Looks like Vinoteca will have to add a few more bottles of chianti to its wine list now that its backyard bocce court and patio have opened. more ›

Neighborhood blogger U Street Girl acknowledged in a post late last night that she had removed a comment that had been posted to her blog after receiving an email from David Shott, the owner of planned new wine bar Du Vin Osteria. Shott had threatened legal action against the blog, according to its author.

It is with regret that I write this post and removed the comment. I wish Mr. Shott had come to me in a more friendly manner and had not immediately written the words “legal action” to a young professional who blogs on her spare time. I was trying to promote Mr. Shott’s business. I posted the comment because it seemed to raise relevant concerns about Mr. Shott.

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. more ›

Written by DCist contributor Andrew Schneider more ›

It's a very good time to be a wine drinker in D.C. With spring not too far away, wine bars have been popping up like daisies around town. Newcomers include Proof in Chinatown, Vinoteca at 11th/U, and Veritas in Dupont Circle. Just last night, another contender entered the fray: Cork officially opened its doors on 14th between R and S. The wine list is 40 strong by the glass, and around 130 by the bottle. Prices are generally in the $8-$11 range for glasses, although there are a few outliers at $6 and $14. Cork also offers flights of three wines for $9-$13 - my chenin blanc flight was an interesting tour through the grape's intricacies, with sugar and acidity levels varying between glasses. At the moment, the beer list has only five bottles, but it includes standouts such as the Smuttynose IPA and Floris Wit-Blanche. As for the food, I arrived as the kitchen was closing so I missed out on a chance to try the menu, but the presence of Chef Ron Tonaka, former sous chef of CityZen and Citronelle, makes me confident that the food will be an attraction here. The menu is small, but includes some typical wine bar fare such as charcuterie and duck confit, as well as more adventurous selections, each notated with wine recommendations. more ›

Written by DCist Contributor Eric Denman As the commercialization of Chinatown persists, the number of restaurants and bars continues to increase. For every existing grungy Chinese takeout place, there is a new sports bar, burger joint, or wine bar. Proof, which opened in July, is the newest entry in the Chinatown wine bar field, and it opened a mere block from the established José Andrés outpost Zaytinya (which has been open since 2002). Both places... more ›

>> D.C. firefighters were called to a rowhouse fire in Columbia Heights this afternoon. The blaze broke out about 5:15 p.m. in the 1300 block of Otis Place, NW. [AP/WJLA] >> As if Adams Morgan could somehow be ruined by the introduction of beer and wine sales at a grocery store? Have they been to Adams Morgan? [Examiner] >> SmarTrip cards are now available at more Giant stores. [Free Ride] >> "Good lord, have... more ›

>> There are so many festivals going on this weekend, we don't feel bad mentioning them a few times to make sure you get your butt off the couch to check out as many of them as you can. We'll have more on always anticipated Crafty Bastards later today, which is Sunday in Adams Morgan. The National Book Festival, where this writer is going to nerd it up, is Saturday on the Mall. Practice your... more ›

California Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, has declared September “California Wine Month” for the third consecutive year. Since September is almost over we thought we would get into the spirit and raise a glass to the California wine industry (not that we think they need their own month). We would have celebrated sooner but we were busy getting tipsy off our own local Virginia Wines, as you may recall. The Wine Institute, a.k.a. the self-proclaimed “Voice for... more ›

Are wine bars the next bistro? Following closely on the heels of Proof and Sonoma, Veritas Wine Bar will be opening next Monday, September 17. The list is largely composed of Euro-style California wines, with over 50 available by the glass starting at $8 and going up to $28. Also available are various red and white flights, chosen by varietal, region or cutesy names like "m&m&m" and "Mick's picks". Three deadly zins, anyone? The web... more ›

Now's the time to get your ticket to the Third Annual Transformer Silent Auction and Benefit Party. Held on Saturday, November 4, at the Edison Place Gallery, the night promises to be an evening of creative company, great food, and a celebration of local talent. more ›

Intoxication was the theme, and our host was appropriately buzzed for the event, or so she told us. The tables were packed early for the season's opening night of Speakeasy at HR-57, a monthly event featuring storytellers of all talent levels, from captivating veterans to nervous amatuers. more ›

Our pal Amanda over at Metrocurean reports that West Coast import Cowgirl Creamery's opening is imminent. And although we look forward to the cheese purveyor's landing in the Penn Quarter, excellent cheese shops -- such as Philadelphia's DiBruno Bros., Greenwich Village's Murray's Cheese Shop, and local fromagerie Cheesetique -- often present to us a paradox of choice. That is, faced with too many good options from which to choose, we run the risk of choosing... more ›

From its Potomac River perch, the recently shuttered Potowmack Landing restaurant on Daingerfield Island just north of Old Town Alexandria featured some of the area's best views of Washington. Unfortunately, the uninspired fare meant that it often made more sense to pack a picnic and enjoy your lunch and the beautiful scenery from a grassy patch outside the place than to actually eat there. On April 10, the food will finally match the views... more ›

While a small wine bar and restaurant on the beach in South Carolina may have very little to do with Washington D.C., it was this DCist’s summer vacation destination. A unique behind the scenes experience and extensive conversation with the head chef of 11 Center Street Wine and Gourmet (full disclosure: owned by this DCist's mother) proved the source of much inspiration. This tapas restaurant on Folly Beach has been kicking out upscale small plates... more ›

Editor's Note: DCist's Eating In is a regular feature written by Scott Reitz, self proclaimed lover of food and in-home entertaining. Each Eating In post will feature simple yet impressive recipes that can easily made at home by the novice chef, focusing on local ingredients and items that can be picked up on the way home from work. Minimal effort, basic motor skills, and perhaps a bit of luck will result in exceptionally tasty menu items perfect for an off the cuff apartment happy hour, an elegant dinner for two, or a hearty cure for the mistakes we made the night before at the Black Cat. more ›