On May 6th we learned that Cafe Salsa had abruptly closed at 1712 14th Street, NW. Over the weekend Borderstan reported that Flowers on 14th was moving into the space from their current locale at 1718 14th St, NW.
Well that was quick. Now we just have to wait to see who moves into 1718…
Every time I walk past the Whole Foods on P St, NW (b/w 14th and 15th) the tables inside and outside seemed to be full of folks eating lunch. So what’s the story here – is the food that good? Are the prices that good? Is it just really convenient with a plentiful selection of seating? Or is it some combination of the above?
For the fans, any must order items?
This condo is located at 1201 Q Street, NW:
The flier says:
“Sun-splashed luxurious renovated condo in Historic landmark building in a great location, 11 bright, sun-filled windows on 3 sides( E-N-W) provide serene views of historic Logan. Features include high ceilings, HWFS, modern kitchen with granite and stainless steel, washer dryer, separate dining area off kitchen and two generous sized bedrooms. Custom window treatments & California closets.”
You can find more info here and a virtual tour here.
Wow, that is how you do a virtual tour. Do you think $422,500 ($285 condo fee) sounds reasonable for this 2 bed/1 bath?
“Dear PoP,
There is someone at the DC Gov that wants to destroy the patio at the Veranda because it is six inches above the side walk. Why are there other patios in town that are higher than 6 inches?”
Interesting. Let’s check with @DCRA and see if they can confirm, deny or add some details. From the photo above it doesn’t look too treacherous. We judged Veranda (11th and P St, NW) here.
This condo is located at 6 Logan Circle, NW:
The flier says:
“Completely renovated 3BR/2BA penthouse condo in heart of Logan Cir. HD/WD flrs, skylights, vaulted ceilings, ample storage throughout. Kit incl corian counters, SS appliances, & private covered porch. LR inc. FP w/ screen & mantel. Sep. deck w/ french doors off DR. Upstairs cupola w/ 360 degree views of city. Secure pkg behind rowhome.”
You can find more info and photos here.
I think the angles on some of the rooms are pretty wild. I’m also a sucker for skylights. Do you think this 3 bed/2 bath will go for $749,000 ($550 monthly fee)?
For those more on a budget there is a 1 bed/1bath next door going for $315,000 with a $230.28 monthly fee.
Cafe Salsa was open for just over a year at 1712 14th Street, NW (near Cork Wine Bar). Thanks to a reader for the heads up on this one. The few times I ate here I thought the food was quite good. So when I went to follow up on the tip I was surprised to see all these signs saying “restaurant closed”:
At first it was unclear if this was just a temporary thing but when I looked in the window:
Well the restaurant is definitely closed. So for the Friday Question of the Day: Why do you think Cafe Salsa closed? Is this an indication that the economy is still pretty rough or a problem with this particular location or a problem with the restaurant itself?
Cork & Fork not to be mistaken with nearby Cork Market is having its grand opening May 8th. Cork & Fork is located right next to HomeMade Pizza at 1522 14th Street, NW. I was able to take a sneak peek Monday afternoon. The space looks great though there are a few finishing touches still coming (including more artwork and some more tables and chairs):
This is actually the third Cork & Fork (the other two are in Gainesville, VA and Bethesda, MD). I was most interested to learn that this is a family run business. The daughter, Antoinette Landragin, runs the Virginia store; the mother, Anna Landragin runs the Bethesda store; and the father, Dominique Landragin, will run the DC store.
Husband and wife team Dominique and Anna Landragin
Their wine selection “includes more than 700 brands from all regions of the wine-making world.” In addition to wine they also have a solid beer selection and will offer Brew Master classes as well as wine education classes. From Friday to Sunday they “will always have a bottle open” to taste. For the “Fork” part they are still concluding some final details but will ultimately offer cheese and meats.
For me the best part about this place is the family. Since I’m not an expert on wines I appreciate those who are knowledgeable but also patient with me. The Landragins could not have been nicer. I will have no problem asking them advice on what wine to choose for a particular dinner. I was pretty awed by Mr. Landragin’s background:
“Dominique is an internationally recognized award winning wine maker, viticulturist, vigneron (grape grower) and wine consultant. His family’s winemaking dates back to 1772 when his great-great-grandfather first made champagne. His grandfather was the manager of Veuve Clicquot vineyards in France. His father, Pierre Landragin, was the vineyard manager at Heidsieck Monopole. Dominique graduated from the Beaune Agricultural College, located in Burgundy, in the fields of viticulture and oenology.”
Despite that awesome background he came across as completely down to earth. The family even allowed me to practice speaking French with them, in fact the Mom wouldn’t let me speak English, and they didn’t make fun of all my numerous grammatical errors.
As info becomes available on special events or class information I’ll be sure to post. A couple more photos after the jump. (more…)
Rags to Riches is located on the second floor above the soon to open Point Chaud Creperie located at 1734 14th St, NW. I had a brief chat with owner Erica who described the store as a vintage store with a hip hop retro glam style. The store was previously located at 1404 H St, NE. While the store is still being filled up with merchandise, both men’s and women’s (though mostly women’s), it is already looking good.
A few more photos after the jump. (more…)
This storefront near the Black Cat has been vacant forever. Apparently it used to be a furniture/restoration store back in the day. Thanks to a few readers for sending word on some movement. When I stopped by there were no workers there but I did see a permit in the window which says the proposed use will be retail or wholesale. Any guesses/speculation?
Thanks to a reader for sending the news:
“I don’t know if you read PASTE magazine but it is awesome. Anyways, they have a lists of the day category and they did the 30 Best Beer Bars in America and DC made the list!”
Congrats to PASTE’s selection of Churchkey (1337 14th St, NW). We took an early look of Churchkey here and we judged it here.