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715 Florida Ave, NW

It’s been fun watching this one go up – check out how it turned out. Quick refresher:

“Opening Date: March 11, 2016

Hours of Operation: Dinner: Monday through Saturday, from 5 PM to 11 PM; Sunday, from 5 PM to 11 PM

Bar Hours: Monday through Thursday, from 5 PM to 12 AM; Friday, from 5 PM to 3 AM; Saturday, from 12 PM to 3 AM; Sunday, from 12 PM to 11 PM

Late Night Menu: Friday and Saturday, from 11 PM to 1 AM

Brunch: Saturday and Sunday, from 11 AM to 5 PM

Menu Description: The menu at TAKODA will offer creative takes on American classics with an emphasis on what’s local and in season. Featured small plates include Rosemary Parmesan Tots, Brisket Sliders, and four types of wings – including Chef’s specialty PB&J BBQ Wings. Salads not to be missed include Grilled Romaine Caesar and Cranberry Kale. Entrée standouts include Americana staples such as Chicken & Sweet Potato Waffle, and the Pan-Seared Salmon Cakes. To end the meal on a sweet note, a collection of house made desserts will also be available including Molten Chocolate S’mores and Fried Oreos.

Beverage List: TAKODA will offer 24+ American draft beers including local favorites such as DC Brau, perennial favorites such as Bell’s Brewery, Inc., and a variety of seasonal options. Prices range from $6 to $10. An extensive whiskey collection of 50+ American whiskies will also be available including Bulleit Bourbon, Knob Creek Bourbon Whiskey, Jefferson’s Reserve Bourbon and a monthly rare acquisition. Prices for whiskies range from $7 to $35.

Capacity: The 1920’s-era brick structure, originally a Federal Life Insurance building, spans two levels. The main dining room will be situated on the second floor and will accommodate 40 guests seated with 20 additional seats at the bar. The year-round rooftop beer garden will accommodate 40-seated guests with 20 additional seats at the bar. Both rooms will be available for full or partial buyouts, and can accommodate up to 120 seated, or 240 for a standing reception.

Design: Edit Lab at Streetsense was tapped to design the space. The design scheme will offer a classic-industrial look showcasing the building’s original brick walls and wood ceiling beams. Booths and crushed velvet drapes surround a solid oak bar in the main room, set against the original brick walls of the 1922 building. A decorative tile inset in the wood flooring draws the focus to the central drink rails where patrons can enjoy the large tap lineup and whiskey selection.

The roof deck, accented with hanging and potted plants around an island bar, will overlook Florida Avenue and feature a canopy and operable windows. These removable windows will allow for year-round eating and drinking with an outdoor feel.

On both floors, the unusually broad building dimensions allow patrons to have spacious room to socialize, while retaining the graceful proportions of the historic insurance building.”

It kinda reminds me of Roofer’s Union where you walk upstairs to the 2nd floor (I believe 1st floor is still for lease) for the main dining room:

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Lots more photos after the jump. (more…)


bike_hit

“Dear PoPville,

A MC DEAN truck backed into a bike rack outside of Glen’s Garden Market just before noon on Saturday, March 5, 2016. The driver was aware that he hit the bikes because he stopped to look over his shoulder then sped away when he noticed people witnessed what happened. The license plate number is visible in the second picture. Here are a few pictures of the truck pulling away, as well as the damaged bike. You can connect me with the bike owners if they need a description of the driver.”

If this was your bike, please email me at [email protected] and I’ll connect you with the OP.


dacha
7th and Q Street, NW

From a press release:

“Dacha Beer Garden is back March 8 for a whole new season of sunshine and delicious beers on tap served by your favorite staff, a few new faces, and new beverages to boot!

This year, we have broadened our outstanding beer selection: Radeberger Pilsner – the first Pilsner ever brewed in Germany in 1872–and Ommegang Hennipin – a top-notch American Saison – to name a few. On the District front, Atlas Brew Works will join DC Brau in our coveted local beer lineup. (more…)


IMG_3446
9th and N Street, NW

One of the most anticipated restaurant openings of 2016 is finally here on Tuesday. The details at the space are spectacular (lots more photos after the jump.) For those not familiar with the plans:

Menu Description: The menu at Espita Mezcaleria offers rustic flavors that combine traditional Mexican and modern technique while staying true to the spirit of Southern Mexican fare. The goal is to explore the story of the Oaxacan culture in each and every bite. Additionally, the restaurant is focused on the region’s seven styles of mole. A collection of sopes, ensaladas, fundidos, tlayudas, and ceviches are also available. All of the tortillas are hand-pressed, and all dishes featuring masa are made with fresh ground masa. Standout dishes include Mole Negro with lamb neck, hoja santa, piloncillo, Mexican oregano and chile ash; Sea Scallop Ceviche with avocado salsa, pickled jalapeño, scallions and cilantro; Crispy Chanquetes, mini silverside fish with cracked pasilla and lime mayo, as well as Crab Tlayudas with Jonah crab, cebollas de cambray, spicy cream cheese mayo and arugula.

Beverage List: The bar program at Espita Mezcaleria offers an expansive, rotating selection of mezcals featuring many varietals and styles. Over 100 are available in one or two-ounce pours, a six-ounce carafe to share, as a choice of flights, or highlighted in the nine cocktails on the list. Additionally, many of the drinks at Espita Mezcaleria are also available by the pitcher for guests to share. Cocktails are priced from $12 to $16 each.

Espita-Dinner (PDF)

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Capacity: The main dining room accommodates 62 guests seated and offer guests excellent views of Shaw through the restaurants expansive windows. Those looking to focus their attention on the restaurants expansive mezcal collection are encouraged to grab a seat at the 16-seat bar or at one of the 10 additional bar stools, situated at the dining rail facing 9th Street. An outdoor patio is also available during the spring and summer months (weather permitting) and can accommodate an additional 44 seats. (more…)


sidewalk of shame

“Dear PoPville,

Was hoping some readers might know what to do about the obstacle course of a sidewalk on 9th Street NW, across from the Convention Center (particularly between L and P). It is literally impossible to walk a straight line down the block without running into a sign or pole, or falling into a cellar. It’s baffled me for a while, but it was only last night, when seeing a man in a wheelchair seriously struggle to wheel himself around the myriad obstacles (one example pictured below) that I realized it wasn’t just absurd, but actually immoral. There are six lanes of traffic on ninth, which the sidewalk could certainly extend out to. Does anyone know if this sidewalk runs afoul of any city zoning or accessibility ordinances? Whom would one contact to do something about this?”


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Ed. Note: No judgement, no lecturing, no preaching – just keep an eye out please. Thanks.

“Dear PoPville,

My car was broken into and all my belongings stolen, in Shaw [10th and N. NW]. Crucial thing is my laptop, which has my dissertation and Ph.D. stuff on it and which I am absolutely dying without, as well as my school stuff. I am offering a reward to anyone who gives it back. No questions asked. Cash. [email protected]


ShawPossum

“Dear PoPville,

We live in Shaw and take care of an indoor/outdoor cat. We found this plump old possum occupying the cathouse when I went to wake up my cat this morning. He looked pretty comfortable and didn’t give up the warm new digs very easily. Animal Control suggested we scare him off with loud music. It just seemed lull him back to sleep though. I guess city possums don’t mind loud 90’s hip-hop at 7am?

hahaha awesome. Of note: I didn’t know cathouses were a real thing. Two, these thing terrify me. I’m heading to the Tiki Bar stat!!


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