mango_tree_city_center_sandoval
929 H Street, NW

From a press release:

“Founder and CEO Pitaya Phanphensophon of Mango Tree, the global restaurant group behind a revolution in modern Thai dining hotspot, is partnering with acclaimed Chef/Owner Richard Sandoval of Richard Sandoval Restaurants to bring his innovative Thai restaurant to Washington, DC. Mango Tree DC will open this December at 929 H Street, within the cutting edge, new mixed-use development CityCenterDC. The restaurant will offer contemporary Thai cuisine with a bold new twist, along with authentic essential classics. Those dining at this welcoming, upscale restaurant will enjoy the second floor 140-seat main dining room and the 24-seat seasonal outdoor terrace. Mango Tree will also have a vibrant first floor 45-seat bar and lounge for those looking forward to sipping classic cocktails and innovative libations while listening to expertly curated music. (more…)


rib_pit_jackie_dc
3907 14th Street, NW

Happy Thursday morning!!! Back in July 2013 Rib Pit (the lounge had been closed for years) had closed at the corner of 14th and Randolph St, NW and was for sale.

From the Washington Post:

“The restaurateur duo of Jackie Greenbaum and Gordon Banks (Jackie’s, El Chucho, Bar Charley) have another concept in the works: a casual Italian restaurant opening at 3907 14th St. NW in spring 2015. The restaurant’s working name is Little Coco’s.”

Ed. Note: It’s not clear if Little Coco’s will take up just the former Rib Pit Lounge space or the Rib Pit as well but obviously we’ll have lots of updates leading to their spring 2015 opening – can’t wait to learn more!


Evolve Wonder 2
Photo of Stevie Wonder, Ayanna Gregory and Dr. Baruch courtesy of Evolve Vegan Restaurant

From a press release:

“Music legend, Stevie Wonder made a surprise visit to local vegan hot spot, Evolve Vegan Restaurant, at 341 Cedar Street NW, in the Takoma neighborhood of Washington, DC last evening for dinner. Wonder appeared to be hosting a business meeting and reports have him at the FCC earlier in the day. Evolve Vegan Restaurant owner, Baruch Ben-Yehudah, known as Dr. Baruch, welcomed Wonder and his dining companions and entourage. Wonder ordered Evolve favorites including southern fried chick-un, mac and cheese, collard greens, yams, coleslaw, couscous and finished with German chocolate cake.

“We are so excited that Stevie Wonder selected our restaurant to visit,” says Dr. Baruch. “We think that he enjoyed his dinner – his plates came back clean!”

Upon departure, Wonder graciously took pictures with the staff and customers. “We love you Stevie Wonder!” was shouted when he departed.”


“Dear PoPville,

Wanted to write in that Jose Andres has announced that he’s opening a fast-casual vegetable-themed restaurant called Beefsteak. It will be going into the new building in Foggy Bottom on 22 and I across from the Whole Foods. It’s due to open January of 2015.

Washington Post got the scoop:

“Early next year, Andrés will join the constellation of famous chefs across the country who are launching fast-casual restaurants. Well aware of the landscape of fast-casuals around him in Washington, he’s staking out terrain that can be his alone: He will open a fast-food eatery that is vegetable-focused. And then, if all goes well, perhaps he will open a hundred more.”


skwr
Anticipated opening at 14th and K St, NW is Spring 2015

From a coming soon flyer via email:

“SKWR is brought to you by 3 friends offering kabobs and chutneys, a medley of sauces, spreads and appetizers, all house-made. Among the choices: olivieh, an exotic spin on a potato salad; chicken and lamb kabobs seasoned with simple old world spices. An open kitchen will put fresh preparation methods on full display while drawing diners’ attention to fiery grills and spinning meats. The design will promote history both recent and ancient, both local and faraway. All of this will be brought together by attentive service, making SKWR the next go-to eatery in the capital.”


IMG_1754
300 Tingey Street, SE

Capitol Riverfront BID reports:

“The barbeque is being tested on the grill, and the big-screen TVs are ready to go! Sports bar-themed barbeque restaurant Willie’s Brew & Que will be opening very soon in the Boilermaker Shops, located at 300 Tingey Street, SE in the Capitol Riverfront.

Willie’s Brew & Que will be open daily from 11:00 am to 2:00 am. Lunch will be served Monday through Friday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, and dinner everyday from 4:00 pm to 2:00 am.

Willie’s features a total of fourteen 70-inch and 60-inch TVs, so customers will be able to view at least three games from any seat in the restaurant.”

I’m told Thursday is the official opening. Here’s a sneak peek we took a few weeks ago.


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