April 2012
We last checked out Satellite Pizza coming to 2047 9th St, NW (behind the 9:30 Club) in Nov. 2011. Here’s what it looked like then:
Nov. 2011
U Street
1919 14th St, NW
The Yum’s at the corner of 14th and Wallach Pl, NW is closing May 1st and moving to 3300 Georgia Ave, NW which is currently home to the Eddie Leonard takeout.
15th and U St, NW
A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that 24 Seven was looking to move from 1408 U St, NW to the former Love Cafe space at the corner of 15th and U St, NW. It’s now official. When the move is made their new name will be Mediterranean.
Also in early April we learned that Utopia had closed for 14 months at 1418 U St, NW. At that time a worker at nearby Stem said that both Stem and DC Noodles would also be closing for a year. I’m happy to report that is no longer the case. The owner of DC Noodles says that they, Stem and nearby Coppi have no plans to close. Additionally, they have 8 more years on their lease at 1410 U St, NW. If anything changes they’ll be sure to let us know on their Facebook page. Hopefully the construction of Louis at 14th won’t be too disruptive for them.
Yesterday afternoon I spoke about how the old post office building on T St, NW was nearly completely demolished except for the facade. We had previously learned that Bakehouse would be moving into one of the retail spaces. Todd Kliman tweets more huge news this morning:
“Taqueria Nacional will be relocating to 1409 T Street NW, the old T St. Post Office — per Johnny Fulchino.”
Taqueria Nacional is currently located at 400 North Capitol St, NW behind Johnny’s Half Shell. They got outstanding reviews when we judged them in Feb. 2012. Sounds like a another great addition for 14th and T St, NW.
When completed, this new building’s retail space will be home to Bakehouse:
“Our menu will consist of house-made baked goods and high quality coffees and teas. We’ll serve updated classics with modern flavor profiles.”
Lovely Yogurt opened up last Saturday at 1017 U St, NW. The folks I spoke to said they hope to be open daily from 11am – 11pm.
I told you I had a lot of scuttlebutt this week… Back in March 2010 a liquor license application was posted for a new spot called The Independent which was slated to be:
“Coffee House, bar lounge, 199 seats and total occupancy of 235 on first floor and storage on first and basement. Summer Garden with 75 seats and a total occupancy of 90.”
I now hear that Richard Sandoval is looking to take it over and make it a Peruvian restaurant. Sandoval is the Chef behind El Centro, Masa 14 and many others.
This would be huge news for this section of Florida Ave, NW. I think this would fit in nicely with the recent additions of Howard Theatre, Shaw’s Tavern and Bistro Bohem. Hard to imagine it would happen just a few years ago. Now it seems like a natural fit.
Of course, this is just scuttlebutt so I have no official confirmation at this point. I’d give this one a 78% accuracy rating.
There is so much scuttlebutt to share this week. Yesterday when we spoke about the closing of Italiano Cafe at 1113 V St, NW a reader says that word on the street is that a taqueria will be taking over the Italiano Cafe space. He also shares that Izakaya Seki coming next door should be open in late May or early June.
So, do you like the idea of taqueria at this location?
This rental is located at 2112 New Hampshire Ave NW:
The listing says:
“Beautiful Studio available for immediate occupancy. This apartment includes a large seperate kitchen and dressing area, dishwasher, garbage disposal, gas range and frost free refrigerator. All utilities are included.
This is a really fun building with a roof top sun deck overlooking the city, a 24 hour fitness center, 24 hour front desk. This is a fun area of town close to shopping, pubs, and all the conveniences you need.”
This studio is going for $1525/Mo.
Thanks to a reader for sending the heads up. When I stopped by yesterday afternoon it looked like the inside was all cleaned out. Italiano Cafe opened back in May 2011 at 1113 V St, NW. This location was briefly home to V Street Cafe and Gori Cafe prior to that. Do you think this block of V Street can get enough foot traffic to support a restaurant/cafe? Izakaya Seki will be coming right next door at 1117 V St, NW.
