Georgetown

1624 Wisconsin Ave, NW

Could be a little hidden gem – it’s easy to miss the small space underneath Duo boutique in Georgetown. I was surprised to learn they opened up back in Nov. 2013 soft opened March 14th. Their website says:

“When you visit Simply Banh Mi, you’re in for a treat. Experience our authentic array of Vietnamese offerings, freshly baked baguettes, and mouthwatering smoothies. Our chefs base their recipes off of the famous author Diana My Tran of “The Vietnamese Cookbook” and “The Asian Diet” for their creative combinations of spices and sauces. Weekly menu specials offer unique flavors and pairings.

Our warm and charming atmosphere will instantly relax you while our attentive staff spoils you and focuses on providing the highest level of customer satisfaction – we will do everything we can to exceed your expectations.

Simply Banh Mi is the perfect destination for a quick authentic meal, whether a lunch for one or a catered event. We serve dinner 7 nights a week.”

You can see their menu here.

3277 M Street, NW

Capitol Prague Cafe opened in April 2013 and the restaurant followed in May 2013.

2622 P Street, NW

A couple of weeks ago a reader asked about who was going into the former consignment store space at 27th and P St, NW. At that time we learned it would be a new cafe focusing on tea, coffee and pastries. Their website says:

“AFTER PEACOCK ROOM is a fine dining cafe located in Georgetown, Washington DC. We provide excellent coffees and teas with fine pastries and savory light meals.

The design is a modern interpretation of Peacock Room: Harmony of Blue and Gold, created by James McNeal Whistler in 1877.

We hope to be a shelter where you can come to escape the hectic outside world for a little while.

We are open Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-7pm.”

Check out the menu: after-peacock-room-menu (PDF)

3050 K Street, NW (entrance at 31st Street and the waterfront)

From a press release:

“James Beard award-winning chef, Fabio Trabocchi, opened his third D.C. restaurant, Fiola Mare cucina di pesce, at the Washington Harbour in Georgetown on Friday evening, February 21. Like his flagship restaurant Fiola, Fiola Mare offers world-class hospitality and service complete with a one of a kind view of the Potomac River. The new waterfront seafood restaurant evokes the seaside dining experience found along the coasts of Italy and the Mediterranean.

“Our inspiration comes from the coastal restaurants that dot the entire Italian peninsula, on the Mediterranean and Adriatic coasts. The foundation of Fiola Mare is the highest quality seafood available today – from lobsters, oysters, local and imported fish, sustainable Italian caviar, hand made pastas, Italian wines and Italian inspired cocktails – the sum of it all is simplicity, purity, natural flavors and elegance,” says Trabocchi. “The idea of the restaurant and the waterfront location are inseparable.”

With the Potomac River as the focal point, seating is arranged to offer maximum exposure to the river views, including four private dining rooms, an all-season glass enclosed veranda and select seasonal tables aligning the boardwalk. The open kitchen layout, the Seafood Market Counter display and a mixology station showcase the attention to detail and importance of the guests’ experience. (more…)

Photo by PoPville flickr user ekelly80

“BOURBON STEAK Hosts Pappy Van Winkle Dinner

WHAT: This St. Patrick’s Day BOURBON STEAK is excited to host a very special St. Pappy’s Day dinner, featuring five vintages of the sought-after Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon.

Head Bartenders Jamie MacBain and Duane Sylvestre will be pouring the Van Winkle Reserve, as well as the 10, 15, 20 and 23 year vintages. Each taste will be paired with a course created by Executive Chef John Critchley to complement the Bourbon.

Guests at the dinner will gain insight into Pappy Van Winkle’s distilling history and its contribution to Bourbon culture in the United States.

WHEN: Monday, March 17, 2014 at 6:00 p.m.

WHERE: The private dining room at BOURBON STEAK

BOURBON STEAK is Chef Michael Mina’s modern American steakhouse located in the Four Seasons Hotel at 2800 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington,

RESERVATIONS: The dinner is priced at $300 per person and includes all pours of Pappy Van Winkle bourbons and a five-course dinner. Price is exclusive of tax and gratuity.”