Photo by PoPville flickr user r_bowley

Dear PoPville,

I have been looking everywhere for the number of the so called “best kept Mexican food in DC” and I have had no luck. It’s called Rosa’s, its in Columbia Heights and the only access is by finding her phone number. I thought maybe you might know more about it or how I can find the number. Anyway below is a article talking about it.

“What’s the best kept food secret in Washington?

It’s Rosa’s, said chef Spike Mendelsohn, owner of the Good Stuff Eatery and We, The Pizza restaurants on Capitol Hill, during a panel Wednesday. He explained that to eat at Rosa’s, you must find and call a secret phone number. The mysterious Rosa, a resident of Columbia Heights, answers and makes sure you’re downstairs before throwing a set of keys out her window. Once you let yourself into her apartment on the second floor of a residential building, you can feast on what Mendelsohn says are the best tacos he’s had.”

Yesterday I requested folks send some nominees for Danger Watch to princeofpetworth(at)gmail. I got lots of good nominations but one that jumped out at me was Parc Deux because I had been emailing ANC2F02 Commissioner Nick Barron for an update on the old Shirt Laundry space at 14th and Q St, NW in Logan Circle. I first shared scuttlebutt that a Stephen Starr restaurant was interested in this space back in May 2011. In Nov. 2011 a liquor license application was listed for Parc Deux to become

“a French restaurant, bistro, and café serving classic French cuisine for breakfast, lunch dinner and brunch.”

To make a long story short, Commissioner Baron answers that a Voluntary Agreement has been signed. This paves the way for construction to begin soon. Stay tuned.

And in completely unrelated news – these pigeons on the church behind the space were freaking me out:

From a NoMa press release:

West Wing Café has leased the retail space in 1100 First Street, NE and plans a spring opening; the restaurant will have weekend and evening hours, and create an evening lounge serving wine, beer and sake.

West Wing Café will offer sushi, panini and high-end deli fare during the day, then transition into an evening lounge. “They want to create the sort of ambiance that will attract residents to come and linger,” Boehm said. West Wing Café will be open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; they leased the entire retail space of 4,400 SF.

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.

Z Burger opened their SW Watefront location (next to Station 4) at 1101 4th St, SW. Their Facebook page announces free drinks to celebrate. You can see their menu here.

Stay tuned for the Columbia Heights location opening.

We talk about a lot of places that I hear are coming to retail spaces. Sometimes they open up right away, often times they open up after significant delays, and sometimes they don’t open up at all. Danger Watch is a new series that will check back on spaces where there has been little visible progress. If you have a nomination for Danger Watch please send in an email to princeofpetworth(at)gmail

Back in September 2011 we learned that Daikaya a new ramen shop was coming to the vacant lot at 705 6th St, NW next to Graffiato. At the time the liquor license said:

“This is a tavern that has a ramen shop on the ground level. Diners will be able to order bowls with a variety of fresh toppings. The second level will serve as a bar & restaurant with a Japanese menu.”

I’ve now noticed that the liquor license has been cut out (see photo above) and there has been little progress on construction. Perhaps it’s just because it’s winter but I’m putting Daikaya on Danger Watch. I hope I’m wrong.

UPDATE: Just in from a Douglas Development Press Release:

“Daikaya will occupy 5,400 square feet next to Graffiato (another Douglas Development tenant), made up of three levels: main (4,200 square feet), top (400 square feet), and lower (800 square feet) at 705 6th Street, NW. The restaurant, under Sushiko co-owner Daisuke Utagawa, will serve authentic ramen bowls amongst other Asian-influenced dishes and will tentatively open in late spring/early summer 2012.”

Freshii has opened up in the former Gifford’s ice cream store space at 555 11th St, NW next to E Street Cinema. This is their third location in DC and you can see their menu here. Any fans?

Great news for Standard fans (14th and S St, NW.) I can’t believe it’s almost Spring already.

More restaurant news for Logan Circle. A retail space has been revealed for The District apartment building coming to 1401 S St, NW (was originally condos now rentals.) A liquor license application says it will be a:

“New restaurant with upscale Southeast Asian cuisine in a contemporary setting. Seating capacity is 185. Total occupancy load is 215. A Sidewalk Café with seating for 40 patrons.”

@toddkliman tweeted a few details:

Mark Kuller is opening a new restaurant at 14th and S NW “inspired by the cuisines of SE Asia.” Late fall, early winter.

Chef Haidar Karoum of Proof, Estadio “will bring modern techniques & execution to these traditional dishes,” says Kuller.

It will have an open kitchen & a curated cocktail bar, headed by Adam Bernbach, that will seat another 40. A patio will seat 40, as well.

We’ll revisit as construction progresses and when they get closer to opening.

We first heard about Crepes on the Corner coming to Capitol Hill/Hill East at 257 15th St, SE back in May 2010. Just got an email from owner Marc Ross:

“Just wanted to shoot you a note to let you all know that we are now open!”

If anyone stops by let us know what you think.

Back in June 2010 we learned of plans for a new tavern and bistro called 6th Engine coming to 438 Massachusetts Ave, NW. Thanks to a reader for sending this awesome update with very promising photos. Can’t wait to see it in person!

Roti domination of DC continues at Union Station. Thanks to a reader for sending word that Roti will be coming to the west side of Union Station in the same area as Chopt, Potbelly and Chipotle. Union Station continues its roll of new restaurants opening.

Back in Oct. 2011 I first spotted a sign that a new Charcuterie & Salumi called Three Little Pigs was coming to 5111 Georgia Ave, NW next to the Petworth Fire Station. At the time I said, ‘Holy lord – this could be very very awesome.’ After peeking in the shop and talking with owners Jason and Carolina, allow me to amend my take – holy lord this is gonna be absolutely freaking amazing. I honestly and truly believe this may be the best thing, forget about Petworth, this may be the best thing to hit DC in years. It’s something everyone’s been craving – local, independent, and (from the sound of it) delicious.

So at the outset let me say they have an unbelievably good Website. You will find absolutely everything you can possibly want to know there, including some menu options, lots of background info on the store and owners Jason and Carolina, you can learn about the the farms where the food comes from and lots more.

What you won’t be able to learn from the website is the fact that Jason and Carolina are two of the most passionate, knowledgeable and kind proprietors you will ever meet. And you’re gonna be able to find that out for yourself if you’d like – this Sat. they are having a pre-preview open house at the shop (5111 Georgia Ave, NW) where you can learn all about their plans and see an artist put up a mural:

So when will they open for real? If all goes well they will be open in about a month. Like I said, the Website explains the vision and plans much better than I can but some things that I’ll emphasize – these people are not amateurs. The sophistication of the whole set up is truly impressive. Check out the 600 pound smoker:

It is equally as sophisticated as NORAD:

Other things we can look forward to in the future – classes, family style dinners, pickled treats including kimchi, homemade sodas, homemade mustards, homemade dried pastas, and obviously most importantly hand sliced everything.

Obviously we’re gonna have to taste stuff but if it’s as good as it sounds, well, I think it is safe to say this place will contribute significantly to the beautiful life. Stop by Sat. to say hi and see the potential for yourself.

Thanks to a reader for sending a tweet from ANC5C03 commissioner Hugh Youngblood:

“Engine Company 12 team withdraws #ABRA application; seeking new operator. Anyone interested in a #BloomingdaleDC restaurant opportunity?”

Engine Co 12 Firehouse is located at 1626 North Capitol Street, NW. We last spoke about it in May 2011 when we learned of the delayed opening. We also spoke about it briefly when we learned Shaw’s Tavern was denied a liquor license.

So, think a new restaurant operator will jump at the chance?

Napolean Bistro and Lounge is located at 1847 Columbia Rd, NW. A press release says the new menu launched Feb. 1st and:

Click image to make bigger

Menu in Jpeg after the jump. (more…)