Restaurants

Jersey Mike’s Sub Shop Opening in Rhode Island Row Dec. 4th

By Prince Of Petworth

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Photo courtesy Rhode Island Row (2300 Washington Place, NE by the Rhode Island Ave Metro)

From a press release:

“On December 4th, Jersey Shore style sub shop Jersey Mike’s will open its first location in the District at Rhode Island Row.

Jersey Mike’s prides itself on providing “not just a sub, but an experience.” Franchise owner Sean Schoonover trained at the original store to deliver the most authentic Jersey experience possible. Their roast beef is trimmed, tied, and cooked in house to medium rare, while their meats and cheeses (which are always sliced to order) are shipped each day along with their bread from their tried-and-true Jersey distributors.

Jersey Mike’s is devoted to giving back to the community, and the new location has teamed up with “Powerful Beyond Measure,” a non-profit organization that focuses on youth development in low-income families. From December 4-8, the store will give away a free sub to customers who donate a dollar or more to PBM with a coupon (30,000 of which will be distributed to the neighborhood during launch week, and which will also be available at www.teamwashington.com).”

Lupo Verde Opens December 16th at 14th and T St, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

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1401 T Street, NW

From a press release:

“Med Lahlou and Antonio Matarazzo of the Lalou Group are pleased to announce the December 16th anticipated opening of their new Italian concept, Lupo Verde. The intimate 100-seat restaurant, which translates to “green wolf”, will serve authentic, rustic, Italian fare in the bustling 14th Street neighborhood at 1401 T Street, NW, 20009. This is the Lalou Group’s forth concept in Washington as the restaurant group owns Ulah Bistro, Tunnicliff’s Tavern and Station 4 on the Southwest Waterfront. Lupo Verde will open serving dinner nightly, from 5 PM to 11 PM. Guests will also be able to enjoy late night hours Sunday through Thursday, from 11 PM to 2 AM, and Friday and Saturday, from 11 PM to 3 AM.

Corporate Chef Orlando Amaro will oversee the menu at Lupo Verde, which will feature a variety of small plates, house-made charcuteries, cheeses, breads and antipasti. Wood-fired pizzas will also be available along with a selection of paninis and salads at lunch, and house-made pastas, whole roasted fish and a premiere selection of meats during dinner. Customers will be able to purchase 70% of the restaurant’s menu “to go” including 50 cheeses (five of which will be made in-house while the rest will be made from local farmers or imported from Italy) sold by the ounce, two house-made prosciuttos and several other house cured meats. Fresh and dried house-made pastas will be available for purchase by the kilo, along with house-made sauces and rustic house-made breads. Daily specials will be posted on the chalkboard on both levels of the restaurant. (more…)

Dino Closing in Cleveland Park, Reopening in a New Location

By Prince Of Petworth

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3435 Connecticut Avenue, NW

Thanks to a reader for passing on the email sent out by the owners of Dino:

“Ciao Amici

A sad e-mail for a change. After 8-1/2 years, we are going to close the doors at Dino. The closing date isn’t set yet, but it will be sooner rather than later. A matter of weeks and not several months. We have had a great run, and we go out being Washingtonian’s Best Restaurant and City Paper’s Best Italian in their Readers Poll. We simply are not doing the kind of business necessary to justify keeping our doors open. If you do want a last chance, or several, don’t wait. Come in now. Or come in several times while you can.

What’s Next?

We have fabulous location we are looking at, and we are working hard to make it a reality. But all the details are not yet signed sealed and delivered. To misquote a famous opera saying, “It’s not over ’til the circumferencely gifted lady sings {and her lawyers sends you their final bill!}” If you have an interest in being part of Dino’s future in a SubStantive fashion, drop us a line. By doing so, you will be keeping Dean busy, short of any free time to cause trouble, and off the streets of Washington DC {which is a good thing!}

During this end period, we will be offering all out specials as usual {holidays excepted!} And if you want to enjoy something really special from our wine cellar, any wine $150+ is 50% off {holidays excepted}.

In any case, Kay and I thank you for the fun times and we will let you know what’s in our future. We certainly hope you are included in that future.”

Ed. Note: In 2010 we heard they were looking to open in Columbia Heights. More info when it becomes available.

Alba Osteria Opening December 15th in Mt. Vernon Square

By Prince Of Petworth

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425 I Street, NW

From a press release:

“Restaurateur Hakan Ilhan is pleased to announce the anticipated opening of Alba Osteria, at 425 I St, NW, 20001. This new sister restaurant to award-winning Al Dente will begin welcoming guests on December 15th. Those visiting the 226-seat restaurant, including a 63-seat outdoor seasonal patio, will enjoy authentic Italian cuisine reflective of the Piedmonte region of Italy, Executive Chef Roberto Donna’s homeland. Amy Brandwein has been tapped as chef de cuisine of Alba Osteria, overseeing the daily culinary operations. Brandwein was previously executive chef at Donna’s award-winning Galileo restaurant.

Alba, Italy is situated between the region’s wine country and agricultural center, and food here is a classic representative of Piemonte’s cuisine. Donna’s menu at Alba Osteria will offer a selection of salumi and formaggi, antipasti, house-made pastas (small and large portions), and Neapolitan pizza. Daily specials will be “Italian sized” portions, designed to be ordered and shared for the table in a Piemontese fashion. Donna’s tempting choices will be priced from $5 to $19.

Alba Osteria will house a boutique selection of Italian and local wines, plus four wines on draught and 20 beers on tap. Wines by the bottle will range from $22 to $200 and $7 to $25 by the glass. Guests can also anticipate a generous happy hour menu Monday through Friday, from 4 PM to 7 PM, with $4 draft beers, $5 select wines by the glass, complimentary Mortadella (Italian sausage) and $5 to $12 bar bites. (more…)

Newtown Kitchen, Bar & Lounge to Open in the former Tabaq space on U Street in mid-December

By Prince Of Petworth

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1336 U Street, NW

In August Tabaq closed at 1336 U Street, NW. Yesterday I noticed a new twitter follower called Newtown Kitchen which says it is a, “Modern American Kitchen, Bar & Lounge 1336 U Street NW” Newtown’s website says they are launching in 10 days, the website was a bit premature, plans are now to open in mid-December.

Here are details from the owner:

“NEWTOWN : a planned urban center created in an undeveloped area designed to serve a mix of residential & commercial needs.

ABOUT NEWTOWN KITCHEN, BAR & LOUNGE (formerly Tabaq Bistro)

At Newtown we strive to provide our guest with a Unique dining experience that embraces the history of the great historic U Street neighborhood. Our seasonal menu showcases market dishes by Chef / Owner Howsoon H.O. Cham crafted from ingredients supplied by local farmers, fishermen & meat ranchers from Frederick Maryland to West Virginia. Master Mixologist Seembad Jaudally of Ciroc Nation created one of U Street’s most distinctive and fresh bar program to compliment the restaurant’s modern concept. From the white room’s private dining room, the all year round retractable rooftop to the Unique red room with wall mounted fireplace, each of the drinks truly reflect the tastes of an era that has evoked change. Tabaq Bistro, Opened in the trendy U Street Corridor since April of 2005, features one of the most unique retractable roof tops on the east coast. The Fully retractable rooftop with great view of the Washington capital along with its 2 private dining rooms has allowed diners to relax and indulge in the cuisine of the Mediterranean as well as the Modern American Cuisine respectively.

More details including menus after the jump. (more…)

Garden District, Formerly Standard, Closing for Winter Dec. 8th

By Prince Of Petworth

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14th and S Street, NW

From an email:

“garden district will be closed for the winter from december 8th to march 1st.

garden district will be closed for thanksgiving on thursday 11/28, but we’re firing up the smoker and the patio heaters again on friday 11/29 for 9 more days of FUN before our last hurrah of the year on saturday, december 7th.

thanks to our great customers and friends for a really fun year #3 (we really can’t believe it has been 3 years!)–we look forward to seeing all of you before we close for the winter, and again when we reopen on march 1st, 2014!”

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