Restaurants

The Plans for the Petworth Wendy’s

By Prince Of Petworth

wendys_georgia_ave
Georgia Ave at Randolph St, NW

With the opening of the Stroller Safeway (I’m just testing it out…) lost of folks have been wondering about the future of the Wendy’s across the street. Thanks to a reader for sending this update from their regional corporate office:

The short answer is yes we do have renovation plans for the interior, exterior, and landscaping. We are in the process of seeking permits for a number of restaurants in the District, and PG and Montgomery Counties. We are hopeful that work can begin in the short term, but I’m sure you probably understand the permitting process. We have been operating since November of 1983, at this location, and hope to remain and trusted option for quality food. I’m sure that you will find our improved look fitting with the surroundings.

Thanks you for taking the time to reach out and express the concerns from the neighborhood.

Where are the Best Crack Your Own Crab Options in the District?

By Prince Of Petworth

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Photo by PoPville flickr user yostinator

Since many have Friday off – we’ve got an early question this week – where are the best spots to crack your own crabs in DC? If there are some especially good options not too far away please let us know about those too?

Phillips has closed in SW Waterfront and I believe Dancing Crab is still closed for renovations in Tenleytown. So what are the best spots left to get some crab for the 4th?

Lawsons Abruptly Closes at Metro Center

By Prince Of Petworth

Lawsons-1

“Dear PoPville,

On my way out of the Metro this morning I noticed Lawsons (13th & G) is closed up, dark and empty. I just got a salad from them last week!”

A call to Lawsons reveals that they are only doing catering now and are based in Virginia. Hopefully another good lunch option takes over this space.

Lawsons-2

The Prodigal Son Returns and the Fainting Goat Hires New Executive Chef Nathan Beauchamp – What’s the early word on Fainting Goat?

By Prince Of Petworth

fainting_goat
1330 U Street, NW

From a press release:

“The Fainting Goat, 14th Street neighborhood restaurant and bar, is thrilled to announce the appointment of its new Executive Chef, a familiar DC face, Nathan Beauchamp, who has finally returned to his old culinary stomping grounds. Following six years of organic farming in Minnesota, teaching culinary school and opening up a craft beer bar in Minneapolis, Beauchamp is returning to DC to helm the kitchen at The Fainting Goat, maintaining a well-executed, approachable menu in a neighborhood setting.

A former RAMMY Award-winning Rising Star Chef, Beauchamp became loved in DC while serving as Executive Chef at Georgetown dining institution 1789. In addition to maintaining a daily-changing menu and helping put the restaurant’s culinary program on the map, he trained some incredible kitchen talents like Dan Giusti, then sous chef, who now is Chef de Cuisine at one of the world’s best restaurants, Noma in Copenhagen.

A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Hyde Park, NY, Beauchamp has also worked in acclaimed kitchens such as Park Avenue Café in NYC with David Burke, and in the DC area, Restaurant Eve, Vidalia and Bistro Bis.

Beauchamp left DC in 2008 for Minneapolis, working in several diverse sectors of the food industry. He taught culinary school at the Art Institute, focusing on charcuterie, and dabbled in organic farming at Gemini Farm in Wadena, MN, growing rhubarb, potatoes, green beans and other seasonal, local produce. He also co-opened Devil’s Advocate, a craft beer bar and restaurant in downtown Minneapolis. His goal with the menu was similar to what he plans for The Fainting Goat: creative, but approachable food that surprises people.

“Coming back to DC after a few years away is very exciting!” says Beauchamp. “I equate it to the prodigal son coming home again. I missed being on the East Coast and I’m happy to return to see family and friends.” (more…)

Summer Restaurant Week announced for Aug. 11 – Aug. 17

By Prince Of Petworth

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Photo by PoPville flickr user NCinDC

From a press release:

“Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week returns Monday, August 11 through Sunday, August 17 during which more than 200 restaurants in DC, Maryland and Virginia will offer prix-fixe lunches and dinners for $20.14 and $35.14 respectively. The promotion encourages regional diners and tourists to dine out and eat up and to discover new dining experiences, in support of local businesses. Those who book their reservations early will be able to find tremendous value at some of Metropolitan Washington’s best restaurants including newcomers to the promotion such as BRABO, Central Michel Richard and Del Ray Café and new restaurants such as Agua 301, Casa Luca, Gold Cup Wine Bar, Harriman’s Piedmont Grill, Sona Creamery and Wine Bar, STK, Toro Toro, Rural Society and MENU: Market, BistroBar, Kitchen. The full list of participating restaurants can be viewed online now where these newcomers and regional favorites have posted their menus and diners can book reservations on the spot.”

More Info on La Tomate Caffe Opening this Summer in Dupont, More Changes Coming to the Bistro too

By Prince Of Petworth

la_tomate_caffee
1701 Connecticut Avenue, NW

From an email:

“La Tomate Bistro announces La Tomate Caffè, opening summer 2014

La Tomate proudly launches a new concept within its historic Connecticut Avenue location. Family owned and operated since 1987, La Tomate will inaugurate La Tomate Caffè adjacent to its current Bistro – the first of many changes the restaurant will implement between 2014-2015. 



Designed by Milan-based architect, Fillipo Taidelli, La Tomate Caffè will offer a Belle Epoque atmosphere with Italian inspired menu items.

Open from breakfast to late-night, the Caffè will serve brioche and homemade sweets, espresso, coffee drinks and fresh-pressed juices, traditional breakfast, artisanal-cut domestic and Italian charcuterie, panini and tramezzini, assortments of cheeses, mozzarella varieties, salads and light-fare.



A vast array of pre-packaged products, including La Tomate signature sauces and soups, as well as delicatessen treats, cocktails, wine and beer will be available all day.



The Bistro will remain a place for leisurely indoor and al fresco dining, while the Caffè offers carry out and quick lunch break or dinner options. Whether dining in or on the go, the Caffè at La Tomate, will offer fresh, affordable and delicious food in a cozy, Italian caffè setting.”

Little Ricky’s Closes for the Summer in Brookland

By Prince Of Petworth

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Photo via Little Ricky’s Dishes of the South facebook page

“Dear PoPville,

While more restaurants open every week in Brookland, Little Ricky’s has decided to close for the summer:

Happy Summer everybody. Mommer, Aunt Mimi, and Big Daddy are off to the river for the summer. We’ll see yall back in September!

”

Ed. Note: In April Little Ricky’s switched from Cuban to southern cuisine.

Taan Noodles Closes but Pop’s Seabar Coming to Adams Morgan

By Prince Of Petworth

taan_closed
1817 Columbia Rd, NW

Tough times continue at 1817 Columbia Road, NW – former home of Evolve, Marrakech Lounge, and briefly Mudbugz. Runin DC notes:

“Taan which opened in October 2011 was known for its sake, steam buns and okonomiyaki, a Japanese-style cheese pancake. But Taan always played second fiddle to the renowned Sakuramen down the road.”

Taan’s website says:

“To our wonderful patrons and ramen lovers, we’re sad to announce that Taan Noodles has closed. Thank you for all your support over the last couple of years. We will miss the wonderful community of Adams Morgan.”

Eater DC reports:

“Justin Abad and John Manolatos of Cashion’s Eat Place are taking over the space to open Pop’s Seabar.”

Eater says their hoping for a Sept. 1st opening.

Ed. Note: We judged Taan here and Sakuramen here.

Mandu’s Summer Chef Line-up For Anju – late night bar snacks pop up on K Street

By Prince Of Petworth

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453 K Street, NW – next door to the planned ‘another ray’s joint still coming?

From a press release:

“Danny Lee, Chef and Co-owner of Mandu, and Chef Jonah Kim are excited to announce the summer line-up of guest chefs participating in Anju, the restaurant’s monthly late-night pop up specializing in Korean-inspired bar snacks. With the exception of July, Anju will be held on the first Friday of every month at Mandu’s K St. location from 10:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. No reservations are required and seats will be available first-come first-serve at the restaurant’s bar and first floor dining room.

Next month, Chef Kyle Bailey of Neighborhood Restaurant Group and acclaimed Pastry Chef Tiffany MacIsaac will bring their plays on Korean bar snacks to Anju guests. August will see Katsuya Fukushima, Executive Chef and Co-owner of Daikaya, collaborate with Chefs Lee and Kim, and in September, Chef and Co-owner of Water & Wall and Maple Ave Restaurant, Tim Ma, will take the reins and showcase his bar snack spins to attending guests.

“It was always Jonah’s and my intention to collaborate with chefs we personally admire and respect for these pop ups,” says Lee. “I can’t wait to see what they’ve got in mind and how they play with Korean ingredients.”

Anju menus will be split into smaller and entrée-sized portions and will include an extensive selection of meat, seafood, vegetable and noodle snacks. Plates will be priced at $6 per person or $15 for a choice of three. Entrees will be $15 each. Prices exclude beverages, tax and gratuity. The complete list of chefs and Anju dates is listed below.

ANJU AT MANDU (more…)

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