Dupont Circle

1215 Connecticut Avenue, NW

From a press release:

“&pizza, the collection of local pizza shops known for their gourmet handmade pies, inventive flavor combinations, localized store design, and dedication to the Washington-area community will open its seventh Washington, D.C. location Monday, April 13, in Dupont Circle.

This, the brand’s 12th location in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area promises to integrate itself into Dupont’s rich cultural landscape without disturbing the area’s widely recognized communal oneness. Paying homage to the affinity for art and culture, and its importance in advancing the rights of the American gay community, &pizza Dupont features an enormous wall graphic inspired by the equality icon. But that’s not the end. It complements the neighborhood’s ideals around togetherness with two large wooden community tables that rest under schoolhouse lights, bookended by coke bottle chairs, adding an element of youthful flare.”

Oh yeah the pinkberry next door closed too:

Photo of Carlyle Hotel by PoPville flickr user Josh

From a press release:

“Award-winning chef Michael Schlow, who owns and operates the popular TICO restaurant on DC’s 14th Street corridor, is set to open his second area restaurant this summer: The Riggsby, in the Carlyle Hotel at 1731 New Hampshire Avenue, NW in the Dupont Circle neighborhood.

Named for the street that intersects the restaurant, Riggs Place, the restaurant’s name also pays homage to the former Riggs Bank. The intimate yet refined space was designed by Brian Miller of Edit Lab at Streetsense, and will feature an open kitchen, wood tables, leather booths, brass finishes and whimsical décor, that includes a custom designed wallpaper incorporating original artwork from Schlow’s wife, mixed media artist, Adrienne Schlow. (more…)

1320 19th Street, NW

Remember when Levante’s abruptly closed for “renovations” in January?

From a press release:

“Set to open this May in Dupont Circle, Ankara celebrates good food, hospitality and the heart of Turkey. It is an upscale-casual dining experience that celebrates the rich diversity of Turkish food and culture through a blend of classic and contemporary menu offerings and superb hospitality. The menu will feature the best of traditional Turkish foods as well as newly envisioned dishes. The Aslanturk family, owners of Ankara, tapped Chef Jorge Chicas to oversee creation of the menu and training of the kitchen staff. Chef Chicas resume includes top positions in Jose Andres’ kitchens in Los Angeles and Washington, DC, including the award-winning Zaytinya. The restaurant will seat 120 indoors & 115 al fresco on their patio. Ankara is located at 1320 19th Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20036. (more…)