RSS FeedMeatballs and Le Pain Quotidien In Training
Photo: Le Pain Quotidien with “in training” billboard out on street
They weren’t open to the public over the weekend but both Le Pain Quotidien (10th and F St NW) and Meataballs (624-A E St NW) were running training sessions on Sunday as shown by signs posted outside or on the door. Patrons could be seen getting served in both locations and in the now familiar sequence of getting a restaurant open from leasing the space to obtaining permits to building out the interior to opening, this is typically the last step before the doors open to the public. Who knows…perhaps we’ll see them open for business to the public today, tomorrow, or sometime this week! A few more photos follow the break.
I Can See Clearly Now
On our run this morning we noticed several upcoming changes to retail spaces in PQ. First we noticed the above permit in the window of what we think is the old McWilliams|Ballard office in 801 Penn Ave NW, store front on the 9th Street side between D and Penn. Construction was already going on inside this location which is set to become Freeds Optical. Internet searches tell us this was (is?) in the sister building, 701 Penn Ave. We’d always had our eyes well taken care of by Dr. Langan at Insight Opticians (on F & 12th Street) so we’ve never needed to visit Freed’s. But we like to see long-vacant spaces being filled.
Later in the run we noticed that 640 14th Street (the old W. Curtis Draper cigar shop, Draper’s moved to 699 15th Street a few months back) is papered over with ads for The Hamilton. We hadn’t realized the new restaurant from the Clyde’s Group was going to take over that space along with the old Border’s location. Maybe that will be their smoking section?
And last but not least we saw that the temporary Ann Taylor store at 1270 F Street was closed and emptied. We call the store and they’re reopening, tomorrow, at the original 600 13th Street location.
On My Foodie Radar
Here are just a few things I’ve been exploring around the Web to satisfy my foodie cravings.
Starting this week, America Eats Tavern (405 8th St. NW) will be offering the Thomas Downing Oyster and Cocktail Hour with $1 oysters on the half shell and drink specials. Generously, these specials are going to be offered 4-6pm and 9pm-close.
Ending Thursday, November 3, Proof (775 G St. NW) is offering a special menu inspired by Alice B. Tolkas, the life-long partner of Gertrude Stein. Stein is currently featured in an exhibit at the National Portrait Gallery across the street.
I’ve been hearing amazing things about The Columbia Room at Passenger (1021 7th St. NW). I recently discovered that they offer mixology classes. One of interest to me this month (11/19), French Herbal Liqueurs: A Religious Experience. After thoroughly enjoying a Chartreuse Mojito in Paris earlier this year, I’ve been asking bartenders to incorporate this unique and delicious liqueur into all sorts of cocktails for me. I would love to know more about it’s uses and history!
Next Monday, November 7, is the FreshFarm Markets annual benefit gala. A great opportunity to enjoy a custom-designed menu from the area’s best chefs and support the incredible organization behind our local farmers’ markets. New this year, you can bid online for auction items before the event. This is always a great event with fabulous foodie-centric food and auction items.
Do you have a list of foodie places or events you’ve been meaning to try?
DC Link Roundup: Heard In The ‘Hood
Photo: The Hamilton at 14th and F St NW is moving along! Opening will be in December or sooner.
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Here’s what we were reading recently about neighborhood news in DC. Have something to add? Leave it in the comments!
Penn Quarter – More details show up in the press about Meatballs (626 E St NW). We haven’t seen so much fuss made over what will amount to being a fast food, albeit non-chain, restaurant. [Washingtonian] & [Eater]
Mount Vernon Triangle – The Chipotle on 5th St is now open. Now you can get a burrito and hit the Safeway in one fell swoop. [The Triangle]
Chinatown – More becomes apparent about the proposed Verizon Center sign legislation with an ANC meeting this Wednesday and a DC Council hearing on November 17. Aren’t there enough signs in the area already? [November 2 ANC2C meeting agenda] & [Washington Business Journal – Proposed Sign Legislation [PDF]]
Georgetown – Is Georgetown University getting too big for its neighborhood britches? [WaPo – OpEd]
Shaw – Formerly JPI East, developer of the Clara Barton, the Lafayette and the Jefferson at Logan Circle, the Jefferson Apartment Group buys Kelsey Gardens on 7th Street NW for redevelopment. [Renew Shaw]
Penn Quarter – WaPo’s Date Lab daters go to Rosa Mexicano. We don’t know if they tried the guacamole. [WaPo Date Lab]
Downtown – Roti Mediterranean Grill at 1311 F St NW, formerly the Organic To Go, opens tomorrow. [Roti website (bottom of Locations page)]
Chinatown – The UFC Versus event in early October at the Verizon Center sets attendance and gate records. [MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) Junkie]
All Over DC – 159 Minor Things D.C. Officers Can Arrest You For…the title says it all. Be careful where you do your auctioneering. [WaPo]