1090 I Street, NW

From a press release:

“Momofuku, known for its innovative cuisine and support of responsible food purveyors, announces the appointment of Chef Tae Strain as Executive Chef at Momofuku CCDC in Washington, DC. Chef Strain will oversee the restaurant’s culinary direction, combining his national experience and deep local ties to develop a new, ever-evolving menu that is both seasonally focused and rooted in the region’s food traditions. (more…)


The following was written by PoPville contributor David McAuley, founder of Short Articles about Long Meetings.


13th and K Street, NW

At a regularly-scheduled February 28 meeting, architect Gretchen K Pfaehler of Beyer Blinder Belle told
a committee of Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 2F/Logan Circle that the “groundbreaking” for the Planet Word Museum would be May 4. The word “groundbreaking” was used metaphorically, as Pfeahler had just finished briefing the committee about the efforts to keep the building as unchanged as possible while still allowing it to fulfill its future function as a museum of linguistics. (more…)



1301 K Street, NW/One Franklin Square with the White Whale in the foreground

Thanks to a reader for sending word that these have been confirmed by building management. Washington Business Journal reported on them back in January. Union Kitchen currently has two other locations at the Convention Center and on Capitol Hill. The tipster hears that this Union Kitchen Grocery will also have a Compass Coffee inside. Mindspace has also confirmed they’re coming to Franklin Square.



1815 M Street, NW

From Bub and Pop’s:

“The Hebrew Hammer Comes to Bub and Pop’s

Chef Jon had approached me about changing the name of our Jewish Hoagie for sometime. We’ve decided to do it!

We are changing the name of one of our most popular sandwiches, the Jewish Hoagie – to the Hebrew Hammer. This monster pastrami, brisket, roast turkey, kosher salami, spicy mustard, 1,000 Island and Swiss piled with our Cole Slaw was featured by Guy Fieri on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

We are changing the name to honor our son, brother, husband and father, Peter W. Taub, Special Agent, AFOSI, who lost his life on December 21, 2015 in Afghanistan along with his squad of 5 other service members.

Pete was given the name Hebrew Hammer after a sparring session between himself and Jonathan M. Oldhorse. They were training partners in both Karate and MBC (Martial Blade Concepts) when Pete was stationed at Ellsworth AFB in South Dakota. I asked Jonathan to share the story. (more…)


The recently opened Arepa Zone (in the former Chix space) is adding beer and wine. The placard says:

“New Restaurant, serving arepas and other authentic Venezuelan, South American and Central American cuisine. Total Occupancy Load is 88 with seating for 45.”

So what’s the early word? Is it as delicious as everyone anticipated?



via google maps

From U.S. Secret Service just before 3:30pm:

“BREAKING: An individual driving a passenger vehicle struck a security barrier near the White House at 17th & E.”

“UPDATE: The vehicle did not breach the security barrier of the White House complex.”

“UPDATE: The female driver of the vehicle was immediately apprehended by Secret Service Uniformed Division Officers.”

“UPDATE: Traffic patterns near 17th and E are affected”

“UPDATE: No law enforcement personnel were injured during the incident involving a vehicle hitting a barrier near the White House.”



L Street, NW between 14th and 15th.

I hadn’t realized Zoup closed?!?! I always liked their name. Apparently they closed months ago. Anyway, a tipster here’s a Wawa could be taking over the space. I’ll give this 50/50 odds but certainly seems possible. For those not familiar with Wawa, they have a tremendous Slim Jim selection however they do not sell gas at their 19th Street location.

I’m also sitting on another big Wawa report but waiting for it to be finalized. Stay tuned on both fronts.



1919 L Street, NW

Ed. Note: In 2009 Black Rooster almost closed after the Peace Corps HQ planned on expanding but it was saved last minute. Since the reason for this closure is the “lease is up” it doesn’t sound like a similar reprieve will be likely.

It is a dark day. Thanks to Robert for passing on from WTOP a Facebook post from one of Black Rooster’s owners, Jody Taylor:

“It is with tremendous regret and personal sorrow that I must announce the upcoming closing of the Black Rooster Pub May 2018. The Rooster opened in 1970 and has had a long and successful run–certainly more than most pubs in the city. However, our lease is up and all good things must come to an end. It is certainly the end of an era. (more…)


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