Mussel Bar is Chef Robert Wiedmaier's fourth establishment.
NEW
Carmines
Subscribing to the mantra “bigger is better,” the NYC mainstay sets up shop in a massive two-story, 20,000 square foot space in Penn Quarter this month. Serving up the same Southern Italian fare that made them famous in Manhattan (and New Jersey and the Bahamas), the home-style haven will continue to cook like Grandma did. Extra-large portions promise no one will go hungry, and separate entrances for the Secret Service and foreign dignitaries set this location apart from its four predecessors. Come hungry—and bring friends! These plates were meant for sharing. Carmines: 425 7th St. NW, Washington, DC; 202-737-7770; www.carminesnyc.com
Estadio
Joining Cork, Posto, Masa 14, and Birch and Barley, the España-influenced Estadio looks to make 14th Street even more of a DC dining destination. The upscale spot—brought to you by the folks from Proof—is serving sumptuous Spanish cuisine, like fried squash blossom filled with goat cheese and grilled octopus with potato-caper salad. The spot is full of medieval-esque décor in the form of communal tables of iron and wood and built-in metal bar stools for savoring slushitos, delicious-sounding sips available with either Campari and gin, or sherry and scotch. Seems like soccer isn’t the only thing Spain excels at. Estadio: 1520 14th St. NW, Washington, DC; 202-319-1404; www.estadio-dc.com
Fire Works
Sure, the summer sparklers are great, but the name of this Courthouse resto refers to the cheesy goodness that is wood-fired pizza. The Leesburg-based spot is set to get an upgrade when it opens its second location in Arlington this month. Unlike the tiny space it occupies down South, Works 2.0 will boast a full bar—because nothing pairs with pizza quite like a great vino. As for the pies themselves, the Barcelona—piled high with smokey chorizo, mahon cheese, olives, roasted peppers, and organic tomatoes—is just one of the mouth-watering menu items. Let others keep their eyes on the sky—you’ll be too busy peering at your plate. Fire Works: 2350 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington, VA; 703-527-8700; www.fireworkspizza.com
The Leaky Faucet
Formerly Draft Pix, here’s hoping Leaky lasts longer than the building’s former occupants. Whether you’re looking to live it up or kick back and relax, the Adams Morgan spot has you covered. Downstairs caters to creatures of comfort with couches and big-screen TVs, while club kids can get jiggy on the dance floor upstairs. Leaky’s rotating list of local DJs, its chill dive-y vibe, and perfectly-seasoned Faucet fries guarantee the spot won’t be a drip. The Leaky Faucet: 2450 18th St. NW, Washington, DC; 202-588-7405
Lupe Cantina
The former home of pasta place Sesto Senso is having a Mexican moment: Lupe, swathed in bright colors and festive lighting, is definitely an old-school Hispanic haunt, with simply-prepared classics like nachos, enchiladas, taquitos—and tequila!—on the menu. Mariachi music drifts down to the dining room from the upstairs DJ station, where eight cool kids can share the only upper-level table—and lord their margaritas over the other patrons, of course. Lupe Cantina: 1214 A 18th St. NW, Washington, DC; 202-785-9525; www.lupecantina.com
Star and Shamrock, H Street's latest entry, is a NYC-style deli / Irish Pub combo.
Mad Fox Brew Pub
Kegs, and beer bottles, and breweries, oh my. With so many brewpubs frothing over into the DC area, how does NoVa’s Mad Fox stand out from the crowd? Top-notch brewer (and owner) Bill Madden is certainly part of the draw—Madden previously worked at Capitol City Brewing Co. and offers humorously monikered-malts like the Wee Heavy, a deep ebony colored sip with a silky smooth finish. Mad Fox Brew Pub: 444 West Broad St., Falls Church, VA; 703-942-6840; www.madfoxbrewingcompany.com
Mussel Bar
Super-chef Robert Wiedmaier opens his fourth—and most casual— establishment in the form of a Flemish gastro pub. Inspired by his days as a cook in Brussels, Wiedmaier’s no-frills concept lacks tablecloths and reservations, but boasts tasty Prince Edward Island mussels, zesty fries, and loud rock-and-roll music. Döner Kebabs, wood-fired tarts, and authentic custard are also on hand to keep customers satisfied, as is a stellar selection of 40-something Belgian beers. For the inept—or the tipsy!—four staff members are on hand to open the oysters at individual tables. The Mussel Bar: 7262 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda, MD; 301-215-7817; www.musselbar.com
Star and Shamrock
Looking to unite the District’s Jewish and Irish denizens is this H Street haunt, part New York-style deli and part traditional Irish pub. Being Jewish or Irish isn’t a pre-req for stepping foot in the mellow melting-pot, however: All are welcome to enjoy the bar’s Reuben sandwiches, pastrami, kosher hot dogs, matzo balls, latkes and more. Irish and Rye whiskey is on hand for those toasting “L’Chaim”—to life! Star and Shamrock: 1341 H St. NE, Washington, DC; 202-388-3833; www.starandshamrock.com
Former Top Chef contestant Spike Mendelsohn's new pizza place, We, The Pizza.
We, The Pizza
Because man cannot live on burgers alone, celeb chef Spike Mendelsohn switches his focus from one everyday American fave to another: The former Top Chef contestant opens his first pizza joint next door to the uber-popular Good Stuff Eatery on Penn Ave. The Pizza—formerly Zack’s Taverna—promises homemade gelato, old-school sodas and thin-crust pies that even an authentic New Yorker could love. Like Good Stuff, Pizza boasts regional, farm-fresh ingredients—and super-fast service, for those anxious to escape what’s sure to be a full house. We, The Pizza: 305 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC; 202-544-4008; www.wethepizza.com
NOTABLE
ACKC
You scream, I scream…well, you know. It seems Saturday is the best day for a sundae, with both ACKC locations peddling old-fashioned ice-cream with unlimited toppings—M&M’s, please!—for just $3.50. ACKC: 1529C 14th St. NW, Washington, DC; 202-387-2626; www.thecocoagallery.com
AGAINN
Happy hour isn’t just for humans—the folks at this British gastropub understand a canine’s need to cool off too. On Mondays-Fridays, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., patrons can spend some time with their pups while enjoying $5 beers and $7 wine by the glass; treats are also on hand for Fido. If your four-legged friend feels the need to come AGAINN, he’s also welcome at brunch, Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. AGAINN: 1099 New York Ave. NW, Washington, DC; 202-639-9830; www.againndc.com
Bourbon Steak
Looking for some G.L.A.S.S. with your drink? Bourbon Steak’s Duane Sylvestre beat out other local mixologists at a cocktail competition last month with his Stained G.L.A.S.S. concoction, containing ginger, lemon, aloe, sugar and spice. Sample the winner, and other delicious drinks by Sylvestre, one of the 40 finalists in the running for the title of Inspired Bartender of the Year, at this Four Seasons resto. Bourbon Steak: 2800 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC; 202-944-2026; www.bourbonsteakdc.com
Buddha Bar
Cheap choices abound come lunchtime in Chinatown: Head to Buddha Bar for a reduced-price midday menu, offering entrees like Kobe beef sliders, Japanese sea bass tacos, and Kurobuta BLTs that won’t break the bank at just $13 to $16. The on-the-cheap options are served Monday- Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Buddha Bar: 455 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC; 202-355-5555; www.buddhabardc.com
Café Atlantico
José Andrés’ Penn Quarter place is shaking things up cocktail-wise: Mixologist Owen Thomson’s newest creations include the Old Man & the Sea, made with hibiscus-infused rum, lime juice and simple syrup served with hibiscus air, and the Lucky Penny, made using Spanish Brandy, maraschino liquor, lime juice and cherry bitters. These newbies are $12, while more classic sips—like mojitos—are just $11. Café Atlantico: 405 8th St. NW, Washington, DC; 202- 393-0812; www.cafeatlantico.com
Eola
Comfort brunch foods—with a contemporary twist—debut at Eola this month, courtesy of Chef Daniel Singhofen. Featuring farm-fresh food bought from same-day excursions to the Dupont Farmer’s Market, the sweet and savory menu will include faves like cinnamon rolls, eggs and hash, and cheddar grits. If anything’s going to get us out of bed early on a weekend, it’s homemade cinnamon rolls. Eola: 2020 P St. NW, Washington, DC; 202-466-4441; www.eoladc.com
Potenza
With summer temps soaring, Potenza patrons can beat the heat with frozen alcoholic popsicles, inspired by three of the resto’s coolest cocktails. Diners can pick from the Potenza, a lemony Italian combination of house-made lemoncello, grappa and a dash of lemon bitters; the Orvieto, a frozen pairing of fresh strawberries and balsamic syrup with Italian vodka, fresh lime and basil; or, the Bina Bellini, a blend of white peaches, Italian vodka and prosecco. Best of all, the treats bring a buzz for just $5. Potenza: 1430 H St. NW, Washington, DC; 202-638-4444; www.potenzadc.com
DC and Alexandria Restaurant Weeks
So many restaurants to try, only seven days of Restaurant Week to fit them into. Start narrowing down your choices, as DC foodie’s favorite week kicks off Aug. 16 and runs through the 22nd, with lunches for $20.10 and dinners for $35.10. Alexandria residents have their own week, getting more bang for their buck beginning Aug. 20.
For DC Restaurant Week details, check out www.washington.org/restaurantwk.com. For Alexandria, visit www.visitalexandria.com
Sam & Harry’s
Until August 14, Sam’s steakhouse diners can buy one menu item and get one free as part of the Triangle’s “Dine Golden” promotion; we recommend the Coulotte steak and the mocha pot du crème dessert. Sam & Harry’s: 1200 19th St. NW, Washington, DC; 202-296-4333; www.samandharrys.com
TenPenh
Before your weekly case of the Mondays kicks in, make the weekend last as long as possible at TenPenh’s Sunday pig roast. At $29 a person, drinks and small plates are served on the patio starting at 3 p.m., with the main course at 5:30 p.m. If your palate isn’t prepared for so much pork, the regular dinner menu is also available. TenPenh: 1001 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC; 202-393-4500; www.tenpenh.com
R.J. Cooper to Open Pigtails
James Beard award winner R.J. Cooper—chef at the Jeffrey Buben-owned Southern American spot since 2004— has left Vidalia to focus on his upcoming place, Pigtails, a concept named for his daughters and his love of all things pork. Best of luck, R.J.!
