1928 I Street, NW
Back in October we noted major renovations had started on the new Asian fusion restaurant, Poppa Box, coming to the long vacant Tony’s building. Looks like they’re getting close to finishing.
prior to reno
Restaurants
Photo by PoPville flickr user caroline.angelo
From a press release:
“The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington will host Winter Restaurant Week, January 13-19, inviting participating restaurants to offer three-course lunches for $20.14 and three-course dinners for $35.14. This bi-annual event invites diners to experience Washington’s top restaurants at an affordable price point. As an added bonus, some restaurants including 701 Restaurant, Ardeo+Bardeo, Bibiana Osteria-Enoteca, Bistro Vivant, Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar, Daikaya, Jaleo, nopa Kitchen + Bar, Oyamel, The Oval Room and Zaytinya will be extending their offering through January 26 allowing more time to enjoy the winter savings.
Details on many participating restaurants after the jump. (more…)
451 K Street, NW
Back in October we learned that ‘Another Ray’s Joint’ was still coming to the City Vista building next to Mandu. Looks like it’s get closer now – all the kitchen equipment came in:
501 Florida Avenue, NW
The transformation of Florida Avenue continues with The Royal coming from the owner of Vinoteca (wine bar just south of 11th and U St, NW). Washingtonian shared some details:
“The sliver of a spot in LeDroit Park will be called the Royal after its former tenant, the Royal Liquor.
You’ll likely find a coffee shop with a small food menu in the mornings and afternoons, while evenings will bring a concise lineup for dinner.”
Coffee shop plan sounds a bit like the nearby Bistro/Kafe Bohem located a block away at 6th and Florida.
Washingtonian also says the space should fit about 40 seats and will open this summer. Updates as more info becomes available and they get closer to opening. Thanks to all who sent emails and tweets.
I don’t remember Royal Liquor but it was also briefly Stylistics Salon back in 2009:
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415 New Jersey Avenue, NW
From a press release:
“Art and Soul continues its monthly series of intimate, family-style meals hosted by Executive Chef Wes Morton and his team with a dinner focusing on the brews and food of the Pacific Northwest. Held the second Saturday of the month, Saturday Suppers begin with a reception and passed hors d’oeuvres before moving to a seated, four-course meal.
The first of this year’s suppers, to be held on January 11, has been conceived by Art and Soul Chef de Cuisine Doug Alexander, an Oregon native and aficionado of the region’s micro breweries. The meal will highlight brews that are hard to find on this coast paired with dishes such as Columbia River Salmon and Red Wine Braised Leg of Venison.
Pacific Northwest Beer Dinner Menu (PDF)
And here are a list of the beers:
Double IPA, Tricerahops, Ninkansi Brewing Company, Eugene, OR
American Wild Ale, Sang Noir, Cascade Brewing Company, Portland, OR
American Strong Ale, Dead Guy XS, Rogue Ales, Newport, OR
American Porter, Black Butte, Deschutes Brewery, Bend, OR
American Barleywine, Old Knucklehead, Bridgeport Brewing Company, Portland, OR
The event begins at 7 p.m. and costs $70 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity. Advance reservations are required and may be made through eventrbite.”
917 5th Street, NW
From a press release:
“In the works for more than a year, Silo restaurant opened to the public at 5pm on Saturday, January 4. The restaurant’s name represents its raw and industrial interior as well as the fresh ingredients and grains used in its cuisine. It will accommodate 20 people at the bar and 50 people in the dining room.
PHOTO CREDIT: Reza Mohaddes for SILO
Created, designed and built by first-time restaurateur Reza Akhavan, who become known in DC’s restaurant community during his tenure as Manager of The Front Page, and then as the Opening GM of Shaw’s Tavern. Working alongside Akhavan as Restaurant Manager will be Charlotte Devilliers, most recently with Northside Social Coffee Shop and Wine Bar. Silo’s kitchen is helmed by Executive Chef George Vetsch. From 2009-2013, Chef Vetsch was Executive Chef (American Classic cuisine) at C.F. Folks. During his tenure there, the restaurant was awarded the 2013 James Beard Award, Classic American Restaurant and the 2013 RAMMY Award, Casual Restaurant of the Year.
Hours are:
Tuesday-Thursday, Sunday: 5pm – 10pm (kitchen), 5pm – 1am (bar)
Friday and Saturday: 5pm – 11pm (kitchen), 5pm – 2am (bar)
Closed Mondays.
Looking north towards K Street
Excited to be back in the kitchen of a brand new restaurant just as it starts out, Swiss-born, and trained in French cuisine, Chef Vetsch has designed Silo’s menu on Contemporary American cuisine with a Swiss/French twist that pays homage to his heritage.
Some of his dishes to look forward to include:
§ Kohlrabi Soup with Appenzeller Cheese Fondue and Fennel Oil
§ Mussels Gratinée in a Vermouth Leek Sauce
§ Fried Pumpkin Triangles with Eggplant Tomato Mousse and Garlic sautéed Spinach on Cauliflower Sauce (VEGAN)
§ Potato crusted Branzino on sautéed Spinach with Tomato-Olive-Caper Concasse in a Fennel Soubise”
Photos of some of the dishes after the jump. (more…)
Union Market’s newest restaurant is about to open at 1309 5th Street, NE in NoMa. From a press release:
“Union Market, the highly acclaimed food market redeveloped by EDENS, one of the nation’s leading retail real estate owners and developers, announced today that renowned chef John Mooney will return to his roots in Washington D.C. to open his highly anticipated restaurant concept, Bidwell on Thursday, January 9, 2014.
Bidwell’s motto and mantra is “Responsibly Sourced”, acknowledging the heritage of American cuisine and the offerings of neighboring artisanal Market vendors. The restaurant is named after General John Bidwell, a general in the U.S. Army in the 1800’s, a United States Presidential candidate in 1892, and founder of Chico, California. He was an avid farmer known for developing the Bidwell heirloom melon, a gold medal winning flour, and is credited for California’s first commercial raisin crop. Much of the produce served at Bidwell will come from its own crop of fruit and vegetables grown in over seventy aeroponic planters on the roof of Union Market; this is literally roof to table cuisine.
The Bidwell menu will feature several of Chef Mooney’s signature dishes with Southern flair and flavor including: Gin & Tonic Salmon with Caramelized Cauliflower, Crispy Deviled Eggs with Homemade Ranch Dressing, Lobster Taco with Avocado Tomatillo Salsa, and Suckling Pig. Completing the menu is a confidently curated selection of regional wines, craft beers and classic cocktails.
Designed by New York architectural firm GRADE, this expansive 120-seat restaurant will represent a perfect pairing of modern and historic industrial elements, GRADE’s way of acknowledging Union Market’s storied past while creating an enticing environment for its future guests. Design elements such as its strong lines and white tile lining the bar are balanced by aesthetically softer details including a sprawling white and beige marble countertop, reclaimed wood and charming lighting fixtures reminiscent of a time long ago. Its open kitchen with spacious Chef’s counter and additional outdoor seating will create a casual, social atmosphere in the midst of the bustling Market.
Chef John Mooney has traveled the world as a chef, honing his craft around a variety of cultures and cuisines. DC diners were the first to discover John, at Red Sage and then Raku. Following his time in D.C., Mooney launched the W Hotel New York’s flagship restaurant Heartbeat, where, as executive chef, his love for serving seasonal, fresh, and organic produce grew. In 2004, he was appointed corporate consulting chef of India’s Taj Hotel group, where he opened the country’s first organic restaurant, PURE by Michel Nischan. In 2008, at Highland Manor in Florida, he began aeroponic gardening. These practices were ultimately brought to the ultra-seasonal menu (and the rooftop) of his New York City West Village restaurant Bell, Book & Candle, where Mooney was named a 2011 StarChefs.com Rising Star Sustainability Chef. Bidwell will be an embodiment of his commitment to serving delicious, creative, naturally sourced American food.
Bidwell is located in Union Market, 1309 5th Street NE, Washington DC 20002 and the hours are as follows: Lunch will be served Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Dinner will be served Tuesday through Thursday, and Sunday from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and Brunch will be served on Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.”
I took a peek at their friends and family menu and fondly recall something about lobster tacos…
Space looks nice too!
3435 Connecticut Avenue, NW
In November we learned Dino would be closing in Cleveland Park and opening a new spot in Shaw. [Dino’s last day in Cleveland Park is January 12th.] Thanks to a reader for sending a heads up about their new Indiegogo fundraising campaign:
“We would LOVE it if we could entirely finance the restaurant thru this campaign so we can birth our new baby with just our own resources and fan support. This is the only way we can have the freedom to do what we do best: support our sustainable network of small family farms & wineries, and artisan producers deliciously!
It will take over $200,000 in total to bring the new Dino’s Grotto to fruition. So even when we hit our target, please keep on donating! Then we can give our regulars and our new customers what they want.
The Shaw neighborhood is undergoing a rebirth of vibrancy and excitement after many a hard year. Dino is closing in Cleveland Park and now comes to Shaw to experience its own rebirth into a new form and a new future. We are excited to join such a dynamic and exciting neighborhood.”
Yesterday Dino’s tweeted:
“What a 1st day! 7% to our goal & our Indiegogo not even 24 hours old! $25 gets you 2 10% off visits #DinoComesToShaw”
1320 H Street, NE
“Dear PoPville,
It appears that Taylor Gourmet’s foray into Philly Cheesesteaks – Taylor Charles Steak and Ice on H Street – has gone belly up. The windows are papered over and it’s clearly closed. Not hugely surprising, as it never seemed to do much business. I also found it a tremendously disappointing place – really bad, overpriced cheesesteaks.”
A friend of mine checked it out this morning and sends word that a permit has been posted for “alteration/repair”. Strangely there is no mention on Taylor Charles’ twitter and they haven’t sent a tweet since Dec. 21st. Their website is still active though.
A rep. for the restaurant tells me via email:
“All we can say right now are cheesesteaks are not dead.”
Will update when more info becomes available.
2301 Georgia Ave, NW
A few weeks ago we noticed major progress at Custom Fuel pizza coming to Georgia Ave near Howard. These are the same folks who reopened at 17th and Pennsylvania Ave, NW back in August. They are opening the Georgia Ave location this Tuesday Jan. 7th. Check out how nice the space turned out:
You can see their menu here.
Looking south toward Potbelly