Chinatown

Anyone know the story with BYNDfit?

By Prince Of Petworth


650 F Street, NW

“Dear PoPville,

I was wondering if you or anyone in the community knows what happened to BYNDfit that was supposed to open in Chinatown in March but obviously was delayed due to COVID. Their social media is dark but was curious if they are still in business or ever planning to open. They have a prime location and it was supposed to be super cool.”

Ed. Note: Given the current phase two status they very well could just be waiting until things improve.

Update from BYNDfit:

“The BYNDfit team delayed our launch indefinitely in March when the pandemic began its first surge in the region, while also remaining watchful to all COVID-related updates from the Mayor’s office. We’ve always been hopeful that the scientific community would be able to create a vaccine at a record pace, and it turns out our faith was well placed in these heroes. With light at the end of the tunnel, we would be foolish to jeopardize anybody’s health (either that of our members or staff) in an effort to rush our grand opening.

We’ve always prioritized health and safety above all else and will continue to have this be our guiding ethos during this time.

We can’t give an exact date of when we will open our doors, but our plans are steadfast to launch BYNDfit sometime in 2021 and we hope (like the rest of the world is hoping) the future will be brighter for everyone with regards to COVID.

All the best,
The BYNDfit Team”

The One Place That is Doing Booming Business

By Prince Of Petworth

As many long time readers are aware, every weekend I take a pretty big walkabout around town to take photos, follow up on tips and what not. Since March it has been, mostly, a very depressing endeavor for obvious reasons. Recently, there is one place that is regularly packed in front of Capital One Arena. Not sure if you can tell from the photo above but that entire space below the Cap Arena sign is a huge line of people. Why? (more…)

Momiji Turns 12, “will fight to survive, together we all will survive.”

By Prince Of Petworth


505 H Street, NW

Momiji reopened for take out May 12th, check out and order from their menu here.

Momiji shares with us on their IG yesterday:

“Today has started like many mornings this past year, woke up with anxiety, and the lack of desire to leave my bed. As I continually scroll in my bed, I kept seeing the date October 15th and I couldn’t help the feeling that I was missing something. After many moments, I realize what it was. This shared gut wrenching year has yet again made me lose complete sense of time yet again. I have always been obsessed with dates, 12 years ago today was one the most impactful days of my life. It allowed me to meet the majority of you reading this, it was on this day Momiji opened. At 23 year old I never knew what this place would bring. So many friends and loved ones have passed through this place. This restaurant has afforded me & my family, so many laughs, smiles, tears, moments solace and happiness.

This year has been a different and humbling year. (more…)

Kura Revolving Sushi Bar coming to Chinatown

By Prince Of Petworth


614 H Street, NW

The liquor license placard for Kura says:

“The Establishment will be a Sushi restaurant serving authentic Japanese food. Seating Capacity of 66 inside and a Total Occupancy Load of 75.”

Check out their menu here and STAY TUNED.

Ed. Note: RIP Sushi Go Round, clearly way ahead of its time, which closed nearby back in August 2016.

Looks Like Merzi Closed in Penn Quarter

By Prince Of Petworth


415 7th Street, NW

Thanks to J. for sending:

“They haven’t responded to any outreach yet, but it looks like Merzi in Chinatown/Penn Quarter may be closed for good. Their social media stopped a few months ago. Their Merzi Cares site (which organized a lot of good help for medical professionals in the middle of a pandemic) now 404s. Most tellingly, all their furniture and the usual “fast casual” serving line has all been removed from the floor. (more…)

“’11-7 at Daikaya’ offering an eclectic assortment of Japanese goods, beverages, and bites perfect for stocking the pantry at home.”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Kyle Schmitz

From a press release:

“Beginning today – Friday, September 25th – Daikaya Ramen Shop 1F (705 6th Street, NW) is launching their new online konbini (mini market) ’11-7 at Daikaya’ offering an eclectic assortment of Japanese goods, beverages, and bites perfect for stocking the pantry at home. The name ’11-7 at Daikaya’ is a reflection of the times customers can place their orders online at the market. All of the featured items at the convenience store will be available for order online with scheduled pickups available at Daikaya.

In addition to the mini market offering a wide variety of popular Japanese products ranging from Daikaya Group-branded goods, beverages, snacks, candy, specialty flour, rice, Japanese bread from resident Pastry Chef Mary Mendoza, instant soups/noodles, sauces, and spices, the market will also feature a rotating assortment of freshly prepared foods from Chef Katsuya Fukushima and team including bento, a selection of onigiri, spam musubi, a variety of sandwiches/sandos – tuna, egg, katsu, amongst other crave-worthy options. Plans are also in the works for the mini market to add some alcohol selections ranging from sake, beer, and cocktails. (more…)

Last Night’s 6:30pm Stabbing at 6th and I St, NW is now a Homicide

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Phil Hardy

From MPD:

“Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Wednesday, September 16, 2020, in the 600 block of I Street, Northwest.

At approximately 6:30 pm, members of the First District responded to the listed location for the report of a stabbing. (more…)

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