Each month On Tap checks out the latest additions to the area's bar / restaurant scene, plus let you know what new or special offerings existing places are rolling out. If you're wondering what happened to a favorite haunt that doesn't seem to be in business anymore, we'll give you the scoop on that too.

NEW
Old Dominion Brewhouse has finally opened at the Washington Convention Center after a series of delays. Expect an amazing selection of top-of-the-line beers, which you can sample in a set of four, at five ounces each for $7.95. Happy hour is from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., with all draft beers priced at $2.99 and appetizers half off. The restaurant has a curving bar, two large dining rooms, 20 flat screen televisions and one large 64-inch high-definition TV in the middle of the room. This month starting Mondays from 7 to 9 p.m., they’ll be having a weekly poker tournament for prizes only.
Old Dominion Brewhouse:
1219 9th St., NW, Washington, D.C. 202-289-8158.
http://olddominionbrewhouse.com/

The newly opened Marrakesh Palace is a restaurant by day and glamorous lounge by night. In the lobby, they serve traditional Moroccan fare such as couscous, tagines and kabobs in variations of chicken, lamb, veal, fish or vegetable. At night (there is a $10 cover), the two top floors serve as the lounge and VIP area, where they have bottle service and DJs spinning house music. The décor is ornate with elegant fabrics on the banquettes, sand-colored walls, and engraved wall sconces.
Marrakesh Palace: 2147 P St., NW, Washington, D.C. 202-775-1882.
http://www.marrakeshpalace.com" / www.marrakeshpalace.com

From Gerry and Victoria Hubert along with Christy and Chef Tom Przystawik (of Café Atlantico) comes Food Matters — a gourmet market, wine bar and restaurant. Their focus is fresh, seasonal food that is mostly local and bought from artisan producers and farmers. Their beers on tap, as well as their cheeses, are domestic and they carry a large selection of wines from all over the world that can be purchased in their market. One of the highlights of Food Matters is that they have a private dining room with its own separate menu posted daily on the Web site. This small dining room consists of one 17-foot long table (made from 100 year-old reclaimed Virginia wood) that seats 18 people. It is the ultimate communal dining experience. Their regular seating area fits 60 patrons and their wine bar is already becoming popular. They have ready-made carry out and will soon be a great option for catering.
Food Matters: 4906 Brenman Park Dr., Alexandria, Va. 703-461-3663.
  www.foodmattersva.com

Opening the first week of February is Rocket Bar — a homegrown, funky, bedrock-style bar that will be located across the street from Clyde’s at Gallery Place. Owned by Geoff Dawson, this neighborhood joint has two bars, four pool tables, darts, two tabletop shuffleboards, an excellent jukebox and multiple televisions for those who love watching sports.
Rocket Bar: 714 7th St., NW, Washington, D.C. 202-628-7665. RocketbarDC.com

Brought to you by Kyle and Marlene Shaw, the recently opened 14U (pronounced one for you) brings outstanding coffee to the U street area. This is the first coffee shop in the area to serve the incredible and famous Intelligentsia brand of specialty brand coffee, so you’ll have to try it. 14U is edgy on the outside with a semi-antique look on the inside. A great mom and pop coffee shop operation, 14U serves hot and cold coffee drinks, cakes, pies, muffins, pastries, sandwiches, smoothies and juices. It was opened as a legacy to the owner’s father who left him with the funds to open this novelty coffee shop.
14U: 1939 14th St., NW, Washington, D.C. 202-328-1400. 14Ucafe.com

A fun, more affordable version of his famous Citronelle, Central is brought to you by the critically acclaimed Chef Michel Richard. Located centrally between the Capital and the White House (hence the name), this French-American bistro has a charcuterie bar and an open kitchen in more of a bistro setting. The menu is filled with your gourmet favorites such as New York strip, lamb shank with corn polenta, grilled salmon with lentils, a lobster burger and many more delicious options.
Central: 1001 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 202-626-0015. Centralmichelrichard.com

Notable

Do you love chocolate? Well then you need to try the Chocolate Decadence Buffet at the Ritz Carlton. At $35 per person, this buffet occurs every Friday in February and March from 7 to 10 p.m. Or for a more low-key atmosphere, why don’t you go to the Annual Taste of Chocolate of Fairfax on Saturday, Feb. 3 and Sunday, Feb. 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sample and purchase cakes, candies, brownies, fudge, home-baked goodies and all things chocolate. Fairfax is making a weekend of it with multiple activities surrounding the event such as a chocolate challenge (a contest of chocolate sculptures and cakes), a pancake breakfast, open houses, kid-friendly games and many more. See the Web site for more details.
Chocolate Decadence Buffet at the Ritz Carlton: 1150 22nd St., NW, Washington, D.C.. 202-835-0500.
http://www.ritzcarlton.com" / www.ritzcarlton.com
Annual Taste of Chocolate of Fairfax: Old Town Hall, 3999 University Dr., Fairfax, 703-385-1661. www.chocolatefestival.net

Want to celebrate Mardi Gras with a meal? Then head to Acadiana Restaurant from Monday, Feb. 12 through Tuesday, Feb. 20 for their special Mardi Gras menu.  They will have Louisiana inspired dishes such as all-seafood gumbo and Mambo Jambalaya.
Acadiana Restaurant: 901 New York Ave., NW, Washington, D.C.. 202-408-8848. www.acadianarestaurant.com

Bailey’s Pub and Grille in Arlington tends to rejoice in all things sports but every Wednesday this month they’ll be celebrating all things women in their Girl Power Hour presented by Metro Makeover. From 6 to 8 p.m. they will have free manicures and massages, a complimentary heart healthy buffet, drink specials, as well as beauty and lifestyle experts there to answer your every girl power question.
Girl Power Hour at Bailey’s Pub and Grille: 4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, Va. 703-465-1300.  

So either you’re rejoicing that it’s Valentine’s Day or you’re dreading it. Several restaurants have come up with some great Valentines Day specials to help you revel in it or to distract you. Famoso Restaurant is having a five-course, pre fixed menu at $65 per person with live entertainment by Spanish guitar duo Ricardo and Miguel. For couples there is a limited amount of tickets priced at $270 per couple, which includes all of the above as well as a heart shaped pendant from Tiffany & Company. The Melting Pot is having a four-course fondue meal with a champagne toast priced at $65 per person and $130 per couple.  At the end of the meal, you’ll receive a chocolate treat and a rose to mark the occasion. Bastille is having an intimate dining experience at $54 per person with a gourmet four-course menu (optional fifth course- a cheese plate for $8 per person and they have a wine pairing available for an extra $35 per person). They’ll have delectable choices such as cream of cauliflower, foie gras crème catalane, beet salad, free range grass-fed beef filet, rose wine risotto, earl grey chocolate truffle cake and more. They will also be offering you a chocolate treat (in this case decadent, fresh truffles) and a single rose to take home with you.
Famoso Restaurant: 5471 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, MD. 301-986-8785.     
http://www.famosorestaurant.com" / www.famosorestaurant.com
The Melting Pot: 1220 19th St., NW, Washington, D.C.. 202-857-0777.
The Melting Pot: 9021 Gaither Rd., Gaithersburg, MD. 301-519-3638.
The Melting Pot: 1110 N.Glebe Road, Arlington, Va. 703-243-4490.
The Melting Pot: 11400 Commerce Park Dr., Reston, Va.  20191. 703-264-0900. www.meltingpot.com.
Bastille: 1201 N. Royal St., Alexandria, Va. 703-519-3776.
http://www.bastillerestaurant.com" / www.bastillerestaurant.com

Ladies, send your man to this or men listen up. On Saturday, Feb. 3 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., D.C. Coast has come up with the innovative idea of having a Sweetheart’s Specials For Men Only where men can learn to cook a romantic dinner filled with culinary aphrodisiacs sure to bring out her inner sex kitten! At $70 per person, you’ll even get to take the recipe home so you can practice for the big day.
Sweetheart’s Specials For Men Only at D.C. Coast Restaurant: 1401 K St., NW, Washington, D.C.
202-216-5988. www.DCcoast.com

Nanny O’Briens is back and better than ever as the quintessential neighborhood pub. The kitchen has been rebuilt and is now serving the “best burger in Cleveland Park.”
Nanny O’Briens Irish Pub: 3319 Connecticut Ave., Washington, D.C.. 202-686-9189. www.nannyobriens.com

Now through March 31, all six D.C. area Morton’s locations are serving up a single-cut filet mignon with béarnaise sauce and asparagus along with a choice of an Australian lobster tail or two Alaskan king crab legs. This deal for $69 comes with a Morton’s signature salad or a Caesar salad. This amazing combination of premium quality food at such a fine restaurant can’t be beat!
Morton’s: 3251 Prospect St., NW, Washington, D.C.. 202-342-6258 Morton’s:  1050 Connecticut Ave., Washington, D.C.. 202-955-5997
Morton’s: 8075 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, Va. 703-883-0800
Morton’s: 11956 Market St., Reston, Va. 703-796-0128
Morton’s: 1750 Crystal Dr., Arlington, Va. 703-418-1444
Morton’s: 7400 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, Md. 301-657-2650
http://www.mortons.com" / www.mortons.com

Donald Trump and vodka? Well it’s happening. On Thursday, Feb. 1 at 7 p.m., the Z Lounge at The Sports Club/LA is having a complimentary tasting of Trump Super Premium Vodka. There will be free hors d’oeuvres, as well as creative mixed drinks specially formulated with the new vodka for you to purchase and enjoy. No reservations necessary.
Trump Super Premium Vodka at the Z Lounge at The Sports Club/LA: 1170 22nd St., NW, Washington, D.C.
202-974-6638.  

No Longer

Geoff Dawson’s Drinx has closed but if you read this entire article than you already know he is opening up a new venture called Rocket Bar one block over.

Harry’s Essential Grille closed last month but you can always go to its sister restaurant Harry’s Tap Room in Clarendon. Expect a national restaurant chain to move into the newly vacated space. The company who brings you the Harry’s restaurants is set to open a new restaurant in late 2007 most likely in Pentagon City.

For your information, Saffron Lounge in Bethesda no longer exists.

You may have heard that Paolo’s in Georgetown had a fire several months ago. Well, they are temporarily closing for part of February in order to renovate their kitchen. Look for them to be back and better than ever by the end of the month.