IMG_3701
2418 18th Street, NW

We knew One to One Lebanese Bistro was getting close to opening in the former Shawarma Spot space.

“This restaurant offers gourmet lebanese food ranging from shawarma, falafel sandwiches and kabobs to hummus, baba ghanouj, and tabboule.”

Just saw a sign that they’ve opened. Hours are listed as 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM seven days a week.

You can see their menu listed on grubhub here.


tadich_grill_dc
1001 Pennsylvania Ave, NW

From a press release:

“After years of guest requests, America’s third oldest, continuously operating restaurant, Tadich Grill, is opening on the East Coast in the first quarter of 2015. The DC location will be on the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and 10th Street, NW, at the pulse of the political district, just as the original is in the heart of San Francisco’s financial district.

“The DC restaurant will reflect the soul of the original Tadich Grill, but will not be a replica, as original icons cannot be replicated. We plan to bring the same consistency in quality and attention to detail in food, beverage, service and ambiance to the district’s power players,” revealed General Manager Ron Robbins.

Staying true to its roots, the Tadich Grill tradition of fine seafood and meats grilled over mesquite, established in San Francisco over 165 years ago, will continue in Washington, DC. Under the direction of Executive Chef Wil Going, menus will be prepared from scratch and printed daily, serving the freshest seafood, meats, poultry and produce available. Much like the original, diners will find authentic elements such as artisan glass, mesquite broilers, wines from California vineyards and those famous white-jacketed servers at the DC location.

“The rich past of Washington, DC aligns perfectly with what we wanted for Tadich Grill’s first location on the East Coast. We look forward to introducing our West Coast flavor and traditions to our nation’s capital,” said Rick Powers, managing partner and COO of Tadich Grill Development Company LLC.

Upon opening, the restaurant will offer dinner Monday through Saturday, with lunch service to follow in the subsequent weeks. One distinctive difference is that Tadich Grill – Washington, D.C. will take reservations.

The DC location is currently hiring for all front and back-of-the-house positions. Applications may be submitted to Rick Powers at [email protected] or 1001 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 102, Washington, DC 20004.

About Tadich Grill

Tadich Grill’s history dates back to 1849, during California’s famed Gold Rush, when three Croatian immigrants set up a coffee stand on Long Wharf in San Francisco. They served fresh fish grilled over mesquite, to the merchants, sailors, and argonauts that frequented the pier, a technique that the San Francisco restaurant still utilizes today. Over a century and a half later, that coffee stand is now one of the world’s most iconic restaurants, exemplifying tradition, longevity, and history. The Washington, DC location opening in 2015 will be the first outpost of Tadich Grill. To learn more about Tadich Grill, visit www.tadichgrill.com.”


Meskerem
2434 18th Street, NW

Meskerem is located at 2434 18th Street Northwest. The listing says:

“2 story plus mezzanine turn-key restaurant, aka Meskerem, located in the heart of Adams Morgan. Buildg. feat. high ceilings, 183 seats, CR liquor license. Includes real estate and business. Great for restaurant owner or developer. Potential for adtl. sqf. C2B permits housing to a max lot occupncy of 80% for resi. use. Lot size 3281. Max FAR of 3.5 for resi. use and 1.5 FAR for other permit uses.”

You can see more photos here.

It’s yours for $2,200,000.


the_heights
3115 14th Street, NW

Yesterday’s scuttlebutt about The Heights being sold has been confirmed. From a press release:

“The Heights, Columbia Heights’ neighborhood restaurant, is set to change owners by the start of 2015, with the concept to remain intact. Having gone under contract earlier this week to local restaurateur Ammar Daoud, the deal will transpire once license transfers are complete. Daoud, who has over 20 years of experience operating casual dining brands in the U.S. and internationally, plans to keep the restaurant operational as the neighborhood-centric place it has been for the past seven years, with all staff remaining.

The Heights is currently under the ownership of EatWell DC, which owns and operates four other neighborhood restaurant concepts: The Pig, Logan Tavern, Commissary and Grillfish. Upon completion of the contract’s transfers, EatWell DC will focus on these restaurants as well as explore future endeavors within Washington, D.C. A priority remains growing its produce farm, EatWell Natural Farm, located in La Plata, Maryland.

The Heights’ eclectic American fare and emphasis on locally sourced, fresh ingredients and craft beer and cocktails will continue, but Daoud’s vision does include a menu update in the future and to create a more alfresco dining experience. The Heights will continue to honor EatWell gift certificates through March 31, 2015, and this year’s New Year’s Eve offerings will remain as previously publicized.”


beefsteak_andres_gw
Photo courtesy ThinkFoodGroup

From an email:

Opening February

José Andrés’ ThinkFoodGroup will debut a new vegetable-focused fast casual restaurant brand, called Beefsteak, with the opening on the George Washington University Campus in Washington, DC (at the new Engineering Hall on the corner of 22nd & I Street, NW). To fuel busy lifestyles and feed the growing desire to eat well, the affordable and accessible concept will execute good food, fast. This is not a vegetarian restaurant, but rather a place where fresh, market-driven vegetables take center stage and thrive as the main component of a dish. The menu will focus on customizable, wildly flavorful meals in a bowl that use cooked-to-order vegetables as an anchor, which can be complemented with a selection of hearty grains, freshly made sauces, crunchy toppings and, if desired, a choice of protein. Beefsteak will celebrate the unsung power of vegetables and propel the goal of bringing wholesome, quality food to the masses.”


old_post_office_dc
12th and Pennsylvania Ave, NW

From a press release:

“The Trump Organization and José Andrés’ ThinkFoodGroup announced today that the renowned culinary innovator will open a signature restaurant in the forthcoming Trump International Hotel, Washington, D.C., one of the newest additions to the rapidly growing Trump Hotel Collection. The to-be-named José Andrés restaurant will debut when the hotel opens in mid-2016 after a $200 million redevelopment of the historic Old Post Office by The Trump Organization.

“Everything about Trump International Hotel, Washington, D.C. – from its magnificent guest rooms and Presidential Suites, to the ballroom and spa – will be the very best, and the culinary experience is no exception,” said Donald J. Trump. “We’ve tapped one of the very best in the field, José Andrés, to create a restaurant concept that will live up to the unrivaled offerings of what will be one of the finest hotels anywhere in the world.”

Added Andrés, “I have long respected Donald Trump for his business acumen and am proud to partner with him to create a truly remarkable, fine dining restaurant in the city I have called home for many years, right in the heart of the historic Post Office.” (more…)


IMG_3506
641 Indiana Ave, NW

Thanks to a reader for the heads up about Grand Trunk now hiring. I was optimistic last month and even more so when I spotted the new signage above and the reader saw the posting for jobs:

grand_trunk_hiring

Lots of details from craigslist:

JOIN OUR FAMILY

Hospitality has always been a core value for South Asian civilizations and our corporate culture is rooted in centuries of tradition. At Grand Trunk, our staff works together as a family unit, and we treat every guest as an extension of this family. Providing impeccable, world class service and raising the bar at every level is required of all our employees as we are committed to setting new standards in the industry. We seek charismatic, always positive individuals to join our team. Please understand that our application process is rigorous, and that we are only able to accept a small percentage of applicants. Extensive past experience is not always required, as we offer training in order to maintain the best team in the city for our respective positions. If you believe you have what it takes to be a part of the GT family then we encourage you to apply today!

As a company with significant expansion plans, Grand Trunk accepts applications for all employee positions year round.

Grand Trunk is an Equal Opportunity Employer and celebrating diversity is at the core of our corporate culture. (more…)


IMG_3484
10th and H Street, NW

A tipster with a very good track record sends word that a Dolcezza is coming to CityCenter. A nice compliment to RareSweets? Update: Thanks to the kind souls who pointed out that Dolcezza is listed on the coming soon section on CityCenter’s website. Ok then! Here’s that full coming soon list for others who’ve been sleeping:

Caudalie Boutique Spa
Coming Soon

Centrolina
Coming Soon

CH Carolina Herrera
Coming Soon

David Yurman
Coming Soon

Dior
Coming Soon

Dolcezza
Coming Soon

FIG & OLIVE
Coming Soon

Louis Vuitton
Coming Soon

mango tree
Coming Soon

milk bar
Coming 2015

momofuku
Coming 2015

Paul Stuart
Coming Soon”

Dolcezza’s latest expansion was to Logan Circle (after opening their factory by Union Market) at 14th and P St, NW in June.

IMG_3467


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