“Dear PoP,

413 7th St NW – know anything about it? Looks like it just opened, maybe even today.”

Yes, Pitango Gelato just opened up last weekend in Penn Quarter (they also have a location in Logan Circle at 1451 P St, NW). I stopped in for a taste and couldn’t believe all the flavors:

It is def. delicious. And just when I converted to Frozen Yogurt…


Woah, I don’t know how I missed this one but it sounds very promising:

The application says:

“NATURE OF OPERATION
Educational setting featuring exhibits of artwork on wall, artistic performances, music, dancing,
a cover charge and serving some food. The establishment will be a social/networking venue that
allows customers/clients to meet and interact with one another. No nude performances. Three
dance floors of approximately 40’x40’, 34’x20’ and 30’x10’. Total Occupancy load 1300.

HOURS OF OPERATION AND SALES/SERVICE/CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC
BEVERAGES
Sunday 10 am to 2 am, Monday through Thursday 8 am – 2 am and Friday & Saturday
8 am – 3 am “


This sounds pretty wild, from a press release:

“The District Department of Transportation is launching a new pilot program aimed at providing safer crossings for pedestrians at one of the District’s most traversed intersections: 7th and H streets, NW in Chinatown. The new traffic pattern, commonly called a “Barnes Dance,” allows pedestrians to cross in every direction, including diagonally, at the same time while vehicles on all four sides of the intersection are stopped at a red signal. The change is scheduled to be implemented on Wednesday, May 12 at 10 am.

Continues with some history after the jump. (more…)


Cuba Libre will be located at 9th and H Streets, NW across from the old Convention Center. They have a few locations in other cities and describe themselves:

“The tantalizing tastes of Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar are based upon the culinary traditions of this storied island paradise. Inspired by the cuisines of various Latin regions, Cuban cuisine offers a mix of robust and soul-satisfying dishes. Cuba Libre’s carefully created menu combines beef, poultry, pork and seafood with exotic fruits and vegetables, herbs and seasonings. The contemporary cuisine is flavorful and savory, but only occasionally spicy. In keeping with the gracious social character of Cuba, some dishes are designed for sharing. Concept Chef Guillermo Pernot regularly updates the menus, making seasonal changes while maintaining signature items.”

The are opening in Spring 2010. Think they’ll succeed at this location?


Does anyone know what restaurant is going into the space next to the (soon to be) Pitango Gelato place in Penn Quarter? They put some signage in the window as a tease. Next door the Pitango looks fairly close to opening:


Jaleo is located at 480 7th Street, NW (with two other locations in Bethesda and Crystal City). The Web site says:

“Under the direction world-reknowned chef José Andrés, Jaleo’s menu offers diners an extensive selection of more than 60 different hot and cold tapas, little dishes, reflecting the rich regional diversity of classical and contemporary Spanish cuisine. The bar boasts a wide variety of Spanish red, white and rosé wines, available by the glass, as well as a selection of sherries.”

Since Oyamel is so nearby (401 7th Street, NW) and also owned by the same group that owns Jaleo, I thought I’d ask which folks like better. I realize that Jaleo is Spanish and Oyamel is Mexican but if you had to choose between the two, which would you say is better or are they equally good?


This condo is located at 703 6th Street, NW:


View Larger Map

The flier says:

“Gorgeous multi-level two bedroom penthouse condo in the heart of Penn Quarter. Beautiful 600 sq. ft private roof deck with view. Dual entry, 10″ ceilings, hardwoods, open floor plan, gourmet kitchen with stainless, granite, six burner stove, wine frig, center island, LL media room, cedar closet, jet tub. Perfect for entertaining and luxurious city living!”

You can find more info here and a virtual tour here.

I would consider doing something illegal for that roof deck. Holy cow. But what do you guys think of the condo itself? Do you like the staircase? Does $649,900 ($436 monthly condo fee) sound reasonable for this 2 bed/1.5 bath? I can’t stop thinking about that roof deck…


I have lamented the fact that Chinatown doesn’t seem to have a lot of Chinese restaurants but I’ve realized that I don’t know much about the ones east of 6th Street, NW. Full Kee is located at 509 H Street, NW. This one looks like it might be the real deal. Any fans?


Sometimes I have to read emails a few times. But it’s true, in celebration of Earth Day Poste will roast a 400 pound pig. Am I the only one who finds that a bit odd? For the record, I think it will probably be delicious. But for Earth Day…

Poste is located at 555 8th Street, NW.

From an email:

To celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day, Poste officially re-opens its courtyard with a backyard bash. Bev Eggleston of Eco Friendly Foods will provide a 400 pound pig, which Chef Robert Weland and his team will smoke and roast for the celebration. From 5:30 to 8:00 p.m., a $15 entry free (cash only) will score a taste of the roasted pig from Eco Friendly Foods and one of mixologist Rico Wisner’s popular garden punches, which are back for the season by popular demand. At the event, all “Garden Menu” food and select drink items will be available for $4 each. Highlights of what will be available after the jump (more…)


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