Thanks to a reader for sending the CityCenter updates.
Downtown
1828 L Street, NW courtesy Veloce
From a press release:
“Veloce, a quick service pizza restaurant from the acclaimed culinary talent behind Pizzeria Paradiso, will open for business on Monday, May 4 at 7:00 a.m. at 1828 L St., NW in downtown Washington, D.C. Credited with introducing the District to Neapolitan-style pizza more than 20 years ago, Veloce owner, operator and Chef Ruth Gresser’s new fast casual venture features the same artisanal, brick oven-fired pizzas, now available in minutes. Featuring breakfast, lunch and dinner fare, Veloce’s menu focuses on personal-sized pizzas, sandwiches and salads complemented by Compass Coffee for breakfast and desserts such as tiramisu.
Veloce will be open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Opening week will be marked by five days of promotions — including complimentary personal pizzas* for the first 100 guests starting at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, May 4. Pizza lovers can create custom 8” pies for $9 on white, whole wheat, mixed grains and seeds, or gluten-free crusts, or choose from a menu of curated pizzas composed by Chef Gresser.
After earning critical praise for her three Pizzeria Paradiso locations, Gresser is yet again introducing Washington to a new style of pizza, this time proving to the downtown work crowd that you don’t have to choose between great pizza and quick pizza. Working with Marra Forni — a local Beltsville, Md. oven maker owned and operated by an Italian family — Gresser designed a custom Neapolitan-style gas brick oven that can accommodate up to 25 pizzas at a time and mimic the results of Pizzeria Paradiso’s famed wood-burning ovens in less time.
In addition to producing quick-turnaround, quality pizzas, Gresser and team are focused on supporting and sustaining the community with all available means: cheeses, protein and vegetable toppings are sourced from quality producers while sausages and all sauces are house-made using organic, local ingredients whenever possible. A rotating special pizza and salad will feature seasonal produce.
Items are also packaged with recyclable, eco-friendly materials. In addition to their own house-made tiramisus in classic, lemon and chocolate flavors, they will also offer Carla Hall cookies and nuts; and PollyStyle oatmeal cookies, chocolate graham crackers and ginger shortbread.
Showcasing graphics by Soung Wiser of The General Design Co., the 1400 square foot downtown space — which seats 18 indoors and 16 on the patio — was designed by Eric Gronning, AIA of Gronning Architects. The open, dynamic space hums with geometric light patterns, and bold yellow accents bring the Veloce name to life.
*Limit one pizza per guest.
Guests with an appetite for curated combinations can choose from these menu items: (more…)
1090 I Street, NW
Been a minute since we’ve had a Momofuku update. They’ve just posted a liquor license placard that says:
“New Restaurant serving Asian-style cuisine. Total occupancy load is 300. Sidewalk Café with 70 seats.”
Ed. Note: Excellent.
“Dear PoPville,
Every morning for the past week on my ride to work, I pass by a fire hydrant that’s intentionally spewing water into the street in front of the Willard hotel. Anyone know why this is happening? Are they doing some type of maintenance or work on the sewage system?”
13th and F Street, NW
Thanks to a reader for tweeting us a sneak peek inside Mastro’s Steakhouse opening May 8th in the former M&S Grill space:
974 Palmer Alley, NW
The placard for Centrolina says:
“An European-inspired gourmet restaurant, which will be located within a full-service grocery store, selling food and alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises. Seating capacity is 72. Total occupancy load is 105. Summer Garden with seating for 34.”
And lots more great info from their video:
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@markhlyon tweets us:
“@PoPville – As landlord prepares to demolish 1100 15th St. NW, Lawson’s Deli closes.”
Update: Sorry for the confusion – @markhlyon clarifies that they are actually closing next week.
UPDATE II from @markhlyon:
“Just confirmed with owner. Last day 30 April. Moving to 17 & M.”
13th and F St, NW via google maps
From a press release:
“TaKorean is pleased to announce the opening of it’s first location in Northwest. The local fast-casual chain will debut an extended pop-up location in the Eat at National Place food hall located at 13th & F Street, NW early this summer.
With locations at Union Market in NE and The Yards in SE, TaKorean will now be able to service patrons in the heart of downtown Washington. “We’ve been eager to serve our existing base of food truck customers in this area and we’re excited to continue to grow our brand in the DC area,” says founder and CEO Mike Lenard. Eat at National Place is a sophisticated and vibrant food hall that opened in 2005. TaKorean will serve it’s delicious and unique menu at the new location.”
This spring TaKorean has introduced new menu items. Most notably, a seasonal vegetable is now permanently on the menu. Cauliflower is being offered this spring and is meant to be enjoyed in a tako or on a bowl. The cauliflower is pan-roasted with a soy orange glaze and is vegan. TaKorean has also added the option for brown rice as an alternative to white. “We’re so excited to be able to offer more vegetables and healthy options. Everyday we’re selling more balanced items and creating a new path for food culture,” says Lenard.
TaKorean has also added a new topping and two add-on options. TaKorean’s famous salsa roja is now available as a topping free of charge. Made with fire-roasted tomatoes, tomatillos, fresh ginger, cilantro, lime juice, sesame oil and gochujang, our Korean style salsa roja will surely add an extra kick to your bite! The new add-ons include a tangy vegan avocado crema that is made from scratch with fresh avocados, as well as an organic soft egg to be enjoyed on a rice or slaw bowl. The organic egg is sous vide and has the texture of a perfectly cooked poached egg. The new menu items are available at all locations.”
Ed. Note: this is located right across the street from District Taco.
Ed. Note: Not sure if the photo does it justice but the deer is, indeed, blue.
1400 I Street, NW
A reader reports:
“Lighter Cafe by McPherson metro closed. Restaurant is empty but signage still up. Any intel?”
Anyone know when they closed? Any fans?