Shaw

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)

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…)

1544 9th Street, NW

The liquor license placard says has an un jewel-like description for Shaw Bijou:

“A new class “C” tavern with 99 seats and a Total Occupancy Load of 99.”

Previously The Washington Post reported last July:

“25-year-old Kwame Onwuachi, whose résumé includes stints at such cachet-carrying eateries as New York’s Eleven Madison Park and Per Se. Onwuachi expects to open the Shaw Bijou later this year.”

Their website says:

“Gregory Vakiner and Kwame Onwuachi became friends after meeting in culinary school and soon began collaborating throughout the course of their education. From putting on catering events together during school to working with one another at Eleven Madison Park, these two have a vision for fine dining that stems from their combined experiences with travel and food. Come see what this team plans to offer the culinary world at The Shaw Bijou in Washington D.C.

We will open this winter. We are finishing the build-out of our space and look forward to serving you.”

Looking towards the old slum historique:

This corner back in 2010:

1314 ½ Ninth Street, NW

Thanks to those who passed on – Seasonal Pantry posts on their facebook page:

“My classy land lord just did this to Seasonal Pantry. I’m paying for the space till the end of April. Can they do this? Mind you I just had my window smashed and paid for it myself last week.”