Results tagged “firstlook”

       

Ever since it was announced more than 18 months ago that Birch & Barley/ChurchKey would be taking the place of Dakota Cowgirl and Ramrod in the Logan Circle neighborhood, anticipation has been building. The PR machines and press cranked, listing anticipated opening dates to ad nauseum. So it wasn't that surprising that more than 30 people were lined up outside of the bar starting around 4:50 p.m. on Thursday night, anticipating a 5 p.m. opening. But alas, they had to wait until 5:35 p.m. watching the delivery men roll cases of beer and liquor up the stairs. Even now, the bottles have not been inventoried and will not be available until next week.

         

We've been eagerly awaiting the opening of Room 11 Wine and Dessert Bar in Columbia Heights for some time now, and tracking their progress on their blog. The bar is situated on the corner of 11th and Lamont Streets NW and features an outdoor patio. The owners held a soft opening last night for media and friends of the bar, with the official opening set for August 10. Room 11 is the brain child of a collection of 20 investors with strong ties in the D.C. arts, music, and food communities. The decor represents those affiliations with art work and various knick knacks, like popover pans.

It would be easy at first glance to lump Eatonville in with Busboys and Poets. Both are owned by Andy Shallal, both are located in the U Street neighborhood (in fact, they're across the street from each other), and both are inspired by famous African-American authors. Resist the temptation to compare, because these are two very different animals.

            

Baltimore-based Pitango Gelato officially opens its first D.C.-area location today. Located across from the P Street Whole Foods, it is a welcome addition to the neighborhood. And Virginians, don't fret, as another Pitango will be opening soon in Reston Town Center.

Word to the wise: when you make your first visit to Potenza, avoid the compulsion to fill up on the bread. It’s a feat that will not be easy, as that basket full of impeccably fresh focaccia, perfectly crunchy grissini and whatever else just came out of the oven stares you down, wafting its delicious aromas at you. But there are other things to look forward to at the latest restaurant from the creators of Zola and the new Zola Wine & Kitchen, which opened last month at the corner of 15th and H St. NW.

    

It's not every day that a tiny mom-and-pop ethnic restaurant is so hotly anticipated. But ever since Prince of Petworth posted a picture of the maroon awning and "Coming Soon" banner, local blogs have been buzzing about the prospect of more Vietnamese food in the city. Pho 14 in Columbia Heights finally opened on Wednesday, and judging by the lines out the door this weekend, D.C. can't get enough pho.

          

It's a cold, dark night, and I'm looking for a speakeasy that should be next door to Marvin. I'm not quite sure what to do. I spy a set of ringers, with a small label next to one: The Gibson. I press it. A door opens, and the bouncer quickly waves me in. He checks ID with the low light from his cell phone; as he explains, the phone is dimmer, all the better for the incognito theme. He escorts me into the bar, where I grab a seat. The first thing I notice is how amazing the place smells: It smells like Christmas.

          

It's not every day that a restaurant has 42,000 owners.

         

Written by DCist contributor Whitney Satin