Thanks to a reader for sending in word (and photo) that they Roti in Union Station has opened. (Officially grand opening is on Thursday but anyone can stop by today.)
NoMa (Near Northeast)
Trilogy’s Website says:
Trilogy NoMa is home to three buildings, each with its own unique personality and architectural angle. Whichever you choose, you’ll be impressed by our style and attention to detail.
Prime NoMa location with tree-lined streets and neighborhood charm
Granite counters, stainless steel appliances, and 42″ cabinets
Trilogy Lounge + Media Café + Zone Game Room + Screening Room
Two Pools + Pavilion with grills and seating
Lush courtyards + Bark park
Underground garage parking
24-Hour Energy Fitness Center
It is located at 151 Q Street, NE near Sirius XM Radio.
Do you like the way it turned out?
Yesterday afternoon we took a look at a rendering and master plan for Union Station development. Here’s more info, renderings a press release from Akridge.
Akridge will join Amtrak, the Union Station Redevelopment Corporation (USRC), and federal, state and local government officials in announcing the Washington Union Station Master Plan. A cornerstone of the Plan is Burnham Place, a 3-million square-foot mixed use development that will create a new urban neighborhood in downtown Washington, D.C. Built atop the rail yards north of the station, Burnham Place will bring a host of benefits to the neighborhood, the region and the entire Northeastern United States.
Ideally located at the convergence of the city’s central business district, Capitol Hill, and the burgeoning NoMa and H St. NE neighborhoods, Burnham Place is envisioned as a major commercial, retail, and residential hub for the entire D.C. Metropolitan area. While still in initial planning stages, early projections for the project suggest 1.5 million square feet of office space, more than 1,300 residential units, 500 hotel rooms, and 100,000 square feet of retail space. Only six blocks from the U.S. Capitol, the project’s potential is vast and could accommodate a global headquarters, cultural or educational institution, or multi-building campus.
Additionally, Burnham Place will feature a linear park or “greenway” along the west side of the station. This half-mile long park will provide a pedestrian walking path and bike lane for commuters, residents and visitors alike, connecting the NoMa neighborhood with Union Station and Metro. The beautifully landscaped greenway will also incorporate and connect to the elevated portion of the popular bikeway, the Metropolitan Branch Trail.
Burnham Place is integrated as part of Amtrak’s overall Union Station Master Plan and will help connect residents, workers, and visitors to the nation’s capital and the region. With regional mobility now severely constrained, the plan offers the ability to accommodate the significant growth in regional transportation projected over the coming decades, with twice the number of trains and triple the number of passengers by 2030. The plan also allows for even further growth, including high-performance, high-speed rail along the Northeast Corridor. Notably, the Master Plan along with Burnham Place is expected to generate $14.3 billion in economic benefit to the D.C. Metropolitan area over the next 15 years.
1309 5th Street, NE
Things are progressing nicely for the Union Market development at 1309 5th Street, NE. Liquor licenses have been applied for by Rappahannock Oyster Bar:
“New Tavern. Occupancy load is 55 (25 bar seats and 30 standing tables). Use of Summer Garden in Common Area, with 85 indoor seats and 80 outdoor seats.”
and Righteous Cheese:
“New Tavern with Summer Garden serving gourmet cheeses, coffee, wines and other items. Seating capacity inside premises is 11 with use of common seating area. Total occupancy load is 99.”
And speaking of Union Market – you can check out a Summer Picnic Spectacular:
The Summer Picnic Spectacular will spotlight UNION MARKET’s commitment to creating a best-in class, year-round, indoor food market featuring 40 local vendors.
This authentic artisanal marketplace, which will officially open on September 8th will be a catalyst for a more vibrant Union Market District and become the culinary epicenter of Washington, DC.
Saturday, July 21st, 2012
12pm-6pm
Union Market
1309 5th Street NE
You can purchase tickets here.
From a press release:
Local residents have two big reasons to fire up their taste buds this summer: Roti Mediterranean Grill, a fast casual concept featuring healthy Mediterranean cuisine, is adding two more locations to their existing seven in the D.C. area. One will be unveiled in Union Station’s West Hall (50 Massachusetts Avenue) on Thursday, August 2 and the other by the University of Maryland at The Varsity in College Park (8150 Baltimore Avenue) on Wednesday, August 22.
As more customers crave healthy cuisine, Roti is at the forefront of a larger Mediterranean movement. Its customizable menu allows guests to create their own meal from a variety of bold and unique flavor profiles not found at many other fast-casual chains. In 2011, Roti reached the coveted double-digit positive same-store sales growth, and increased from six to 12 locations — a 100% growth rate. While still in its startup stage, Roti is trending to hit profit margins similar to those of larger chains. The D.C. expansion is yet another nod to their healthy – and flavorful – proposition.
You can see their menu here.
Photo by PoPville flickr user Vileinist
Dear PoPville,
I currently live in a group house in Columbia Heights but at the end of my lease this fall, I am planning to move in with my girlfriend. We have a small dog which makes apartment shopping a bit more difficult (and expensive) and we don’t have gads of cash to spend on a penthouse in Dupont. We recently found a gorgeous apartment with all sorts of frills in the NoMa neighborhood (it’s on the metro sign now… time to give in) that is within our price range. We love the place and understand that NoMa is getting lots of attention from developers and the like, but it is currently no Columbia Heights. How do people feel about this neighborhood? It would be convenient in terms of transportation for us, and we like the idea of being able to walk down to H street to go out, but we will certainly miss the days of the 11th street stretch in CoHi. Apartment amenities of the new place are also a huge draw (pool, gym, dog park) as we have never lived in a place that had these things. Our only concern is that the area is less walk-able and a bit higher crime. Do people like living in NoMa?
I actually recommend NoMa to folks all the time. As you noted there is tons of development coming but what I love most about it is the location. It’s like in the center of it all. You’re super close to H Street but also not terribly far from U Street (especially if you get a bike). It’s the best of both worlds. Because there is so much newer development I don’t think you’ll get that 11th St feeling that you had in Columbia Heights but I wouldn’t hesitate to move there if you found a nice apartment. I also don’t think the crime is higher there at all. I think you should go for it!
For the folks that live in NoMa – where do you find you hang out most – H Street? If so – do you walk there? Bike? Any advice for someone thinking of moving to the neighborhood?
Union Station
Yesterday I got a tour of the two new Jamba Juices that are now open in Union Station and Dupont Circle. Full Disclosure: I got tons of free smoothies.
The DC area Jamba Juice franchises are owned by tennis great Venus Williams.
The first two in DC are just the begining. I was told that we can expect two more coming relatively soon – likely in Chinatown and/or Georgetown. Also they have small kiosks that they are hoping to place in government buildings soon as well. Oh yeah – they also may launch a street cart soon as well. Stay tuned.
1333 19th St, NW – former Ben and Jerry’s space in Dupont Circle
This rental is located at 130 M Street, NE:
The listing says:
“Ultra luxurious apartments with instant access to the red line metro. Walking distance to shops and restaurants. 9′ ceilings with floor to ceiling windows. Granite countertops and stainless steal appliances. 24 hour security and private access parking. Extra storage available. Pet friendly building. Prices vary based on floor, view, and apartment features. Prices are subject to change.”
At the moment this studio is going for $1,855/Mo.
From a press release:
YO! Sushi, is crossing the pond this summer, opening its first US location in Washington, DC’s historic Union Station this July. Known internationally for its fresh perspective on Japanese cuisine and unique dining experience, YO! Sushi comes complete with its conveyor belt and popular menu of over 70 Japanese inspired dishes, to one of the world’s most dynamic, cosmopolitan cities.
YO! Sushi currently operates throughout the UK, as well as the Middle East and Norway. Washington, DC was selected for the company’s American debut because of the city’s vibrant and diverse community. YO! Sushi has built its reputation often in mass transit stations, bustling urban areas and in premium shopping centers, offering outstanding quality and excellent service with every visit. Union Station will be no exception, making YO! Sushi convenient to residents, Capitol Hill staffers, business travelers and DC tourists alike.
YO! Sushi’s conveyor belt system puts the entire menu of fresh, handmade menu items literally at guests’ fingertips, making a quality twenty minute sit-down meal a reality for someone on the go. A computer monitored tracking system ensures that no dish remains on the conveyor belt longer than one hour, guaranteeing that every dish is fresh.
The restaurant’s design caters to guest interaction, as each seat features an airplane-style call button to ring servers, as well as a water dispenser filtering complimentary chilled still water.
YO! Sushi offers guests seating at the conveyor belt, or at tables for a more conventional meal with outstanding tableside service.
YO! Sushi’s ninjas make every dish fresh to order, always available for dine-in or carry-out. The ninjas are highly trained at their craft, offering YO! Sushi signature creations like the Salmon and Avocado hand roll, a seaweed cone packed with rice, premium salmon, avocado, mayonnaise and sesame seeds, and the Spicy Tuna Gunkan, featuring top-quality yellowfin tuna with spicy masago sauce and spring onion atop two pieces of rice wrapped in seaweed.
But YO! Sushi is just as much about sushi as it is about other modern Japanese inspired food and drink. YO! Sushi’s ninjas craft hot favorites like spicy Shrimp Firecracker Rice with Asian vegetables, pan-fried Yakisoba Noodles in a mild tangy sauce with a choice of chicken, shrimp or vegetables, and Chicken Katsu Curry, crispy fried chicken with rice, a mild curry sauce and a Japanese pickle.
YO! Sushi’s Executive Chef, Noriyuki Kudo, a native of Japan, has worked in a number of renowned restaurants, most recently Sushi Roku and Katana in Los Angeles. He comes to DC with his knives at the ready and a crew of skilled ninjas ready to impress.
A couple weeks ago a reader wrote in with word of Dangerously Delicious Pies opening a spot in the food court of Union Station. And now Dangerously Delicious Pies tweets:
“IT’S OFFICIAL!!! Dangerously Delicious Pies will be slingin pies at Union Station Thursday at 10am!! See y’all then!”
They’ve got pretty big shoes to fill as I believe this space was once home to Vacaro’s…