RSS FeedPenn Quarter Paul Now Fully Closed (801 Penn Ave NW)
There is some sad news for the neighborhood today. The Penn Quarter Paul (801 Penn Ave NW), one of the restaurants ringing the the Navy Memorial, is now closed for good. We learned this after reaching out to the company (h/t: a regular PQ Living reader). Paul opened in early May of 2011 and was one of our favorite morning spots to meet up with friends for a coffee and a pastry. The nearest Paul that remains open is the eatery on F Street between 13th and 14th St NW near Metro Center.
(Of note, the only restaurant still open in the Navy Memorial ring is Chop’t.)
We've missed you, have you missed us? Come visit! 🤗
Now open at: 13th & K, Metro Center, Farragut North, Foggy Bottom, Bethesda, and Tysons Galleria.#DMVFood #DCFood pic.twitter.com/n9sUI8qHZH
— PAUL DMV (@PAUL_BakeryDMV) July 29, 2020
HSBC Bank Coming To Former Starbucks Location At 7th and H St (800 7th St NW)
The long, long time Starbucks on the northwest corner of 7th and H St NW closed in September of last year. The scaffolding and shrouds went up this spring as the building underwent renovation. Now we know that an HSBC Bank will be moving based on the signage recently posted inside the building. Construction continues on the building throughout the pandemic. We’ll update further as we know it!
FreshFarm Market Resumes Operations At Penn Quarter Plaza (801 F St NW)
We are delighted to announce that as of last Thursday the FreshFarm Market is in business on Penn Quarter Plaza, our name for the large area in front of the National Portrait Gallery on F St NW. The market is open Thursdays from 3 pm to 7 pm with pandemic operating procedures in place. You can read about those operating procedures here.
2020 James Beard Awards Finalists Include Two Penn Quarter Names
The James Beard Foundation recently named its 2020 award semi-finalists and finalists. Four Penn Quarter and one Shaw restaurants are among the nominees; two Penn Quarter restaurants will go on to compete as finalists. The James Beard Awards are given in many categories, including chefs and restaurants, books, journalism, and broadcast media, plus restaurant design, leadership, humanitarian work, and lifetime achievement. Chef and restaurant winners will be announced on September 25.
While all Penn Quarter/Shaw restaurants remain closed due to the nation-wide Covid-19 epidemic, these James Beard semi-finalists and finalists are offering creative take-out and delivery from a limited menu and during limited hours.
- Jaleo (480 7th Street NW), a finalist in the Outstanding Restaurant category, honors “a restaurant in business 10 or more consecutive years, demonstrating consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, service, and operations”. [How to order pickup/delivery]
- Vikram Sunderam of Rasika (633 D Street NW) was one of only 20 national semi-final chefs in the Outstanding Chef category to honor “a chef of at least five years who sets high culinary standards and has served as a positive example for other food professionals”. [How to order pickup/delivery]
- Amy Brandwein of Centrolina (974 Palmer Alley NW) and Cagla Onal-Urel of Green Almond Pantry (1314 9th Street NW) were two of the 20 semi-finalists for Mid-Atlantic Outstanding Chef, honoring chefs who “set high culinary standards and also demonstrate integrity and admirable leadership skills in their respective regions”. The Mid-Atlantic region includes Washington, DC; Delaware, Maryland; New Jersey, Virginia; and Pennsylvania. Amy will go on to compete as a finalist. [How to order pickup/delivery (Centrolina)] [How to order pickup/delivery (Green Almond Pantry)]
- Flight Wine Bar (777 6th Street NW) was a semi-finalist for Outstanding Wine Program, “demonstrating excellence in wine service through a carefully considered wine list and a well-informed approach to helping customers choose and drink wine”. [How to order pickup/delivery]
- Victor Albisu who runs Poca Madre (777 I St NW) was a semi-finalist for Best Chef category. They are closed during the pandemic and do not have pickup/delivery.
Learn more about DC’s other James Beard Award nominees here.
Established in 1991, the James Beard Foundation’s Restaurant and Chef Awards honor members of the American food, beverage, and hospitality industries who demonstrate excellence in their respective fields. Winners show exceptional talent and creativity in their craft and commendable leadership among their colleagues and peers. The James Beard Foundation is dedicated to promoting a strong, safe, inclusive, ethical food community, and these awards reflect those values. In consideration of the Covid-19 pandemic, the foundation will forego a physical ceremony and will instead issue a press release on May 27, 2020 announcing the winners. Restaurant & Chef Award winners will be announced on September 25, 2020.
James Beard (May 5, 1903 – January 23, 1985) was an American chef, cookbook author, and teacher and television personality. Beard was a champion of American cuisine who taught and mentored generations of professional chefs and food enthusiasts. His legacy lives on in his writings and his foundation’s annual James Beard awards.