Restaurants

Texas de Brazil Steakhouse Coming to former Buddha Bar space on Mass Ave

By Prince Of Petworth

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457 Massachusetts Ave, NW

The Buddha Bar space closed since 2012 finally has a new tenant Texas de Brazil (website says opening 2014.) Their website also says:

“Texas de Brazil is an authentic Brazilian-American Churrascaria (steakhouse) that combines the cuisine of Southern Brazil with the generous spirit of Texas.

Experience

Texas de Brazil is carving a new experience in fine dining. The restaurant is an authentic Brazilian-American “Churrascaria” or steakhouse that combines the cuisines of Southern Brazil with the generous spirit of Texas.

Treat yourself to our 50-60 item seasonal salad area including appetizers, gourmet vegetables, soups, and salads. Turn your place card to green and prepare to be swarmed by a troop of carvers generously serving various cuts of seasoned beef, lamb, pork, chicken and Brazilian sausage, all accompanied by traditional side items and house-baked Brazilian cheese bread. As you dine endlessly on Brazilian fare, let one of our in-house wine connoisseurs select the perfect pairing from our extensive, award-winning wine lists, or sip on a freshly-made signature cocktail-the Caipirinha. Complete your dining experience with one of our many decadent dessert selections, and then relax with an after-dinner drink, steaming espresso or a hand-rolled cigar and enjoy the ambiance and service perfection that is uniquely Texas de Brazil.”

You can see their menus here.

The Washington Business Journal reported the lease signing and says:

“The Brazilian-style steakhouse, which features all-you-can-eat meats served in the churrascaria style as well as a large seasonal salad bar, has a location in Fair Oaks Mall in Fairfax, and another in Richmond.”

Anyone happen to have tried one of those locations?

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Al Crostino Reopening in former Cause space in Shaw

By Prince Of Petworth

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1926 9th Street, NW

Good news for Al Crostino fans. And thanks to all who tweeted and emailed the good word. Al Crostino closed at 1324 U Street, NW (to make way for the new JBG project back in November. While Al Crostino has recently been popping up at Den of Thieves – it looks like they’ve found a new home in Shaw. They’ll be taking over the former Cause Philanthropub which closed at 1926 9th Street just south of U Street back in December.

As an Al Crostino fan, this makes me very very happy.

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Previous home on U Street:

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Dino’s Grotto Now Open in Shaw – A Look Inside

By Prince Of Petworth

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1914 9th Street, NW

Last week we looked at some menu highlights from Dino’s Grotto now open in Shaw – I had the opportunity to take a taste last week and I’m happy to report it was just as delicious as the original Dino’s in Cleveland Park. They’ve now listed some of their beers and ciders on their facebook page too:

“Taps: Champion Killer Kolch {brand new Virginia brewery} ~ DC Brau Poseidon’s Daughter {black IPA} ~ Atlas Home Rule {IP lager} ~ 3 Star Citra Lemon ~ Lost Rhino IPA ~ Baladin Floreale

Bottles & cans include: Duclaw Sweet Baby Jesus ~ Anchor California Lager ~ Williamsberg Redmarker Ale ~ Del Ducato Verdi Stout and Nuova Mattina

Ciders: Dupont {French}, Crispin {Calif}, Jack’s {PA}”

Today take a look inside the new space – first upstairs:

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Lower level:

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Sneak Peek Inside Smith Public Trust Coming to Brookland (possibly in 3 weeks)

By Prince Of Petworth

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3514 12th Street, NE

Thanks to a reader for sending a first look inside Smith Public Trust in the former Library Bar and Grill space. He writes:

“Saw that Smith Public Trust had its front door open and lights on. Pretty sweet mural in the back of the capitol, nice custom bar, small stage..overall looking great! Spoke with the contractors there and they said the bar should be opening within 3 weeks (take that for what its worth).”

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Arguably the Greatest Restaurant Renovation in the District – Nando’s Peri Peri opening May 21st in Tenleytown

By Prince Of Petworth

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4231 Wisconsin Avenue, NW

Last week we learned Nando’s Peri Peri would be opening their Tenleytown location on May 21st and the transformation on the outside from Armand’s Pizza looked great. Turns out that was just the tip of the iceberg in terms of how freaking amazing the space turned out. I was able to take some preview photos earlier this week – and I’m gonna have to say this is easily in the top five coolest restaurant renovations I’ve ever seen. Followers of PoPville know that I love old stuff – so it will come as no surprise that lots of old elements of this building were uncovered and incorporated into the new space. You can read the cool background on the building and design below:

Nando’s Tenleytown Release, History (PDF)

Nando’s Tenleytown Release, Design (PDF)

Honest to God, the photos won’t even do justice to how awesome it is. Have a look:

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part of 2nd floor

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a snapshot of how the walls changed over the years

Tons more photos after the jump. (more…)

GRK Fresh Greek Restaurant Opening in Dupont this Summer, planning to open 8-10 more in the area

By Prince Of Petworth

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1140 19th Street, NW

From a press release:

“GRK Fresh Greek is excited introduce DC to a fresh take on classic Greek food this summer. Dupont Circle (1140 19th Street, NW) will be the first DC metro area to experience what Nation’s Restaurant News calls a “Breakout Brand of 2014.”

Among its select classic quick serve menu selections is GRK’s signature Yeero, as well as fresh, authentic Greek yogurt. Spelled phonetically to differentiate this signature classic Greek dish from the traditional gyro, GRK’s Yeero features meat seasoned and marinated in yogurt, and slow roasted by artisans in a rotisserie grill. The straightforward menu offers choice of lamb & beef, chicken, pork or vegetables served on a classic pita baked in wood stove oven or served on a plate. To top it off, GRK offers three distinct, yogurt-based tzatzikis: classic and zesty GRK, spicy kaftero, or basil infused prassino. Entrée salads or side choices like the Aegean slaw with red and green cabbage, carrots, onions and fresh herbs dressed in lemon vinaigrette are also offered. Everything on the menu uses the best local as well as international ingredients the market has to offer.

Fresh yogurt offers a protein rich treat that is unlike any other found in the U.S. It is frozen or fresh with unique sweet and savory toppings imported from Greece, including black cherry, rose petal or fig preserves. Corfu, one of two yogurt specialties on the menu suggests basil, apples, figs, lentils, sea salt and extra virgin olive oil for toppings.

Lunch, dinner and late night dining is offered on the outdoor patio or inside at the counter facing the open kitchen or on the more intimate lower level. Beverages include beer and wine as well as a variety of Greek sodas and Illy coffee drinks.

Food ingredients aren’t the only authentic Greek part of GRK; principal Alex Alevras, moved to DC from Athens to build the concept as did his partner and founder, seasoned restaurateur, George Nikas and fellow partner Peter Psaromatis. The sleek, contemporary European architecture was designed by Alex Konopisopoulos with support from local architect Augeris Vakalopoulos.

After working to perfect the first location in New York City more than two years ago, GRK has chosen to expand the concept to DC with hopes to open 8-10 more stores in the region within the next few years.

GRK will be open Monday through Thursday 11am to 10pm, Friday 11am to 3am; Saturday 12 noon to 3am; and Sunday 12 noon to 10pm.”

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