Dupont Circle

PoP Preview: Mari Vanna Russian Restaurant Now Open in Dupont

By Prince Of Petworth


1141 Connecticut Avenue, NW

From a press release:

The three-level restaurant offers home-style Russian cuisine in a tea party-meets-grandma’s house ambiance. Unlike any other location, the venue features an open-air kitchen, bedecked in red and white tiles and old Russian tchotchkes. Additionally, what sets Mari Vanna DC apart from its four world-wide sister locations is its cozy, third level, private cocktail lounge.

Happy hour will start today at 4pm, with dinner service starting promptly at 5pm. Washingtonians can expect to enjoy a classic Russian menu, featuring items such as; Pirozhok (small Russian pies stuff with meat, cabbage or eggs), Homemade Blinis (Russian style crepes with red caviar and sour cream), the Vinegret salad (refreshing red beets, diced roasted potato, diced roasted carrots, sunflower oil and more), the Salo plate (a traditional assortment of salt cured pork fatback with rye toast, onion and homemade Russian mustard), and the Beef Stroganoff (fillet mignon strips in creamy sauce, served with buckwheat kasha and roasted onions), among others delectable dishes.

For those unfamiliar with the restaurant you can read more about the background of Mari Vanna here. This is the spot where “the interior will be reminiscent of an old-time babushka parlor”.

I was able to attend a preview last night and was blown away by the space – have a look:

For an idea of their menu you can see their NYC menu here. Their DC website is currently under construction.

See tons of photos of all three floors after the jump. (more…)

Meatsicles Coming Soon Sign Posted to 2029 P Street, NW

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo courtesy of @KevDC

Last week we saw a sign for Counter Culture LLC coming to 2029 P Street, NW in the former Tasti D Lite space in Dupont. Counter Culture coffee folks said it wasn’t them and the only thing I found online for Counter Culture LLC was a kitchen counter company. Last night @KevDC tweeted the interesting photo above:

“Looks like the former tasty delight on P street will be selling… Meatsicles?”

What do you think – joke or for real?

Scuttlebutt Confirmed: Former Singapore Bistro Space to Become a Cuban Restaurant in Dupont

By Prince Of Petworth


1134 19th Street, NW

Last week I shared some scuttlebutt that a Cuban restaurant would be coming to the former Singapore Bistro space in Dupont. The owner of Sophie’s Cuban Cuisine, Viviana Santacruz, has emailed confirming:

“Yes we going to open a Sophie’s in Washington DC, but we don’t have an exact date yet.”

Updates as they get closer to opening.

Former Singapore Bistro Space to Become a Cuban Restaurant in Dupont?

By Prince Of Petworth


1134 19th St, NW

Singapore Bistro closed back in 2010 at 1134 19th St, NW. I’ve been amazed that such a prime location would stay vacant for so long. Walking by last weekend I noticed that the for lease signs had been removed and it now seems like we might finally have a new tenant. In a post yesterday about a Cuban restaurant coming to Columbia Heights, a reader writes:

“I know a franchise of Sophie’s Cuban [Ed. Note: careful if you click on the link, music plays.] (from NY) will be opening soon at 1134 19th St, NW. A buddy is part of ownership team.”

You can see their menu here. More info as it becomes available.

ArtJamz Moving into Bigger Space in former Kultura Space in Dupont

By Prince Of Petworth


1728 Connecticut Avenue, NW

Back in Feb. 2012 ArtJamz opened at 1742 Connecticut Ave, NW. In Nov. 2012 we learned that Kultura was closing at 1728 Connecticut Avenue, NW. Now ArtJamz is going to take over that space. I stopped in last night and they said they hoped to open in the new space around March 1st and were moving because the Kultura space was larger and had the additional benefit of two floors.

For those not familiar with ArtJamz:

Founded in 2010 in Washington DC, ArtJamz is the National Capital Region’s original source of participatory paint parties. We were the first to combine socializing, drinks and creative expression and let people unleash their inner artists. Our unique brand of guided freestyle paint parties are great for social and professional events, office outings, private paint parties, kids parties, and date nights as well as for singles looking for something fun to do in Washington DC.

HOW IT WORKS

ArtJamz is an open art studio and lounge where anyone can come-in to paint and drink. You are not confined by a specific class time or schedule. We operate like a restaurant – walk-in anytime we are open and feed your creative side.

It’s $12 an hour for studio time, which includes unlimited acrylic paints, paintbrushes and lots of cool “weapons of mass creativity” like paint knives, graffiti markers, pencils, oil pastels, glitter, drafting tape, construction paper, glue, stencils, and random crafty knicknacks. You’ll get a standing easel, a smock, a paint palette and personalized guidance from our art-trained Creative Enablers. Meanwhile, great music and a selection of wines, champagne and beers in the Artist Lounge will keep the creative juices flowing even in the most uncreative of souls.

Counter Culture LLC Coming to 2029 P Street, NW

By Prince Of Petworth


2029 P Street, NW

Back in late Aug. 2012 we learned that Tasti D Lite had closed at 2029 P St, NW in Dupont. Get ready for Counter Culture LLC. Sadly they are not affiliated with counter culture coffee. Looks like Counter Culture LLC deals in wholesale kitchen cabinets. Not sure if that’s the same group but I’ll update whenever the new folks open. Also, still no word on a future tenant for the Columbia Heights Tasti D Lite space.

Looking to Volunteer on Christmas?

By Prince Of Petworth

From a DCJCC press release:

Getting into the holiday spirit isn’t only about buying gifts; it’s also about giving back. The Washington DC Jewish Community Center will host its 26th annual D25 Day of Service event on December 25 offering people of all faiths a chance to take part in a day of volunteering with 50 local social service agencies across the area. One thousand volunteers are expected to participate in projects that will affect more than 10,000 people.

Teams of volunteers, supplied with gifts, desserts, games and crafts (organized by the DCJCC), go to one of more than 50 social service agencies in the DC Metropolitan Area. Groups may participate in projects such as throwing a holiday party for families in need or serving a meal at a local food shelter. Senior homes often ask volunteers to run a game of bingo, visit with the residents or serve lunch. Some DCJCC volunteers will deliver gifts and food packages to homeless residents. Volunteers will also paint community spaces that need brightening. In addition, there will be projects based at the DCJCC for volunteers who do not wish to travel and lots of family-friendly options.

The projects, all lasting from 2-4 hours, begin at staggered times during the day and range from dawn, mid-morning or early afternoon. Volunteers can pick a project that will fit in with their interests and schedule. The DCJCC will also hold a blood drive during the day for volunteers who would like to give either before or after their service projects.

Registration for D25 is $18, plus a $2 service charge to cover credit card fees. The registration helps cover the cost of supplies for all projects such as paint, food, gifts, and other materials needed to serve thousands of people in need on Christmas Day. A number of complimentary slots are available on a first-come/first-serve basis. If the program fee of $18 is an impediment to your participation, please contact the DCJCC to inquire about arrangements.

Volunteers can sign up online at www.washingtondcjcc.org/d25. The DCJCC offers volunteer opportunities throughout the year to help revitalize area homeless shelters, prepare food for the homeless, donate blood and participate in other projects that serve area residents in need.

Glen’s Garden Market Starts Construction in Dupont, Plans on Opening April 21st

By Prince Of Petworth


20th and S St, NW

Speaking of grocery stores, a few folks have written in asking for updates on Glen’s Garden Market coming to the former Townhouse/Secret Safeway space at 20th and S St, NW. I’m happy to report that construction just started and if all goes well they are planning on opening Earth Day weekend, specifically April 21st.

Owner Danielle Vogel shares some cool photos and writes:

“Instead of standard construction paper, we blew up this old photo of my maternal grandfather’s first grocery in Scotch Plains, NJ.”

“My paternal great grandfather’s first store in Manhattan. My great grandfather grew up in the apartment right above the grocery.”

Awesome!

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