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2208 14th Street, NW

In early April we took a peek in the window of Piola Pizzeria coming to 2208 14th St, NW (just north of W.) Having stopped inside, that hardly did this incredible renovation any justice. They open to the public Monday but in the meantime you can see how great the space turned out:

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second floor

Piola’s website says:

Piola’s cuisine is rigorously Italian: Simple and healthy. Piola’s pizza is thin-crust and well cooked, but above all, Piola’s pizza menu is very creative: the classic Italian pizzas are flanked by many other creations, all delicious and original.

But Piola is more, much more:

Piola opens its doors to culture, hosting film premieres, book and magazine events, art exhibitions and many other social and artistic activities.

You can see their Arlington menu here.

Lots more photos after the jump. (more…)


bloomingdale_firehouse
1626 North Capitol Street, NW

A few weeks ago we learned there was finally some movement at the old North Capitol Firehouse in Bloomingdale:

“A new restaurant anticipated opening in 2013, The Washington Firehouse, Old Engine Company 12 still serves the neighborhood today, but in a slightly different capacity, with its American Classic menu.”

Folks were understandably skeptical but looks like it might really happen. What do you think of the new doors?

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Yesterday @TheYardsDC tweeted the good news:

“This just in: Nicoletta NYC Pizzeria will be opening in the seasonal stalls at The Yards Park/The Yards DC”

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A recent liquor license posted at the Lumber Shed lists Osteria Morini/Nicoletta:

“New full service, fine dining restaurant specializing in authentic Italian food. Separate kiosk for casual dining and takeout/delivery. Inside seating capacity is 165. Two summer gardens with a total of 136 seats. Background music, occasional live music and/or DJ will be provided.”

This is gonna be awesome.

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1407 T Street, NW

At long last BakeHouse also opens on Wednesday:

BakeHouse is a neighborhood coffee shop and bakery committed to providing a contemporary take on classic American baked goods.

Whether you’re grabbing some breakfast before work, meeting friends for lunch or a mid-day caffeine boost, or picking up a sweet treat on your way home from dinner, we’ve got the freshest and most delectable treats in town.

Our menu changes regularly to take advantage of the best local and seasonal ingredients, but we always have a selection of familiar favorites and exciting new flavors. Stop in and see what we’re up to!

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More photos including the menu after the jump. (more…)


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1541 14th Street, NW

Etto coming to the former Well Built space at 14th and Q St, NW soft opens this Wednesday. This is the new Italian restaurant from the owners of Standard (14th and S St, NW.) I stopped by yesterday to take a quick peek inside. To say that this place looks legit is a massive understatement. They even have their own mill! I’m dying to try a pizza from this oven:

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And the bread looks pretty good too:

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I’ve no doubt the place is gonna be smashed on Wed. but I look forward to fighting for a seat!

Continues after the jump. (more…)


Ching_thai_restaurant
639 Florida Avenue, NW

More news for Florida Ave – A new Thai and Asian tavern, Ching, is coming to 639 Florida Ave, NW. From the liquor license posted out front:

Tavern serving Thai and Asian cuisine on hot top grills with a seating capacity of 150. Total occupancy load of 199. Entertainment consists of occasional DJ and live music. Summer Garden with 30 seats (subject to change based on final Certificate of Occupancy for Summer Garden).”

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Looking towards 7th/Georgia Ave


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822 H St, NE (though actually located on 9th Street)

Last week we noticed lost of progress at Chupacabra coming to 9th and H Street, NE. They’ve now opened. And while the space inside is very small there will soon be a significant outdoor dining area that will stretch towards Stan’s clothing.

Normal operation Hours starting soon:

M-T, and Sunday 11am – 9pm
Sat, Sun 11am – 2:00am

From a press release:

The mythical, elusive, and fearsome Chupacabra has been sighted and confirmed at 822 H Street NE Washington DC. The food truck has retired its wheels and settled down at the corner of H and 9th Streets, with outdoor seating and an expanded menu. From the owners of Sticky Rice, Dangerously Delicious Pies, Rock and Roll Hotel, Café Roma, and The Queen Vic, comes Chupacabra: a Latin Kitchen and Taqueria.

Chupacabra will offer a variety of fresh and exotic dishes, with ingredients carefully chosen to accentuate the kitchen’s homestyle cooking. Flavors will take you to the beautiful beaches of the Caribbean, South American mountain tops, and the best of Mexico. Whether you’re vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, or strictly a meat eater, our kitchen will delight and satisfy.

From cool, creamy guacamole, served with thin crispy chips and house-made habanero and tomatillo salsas, to golden brown fried Yuca served with chicharrones, chicken and beef soups, and salads made fresh every day, Chupacabra offers something for everyone. Choose from the delicious selection of fillings for your flour or corn taco, or have the fillings served over rice, a salad, or in a handmade arepa.

Try the signature Al Pastor filling, pork marinated in guajillo and pineapple and slow roasted on a spit, or the Pollo Sofrito, tender chicken simmered in sofrito and spices. Vegans will love our savory Primavera, delicious squash and eggplant with black beans. Spicy food lovers, there’s plenty for you too: Borrego del Fuego, tender lamb braised in habaneros and spices, and Beef Barbacoa, a spicy Chorizo with hominy will have you sweating in a good way. Chef’s specials include an authentic Cubano (Cuban sandwich) made with herb-roasted pork, ham, baby swiss and pickles stacked and pressed between toasted Cuban bread. The Cocktail de Camarones — chilled shrimp with avocado, mango, onion, and cilantro in a sweet gazpacho sauce — is perfect on a hot day. Executive Chef Matt DiGangi plans to expand the fillings we offer after we open, and learn more about what you love.

And don’t forget to save room for dessert: we offer fresh baked brownies with dulce de leche; fried plantains with organic agave and sliced almond; and Latin-inspired ice creams.

Get your Latin fix on for lunch, dinner, or late night. Enjoy it in our modest interior seating, expansive awning-covered sidewalk café, or delivered to you at home or work. Breakfast service will start soon.

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picnic tables in wait

Menu and a look inside after the jump. (more…)


Meat & Foods_ledroit_park
247 Florida Avenue, NW

Well this might be the best new name (following in the footsteps of Seafood & Crab) for a restaurant I’ve seen – Meat & Foods. A recent liquor license posted out front says:

“Neighborhood restaurant serving house made sausages, sides, coffee and beverages with seating capacity for 12 patrons and total occupancy load of 12. Sidewalk café with 4 seats.”

Sounds promising. Also nice to see this long vacant retail space finally get filled. Revitalization of Florida Ave continues forward.

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5471 Wisconsin Avenue

A few weeks ago we learned:

The new neighborhood restaurant will serve Tex-Mex favorites and Mi Cocina classics like the Tacos “De Brisket”, Sunset Fajitas, and Rico Salad. Mi Cocina honors long time employees, family members and personalities that have been a part of the restaurant’s unique history by naming menu items after them, sharing their culture with generations of Texans that have dined there since the first location opened in 1991.

At The Collection, a stylish and relaxed interior will accommodate 155 in an open dining room.

You can see their menu here. Hours will be Sun – Thu 11am – 10pm; Fri & Sat 11am – 11pm.

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