Chinatown

777 I Street, NW

From a press release:

“Award-winning D.C. chef and restaurateur Victor Albisu announces a June 19 opening for Poca Madre, his high-end, contemporary Mexican restaurant adjacent to the Chinatown location of his wildly popular taqueria, Taco Bamba.

While Taco Bamba Chinatown delivers on the big menu, no-frills, rock & roll ambience that earned the Northern Virginia suburban locations cult status, Poca Madre is a juxtaposition in form and function. The elevated design, from the garden patio to the intimately lit dining room, complement a polished menu and mezcal-driven bar program unlike anything else diners will find in D.C.

“There’s so much more to Mexican cooking than what we typically see in the States,” Albisu said. “Some of the discoveries we made in Mexico while on research trips, first for Taco Bamba and later Poca Madre, just blew me away. I had to find a way to bring those flavors back to D.C. From centuries-old palenques in Oaxaca to chic, contemporary fine dining in Mexico City, there is so much going on that’s worth the spotlight, and I’m doing my part to shine on it.”

Menu and Inspiration (more…)

701 7th Street, NW

Back in February we learned that Arosto Pizza was coming to the former Sushi Go Round space in Chinatown. Some more details from a liquor license placard posted:

“New Class “C” family-owned and operated restaurant that will serve pizza; offering over 15 signature pizzas, fresh salads, and world-class sandwiches served on bread that is baked to order in a stone hearth pizza oven. The restaurant will have 40 seats and a capacity of 99 inside, along with a Summer Garden with 30 seats. Total Occupancy Load of 129.”

Check out Arosto’s Virginia menu here. Updates as they get closer to opening.

looking towards 7th Street

Inside the Pod Hotel @ 627 H Street NW. Barrelhouse Brunch at Crimson Whiskey Bar.

From a press release:

“Crimson Whiskey Bar, located downstairs from the lobby of the Pod Hotel in Chinatown, is now offering Barrelhouse Brunch, served every Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm.

Chefs Lawrence DiJoseph and Erick Morales sling an array of Southern-inspired, hangover-friendly entrees, like their Bayou Benedict (poached eggs and fried oysters over an English muffin and drenched in rich hollandaise), Creole Strata (a baked egg, andouille, and shrimp colossus), and the don’t-miss signature, the Gold Plate Special–savory country fried chicken and melted cheese sandwiched between to halves of a sliced-and-grilled vanilla-bean-glazed doughnut. (more…)

Thanks to Liz for sending:

“another one bites the dust in Chinatown. Saw this on the California Tortilla this morning, with all the windows papered over”

California Tortilla joins RFD, Ping Pong Dim Sum and Fuddruckers as relatively recent closures in Chinatown. Updates when we learn what becomes of the space.

728 7th Street, NW

“Dear PoPville,

I received an email a little bit ago, from Panera Bread Corporate saying that the Panera Bread in Chinatown 673 H Street NW is closing on May 9th. Do you or any of your readers know why? It seems(ed) like a great location & was always busy.”

673 H Street, NW