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701 14th Street, NW

From a press release:

“The partners of the Latin inspired restaurant, Ceiba, [Chef Jeff Tunks, Gus DiMillo, David Wizenberg] are turning a new leaf and have decided to close the doors at the end of this month, September 27, 2014. It has been an exciting 11 years for the sleek American interpretation of an urban Latin establishment, Ceiba, but now is the time for its final hour. It was a challenging and heartfelt decision for the partners, but with much review of the varied external factors, closing the doors was the best course of action. It will leave behind a legacy of spicy, tangy Latin cuisine and fiery memories – of tropical-style lunches, exotic dinner choices, and annual festive celebrations, right there on 14th and G Streets just blocks from The White House.

Says Gus DiMillo, co-proprietor and 35-year veteran in the hospitality industry, “It’s a business that has brought highs and lows—from great food and an amazing stable of talented chefs. It is hard to plan the closing of a restaurant, when you open a restaurant successfully.”

Ceiba has been praised in the press from Bon Appétit, Wall Street Journal, Wine Spectator to Washington, DC’s top print and online media periodicals and publications. Chef Jeff Tunks appeared on NBC’s “Today Show” showcasing Ceiba’s heart-healthy meal ideas including the Southwest Buffalo Burger and Grilled Chicken with Black Bean Corn Salsa.

The partners will simply focus their energy and time on their independent ongoing endeavors in Washington, DC and Virginia; and their next venture is poised to open in early 2015.

Gus, Jeff and David are indebted and thankful to their loyal supporters, neighbors, distinguished press, friends and family for their continued commitment to Ceiba. And most importantly, they are sincerely grateful to their dedicated staff for all of their efforts and hard work over the past 11 years.

“A fond farewell for now! Thank you for the memories,” says Gus, Jeff and David.”

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14th and G Street, NW looking north


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19th Street south of Dupont Circle

Interesting update on the former Baja Fresh space next to Buffalo Billiards in Dupont from Washington Business Journal:

“California-based Pizza Studio is the latest brand to enter the fast-casual pizza market in D.C., signing a lease for the former Baja Fresh space in Dupont Circle.

An 11-inch personal pizza costs $7.99. Customers choose one of five crust options, which include a whole grain and a gluten-free, and then move on to choices for cheese, sauce and unlimited toppings.”

You can see their full menu here.

WBJ says they are hoping to open in November – stay tuned.

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looking north on 19th Street towards Dupont Circle


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555 13th Street, NW entrance on F Street Photo Credit: Jason Colston for PAUL USA

From a press release:

“On Monday, September 15th, PAUL will open its sixth bakery café in the Washington, DC area, just two blocks from the White House – located in the Columbia Square Building on F St. NW in the Metro Center neighborhood.

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Photo Credit: Jason Colston for PAUL USA

The 2200 sq.ft. store is opulently decorated so as to transport you to Paris… with its antique fixtures, authentic French artwork, and elegant tufted velvet, suede and fabric chairs and banquettes. The café is illuminated by a full wall of windows, and will accommodate approximately 30 guests inside. The outdoor covered portico of the Columbia Square building accommodates table seating for 20 guests who wish to dine al fresco year-round.”

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Photo Credit: Jason Colston for PAUL USA


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3313 11th Street, NW

From an email:

“All of us at El Chucho Cocina Superior are excited to let you know that beginning tomorrow morning, we will be featuring a brand new brunch menu that includes breakfast burritos and a prix-fixe option.

For $21.95, you’ll get a basket of chips and salsa, a brunch item or tacos of your choice, and bottomless mimosas. You also have your choice between the classic mimosa (fresh orange juice and sparkling) and our Mimosa de Jamaica (house-made hibiscus tea and sparkling).

We know you’ve been asking for breakfast burritos at brunch for nearly two years, and we have heard and answered the call! Come try out the new menu starting tomorrow at 10a.m.”


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3607 Georgia Avenue, NW

The eagerly anticipated EatsPlace opening up across the street from Looking Glass Lounge and DC Reynolds is super close to opening (I’m told could be as soon as a week.) Owner Katy Chang shares the good news:

“Just wanted to give you a heads up that sample menus are up for the chefs in residence: DC Born & Raised and Mason Dixie Biscuit, both popping up at EatsPlace through the end of the year. Of course they’re subject to change but thought it might be fun to see where these incredibly talented and creative chefs are heading.”

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A peek inside the first floor after the jump. (more…)


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639 Florida Avenue, NW

More good news for Shaw – the folks from IChing tell me the Grand Opening is set for Friday, Sept. 26th. This is the spot where:

“Our cuisine is Vietnamese, Korean, Thai, Japanese. My executive chef is a born Japanese.His name his Munehiro Mori. Experince for 30 years.(Cashion’s, Raku, Asia Nora, Wolfgang Puck. His cooking introduces cross-cultural ingredients with the same spirit of innovation with a European flair. We are very exited!”

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