When a reader inquired about Thai X-ing last week folks were mentioning other good Thai places that they liked. I noticed Paragon Thai was located at 3507 Connecticut Ave, NW in the strip with the new Weygandt Wines. I know this spot used to be a restaurant previously but I forget the name. Anyone know if Paragon Thai is a new spot? Is it any good?
We learned of this spot located at 3519 Connecticut Ave., NW back in March. I was lucky enough to chat with the owners and wine consultants on Saturday. Weygandt Wines is owned by Peter Weygandt and Todd Ross:
Todd Ross to the left and Peter Weygandt to the right
Peter Weygandt has been an importer of wines for 20 years with Weygandt Metzler Importing based out of Pennsylvania. Peter and Todd chose DC for their first brick and mortar store because “DC is filled with educated, sophisticated people who like to drink wine”. I couldn’t agree more. The store will be unique in that it will have a tasting bar much like you may see at a vineyard. They will be offering wines from 120-130 different producers (nine of whom are photographed on the walls). If you have a tough time deciding which wines to purchase you can be guided by their two wine consultants, Tim O’Rourke and Matthew Stintz. Tim and Matthew are a bit unique in that they were both formerly chefs. Tim at Citronelle (among others) and Matthew at Terra (in St. Helena, California).
Tim O’Rourke left, Matthew Stintz right.
The store was still being stocked but this’ll give you an idea of the size of the space (formerly Blockbuster video store):
You can see where the tasting spot will be in the back right corner of the photo. Speaking of tasting – their Web site says they’ll be having “Our first tasting: The wines of F.X. Pichler
Saturday, October 24th, 2:00 – 5:00 pm”. Though, they mentioned that tastings will not only be reserved for special events.
So if you wanted to check out a store devoted exclusively to wine – check out their grand opening Wed. starting at 10am!
“Dear PoP,
Businesses ransacked in Cleveland Park. Not sure if you heard, but sometime this morning [Thursday] Zoo Bar, Nam Viet and Byblos were broken into and trashed. They all appear to be back open for business. Must have been a quiet morning over in CP for that kind of shit to happen. Front door window of Palena got smashed as well, but that was it. I rode by all the places on the way home and it looked like they had cleaned everything up. Front door at Palena was replaced before 5pm and Nam Viet neon sign said “open”. Word on the street is that the goons started at Zoo Bar (allegedly tore the place up) then Nam Viet, then Byblos (broke into their register) and then Palena.”
There is a report in the Washington Post here.
I’m surprised they were able to do so much damage without attracting more attention. Glad the stores were able to make the repairs so quickly.
In happier news the City Paper reports that Palena is in the process of trying to expand into the now vacant space next door (formerly housing Magruder’s):
“If everything falls into place for Ruta, Palena will look nothing like its current incarnation. It will add 60 seats to the dining room as well as a summer garden with seating for another 36 diners. Ruta would also add more kitchen space.”
We previously judged Palena here.
And we’ve come full circle back to Cleveland Park for this beauty.
This beauty is from Cleveland Park on Newark Street. I love the windows and the lines on this house. Plus the wrap around porch is pretty sick. Man, when my trust fund kicks in…
I love the stone on this house from Cleveland Park.
This building is located on Wisconsin Ave between Macomb and Newark. I’ve always liked the painting on the old C.C. Murphy Building. Many have heard that a new Giant will be anchoring this spot. Here’s a rendering of what it could look like in the future:
There’s lots of info at the Wisconsin Avenue Giant Web site.
This house is located at 3087 Ordway Street, NW:
The flier says:
“Classic Federal-style facade opens to stunning interior & the latest comforts. 2-story LR w/ dramatic brick fpl & 20 ft of windows overlooking trees & hills. Lg sunny kit w/ breakfast bar. Master ste w/ fpl & steam shower. Beautiful roof-top deck w/ long vistas. 3 addl BRs, each w/ full BAs. Elevator, garage. Easy walk to Metro. Seller reserves right to acc/rej any offer.”
More info found here and a virtual tour found here.
This home is rather deceiving from the outside. On the inside it is gigantic. What do you think of the house itself? The price has dropped from $1,795,000 to $1,595,000. Is it time to pounce?
Here’s another nice one from north Cleveland Park. It’s on Ordway Street. It is interesting to note that this is also rather new construction. I think it’s not older than 5 years or so. Thumbs up or down (especially given the new construction)?
Back in April I wrote about my continued love of Cleveland Park despite their retail woes. In March we learned it was going to get some of its groove back. But we were really ahead of the curve when we first discussed their retails woes last August.
Well, there are still some ups and downs in Cleveland Park. The 7-11 at Connecticut Ave and Porter has closed. But don’t lose all hope, a Walgreen’s is coming next door…
