metro center

701 14th Street, NW

From a press release:

“The partners of the Latin inspired restaurant, Ceiba, [Chef Jeff Tunks, Gus DiMillo, David Wizenberg] are turning a new leaf and have decided to close the doors at the end of this month, September 27, 2014. It has been an exciting 11 years for the sleek American interpretation of an urban Latin establishment, Ceiba, but now is the time for its final hour. It was a challenging and heartfelt decision for the partners, but with much review of the varied external factors, closing the doors was the best course of action. It will leave behind a legacy of spicy, tangy Latin cuisine and fiery memories – of tropical-style lunches, exotic dinner choices, and annual festive celebrations, right there on 14th and G Streets just blocks from The White House.

Says Gus DiMillo, co-proprietor and 35-year veteran in the hospitality industry, “It’s a business that has brought highs and lows—from great food and an amazing stable of talented chefs. It is hard to plan the closing of a restaurant, when you open a restaurant successfully.”

Ceiba has been praised in the press from Bon Appétit, Wall Street Journal, Wine Spectator to Washington, DC’s top print and online media periodicals and publications. Chef Jeff Tunks appeared on NBC’s “Today Show” showcasing Ceiba’s heart-healthy meal ideas including the Southwest Buffalo Burger and Grilled Chicken with Black Bean Corn Salsa.

The partners will simply focus their energy and time on their independent ongoing endeavors in Washington, DC and Virginia; and their next venture is poised to open in early 2015.

Gus, Jeff and David are indebted and thankful to their loyal supporters, neighbors, distinguished press, friends and family for their continued commitment to Ceiba. And most importantly, they are sincerely grateful to their dedicated staff for all of their efforts and hard work over the past 11 years.

“A fond farewell for now! Thank you for the memories,” says Gus, Jeff and David.”

14th and G Street, NW looking north

555 13th Street, NW entrance on F Street Photo Credit: Jason Colston for PAUL USA

From a press release:

“On Monday, September 15th, PAUL will open its sixth bakery café in the Washington, DC area, just two blocks from the White House – located in the Columbia Square Building on F St. NW in the Metro Center neighborhood.

Photo Credit: Jason Colston for PAUL USA

The 2200 sq.ft. store is opulently decorated so as to transport you to Paris… with its antique fixtures, authentic French artwork, and elegant tufted velvet, suede and fabric chairs and banquettes. The café is illuminated by a full wall of windows, and will accommodate approximately 30 guests inside. The outdoor covered portico of the Columbia Square building accommodates table seating for 20 guests who wish to dine al fresco year-round.”

Photo Credit: Jason Colston for PAUL USA

13th and F Street, NW

Steakhouse explosion of ’14 continues today with Mastro’s Steakhouse.

@ranpuba tweets us:

“Hey @PoPville, info on this replacement for M&S Grill?”

Back in March we learned that Mastro’s Steakhouse would be taking over the former M&S Grill space which closed in June 2013.

Mastro’s website says:

“Mastro’s collection of sophisticated, classic Steakhouses and Ocean Club Seafood locations are recognized for their combination of world-class service, highly acclaimed cuisine, and live entertainment in an elegant yet energetic atmosphere. A truly unparalleled dining experience…”

You can see their Chicago menu here.

Ed. Note: Yesterday we learned that Claudia’s Steakhouse was coming to the former American Express space at 15th and K St, NW.

13th and F Street, NW

It was almost exactly a year ago to the day that we first learned a PAUL Bakery would be coming to 13th and F St, NW near the National Press Building. Happy to see coming soon signage posted. A peek inside reveals a bit of buildout is still ongoing so it’s probably at least a month or two away but definitely getting close.

looking east on F Street towards one of metro center’s entrances/exits

Now hiring too:

“Dear PoPville,

On my way out of the Metro this morning I noticed Lawsons (13th & G) is closed up, dark and empty. I just got a salad from them last week!”

A call to Lawsons reveals that they are only doing catering now and are based in Virginia. Hopefully another good lunch option takes over this space.

13th and E Street, NW

From a press release:

“The presence of D.C.’s most renowned political boss will once again impact this city when Boss Shepherd’s opens a block from the John A. Wilson (formerly the District) Building , at 13th & E Streets, NW, next to the Warner Theater, this July.

“We plan to bring a dynamic restaurant, filled with DC’s power players, to Penn Quarter this summer. There will be more sizzling than just the sidewalk this July,” revealed renowned DC restaurateur and founder, Paul J. Cohn.

Boss Shepherd’s takes a modern, fresh approach to traditional American dining, serving familiar comfort dishes with a distinctive and creative flair. Committed to a farm-to-table use of locally sourced ingredients, Executive Chef Jeremy Waybright offers fresh classics made from scratch. The new restaurant boasts diverse lunch and dinner menus that combine seasonal ingredients with bold flavors.

Patrons can expect a diverse cocktail, wine and local craft beer list comprised of many iconic labels from around the region. The beverage menu will boast specialty drinks including the Signature Boss Shepherd cocktail.

The new restaurant is named after DC’s original governor, often referred to as the Father of Modern Washington — one of the most powerful big-city bosses of his day, who was responsible for creating DC’s post-Civil War infrastructure. Thanks to the city improvements made by Boss Shepherd, the U.S. Congress was encouraged to remain in the District of Columbia, and our capital city became a vibrant, viable, and green city. A statue of Boss Shepherd, a native Washingtonian, can be seen from the restaurant, standing watch in front of the building that houses DC’s center of government.

The restaurant will offer lunch and dinner Monday – Friday, and dinner only on Saturday.”

Back in December we first heard Boss Shepherd’s was coming to 13th and Pennsylvania Ave, NW. Looking forward to seeing how the space turned out – stay tuned for a June opening.