U Street

1940 11th Street, NW

From a press release:

Vinoteca has just opened its lively sidewalk patio and charming backyard PLAZA bar for Washingtonians looking to enjoy the beautiful coming spring weather. Al fresco diners can enjoy a new menu of housemade hot dogs and burgers (paired with bubbly), sip new spring cocktails and wines, play a round of bocce or enjoy a brunch in the sun at Vinoteca.

NEW GRILL MENU

Equipped with a full outdoor grill, Vinoteca will be grilling up a variety of housemade hot dogs and burgers introduced for the spring season. Executive Chef Lonnie Zoeller hand-makes all of his own ‘hot dogs’ and buns, ranging from a classic frankfurter and DC-style half-smoke sausage made with local beef and pork, to a spiced-up veggie dog. The dogs (all $6; $5 at happy hour) can be topped with a variety of topping combinations like pimento cheese, sauerkraut + caraway mustard, or the classic ketchup/mustard/relish.

Chef Zoeller offers the same options for his juicy, grilled-to-order burgers (all $8; $7 at happy hour), serving either a local beef or Portobello (for the veggie lovers) burger topped with combinations like cheddar/apple wood bacon/ancho chili mayo, the lighter avocado + feta, and the creative gorgonzola/ grilled red onions/ basil aioli.

Showing that sparkling wine can be paired with just about anything, Vinoteca has also introduced its new “Hog Dog + Bubbly” combo where guests can get any of the hot dogs with a glass of bubbly for only $12 (only $9 during happy hour). And burger lovers can get the “Burger + Beer” combo for $13 (only $10 during happy hour) which includes any burger with a draft brew (selections will vary).

In addition, guests can also order some of Chef Zoeller’s other new snacks like the Pimento Cheese Plate with pickled veggies and grilled bread, or the Grilled Squid with salsa verde.

SPRING COCKTAILS + WINES

There’s nothing better in the spring than a refreshing al fresco libation, and mixologist Horus Alvarez has created a new spring cocktail menu to enjoy on the PLAZA. Vinoteca’s take on a Moscow Mule,the U Street Mule ($12) combines Boyd & Blair Vodka, Domaine de Canton ginger liqueur, fresh grapefruit juice and Bleinheim Ginger Ale. Alvarez’ Rum-Runners’ Punch ($10) combines Atlantico Reserve Rum, crème de cassis, fresh pineapple, lime & orange juices and banana syrup for a taste of the tropics, and the Gin-Cussion ($12) mixes Broker’s Gin, limoncello, fresh grapefruit juice and the Swiss-made aperitif Kina L’Avion d’Or liqueur for a perfect spring sip. Sherry is seeing a trendy new revival, and the Primavera ($12) uses Manzanilla Sherry, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, Prosecco and orange bitters, while Vinoteca of course has a Sangria on the menu ($8 glass/$22 pitcher) made with Tempranillo, Licor 43, Brandy, Taylor Port, and fresh orange, lemon and grape juices.

The majority of Vinoteca’s 100+ wines are also available by the glass, and Sommelier Tim Galvin has introduced several warm-weather varietals like Vinho Verde, Torrontes, Inzolia, and Muscadet to the new outdoor menus.

BOCCE

One of the only bars in the city to boast its own bocce court, Vinoteca’s oyster-shell court setting on the PLAZA is reminiscent of a European courtyard. Welcoming bocce pros and novices alike, the court is open Wednesday – Friday from 5 p.m. to close, and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to close (on Monday and Tuesday evenings the court is reserved for DC Bocce League play).

1346 T Street, NW

Last week we learned about the plight of Fainting Goat hoping to open at 1330 U Street, NW. Now Compass Rose hoping to open in the former Cafe Collage space next to St. Ex seeks your help as well. In an email owner Rose Previte writes:

Compass Rose is located at 1346 T St, NW, at the corner of 14th and T, right next to St. Ex and across the street from Matchbox. We are a neighborhood tavern specializing in international street food. The concept is inspired by my recent travels around the world. I was living in Russia while my husband was working there as a journalist for NPR. We travelled like crazy for over two years. When we came back to D.C., the city we met in and lived in for over 6 years before moving to Russia, we decided to fullfill a lifelong dream and open a business. Compass Rose hopes to be a neighborhood meeting place where everyone feels wecolme. We want you to feel like you’re going on a tour of the world but that you still feel right at home.

Our menu is very much under construction but the focus will be on kabobs, baked meat and vegetable pies and Georgian cheese bread, called Khachapuri . We will feature wines from the small, former Soviet state of Georgia-a place we fell in love with while living in the region. Above all, we want to be a community gathering place where you come to share your troubles and toast your successes with friends while having a good meal and a great drink.

If that sounds like a good addition to the neighborhood you can sign a petition of support here. For those who live nearby, it is especially helpful if you are able to sign. When doing so please leave your cross streets. If all goes well they hope to open by late summer.