Zola to become Bajaj's Brasserie

Back in August Ashok Bajaj of Rasika, Bibiana and the Oval Room announced he would be taking over the old Zola space.  At the time, he didn't have a concept, but he's back now with a plan (but he's only letting the public in on a piece of it) - the 8,300 square foot space will house a brasserie.

In terms of the neighborhood, we think it's a pretty good fit.  The plan is to open in Spring 2013.

Downtown Holiday Market Opens Today

Don't forget: the Downtown Holiday Market begins today at noon!

As always, there's food & drink and musical entertainment to go along with your shopping.

Check out the market guide now before you go - there's even a coupon lurking in there.

What's to Come in the Cafe Atlantico Space

Last month, we reported that Frederick de Pue had bought the old Cafe Atlantico/Minibar/America Eats space on 8th Street.  Today, Washington City Paper brought us some more information on the restaurant.

What it'll be called:  Azur

Focus: European classics with contemporary flavors (focusing on seafood)

What happened to the Minibar area? A raw bar

The look:  three stories of "hues of the ocean"

Partnerships:  Azur will serve tea from Teaism (conveniently across the street); Founding Farmers' mixologist Jon Arroyo will design seasonal cocktail menus

Opening date:  New Years Eve (dinner only); a Spring launch for lunch and brunch

Asian Liaison Unit Moves out of Chinatown

MPD is in the process of moving the Asian Liaison Unit out of Chinatown and into its Judiciary Square headquarters.

The move comes after Gallery Place managers approached the police and asked if it would consider moving the unit out of the space it's rented for $1/year under a ten year lease, according to the Washington Times. A spokesperson for Gallery Place highlighted the fact that officers spend most of their time on patrol, and have used the Asian Liaison Unit property more as a locker room.  "I can assure that moving forward," Gallery Place management went on, "the police will have access to a fully operational command center located within the Gallery Place building."

No wonder on how big the space was, but we have to wonder if Gallery Place has something lined up to take its place.

Christmas Trees for Sale in MVTriangle

Looking for a Christmas tree here in the neighborhood?  (If your building allows live Christmas trees, that is, we have noted in years past that many condo associations ban them.)  Look no further.  (It's sponsored by Santa Claus, how could you go wrong!)

Panera Bread Starts Construction in Chinatown

Work has finally begun at the complex on the corner of 7th and H NW.  According to the Washington Business Journal, a building permit was issued Friday for Panera Bread, so we now know that the two-story restaurant will be able to hold 52 people on the first floor and 144 on the second.

We first announced Panera's intent to move in nearly a year ago now, so it's nice to see some movement - though Panera still has yet to announce when they believe the work will be complete.

Election Day Prep

It's Election Day tomorrow.  After you take care of business, here's where to celebrate (or drown your sorrows):

Take Care of Business (VOTE!):  Penn Quarter residents, you need to vote as follows:

Polling Place Details
Ward Number	2
Precinct Number	143
School District	2

Polling Place Name, Address, and Accessibility Information
Polling Place Name	CHINESE COMMUNITY CHURCH
Address	500 I ST. NW Washington DC, 20001
Description	CHURCH HALL/MEETING ROOM
Accessible to Disabled/Elderly	ACCESSIBLE-I STREET ENTRANCE

Polls are open 7a-8p.

Not a Penn Quarter resident and not sure where to vote?  Check here.

Watch/Celebrate/Plot Move to Another Country:

• Art and Soul will have their happy hour menu, cocktail specials and multiple screens starting at 4p until a winner is announced.  Each Swing State cocktail will be buy one get one free if you show the bartender your "I voted" sticker.  And - all Swing State cocktails will be half off within 15 minutes of that state's results being announced.
• Oyamel will have Red and Blue cocktails - each $10 - and coverage shown on a big screen TV.
• Kelly's Irish Times is hosting "Party with Campaigns and Elections" with red state and blue state shooters, prizes, Ben & Jerry's, and other surprises.  Admission is free. 
• Rocket Bar has the DCWeek Election Party - the first 200 to sign up get a free beer but we fear that ship has already sailed.
• All of the Busboys and Poets locations - including the one closest to us at 5th and K - will be open until a winner is called.  We hope they know what they're in for!  
• Ultrabar is hosting ElectionNight.us, whose slogan is "Vote, then party.  It's your duty."  We agree! General admission tickets are $49.

Know of more local events?  Leave 'em in the comments.  And don't forget to vote!

Dangerously Delicious Pies Hopes to Open This Year

We've been concerned about Dangerously Delicious Pies' opening at 7th and I Sts. for awhile now - progress seemed mired and we were skeptical - they had originally slated for June 2012.

Well, good news, pie fans: today they gave word to Prince of Petworth that they hope to open in 4-6 weeks.  Sadly, this isn't in time to fulfill your Thanksgiving pie needs, so you can head over to their Union Station or H Street locations while we bide our time here.