoke about here. It will tentatively be named Barrio.
Wow, I got an email/press release with tons of details:
The new restaurants announced by Local 16 will be located at 1832 14th St. NW and 3418 11th St. NW; both locations will be open by spring of 2010. Owners for announced locations include: Aman Ayoubi, restaurateur and owner of Local 16 and co-owner of 18th Street Lounge and Josephine; Eric Gronning of Gronning Architects, the design firm behind CommonWealth, Cork, Hank’s Oyster Bar and Marvin; and Doug Whipple of Whipple Farm. Much of the produce for each location will come from owner Whipple’s farm in Rixeyville, Va., and a network of other farmers.
Whipple Farms, a 160-acre, biodynamic farm nestled in the Virginia Piedmont region, is not only partnering in the new restaurant ventures on 14th and 11th Streets, but also supplies Local 16 and other area restaurants with locally and biodynamically grown heirloom vegetables. Local 16 has been providing financial support to expand the farm’s operations.
Executive Chef Eric McKamey will continue his role at Local 16, in addition to overseeing the menu and kitchen operations at the new restaurants.
“Eric has been a wonderful addition to Local 16,” said Local 16 owner Aman Ayoubi. “For such a young age, he brings with him a wealth of knowledge as well as an obvious talent for creating incredible and comforting dishes based on his new-old take on cuisine.”
“Working with such amazing, quality ingredients is, in and of itself, an inspiration,” said Chef McKamey. “Dedication to local food sourcing and the fostering relationships with local growers and farmers is a cause I take very seriously.”
One restaurant, tentatively named Table 14 (1832 14th St. NW), is scheduled to open in early 2010. This location will offer three distinct experiences on each of its floors. The main level is conceived as a farm-to-table restaurant serving modern American cuisine with an Italian influence. This level spans 2,000 square feet with plans for 60 table seats, 15 bar seats, 12 cocktail/counter seats and 16 outdoor seats. Interior will utilize existing textures and historical elements of the building. Features will include a two-story atrium space and an open kitchen.
The second floor will feature a large yakitori grill and bar. It will be designed as a light-filled space overlooking a green roof and garden space. It will feature a bar and table seating with a balcony overlooking 14th Street. The third floor will be a flexible special events space offering views of 14th Street and a small roof deck.
Barrio (3418 11th St. NW), also tentatively named, is slated to open at the end of 2009. It will feature the same consortium of owners in addition to Lori Robertson, a Washington D.C. journalist. The establishment will serve as an affordable, comfortable neighborhood spot, offering a selection of Latin-influenced and American food. The menu will be small with a focus on home-style cooking and vibrant flavors.
“We are very excited about the upcoming openings,” said Ayoubi. “These two eclectic neighborhoods — 14th Street and Columbia Heights — and the wonderful people who live there have been an inspiration to us. We hope the Washington community receives much enjoyment [from the restaurants] for many years to come.”
Biographies after the jump. How do these spots sound to you? (more…)
Ercilia’s is located at 3070 Mount Pleasant St, NW. Those on Yelp are big fans of the pupusas. What do you guys think – thumbs up or down? Is it better as a carry out or eat in? Any other notable dishes besides the pupusas?
Ulah Bistro is located at 1214 U Street, NW. It’s always great to see more outdoor dining options.