chiefdc

Oh geez, now Ramen is "hot" (pun intended)? Lord help us all... It may be a good thing because of the severe recession, but not because it's gourmet or worthy of showcasing on a menu.

The NYT dropped the ball in certain respects in this article (though it was good overall), not the least of which was the failure to mention Ray's the Heat. This is the highest profile, and to my knowledge the first announced, sit-down restaurant project in that section of the city. The other instances in which they dropped the ball were in basic facts regarding the neighborhoods (Ann Cashion lives in Mt Pleasant, not Columbia Heights, they misspelled Capitol Hill, they got the location of Love Cafe wrong, etc). I don't mean to nitpick, but this is a major national publication after all.

I have heard great things about this place already (albeit anecdotal, second and third-hand). Can't wait to try it out. From looking at the website info, their "mission" is certainly commendable and earns them the benefit of the doubt in my mind.

Sorry to hear that, Rissa! Hopefully it will actually open. Doesn't sound good at this point

Wow, that really blows. I was hoping it would be around by summer. I wonder what the reason is for the insane delay? I mean, that's a HUGE delay.

Nice sleuthing! I tried to dig up something, but I got nada. I am very interested to see where it opens. It really slipped under the radar screen.

It was solid. Definitely a great asset for an otherwise pho-less Bethesda. Some of their other dishes are pretty decent too. Don't expect to be blown away- they don't provide the plate of greens, but the broth is tasty.

I've long thought this was an unfilled niche in the DC dining scene. I'm not sure I'd go "fine dining" necessarily, though. I'd have it be a casual and fun spot for people to drink and socialize (think Lauriol-esque with communal tables). If it were accommodating to big groups, that would be a huge draw. Too many restaurants are unable (unwilling?) to accommodate large groups without a long wait or awkward seating arrangements. I also think you should have something on the order of seat numbers, so one can "pay by spot" in order to avoid the awkwardness that comes along with splitting a bill at a communal table. I know many traditionalist may cringe at the idea (and bristle at my mention of Lauriol), but I think it would be attractive to many people, even just as a change of pace. GOOD LUCK! What type of cuisine will be served? And what potential areas are you looking into? 14th St/U St/ Logan needs a place like this.

I was perusing bisnow.com's real estate section, and saw this interesting clip: "Cushman's Dave Dochter... recently signed Little Buddha, a Vegas-based restaurant, to space at 455 Mass [Ave NW]." The Vegas Little Buddha looks pretty posh and trendy. They serve sushi, and it seems to be mostly favorable reviews. Could fill a niche downtown in Mt Vernon square, an area currently crying out for culinary options. Anyone been to the Vegas one at the Palms Hotel? Thoughts? In the same post, they mention a restaurant group called BlackFinn Group (from sleuthing, it looks like a Chatlotte-based entertainment group) signing a lease at 3175 Wilson Blvd. which is between the Clarendon Ballroom and the new restaurant Eventide. (From the looks of the places the group has opened, I expect it to be cheesy and gimmicky. Just what Clarendon needs... yikes) http://www.bisnow.com/washington_dc_commer...tory.php?p=1892

Was it at least a cool space/atmosphere? haha

I'm thinking it will be rooftop patio.... like Eighteenth Street Lounge. That's the only way to get a patio that large in such a prime location. Especially when considering permitting concerns.

Of course I'm familiar. It's not super transit-friendly (A healthy 10 minute walk for transit) but I fundamentally disagree with the idea of "parking minumums" and I believe it should be up to "the market" or businessperson whether they want to provide parking, free or otherwise, to their customers. Their success of failure should be due to their decisions alone, not whatever arbitrary decision of the same county government that limits which wines a restaurant is able to serve......

I would love to see some major sleuthing on this... I saw this on a nighlife website a few months back, but haven't heard anything since. It claims that it will have the "largest outdoor patio in Dupont." It could be more of a nighlife spot, but it would nice if it were a legit Mexican restaurant too... Anyone have a clue about this? http://www.duponttequila.com/

I tried to go in this place a couple weeks ago, and it was closed. I had heard favorable reviews, but I don't think many people stopped in. They did not advertise well, nor was their signage in the line of sight for most pedestrians. It's a shame... looked very promising.

Parking minimums for businesses is total suburban BS. You shouldn't mandate that kind of thing, especially since people should be encouraged to take public transit whenever possible. Just my 2cents...

Ward 7 isn't as poor as you might think. There are some solidly middle class areas there (same with Ward 8). I think people should drive/walk those areas around a bit, it's not as scary as the media would make you believe, although the concentrations of public housing have posed a major issue to those communities. Kudos to Landrum for doing something that others should have done years ago. It will be very successful in all facets. Btw, it's my first post!