Shaw

1544 9th Street, NW

From an email:

“Dear DC,

When people ask me “why DC?” my immediate response is always “DC chose me.” And it did. I came to this city because of the energy. The Shaw Bijou’s vision was simply an extension of a 5-year dream of ours; and while achieving that goal, we fostered an environment and restaurant that was not reasonable for all.

So, with the spirit of the New Year, we adjusted our concept with the people of DC in mind. In order to continue to invite and welcome people into our home, The Shaw Bijou, will now only offer a 7 course-tasting menu, which includes a welcome cocktail, for $95 beginning Tuesday, January 3. (more…)

Florida Ave, NW between 7th/Georgia and 8th

From a press release:

“CAVA, the rapidly expanding fast casual restaurant brand, will open a new location in the trendy Shaw area at The Shay Building on 8th St NW, on Tuesday, December 20. This represents the 23rd restaurant for CAVA, and the 5th in DC where it has proved wildly popular since opening their first fast casual restaurant in 2011. This restaurant will be CAVA’s Innovation Kitchen, a creative space where the brand will test new menu items and technology, and host community events.

On the opening day, CAVA will hold a Community Dinner, a tradition that started with the very first restaurant opening. CAVA will offer free meals between 5pm and 8pm and will be accepting donations to City Blossoms, their local non-profit partner, which has a community garden in Shaw that champions healthy eating for young people in the neighborhood.

To give the opening a festive feel, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington will be performing holiday carols, while Whisked! will be selling holiday pies with 50% of proceeds going to City Blossoms and CAVA will be serving their new Spiced Chai Green Tea for free to guests in line.

CAVA will open for regular hours (11am-10pm) on Wednesday, December 21. (more…)

1544 9th Street, NW

From a press release:

“The Shaw Bijou has opened its second floor bar for walk-ins. Thanks to an overwhelming response during its trial run inviting the public into part of its bar, chef Kwame Onwuachi and general manager Greg Vakiner decided to utilize the complete 40 seat space made up of bar seats, tables and a lounge area for the same purpose. This allows guests who may not be able to get reservations for the full tasting menu to still have an opportunity to experience Onwuachi’s unique dishes. Guests are welcome Tuesday through Saturday from 5:30 p.m. until midnight. They can enjoy custom made cocktails from bartender Ben Long, wine selections from sommelier David Blackburn and a variety of small plate options.

The Shaw Bijou Bar courtesy Kevin Carroll

“Our focus has always been creating a restaurant that feels like attending a dinner party with your best friends,” said Onwuachi. “This new option for our bar is just another opportunity to extend that invitation into our home where people can come in, order a drink, bite to eat and enjoy each other’s company.”

Current bar menu options include*: (more…)

Thanks to all who emailed and sent tweets about the fast casual Thai carryout opening up next to Kiss Tavern. Last week we noted that Kiss Tavern was getting close to opening in the former Capoeira space. Hopefully the carryout next door is good addition too:

634 Florida Ave, NW

637 T Street, NW

I’m also digging the detail of the many languages on the Kiss mural:

View from Right Proper across the street:

Photo of 637 T Street, NW by PoPville flickr user Joe Flood

Back in late October we looked at some awesome new murals at the old DC Postal (for a hot second) and Capoeira space in Shaw righ across from Right Proper Brewing and the Howard Theatre. We noted a restaurant ws coming and now we got a name – Kiss Tavern.

The liquor license application says:

“A tavern with a Total Occupancy Load of 99 seats. The Sidewalk Café will have a total of 24 seats.”

Stay tuned as always for an opening date.