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777 I St, NW

Del Campo looks close to opening in the former PS7s space in Penn Quarter/Chinatown. In Dec. 2012 we learned:

Former BLT Steak executive chef, Victor Albisu, plans to open his first full-service restaurant, Del Campo, meaning “from the country,” at 777 I St. NW in spring 2013.

The food culture celebrated through asado, a traditional South American grill style and the social gathering during which the barbeque is enjoyed, serves as a backdrop for the agrarian space and meat-driven, wine-centric menu.

A rotating menu of grilled meats from the asado, such as wagyu skirt steak, short ribs, chorizo, blood sausage, and sweetbreads, will also be complemented by crudos and ceviches – a nod to Albisu’s Peruvian heritage – and a vibrant selection of seasonal salads and other composed dishes. The grandson of a Cuban baker, Albisu will also make savory and sweet empanadas. Bread service will feature traditional warm cast iron country bread served with smoked olive oil.

he bar menu will focus on more casual South American street food, including Albisu’s take on the chivito and chori-pan, Argentinean sandwiches; anticuchos, grilled skewered meats; and chicharones, fried meats, both from Peru.

The 115-seat dining room will serve dinner seven nights a week, and lunch Monday through Friday. The 50-seat bar will serve coffee and South American pastries by day, in addition to the casual menu of savory snacks and sandwiches. During warmer months, a 40-seat patio will welcome guests to dine al fresco.

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1901 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Back in late July 2012 we learned that the folks from Heritage India would be opening up a new restaurant in the former Soho Cafe space at 1901 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. We now have more details on the new spot – Crossroads.

From a press release:

Heritage Management Services (HMS), the restaurant group behind Heritage India, embarks on a new culinary journey with Crossroads, a shared dining experience that takes guests on a culinary tour around the world. Located at 1901 Pennsylvania Avenue NW across from the World Bank and IMF buildings, Crossroads offers tastes of cuisines from Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America.

“With Washington, D.C.’s diverse population, we saw an opportunity to expand our business beyond Indian food,” said Sanjeev Tuli, Owner of HMS. “Crossroads is a place where guests can dine together regardless of their cultural tastes and experience the flavors of the world.”

Leading the kitchen is Chef Ravi Narayanan, who brings over 25 years experience at luxury hotel restaurants worldwide including the Oberoi Hotel in New Delhi, India and Relais Chateaux USA. The menu will feature little wonders from around world, highlighting dishes distinct to each region. Signature items include Roasted Eggplant and Tomato Beignets with Roasted Garlic Cream from the Mediterranean, South American-inspired Fried Calamari with Fried Jalapeno chips, Shaved Cucumber and Marinated White Anchovy, and Deep fried Kale and Brussel Sprout Chips with Baharat Spice and Tzatziki sauce from Africa. Crossroads will also feature a Japanese sushi bar.

Guest will be greeted into the 7,000 square foot space below street level by a cascading waterfall and 5-ft, 500-lb Buddha statue. Crossroads will offer seating for 100 guests including a large bar area with high top tables and benches. Separated by a partition, HMS will open a new Heritage India restaurant adjacent to the Crossroads dining area. The space will also feature a private dining section offering items from both restaurant menus that can accommodate parties of up to 45 people.

An expansive 86-seat patio will allow patrons to enjoy their food outdoors on warm weather days.


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Photo by PoPville flickr user nairdaecartal

A friend of mine asked for brunch recommendations and for some reason I always seem to blank on brunch recs. We got a few recommendations back in 2009 but obviously a million places have opened since then. I’m not looking for best food really – I’m more interested in best atmosphere where you can relax, though of course decent food is important too. For me, I can’t really think of a brunch spot I prefer to chill at over Red Derby (14th and Quincy St, NW.) And now that the weather is getting nice, bonus points for a place that has a good outdoor option too.

So for the Friday Question of the Day – what’s your favorite chill brunch spot where you can hang out for hours?


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1124 9th Street, NW

Back in Nov. 2012 we learned that a new restaurant called Baby Wale would be opening by the Convention Center at 1124 9th St, NW. There was a “Good Food Coming Soon Sign” posted for ages:

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Nov. 2012

Thanks to a reader for letting me know that new signage had been posted announcing a June 2013 opening. Stay tuned!

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Hard to believe it’s already been a year! And it keeps getting better – check out the new bar they put in the back patio. The patio and bar will open this Sunday around 5:30 for the Capital Bop’s Jazz gathering. The back patio and bar will then be open at 5:30pm daily.

And to celebrate their anniversary:

“We will be offering $1 Stella pints from 5:30 – 7:00 next Tuesday – Thursday (16-18) at our just completed patio bar. In addition, customers in our dining room will be able to purchase select bottles of wine at half price during this same time frame.”

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More photos after the jump. (more…)


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675 I Street, NW

The good word comes from the owners:

We are finally opening at our NW location on Monday April 15th! Our actual storefront location is 675 I St NW. We will open for lunch only for a few weeks then full hours- breakfast, lunch and dinner- 7 days a week. Our limited hours for our first few weeks is 10am-4pm Mon-Saturday closed on Sundays. We are SO excited about our new neighborhood and already super supportive neighbors who have been so wonderful and patient!

Dangerously Delicious Pies also has DC locations at 1339 H St, NE and in the Union Station food court. You can see their menu here.

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View towards 7th Street


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2477 18th Street, NW

Thanks to a reader for sending word of this big change coming to Adams Morgan. The former Saki/District space (which for a second looked like it would become Saki again) is going to become Federal Restaurant & Lounge from the owners of Floriana (located at 1602 17th St, NW in Dupont.) Federal’s Open Table page simply says:

“From the owners of Floriana, opening soon.”

Stay tuned.


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