Last week I mentioned that Rogue States was coming soon. This past weekend I was able to chat with owner and chef, Raynold Mendizabal, of Rogue States. First off, they are trying to open this week, though they are still awaiting some permit approvals so this week might be a bit ambitious. Their mission is written write on the wall:

“To be a rogue member of the fast food industry, serving great artisan food in an undeniably chic environment.”

Still a bit of work going on inside:

All of their burgers are half pound and will cost $7. It is interesting to note that when they do open the place will be open from 11am – 5am daily. I’m not too familiar with food options open this late in DC. I see this as a positive development for late night eating in DC.

 


Rogue States has applied for a liquor license at 1300 Connecticut Ave south of Dupont Circle. The description from the alcohol application says it will serve sandwiches and burgers. Sounds like it could be a good lunch option for those that work in the area.


I ran into one of the owners and his family on Sunday and he invited me inside to take a look and snap some photos. It looks like it’s gonna be pretty sweet. You can take a look at the menu here. (There are veggie options). The space itself wasn’t 100% completed but you could tell it had a comfortable feel. He said the place would open on Thurs. or Fri. but to call first to make sure which day (202-299-1071). There are old album covers, which obviously appeals to me (sorry for the slightly blurry photo), on the wall:

The table tops (which weren’t assembled yet) also look pretty sweet:

So has anyone sampled the goods from their Bethesda or Alexandria spots?


With all of my newfound spare time, I’ve been lucky enough to spend a lot of afternoons out and about in the neighborhood with Ramona (my dog). There’s no better time of year for it and it’s great to not have to cram everything in just two days at the end of each week.

Last Friday I finally got around to hitting Good Stuff Eatery on Pennsylvania Ave.It opened earlier in the summer to much fanfare as part of the city’s burger craze, and every time I’d been past, it had lines out the door.I hate waiting in lines more than I love a good burger (which is to say, a lot) so I never made it in.

Now, I feel I should mention that I am not a fan of the Bravo Network’s Top Chef. I watched one or two episodes of whichever season had the guy with wacky hair who was always making foams from things. I love cooking shows of all sorts, but I just don’t like Top Chef. So that Good Stuff is the brainchild of “Chef Spike” means nothing to me, but people seem to have opinions on this subject, mostly of the ilk, “Wow, that guy was an ass.” But I have no idea, I was just psyched for a good burger. Story continues after the jump. (more…)


I’ve just been notified that the 5 Guys in Columbia Heights will be opening up this week. It will be located right above the metro on the western side of Irving (next to Pete’s Apizza). I peeked in the window and they look good to go. So what do you guys think about this? Psyched or Saddened?  I guess it beckons the question:  Who do you think offers the best burger in the city?


Arguably the most anticipated new bar and restaurant, Marvin, has opened on 14th Street just north of U Street. This was the bar that had the soft opening last week. If you like Eighteenth Street Lounge and Local 16 you are going to love this place. It mirrors a similar exclusivity like ESL as you can only spot the place by a tiny sign (pictured) on its front door. But don’t be fooled by that subtlety. Despite the muted decor on the outside it is quite swank on the inside. You’ll find the restaurant on the first floor. The restaurant has a Belgian theme and offers Steak Frites ($24), Lobster Waterzooi ($25), lots of Moules Frites choices ($16), a Marvin Burger ($15) and a number of other choices. (more…)