Sparky's Has Indeed Been Shuttered
Following our conversation last week about the Warehouse's impending closure, several commenters were asking about the fate of Sparky's at 14th and R, NW, which was suddenly shuttered a few weeks back. Phone calls to the shop lead to a message that doesn't recommend that you leave a message, because no one checks the machine We searched for something more official, but the closest we found was at Brightest Young Things, which is official enough for the intergoogle, right?

According to BYT, employees showed up one day to find the business closed. A supposed employee confirmed this in the comments, but doesn't that strike you as a little strange? Then again, it was an independent coffee shop, so people probably just go with the flow. At any rate, the North of Logan/South of U Street neighborhood (Gentleman's contest! Come up with a name for this neighborhood. Nolosofu? Lopont? Whitman Walker?), has lost an institution, which will soon be replaced by an as-yet-unknown business called "Cork," which may or may not be focused on "vegetarian fare." Like you veg folk out there need a reminder that you're eating tree bark.

Locanda Opens Tonight!
Just when you were looking for a place to grab a "meditalian" bite before tonight's Nats-Brewers game. The Hill's newest restaurant, Locanda, opens tonight in the old Meyhane space at 633 Penn. Ave SE. Executive Chef Barszcz (formerly of Obelisk, Tallula, and Bistro Bis) will turn out "Mediterranean inspired Italian," to Hillizens, who are doubtlessly happy to have a new place in the neighborhood to eat. Dishes will largely be a product of whatever is coming out of Eastern Market, according to a restaurant representative, which means dishes will be seasonal and ever-changing. Some standouts on the current menu include Fried Vealballs, Whole Branzino alla Griglia with braised fennel, Taleggio cream and Hazelnut Gnocchi, and Ricotta Fritters with acacia honey. The restaurant will also serve over 30 wines by the glass, so we can assume that much more than the crostini will be toasted.

Photo from christaki.

Corduroy Soon to be for More than Hipster Jackets in Shaw
Tom gives us the news: Corduroy will be moving to Shaw. The restaurant will be vacating the Four Points Sheraton at the end of the year so the hotel can be demolished for more office buildings. The staff will carry Chef Tom Power over the threshold of 1122 9th Street sometime in February 2008.

This is truly a blessing for Shaw dwellers, as one of the city's most consistently excellent restaurants will be that much closer. The new space will be located across the street from the Convention Center, only four blocks from Shiloh Baptist Church, but probably at a great enough distance that liquor licenses won't become an issue.

We Need Proof
Tom also lets us know that Proof, after months of delays, has finally opened at 775 G St. NW in Chinatown. The big draw for this place will be its Enomatic, which will enable you to put money on a card, and drink wine by the credit allow the bartender to precisely dispense your vino. Have you ever wanted to try that $200 wine without selling your timeshare? Punch in Order $4 worth and it will meter out precious sips for you. What's next, you ask? Hopefully bottles of wine in my office vending machine.

Instead of "Big Red Spider," Think, "Tiny Delicious Lobster"
Sometimes all you need to celebrate the summer is to suck the heads of some spicy crustaceans. Thanks to The List Are You On It, we have news of tonight's crawdad boil at Acadiana. The offer only goes until 6:30 p.m., and is only available outside, so hurry!

Pam the Butcher Not Hiding in the Meat Locker
Ever since she wandered away from Bowers' cheese stand at Eastern Market, we wondered where Pam the Butcher went. DCist Emerita Melissa found her at Wagshal's waaaaaaaaay up Mass. Ave. NW.

Happy Blogiversary Metrocurean
She's 2, and far from terrible.

I Liked "Fidel Gastro," Personally
One more welcome to Endless Simmer, who gave us a i-hug over the e-nets today. You are awesome because you have whole sections about things like "Dixie," and "Phyllo." If you have a local food blog, please let us know, so we can add you to our already-ridiculous daily reading.