1101 14th Street, NW
Holy cow that was fast! On Jan. 1st we learned Dunkin was coming next to to Jimmy John’s at 14th and L St, NW. On Jan. 18th they already open. Thanks to zindc all the others who sent emails.
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Downtown
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1141 Connecticut Avenue, NW
From a press release:
The three-level restaurant offers home-style Russian cuisine in a tea party-meets-grandma’s house ambiance. Unlike any other location, the venue features an open-air kitchen, bedecked in red and white tiles and old Russian tchotchkes. Additionally, what sets Mari Vanna DC apart from its four world-wide sister locations is its cozy, third level, private cocktail lounge.
Happy hour will start today at 4pm, with dinner service starting promptly at 5pm. Washingtonians can expect to enjoy a classic Russian menu, featuring items such as; Pirozhok (small Russian pies stuff with meat, cabbage or eggs), Homemade Blinis (Russian style crepes with red caviar and sour cream), the Vinegret salad (refreshing red beets, diced roasted potato, diced roasted carrots, sunflower oil and more), the Salo plate (a traditional assortment of salt cured pork fatback with rye toast, onion and homemade Russian mustard), and the Beef Stroganoff (fillet mignon strips in creamy sauce, served with buckwheat kasha and roasted onions), among others delectable dishes.
For those unfamiliar with the restaurant you can read more about the background of Mari Vanna here. This is the spot where “the interior will be reminiscent of an old-time babushka parlor”.
I was able to attend a preview last night and was blown away by the space – have a look:
For an idea of their menu you can see their NYC menu here. Their DC website is currently under construction.
See tons of photos of all three floors after the jump. (more…)
From DDOT:
In order to spotlight pedestrian safety in the District, The Metropolitan Police Department announced that, from January 15 to 17, officers will be focusing on the intersection of 17th and K Streets with high visibility enforcement of safety laws.
In conjunction with the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), the initiative is the beginning of a quarterly campaign of specific, high visibility attention to pedestrian safety.
“We had more than 900 pedestrian crashes last year. The average is 653 people hit by a car every year,” said the Metropolitan Police Department’s Commander James Crane. “But no matter what the numbers are, it’s too many.” Crane said the number of citations for failure to yield to a pedestrian has gone up 87% in recent years, and citations for blocking bike lanes have quadrupled. With this high visibility enforcement, pedestrians will be a major focus for awareness and education. Police will be stopping pedestrians for infractions, citing some of those stopped, and handing out educational “tip” cards.
But, the responsibility does not only fall on pedestrians. Drivers need to be aware when turning to look for pedestrians in crosswalks and at intersections. Drivers should always stop and give right-of-way to pedestrians crossing the roadway within a marked crosswalk or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.
In addition, with the impending Inauguration, when so many out-of-towners are not used to driving and walking around the city, the District has more pedestrian challenges than the suburbs. Data show one of every 10 DC residents walks to work every day. DC is ranked the 7th most walkable city by Walk Score. In fact, last year the number of pedestrians killed tied with 2002 for the lowest number on record since at least 1931. But, despite the decrease in pedestrian deaths, one death is still too many. Pedestrians need to be reminded to cross only in crosswalks, cross with the signals, avoid distractions while crossing roads, and to pay attention to drivers at all times, said Crane. And, drivers need to make sure they are aware of pedestrians at all times.
“We’re out there because we want to help save your life. Every death is preventable,” Crane said. “This isn’t about writing tickets. It’s about saving lives.”
1742 L Street, NW
Almost a year ago we learned that Ritz Camera was downsizing from their corner location at 18th and L St, NW to a smaller space at 1742 L St, NW. I noticed a few weeks ago that the Ritz had closed the smaller location too.
1134 19th St, NW
Singapore Bistro closed back in 2010 at 1134 19th St, NW. I’ve been amazed that such a prime location would stay vacant for so long. Walking by last weekend I noticed that the for lease signs had been removed and it now seems like we might finally have a new tenant. In a post yesterday about a Cuban restaurant coming to Columbia Heights, a reader writes:
“I know a franchise of Sophie’s Cuban [Ed. Note: careful if you click on the link, music plays.] (from NY) will be opening soon at 1134 19th St, NW. A buddy is part of ownership team.”
You can see their menu here. More info as it becomes available.
1145 19th Street, NW
Unique Boutique is located at 1145 19th Street, NW just south of M Street. 24 days left:
A little over a week ago we learned that a new Dunkin Donuts was coming next to Jimmy John’s at 14th and L St, NW. Thanks to a reader for sending photos that they’re moving fast and signage has already been posted.
1420 New York Avenue, NW
Back in May 2012 we learned that Saint Michel French Bakery would be opening in the old Camille’s Cafe space at 1420 New York Ave, NW. Anyone try them out yet?
Click photo to enlarge
Amorini Panini signage has gone up at 801 18th Street, NW. You can see their menu here. Stay tuned for an early 2013 opening:
