New, Notable and No Longer

On Tap scouts out the restaurants, bars and clubs that are new to the scene or shaking things up.

NEW

American Tap Room
Saloon-esque spots are all the rage these days—see Meridian Pint, Mad Fox Brewery and more. Reston’s riff on the Old West watering hole expands to Bethesda, bringing its mid-priced menu of solid red-white-and-blue staples with it. Think mac and cheese, burgers, hot dogs, and a sprinkling of seafood in the form of crab cakes and Chilean sea bass. Director of Operations Frank Mitolo dubs it “the ultimate American grill menu.” The space itself is huge, with a large bar, several flat screen TV’s and live piano music—for a touch of class with your sliders. In addition to breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus, the Tap Room also has a game time menu, featuring easy apps like wings and chili; the better to enjoy those flat-screens.
American Tap Room: 7278 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda, MD; 301-656-1366;
www.americantaproom.com

Casa Nonna
Upgrade! This Dupont Circle space, formerly a California Pizza Kitchen, now boasts some serious cooking cred. The female-fronted Italian establishment has Le Pavilion’s Janet Cam handling the front-of-the-house as general manager, while chef Amy Brandwein (wo)mans the kitchen. Brandwein, who has worked with the likes of Roberto Donna, is no stranger to Italian offerings. Her Stracci Di Manzo pasta, tossed with beef short ribs, and homemade meatballs alone are worth the drive—or Metro ride—to Dupont. Sure, DC isn’t exactly lacking in eats from Italia. But for those looking for a break from nearby Bucca di Beppo or Bertucci’s, Nonna’s is a high-pedigree alternative.
Casa Nonna: 1250 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; 202-629-2505; www.casanonna.com

DC Empanadas
Native Guatemalan Anna Bran-Leis started making her own empanadas after she couldn’t find any in the District area that were comparable to those in her home country. The natural next step was to sell her creations; hence, an empanadas truck. Bran-Leis makes a case for going the mobile route by citing the treats easy-to-eat nature: “Empanadas are street food, meant to be eaten on the go, so you don’t have to worry about a knife and fork or how to eat one while you walk back to your office.” Traditional fillings like black beans and rice, jerk chicken, and vegetable curry are always on the menu, but this month, fall flavors like pears, apples, pumpkin, and cranberry can be ordered. Unlike other empanada pushers in the area, DCE will deep-fry their offerings. Try the aptly-named June Cleaver, with ground sirloin, potatoes, peas and carrots, or the Jersey Shore, stuffed with meatballs marinara and mozzarella. Snooki would approve.
DC Empanadas: See www.dcempanadas.com or www.twitter.com/dcempanadas for more information on locations.

eatWonky
With all the Italian-this and French-that, certain cuisines can get the cold shoulder. Eh, Canada? eatWonky to the rescue: Like its offbeat name might suggest, Wonky serves simple fare, with an eclectic twist. Standard American french fries are doused in “squeaky” cheese and gravy, Great White North style. Dubbed poutine, us Yankees might have tried the savory treat under the guise of Disco, or Elvis, fries. Hungry for more? Try the Wonky Dog—served under a heaping helping of poutine, of course. No doubt the King would deem the dish a hunka-hunka deliciousness.
eatWonky: See www.eatwonky.com or www.twitter.com/eatwonky for more information on locations.

Food Wine & Co.
FW&C’s owner Francis Namin has been around the Bethesda block before, with eateries Red Tomato and Don Pollo. His latest venture focuses on creating a cozy atmosphere and pushing bistro bites, with notable charcuterie and cheese options. The beer and wine list goes global, with excellent Belgian entries as its standout. And we have no qualms about recommending the Carmel Road Monterey Pinot Noir—its raspberry flavor and smooth finish pairs perfectly with just about any item on the menu. Food Wine & Co.: 7272 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, MD; 301-652-8008; www.foodwineco.com

Ozzie’s Corner Italian
Pasta, focaccia, paninis and…prunes? They might not seem like your standard Italian fare, but drizzle the fruit with a little red wine, add mascarpone cheese and candied pecans, and you’ll be rethinking your stance on the dish you likely loathed as a child. Ozzie’s, in Fairfax Corner, is the latest concept from the Great American Restaurant group, the team behind Artie’s, Sweetwater Tavern, Mike’s American and more. Besides plums, Ozzie’s other unusual dishes include arancini (fried risotto balls), “brick” chicken (a wood-grilled boneless chicken with rapini), and “crazy” lasagna, topped with wild boar Bolognese.
Ozzie’s Corner Italian: 11880 Grand Commons Ave., Fairfax, VA; 571-321-8000;
www.greatamericanrestaurants.com/ozzies

RAS Restaurant & Lounge
Another Ethiopian resto hits Georgia Avenue—this time, with a Jamaican twist. Island flavor can be found in the jerk chicken and gouda grits, and its abundance of spicy offerings; artwork featuring Ethiopian royalty and Jamaican scenes adorn the walls over the comfy booths. We suggest stopping by on a Monday—it’s open mic night, and breakfast is served all day, with oodles of pancake options. RAS’s star, though, is undeniably its Shark and Bake, a deep-fried sea creature stuffed in a pocket of deep-fried batter. That’s our kind of shark—one that won’t bite back!
RAS Restaurant & Lounge: 4809 Georgia Ave. NW, DC; 202-291-2096.

Solar Crepes
You’re a young chef who’s just received a fabulous French culinary education—what’s your next move? Open a crepe truck, of course. Owners Danna Andrews and Camille Dierksheide, both honors graduates of L’Academie de Cuisine’s Professional Culinary Program, teamed up to promote their message of sustainability. Being trapped in a truck all day is no big deal, according to Dierksheide: “Simply put, we love to eat!” The Ballston-bound truck is outfitted with solar panels and seasonal, local food is emphasized on the limited menu. In addition to the sweet and savory crepe options—like Knewtella, the pair’s less-processed take on the popular hazelnut spread—customers can enjoy fair trade coffee and old-school soda pop. What’s decidedly not old-school is the way crepe-cravers can place their order—via iPad. Tres cool.
Solar Crepes: See www.solarcrepes.com or www.twitter.com/solarcrepes for more information on locations.

Takorean
Looking to capitalize on the West Coast’s success with Korean BBQ tacos, 24-year-old Washingtonian Mike Lenard brings his tricked out-truck to the L’Enfant Plaza/Navy Yard area. The Mexican-tinged menu is straightforward: Your choice of bulgogi steak, tangy chicken or caramelized tofu with one of two slaws in a corn tortilla and covered in siracha sauce and lime crema. Lenard’s sales pitch—“It’s something new, delicious, and we have good music!”—is hard to deny. The new, delicious fare is made from scratch in a nearby Northern VA kitchen, before being cooked on-site. Lenard also pledges to donate 1% of sales to area non-profits, proving he can warm your stomach—and your heart.
Takorean: See www.takorean.com or www.twitter.com/takorean for more information on locations.

Taylor Gourmet
You can park your appetite—but not your car—at Taylor Gourmet’s third location: TG3 stands apart from its predecessors with three retractable garage doors where its storefront windows should be. The cool, industrial vibe is definitely not new, however. Longtime sandwich lovers know Taylor’s can always be counted on for good, quick takeout—in a laid-back, hip environment. Philly-style subs are still the highlight, with favorites like the cold-cut-crammed Ninth Street Italian on hand. Mayo maestros can consider themselves warned, as oil and vinegar are the only condiments available. No matter: The bread alone is what can’t be beat—it’s delivered fresh, daily from Philly’s famed Sarcone’s Bakery.
Taylor Gourmet: 7280 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda, MD; 301-951-9001; www.taylorgourmet.com

Top Spanish Cafe
The guacamole alone is enough of an incentive to try this low-key Park View place—but the Serrano ham-wrapped shrimp, spicy paella, and Argentine churrasco certainly don’t hurt. The Spanish and Tex-Mex menu is affordable and lengthy, and the bartenders generous with the liquor they dispense. And don’t be fooled by the super-casual exterior; the interior is slightly more upscale. The décor invokes old-school Espana with warm yellow walls and dark wood furniture. When the food’s this good though, we’d willingly sit on the floor. ¡Buen provecho!
Top Spanish Cafe: 3541 Georgia Ave. NW, DC; 202-723-1596.

NOTABLE

Amsterdam Falafel Franchise in the Future?
Want to own your own falafel shop? The popular Adams Morgan restaurant is looking into franchising, posting its reasons for expansion (including its simple menu and affordable prices) on its website.
Amsterdam Falafel: 2425 18th St. NW, DC; 202-234-1969; www.falafelshop.com.

Bayou Bakery Headed to Arlington
Pastry chef David Guas—who honed his sweet skills at DC Coast, TenPenh, Ceiba and Acadiana—has landed a space for the long-awaited BB on N. Courthouse Rd. He hopes to open as early as late 2010.

Calling All Bacon Lovers
Clarendon’s Restaurant 3 kicks off its Week O’ Bacon on Oct.14. If a pig roast, a three-course bacon-infused menu, bacon happy hours, bacon-making classes, bacon cocktails, bacon patio parties, or bacon-maple ice cream sound good to you, swing by before the eight day bacon brouhaha wraps up on the 21st. Restaurant 3: 2950 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington, VA; 703-524-4440; www.restaurantthree.com.

Jackson 20 New Lunch Menu
The all-American tavern’s Chef Dennis Marron launches his new lunch menu, complete with brown bag options, all for $10 or less. Choices include PB&J, ham and cheese, and turkey sandwiches with apples, chips or salad. Ah, the good old days.
Jackson 20: 480 King St., Alexandria, VA; 703-842-2790; www.jackson20.com.

Peregrine Espresso
The Capitol Hill coffee shop owners announced a second location will open in the coming months at 1718 14th St., NW. Peregrine’s iced coffee was noted in Food & Wine magazine’s August issue.
Peregrine Espresso: 660 Pennsylvania Ave. SE,DC; 202-629-4381; www.peregrineespresso.com.

Tunks to Open Sixth Spot
Jeff Tunks, the executive chef for Passion Food’s Ceiba, Acadiana, TenPenh and DC Coast, is working on a new concept—part District Commons, part Burger Tap and Shake—set to open at 2200 Pennsylvania Ave. in the near future.

Shelly’s Backroom
Cigar aficionado-friendly Shelly’s is expanding into an old saloon space next door. Plans are underway for a sidewalk café to open.
Shelly’s Backroom: 1331 F St. NW, DC; 202-737-3003; www.shellysdc.com

Thai Tanic to Expand
Logan Circle’s Thai Tanic is set to expand to two floors, with a lounge-y sushi joint called Tsunami planned for the upper level.
Thai Tanic: 1326 14th St. NW, DC; 202-588-1795; www.thaitanic.us.

The Red Palace to Open Soon
The Red and The Black Bar and The Palace of Wonders on H Street are combining to become the best of both buildings: The Red Palace. Indie bands and their groupies can rock on starting Oct. 15 at the venue’s unofficial opening, with My Dear Disco performing. The two spots go dark from Sept. 25-Oct. 14 while the Palace is under construction.
The Red Palace: 1212 H St. NE., DC.