Restaurants

Wine Enthusiast Magazine Names America’s 100 Best Wine Restaurants of 2013 – Here are the Seven from the District

By Prince Of Petworth

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Photo by PoPville flickr user JosephLeonardo

From Wine Enthusiast Magazine:

“What defines a Wine Enthusiast Magazine best 100 wine restaurant? Is it the outstanding selection of wines? An innovative menu? Detail-oriented service? Buzzed-about décor? The eateries on our list do all these things and more: They serve up a true passion for presenting mind-blowing wine-and-food pairings.”

And the DC restaurants to make the list are:

Art and Soul 415 New Jersey Avenue NW

CityZen 1330 Maryland Avenue SW

Estadio 1520 14th Street NW

Fiola 601 Pennsylvania Ave., NW

minibar by José Andrés 855 E Street NW

Plume at The Jefferson, DC 1200 16th Street NW

Ripple 3417 Connecticut Avenue NW

Sprig & Sprout Launching Monday Night Supper Club

By Prince Of Petworth

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2317 Wisconsin Ave, NW

From an email:

“Join us for our Monday Supper Club! More than just a dinner, this is an Event to look forward to! We close our upstairs dining room to the public, and open it to you as a private dinner party. Enjoy 7 courses of authentic Vietnamese dishes as owner Jennifer walks you through the history and ingredients of each dish. We’ve selected a menu to include dishes you won’t find at just any other Vietnamese restaurant, but also included well known favorites. This is cozy family-style comfort food meant to fill your belly, awaken your taste buds, and expand your foodie knowledge. No pretensions here – just bring your appetite! Reservations are required and dinner starts promptly at 7:00PM. Our full bar will be available, and wine bottles are half priced for the evening.

Monday July 29th, 2013:

Banh Bot Loc (Steamed Transparent Shrimp & Pork Dumplings)
Sup Mang Cua (Fresh Picked Crab and Asparagus Soup)
Goi Ngo Sen (Young Lotus Stem Salad with Pork and Shrimp)
Bo Luc Lac (Sauteed Flank Steak Tips over a bed of Marinated Watercress and Pickled Onions)
Ga Kho Gung Xa (Ginger & Lemongrass Braised Chicken)
Rau Cai Lan Xao Toi (Sauteed Chinese Broccoli with Garlic)
Che Dau Xen (Chilled Sweet Mung Bean Soup)

$35/person”

Policy Launches New Dinner and Cocktail Menus at 14th and T St, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

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1904 14th Street, NW

From a press release:

“Four years ago when Policy opened its doors at the corner of 14th and T Streets, NW, there weren’t a lot of other dining or nightlife choices on the street. Today it’s a very different scene, with a flourish of new cafes, restaurants and bars that add to the critical mass and strong draw to 14th street in mid-city. To capture the attention of the legions of diners and nightlife seekers, Policy has revamped its dinner and cocktail menus. The new offerings set the tone for a new attitude that embraces the creativity and excitement of 14th street as a dining destination, with new appeal for guests from all over the city, and the region.

“Feedback from our guests is always very valuable, and we know it’s important to evolve our concept and improve on every part of the guest experience. That’s what has truly inspired our new food and cocktail menus,” offered General Manager Tiffany Penn. “I’m really pleased with what our culinary team has done and look forward to sharing the new menu with DC diners.”

At center is a new dinner-minded menu, prepared with only fresh and authentic ingredients, scratch made sauces and original recipes that bring together vibrant and diverse flavors. The culinary team at Policy has increased the number of plates overall, adding more vegetarian options, with a couple new vegan dishes as well. (more…)

New Bibimbap Option Opens in Dupont – Triple B Fresh

By Prince Of Petworth

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1506 19th Street, NW

Thanks to a reader for sending:

“New spot just opened up at 19th and Dupont Circle at 1506 19th St. NW next to Kramerbooks and a Starbucks. Not bad, like a Korean bibimbap chipotle. Nice patio will be a draw.”

A look inside from their soft opening party via Facebook:

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Check out the menu after the jump. (more…)

Pelican’s Rum, formerly Jamaican Joe’s, Transferring Liquor License to new U Street Location

By Prince Of Petworth

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928 U Street, NW

A few weeks ago we learned that Jamaican Joe’s was becoming Pelican’s Rum at 928 U St, NW. We also took a peek at their menu that was in the window.

Now a liquor license placard posted out front reveals:

“Restaurant Transfer to New Location. Transferring from 2101 Benning Road, NE (Safekeeping) Summer Garden. Occupancy Load is 60.”

I like how they’ve added flower boxes all the way to the corner. Looks like it’ll make for a nice summer garden. Updates when an opening date is announced.

Pelican’s Rum

Side note: Anyone remember Brown Sugar Southern Cuisine?  I found this old sign in my 2008 archives:

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Looks Like Rib Pit has Closed at 14th and Randolph St, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

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3903 14th Street, NW

“Dear PoPville,

Question I am hoping to get resolved. The last couple of weeks I have ridden my bike past the Rib Pit, hoping to get some Barbecue. I have been eating there for the last ten years. It is a part of old DC that I love. I love the people that work there, the bullet proof glass, the sauce, the pork ribs, beef ribs, fried fish, super salty collards, chopped pork sandwich, sweet potatoes with almond extract… It isn’t always the most consistent, but it is really, really good.

So, I am worried about Mr. Brown and what is happening there. Is he ok? Was there a health code violation? are they closing? What’s happening? Does New DC even get old DC? Is it being run out? I met a lot of people there. One guy always comes into DC just for the RIb Pit on his trip trom NY to NC… it has its own quiet fan base.

There are still logs pilled in the window. Maybe there is hope.”

I stopped by on Sunday and they were closed. Also their phone number is no longer in service. Not looking good for Rib Pit fans. Anyone know what happened?

I had always hoped that one day they’d be able to reopen the long closed Rib Pit lounge:

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Update on Brookland’s Finest Liquor License Battle

By Prince Of Petworth

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12th and Jackson Street, NE

Update yesterday on Brookland’s Finest from the Brookland listserv:

“For your information, I attended a protester standing hearing this morning in the matter of the Brookland’s Finest liquor license. The purpose of the hearing was to identify who the valid protesters actually are as the matter proceeds.

Two churches had submitted protest petitions. Both of their petitions were dismissed for lack of standing as churches do not have standing to protest unless they are immediately adjacent. The two churches were First Church Christ Holiness at 1219 Hamlin St NE and Grace United Baptist Church at 1219 Jackson St. NE.

ANC Commissioner Carolyn Steptoe was granted standing on behalf of ANC 5B, as the ANC has standing to protest as a matter of right.

Three individuals were jointly granted standing as the designated representatives of 53 residents.

So there are two groups whose protests will move forward: ANC 5B and a group of 53 residents.

By contrast, 149 residents in proximity of Brookland’s Finest signed in support by endorsing a negotiated settlement agreement between the restaurant and the community.

Next steps: there will be a mediation session in early August to attempt to resolve differences. If not resolved, the matter will be heard at a full protest hearing open to the public on August 14th at 4 pm.”

The Coupe Launches 50-cent Happy Hour Deals in Columbia Heights

By Prince Of Petworth

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3415 11th Street, NW

From a press release:

“During hard economic times those looking for a good deal can look no further. Available Monday through Friday, 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, The Coupe will offer 50 cent Sriracha-Glazed Chicken Wings, “BLT” Deviled Egg garnished with Bacon, Tomato Jam, and Micro Arugula and Stuffed Medjool Dates with spiced Marcona Almond and Camembert Cheese, wrapped in Surryano Ham, all perfect for sharing.

To wash it all down, The Coupe will offer up drink specials including $3 Natty Boh’; $4 Rum Punch and $5 House White and House Red Wine. Bottles are dispensed from Nappa Technology Wine Stations for a perfect pour. In addition, the bar offers more than 40 wines, many of them by the glass, as well as, 8 “keg wines” or wine on tap, and 16 draft beer options, making The Coupe the perfect spot to try something new. The spacious bar seats more than 60, perfect for spending happy hour with friends and colleagues.”

Mandalay Burmese Restaurant Applies for Liquor License at 9th and P St, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

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1501 9th Street, NW

“Dear PoPville,

Mandalay restaurant (NE corner of 9th and P, NW) which has been “coming soon” since dinosaurs ruled the earth has finally applied for a liquor license, and taken down the “coming soon” sign to finish the brick sidewalk seating area. Looks like it might open in the not too distant future; possibly to coincide with the O Street market getting done?”

A couple of weeks ago the owners said they hoped to open in early July. Maybe it’ll be mid-late July but def. getting very very close. The liquor license application says:

“New Restaurant. Serving Asian (Burmese) cuisine. Occupancy load is 85.”

They will be open Sunday through Thursday 11 am – 11 pm; Friday and Saturday 11 am – 12am.

Updates when an exact opening date is known.

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