Downtown

“Dear PoP,

I wrote to you back in August to ask about the Spice Indian Bistro coming to 17th and Penn. NW. Well, it’s finally open, and I had a chance to try it today – wanted to let you know that I think it’s a really good addition to the neighborhood. The food is pretty tasty – not gourmet or anything, but flavorful and perfect for quick takeout. I particularly liked the chickpeas. The staff is friendly and fast. And they give you a huge bowl of food (two lunches’ worth) with warm bread and chutney on the side for $7.99 ($8.99 if you order meat). For $4 a meal, I thought it was a really good deal. Hope you and the readers enjoy it!”

Sounds like a great lunch option for those that work nearby. Thanks for the update!

801 Penn. Ave, NW is right near Archives Navy Memorial. I’ll def. be keeping my eye on this space – I’m super intrigued. Anyone happen to hear anything? Any guesses to what/who could be a fast food and bakery?

Woah, this pretty big (burger) news slipped under my radar last week. Rogue States was forced to close their doors back in Oct. due to a burger fumes dispute with a neighbor. Now the Washington Post reports:

“The owner [of the building] plans to build that vent to the roof at his own expense, to replace the controversial Smog Hog scrubber system, and hopes to reopen [Rogue States] to the public around Feb. 1.”

A planned second location is still in the works at 1931 14th St. NW [by 14th and U St, NW] and hopes to open in April according to the Post.

Photo courtesy of J&G Steakhouse

From a press release:

Partake in brunch favorites like Eggs Benedict with Crispy Potatoes and Tomato Salad or Smoked Salmon, Poached Eggs and Brioche with Hollandaise and new additions including Short Rib Hash and Poached Eggs. On Sundays, diners can enjoy the smooth sounds of Full Accent Jazz while sipping our house made sodas or our delicious Blood Orange Mimosas.

Brunch is featured on Saturdays and Sundays. Jazz will only be on Sundays. For reservations, please call 202.661.2440 or go to www.jgsteakhousewashingtondc.com for more information.

515 15th Street NW, Washington D.C. 20004.

You can see the new menu below:

JG_WDC_Brunch_12.02.10

We previously judged J&G Steakhouse here.

The Point Chaud downtown location will open up at 1012 14th St, NW (between K and L). Readers had noted a coming soon sign since this summer but it now looks very close to opening (see photo above). I’m guessing this will be a very popular lunch spot soon. Point Chaud is of course the very popular crepe spot that opened in Logan Circle at at 1734 14th Street, NW back in June (see photo below).

This is the new place from the folks behind Clyde’s. Back in June the Post reported:

Though plans are still in the works, Meyer said the newest restaurant would offer sushi, a raw bar and, on the bottom level, live music. Overall it will be “comfortable, good food, a menu with drinks,” he said. “I don’t think there’s anything in D.C. that really covers all that.”

The liquor license application simply says:

“New Multi-Purpose Facility. Request a sidewalk café with a seating capacity for 96 patrons.”

I’m intrigued by “multi-purpose facility”, I’ve never seen that description before.

A new restaurant called Lincoln is moving to the old Il Mulino space located at 1110 Vermont Ave. NW.

The Post’s Tom Seistema has some details:

“The owner of Hudson in the West End is expanding his reach to downtown, assuming the space vacated by Il Mulino at 1110 Vermont Ave. NW and turning it into an “upscale-casual” Lincoln, a 210-seat nod to the 16th U.S. president.

Lincoln is scheduled to open February 12 — the president’s birthday.”