IMG_5960
1825 14th Street, NW

Follow up to Friday’s Dress Code Discussion at Masa 14.

From Masa 14:

“We apologize for the confusion around the dress code requirement at Masa 14. There has never been a required dress code for any meal service at our restaurant. This includes brunch and dinner. We welcome our guests to dress comfortably and any dress code requirements may only be applicable to our late night hours of operations.

Most importantly, the language used within the sign does not represent or reflect upon the restaurant’s principles. Please know that the sign has been removed, and we apologize about any unintended harm that this has caused. We are upset about this misrepresentation and would like to reiterate that we are committed to our values of inclusiveness. We have taken corrective action and we hold ourselves to a higher standard than what was represented in this sign.

At Masa 14 we value every guest, and will see to it that we continue to be a welcomed member in the community.”


IMG_5974
1522 14th Street, NW

I asked the folks at Maki Shop for an opening date update and they tweet us:

“@PoPville hard to say, but we are at the very last part of the process passing permits. It should be very soon.”

The Washington Post writes:

“When his place opens in late March or early April, Norris plans to roll out a concise menu (see below) of more than 10 maki rolls divided into meat, seafood and vegetable categories.”

IMG_5973

IMG_5972


bowl
Photo via Beefsteak

From a press release:

“José Andrés’ ThinkFoodGroup debuts Beefsteak, a new vegetable-focused fast casual restaurant now open on the George Washington University campus at the new Science & Engineering Hall at 800 22nd Street NW. Beefsteak is where farm-fresh, market-driven vegetables take center stage, showcasing the season’s best and year-round favorites to create hearty, nourishing meals you can feel good about. All served in bowls, there are countless options combining flash-prepared vegetables, hearty grains, house-made sauces, crisp and fresh toppings, and optional meatier toppings.

It’s America’s bounty in a bowl – cooked to perfection right in front of you, all brought to you by world-renowned chef José Andrés. Dedicated to bringing quality and accessible food to the masses, ThinkFoodGroup will debut a second location this summer at 1528 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036 with several more currently under development.

“Vegetables are fun and sexy – so full of possibilities and flavors,” said chef José Andrés. “Why not make them the star of the plate – the name Beefsteak is our playful way to celebrate this idea. It’s not about being vegan or vegetarian, but about enjoying vegetables and making food that is wholesome, amazing, affordable and accessible to the many.”

All composed and customizable bowls start at $7.99 with add-on “meatier” options, ranging from $1.59 to $3.99. To create their own bowls, guests combine the following: (more…)


IMG_5959

Update from Masa 14:

“We apologize for the confusion around the dress code requirement at Masa 14. There has never been a required dress code for any meal service at our restaurant. This includes brunch and dinner. We welcome our guests to dress comfortably and any dress code requirements may only be applicable to our late night hours of operations.

Most importantly, the language used within the sign does not represent or reflect upon the restaurant’s principles. Please know that the sign has been removed, and we apologize about any unintended harm that this has caused. We are upset about this misrepresentation and would like to reiterate that we are committed to our values of inclusiveness. We have taken corrective action and we hold ourselves to a higher standard than what was represented in this sign.

At Masa 14 we value every guest, and will see to it that we continue to be a welcomed member in the community.”

IMG_5960
1825 14th Street, NW

Guess I’ll have to find another brunch spot. Seen Sunday morning.

So that’s what these sneakers mean…

sneakers


guards_georgetown
2915 M Street, NW back in the day

From a press release:

“The newest addition to M Street in Georgetown is Maxime – Steak Frites and Mussel Bar. Maxime will fill a much needed niche in Georgetown as one of the only casual French steakhouses and mussel bars, with an emphasis on dining simplicity—courtesy of restaurateurs Ben Kirane, Moe Idrissi, and Joe Idrissi, who also bring you Bodega and Thunder Burger. The name Maxime, often associated with a variety of French personalities, was actually chosen after its Latin translation for “special.”

Maxime will open Thursday March 26th and will occupy the former Guards space, located at 2915 M Street. Maxime looks forward to providing the neighborhood with an authentic brasserie atmosphere complete with French hors d’oeuvres – such as quiche, charcuterie and fromage alongside classic french onion soup, rustic bread, and a Belgian inspired list of specialty beers and cocktails.

The highlight of the menu created by Executive Corporate Chef Ryan Fichter will be the Steak Frites. This Maxime signature meal will be served with a special Maxime secret sauce, salad, frites, and a baguette breadbasket. Another noteworthy option is the broiled marinated Portobello mushroom steak and the salmon filet. This Maxime signature meal, also known as “La Formule” will be priced at $19.95. (more…)


big_bear_dinner
1700 1st Street, NW

From a press release:

“Founded by Stu Davenport, and for the past seven years, Big Bear Café has been the Bloomingdale neighborhood spot for one of the area’s best cups of coffee or tea; breakfast or a homemade lunch, all served in a comfortable, welcoming environment or on the restaurant’s cobblestone patio surrounded by herb and flower gardens. Truly a ‘neighborhood’ spot, it has been involved in the founding of the area’s farmers’ market, community activities and social causes.

About two years ago, it began serving Chili in the evening, and has since grown its dinner menu utilizing the talents of some seriously pedigreed chefs. Fast forward to 2015, Big Bear Café is offering dinner Monday through Saturday, with plates that are stellar from product to presentation, a great selection of beer, wine and spirits, and a new James Beard nominated chef in the kitchen, front of the house manager and table service. The patio has also expanded to accommodate more diners (seats approximately 65-70). (more…)


SMN_Pop-up_menu

“Boundary Road [414 H Street, NE] is hosting a pop-up for Sally’s Middle Name on Sunday, March 29. It’ll be from 10pm to 12am, which we know is a little late in the evening for a lot of people, but is when Boundary Road traditionally hosts its pop-ups. I promise it’ll be worth staying up a little past bedtime.”


wharf_rendering_restaurants
The Future

A couple weeks ago we heard about Cathal Armstrong opening a “a Filipino-Thai-Korean-Vietnamese” in SW Waterfront in 2018. Now Washington Business Journal gets another huge scoop:

“Restaurant Eve chef/owner Cathal Armstrong said earlier this month that he has a preliminary agreement to open an Asian-focused restaurant there. Now, we’re hearing he could be joined by “Top Chef” alums Mike Isabella and Bryan Voltaggio along with Robert Wiedmaier, Philadelphia restaurateur Stephen Starr, Fiola phenom Fabio Trabocchi, Hank’s Oyster Bar’s Jamie Leeds, Jackie Greenbaum of Jackie’s and El Chucho, and the Hilton brothers.”


bonchon_navy_yard_opening Monday
1015 Half Street, SE via Bonchon Facebook

From an email:

“It’s time, Bonchon is officially opening on Monday, March 30th, right in D.C.’s Navy Yard. Designed by award-winning firm GrizForm Design Architects, the space has a dining area that seats 65, a 90-seat lounge area, and an outdoor patio for warmer weather days. A large bar and spacious dining area will allow guests to sit back, relax and enjoy some baseball as they chow down on Bonchon’s signature Korean fried chicken (Bonchon will be just three blocks away from Nationals Park).”

Check out Bonchon’s menu here.

bonchon_dc


View More Stories