
3435 Connecticut Ave, NW
Nice. Thanks to a reader for sending word. St. Arnold’s is located at 3435 Connecticut Ave, NW around the side of the old Dino’s space in Cleveland Park.

3435 Connecticut Ave, NW
Nice. Thanks to a reader for sending word. St. Arnold’s is located at 3435 Connecticut Ave, NW around the side of the old Dino’s space in Cleveland Park.

Thanks to @allyyygator for tweeting us the update above about Rocklands expansion in Glover Park. Looks like in about 3 weeks. Back in May of last we learned that Rocklands would be expanding into the former Max’s Best Ice Cream shop next door to it’s current space at 2416 Wisconsin Ave, NW.

Photos courtesy The Embassy Row Hotel [2015 Massachusetts Avenue, NW]
From a press release:
“The rooftop oasis nestled upon a renowned Dupont Circle hotel is now ready to kick off summer with a big splash. The Embassy Row Hotel, by Destination Hotels & Resorts, announced today that the three-month, $500,000 renovation of The Rooftop is nearly complete and will officially open to the public on Tuesday, July 1. The 4,130-square-foot, open-air roof terrace features a 450-square-foot swimming pool and outdoor lounge area adorned with resort cabanas and lounge seating giving travelers and locals a place to relax and unwind. (more…)

Tortino Italian Restaurant at 1228 11th St, NW
From an email:
“Three Washington, D.C. restaurants made OpenTable’s 2014 Diners’ Choice Award winners for the Top 100 Neighborhood Gems in America! This list is comprised of tried and true local standbys that boast cult-like followings.
D.C. winners include Thally, Tortino and Buck’s Fishing & Camping. Just over ten years old, Buck’s Fishing & Camping is well-known for its steaks, folky flair and locally sourced ingredients. Thally wins its affection from the locals with its fresh food and nod to the Shaw neighborhood (“Thally” refers to the Tally-Ho Stables, built in 1883, located in Naylor Court directly behind the restaurant).
These awards reflect the combined opinions of more than 5 million restaurant reviews submitted by verified OpenTable diners for approximately 19,000 restaurants in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
2014 Diners’ Choice Award Winners for the Top 100 Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in America (full list after the jump) (more…)

3013 Georgia Avenue, NW
“Dear PoPville,
I wanted to invite you to an awesomely unique new happening on Georgia Avenue. Kokeb restaurant is opening an Ethiopian Brunch starting this Sunday, June 29th from 11am – 1pm.
The grand Opening will feature a buffet of amazing dishes, a traditional coffee ceremony, spiced bloody mary’s, honey wine, and music. We will also be selling goods handmade by Ethiopian in a partnership with myfight, a group that is fighting poverty by creating international marketplaces for skilled women.
Going forward, the restaurant will open at 10 am Saturdays and Sundays.
I lived in Ethiopia for two years as a Peace Corps volunteer. Kokeb to me represents what Ethiopia feels and tastes like and this is extends to the genuine hospitality of the owner.”

1039 31st Street, NW
I’m told that Cafe La Ruche will be closing July 1st and Chez Billy Sud will open in the refreshed space in August.
From Chez Billy:
“Eric and Ian Hilton, Washington, D.C.’s hometown neighborhood restaurant proprietors, announce their latest venture: Chez Billy Sud, the sister to Chez Billy, the highly-regarded French bistro in Petworth. Chez Billy Sud is slated to open in August 2014 at 1039 31st Street NW.
Named “Sud” for its location to the south of the original Chez Billy in Petworth, the 3000 square foot restaurant and patio will offer classic French cuisine focusing on France’s southern regions.
Chef Brendan L’Etoile will preside over both locations as Executive Chef. Chef de Cuisine, Richard Wagner, will oversee day-to-day operations in Petworth while L’etoile prepares Chez Billy Sud for its August opening.
“Around the city, we have led the charge to bring great dining in burgeoning neighborhoods, Petworth among them,” said Ian Hilton. “While Georgetown is already very much on the map, we believe there is still room for growth when it comes to dining options.”
The restaurant will feature 60 seats for indoor dining, a 60-seat patio offering a full menu, as well as a full bar and French-focused wine list. Chez Billy Sud will serve lunch and dinner daily and offer weekend brunch on Saturday and Sunday. It will be dark on Mondays to give the crew a much-needed day of rest.”

3523 12th Street, NE
Brookland’s Finest, Smith Public Trust and now Steel Plate – Brookland is on a hell of a roll! From the owners:
“After nearly a year of work, Steel Plate is finally ready for action…
Doors open today Wednesday, June 25. Come in and say hello!
Starting today and for the first few weeks:
– Our hours of operation will be from 5pm to midnight.
– The kitchen will close at 10pm Sunday – Thursday and 11pm on Friday and Saturday.
– Happy Hour is offered Monday – Friday, from 5 – 7pm.
Now, we know that things won’t be perfect immediately, so as our neighbors and first guests, please help us work on anything that might need improving. We ask for all feedback, comments, suggestions, and – of course – patience as we smooth out kinks in our system. As a preemptive apology for any errors on our part, we’ll be offering a 20% discount on all checks (with the exception of happy hour) until this coming Sunday, June 29th. Your support will help whip us into operational shape!
We are so excited to be here in Brookland… We’ve already met some awesome folks and can’t wait to meet more of you. And again, thank you in advance for all your support over the past year. Now, come on in, cozy up at the bar and toast with us.
Cheers,
The Crew at Steel Plate”
Have a look at the opening menus:

Upstairs seating
More photos of another incredible transformation after the jump. (more…)

624 T Street, NW
After adding a cheese counter, one of the few things left Right Proper can do to get even better. The liquor license placard posted out front says:
“Add a new Summer Garden with 28 seats.”
Hours for this sidewalk cafe will be Sunday through Saturday11:30am – 1:00am though sales will stop at midnight.


504 H Street, NE
Thanks to @DougLuzader for tweeting us these photos yesterday afternoon:
“FYI, New Citi Pizza just reopened on H Street.”


17th and K Street, NW
From a press release:
“Chicago-based PROTEIN BAR will open its fourth Washington, DC-area location Wednesday, June 25 at 925 17th Street NW at K Street. That day the first 100 people in line at 11 am will receive a $100 gift certificate.
PROTEIN BAR ‘s menu features made to order customizable high-protein blended drinks, bowls, fresh-made chili, soups, salads, and the signature quinoa-packed PROTEIN BAR-RITOs. Mindful of freshness and quality, PROTEIN BAR sauces and dressings are made in-house daily. All menu items are high in protein & fiber and low in fat and refined sugar. PROTEIN BAR uses organic, all-natural, and locally-sourced ingredients and provides a complete list of all nutritional information and ingredients for their entire menu. Nearly all menu items, except for Bar-ritos, are gluten-free.
Monday – Friday 7 am until 8 pm; Saturday 10 am until 4 pm. Closed Sunday