Friday, November 30, 2012

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.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

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.

Monday, November 26, 2012

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!)

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Panera Bread Starts Construction in Chinatown

Panera Bread LogoWork 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.

Monday, November 5, 2012

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:

Ward Number2
Precinct Number143
School District2

Polling Place Name, Address, and Accessibility Information
Polling Place NameCHINESE COMMUNITY CHURCH
Address500 I ST. NW
Washington DC, 20001
DescriptionCHURCH HALL/MEETING ROOM
Accessible to Disabled/ElderlyACCESSIBLE-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:

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

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Dangerously Delicious Pies Hopes to Open This Year

Dangerously Delicious Pies
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.