“Dear PoPville,
I just noticed this sign this AM on the window between Mandu and Vida on K between 5th and 4th NW in Mt. Vernon triangle. I know signage had said Ray’s, then switched to exercise, now seems back to Ray’s.”
Nice! Whatever iteration of Ray’s this will be – I’m ready for them to open.
Photo by PoPville flickr user Joe in DC
Yesterday’s talk about “Average Price Points” coming to Ghana Cafe got me thinking about cheap eats. It’s been over two years since we’ve talked cheap eats. Back then I was all about pizza. Of course I still enjoy a regular slice today but if I had to list my current favorites – I’d go with a bowl of pho at Pho Viet (3513 14th St, NW) or a gyro at Greek Spot (2017 11th St, NW) if I’m near U Street or a Shish Taouk sandwich at Shawafel (1322 H St, NE) if I’m near H Street, NE.
What/where are your favorite cheap eats and if you remember try to include neighborhood and/or address? Also, though I guess this could probably be it’s own thread – what price do you consider a cheap eat in 2014 (for lunch or dinner?)
1322 14th Street, NW
Last week we learned Popeyes was closing after 30 years at the corner of 14th and N St, NW. Finally got photos of the new location – opening in between The Pig and B Too in “2-3 months”:
I also was reminded that the former Popeyes had a very rare, for this part of town, drive through – so wanted to grab that for posterity:
4434 Connecticut Ave, NW
Big news from Bread Furst’s facebook page:
“We are excited to announce “Bread Feast,”a series of neighborhood dinners with Chef Frank Ruta to begin in September at Bread Furst!
Ruta’s menu will be seasonal and simple, changing continuously. The menu will be posted 24 hours in advance of the dinners on the Bread Furst website where you will be able to reserve some of the few seats available. This will be a modestly-priced dinner with antipasto and wine followed by a single menu served family-style.
More details to follow very soon!”
Incidentally, Bread Furst has also just posted a liquor license placard:
“Bakery-Restaurant serving breads & pastries, breakfast, lunch and dinner with a seating capacity of 20 inside. Total occupancy load of 38 and sidewalk café with 24.”
Frank Ruta was formerly owner/chef of Palena which closed in Cleveland Park last April.
3529 Connecticut Avenue, NW
1419 Wisconsin Avenue, NW
More new restaurants for Wisconsin Ave in Georgetown. The liquor license placard at 1419 Wisconsin Ave in the photo above does not list a name but says:
“Restaurant specializing in brick oven pizza.”
And a few weeks ago we learned that Yummi Crawfish was coming up the block to the former Puro Cafe space. They’ve now posted a liquor license placard as well:
“New seafood restaurant. The primary menu is crawfish with enhancement of side orders as well as other seafood types of dishes. Summer Garden. Total Occupancy load is 79”
Hours are listed as Sunday through Saturday 12 pm – 10pm.
1529 Wisconsin Avenue, NW
5100 MacArthur Blvd, NW
Thanks to a reader for sending the photo above:
“Listrani’s is becoming “Bistroquet” in September.”
Another reader hears that it is coming from the same owner of Bistro D’OC (518 10th St, NW.) You can see their menus here.
Updates when the get closer to opening.
From a press release:
“The Westin Washington, D.C. City Center recently completed a $17-million property transformation and as part of its striking redesign, now unveils its all-new restaurant, Fringetree. This sophisticated urban restaurant and lounge, located on the lobby level, offers guests a modern and intimate atmosphere fused with healthful menu items for lunch and dinner. This stylish restaurant serves traditional cuisine enhanced with cutting-edge culinary creations that encompass the Westin brand’s SuperFoodsRx® concept and features an impressive selection of wine, beer and specialty cocktails, designed to complement the imaginative fare. Fringetree also offers an adjoining “grab-and-go” counter serving Starbucks® coffee along with breakfast and light bites, making it perfectly-accessible to Westin’s business travelers.
The name Fringetree is inspired by a flowering plant native to the Northeast United States and found in the US Botanic Garden located in Washington, D.C. The name sets an intriguing tone with a nod to nature and a subtle subtext invoking the “political fringe,” which connects the restaurant to its D.C. roots.
Photo Courtesy of Fringetree restaurant and lounge at Westin Washington, D.C. City Center
Menu and SuperFoodsRx
Under the direction of Executive Chef Felix Nunes, Fringetree’s menu combines traditional cuisine with contemporary creations, offering delectable yet healthful dishes that stay true to the Westin brand’s SuperFoods concept. Westin SuperFoods menus incorporate products known to improve well-being and longevity such as fruit, vegetables, grains and proteins. SuperFoods known for being health-enhancing and rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients are mainstay ingredients in many of Fringetree’s dishes.
Menu Highlights (more…)
1926 17th Street, NW
We first heard about this new bakery back in Sept. 2013. Three Fifty Bakery & Coffee Bar is located in the former Written Word space at 1926 17th St, NW just south of U Street not far from the Hana Japanese Market. A reader sends the good news this morning:
“The long awaited bakery has finally opened to public today. My girlfriend and I snuck in for an illy coffee and bacon/cheddar/chive scone. Delicious.”
Yes!!!
440 K Street, NW
A new liquor license placard has been posted out front of the Lyric building – for a spot called Grand Cata:
“Tavern serving Latino Sundries with a seating capacity of 199. Total occupancy load of 199. Entertainment endorsement to include dancing and cover charge.”
I emailed the owner to get a few more details and he replied:
“Grand Cata will highlight the rich Latin American history through its unique gastronomy, wines and spirits in an intimate hybrid 1,800 sq space in the heart of the nation’s capital. The Latin themed Vino*Barra*Market will offer an intimate experience in a laid back setting where patrons can enjoy over 25 boutique wines by the glass, contemporary latin signature cocktails, local/domestic/imported craftbeers and Latin inspired seasonal small plates. Onsite, patrons can find in our “Mercadito” area a curated small batch specialty gourmet food selections that will showcase signature products from our Latin heritage.
We hope to open by Spring/Summer 2015.”
Ed. Note: Previously a placard was posted for a new liquor store to be called Grand Cata.
looking west toward Lyric entrance and 5th Street
614 E Street, NW
That was fast. Thanks to a reader for sending word:
“I think it was only open less than a year. I visited last week and noticed prices increased and they had adjusted for shorter hours. As someone who lives in the area, I was a fan but never thought the business model was sustainable. It will be interesting to see what fills the space.”
Bo-Dogs opened in the former Hot Potato Cafe space back in Oct. 2013.
