2100 14th Street, NW
Already plans for the former Diego space? A reader reports the owner says:
“we will be going renovations through the month of February and will be opening under a new name and concept come March. We won’t be a Mexican place anymore.”
Stay tuned.
3301 Georgia Avenue, NW (pre-mural)
Dagger. Washington City Paper reports:
“One of Park View’s only sit-down restaurants, Mothership, is preparing to close. The last day of service will likely be brunch on Feb. 22.”
This one especially hurts for those hoping for a lower Georgia Ave revival. Flashback to 2012:
2100 14th Street, NW
“Dear PoPville,
The last two night walking up 14th on the way home from work around 6:15/6:30 I noticed Diego is closed. Inside visible from street but only by emergency lights and all the chairs are turned up on the tabletops. No sign in door. Interestingly enough the lounge upstairs IS open. Have you heard anything?? Two nights in row sounds odd. Not sure about last weekend as my outings did not take by there.”
They closed this weekend – they shared the news on Friday:
“It is with our most sincere apologies that DIEGO will be closing after this weekend. Please join us one last time for our freshly made guacamole and margaritas.
Diego will be open for brunch and Dinner ALL WEEKEND! We will see you soon and thank you for the many memories!”
Diego opened up at 14th and V St, NW in the former AM PM Carryout space back in July 2013. They had a troubled start closing shortly after opening only to open a few weeks later with a new chef. Were there any fans?
Flashback to 2010:
2106 18th Street, NW
Last week a reader sent a link to an online auction of their kitchen goods and today from Casa Oaxaca:
“Dear Amigos,
Casa Oaxaca will be opening its doors for the last time on Friday January 30. Thank you for over 7 years of amazing dishes, moments, and memories in Adams Morgan — we could not have done it without your support!
We hope to see your friendly faces during our last week of operations. Food and drink specials will be on the menu from Tuesday, January 27 through Friday, January 30.
Relocation and a brand new concept (with the same authentic flavors of Mexico) are in the works! In the meantime, come enjoy our famous mole sauces and award wining margaritas at our sister restaurants — Guajillo and Don Lencho — in Virginia. We will also be refocusing our efforts on our full catering services. (Call us at 240-586-1102 for more details.)
Hasta luego,
Karen Barroso y Rolando Juarez
Owners”
919 5th Street, NW
From a press release:
“Silo Restaurant, located at 919 5th St. NW, celebrates 1 year this month. After dabbling in a Swiss-centric menu and surviving tough reviews, it seems that Silo has since found its stride in modern American cuisine and is confidently walking in it. With Iran-born owner, Reza Akhavan (as recently featured by The Washington Post) at the helm and DC native, Chef Michael Walters in the kitchen, this unlikely duo is serving up Modern American cuisine…at its finest. Craft cocktails compliment the richly flavorful, rustic cuisine and the menu is as diverse as the men behind it. From the famous Shrimp and Grits featured as a “Best Dish” in USA Today in 2006 to daily Butcher Block specials that will leave you drooling for more, Chef Michael flaunts the fact that his freezer is “only big enough for ice cream.” Everything is made fresh. Trained under some of the most notable chefs in the world (John-Louis Palladin, Michel Richard, Roberto Donna, and David Burke to name a few), Chef Michael has been in the kitchen for 27 years and he’s working with a passion like he’s just getting started. With house cured meats and homemade EVERYTHING (including ketchup and mayonnaise), it’s no wonder some of DC’s top chefs sip and dine at Silo. Add to that, 13 craft beers on tap and you have the perfect combination of rustic, local, and delicious.
There are big things in store for Silo in 2015, but for starters, they’re celebrating getting over their first hurdle…they have 1 year under their belt and like fine wine, Silo’s just getting better with age.”
3013 Georgia Avenue, NW
A reader reports:
“Kokeb Ethiopian Restaurant on Georgia has just remodeled and it looks fab!!! So now it’s not only great food, but great décor to match!”
1319 Connecticut Avenue, NW
From a press release:
“In the midst of a booming restaurant scene, several Washington, DC staples have held their ground and stood strong in the competition. The DC Restaurant Group, consisting of Madhatter, Front Page, Café Soleil, Bottomline, and Cedar, to name a few, has proven that even when big name chefs come to town, people still support local.
For over 30 years, owner Dick Heidenberger, has been serving up food and drinks in the nation’s capital. He still tenderly recalls the days when he was one of the “coolest” bartenders in town and he and his friends were turning dingy bars into hot spots. You can reminisce with Dick at the Madhatter, now located at 1319 Connecticut Avenue NW- a major step up from its former location on M St. You’ll find pictures from the “good ol’ days” and find business partner, Mickey Tobin, reading the paper at the bar or turning tables during a busy lunch. Dick has partnered with several others over the years, expanding his reach to Baltimore and Delaware with popular spots like Canton’s Portside Tavern in Baltimore, Mango’s, Bethany Blues BBQ, Dickey’s Frozen Custard and The Starboard in Delaware. Now, Heidenberger’s sons are stepping into the role of managing partners at Madhatter, Front Page, and Café Soleil. (more…)
Photo via Woodland’s Vegan Bistro Facebook
Thanks to a reader for sending word from earlier in the week. Woodland’s Facebook has a couple of photos posted Jan. 25th:
“They could have chosen to eat anywhere, but they chose us. #WoodlandsVeganBistro #GoVegan #NuVeganCafe #KayneWest #KimK #BETHonors2015”
Love ’em or hate ’em, it’s pretty cool. Must be something about vegan restaurants attracting the power players – back in October Stevie Wonder visited Evolve Vegan in Takoma.
Side note: New condo next door to Woodland’s is looking good too on the 2900 block of Georgia Avenue, NW:
1028 19th Street, NW
Boloco burritos abruptly closed back in December on 19th between K and L streets. It is unrecognizable now as the wood front has been removed. But I noticed a new permit up saying a new restaurant is coming. Washington Business Journal reported it will be a:
“Red Robin’s Burger Works. This will be the second D.C. location for the Red Robin burger concept. The first is located at L’Enfant Plaza.”
You can see their menu here.
2142 L Street, NW
Back in October Eli’s Restaurant changed their name to Char Bar and opened at 21st and L St, NW near the newish Stoney’s. They’ve now applied for a liquor license. Anyone try them out yet?
Check out their menu here: Char Bar Menu (PDF)
