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.
