belga_cafe
514 8th Street, SE

From an email:

“DC bacon lovers rejoice! Chef Bart Vandaele is hosting a “Belgian Ale & Bacon” Beer Dinner at Belga Café on Tuesday, April 29 at 6:30pm. Guests will enjoy seven beers served alongside a four-course bacon fueled menu for $59 per person (not including tax and gratuity). The four-course menu features:

Amuse-Bouche

Posca Rustica, Brasserie Dupont sprl

First Course

Bacon-Wrapped Oysters
Gruyere cheese gratin, lemon-mosto oil, and fresh parsley
Tripel Karmeliet, Brouwerij Bosteels

Second Course

Bacon Basket
Stuffed with goat cheese, quail eggs, and red peppers
La Chouffe, Brasserie d’Achouffe
Saison Dupont, Brasserie Dupont sprl

Third Course

Roasted Pheasant
Potato leek cake with red cabbage, rosemary pheasant jus, and bacon shavings
Corsendonk Brown, Brouwerij Corsendonk
St. Feuillien Brune, Brasserie St. Feuillien

Fourth Course

Belgian Clafoutis
Bananas, strawberries, Tabasco bacon ice cream, with bacon crumbles
Liefmans Fruitesse, Brouwerij Liefmans”


elevation
Elevation building in the 100 block of Florida Ave, NE

From a press release:

“MRP Residential, a residential development and investment management firm, today announced Union Social, the latest dining experience from local restaurateur Reese Gardner, is coming to Elevation at Washington Gateway. Union Social is slated to open this fall.

Gardner, who operates Copperwood Tavern, Irish Public House, The Mighty Pint and Wilson Tavern through his Wooden Nickel Bar Company, will bring his farm-to-table approach to the NoMa neighborhood via Union Social. Union Social is a DC Metro inspired casual, fine dining restaurant featuring a scratch kitchen and craft bar.

Architecturally designed to replicate a train station or bus terminal by Maggie O’Neill, who previously collaborated with Gardner on Irish Public House and Copperwood Tavern, Union Social’s 5,600-square-foot space will feature marble and steel elements, subway tile and other accents.

Elevation at Washington Gateway includes 400 units, ground-level retail, and a 600-space parking garage. As part of the residential complex, MRP Residential is constructing a European-inspired central plaza with a dramatic water feature and a pedestrian stair connection to New York Avenue, NE. The 14-story apartment building, located adjacent to the NoMa/Gallaudet U Metro Station, will open its doors this summer.”


IMG_6161
504 H Street, NE

I just noticed that New Citi Pizza had closed on H Street. A Frozen tropics shared sad news back in January:

“I am sad to report that an employee told me that the owner died of a heart attack. He further said that the employees do not know how to do the ordering or the books to keep the place open. Very sad news to hear. I will miss them as a good neighbor and vendor.”

Now the front has been papered over – anyone hear anything about plans for the space?

UPDATE from @DougLuzader:

“Just spoke to former employee of New Citi Pizza on H Street who plans to reopen in just a few days.”

IMG_6162


gcdc_grilled_cheese_bar
1730 Pennsylvania Ave, NW

It’s been a long time coming (actually less than a year) but the glorious day has finally arrived!

From a press release:

“GCDC, Washington’s first grilled cheese-centric restaurant and cheese bar, is officially opening its doors on Friday, April 11, located one block from the White House on the city’s famed Pennsylvania Avenue. The next day (Saturday, April 12), GCDC will celebrate National Grilled Cheese Day with $5 grilled cheese sandwiches and half-priced draft beers from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

A fast-casual grilled cheese sandwich lunchtime spot by day and artisanal cheese and wine, beer and cocktail bar by evening, GCDC will cater to both downtown lunchers and the after-work happy hour crowd. During the day, GCDC will serve a playful menu of creative, specialty grilled cheese sandwiches ranging from the Korean-style Kim-Cheese-Steak and the pasta-inspired Grilled Carbonara, as well as a “Grill Your Own” option of artisanal cheeses and toppings. Poutine and nacho-style tater tots, made-from-scratch vegan tomato soup and composed cheese and charcuterie lunch boards round out the lunch offerings.

Evening customers can come back after work for a more dressed-up menu. Elegant, artisanal cheese boards, local charcuterie and composed small plates can be paired alongside a comprehensive beverage program, featuring craft cocktails, local beers, carefully selected wines, and a nod to the owner’s hometown, the Brooklyn egg cream.

GCDC will officially open its doors on Friday, April 11.On Saturday, April 12, GCDC will host a National Grilled Cheese Day celebration from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with $5 specialty grilled cheese sandwiches, and half-priced draft beers and a homemade wine punch.”


IMG_5987
931 H Street, NW

Back in June of last year we first learned New York City’s Daniel Boulud would be bringing a DBGB Kitchen And Bar to CityCenterDC.

Now a few more details from the liquor license application posted out front says:

“New upscale fine dining brasserie-style restaurant specializing in French cuisine with Summer Garden seating 78 patrons and Sidewalk Café seating 44 patrons. Background music will be provided. Total occupancy load is 250.”

You can see the New York menus here.

And thanks to all who sent emails about rumors of David Chang’s Momofuku also coming to CityCenter. A source of mine also confirms that is true.

IMG_5988


pearl_dive_crawfish
1612 14th Street, NW

From an email:

“WHAT: Pearl Dive Oyster Palace will kick off crawfish season with a Crawfish Boil on Saturday, April 26, 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. Pearl Dive Chef James Huff, who has cooked in celebrated New Orleans kitchens Delmonico and Stella, will prepare the select grade crawfish from Crawley, Louisiana with potatoes and corn, and season them with the signature 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, April 26, 2014 with two seatings from 12 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

WHERE: Pearl Dive Oyster Palace is located at 1612 14th Street, NW”


belle_dinner_dc

From an email:

“Please join us on Wednesday, April 16, 2014 for the second annual Bel’le Dinner in loving memory of Thang Le. Chef Aaron Silverman of Rose’s Luxury and chef Erik Bruner-Yang of Toki Underground will prepare an 8-course dinner at $100 per person. A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit Mission Excellence DC. Space is limited and reservations are required. Please email info(at)tokiunderground.com for reservations.

Second Annual Bel’le Dinner
In Memory of Thang Le
Benefitting Mission Excellence DC
www.mission-excellence.com

Tuesday, April 16, 2014
8-courses, $100
Beverage Pairing Optional
For Reservations: info(at)tokiunderground.com [1234 H Street, NE]

nam prik oysters

nam khao crudo

congee | quinoa | pig’s tongue

“spring vegetables”
homemade sourdough and fresh cheese

pork | prawn

local fish
roasted grapes | bamboo shoots

whole quail
seven treasure sticky rice

oolong panna cotta”


thai-x-ing
2020 9th Street, NW

On Monday a reader asked about the status of the new Thai X-ing location coming to 9th Street near the 9:30 Club. At that time a commenter said he heard that the current 515 Florida Ave, NW location would close after the new spot opens. Good news – that’s not true. I just heard back from the Thai X-ing team and they tell me that the Florida Ave location does plan on closing after 9th Street opens but only “for a very brief period to complete some building renovations.” As for the new 9th Street spot – there is no concrete date for an opening yet because they are waiting on final inspections.


stix_food_truck_petworth

Thanks to a reader for passing on word about STIX food truck coming to Petworth:

“@GoBrindisi

Congrats @eatstix on your new digs in Petworth #DC. So sad you’re leaving us at #Vocus. BTW your NY Strip today was super #yummy! #foodtruck”

“@eatstix – we will make an announcement soon!”

Their website says:

“Top quality chicken breast, NY strip and colossal shrimp meet the grill on this truck!

We’ve created amazing flavors by handcrafting marinades from the freshest ingredients. Natural flavors inspire us, so we use clean oils, citrus zest and juice, fresh herbs and spices bringing bursts of mouth-watering flavor to our recipes.

Fruit and vegetable STIX are selected on a seasonal basis always ensuring quality, full flavor and freshness.

It is our desire to offer stacked deliciousness to everyone.

A variety of vegetarian and vegan options available daily.”

Check out the menu here.

Updates when they make their announcement.


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