Thursday Deals

First, a few neighborhood reminders:

• Today is the second to last Farmers Market, from 3-7 as always (don't worry, it's lit!).  Check out some of the beautiful produce they'll be offering today ->
• Sixth Engine is still selling Christmas trees in walking distance of Penn Quarter.  Proceeds go to charity, so get on it!
• Of course, don't forget about the Downtown Holiday Market, open until December 23rd.  We love walking by and hearing the live music!

And now - some deals from LivingSocial:

• $20 for $40 at Kanlaya, and
• $15 for $30 or $10 for $20 at Ella's Pizza.

Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken

Come January, the space at 1308 G Street will have a new occupant: Astro Doughnuts and Fried Chicken.  It's everything it sounds like, and you can check out the menu here, which rotates on a daily basis.

BUT: if you can't wait until January for the delicacies, there will be a doughnut pop-up on December 20th and 21st at Chinatown Coffee Company on H Street.

Welcome to the neighborhood, Astro!

Celebrity Sighting

Neil Patrick Harris, in town to host the White House Christmas tree lighting, did a culinary food tour of DC yesterday.

He hit places all over DC, tweeting along the way.  His first spot was Penn Quarter hotspot Graffiato.  "Delicious pizza and the best brussels sprouts I've ever eaten," according to the actor (and we co-sign this statement).

Below, Harris' fiance David Burtka outside Mike Isabella's restaurant.

Picture via @actuallyNPH

PS7 No More - New Chef, New Concept to Come

We've heard rumors of PS7's closing, but nothing certain until now: the Washington Post is reporting that chef Victor Albisu of BLT Steak will be taking over the space in order to open Del Campo, a South American themed restaurant.

Indeed: it seems PS7 may have already closed - there is a sign on the door saying it's "closed for administrative duties" and no reservations are available on OpenTable.

Del Campo plans to open in the spring of 2013, when we can expect South American barbecue (steaks, short ribs, sausages) with crudos and ceviches.

Peace & Goodwill - a Pop-Up - comes to Chinatown

Back in August, the good people of Goodwill and Gensler, an architecture and design firm, started a pop-up shop at the Pepco Edison Place Gallery.  Citing great success, they're back just in time for the holidays with a new pop-up called Peace & Goodwill.

You can shop next Wednesday, December 12th through Friday, December 14th, 11a-6p (except Friday, when it closes at 5p).

We stopped by over the summer and found it to be well-stocked and inviting.  We imagine the winter version will be just the same!  And - if you need more incentive - Pepco will match each dollar you spend at the pop-up, up to $25,000, for a donation to Goodwill.  Plus - spend $50 or more and you'll be entered to win a 2005 Audi wagon.  Get shopping!  (And head over to the Downtown DC Market while you're at it!)

10:45a update:  As in August, they'll be accepting donations at this location, also.  (So now's a good time to face the music that those pants just aren't ever going to fit and donate them to a more noble cause.)

Developments for Mt. Vernon Triangle

Blogger Prince of Petworth has noticed that a long-vacant space on 5th Street (just north of Penn Quarter, close to Safeway et al) will become a new restaurant called Success.

Slated to hold 130 people, it will focus on local farm and seasonal ingredients.

No word yet on when that plans to open.

There's also been movement at the old High G. Paint Company across the street from Success's future location- no word yet on what that will be - but it is certain to be a step up from a dilapidated storefront.