Lime Fresh to Replace Potbelly's

According to the Washington Business Journal, Lime Fresh Mexican Grill will replace the Potbelly at 726 7th Street in "mid-2013."

We're struck by the fact that Potbelly will be closing - particularly when another Mexican restaurant, California Tortilla, is right next door (and Chipotle is right across the street!).

A New Noodle Shop

A new noodle shop is coming to Penn Quarter/Chinatown, and no, it's not Wagamama.

According to the folks at The 42 Bus blog, the owners of Absolute Thai will be opening a new noodle themed restaurant in the space formerly known as Quiznos on 5th Street, called Absolute Noodle.  We think of Absolute Thai as kind of a sleeper-hit in our neighborhood, now run by celebrechefs and the like, and we're excited another neighborhoody-type-place will be opening.  Opening is on course for November.

Dine Out & End Childhood Hunger

Every September, Share Our Strength's Dine Out For No Kid Hungry brings together thousands of restaurants and their customers to raise funds for the campaign.  This year, Penn Quarter has a few options if you want to help:

• Hill Country - donate $2 or more through 9/22 and receive a small side on your next visit.
• California Tortilla - donate $1 or more through 9/23 and get a free taco on your next visit.
• Corner Bakery - donate $1 through 9/22 and get a free Whoopie Pie on your next visit, or donate $5 and get a coupon book worth $45.
• Bruegger's - donate $3 or more through 9/22 and get a coupon book worth $20.

Celebrity Sighting

Heigl's Facebook picture

Katherine Heigl was in town last night for the Angels in Adoption Gala at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.

According to Maria Trabocchi, she, husband Josh Kelley and daughters Naleigh and Adalaide dropped by Fiola as well.  Trabocchi categorized Heigl as "really beautiful" and "charming," and followed up with "And yes, she eats pasta too :)" 

Sculpt DC's Opening Presale

We mentioned last month that Sculpt DC was moving towards opening - and indeed - the official opening date is Monday, September 24th.

If you want to try it out, they're offering an opening month special - $40 for one month of unlimited yoga, $60 for one month of unlimited cycle and yoga.  Your month begins on the day of your first visit (so long as that first day is between Sept 24th and October 24th).  You can register here.

Their pricing will go up after that: $180 for one month unlimited yoga, or $160 if you auto-renew (you get cycling with that price also).