Photo by PoPville flickr user jiconoclast
Wednesday’s post about jeweler recs reminded me that we need to update our favorite first date locations and good date spots in general. So while I’m mostly curious about restaurants and bars, I’d also be interested to hear of good non eating/drinking date spots/ideas.
So I guess we can break the question into three categories – favorite bars for (first) dates? Favorite restaurants for (first) dates? Favorite non eating/drinking spot for (first) dates?
14th and S Street, NW
From a press release:
“Scorpion bowls, Pina Coladas and Banana Daiquiris cement their position as the undisputed drinks of summer as doi moi’s cocktail list takes a decidedly Tiki turn for the season. Over the next two weeks, doi moi Bar Director Adam is rolling out his new cocktail menu at the Southeast Asian restaurant, which pays homage to summer’s sought-after flavors and Bernbach’s personal favorites.
“I’ve long maintained that the Pina Colada is the most underrated of cocktails,” says Bernbach, who also heads the bar programs at 2 birds 1 stone, Estadio and Proof. “Like most Tiki drinks, it is a study in complex flavors and one that I’ve had a lot of fun exploring for this list. The new menu works very well with the restaurant’s spicy cuisine and provides the perfect thirst-quenchers for our unfailingly intense summer temperatures.”
In addition to the aforementioned Pina Colada, which is served in a coconut mug, Bernbach’s new menu at doi moi will include popular Tiki classics such as the Mai Tai and Suffering Bastard. Bernbach will also explore under-the-radar drinks, such the sherry and bourbon-forward Bizzy Izzy and crafts inventive originals like the Straw Hat #2, a combination of Pisco, Scotch whisky, Cocchi Americano and lime bitters. Prices range from $12-$14, with the bowls priced at $35. The complete cocktail menu is detailed below.
DOI MOI COCKTAIL MENU (available in full by July 1st) (more…)
903 N Street, NW
Glad they were able to resolve their issues with DCRA because this looks awesome. Great way to conceal dumpsters:
1177 15th Street, NW
Back in March we noted the coming soon signage for the Argentinean steakhouse that is replacing the Federalist inside the Loews Madison Hotel. Now we know the name – Rural Society:
“This summer, award-winning chef Jose Garces will debut Rural Society, an Argentine steakhouse, at the Loews Madison Hotel. Following a multi-million dollar renovation, the Loews Madison is proud to be home to Chef Garces’s first restaurant in Washington, D.C.
The name Rural Society is derived from La Sociedad Rural Argentina (Argentine Rural Society) and La Exposicion Rural, an annual event in Argentina that is part livestock show, part gaucho exhibition, and part glittering social gathering. A major cultural and political event in the South American nation, La Exposicion Rural has brought together large crowds since its beginnings in 1866. After a visit to Argentina and Uruguay with his team earlier this year, Chef Gaces returned to the States inspired by the sights, sounds, tastes and traditions of Rural Society.
In tribute to this celebratory time, the open flames of a parrilla (Argentine grill) will welcome guests into the new Rural Society restaurant. All meats, fish, and some vegetables will be grilled here in the center of the restaurant, on the grill fueled by charcoal as well as traditional Argentine hardwood (quebracho).
Rural Society is also celebrating the Italian culture so embedded in Argentina. Guests can expect handmade pastas along with fugazzas (thick-crust Argentine pizza). In addition to presenting apéritifs and digestifs, Rural Society’s bar will showcase South American and Argentine wines.
We look forward to welcoming you to Rural Society in Washington, D.C. this summer.”
1612 14th Street, NW
From a press release:
“Pearl Dive Oyster Palace Hosts Summer Crawfish Boil on June 28
WHAT: Pearl Dive Oyster Palace will host a Summer Crawfish Boil on Saturday, June 28, 2014. Guests will enjoy Louisiana crawfish, whole-roasted, sustainably raised suckling pig, peel & eat shrimp, slaw, pulled pork sandwiches on the restaurant’s famous Addie’s rolls, and a selection of Southern inspired sides and desserts from pastry chef Carri-Anne Hamer, including a house-made deep fried “twinkie”. Louisiana’s Abita Brewing Company Amber will complement the food for the duration of each two-hour seating. The select grade crawfish from Crawley, Louisiana, will be prepared with potatoes and corn, and seasoned with Cajun “Slap Ya Mama” seasoning. All dishes will be served family style. Tickets can be purchased for $65 per person exclusive of tax and gratuity by emailing [email protected]. All ticket purchases include Abita Amber and all the boil you can eat for two hours.
WHEN: Saturday, June 28, 2014 with two seatings from 12 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.”
1800 N Street, NW just west of Connecticut Ave
The news about Surfside opening in Dupont may have gotten even better – last night they tweeted:
“We are so excited to announce our newest Surfside ! Located at 1800 N street! #comingsoon #tacotime #24hours..”
Since I don’t think they’ll be opening tomorrow, it looks like the #24hours means they hope to be open 24 hours a day – which would be awesome. Stay tuned.
800 F Street, NW
nopa opened up in the former Zola space just north of pennsylvania avenue back in May 2013. Their website says:
“nopa Kitchen+Bar, a new 160-seat American brasserie in the heart of Penn Quarter. This is the award-winning restaurateur’s eighth restaurant in the nation’s Capitol and it serves American fare with French and Asian influences. The name represents nopa’s location just north of Pennsylvania Avenue and it welcomes guests for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. The restaurant offers lively dining in the main dining room, and also offers quieter dining options and several private dining rooms.
Greg McCarty is the executive chef for nopa Kitchen+Bar. A graduate of The George Brown Chef School in Toronto, Canada, McCarty’s culinary career began in the New York City kitchen of Jean Georges. He cooked under Chef Vongerichten for six years, working his way up from line cook to executive sous chef of Dune in the Bahamas. In 2005, McCarty returned to Manhattan to open Nobu 57. McCarty worked with renowned restaurateur Drew Nieporent on various restaurant projects, and has also managed his own consulting business, before accepting his new position in Washington.
Ashok Bajaj worked with James Beard Foundation’s award-nominated restaurant designer Martin Vahtra of Projects Design Associates of New York to create nopa. Its striking interior is light-filled, and sports a rustic industrial style. The décor features whitewashed exposed brick, rough sawn wood paneling, steel accents and metal task lighting. These strong elements contrast dramatically with the plush fabric on the red banquettes and camel leather arm chairs, which provide comfortable seating around sleek wooden bistro tables.”
You can see their menus here.
Any fans?
3815 Georgia Ave, NW
From the folks at Chez Billy:
“Chez Billy, Petworth’s neighborhood French bistro, is bringing back Sunday brunch the weekend after Labor Day and wants to know what you’d like to see on the menu. I love the authentic French dishes like Vichysoisse and Moules-Frites, but what do you think is missing from brunch in Petworth? Bottomless drinks? Classic American breakfast dishes with a French twist? More wine and cheese? Speak up!”
1635 Connecticut Ave, NW
Back in April we learned this former Potbelly space would become a Custom Fuel pizza spot. I talked to an employee the other day who said they were on track for a June 25th opening. You can see their menu here.
So for those who’ve tried both – which is better – Custom Fuel or &pizza?
A reader sends the terrible news:
“Sad morning news. Henry’s Soul Cafe at 17th and U — noted for sweet potato pies — looks to be destroyed by a fire. Several engines responded and U was closed in both directions.”
From @IAFF36 around 6:45am:
“Building Fire – 1704 U St NW – 1-story commercial bldg, smoke showing #DCFD #dctraffic
Update – 1704 U St NW – fire knocked down, checking for extension, searches negative #DCFD”
From @DCPoliceDept at 7:53am:
“UPDATE: The 1600-1800 Blocks of U Street, NW are NOW OPEN “