Thanks to a reader for sending:
“As of 8:30, the line is wrapping completely around 18th street to K street, and then even wrapping a bit back around to 19th.”
Another reader sends more photos of the scene at 9am:
“The line stretched the entire block of 18th from K to L, and around the corner on K. I don’t understand. I’d thought that I liked Nordstrom Rack as much as the next person, but I guess not.”
1099 New York Avenue, NW
Last month we learned that Casa Luca Italian restaurant from Chef Fabio Trabocchi would be taking over the former Againn Space at 1099 New York Avenue, NW (entrance on 11th Street.) A recent liquor license posted out front says:
“New Italian restaurant featuring traditional and updated cooking from the Marache region of Italy. Live entertainment and dancing for brunch and special events only. Inside seating capacity is 132, total load is 168. Sidewalk Café with seating for 40 patrons.”
Last month we learned the menu would feature:
· Montefeltro Flatbread “Crescia” with Broccoli Rabe
· “Chichirichì di Offida” Stuffed with Onions and Roasted Peppers
· Mussels Alicia with Tomato “Marinara”
· San Leo Ravioli of Greens, Parmigiano, Lemon Zest and Fresh Herbs
· Scrippelle ’Mbusse Crepes of Pecorino, Truffles, and Hen Consomme
· Monkfish with Baby Artichokes, Scallions and Dill “Porchetta” style
· Giuseppe “Braciole” Pork Chop with Zolfino Beans “Cacciatora” style
· Salami al Cioccolato Marchigiano in small and large sizes to share
Updates as the build-out progresses.
1800 L Street, NW
We first heard a Nordstrom Rack would be moving into the former Border’s bookstore space at 18th and L St, NW back in June 2012. Tomorrow’s the big grand opening – hours will be:
Mon-Fri 9am-8pm
Sat 10am-6pm
Sun 12pm-5pm
401 F Street, NW
We first heard about it last year but now it’s really happening! From a press release:
Hill Country Barbecue Market Washington, D.C. is pleased to announce the opening of Hill Country’s Backyard Barbecue, a unique branded outdoor experience featuring Hill Country’s award-winning Texas-style barbecue, ice-cold Shiner beers, and signature cocktails on the spacious and picturesque West Lawn of the National Building Museum (401 F Street, NW; www.nbm.org; 202.272.2448). Hill Country’s Backyard Barbecue is scheduled to open on May 3, 2013, with a live performance by fun and feisty Americana rock n’ rollers, the Kalob Griffin Band. Throughout the spring and summer, Hill Country’s Backyard Barbecue will also feature live American roots music on Friday and Saturday nights, presented by Hill Country Live, Hill Country’s Austin-inspired music program.
“Hill Country Barbecue is excited to be teaming up with the National Building Museum to create the ultimate backyard barbecue for Washingtonians who love to be outside when the weather is warm,” said Jim Foss, Hill Country Barbecue Market’s director of operations. “There’s really no experience that can top a night hanging out on the lawn with friends, having some delicious barbecue with an ice-cold beer, and listening to music during the summer!”
“Hill Country Barbecue will energize our West Lawn, a green space in the heart of downtown Washington, and will complement the Museum’s Mini Golf exhibition and other ‘Summer Block Party’ offerings,” said Chase W. Rynd, executive director of the National Building Museum.
Hill Country’s Backyard Barbecue menu will include some of Hill Country Barbecue Market’s signature dishes, as well as a Barbecue Chicken Sandwich and Barbecue Beef Sandwich, and the brand-new Hill Country Hot Links, a house-made spicy and sweet frankfurter-style sausage.
The menu will also include picnic-friendly sides like Confetti Coleslaw, Potato Salad, and Mini Skillet Cornbread. A selection of Shiner beers, including the Bock, Light Blonde, Premium and Ruby Redbird, as well as hand-crafted cocktails like the Hill Country Margarita, seasonal fruit Sangria, and Hill Country’s Backyard Barbecue signature cocktail, the Porch Swing, made with gin, strawberry simple syrup and fresh lemon juice for a refreshing cocktail you can sip outside all day. Rounding out Hill Country’s Backyard Barbecue menu are non-alcoholic options including fresh-squeezed Lemonade and Iced Tea.Hill Country’s Backyard Barbecue will operate Wednesday through Friday from 4:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m., Saturdays from 12:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. and Sundays from 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. to catch the after-work, happy hour crowd during the week as well as museum visitors on weekends. Additionally, Hill Country’s Backyard Barbecue will be available as a premiere outdoor, private-event venue for corporate events, summer associate parties, fundraisers, birthday parties, rehearsal dinners, weddings, and more. The National Building Museum is open to the public from 10 am – 5 pm Monday through Saturday, and 11 am – 5 pm on Sundays.
1700 K Street, NW
Thanks to an eagle eyed reader for spotting the Dunkin Donuts coming soon sign folded up inside the former Mixt Greens space (which closed back in Dec. 2011) at 1700 K St, NW.
PJ Clarke’s is located at 1600 K Street, NW.
1308 G Street, NW
Following on the heels of GBD which opened last week in Dupont, Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken opened at 1308 G Street, NW. From a press release:
Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken, a casual yet refined take on two comfort food classics – fried chicken and doughnuts – will open for business on April 8 at 1308 G Street, NW Washington, DC. After several months of catering and pop-up sales, pastry Chef Jason Gehring, formerly of Fiola, The Charleston and Cinghiale in Baltimore, and Poste Moderne Brasserie, has had the opportunity to test a variety of flavors and is excited to serve his evolving array of haute doughnuts, fried chicken, side dishes and one specialty sandwich. Astro will exclusively serve artisan drip coffee from Brooklyn Roasting Company, as well as sparkling and flavored waters. Sourcing some of the finest ingredients available, including Benton’s Bacon, locally raised, free range chicken, Valrhona chocolate, King Arthur flour, and Plugrá butter to name a few, Chef Gehring will vary seasonal doughnut flavors based on fruit and produce availability from local farmers.
During the opening week of April 8 – 12, Astro will have limited hours, opening at 8:00 a.m. until all doughnuts and fried chicken are sold out. On opening day, the first 200 people in line will receive one free doughnut with any purchase, while the first 50 people in line for lunch will receive a complimentary side with any chicken purchase. All lunch sales, including chicken, sides and the chicken and doughnut sandwich will begin at 11:00 a.m. After the soft opening week, regular operating hours will be 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Below is the opening menu.
See the menu after the jump. (more…)
P & C Fine Art is located in Georgetown at 3108 M St, NW. I’ll miss the paintings of President’s playing poker and hanging out:
Another great longtime spot is closing – Kid’s Closet at 1226 Connecticut Avenue, NW – after 30 years.
1145 19th Street, NW
Back in early Jan. we noted Unique Boutique was closing at 1145 19th St, NW just south of M Street. Taking it’s place will be a Nature’s Table. Their website says:
Nature’s Table Cafe has been a family owned business for over 34 years. We opened our first franchise in 1987. Currently there are approximately 75 Nature’s Table Cafes in ten different states from Florida and Virginia to California and Washington.
At Nature’s Table we are proud to offer great menu choices like Gourmet Wraps and Paninis, Classic Sandwiches, Signature Salads and Flavorful Rice Bowls. Our original Chicken Salad and Vegetarian Chili from the early days of Nature’s Table pair up nicely with our globally inspired Sesame Thai Wraps and Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowls. It’s a blend of the traditional and the new, the healthy and indulgent. It’s the freshest ingredients made to order!
You can see their menus here.
Any fans?
15th and H St, NW via google street view
Yesterday the Washington Business Journal broke the news of plans for a huge restaurant coming to 15th and H Street, NW:
“The restaurant is expected to occupy a huge chunk of space, 18,000 square feet, with a total occupancy upward of 800.”
A very good source hears that it’s looking like it will be a Joe’s Crab Shack.
UPDATE: What a difference a word makes – as many commenters already predicted – it’s not a Joe’s Crab Shack but rather a Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab – according to the Washington Business Journal:
“The District’s version of Joe’s, a popular seafood and steak restaurant with locations in the Windy City and Las Vegas, will seat more than 500, with total occupancy of nearly 800, catering to the office and tourist set alike.”