Chinatown

418 7th Street, NW

Finally a tenant for the former Olsson’s Bookstore and once hoped for Wagamama.

From a press release:

“José Andrés, the chef who introduced America to traditional Spanish tapas and championed the path of avant-garde cuisine in the U.S., is opening a modern Chinese-Peruvian concept, in the heart of Penn Quarter in downtown Washington, DC. The restaurant will feature Chifa favorites–the cuisine known throughout Peru, melding Chinese style and native ingredients–with his personal and creative take on Chinese classics and this South American style.

José is no stranger to weaving cultures together in a dynamic dining experience, he is well known for his interpretation of Chinese and Mexican food, culture and traditions at his award-winning restaurant China Poblano at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. At this new location, José and his talented culinary team will create authentic, yet innovative dishes inspired by their research and development trips to Asia and most recently to Peru, that have helped them master the various skills and techniques of this rising world cuisine.

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.

“Peru is an astonishing country. The people and the culture reveal so many traditions. The history with China is fascinating and the Chifa cuisine so unique,” said José. “I want to tell the world about this incredible country and the many things it has to offer. What better place, what better home than here in the heart of DC, right near Chinatown and surrounded by our family of restaurants.”

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. The restaurant will be located at 418 7th St, NW, and is scheduled to open in the spring of 2014.”

405 8th Street, NW

From a press release:

“Frederik De Pue, Chef/Owner of Table and 42° Catering, announces Menu, a combined market, restaurant and bar. Menu will be located in the space currently occupied by Azur, his modern seafood restaurant in the Penn Quarter neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Azur will close Friday, September 27 and the space will undergo a brief revamp before reopening as Menu in January, 2014. De Pue’s new concept will draw on the warmth, accessibility and intimate scale that have made Table, his 45-seat neighborhood charmer in Shaw, such a success.

“The decision to revamp the format is part business and part personal,” says Chef/Owner Frederik De Pue, “I love the Azur concept, but it wasn’t a perfect fit for a space that size, and as both the owner and the chef, I am in a position where I can make necessary changes quickly. I want to build something that this neighborhood is lacking, and that is also more warm and welcoming – something that reflects my passion for clean, uncomplicated comfort food. The Penn Quarter area doesn’t have an active market where customers can gather to shop, meet and eat, and that’s exactly what I am trying to create with Menu.” (more…)

614 E Street, NW

I spoke with some workers at the former Hot Potato Cafe space at 614 E St, NW and finally learned who will be taking over the space – Bodog(s) (also not sure on the spelling) but they will def. sell hot dogs. They plan on opening one day next week. I’ll update with a menu when they do so. Could be a good lunch option for those that work nearby.

Looking towards Luke Lobster and 7th Street