Thanks to a reader for the tip on this development. I’m a bit late on this one but folks have frequently asked me if I’d heard any news about this retail space that has been vacant for quite a while. Turns out it is run by a company called Beau Thai LLC.

After doing a google search I found the following from the Bloomingdale blog:

“She is aiming for an early March opening. She is a veteran in the Thai food business (and a relative of the operator of Thai X-Ing on Florida Avenue NW).

She will at first only have take-out service, as her zoning appears to be restricted to that for the time being (take-out was apparently grandfathered-in through prior use of the, very nice, building). She told me that what she really wants to do is a full-fledged sit-down Thai restaurant, however.”

Hopefully it opens soon. Lots of people love Thai X-ing on nearby Florida Avenue, NW so hopefully this space will offer similar quality.

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When we judged nearby Ethiopian restaurant, Etete, a commenter mentioned Axum, a few storefronts south at 1934 9th Street, NW. I thought it was worth mentioning that the space was recently completely renovated. It’s looking really good.

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Etete is located at 1942 9th Street, NW. I recently heard someone mention that this where the Ambassador of Ethiopia sometimes eats. Not sure if that is true but Etete definitely got some love when we judged nearby Dukem back in June of ‘08. You can see Etete’s menu here. Any fans?

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We learned back in September that Asmara had closed its doors. Located at 900 Florida Avenue, NW (across the street from the 9:30 Club) this space, according to the alcohol license, will become Bella Restaurant featuring: “dancing and live bands”. More info as it becomes available.

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This is sad news. A reader writes:

“Hey there, have you heard anything about rumors of Vegetate (1414 9th Street, NW), the veggie place by 9th and O, closing on Nov. 28? The scuttlebutt is that the landlord is tripling their rent.”

We judged Vegetate back in Dec. ‘08 and there were lots of fans. Today the CCCA blog shares a note from the owners:

“We’re writing with some unfortunate news. Vegetate on 9th Street is going to be closing at the end of this month. Our lease is up and we’ve decided to look for a new location.

We will let all of you know once we’ve found a new space. In the meantime, we’ll be doing select catered events.

Thank you for all your support over the years. Those of you in the area, please stop by for one last dinner at Vegetate’s 9th Street home.

Best,
Dominic & Jennifer”

Here’s to hoping they find a new spot soon!

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Salina is a new Ethiopian restaurant also featuring Italian dishes that has been open about a month. While I will miss the Dan the Man’s sign the space was very nice and welcoming. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. Prices range from $6 – $12 and will be offering a bar in the future.

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A couple of weeks ago I said that a Crepes Place was coming to 1736 14th Street, NW in the old Circle Boutique spot. Well I was close, it turns out Point Chaud Cafe & Crepes will be opening up there. I’m not sure if they’re affiliated with Crepes-a-Go-Go but it sounds awesome! And if that weren’t good enough another Crepes spot, Crepes on the Corner, is coming to the corner of 14th and S in the old Garden District space.

According to the Crepes on the Corner Web site:

“Coming to DC December 2009, owners Chef Vincent Bradberry and Joe Carmack of Garden District bring a simple and genuine crêperie to 14th Street, NW. Both are long time Mid-City business guys with a mindset to use local ingredients and produce.

Expect delicious crpes made fresh to order, homemade soups, salads, and a great cup of coffee. This is the place to get a healthy quick bite for lunch, an after dinner dessert crepe, and to stop by as the bars close.”

What are the odds of two crepes spots opening so close to each other?

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The Washington Post’s Tom Sietsema has the scoop:

“The owner of the wine-themed Proof in Penn Quarter has signed a lease for a second restaurant in Logan Circle. Estadio is its name, and Spanish will be its game.”

This is in the spot where the Garden District formerly sold its indoor plants. I’m very much looking forward to following the progress on this place. Stay tuned…

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This is a huge spot located at 1337 14th Street, NW (which used to be the old Dakota Cowgirl space). It is actually two concepts. Downstairs is the more restaurant focused Birch & Barley and upstairs is the beer focused Church Key (though there are also dining options for the upstairs space). I was able to take some preview photos on Wed. and the place is looking good – it finally opens to the public on Thursday. Be sure to let me know what you think. For the beer lovers, you will have lots and lots of options (500 bottles, 50 drafts, and 5 casks).

Downstairs:

Lots more photos after the jump. Read Full Post

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photo, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

Ever since Circle Boutique closed their doors at 1736 14th Street, NW I’ve been wondering what may go into that spot. Now keep in mind, whenever I use scuttlebutt in the title, it is just that, scuttlebutt. Rumor. Hearsay.  I did hear it from a very reliable source but I don’t believe anything is in stone at the moment.

Nevertheless, I’m pretty excited about this possibility. I’m hearing that Crepes-a-Go-Go may open up another location at this spot. They currently have a store at 2122 P Street, NW. You can see their menu here. Any fans? Think a crepe spot will work for this location on 14th near Logan Circle?

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Portico is located at 1914 9th Street, NW. I’ve walked by a few times and couldn’t remember if it was new or not. There is a bit more info from two commenters on Yelp. One says:

“Portico, has returned after a three year hiatus…The original owner, Mike, is back. He is Eritrean and the Italian influence shows through in the menu which includes a lot of pasta dishes. The bar/restaurant itself is in a basement with a lounge/live music area upstairs.”

The other says:

“The crowd was mixed gentrifiers and immigrants, which was nice as it’s hard to find places where the groups commingle even though we live side by side… My friend predicts Portico will be a hipster bar in six months.”

Anyone check it out? Any fans?

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I was saddened to see Asmara Cafe, located at 9th and V Streets, was closed. I’m not sure if it’s permanently closed or getting renovated. Peeking in the window, the inside looked to be trashed. Sadly, I suspect it is permanently closed as I didn’t see any permits out front for a renovation. This was one of my favorite spots to hit before going to the nearby 9:30 Club.

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According to the Convention Center Community Association (H/T DCist) Toque Caf

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As mentioned yesterday, Fasil, the new Ethiopian restaurant located at 1608 7th St, NW will have it’s grand opening party July 24-26. Per IMGoph’s observation I also believe they are currently open this will just be the festive grand opening. By the by I thought I read somewhere that the chef is from Dukem anyone know if that’s the case?

And in bittersweet news we will be losing the great “Dan the Man’s” sign at 1936 9th Street, NW. There is a major renovation going on inside. The folks I spoke to said it was going to become either an Ethiopian or Eritrean restaurant.

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One of my favorite topics for sure. So this past weekend I was discussing pizza with some friends and two spots were mentioned that I was unfamiliar with. First is Italy Pizza at 634 Florida Ave, NW.

Second is Baffetto at 2005 18th Street, NW:

What’s the scoop on these places. Great pizza or only good when you’ve had a few beers?

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