Matteo Catalani courtesy Al Volo

Incredibly sad news from the Al Volo team:

“We’ve suffered a massive loss over the weekend. One of Al Volo‘s founding members– the youngest one– Matteo Catalani tragically passed away on Sunday. He was 29. We are all shocked and devastated by the news. Matteo was such a special soul and meant so much to so many people. While he began his journey at Al Volo, Matteo’s true passion was realized when he opened Retrobottega (2435 18th St NW) with Rolando Frias in 2019. Retrobottega is his spirit, and for that reason we are having a get- together for Matteo’s friends and colleagues on Wednesday from 5pm until midnight to commemorate his incredible life and legacy. (more…)



courtesy Tigerella in Western Market (2000 Pennsylvania Ave, NW)

From an email: “Tigerella’s restaurant and bar serving Italian-inspired dishes is now open for lunch service from 11am-3pm daily. Headed by Chef Vincent Falcone and founded by the creators of Mount Pleasant Elle, the cafe menu includes coffee, baked goods, sandwiches and more. Complementing the cafe, the dining room advancement, adds fresh pizzas and rich pastas to the versatile menu. Tigerella is slated to start dinner service in early September.”

Check out the menus: (more…)



Clubhouse interior (Photograph by Nick D’Emilio)

From a press release:

“Clubhouse (1070 Wisconsin Ave NW) will be mixing cocktails, serving fresh coffee and slinging pizza dough in the newly renovated space in Georgetown Park, formerly known as Church Hall. When given the opportunity to re-open, Clubhouse founders Geoff Dawson and Peter Bayne wanted to create an environment that’ll be a gathering spot for everyone in the Georgetown neighborhood.

Clubhouse will open in the mornings for the neighborhood to enjoy a coffee menu curated by Madison Peake, formerly of Tatte Bakery & Cafe Group. Peake has perfected a coffee and breakfast menu including a vanilla bean date latte, breakfast burritos, avocado toast and plenty of croissants to get everyone through their morning Zoom meetings. Clubhouse’s 9,000 square foot space becomes one of the largest work from home spaces in DC.

In the evenings, (more…)



photo courtesy Noches del Caribe

From an email:

“DC’s next big pop-up is just around the corner! Marking National Rum Day, Noches del Caribe, a nod to the Afro-Latin cultures and countries of the Caribbean and one of their biggest exports (rum!), debuts August 16 at Roy Boys’ Shaw location.

Noches del Caribe is a concept created by Luis Aliaga, beverage director at Roy Boys and Casa Kantuta, the Bolivian modern speakeasy pop-up. Similar to Casa Kantuta, Aliaga is drawing inspiration from his own heritage to share with Washingtonians through traditional spirits, signature cocktails and delicious food. Aliaga is half Bolivian and half Venezuelan. Specifically, he grew up spending time on Margarita Island, where his mother is from. (more…)



3200 block Grace Street, NW photo by DC Fire and EMS

DC Fire and EMS reported at 4:25am August 12th: “Update Working Fire 3200 block Grace St NW. #DCsBravest located fire in restaurant kitchen area first floor rear. Visible fire extinguished. Opening up and checking for extension. No injuries.”

Reverie‘s owner Johnny Spero wrote on his IG:

“I can’t begin to explain the range of emotions I’ve encountered this weekend. The one thing that hit me harder then everything going inside my head is the insane outpouring of support from the DC community and beyond. The fire was more devastating than the original story we had posted. The fire and smoke damage is extensive and we will have to completely rebuild. We’ve been saying from day 1 we aren’t going anywhere and this won’t stop us, it will only make us better. We are going to continue to challenge ourselves and push forward. My family and team are thankful for every single message and call and I will keep everyone updated on our progress.”

A GoFundMe has been launched and already raised almost $42,000 as of this morning. The fundraiser’s goal is set at $200,000:

“We are raising money for our colleague and extraordinary friend, Johnny Spero whose flagship restaurant, Reverie, was lost after a brutal fire last night (August 11th). (more…)


Thanks to Josh for sending the update on The Bank Building though uh never mind that, on to the good stuff. The placard for Washoku Room says:

“The establishment will be a restaurant serving authentic Japanese cuisine. Total Occupancy Load of 50 with seating for 35, to include a Carry-Out and Delivery endorsement.”


14th and G Street, NW

The placard for La Grande Boucherie says: (more…)


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