U Street

1301 U Street, NW, former U Street Cafe (and Mocha Hut, remember Mocha Hut?) next door to the recently opened upper crust pizzeria

From a press release:

“TaKorean, known for its combination of Korean inspired flavors with a Latin American twist, will open its fourth location in the U Street Corridor of Washington, DC in the early spring of 2017.

Located at 1301 U Street NW, TaKorean will be situated in the heart of the historic U Street District. “The 14th and U Street area is home to so many of our customers,” says Mike Lenard, Founder and CEO. “We couldn’t have found a better place to continue growing the TaKorean brand.” (more…)

1414-1418 U Street, NW

OK, OK, OK I know I tend to get excited about new spots opening but District Distilling Co. in the former Coppi’s and Utopia spaces is absolutely beautiful. Stunning. Dead sexy.

“District Distilling Co. is D.C.’s first combination Distillery + Kitchen + Bar. Everything from our menu to our seating is designed to help you discover something—a new appreciation or an old favorite—all in the comfortable setting of a historic 19th century row house at 14th and U Street. We’re open for tours, drinks, weekend brunch and nightly dinners. Stop by and stay awhile.”

Check out their many menus (bar, kitchen and drinks) here.

Don’t take my word for it, see for yourself (but do believe me in that the photos don’t come close to doing the space justice, so go in person starting Friday.)

Lots more photos after the jump. (more…)

2204 14th Street, NW

From a press release:

“Sakerum, a new sushi bar, Asian-Latin restaurant and cocktail lounge from Stephanos Andreou, will open just blocks away from the intersection of 14th and U Street (2204 14th St NW) on Monday, August 22.

The two-story resto-lounge fuses the restrained elegance and vibrant energy of Asian and Latin cultures. The atmosphere is modeled, in part, on the traditional Japanese concept of the izakaya, a warm, welcoming gastropub — tinged with the flair of a Latin lounge.

Sakerum’s menu of sushi & sashimi and Latin-inspired Asian dishes will offer an exciting blend of flavors and cultures based on innovative recipes. The 3,600-square-foot Sakerum features bars on both floors in addition to a private dining space and a 90-person retractable rooftop on the second floor.

The colorful sushi bar, located on the restaurant’s first floor, is led by Chef Khan Gayabazar, whose sushi, sashimi and appetizer offerings are big on both flavor and creativity. The Mar y Tierra Roll — sushi made with Maine lobster tail and scorched Miyazaki Wagyu beef — and Yaki Tako, tender grilled octopus brushed with lemon oil and served with orange-mango picante, are just a few of Sakerum’s unique dishes.”

The first floor of Sakerum. Photo by Farrah Skeiky

Beverage consultant Gina Chersevani leads Sakerum’s cocktail program, which will use fresh sugar cane for cocktails and drink flights. Chersevani’s cheekily-titled drinks include the “Wandering Samurai,” made with sake, Flor de Cana, yuzu and bitters, topped with 6-piece sashimi and the “Pirates Creed,” rum, coconut, pineapple, Yuzu and nutmeg.

The Wandering Samurai cocktail features sake, Flor de Cana, yuzu and bitters, topped with 6-piece sashimi. Photo by Farrah Skeiky

Sakerum’s general manager Justin Cho, whose family has been in the restaurant business for his entire life, has more than a decade of experience working in and managing restaurants in Washington, D.C., Michigan and Washington state. Cho will bring his lifelong passion for all things culinary to the table at Sakerum. (more…)