BLT Steak is located at 1625 I Street, NW. Their Web site says:

“Sharing a neighborhood with the White House, BLT Steak in Washington, DC brings our interpretation of the Modern American steakhouse to the capital. The menu showcases raw bar selections, our signature warm popovers, and top-notch steak and fish which are complemented by a selection of sauces like Peppercorn or Red Wine and satisfying sides such as Grilled Asparagus and Hash Browns. The private dining room is the ultimate space for business lunches, cocktail parties and other special occasions.”

You can see their menus here. Any fans?


Not to get too philosophical and all but I think one of the great things in life is discovering beauty in what you once saw as ordinary. Alright enough of that. I was just blown away by how awesome this building is and I couldn’t believe I never noticed/appreciated it before. Next time you are downtown at the corner of 14th and H St, NW take a second and look up. You won’t be disappointed.

A few more shots and closeups after the jump. (more…)


Loeb’s Deli was located at 832 15th Street, NW. By the by, anyone happen to know who is moving into the space? There were a number of adjoining retail spaces on the block that had been vacated. We judged the restaurant to mostly positive reviews back in April ’09.

It’ll be opening at 1712 I St, NW in November (photo below). It’s hard to tell but it looks like they might be moving into a smaller space. Hopefully, it won’t affect the quality of a mean pastrami sandwich.


J & G Steakhouse is located at 515 15th Street Northwest behind the W Hotel. Their Web site says:

“A composition of Jean-Georges’ favorite dishes from his New York restaurants as well as an inspired steakhouse menu with composed and simply grilled items.

Located on Pennsylvania Avenue, J&G Steakhouse offers a worldly collection of steakhouse classics for W Washington D.C. guests and locals alike. Premium meats and a global selection of fresh fish will be the backbone of the menu, including the highest quality raw items from East and West Coasts, uniquely creative appetizers, as well as prime cuts of meat char grilled to perfection with side dishes, including vegetables and potatoes.”

You can see their menus here. Any fans?


From an email:

“On Wednesday, September 22, from 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm Sierra Club presents Ian Woodall, a world famous mountain climber, who will speak on his life changing climbs to the top of Mount Everest in his talk entitled “The Tao of Everest.” His presentation will be held at Harriet’s Restaurant, 436 11th Street NW (near Metro Center and Archives stas.).

Between 1996 and 2007, Ian conceived, planned and led five expeditions to Mount Everest, reaching the summit on two occasions but also experiencing the death of fellow climbers along the way. He explores what these experiences mean to him in a presentation he calls the Tao of Everest.”


Back in Nov. ’09 California Pizza Kitchen closed at 1250 Connecticut Ave, NW. Today (pending final permits) Cassa Nonna hopes to open. I spoke with one of the workers who was very excited about the new space though the manager wouldn’t let me take any photos.

Also Shelly’s Backroom is expanding into the old salon space next door at 1831 F St, NW. They also hope to open a sidewalk cafe. According to their Web site:

“Shelly’s Back Room is one of a kind in Washington, DC, a comfortable retreat for cigar aficionados and those who simply want to unwind. Our casual but elegant space features soft lighting, cozy couches and over-stuffed chairs.

Shelly’s Back Room is a cigar-friendly establishment, but our state of the art air-purification system keeps the atmosphere comfortable for smokers and non-smokers alike. Sit back and enjoy yourself while chatting with friends or watching high-definition TV.”


“Dear PoP,

I was wondering if you had heard anything about the new Indian restaurant opening at 1700 Pennsylvania NW soon – they’re supposedly opening in the space on Pennsylvania between the Wachovia and the parking garage. There are some permits posted on the door but I can’t find anything about it on the Internet. My coworkers and I are chomping at the bit waiting for this place to open and I was hoping you had heard something!”

I checked this place, Spice Indian Bistro, out on my Sun. walkabout hoping to bring you good news. Alas, when I peeked in the window, it seems a lot of work is still left before it comes anywhere close to resembling a restaurant. Ed. Note: When I was peeking in the window and taking photographs this is one of the few buildings where the security guard immediately came out and asked me what the hell I was doing (nicely). I’m not sure if it is because of proximity to the White House but A+ for that security firm. It looks like the space was formerly the lobby or offices to a lawfirm so if I had to guess I’d say there’s still at least another month or more of build out before they open for business. I’ll be sure to update when that happens.


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