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One Dupont Circle, formerly Ping Pong Dim Sum, looking north towards Dupont Circle

From a press release:

“Wahlburgers, founded by Executive Chef Paul Wahlberg and brothers Mark and Donnie, will bring its tasty, chef-inspired burgers to historic Dupont Circle in Washington, D.C. Slated to open later this year, the restaurant will occupy 6,500 square feet at One Dupont Circle. The first of several planned for the D.C. Metropolitan area, including Virginia and Maryland, Wahlburgers will deliver a dining experience built on the Wahlberg family values of heartfelt hospitality and fun while offering a menu that emphasizes creativity and quality ingredients.

“We’re thrilled to be bringing Wahlburgers to our nation’s capital, especially during such an exciting election year,” said Rick Vanzura, CEO of Wahlburgers. “We look forward to serving D.C.’s diverse community and welcoming everyone from foreign ambassadors and elected officials to students and visitors.”

Wahlburgers 9
interior shot of the Wahlburgers Hingham, MA location

“We’re eager to debut our first D.C. Wahlburgers in the center of such an iconic and vibrant neighborhood,” said President and COO Maurizio Marfoglia of WBDC Hospitality LLC, who also operates Wahlburgers in Coney Island, New York. “We’re committed to the D.C. metropolitan area and are in the process of securing additional locations.” (more…)


mio
Mio at 1110 Vermont Avenue, NW closed in 2015

From a press release:

“Chef Giovanna Huyke is thrilled to announce the launch of a fundraising process for a new restaurant project in Washington, DC.

Chef Huyke wants to change the way people eat. She is on a mission to feed people better:

 Better food.  Better flavors.  More diversity of dishes.  Better freshness.  Better health.  Better fresh.

It should not be about the price, and it’s not going to be more expensive.  In fact, it’s going to be more affordable than anything comparable. Eating well was never something that cost a lot of money.  Eating well was never something that should be exclusive.  Eating well is something that should be basic, and should be part of the fabric of how we live day-to-day.
 
Welcome to Sobremesa, this “untranslatable” concept which basically means: 

The “space” that a meal creates to allow the magic of the relationship experience between individuals

Chef Giovanna Huyke was raised in Puerto Rico, but is a woman of the world and has been cooking for 30+ years.   The plan is to take over an existing restaurant space, with immaculate equipment and fully furnished, and which was previously owned and operated by another woman chef-owner for more than 10 years. The space is located in a vibrant, thriving, walking area of downtown Washington, DC.  The space is small enough to represent my heart and the soul of the food: warm, energetic and cozy. Expected open is 4th quarter of 2016.


thip
1604 7th Street, NW

A reader reports:

“Thip Kao is coming into the space below Taylor & York salon (on 2nd floor) next to Dacha. Huge build out happening. Exciting if true. Love that place!”

Back in July we learned that DC’s first Lao Noodle House, Khao Poon, coming from owner/chef of DC’s First Laotian Restaurant, Thip Khao:

“Chef Deth & Chef Seng are combining forces to launch Khao Poon, DC’s first Lao Noodle House. They’re going to kick off the effort with some pop-up events at different locations as they lead up to securing the new restaurant’s permanent location. Khao Poon will offer a unique culinary experience featuring noodle dishes inspired by traditional Lao cuisine as well as that of the surrounding countries.”

Updates when more is known/as construction progresses.


cater
Photo by PoPville flickr user StreetsofWashington

“We’re planning a wedding for next fall in DC and want to use a local restaurant to cater our reception dinner. Any suggestions for places that have delicious food, reasonable prices, and can provide all the bells and whistles like plates, flatware, linens, and servingware?”

You can see all forum topics and add your own here. If you are having trouble uploading your question  please email me at princeofpetworth(at)gmail


vinoteca
1940 11th Street, NW

From a press release:

“Vinoteca, wine-centric U Street restaurant, is excited to announce the appointment of its new Executive Chef Anna Miller. An Oregon native bringing inspiration from the Pacific Northwest and Southwest, and most recently from her position as sous chef at Shaw’s recently-shuttered Rogue 24, Chef Miller brings a penchant for artful plating, diverse culinary background, experience with James Beard award-winning chefs, and deep understanding of the complementary relationship between wine and food. A monumental announcement for the U Street eatery, Chef Miller is only the third to hold the position of Executive Chef since its opening almost nine years ago. (more…)


homestead-e1464789339226
3911 Georgia Avenue, NW

Swampoodle has officially broken the ice!

From a press release:

“The team behind The Blaguard – the beloved neighborhood bar in Adams Morgan – will officially open its new restaurant, Homestead, Thursday, June 23, 2016 in the heart of Petworth at 3911 Georgia Avenue NW. The menu – developed by Executive Chef Marty Anklam – will focus on chef-inspired comfort foods in family-style portions, seasonal cocktails, and local, responsibly sourced ingredients. Homestead’s opening marks the first solo restaurant venture from Nic Makris, co-owner of The Blaguard, as well as the return of Chef Anklam to his hometown roots. (more…)


whaleys
301 Water Street, SE

From a press release:

“Whaley’s will debut its Bar Menu this Wednesday, June 15th in the historic Lumber Shed at The Yards, located at 301 Water Street SE in the growing Navy Yard/Capitol Riverfront District.

The Bar Menu is available Sunday-Thursday 5pm – 7pm and will focus on fun, small and shareable plates. Dishes will include:

· Old Bay Potato Chips with Chive Crème Fraiche and Trout Roe $8

· Crawfish Hushpuppies with Sweet and Spicy Mustard Aioli $10

· Soft Shell Crab Sandwich with Horseradish Mayo and Pickled Red Onion $18

Longtime friend, mentor and collaborator Brian Zipin and Bar Manager Nick Miller have assembled a beverage menu that features a bounty of good drinks all under $10. Imbibe on refreshing cocktails; gin, campari and sweet vermouth topped with stiegl radler or dill aquavit with cochi vermouth and lime. Also find beers and wines by the glass.

Whaley’s is also opening the Patio this Wednedsday, June 15th. The Patio has seating for 26 with sweeping river views in Yards Park. The full menu is available on the Patio.”


spice
204 Michigan Avenue, NE

Thanks to a reader for sending word:

“Spice of Bukhara (Best taste of Indian, Pakistani, Afghani and Irani foods) is getting all the buzz over in our neighborhood. Have you checked it out?
The food is fantastic.”

Check out their menu here.

Anyone else take a taste?


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406 H Street, NE

From a press release:

“Doron Petersan, Sticky Fingers owner and two-time champion of Food Network’s Cupcake Wars, announces June 22 as the opening date of Fare Well, her highly anticipated bakery, bistro and bar. A bigger and bolder take on the plant-based dining experience that began at Sticky Fingers, Petersan’s award-winning Columbia Heights bakery café, Fare Well features an expanded bread program, grab-and-go breakfast and lunch service, a full bakery case, bar program, barista-serviced coffee counter and restaurant with classic diner-style service and seating. Located at 406 H Street NE, the 2,600-square-foot space is a casual, 46-seat neighborhood spot located walking distance from Union Station.

“When we were finalizing the idea for Fare Well, we realized our aim was to create a sort of forward-thinking throwback,” Petersan said. “We took our biggest inspiration from the classic American diner, and we think Fare Well is just the kind of place that will feel instantly familiar and comforting to first-time diners while giving its regulars plenty of reasons to keep coming back.”

Fare Well is open Wednesday through Sunday for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with extended bar hours on Fridays and Saturdays.

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On the Menu (more…)


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