al fresco
18th and California St, NW rendering by A.F.Clarens Architect

A reader reports:

“As a neighbor within 200 ft. neighbor, got a zoning notice for a huge restaurant (including underground parking and a roof deck) that wants to go in where the surface parking lot at 18th and California is. The architectural plans (attached) show it dwarfing Jack Rose. They’re seeking an exemption to the “rear yard” requirement.”

Washington Business Journal reported:

“The property, at 2009 18th St. NW, is owned by the same company that operates Mexican restaurants Lauriol Plaza nearby and Cactus Cantina in Cleveland Park. It’s currently used as an overflow parking lot for Lauriol Plaza, which is just two blocks down 18th Street.”

Updates as the zoning process/construction progresses.

al fresco admo
2009 18th Street, NW rendering by A.F.Clarens Architect


Brooklands-Finest
12th and Jackson Street, NE

Lucky bastards.

From a press release:

“Beginning Monday, April 3, Brookland’s Finest Bar & Kitchen will rollout breakfast service during the week, and continue with their popular weekend brunch service. The menu features a variety of sweet and savory breakfast entrees, including the Brookland Burrito with house made chorizo, scrambled eggs, potato, southwest green chili sauce, Tillamook cheddar and cheesy grits; Seasonal waffle with bourbon maple syrup, whipped cream and fresh fruit; and a Lox Platter with house cured salmon spread, cream cheese, caper-tomato relish, boiled egg, pickled onions and a Bullfrog Bagel. All breakfast entrees are available for $15 or less. In addition, Brookland’s Finest will offer a selection of grab-n-go options including cheddar biscuits, blueberry muffins, and freshly baked banana bread. The restaurant will offer Zeke’s coffee, a local small batch coffee roaster, and will serve regular drip coffee. Brookland’s Finest also offers free Wi-Fi for guests who may choose to have a working meal or coffee. Breakfast is available Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.”

Check out the full breakfast menu: Breakfast.Menu (PDF)


hando mendo sushi
1315 14th Street, NW

The liquor license placard says:

“New Class D Restaurant. Total Occupancy Load of 99. Sidewalk Café with 12 Seats”

Washington CityPaper reported:

“The former Popeyes on 14th Street NW in Logan Circle is being converted into a sushi restaurant called Hando-Medo that will focus on the hand roll (temaki) style of sushi. It’s from Chef/Owner Jin K. Oh who also owns Sushi Jin Next Door locations in Silver Spring, Maryland and Woodbridge, Virginia.”

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14th Street looking south towards Thomas Circle

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14th Street looking north towards Slipstream


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1725 DeSales Street, NW looking towards the H&M

Oops, forgot to post this last week!! But better late than never because it did turn out pretty dope.

From a fact sheet:

Menu Description: Le DeSales offers classic French cuisine with a modern twist. Dishes are crafted from fresh, local ingredients whenever possible. Signature dishes include Artichokes with ricotta, lemon forte mandarin oranges; Red Snapper “Crudo” with peas, watermelon and mojito; Blue Crab Simplissime; Eggs with duxelles, green asparagus and croutons (cracked tableside); Smoked Pork with carrots; Hanger Steak, wood-smoked and served with an old-style pesto; Baked Cherry Clams with greens and parmesan cheese, as well as Cod cooked in turnip juice with apricots and roe.

dinner_menu_(PDF)

hh_desserts_menu_(PDF)

Beverage List: Le DeSales features an expansive list of New World and Old World wines showcasing production styles and vintages that complement French cuisine. 100 wines are available by the bottle and more than 20 wines by the glass. Prices range from $35 to $400 by the bottle and $10 to $20 by the glass. A selection of fresh, seasonal cocktails crafted by Mixologists Lukas B. Smith and JD L. Quioco, who consulted for the restaurant, are also available and priced from $10 to $13 each. The restaurant also features six beers on tap and at least 12beers by the bottle.

libations_menu_(PDF)

wine_menu_(PDF)

Capacity: The main dining room accommodates 68 guests seated. Those looking to focus their attention on the restaurants expansive wine selection are encouraged to grab a seat at the 14-seat white stone bar or 16-seat lounge.

A sidewalk café with views of the historic Mayflower Hotel is also available during the spring and summer months (weather permitting) and can accommodate an additional 18 guests.

Design: Aziz Safi and Farid Nouri worked with Areetoon Jayanan Architecture & Interior Design to create the 3,100-square foot, 119-seat space, which has a tranquil feel inspired by modern French and Belgian brasseries. Finishes were chosen to create a warm and inviting space. Major design elements include warm hues, custom millwork, old Chicago blanc walls, brown oak beams, and rustic wood flooring throughout. Other highlights include a 300-bottle glass-enclosed wine display, benches upholstered in steel-blue velvet, vintage railing sconces in rustic iron, as well as butcher-block dining tables paired with leather and solid oak steam-bent chairs. A dramatic eight-foot wall installation of gazing eyes is one of the focal points of the space as is the charcuterie station made of floral and subway tile, which is visible to guests in the dining room and bar.

Hours of Operation: Lunch: Monday through Saturday, from 11:30 AM to 2 PM

Dinner: Monday through Thursday, from 5 PM to 11 PM; Friday and Saturday, from 5 PM to 12 AM

Bar Hours: Monday through Saturday, from 11:30 AM to 12 AM

Happy Hour: Monday through Saturday, from 4 PM to 7 PM. Drink specials will include Red, White, and Sparkling wine selections from $6. Belgian beer for $6. And a TBA Champagne special.”

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Many more photos after the jump. (more…)


duccini raise
1778 U Street, NW

Earlier this week we noted that Pizzeria Trattoria had closed in Adams Morgan. Didn’t take long for nearby neighboring jumbo slice pizza purveyor, Duccini’s, to jump at the opportunity. Mikaela Lefrak updates us with the stunning news last night:

“Duccini’s just raised their jumbo slice prices and my heart is breaking. (a $1 increase. These are dark times.)”

All I can say is:


the smith u street
1314 U Street, NW

According to a liquor license placard, NYC’s The Smith (recently opened in Penn Quarter) is also coming to U Street! The placard says:

“New Class “C” Restaurant with 216 seats and a Total Occupancy Load of 320. Restaurant will serve American food and will have Live Entertainment.”

Check out the 9th and F St, NW menus here. Updates as buildout progresses.


all purpose
1250 9th Street, NW

From a press release:

“All-Purpose Pizzeria in Shaw will serve Sunday brunch from 11am until 2:30pm beginning on Sunday, April 9.

Chef Mike Friedman and his team have created a variety of classic brunch dishes with creative Italian American twists. Dishes include The Continental, an assortment of house made salumi, seasonal fruit, cheese, pizza toast, butter & jam; Eggs Fra Diavolo (a twist on eggs in purgatory) with calabrian chiles, soft polenta, feta and basil; Crispy Fried Potatoes with a rich gorgonzola crema; the Tigelle ‘Egg & Cheese’ Sandwich with fried mortadella, egg, provolone and arugula; a Nutella Bomboloni (an Italian-style filled donut) topped with an airy whipped ricotta and sprinkled with powdered sugar. (more…)


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