201 Upshur Street, NW
La Joya Steakhouse is located in the former El Limeno space across from Hitching Post by the Old Soldier’s Home. Their liquor license application says:
“Full service restaurant featuring USA, Mexican and El Salvadorean food. Occupancy load is 74”
Hours of operation are listed as Sunday through Saturday 9 am – 3 am.
901 New York Avenue, NW
From a press release:
“Anchoring the prominent corner of New York Avenue and K Street, Acadiana, Passion Food Hospitality’s classic Louisiana fish house, has come of age since opening in 2005, with an interior renovation that ups the glamour, energy, and polish of the popular establishment.
The creative makeover represents a close collaboration between Passion Food Hospitality partner Gus DiMillo and Gensler, the international architecture and design firm behind the distinct interiors of District Commons, Burger Tap & Shake, Fuego Cocina y Tequileria, and the lounge expansion of Ceiba. The 225-seat restaurant has emerged with an expanded lounge and an atmosphere that retains its Louisiana whimsy, but with a completely refined sense of casual elegance and Louisiana charm.
Gazing across the main dining room, the eye takes in the most striking view of the new design elements: carpet with subtle black and taupe strié pattern grounds the vast dining area; two massive supporting pillars sheathed in silvery “alligator-embossed” paper; and two feature booths clad in reclaimed barn wood, whose faded color is keyed to the existing Impressionistic murals of Louisiana swampland. The overhead chandeliers are over-sized black organza drum shades “dripping” with hundreds of smooth crystal droplets, and the sconces that punctuate the walls with light are a corresponding model, with demi-drums of white. (more…)
6937-6939 Laurel Ave
Thanks to a reader for sending:
“Signage was added to Republic earlier today, the new offering from Blacks Restaurant Group. From the looks of the interior it seems it still has a ways to go before opening.”
Hopefully the opening will only be a couple more months. I’m psyched the signs are neon:
It has some nice continuity with the former neon Video Americain sign:
Republic’s website says:
“Black Restaurant Group, Chef Jeff Black and Chef Danny Wells announce the opening of Republic this fall in downtown Takoma Park, MD. The restaurant will feature a bar, patio and raw bar in an offbeat, casual setting.”
12th and Jackson Street, NE
Last Friday we noted that the renovations at Brookland’s Finest were looking good. Now even more good news, despite being protested by the ANC they have received their liquor license. @barredindc tweeted the good news late last night:
“BREAKING NEWS: Brookland’s Finest (@Blandsfinest) Granted Liquor License”
They also note a tweet from Brookland’s Finest about a possible opening date:
“Maybe Dec 1. Big maybe.”
You can read the full ABRA ruling below:
With all the new sandwich shops coming, Capriotti’s, Italian Gourmet Deli, The Best Sandwich Place and others – well I want to redo where to find our favorite sandwiches. So where’s your favorite from and what do you order? Ed. Note: If yours is from a Food Truck please let us know in the comments. I know I’ve probably left some off the list but following is a poll with the ones I hear about the most:
From a press release:
“Owner Frank Falesto is pleased to announce the late-November opening of City Tap House DC, the 180-seat craft beer centric, American pub located adjacent to the new City Center at 901 9th Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20001. City Tap House will serve lunch, dinner and weekend brunch on Saturday and Sunday.
“Washington DC was an obvious choice for our concept,” says Jonathan Ball, Regional Director for Public House Investments, a management company that oversees multiple restaurant concepts throughout the US including City Tap House. “There is a lot of positive development in the city at the moment, which reminded us of the eclectic vibrancy when we launched the original City Tap House in 2009, centered in the University City neighborhood of Philadelphia.”
City Tap House recognizes DC’s enthusiasm surrounding the craft beer and microbrew scene making it an excellent choice for showcasing the restaurant’s extensive collection of local, national, international and seasonal special edition beers. “Our beer program is truly at the core of what City Tap House represents,” says Ball. “Not only does our beer influence our food but it’s the foundation for unique and engaging guest events. What excites us about opening City Tap House in DC is the ability to pair our beer line up with an elevated pub menu served in a rustic, inviting space that appeals to casuals and professionals alike.” (more…)
2100 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Pines of Florence/Jambalaya Room:
“Does anyone know what is going on with Jambalaya Room/Pines of Florence? I know Jambalaya Room was featured a few months ago as a new restaurant going into the former Pines of Florence location. However, the other day, I noticed that Groupon was offering a deal for Pines of Florence in Dupont, which I thought was closed. I looked on yelp and there is a review that says Pines of Florence re-opened, but the Jambalaya Room yelp page does not say that it is closed and the website is still up. What is going on here? Did Jambalaya Room already go out of business? Did Pines of Florence comeback to the location it just vacated?”
Thanks to a reader for sending. Energy kitchen opened only about a year ago at 19th and L St, NW next to Sweetgreen.
Their Web site says:
We take the guesswork out of eating healthy by offering a completely guilt-free, fail-proof menu. There are no hidden temptations, no hidden calories and, best of all, no regrets. Everything on our menu is grilled, baked or steamed, never fried, and always under 500 calories.
Our grass-fed beef is free range, 90% lean and all natural. All of our buns and wraps are made with whole wheat (not to mention a whole lotta love). Plus, all of our beverages are low calorie, our dressings fat-free and our meals as delicious as they are healthy. Go ahead, dig into a low-fat, high-protein meal that tastes great and that you can feel good about. Serves you right (really, it does!).
You can see their menus here.
Were there any fans? Updates when we learn who will take over the space.
This is the space formerly home to Asian Bistro – “Authentic Asian Cousin”:
81 Seaton Place, NW
From the owners of Bacio and Green Paws:
“We are so sorry to tell you that after three wonderful years, we are closing Green Paws. The decision was a difficult one. Our tiny little shop has been struggling for a while in this weak economy, and ultimately the arrival of a giant corporate pet food retailer so nearby meant we had even more difficulty competing. We really have grown to love our neighborhood dogs and cats (as well as their people!), and we promise to always have special little treats available for our four-legged buddies downstairs at Bacio. Speaking of Bacio, here is the silver lining: we are going to expand, and use the upstairs space for seating. We hope you can look forward to a low-key, family-friendly dining experience where you can enjoy the pizza you’ve come to love with a nice bottle of wine. We don’t have an exact timeline yet for all this, but we promise to keep you posted.
Our sincere thanks to everyone in the Bloomingdale and surrounding D.C. neighborhoods for allowing us to serve you and for having made Green Paws a special part of the community.
Paws out,
Atilla, Lisa & Miles”
300 Tingey Street, SE
Sometimes I say holy cow after visiting a new spot but that is simply not strong enough for this preview – a holy shit is required. Holy shit this place is awesome. The eagerly anticipated Bluejacket Brewery had a preview party last night and as expected the place is jaw dropping. Bluejacket is actually the name of the brewery – the restaurant and bar inside will be called The Arsenal (the building was part of a munitions manufacturing complex.) It opens on Tuesday though if you live in the neighborhood keep your ears open for a neighborhood preview before then.
Here are some facts about the space:
As always the photos do more justice than any words (though more background details are provided after the jump.) But to be honest these photos don’t even do justice to how cool the space is. I highly recommend you check it out in the next six months before baseball season starts when this place is likely to get smashed crowded. Two of my favorite beers from last night were the Forbiden Planet Kolsch and the Bombshell Belgian Blond Ale. I seriously can’t wait to go back and try some more.
Lots more photos after the jump. (more…)