Woodley Park

Tom Sietsema broke the news yesterday:

“A little more than a year after he left Mendocino Grille & Wine Bar in Georgetown to pursue a place of his own, chef Drew Trautmann has secured a 75-seat property at 2606 Connecticut Ave. NW. Trautmann plans to convert the Thai-flavored Jandara into the American-themed District Kitchen in October.

The chef had hopes of opening on the Hill, where he lives, but says that his spot in Woodley Park offers several advantages: two major hotels nearby, lots of foot traffic and a Metro stop.”

I spoke with the owner of Jandara who said that he’d try to stay open for 2-3 more weeks. I asked him if he planned on reopening elsewhere in DC and while he said it was possible, he’s gonna take a breather. He also said if he does reopen that it would likely be in Virginia or Maryland. Anyone gonna miss Jandara?

Jandara is located at 2606 Connecticut Ave, NW right next to the recently opened Italian Pizza Kitchen.

Back in July we noticed that Umi Japanese Restaurant (replacing IPOH) was starting to look good at 2625 Connecticut Ave. NW. Anyone check them out yet? You can see their menu here.

Last week a reader mentioned that they had heard Rajaji, located at 2603 Connecticut Ave NW, might be closing soon but when I went in to get confirmation – they denied that they were closing. Just in case I figure now is a good time to get a judging in. You can see their menus here.

I had no idea they’ve been open since 1969.

Any fans?

Back in late April we learned that Noodles & Company was looking for a zoning variance for 2635 Connecticut Ave, NW. It seems they got it as major work has begun on the space.

It was a slow death but the pizza place at 2311 Calvert St, NW has finally closed leaving the whole building vacant.

Fortunately around the corner in the former IPOH space at 2625 Connecticut Ave. NW, Umi Japanese Restaurant put up some proper signage and is starting to look good inside:

Back in Sept. ’10 we learned that an Italian Pizza Kitchen was coming to 2608 Connecticut Ave, NW (they also have a location at 4483 Connecticut Ave NW.) Thanks to a few readers for sending word that the new space has opened. It looks great. This is def. not just a take out option. You can see their menu here. Though I’m also pretty intrigued about the frozen vodka lemonade. Anyone check them out yet?