Cleveland Park

3714 Macomb Street, NW

The former Bistro Le Zinc space in Cleveland Park is about ready to become La Piquette from the owners of Bistrot Lepic. Thanks to a twitter follower for letting us know about the new signage, I emailed the owner who replied they are hoping to open by Tuesday. Stay tuned.

Jeremy previously wrote about Remembering Larry Byrd.

I sort of knew the day would come, but that didn’t make it any less disappointing. Dino Italian restaurant in Cleveland Park is closing. (We have learned a new iteration of the restaurant will open in Shaw).

The news came in a Tuesday email from Dean Gold, the restaurant’s owner/proprietor/comedian-in-chief. The closing date hasn’t been set but will be “in a matter of weeks,” according to the email.

The reason? “We simply are not doing the kind of business necessary to justify keeping our doors open,” Gold wrote.

But who cares, right? Restaurants open and close almost every day in D.C. Some restaurants open, bringing you the “bold flavors of Southeast Asia” or a “modern, refined take on the classic New York delicatessen” or some other line written in culinary P.R.-speak. And others close, because a concept wasn’t working out or a restaurant group wanted to shift their resources elsewhere.

But Dino’s, as it was called, mattered. It was a neighborhood spot in a city that has less and less of them. It had a menu that was interesting, mouth-watering and reasonably priced in a city where such a thing is becoming almost extinct.

Heck, the fact that so many people associated the restaurant with one person says a lot about Dino’s. How often do you walk into a restaurant in D.C. and know immediately who owns, runs and put his blood, sweat and tears into it? Dean Gold was that kind of owner. He’s also the kind of person who sources his menu from local farms not because it sounds good but because he believes it’s the right thing to do.
(more…)

3435 Connecticut Avenue, NW

Thanks to a reader for passing on the email sent out by the owners of Dino:

“Ciao Amici

A sad e-mail for a change. After 8-1/2 years, we are going to close the doors at Dino. The closing date isn’t set yet, but it will be sooner rather than later. A matter of weeks and not several months. We have had a great run, and we go out being Washingtonian’s Best Restaurant and City Paper’s Best Italian in their Readers Poll. We simply are not doing the kind of business necessary to justify keeping our doors open. If you do want a last chance, or several, don’t wait. Come in now. Or come in several times while you can.

What’s Next?

We have fabulous location we are looking at, and we are working hard to make it a reality. But all the details are not yet signed sealed and delivered. To misquote a famous opera saying, “It’s not over ’til the circumferencely gifted lady sings {and her lawyers sends you their final bill!}” If you have an interest in being part of Dino’s future in a SubStantive fashion, drop us a line. By doing so, you will be keeping Dean busy, short of any free time to cause trouble, and off the streets of Washington DC {which is a good thing!}

During this end period, we will be offering all out specials as usual {holidays excepted!} And if you want to enjoy something really special from our wine cellar, any wine $150+ is 50% off {holidays excepted}.

In any case, Kay and I thank you for the fun times and we will let you know what’s in our future. We certainly hope you are included in that future.”

Ed. Note: In 2010 we heard they were looking to open in Columbia Heights. More info when it becomes available.

3529 Connecticut Avenue, NW

Big Cleveland Park news from the Washington Post:

“Palena is turning its original, 30-seat cafe space into what chef-owner Frank Ruta is calling a “coffee shop.” Beginning as soon as Oct. 29, customers will be able to sit down for fresh croissants, bagels, scones and coffee beginning daily at 7 a.m.”

Palena’s cafe space is located in the former Magruder’s grocery store which opened back in 2010.