1200 19th Street, NW

Some very tasty scuttlebutt has come my way from a reliable source. I hear that Taylor’s (nee Taylor Gourmet Deli) is looking to open more new locations in the former Mixt Greens spaces. Mixt Greens closed their remaining two DC locations in Dec. 2011 at 1200 19th Street, NW and 1700 K Street, NW. Taylor’s recently opened a Logan Circle location at 1908 14th St, NW. You can find their other locations here. I’ll update as more info becomes available.

12th and Pennsylvania Ave, NW

Back in Aug. 2011 I I asked if you liked the idea of the Old Post Office Pavilion becoming a Luxury Trump Hotel. Yesterday GSA announced it’s gonna happen:

The Old Post Office is located at the corner of 12th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue in the Federal Triangle neighborhood. Recognizing that the building had outlived its usefulness as Federal office space, Congress directed GSA in 2008 to enter into a long term lease for the Old Post Office under Section 111 of the National Historic Preservation Act, thereby guaranteeing the restoration and retention of all of its historic features while allowing the private sector to determine how to develop it to its fullest potential.

“The Trump Organization plan will preserve the historic nature of the building and improve the vitality of Pennsylvania Avenue,” continued Peck. “This redevelopment represents good business sense on behalf of the American taxpayer, the Federal Government and the District of Columbia.”

After closely evaluating the submissions, GSA determined the Trump Organization proposal represented the strongest development team, best long term potential for the local community, and most consistent stream of revenue for the Federal Government. GSA is committed to effectively and efficiently managing the Federal real estate footprint to achieve the best value for America’s taxpayers and communities, consistent with the President’s Campaign to Cut Waste.

The Trump Organization proposal calls for converting the Old Post Office to a luxury hotel with more than 250 rooms, along with world renowned restaurants, a spa, and conference facilities, while preserving and enhancing all of its historic features.

In accordance with the request for proposal, GSA and the Trump Organization will spend the next year negotiating a detailed agreement for the building’s redevelopment – specifying building usage, historic preservation requirements and details of the Federal Government’s revenue stream. GSA will only move forward if an agreement is reached that provides a positive return for the taxpayer.

While negotiations proceed, GSA will relocate the existing Federal tenants in the Old Post Office, including the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

If negotiations proceed as anticipated, redevelopment of the Old Post Office is expected to commence in 2014 with occupancy in 2016. At the end of the lease, control of the building will revert to the Federal Government.

Bourbon Steak via Four Seasons

Last week’s Friday Question of the Day gave us tons of great cheap eats recommendations. I gotta share one more that sounds pretty good.

From an email:

This month, BOURBON STEAK is bringing back its popular off-menu special: a Red Apron half-smoke and a stout, served in the bar and lounge only Sundays through Thursdays for $7. The “Smoke n’ Stout” will be available beginning Wednesday, February 1st and running through Wednesday, February 29th.

A combination of locally sourced dry-aged beef and pork, Red Apron’s half-smokes are spiced with black pepper, white cardamom, garlic, nutmeg, smoked beer and bacon. Executive Chef Adam Sobel dresses the dogs in two distinct styles with housemade toppings of Venison chili with charred jalapeno and cheddar cheese whiz and “NY Cart Style” with sauerkraut and spicy ketchup onions.

This offer will be available in the bar and lounge Sunday-Thursday from 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM, Friday from 11:30 AM to 12:00 AM, Saturday 5:30 PM to 12:00 AM and Sunday from 5:30 PM to 11:00 PM.

BOURBON STEAK is located in Four Seasons Hotel at 2800 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.

14th and H St, NW around 3pm Wed. afternoon

A reader sent in this horrible photo earlier today. It turns out the scene was actually much worse. NBC Washington writes:

A woman and a baby were hospitalized Wednesday afternoon after being struck by a Cadillac in northwest D.C.

A man was traveling eastbound on H Street near 14th Street when for unknown reason he drove on to the sidewalk, striking a woman with a stroller.

This rental is located at 631 D St, NW:

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The listing says:

“Immediately available! This large, 2-level condo in the luxurious Lafayette is close to everything & lives like a row-home! Featuring an updated kitchen, Main level half bath, 2 generous brs, 2 full ba’ s, master suite with large walk-in closets and same level W/D, this unit a renter’s dream! Building amenities include 24 hr desk attendant, gym, rooftop pool, media room & more! Welcome home!”

Well that’s one hell of a lobby… This 2 bed/2.5 bath is going for $3,500/Mo.

Future home of “TakEatEasy” at 1990 M St, NW

Back in March 2011, I shared the news that the folks behind Fast Gourmet were looking to open more one or two more locations in Dupont and Georgetown. WUSA9 shares the news that a Dupont location has been selected:

The restaurant, which will be called “TakEatEasy”, will be located at 1990 M Street in Dupont and should open by the end of March, Fast Gourmet General Manager and Co-owner Manuel Olivera confirmed in an interview.

“I’m not going to say (TakEatEasy) is going to be upscale, but it’s going to be more ambitious in terms of the quality of food,” Olivera explained. People can look for great homemade pasta. We’re going to make different kinds of pasta over there from scratch. We’ll have some select sandwiches from Fast Gourmet that we will try to do something different with. We’ll have a dinner menu with fish, steaks, and salads.“

To orient folks, 1990 M St, NW is also the building that houses Vidalia though China Cafe (pictured above) is the only vacant space.

Back in Dec. 2010 a reader declared Fast Gourmet to have the best sandwiches in town. You can see their menu here. We’ll revisit “TakEatEasy” when they open.

Fast Gourmet, 14th and W, St NW

Back in early Jan. I mentioned that Cafe Carvy was coming into the old Spice Indian Bistro space at 1020 19th St, NW. They’ve opened. Anyone try out the sandwiches?

Finn & Porter is located at 900 10th St, NW. Their Website says:

“Jazzy and cool DC dining. Hip and inviting. Finn & Porter gives surf and turf a contemporary twist. The freshest seafood, prime steaks and creative regional entrees. Gleaming glass and soaring spaces. A nonstop bar with innovative cocktails and select wines. Friendly service that keeps the energy coming. Come savor something fresh for DC Dining.”

You can see their menus here. Any fans?

A reader writes:

“Just witnessed a group of protesters surrounding a taxi cab on 16th and K St, NW. They encircled the cab right in the middle of the busy intersection, blocking traffic for several minutes. It took 5 minutes for the cops break it up with a little bit of force. Not sure who the protesters were but one guy had a sign that said “indict US politicians” among other things. Quite an interesting sight to watch.”

Back in mid-Dec. we noted the progress of Fuel Pizza coming to 1606 K St, NW in the former Burger King space. Well they are opening Wed. and apparently are giving away “free food for a year*” for the first 50 customers. I’m guessing the asterisk is to avoid a situation like this:

The sign says they open tomorrow at noon – so when do you think the line will start?

Thanks to a reader for sending word. Crossfit gyms seem to popping up all over the place. Crossfit Metro Center will be opening early 2012.

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It was early Dec. when we learned the former Schakolad chocolate shop was going to become a Crumbs Bake Shop at 1107 19th St, NW. Thanks to all who wrote in that they’re already open.

And it was also early Dec. when we learned that Pret a Manger was coming to the corner of 15th and K St, NW by McPherson square. It looks like they’ll be open in within a week or so.

Cafe Carvy will be located in the former Spice Indian Bistro space (next to Rice Bar) at 1020 19th St, NW (just north of K St.) Sounds like it could be a good lunch option for those that work downtown.

Photo of 1015 18th Street NW Penn Camera via Penn Camera.com

Thanks to a reader for sending word that a discussion on Photo.net revealed that Penn Camera has declared bankruptcy:

Penn Camera, arguably the best remaining camera store in the Washington, DC – Baltimore area told its employees late this afternoon that it had filed for bankruptcy, and would be closing several of its locations almost immediately. I was told that the remaining locations (Rockville, Tysons’, and maybe downtown) would remain open for “a while”, but photofinishing at all locations would stop immediately.

A call to the 840 E Street NW location confirmed the bankruptcy. They also shared word that the 1015 18th Street NW has already been closed. As of today the E St, NW location remains open but it’s future is unknown.

You can see Penn Camera’s other locations here.

This rental is located at 14th and L St, NW:

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The Craigslist ad says:

“This apartment is available now and features stainless steel appliances, washer/dryer, and 10 foot ceilings. The rent includes an underground parking space and storage room, electric and cable are the responsibility of the renter.

The building has a roof deck and two community rooms with free wi-fi.

Location is two blocks from the downtown area/McPherson Square metro and 4 blocks from the Whole Foods on P Street. Great location in DC’s first green building.”

$1650 sound right? You’ll be near a brand new Jimmy John’s…