3508 Connecticut Ave, NW
3508 Connecticut Ave, NW is another one of those properties that just can’t seem to hold a tenant. I just noticed the Sprint Phone Store has closed in the former Cacao Cafe space which was formerly Cold Stone Creamery. It’s a prime location so it’ll be interesting to see who takes the next crack at it. I vote for bringing back Yanni’s – a kickstarter I would happily contribute too!
3407 Connecticut Ave, NW
Last week we learned that Pulpo had closed and the space would be taken over by the Hula Girl Food Truck for a pop up over “for the next few weeks”.
Some very interesting reader scuttlebutt now about that space in Cleveland Park:
“Rumor has it that the Sardis group is taking over that space. They plan on opening their second Picca Pollo A La Brasa location. Looks like Washingtonian mags top chicken will be available in CP”
Picca’s website says:
“Established in 2013, by the owners of Sardi’s Chicken.
We wanted to start a new “Peruvian” concept, after being involved in the business of Peruvian Pollo a la Brasa with great success! Let us give you Picca Pollo a la Brasa…a new Peruvian concept that will amaze you in every way possible.
We are not just 2 guys dreaming, we are a group of people who think alike and have our hearts and souls devoted to conquer the palettes of the world with the greatness of the Peruvian kitchen.
Picca Pollo a la Brasa will offer you what no other restaurant has offered you before!”
Check out their menu here:
Picca’s website does have a section for partnership opportunities. Anyone ever visit the Germantown, MD location?
3407 Connecticut Ave, NW
From the Hula Girl Food Truck:
“Ok Hulas – here’s the news – we are doing a ‘pop-up’ for the next few weeks…so you can come get your fix while the truck is off the road!!”
You can check out the Food truck menu here.
The Washington Post reports:
“Pulpo, the Cleveland Park tapas emporium, has officially shuttered…
The Hula Girl Bar & Grill will debut Friday night, a sort of valentine for lovers of Hawaiian cuisine, which one mag recently argued is the “next foodie frontier.” The pop-up is expected to run until mid-March, with a possible week-long extension, says Hansen.”
Updates on the permanent plans for this space when they are known.
Thanks to JB for sending from from Cleveland Park.
Photo of 3522 Connecticut Avenue, NW reopening via @mayorvincegray
From a press release:
“Mayor Vincent C. Gray today joined public-safety officials to celebrate the opening of the newly renovated Engine Company 28 firehouse in Cleveland Park. The historic building – which first opened on December 1, 1916 – has undergone a $4.7 million renovation to provide safety, architectural and energy-efficiency improvements.
Mayor Gray was joined by Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice Paul Quander, Jr., Fire and Emergency Medical Services (FEMS) Chief Kenneth B. Ellerbe, and Department of General Services (DGS) Director of Capital Construction Services June Locker for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“The improvements made to Engine Company 28 have not only restored this historic fire station, but they have also equipped the facility with needed upgrades to provide a safer environment for our outstanding FEMS staff,” Mayor Gray said. “This will improve the safety of residents, businesses and visitors in Ward 3.”
FEMS has implemented a capital program for the modernization of several of its fire stations. The program includes replacement of deteriorated HVAC equipment, updates to structural and electrical components and preservation and improvement of architectural features.
“Fire stations have always been an integral part of the communities they serve,” said FEMS Chief Kenneth B. Ellerbe. “I’m certain the residents in Cleveland Park are just as excited about the re-opening of this beautifully renovated station as our staff members are about returning to this building and this community. We appreciate the Cleveland Park community’s patience during this renovation time.”
The renovation project for Engine Company 28 included widening the fire station’s bay doors to provide easier entry for emergency vehicles while also maintaining the building’s historic features.
“This project provided DGS with a great opportunity both to restore and modernize this 100-year-old building,” said DGS Director Brian J. Hanlon. “The building upgrades have improved the firefighters’ and paramedics’ living space, and today the fire station is safer for first responders to perform the outstanding work that they do for the city.”
Photo by PoPville flickr user Beau Finley
Is this the curse of the service lane?
“Dear PoPville,
There was a fire of some sort at Dino’s Friday night. There were a bunch of firemen milling around. The owner was out there, too. Also, word on the street is that they might try to keep Dino open for another month while getting his ducks in line for the new Shaw place.”
UPDATE from the owner:
“There was no fire at Dino last Friday night. THe kitchen crew noticed a white vapor and funny smell from back by the water heater. The bar manager cleared the restaurant and called 911. Since they couldn’t
figure out what happened, hazmat was called and they gave the allclear. It could have been from the water heater {steam} or something, but all our equipment checks out.
And we are coming to Shaw, hopefully around April 1 give or take.”
From a press release:
“Chef Owner Dean Gold of DINO Restaurant and Enoteca in DC’s Cleveland Park neighborhood has reached an agreement with his current landlord. Instead of closing this coming Sunday January 12th as was originally announced, DINO will now remain open at its current location at the SE corner of Connecticut Ave and Ordway St. NW through Sunday night, February 23.
A long standing favorite and much acclaimed rustic Italian restaurant in Washington, DINO will move across town this spring to the Shaw neighborhood in the vicinity of 9th and U Sts NW. Because the current location is not quite ready for renovation/occupation, Gold negotiated to extend his current lease to stay open for an additional 6 more weeks.”
3321 Connecticut Ave, NW
From the Cleveland Park Listserv:
“Our server tonight informed us Lavandou is closing next week after over 20 years because they failed to come to terms with their landlord.”
Lavandou is located in the same strip as DINO at 3321 Connecticut Ave, NW. They are hosting their own restaurant week this week:
“Lavandou’s own Restaurant Week”
From January 13th to 19th
25% off any course from regular menu.
Whisk yourself away to the heart of Provence by dining with us.
For over 20 years, Lavandou has been providing a taste of authentic Provençal cuisine in Washington D.C.’s Cleveland Park neighborhood. Tucked in amongst charming storefronts on Connecticut Avenue, Lavandou’s cozy glow lures its guests inside where they can enjoy familiar french specialities in a relaxed atmosphere.
The cuisine at Lavandou is based on the essences of Provence, a sunny region on the French Riviera which is famous for using only the most natural ingredients. Many of our dishes are created with farm-fresh favorites such as heirloom tomatoes, roasted peppers, eggplants and olives and are seasoned with fragrant garlic, rosemary, and thyme. These flavorful traditional dishes, prepared at length and with healthy, fresh ingredients are truly reflective of the Mediterranean style of “savoir vivre.”
We judged Lavandou back in 2011. You can see their menus here.
Looks like my favorite modern house in Cleveland Park is getting a new next door neighbor. I wanted to grab a few photos before/if this side of the house no longer remains visible after construction.
More photos after the jump. (more…)
LOST: Black/White Husky named London:
“We lost our black/white husky/shepherd mix named London. He is about 50 pounds. He is a rescue and is probably more scared of you than anything. He escaped around 12:00pm today around Cleveland park metro. If you see him please call or text Jacki at 773-575-7190.
With tonight’s low temperatures, we greatly appreciate your help in finding him.”
UPDATE: Found!
This one’s from Cleveland Park.
3435 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Back in November we learned Dino would be closing in Cleveland Park and reopening somewhere in Shaw. The new Shaw location has still not been released but now we know the last day for the Cleveland Park spot – Jan. 12th. From the owner:
“We are in the last days of Dino in Cleveland Park. January 12 will be our last day of service. This is our last feast of the 7 fish {this years count is no less than 9 fish!}
The feast menu is available tonight thru Monday December 23 for $49 per person. The Menu is $59 per person on Christmas Eve. Please do reserve if you want the feast so we know how much to prep! (more…)