Restaurants

Friday Question of the Day – Restaurants and/or Retail You Think are Overlooked?

By Prince Of Petworth

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2212 14th Street, NW

A couple weeks ago when we spoke about abrupt closure of the recently opened Diego restaurant at 14th and V St, NW – some commenters mentioned the nearby Judy Restaurant:

“Judys is an authentic Salvadoran/Mexican restaurant that has been around for more than 20 years. We are right between two of the busiest locations in DC: U Street and Columbia Heights. Along with our many authentic and delicious plates, we are best known for our pupusas and curtido!! Also one of our best kept secrets is our pool tables located on the second floor. Whether you’re in the neighborhood or just visiting, please come and join us for great and affordable food and drinks!”

You can see their menu here.

I thought we could use today’s FQotD to talk about some overlooked spots in town. It doesn’t necessarily have to be cheap eats and it doesn’t necessarily even have to be a restaurant – could be some good clothing or other retail spot. What do you think are the best, most overlooked spots in town?

I’m gonna vote for the sandwiches and back patio of The Bean Counter in Georgetown.

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1665 Wisconsin Avenue, NW

It’s not the fanciest of patios but I’ve walked past it a hundred times without realizing it was there. And it’s a great spot to enjoy a great sandwich. You can see their simple but tasty menu here.

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El Atardecer Restaurant Now Open in Columbia Heights

By Prince Of Petworth

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3475 14th Street, NW

El Atardecer is having a grand opening at 3475 14th St, NW (the former DC Fish Carryout space.) A post card announcing the opening says:

“A new location of La Morenita restaurant. Come join us for our grand opening celebration with lots of fun: Clowns.prizes.games and food and drink specials until Sunday August 25th.”

I chatted briefly with the owner who was a super nice guy. Looking forward to trying them out!

Pines of Florence Becoming the Jambalaya Room on Connecticut Ave “I am here to set the record straight for the sake of people who know TRUE Louisiana Cajun & Creole Cuisine”

By Prince Of Petworth

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2100 Connecticut Avenue, NW

Thanks to a reader for sending word about the change coming to Pines of Florence on Connecticut Ave between north Dupont and Woodley Park. A website for Jambalaya Room says:

“Welcome to the Jambalaya Room: Thank you for your visiting the Jambalaya Room! Experience the best, and the most authentic Louisiana Cajun & Creole Cuisine on the East Coast!! The imitators and duplicators of Louisiana Cajun & Creole Cuisine who label their dishes as “Orleans…” “Cajun…” or “Creole…” I am here to set the record straight for the sake of people who know TRUE Louisiana Cajun & Creole Cuisine. I have the best story of how I arrived here…driven by the need to have authentic Cajun & Creole cuisine on the East Coast. I am ready to share that story with everyone. Allow me to rescue your palate from its past disappointments—and give you the authentic Creole & Cajun Cuisine experience outside of New Orleans.”

You can see their future menu here.

I called Pines of Florence and was told they will remain open while the menu is finalized and some small renovations will take place as well. They were unable to tell me an exact date when the change will occur. Updates when the change is official.

Back in Nov. 2012 Pines of Florence briefly rebranded as a bakery and cafe.  Before that we previously judged them back in Jan. 2009.

Looking forward to seeing how Jambalaya Room turns out.

Bloomingdale/North Capitol Firehouse Update: Washington Firehouse Restaurant/Washington Smokehouse Applies for Liquor License

By Prince Of Petworth

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1626 North Capitol Street, NW

It’s been a while since we checked in on the Bloomingdale/North Capitol Street Firehouse. A liquor license application posted out front lists the name Washington Firehouse Restaurant/Washington Smokehouse and says:

“New Tavern with entertainment limited to music and musicians only. Cigar Bar in the rear of 3rd floor. Seating capacity is 322. Total load is 370. Summer Garden with seating for 85 patrons.”

Hours will be Sunday through Thursday 8am-2am; Friday and Saturday 8am-3am.

Ed. Note: It’s not clear to me if this is the same group that will be opening the Truxton Kitchen and other spots. The firehouse has at times been referred to as Engine 12. To say it’s history has been confusing is an understatement…

Stay tuned.

A peek in the window:

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Firelake Grill Opening “Aug. 28. 29, 30th” in Tenleytown, Will Offer “upper casual dining experience”

By Prince Of Petworth

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4200 Wisconsin Avenue, NW

A reader sends an updated grand opening for Firelake Grill coming to the former Ruby Tuesday space at Van Ness and Wisconsin Ave, NW. The owner tells him “Aug. 28. 29, 30th”.

Another reader sends Firelake Grill’s website:

“Firelake Grill, a new contemporary American restaurant by Fired Up Grills Restaurant Group, offers guests a comfortable, upper casual dining experience in the heart of Tenleytown. Most of our handcrafted cuisine at Firelake is prepared using a live hickory wood grill. Our mission is to create pleasurable and memorable moments, in a warm and friendly environment for our guests, our staff and our partners.”

Ben’s Chili Bowl Celebrating 55th Anniversary with Bill Cosby Tomorrow Starting at 10am

By Prince Of Petworth

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Happy 55th! Especially amazing considering they survived this period.

From Ben’s Chili Bowl:

“JOIN THE ALI FAMILY AND SPECIAL GUEST BILL COSBY ALONG WITH INVITED GUESTS IN CELEBRATION OF BEN’S CHILI BOWL’S 55TH ANNIVERSARY

DATE: Thursday, August 22nd
TIME: 10:00AM PRESS CONFERENCE, FOLLOWED BY CELEBRATION
PLACE: BEN’S CHILI BOWL & BEN ALI WAY – 1213 U ST NW, WASHINGTON DC 20009

Visitors to Washington, DC have usually heard about Ben’s Chili Bowl long before their arrival. Many remember the news of President Obama stopping by to enjoy a Chili Half Smoke. Ben’s has been seen on Man vs. Food, CNN, Oprah, Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations, Good Morning America, Larry the Cable Guy, Pauly Shore, The Daily Show, and countless other national and international shows. People often think of Bill Cosby when they think of Ben’s because he has been a longtime patron, friend and Half Smoke aficionado. (more…)

Luke’s Lobster Georgetown Launching “Maine Market” this Friday

By Prince Of Petworth

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1211 Potomac Street, NW

From a press release:

“Luke’s Lobster, a Maine lobster roll company that’s become a fast favorite in DC (as well as New York
and Philly), is about to bring even more Maine to its Georgetown shack. Starting August 23rd (the shack’s first birthday), Luke’s will offer a “Maine Market” shopping experience alongside its legendary seafood, chowders, and Maine Root drinks. Home cooks rejoice: the live and cooked seafood you have been asking for is finally for sale. Luke’s will be offering a pre-order program for live lobster pickups every Tuesday and Friday, and will have a limited number of lobsters available for same-day sale as well. They’ll be retailing the exact same cooked lobster meat by the pound that they put in their own rolls, 7 days a week. They’ll also stock frozen lobster tails that cooks can quickly thaw and throw on the grill, under the broiler, or into their favorite recipe.

Luke’s will only sell sustainable Maine lobster prepared by its own dedicated seafood company in Saco, Maine. To help you channel your inner chef, Luke’s will give away postcards with recipes from some of the best chefs in Maine, and it won’t hurt to take home a jar of Luke’s signature secret seasoning mix, either.”


Photo courtesy Luke’s Lobster

Tabaq to become Borka Kitchen & Bar on U Street, Truxton Kitchen & Wine Bar coming to Truxton Circle

By Prince Of Petworth

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1336 U Street, NW

Yesterday we learned that Tabaq had closed for “major renovations” on U Street. Thanks to a commenter for sharing the link from the Cham Restaurant Group announcing Borka Kitchen and Bar (Opening Summer 2013):

“Borka kitchen & bar, will primarily serve modern American comfort food. Located in the heart of the vibrant 14th & U St. corridor. “Borka” translated “coming together” in the native language of wollof from The Gambia, West Africa. Chef / Owner Howsoon H.O. Cham delivers his home style of cooking using ingredients that are organically grown, sustainably produced and purchased from local farmers whenever possible.”

You can see their menu here.

And the Cham Restaurant Group also announces plans for a new restaurant for Truxton Circle:

“The Truxton Kitchen & Wine Bar features a menu of Italian & Local Wines, inspired shared plates and speciality house cocktails. The menu emphasizes such cherished Italian staples as savory crostini, pastas, and cheeses. We use many different local and orgarnic farmers including produce from Mocks Green House and Coastal Produce. Our passionate and educated wine staff are eager to introduce you to your new favorite bottle and to expertly pair it with our food. The name Truxton Kitchen & Wine Bar derives its name from Truxton Circle which contains late 19th-century houses and historical schools, including Armstrong Manual Training School (where Duke Ellington received his high school diploma) and the original Dunbar High School, the first all-black public high school in the United States. The neighborhood is currently home to several parks and playgrounds, such as Truxton Park, which lies at the corner of First Street and Florida Avenue.”

And it looks like there are also plans for Mezcal “Mexican Small Plates” and Butcher Shoppe barbeque bistro – dates and locations TBD…

Starting Today You can Catch a Shuttle from Near Union Station to Union Market for Lunch

By Prince Of Petworth

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From Union Market:

“Introducing The Roadie, a shuttle that will take you to Union Market!

Beginning August 21 you can catch a ride to Union Market on your lunch hour. Wednesdays – Fridays / 11am-2pm.

Stops:

Union Market / 1309 5th Street NE
South Side of 1200 Block of Third Street NE (at M Street NE)
East Side of 100 Block of L Street NE (at First Street NE)

The shuttle runs every 20 minutes.”

Nice!

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