614 E Street, NW
I spoke with some workers at the former Hot Potato Cafe space at 614 E St, NW and finally learned who will be taking over the space – Bodog(s) (also not sure on the spelling) but they will def. sell hot dogs. They plan on opening one day next week. I’ll update with a menu when they do so. Could be a good lunch option for those that work nearby.
Looking towards Luke Lobster and 7th Street
1212 18th Street, NW
Pei Wei Asian Diner is located in the former Mattress Discounters space next to Nando Peri Peri and underneath 18th Street Lounge. You can see their menu here. From a press release:
“Pei Wei Asian Diner, the fast-casual restaurant concept by P.F. Chang’s, brings its first Washington, D.C. location to Dupont Circle today. Offering a fresh, wok’d-to-order menu, Pei Wei’s cuisine incorporates a variety of 35 fresh ingredients that are hand-cut daily. All of Pei Wei’s menu items are priced under $10, with entrees starting at just $6.39.
The new location will feature Asian-inspired entrees such as Pad Thai, Mandarin Kung Pao Chicken and Honey Seared Shrimp, along with lighter dishes such as the Asian Chopped Chicken Salad, Pei Wei Spicy Chicken Salad and Vietnamese Chicken Salad Rolls. Pei Wei also offers an extensive gluten-free menu including tasty options such as the Gluten Free Pei Wei Sweet & Sour Chicken, Gluten Free Pei Wei Spicy Shrimp and more.
To complement the chain’s famous Traditional Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Pei Wei also recently introduced two new lettuce wrap offerings – Thai Chicken and Korean Steak (more…)
829 Upshur Street, NW
A couple weeks ago we learned about the new restaurants coming to Upshur Street, the unnamed Japanese-French restaurant and Petworth Citizen, from Paul Ruppert of Room 11, The Passenger and more. At that time we heard he was shooting for an early October opening of Petworth Citizen. In what almost never happens – they are ahead of schedule and are soft opening tomorrow (Wed.) night! I was able to stop by for a preview and took tons of photos.
A couple things to note – they have their own smoker.
The reading room will be ready in about a month. In that room they will host literary events and have a free library on the walls.
Also, they have their own smoker. Also, I can’t freaking wait to try the brisket.
The menu is similar in style to Room 11’s in that it is not huge. But the items I had were delicious. I had the chorizo burger and potato fishcake fritters.
All I can say is, I’ve dreamed of this day for over 10 years.
front looking toward rear
bar looking towards bar seating
Lots more photos and the menu after the jump. (more…)
2309 Wisconsin Ave, NW
Back in July we first learned that Sushiko had closed in Glover Park. At the time there was still hope they could possibly reopen. Sadly a reader updates:
“Walking by Sushiko in glover park on Sunday I noticed a very sad development. On the alley side is a very large Papadopoulos Properties For Lease sign – I guess that is the nail in the coffin and one of DC’s first and great sushi restaurants is done.”
I know it’s a long shot but I hope the eventual new tenants save the mural above.
3714 Macomb Street, NW
In late July we learned that Bistro Le Zinc had closed at 3714 Macomb Street, NW just off Wisconsin Ave. Washington Business Journal reports on the new owners:
“The owners of Bistrot Lepic in Glover Park have purchased the business and plan to open La Piquette in the space later this fall.”
Any fans of Bistrot Lepic located at 1736 Wisconsin Ave, NW? You can see their menus here.
2915 M Street, NW
From a press release:
“If you’ve ever been down M street in Georgetown, chances are you’ve seen the iconic sign of the British Foot Guard hanging at The Guards restaurant, which recently closed its doors after 62 years in business. The historic building, located at 2915 M Street NW, will now be home to Rialto, a new authentic Italian restaurant opening on September 26th. After several offers to purchase the landmark sign, Rialto’s owners, Ben Kirane, and Moe and Joe Idrissi, have decided to auction it off on eBay so that locals will have the chance to own a piece of restaurant history.
“There’s a lot of history at The Guards, which from what I have heard was once the playground of celebrities and politicians alike, and we’ve quickly come to realize that the sign is sentimental to many locals,” says restaurant co-owner and entrepreneur, Ben Kirane, who along with co-owners Moe and Joe Idrissi, who also own Thunder Burger & Bar, and Bodega Spanish Tapas & Lounge.
DC locals aren’t the only ones who covet the treasures from The Guard. As the unconfirmed legend goes, Elton John once dined there, and fell so in love with the fireplace on the lower level that he offered to buy it for $100,000 on the spot. The owner graciously declined the offer. Rialto owners aren’t expecting quite as much for the sign, however they anticipate the sign will go for around $10,000 or more.
The closing of The Guards is emotional for many, but locals have a lot to look forward to with the opening of Rialto, whose menu and décor have been designed to transport diners to Venice with every dish. Featuring partially open kitchens, Rialto will serve up fresh-made pasta, imported specialty ingredients, and fresh seafood, and offers a cheese counter. The décor is unique, custom made, and most of the items have been imported from Europe. The menu features a variety of dishes that are meat- and seafood-based, as well as a variety of vegetarian-friendly dishes.
“It is with great enthusiasm and excitement that we bring Rialto to Georgetown, a place where the residents celebrate the history of their surroundings, and we look forward to becoming a part of that history,” adds Kirane.
About Rialto
Rialto is an authentic Italian restaurant located in the heart of Georgetown in Washington D.C. The menu features a variety of authentic Italian dishes with a contemporary touch. The restaurant’s Executive Chef is Ryan Fichter, who has years of experience in the industry. The restaurant was started by serial entrepreneurs Ben Kirane, and Moe and Joe Idrissi, who also own Thunder Burger & Bar, and Bodega Spanish Tapas & Lounge, both located in the heart of Georgetown.”
1905 9th Street, NW
From an email:
“Join the 1905 crew on Saturday, September 28th for our twist on Oktoberfest with a local Brats & Brews event at the restaurant from 1:00pm – 5:00pm.
Individual beer and sausage stations will be set up throughout the dining room and up on the roof deck featuring some of our favorite regional artisans, including Richmond’s Sausage Craft, Red Apron, and 13th Street, DC Brau, Mad Fox Brewing Company, Flying Dog, 3 Stars Brewing and Port City Brewing, to name just a few.
Tickets are $30 for five pours of some great local beer paired with five different sausages and brats.”
6904 4th Street, NW
Thanks to Caroline for sending the photo above. From Everlasting Life’s Facebook page:
“Everlasting Life Restaurant & Lounge is expanding!!
We’re set to open our newest location in Takoma Park (in the Washington DC metropolitan area) within the next few months!
We’d like to thank all of our loyal customers for your support over the years! None of this would be possible without you!
Spread the word! Takoma Park has a new Vegan Restaurant!!!!!”
This is the Everlasting Life from 9185 Central Avenue in Capitol Heights Maryland not to be confused with the previously known Everlasting Life from 2928 Georgia Ave, NW, soon to be known as Woodland’s Vegan Bistro.”
About the Everlasting Life coming to Takoma:
“At Everlasting Life Restaurant & Lounge we fuse flavorful ethnic cuisine with a 100% vegan menu. We aim to consistently exceed your expectations and are committed to setting the standard on what delicious and fresh vegan meals should be. Affordable and convenient, Everlasting Life Restaurant & Lounge seeks to provide value to our customers and employees through our efforts and expertise. Drop by and experience the taste of health with a soulful twist!”
You can see their daily menu here.
4434 Connecticut Ave, NW
Washington Post reports:
“Bread Furst is expected to open at 4434 Connecticut Ave. NW in February, says the Washington baker widely credited for bringing good bread to the city with Marvelous Market in 1990.”
1208 H Street, NE
Thanks to a reader for sending:
“They’ve got the formerly boarded up Souk spot mostly gutted inside and looks like new construction underway.”
Souk has been closed since Nov. 2012. Updates as construction progresses.