Chinatown

405 8th Street, NW

Speaking of cheap eats – this looks pretty sweet – from an email:

“I wanted to share the new all night happy hour menu from Menu MBK, which will be offered from 5pm to close, Monday through Sunday, including beer, wine, cocktails and bar snacks from Chef Frederik de Pue. Select beers like Belgium Tripel Kasteel will be available for $5 each; select glasses of white, rosé, and red wines will be available for $6 each; and select cocktails will be available for $7, such as Hemingway’s Last Call made with grapefruit peel infused rum, lychee, lemon and vanilla*.

*full menu of beer, wine and cocktails listed below

On the food front, Chef de Pue has prepared a variety of bar snacks, all for $10 or less, including duck confit cigars with arugula and shaved fennel ($10), pomme frites with garlic aioli and allium butter ($4), curry mussels salad with pickled red pearl onion and frisée ($8), and various cheeses and charcuterie.

Below is the full menu (more…)

614 E Street, NW

That was fast. Thanks to a reader for sending word:

“I think it was only open less than a year. I visited last week and noticed prices increased and they had adjusted for shorter hours. As someone who lives in the area, I was a fan but never thought the business model was sustainable. It will be interesting to see what fills the space.”

Bo-Dogs opened in the former Hot Potato Cafe space back in Oct. 2013.

709 H Street, NW

Thanks to @WeinDC for tweeting us the tip:

“Is this a @Potbelly I see coming to 7th and H? @PoPville”

The Potbelly will be located in the former Subway sandwich shop right next to the future Cava Grill (the former  Capital Q BBQ space.) A Potbelly was previously located in Chinatown nearby at 726 7th Street, NW which today is a Lime Fresh Mexican Grill. Whew.

700 6th Street, NW

Penn Commons opened today in Chinatown by the Verizon Center across the street from Grafiato and Daikaya. Check out their menus here:

“Whether you are popping in for a quick bite before a Verizon Center event, or your want a full dinner at your leisure, we have just the menu for you!

With the resurgence of the local farmer and great American products, chef Jeff Tunks has cultivated partnerships with specific purveyors nearby… or has just made it himself. It just takes having one common philosophy: American sensibility joined with American seasonality. Penn Commons sources the highest quality ingredients whether it is local artisanal or abroad.

The menu offers a raw bar, charcuterie plate, a selection of regional entrees from across America, signature Burgers and Sandwiches as well as snacks and bites such as Custom trios of Dips & Spreads. The bar menu is available late and features casual fare perfect for enjoyment before or after events and games at the Verizon Center.”

And their facebook page says:

“Beer lovers assemmmmble! 40 craft beers are on tap representing each ale-producing state in the US from Colorado staples to small indie brews that might be your next favorite.”

You can see the full beer menu here: penn-commons-beer-menu (PDF)

418 7th Street, NW

More progress at Jose Andres’ new Chinese-Peruvian Restaurant, China Chilcano, coming to the former Olsson’s Bookstore space and once hoped for Wagamama in Penn Quarter.

From the October press release:

“Highlighting the rich flavors, bold colors, diverse textures and unique aromas, the menu will apply time-honored Chinese techniques to Peruvian ingredients. From the classic Peruvian causas or ceviches, to Asian favorites like dim sums and sumais, the dishes will showcase Peru’s multi-cultural influences and ingredients in true Jose fashion.

Building on the success of China Poblano, the restaurant’s working name, China Chilcano, will pay homage to Peru’s celebrated fish stew and one of its more traditional drinks, the chilcano.”

You can read the full release here.

China Chilcano now has posted a liquor license placard that says:

“New restaurant serving Chinese Peruvian cuisine. Sidewalk Café with seating for 50 patrons. Total Occupancy Load is 250.”

Hours are listed as Sunday through Thursday 7am-2am, Friday and Saturday 7am-3am.