Restaurants

Cranes by Pepe Moncayo to Open February 8 “exploring the intersections of Spanish and Japanese cuisine via Mid-Atlantic ingredients”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo: Rey Lopez

From a press release:

“Today, chef Pepe Moncayo announces a February 8 opening for Cranes, his first U.S. restaurant and sake lounge exploring the intersections of Spanish and Japanese cuisine via Mid-Atlantic ingredients. Cranes will debut its Spanish kaiseki menu for dinner service in Washington, D.C.’s Penn Quarter neighborhood at 724 9th St. NW in the former Ruth’s Chris space. The 12,000-square foot restaurant has 50 bar seats, a main dining room that seats 175 and a private dining room that can seat up to 25 people. Cranes will be open seven days a week and offer a weekday happy hour, with lunch to follow shortly after opening. Chef and co-owner Pepe Moncayo comes to D.C. most recently from Singapore, where his restaurant BAM! is a standout, and brings an impressive resume that began with his culinary upbringing in Barcelona, where he worked with famed chef Santi Santamaria as well as Javier and Sergio Torres. (more…)

“Where to find best French Toast?”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Erin

Wendy asks: “since you have been posting several “Best (food option)” around town, can you ask the community, where to find best French Toast? Not soggy, not covered in fruit or fruity syrup but yum yum worthy. Places have pancakes & waffles, looking for French Toast. THANKS!”

End of a (mini) Era – Petworth Citizen will close February 1st

By Prince Of Petworth


829 Upshur Street, NW

Petworth Citizen announced they are closing on their Facebook last night:

“Change is coming!

Join us for our final two weeks. We close on February 1 to make way for the next exciting project.

We’ll be sad to say goodbye. Come and have a drink with us!”

They link to a Petworth News story that says:

“The space occupied currently by Citizen at 829 Upshur will be merged with the space at 827 Upshur held by Loyalty Bookstore, owned by Hannah Oliver Depp. The two spaces will be combined into a larger restaurant / bar/ bookstore.”

Petworth Citizen opened in the former Island Cafe space back in September 2013. When they first opened they played a huge role in the gentrification/revitalization of Upshur Street and Petworth in general. Upshur Street Books rebranded under new ownership as the Loyalty bookstore in February 2019. Stay tuned.

Back in the day: (more…)

“bartaco is inspired by the beach culture of brazil, uruguay and southern california.”

By Prince Of Petworth


5th and K St, NW

Thanks to Daniel and Sherri for the good sleuthing on this tip: “Bartaco is filling the old Busboys and Poets space in Mount Vernon Square.” The Edens website now lists a Bartaco in the CityVista retail. Bartaco’s website says:

“bartaco is inspired by the beach culture of brazil, uruguay and southern california. we are upscale street food with a coastal vibe in a relaxed environment. we are freshly-squeezed juices, specialty cocktails and beer out of a bottle. bartaco evokes a visit to a stylish beach resort and creates an unforgettable experience.” (more…)

“I’m talking plain white bread, a little too much mayo, an obscene amount of bacon, turkey, lettuce, tomato. Perfection.”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Flickr user Luca Ohman

“Dear PoPville,

A somewhat related follow-up to the Cobb/Caesar inquiries: where in DC is the best basic club sandwich? I frequently get the craving for a good, no frills club sandwich, and haven’t found one better than GW Deli in Foggy Bottom (2133 G St NW). I’m talking plain white bread, a little too much mayo, an obscene amount of bacon, turkey, lettuce, tomato. Perfection.

Any competitors around the district?”

“Ambar, is closing for two months on Monday, January 27 to undergo an extensive renovation”

By Prince Of Petworth


rendering courtesy Ambar

From a press release:

“Ivan Iricanin, founder and CEO of Street Guys Hospitality, announces that his landmark restaurant, Ambar, is closing for two months on Monday, January 27 to undergo an extensive renovation. Located at 523 8th Street, SE, 20003, the popular Capitol Hill restaurant just celebrated its seventh anniversary as it opened in January 2013. This crowd pleaser is renowned for introducing Balkan cuisine with a modern twist to the nation’s capital. The restaurant became an immediate success with its set-price dining and popular bottomless brunch. Since opening, Ambar has received numerous accolades including a Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide; “Best Brunch” in Washingtonian magazine’s annual Winner’s Circle of Reader Favorites; TripAdvisor.com’s Traveler’s Choice Award for “Best Everyday Dining Restaurants in the United States”; “Best Brunch” and “Best Restaurant When You Pay” by the Washington City Paper in their annual Best of D.C. awards, as well as Service Program of the Year” and “Casual Brunch of the Year” at the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington annual RAMMY Awards. (more…)

Friday Question of the Day: Favorite Hotel Bar?

By Prince Of Petworth


14th and Rhode Island Ave, NW

Update: “Mason & Rook will remain open throughout all renovations.”

Anyway, it got me thinking about favorite hotel bars/restaurants – so while we wait for Viceroy to open – where’s your current favorites?

Here are the previous best/let’s do this lists for – Carryouts, best Thai, best liquor stores, best Ramen, best Bars, best Indian and Pakistani, best Italian/Pizza/Deli, best Mexican/Salvadoran/Central/Cuban/Latin, best burgers/fries, best bakery/bagels, best Gyms, best Ethiopian , best Sushi, best bookstores, best movie theaters, best sports bars, best barbers and hair salons, best brunch, favorite clothing stores, favorite place to get oysters best breakfast sandwiches, best Tacos, best Farmers Markets best dumplings, best pupusas, best Pho, best Food Trucks, best Chicken Wings, best tots/toppings, best mac and cheese, best shoe repair, best fish n chips and best Crab cakes.

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