Mount Vernon Squangle

917 5th Street, NW

Back in Dec. 2012 we first heard about a new restaurant at that time called Success coming to 917 5th St, NW just south of K Street:

“New full service restaurant focusing on local farm ingredients and organic and seasonal ingredients with full bar. Occasional live music. Occupancy load is 130.”

Yesterday the Washington Post updates:

“The name, [Silo] says the former general manager of Shaw’s Tavern [Reza Akhavan], is a nod both to the industrial interior he’s created and the facility used to store grain. Akhavan’s 60-seat dining room near Mount Vernon Square will be “modern American with Swiss and French influences.”

Stand by for a late December opening according to the Post.

433 Massachusetts Ave, NW

Thanks to a reader for sending the new signage up at the Le Pain Quotidien coming to Mt. Vernon Square.

425 I Street, NW

From a press release:

“Restaurateur Hakan Ilhan is pleased to announce the anticipated opening of Alba Osteria, at 425 I St, NW, 20001. This new sister restaurant to award-winning Al Dente will begin welcoming guests on December 15th. Those visiting the 226-seat restaurant, including a 63-seat outdoor seasonal patio, will enjoy authentic Italian cuisine reflective of the Piedmonte region of Italy, Executive Chef Roberto Donna’s homeland. Amy Brandwein has been tapped as chef de cuisine of Alba Osteria, overseeing the daily culinary operations. Brandwein was previously executive chef at Donna’s award-winning Galileo restaurant.

Alba, Italy is situated between the region’s wine country and agricultural center, and food here is a classic representative of Piemonte’s cuisine. Donna’s menu at Alba Osteria will offer a selection of salumi and formaggi, antipasti, house-made pastas (small and large portions), and Neapolitan pizza. Daily specials will be “Italian sized” portions, designed to be ordered and shared for the table in a Piemontese fashion. Donna’s tempting choices will be priced from $5 to $19.

Alba Osteria will house a boutique selection of Italian and local wines, plus four wines on draught and 20 beers on tap. Wines by the bottle will range from $22 to $200 and $7 to $25 by the glass. Guests can also anticipate a generous happy hour menu Monday through Friday, from 4 PM to 7 PM, with $4 draft beers, $5 select wines by the glass, complimentary Mortadella (Italian sausage) and $5 to $12 bar bites. (more…)

901 New York Avenue, NW

From a press release:

“Anchoring the prominent corner of New York Avenue and K Street, Acadiana, Passion Food Hospitality’s classic Louisiana fish house, has come of age since opening in 2005, with an interior renovation that ups the glamour, energy, and polish of the popular establishment.

The creative makeover represents a close collaboration between Passion Food Hospitality partner Gus DiMillo and Gensler, the international architecture and design firm behind the distinct interiors of District Commons, Burger Tap & Shake, Fuego Cocina y Tequileria, and the lounge expansion of Ceiba. The 225-seat restaurant has emerged with an expanded lounge and an atmosphere that retains its Louisiana whimsy, but with a completely refined sense of casual elegance and Louisiana charm.

Gazing across the main dining room, the eye takes in the most striking view of the new design elements: carpet with subtle black and taupe strié pattern grounds the vast dining area; two massive supporting pillars sheathed in silvery “alligator-embossed” paper; and two feature booths clad in reclaimed barn wood, whose faded color is keyed to the existing Impressionistic murals of Louisiana swampland. The overhead chandeliers are over-sized black organza drum shades “dripping” with hundreds of smooth crystal droplets, and the sconces that punctuate the walls with light are a corresponding model, with demi-drums of white. (more…)