1707 L Street, NW
Thanks to a reader for sending word. Italian Gourmet Deli has opened in the former Quiznos space at 1707 L St, NW. You can see their Virginia location menus here.
If you missed it last Friday, you can see the winner of best sandwich in DC here.
Thanks to @barredindc for tweeting us the photo above:
“a favorite lunch spot – St. Michael Bakery closed its NY Av location”
Saint Michel Bakery opened in the old Camille’s Cafe space at 1420 New York Ave, NW in May 2012.
1420 New York Avenue, NW
1537 7th Street, NW
The owners of Ivy and Coney share the good news and plans for their $85,000 Great Streets Initiative Grant:
“I just wanted to tell you the good news we got today regarding Ivy and Coney, the next great, fabulous opulent, little dive bar in DC. We’ve just been funded to build a huge roof deck at the bar which we hope to have open a few short months after the interior opens! This will mean a 50 to 60 person deck with a fully retractable glass roof, and more importantly, a greatly expanded food options (with a menu that is undecided thus far).
In other news, at KBC (3410 11th Street, NW) we’ve been getting some concerned phone calls regarding our expansion and whether we are open. While the plans are still very much in the works to add a second floor, WE ARE ABSOLUTELY OPEN. We will have to shut down for improvements at some point, but we will give our customers plenty of advance notice when we settle on a date.”
3529 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Big Cleveland Park news from the Washington Post:
“Palena is turning its original, 30-seat cafe space into what chef-owner Frank Ruta is calling a “coffee shop.” Beginning as soon as Oct. 29, customers will be able to sit down for fresh croissants, bagels, scones and coffee beginning daily at 7 a.m.”
Palena’s cafe space is located in the former Magruder’s grocery store which opened back in 2010.
418 7th Street, NW
Finally a tenant for the former Olsson’s Bookstore and once hoped for Wagamama.
From a press release:
“José Andrés, the chef who introduced America to traditional Spanish tapas and championed the path of avant-garde cuisine in the U.S., is opening a modern Chinese-Peruvian concept, in the heart of Penn Quarter in downtown Washington, DC. The restaurant will feature Chifa favorites–the cuisine known throughout Peru, melding Chinese style and native ingredients–with his personal and creative take on Chinese classics and this South American style.
José is no stranger to weaving cultures together in a dynamic dining experience, he is well known for his interpretation of Chinese and Mexican food, culture and traditions at his award-winning restaurant China Poblano at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. At this new location, José and his talented culinary team will create authentic, yet innovative dishes inspired by their research and development trips to Asia and most recently to Peru, that have helped them master the various skills and techniques of this rising world cuisine.
Highlighting the rich flavors, bold colors, diverse textures and unique aromas, the menu will apply time-honored Chinese techniques to Peruvian ingredients. From the classic Peruvian causas or ceviches, to Asian favorites like dim sums and sumais, the dishes will showcase Peru’s multi-cultural influences and ingredients in true Jose fashion.
“Peru is an astonishing country. The people and the culture reveal so many traditions. The history with China is fascinating and the Chifa cuisine so unique,” said José. “I want to tell the world about this incredible country and the many things it has to offer. What better place, what better home than here in the heart of DC, right near Chinatown and surrounded by our family of restaurants.”
Building on the success of China Poblano, the restaurant’s working name, China Chilcano, will pay homage to Peru’s celebrated fish stew and one of its more traditional drinks, the chilcano. The restaurant will be located at 418 7th St, NW, and is scheduled to open in the spring of 2014.”
14th and R St, NW
Yesterday we wondered about Bar di Bari’s abrupt closure in Logan Circle. Owner/Partner Aaron Gordon updates:
“Bari is not closed, but we are exploring the option of a Winter schedule that includes opening Tues-Sunday. Obviously, as a patio-driven café, the colder weather certainly limits our potential business, especially on Mondays.
Thanks to all the folks that left positive comments. Sorry, we didn’t leave a specific sign in the window or on our Facebook site to explain being closed today. After seeing these comments, I guess well have to do something about our light fixture!”
1418 14 Street, NW
We previously have heard that another restaurant from the owners of Taylor Gourmet (though not necessarily a Taylor Gourmet Deli) would be coming to the former Mid City Deli space at the corner of 14th and P St, NW. A permit had been applied for under the name Taylor Gourmet. We learned this back in Dec. 2012. Now a very good source tells me that he hears a Dolcezza Gelato and coffee shop could actually be taking over the space instead. I’m trying to get confirmation from Dolcezza and will update when I hear back from them.
14th and R St, NW
Bar di Bari opened up in Logan Circle back in June. Anyone know what’s going on? Have they pulled a Diego or closed for good? One reader writes:
“Do you know if Bar di Bari closed? It’s closed today with no signs saying why. doors are locked. chairs up. could be nothing. but I’m pretty sure they’re open everyday of week.”
Someone on their Facebook page, which hasn’t been updated since September 26th, also writes:
“What’s up with being closed today? I went for my power hour coffee and everything was locked up”
Phone calls to the cafe go straight to voicemail without identifying the number with any restaurant. Their website still says:
“opening some time in June… your guess is as good as ours!”
Stay tuned for more info as it becomes available.
Update from Bari partner Aaron Gordon:
“Bari is not closed, but we are exploring the option of a Winter schedule that includes opening Tues-Sunday. Obviously, as a patio-driven café, the colder weather certainly limits our potential business, especially on Mondays.
Thanks to all the folks that left positive comments. Sorry, we didn’t leave a specific sign in the window or on our Facebook site to explain being closed today. After seeing these comments, I guess well have to do something about our light fixture!”
2928 Georgia Ave, NW
Thanks to @AnthonyDihle for tweeting us the photo above – he writes:
“Re-brand? I always thought Everlasting Life was a rad restaurant name”
Back in June CityPaper learned:
“Everlasting Life Cafe is in the process of changing its name to Woodland’s Vegan Bistro to avoid confusion with Everlasting Life Restaurant & Lounge in Capitol Heights, Md.”
You can see Woodlands Bistro’s menus here.
Ed. Note: In September we learned that Everlasting Life Restaurant & Lounge would be opening up a second location in Takoma DC at 6904 4th Street, NW.
1518 K Street, NW
We first heard about Catch 15 Restaurant and Oyster Bar back in Sept. 2012. About a year ago we heard about the “Occasional Flamingo Dancers”. But it’s now looking like the opening is imminent. If the buildout matches the rendering there will be a great huge bar:
Their website says:
“Sit at our ice bar, in the window or inside for fresh oysters & clams, try an amazing variety of small plates, sandwiches and entrees inspired by the international vibe of all that DC has to offer–intriguing and indulgent casually-sophisticated dining in the heart of DC’s K Street corridor.
Indulge in seductive flavors, relive classics and savor sophisticated pairings with signature creations.
Enjoy dining al fresco or relaxing indoors for Brunch, Lunch, Happy Hour, Dinner or Late Night socializing–simply irresistible!
HOURS OF OPERATION
Mon-Thurs: 11am to 2am
Fri-Sat: 11am to 3am”
The Grand Opening party promises complimentary hors d’oeuvres, champagne, wine and beer. You can sign up for it here.
