650 Massachusetts Avenue, NW

Mary reports:

“They pealed the stickers off Maison Kayser’s windows this morning at 650 Mass NW. website says the store will open on 2/28.”

Their first location at 1345 F Street, NW opened February 8th. Anyone take an early taste?

“In addition to its world-renowned bread, both Maison Kayser locations feature an array of French pastries and viennoiseries including their award-winning baguettes, pain au chocolat, and best-selling almond croissants, a selection of grab-and-go items, and a French style sit-down café. The same commitment to sourcing and using quality ingredients extends to Maison Kayser’s café, which offers a decadent menu of French, seasonal favorites for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests will be able to enjoy Eric’s favorite French staples including Croque-Madame, Boeuf Bourguinon, Gratinée à L’Oignon, and Poulet Sauce Suprême aux Champignons, smaller bites like the classic Rillette de Canard, Salade Niçoise, and the Traditional Alsatian Quiche; as well as a variety of signature coffees, teas, and fresh juices.

Maison Kayser is open seven days a week from 7:00am – 10:00pm Monday-Friday and 8:00am-8:00pm on Saturday and Sunday.”

Check out their menus here.



2905 Sherman Ave, NW

Vincent reports:

“I have a follow up for Bun DC. It is in fact the same ownership from Pho Viet. I bumped into the owner of Pho Viet inspecting the restaurant from outside and she told me that it is actually her mother’s restaurant, but she will also be a cook. Regardless, the Pho Viet family will have their handprints all over this. She said they are ready to go and could easily open in a week, but have been waiting on DC to inspect the place for months. As a huge Pho Viet fan, DC needs to hurry up and get on this!”

Amen. STAY TUNED.



3311 Connecticut Ave, NW

Thanks to all who messaged me the news from Washingtonian:

“Cleveland Park mainstay Ardeo+Bardeo will serve its final dinner on Sunday after 20 years in business.

The new American eatery is closing to make way for an entirely new concept from restaurateur Ashok Bajaj, who’s behind the Oval Room, Rasika, and Bindaas (among others). The latter Indian street food spot, whose flagship adjoins Ardeo, will remain open as usual during the transition–a revamp that will include a change in cuisine, full design makeover, and new head chef.”

OK it’s no secret that Cleveland Park has faced some restaurant woes of late. This should not be added to that list. Despite the narrative – this news is most welcome. To put it bluntly – Ardeo had gotten stale after 20 years. Couple this with how fantastic Bindaas has been – I can’t wait to see Bajaj’s next vision!! A refresh to a business hindered by the antiquated service lane from such a successful restauranteur like Ashok Bajaj should be celebrated. This may be the only thing to resuscitate some life on this end of the strip with Bindaas. [Al Volo has been a welcome addition on the other end of the block.] Now if Ardeo/Bardeo had closed with no plans for a replacement – it would be a disaster. This is a blessing. I can’t wait to learn more. Stay tuned.



781 7th Street, NW

From a press release:

“Metropolitan Hospitality Group (MHG), a locally owned and operated hospitality group, is proud to announce the grand opening of CIRCA at Chinatown. The neighborhood-driven restaurant concept serving deliciously-inspired food and drinks will celebrate its grand opening on Wednesday, February 21 at 781 Seventh St. NW in the historic Chinatown neighborhood of Washington D.C.

The 7,600-square-foot, two-level restaurant features a dining experience inspired by the Chinatown community and boasts a long bar on the first floor with flexible dining seating. The second floor hosts an additional craft cocktail bar named the Dragon Bar, plus a large dining room and private dining space.

The new CIRCA location is now home to two murals including #CIRCAdragon, an exterior installation that nods to Chinese culture symbolizing strength and good luck, and a new interior piece, inspired by the Tidal Basin Cherry Blossoms.

“We’re thrilled to open our doors in one of the most prominent and event-driven DC neighborhoods,” says Matthew Carlin, President of MHG. “CIRCA at Chinatown is a re-imagination of the brand that perfectly blends the signature CIRCA elements, which DC has come to know and love, with a uniquely inspired nod to the neighborhood as seen through the incredible design, build-out and now extended menu selection.”

In addition to the popular menu fare, CIRCA at Chinatown will unveil a new craft cocktail menu for the upstairs Dragon Bar along with new neighborhood-inspired selections featuring Asian-infused elements such as: (more…)



812 7th Street, NW at I Street

This is the former Goethe-Institut that moved to K Street.

Yard House’s website says:

“If you’ve been to a Yard House, you know there’s an unmistakable energy to the place – an excitement that you feel the moment you walk in the door. So we turned our cameras loose to try to capture that spirit. Check out the experience that define us – because more than beer, more than classic rock, more than delicious food, even more than a brand – We are Yard House!

You can see their Springfield, VA menus here.

Stay tuned for an opening date.



1940 11th Street, NW next to Solly’s just south of U Street

Thanks to a reader for passing along this nice little tidbit from a DC Bocce League registration email:

“**Vinoteca has plans to close in March to completely renovate the interior restaurant. Included in the plans is the installation of a retractable glass roof over the outdoor patio. This roof will ensure weather will no longer be an issue during games. Once Vinoteca finalizes their construction timeline, we will open registration.”

Vinoteca opened back in 2007. Updates as more is known on the renovation plans.



929 F Street, NW

From Co Co Sala:

10 years ago we opened the doors and our hearts to DC and now it is time to say farewell. It is with great sadness, yet tremendous gratitude that we are announcing Co Co. Sala will be closing on February 24, 2018. We feel beyond blessed to have been part of so many celebrations and experiences that our guests so graciously have allowed us to indulge in over the years. Thank you for choosing us to be part of your lives! (more…)


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