Glover Park

2400 Wisconsin Avenue, NW

Lots of action at 2400 Wisconsin Avenue, NW – first we learned that Arcuri would be replacing Kavanagh’s Pizza Pub in the lower level and now Malgudi has replaced Heritage Asia. From a press release:

It is a celebrated day when writers and foodies alike have an opportunity to experience a cuisine that is rarely offered in their community. New restaurant Malgudi, named after a novel by renowned Indian author R.K. Narayan, is now serving authentic southern Indian food in Glover Park. Located beneath the flagship Heritage India at 2400 Wisconsin Ave., NW Washington, DC and owned by Sanjeev Tuli and his business partner and wife, Mitul, this restaurant offers D.C. a chance to taste a culinary culture that has been fairly absent within District borders.

Patrons are already impressed by Malgudi’s authenticity. Southern Indian food is different from the more globally renowned Tandoori and Moghlai foods, which are representative of north and northwest India.

Dishes at Malgudi draw inspiration from all states in southern India including Andhra, a state with a style often described as the spiciest in South India, with a very generous use of chili powder and hot and tangy flavor. Also important is the influence of the Karnataka state, known for its milder and largely vegetarian tradition, though the coastal cuisine has a wealth of seafood. Coconuts grow in abundance in the region and are a staple along with rice and millets. Southern India discovered and exported much of the spices that have long captivated the world such as cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg.

Malgudi guests will be served tiffin, small plates usually accompanied by coconut chutney and sambhar, a hearty seasoned lentil dish stewed with seasonal vegetables and tempered with the perfect mix of oil, mustard seeds, curry leaves and red chilies. Dosa, a type of tiffin, is fermented bread similar to a crepe made of rice and black lentils indigenous to the region. Malgudi serves several types of perfectly crisp but bendable dosa with fresh fillings including potato, cheese, and lamb. Another tiffin dish served at Malgudi is uthappams, also pancake like but with the toppings cooked right into the batter. Try the paneer uttapam topped with spiced cottage cheese or the onion chili uttapam. Malgudi pays further homage to Southern India with curry specialties, rice entrees and kothu poratta, a dish of bread in cut into strips and blended with your choice of meat, egg and spices.

Malgudi will be open for lunch Tuesday-Sunday from 11am to 2:30pm. Malgudi will be open for dinner from 5:30pm to 10pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, and from 5:30pm to 10:30pm on Friday and Saturday night.

You can see Malgudi’s full menu here.

2400 Wisconsin Avenue, NW

A few weeks ago we learned that Arcuri Restaurant would be replacing Kavanagh’s Pizza Pub in Glover Park. They’ve just issued a press release with a bit more info:

We are 4 partners, LLC, is proud to announce; restaurant Arcuri will open in Glover Park on the ground level of 2400 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington DC 20007. Our lease begins on February 1st with an expected opening in April. Arcuri will be a casual, vibrant neighborhood joint serving up American-Italian fare in the heart of Washington, DC’s Glover Park.

The menu will feature a variety of handcrafted wood fired brick oven pizzas, antipasti, pasta and seasonal dishes that use farm fresh and local quality ingredients. Options for vegetarians, vegans and kids will be available, along with some gluten free options. We will combine the menu with a casual, energetic, rustic city feel. Welcoming service, local flavors and good times will abound at Arcuri.

Our partnership consists of four local guys, all with extensive local restaurant experience. Adam Hiltebeitel was born at Sibley Hospital and lived in Glover Park as a toddler. He has worked at local restaurants like The Zebra Room and Faccia Luna. Bryce Gerlach, “Mr. Arcuri”, grew up in Arlington working in restaurants like The Boulevard Woodgrill and Overwood. Chef Richard Jones was raised in Arlington and is a Culinary Institute of America graduate. Following culinary school he has worked at 2941, Peche and most recently in NYC at Locanda Verde. Joe Chapman, originally from Michigan has been a managing force in the DC area for years. He has worked at Austin Grill, Faccia Luna and Overwood.

The Arcuri name is the namesake of owner, Bryce Gerlach’s great grandfather. Rosario Antonio Arcuri was born in Nicastro Italy on January 19, 1895. His passage to America was paid for with the promise of housing and good wages. After several voyages back to Italy and years of hard work, he gathered up his family and made the move to America. Working hard and living the American dream, Rosario raised his family and established his name, Arcuri.

Continues after the jump. (more…)

Sweetgreen has opened in the former BodySmith Gym space at 2200 Wisconsin Avenue, NW. Next up in the quest for complete salad domination – 1331 W Street, NW.

2200 Wisconsin Avenue, NW

2400 Wisconsin Avenue, NW

Another new restaurant is coming to Glover Park. Restauranteur Adam Hiltebeitel tells me that he is bringing Arcuri to 2400 Wisconsin Ave, NW. He says Arcuri will be “an energetic restaurant serving American food inspired by Italian traditions” and should open in early 2013.

2400 Wisconsin Ave is home to a few restaurant including Heritage India but Arcuri will be taking over the lower level currently home to Kavanagh’s. Of course this is sad news for fans of longtime Glover Park business – Kavanagh’s Pizza Pub. While they are still open and no exact date has been picked, I’m told they will likely close at the end of the month (emails to Kavanagh’s were not returned.) Any fans of Kavanagh’s?

More info on Arcuri as they get closer to opening.