Chinatown

Sounds Like Riot Act Comedy Theater is Closing in Penn Quarter at the end of the Month

By Prince Of Petworth


801 E St, NW

A reader sends an intriguing email:

I got the information below from a United Social Sports email today that they are having a party in a new club (and indicates used to be Riot Act). I looked at RA’s site and doesn’t indicate they are closing but they don’t seem to have any acts scheduled for July or August on their calendar. If true, too bad for RA. I hosted a private party in their showroom shortly after they opened, it’s a wonderful space.

“Exclusive Preview Party!

Join USS as we invite you to an exclusive private preview of Penn Quarters Newest Bar!

Its so new we can’t even give you the name so you KNOW this is going to be a blast!

There will be Free Miller Lite & $2 Rails and an awesome DJ from 9-11pm then the party continues with ridiculous drink specials and games the rest of the night.

Where: Penn Quarters Newest Bar (Formerly Riot Act)
When: Saturday, July 9th @ 7pm”

Another reader writes:

“Thought you may like to know; Riot Act Comedy Theater is planning to close at the end of the month. Employees are trying to keep it hush but word gets out. A check of their calendar shows no planned events after the 29th.”

Indeed Riot Act’s Web site has no new shows listed after June. Other readers have also written in asking about a new “huge” bar in Penn Quarter.

Riot Act opened up back in Aug. 2011 at 801 E Street, NW. More info as it becomes available.

Update from commenter Downtown Dave:

“For what it’s worth, the place isn’t closing — it is being recreated/renamed. The stage will remain downstairs and they will continue to host live events — music, comedy, etc. Further, the upstairs space will be reinvigorated as a Tryst-like coffee house/bar open day and night– a huge upgrade from its current underutilized state.”

Renderings of Proposed New Verizon Center Signage

By Prince Of Petworth


Renderings via Ted’s Take

Thanks to a reader for sending from Ted’s Take:

We’ve worked diligently with local neighborhood groups to allay concerns, even re-doing our initial designs based on their feedback. We have worked to ensure that the signs will have little or no impact on residences in the neighborhood, have agreed to eliminate sound from the signs (our current signs actually have sound incorporated into them), have proposed the formation of a neighborhood advisory group to address any concerns about the signs and have promised to make the signs available to community groups to promote their events. We also would make the signs available to the city for emergency notifications.

You can see how the current set up looks here.

Thumbs up or down?


Renderings via Ted’s Take

Sushi and Sumo Popping Up at Living Social Space at 918 F St, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

From a press release:

What: To celebrate the opening of its first U.S. location, YO! Sushi will turn culture on its head, literally, exploring Japanese culture up-close and personal with a series of NINE butt-kicking experiences involving the best sushi around, sake sampling, and live sumo wrestling. Guests will enjoy modern Japanese cuisine while watching three-time World Sumo Champion Byambajav Ulambayar battle US Sumo Champion Kelly Gneiting, emceed with full explanation of sumo rules and culture.

YO! Sushi will serve a three-course meal during each match, consisting of edamame, whitefish sashimi topped with yuzu salsa, “Hi-Bana” spicy tuna on a crispy rice cake, popcorn shrimp tempura glazed with creamy miso, a California roll, Scottish salmon nigiri sushi, and mochi ice cream, all paired with three different sakes for total cultural immersion. Not to mention the larger than life champions battling it out in a traditional 20’ x 20’ ring in the middle of it all.

Where: 918 F Street, NW

When: Thursday, June 21; 5-7pm or 8-10pm
Friday, June 22; 5-7pm or 8-10pm
Saturday, June 23; 12-2pm, 3-5pm, 6-8pm or 9-11pm
Sunday, June 24; 1-3pm

Cost: $39.00 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity

Reserve: Space is extremely limited for each of these events and tickets must be purchased in advance through Living Social, available here.

Hill Country Summer Barbeque Coming to the National Building Museum

By Prince Of Petworth

The National Building Museum, 401 F St, NW, is on a roll. First they are bringing us mini golf inside the museum and now barbeque from Hill Country. It’s not too often you see a liquor license application attached to a tree but here’s a good one:

It says:

“New Seasonal outdoor tavern on the 5th Street lawn of the National Building Museum serving barbecue food and beverages with live entertainment.”

Awesome!

Hill Country is located nearby at 410 7th St, NW in Penn Quarter. You can see their menu here. More info on Hill Country Summer Barbeque as it becomes available.


401 F St, NW

J. Crew Opening in Penn Quarter This August

By Prince Of Petworth


950 F Street, NW

“Dear PoPville,

I saw the sign out front over the weekend and figured other j.crew devotees would be interested.”

Back in April 2012 we learned:

“J.Crew will occupy 3,044 square feet on the ground floor and 5,581 square feet on the lower level for a total of 8,625 square feet in the Atlantic Building.”

Townhouse Kitchen & Bar Coming to 700 6th Street, NW by the Verizon Center

By Prince Of Petworth


700 6th St, NW

Lots of news on spots coming near the Verizon Center this week ( Daikaya Ramen Shop and a new cocktail lounge near Fuel Pizza.) And now one more – Townhouse Kitchen & Bar is coming to 700 6th Street, NW. Their liquor license application says:

“A casual yet elegant urban restaurant and wine bar serving small plates, sandwiches, salads and entrees with a seating capacity of 243 and a total occupancy load of 301. Request a sidewalk café with 46 seats.”

Graffiato Launching Expanded Brunch and Bringing Back Sweet Corn Agnolotti for Their One Year Anniversary

By Prince Of Petworth


707 6th St, NW

I can’t believe Graffiato is turning one year old already.

From an email:

This weekend, Graffiato introduces an expanded brunch menu, Market Mimosas and a new “Booze and Bites” option, allowing guests to enjoy any three menu items for $25, including a selection of brunch cocktails.

The expanded brunch menu features soon-to-be favorites like French toast with mascarpone and maple syrup, crispy lamb with favas, yogurt and cucumber, and a crab scramble with arugula and ricotta salata.

New libations include a section of Market Mimosas – Lemon Basil, Strawberry or Blood Orange with Prosecco. Sound familiar? These are boozy versions of housemade soda flavors by mixologist, Taha Ismail.

Brunch is available Saturday and Sunday from 12-3pm, starting June 2.

Sweet Corn Agnolotti Watch 2012
Graffiato turns one on Saturday, June 23. To celebrate, they are bringing back one of their most popular dishes, sweet corn agnolotti. The pillow-shaped stuffed pasta will be offered throughout the summer, as long as the sweet corn lasts.

New Cocktail Lounge Coming to Chinatown Across from the Verizon Center next to Fuel Pizza

By Prince Of Petworth


600 F St, NW

A new cocktail lounge is coming next door to the recently opened Fuel Pizza at 600 F St, NW. A liquor license application says:

“This is a new Class “C” Tavern. This venue will be a Cocktail Lounge. There will be light food service. Entertainment will include recorded music and live music. There is a cover charge.
The seating capacity is 45. The total capacity is 144.”

More details as they become available.

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