Dupont Circle

Photo by PoPville flickr user NCinDC

From a press release:

“The Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (Board) voted today to renew the East Dupont Circle Moratorium for a three-year period with significant modifications. The decision is effective immediately on an emergency basis and is subject to a 30-day public comment period in addition to final approval from the District of Columbia Council.

The Board’s decision was consistent with recommendations made by Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 2B. Modifications to the moratorium include lifting the licensing cap on restaurants, multipurpose facilities and off-premise retailers in the neighborhood. The moratorium will continue to:

· Allow the issuance of two licenses to taverns;
· Prohibit the licensing of any nightclubs; and
· Exempt hotels from the restrictions.

The East Dupont Circle Moratorium Zone will continue to extend approximately 600 feet in all directions from the intersection of 17th and Q streets, NW.

In addition to ANC 2B’s proposal, the Board also considered recommendations from the Dupont Circle Citizens Association and public comment received at a hearing on Thursday, Oct. 24. The moratorium was extended 120 days on an emergency basis after it expired on Wednesday, Sept. 23. Complete details of the Board’s decision can be reviewed in the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration’s Notice of Emergency and Proposed Rulemaking.

Members of the public can submit public comment on the Board’s decision for a 30-day period after the Notice of Emergency and Proposed Rulemaking is posted to the D.C. Register. Comments received will be reviewed by the Board. In order for the rulemaking to be adopted on a permanent basis, it would need to be approved by the District of Columbia Council.”

1145 19th Street, NW

Nature’s Table has opened up in the former Unique Boutique space on 19th south of M Street. You can see their menus here.

1800 M Street, NW

From a press release:

“Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop, founded in Wilmington, DE and long a favorite of Delaware beach-goers, expands its presence on the East Coast as it opens its first location Thursday, November 21 in the Nation’s Capital at 18th and M Streets NW.

Known for roasting whole turkeys daily and making sandwiches to order, Capriotti’s is being brought to the DC market by local businessman George Vincent, Jr. The 32 year-old Landon School and University of Maryland graduate plans to open a dozen Capriotti’s location in the region over the next two years.

Hot and cold sub sandwiches in three sizes, sandwiches made to order, a selection of salads and four vegetarian subs, plus a kid’s menu make up the offerings at Capriotti’s. The best seller, The Bobbie, voted “Greatest Sandwich in America” by AOL readers, is made with in-house roasted turkey, homemade stuffing, cranberry sauce and a touch of mayo. Another favorite, the Capistrami, combines hot pastrami, Swiss cheese, Russian dressing and Cole slaw.

The store will be open seven days for lunch and dinner. On Sunday through Wednesday hours will be 11 am until 10 pm. Late night hours will be in effect on weekends with hours being 11 am until 3:30 am on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.”

1734 N Street, NW

Back in Oct. 2010 we were saddened to learn that Iron Gate restaurant was closing at 1734 N St, NW. Fortunately in May 2012 we learned Iron Gate would be reopening under chef Tony Chittum from Vermilion in Alexandria. Last night they had a preview and fans of the old space should not be disappointed.

entrance with huge bar facing N Street

Their facebook page says:

“Until its recent closing, the Iron Gate was the District’s oldest continuously operating restaurant. Its kitchen and dining room occupy a building that once served as the stables for the townhouse’s owner, General Nelson Miles, a cavalry officer in the Civil War who later became the Secretary of the Army. In 1922, the entire property was purchased by the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, which opened the Iron Gate Inn in 1923. The Federation continues to use the townhouse as its international headquarters, and we are honored to be the new stewards of this unique landmark.

The original carriageway houses the bar and a year-round dining space, while the courtyard, overhung with grapevines and a century-old wisteria, features a protective awning allowing for (nearly) all-weather outdoor dining.

A native of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Chef Chittum has earned a reputation not only for his cooking, but also for his commitment to sourcing from an ever-expanding network of local farmers, watermen, and food artisans. Chittum and his team are revitalizing the Iron Gate with a menu that takes inspiration from the cuisines of Greece, Sicily, Sardinia, and Southern Italy, interpreting those traditions and techniques through the use of the finest products of the Mid-Atlantic foodshed.”

Lots more photos plus a look at what was served last night after the jump. (more…)