457 Massachusetts Ave, NW
This is the former Buddha Bar space on Mass Ave. I’d about given up hope on the Texas de Brazil steakhouse. Alas they’ve applied for a liquor license:
“New restaurant with the style of service similar to a Brazilian Steak House. Total occupancy load is 360. Sidewalk Café with seating for 82.”
You can see their menus here.
Ed. Note: In other steakhouse news the Mastro’s is now open at 13th and F St, NW.
I used to get asked about this airshaft like clockwork every six months. From Legacy.com:
“On Friday, April 24, 2015, exhibits designer and painter, Val E. Lewton died of cancer. Born in Santa Monica, California, son of movie producer Val Lewton, and Ruth Knapp, Val had a successful career in the Washington, DC art world. He spent 32 years at the Smithsonian Institution, designing hundreds of exhibits, including the award-winning Louis Comfort Tiffany Exhibition. He retired as Chief of Design at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Val continued to design exhibits as a consultant, working with a variety of museums, most notably The Phillips Collection. An artist since childhood, for over 50 years Val was known for painting urban landscapes of DC. He exhibited in galleries and has work represented in museum collections. Val’s extensive photographs reflect historical changes in the neighborhoods around Gallery Place and his public art projects include the “trompe l’oeil” airshaft mural at 3rd St. and Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC. Val was very active in supporting local arts including being president and founding member of The Studio Gallery. He penned illustrations for Smithsonian Magazine and published art critiques. He is well known for The Washington Review article, “Where Has All the Color Gone?” A dedicated runner, Val was president of the Beltway Striders. He ran over 20 marathons, including 8 Boston marathons. In his running career, Val’s best marathon time was 2 hours 43 minutes. A sailor since childhood, Val actively raced sail boats until the fall of 2014. Val is survived by his wife, Claudia Minicozzi, sons Christopher and Victor Lewton and their wives, stepchildren Bill, Alex and Regis Minicozzi and their spouses, and nine grandchildren. His marriage to Jean Kling ended in divorce. A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 8 at 3 p.m. at The Washington Ethical Society.”
A reader reports:
“At 6:10 this morning… A car turned way too fast onto 4th (never mind that it’s one way the wrong way)… Fortunately, neither passenger was seriously hurt…”
From DDOT:
“The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) and Property Group Partners (PGP) announced that a new phase of utility relocation work along Massachusetts Avenue and H Street NW, between 2nd Street and 4th Street in Ward 6, is scheduled to begin on Saturday, April 11, 2015, from 8 am to 6 pm. This will lead to several road closures and temporary lane closures, resulting in moderate-to-heavy traffic delays, in the coming weeks.
Commuters should be advised that during this phase, which is expected to last five months, Massachusetts Avenue will be closed at 2nd Street on Saturday, April 11. Detour signs will point motorists around the work zones to use H, I, K and 5th Streets.
During this phase, H Street westbound will no longer connect directly through Massachusetts Avenue. Instead, H Street will continue straight from 2nd Street toward the intersection of 4th and Massachusetts. Motorists traveling to H Street can turn south (left) onto 4th Street and west (right) back onto H Street.
Additionally, work on 3rd Street between E Street and Massachusetts Avenue will also begin during this phase. Drivers can expect lane closures on 3rd Street. Parking will be restricted on 3rd Street for the duration of this work.
Besides Saturday’s closures, there will be continuous closures on Mondays and Tuesdays, from 7 am to 12 am the next day; Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, from 7 am to 3 pm; and Saturdays and Sundays, only as needed, from 8 am to 6 pm
Motorists are advised to plan for additional travel time, as traffic delays are likely to occur, or use alternative routes to bypass the construction area. Motorists, pedestrians and cyclists are urged to stay alert and to use caution when traveling through the work zone.”
401 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Tel’veh’s replacement opens today. From a press release:
“Ancient Greek for “brotherly love” or “camaraderie,” Philos restaurant and wine bar will feature lavish small plates “mezze” from all over the Mediterranean basin. Set to open to the public April 8th, Philos is located in the Mt. Vernon Triangle area of Washington, DC.
“Small plate dining is very trendy in our city, and it works because it allows people to sample more dishes without shelling out a lot of money for multiple entrees. It is also the core of Mediterranean cuisine, turning dining into more of an experience rather than a rushed meal,” say owners Richard Jarrouj and Talal Orfaly.
Created by Chef Ghassan Jarrouj, the Philos menu boasts a variety of spreads, grilled meats, and extensive vegetable selections. Another unique feature to the menu is the warm cheese selection, a Philos menu highlight. The menus core ingredients are garlic, lemon, and legumes, including chickpeas and lentils, as well as nutrient-dense ingredients such as kale, tahini, and Brussels sprouts.
Philos features something for everyone— the vegan, vegetarian, and pescatarian. Differentiating the restaurant from standard small plate dining establishments, Philos is heavily influenced by local ingredients and seasonal flavors, all with a global twist. The menu options range in price from $6-$14.
Philos’ extensive wine offerings boast over 20 wines by the glass, all temperature controlled and chilled in coolers prior to being served. Inspired by Mediterranean selections, the wines are predominately from lesser-known regions such as Lebanon, Greece, and Bulgaria in addition to the local vineyards.
Philos is styled in a vibrant ambiance with banquette seating, high ceilings, and iron fixtures. Most noticeable are the Moorish panels on the mezzanine that oversee the vast space. The oversized windows provide a glimpse to the outside patio and an abundance of natural light. With a spring opening, the large outdoor patio space will be a main attraction.
Philos will be open from 11am – 2am Sunday through Thursday, and 11am – 3am on Friday and Saturday. Philos will have an attractive happy hour offering from 4pm – 7 pm Monday through Friday, and will serve brunch on Saturday and Sunday. The interior dining room will seat 70, while the patio will accommodate an additional 30.”
Check out the full menu:
Thanks to Megan for tweeting us:
“water main break Mass Ave & 3rd Street”
Thanks to a reader for sending word:
“new mezze/wine bar replacing Tel’veh at 401 Mass Ave. NW”
Philos’ website says:
“Exquisite Mediterranean small plates and the finest selection of wines and spirits — coming soon to the Mt. Vernon Triangle.”
Stay tuned.
401 Massachusetts Ave, NW
601 Massachusetts Ave, NW
Back in April 2014 we first heard that RPM Italian Restaurant, from celebrity couple Giuliana and Bill Rancic, would be coming to the former NPR building at 7th and Mass Ave NW. But we hadn’t heard any updates since. Now a tipster sends word that not only is RPM Italian still coming but will be joined by a Kapnos (Market?) as well as a SoulCycle. Updates when/if more info becomes available.
7th and L Street, NW
We first heard about the Sbarro coming to the former Euromarket space back in Sept. 2014. Looks like they’re ready to open any day now:
New signage too:
