Each month On Tap takes a look at restaurants new on the block, mixing things up or throwing in the towel.

NEW

The Black Squirrel
Sure, there are some nice restaurants in Adams Morgan (Perry’s comes to mind), but its reputation is as a neighborhood that mainly offers good options for drinking, bar food, jumbo slices and the like. Fun, yes. Fine dining? Not so much. This is where the new Black Squirrel comes in. The Black Squirrel carefully balances being a fun, neighborhood hangout and place for finer dinning. What do we mean? Well, take a look at their apps: Yes, buffalo wings, but you can also get mussels and fries. Sure, start with a simple house salad, but you can also have a poached beet salad. The best examples of this dichotomy are the delicious bacon cheeseburger — stuffed with brie; and the veggie burger — grilled eggplant stuffed with mushrooms. While the tender baby back ribs and excellent braised lamb shanks are a little pricier, nothing is over $20. And we haven’t gotten to the best part: A beer list numbering more than 60 selections. Rogue, Stone, Lagunitas, Troegs, etc. So, fine food, fine beer, laid back AdMo setting. Yeah, we’re sold.
The Black Squirrel: 2427 18th St., NW, D.C.;
202-232-0171; www.blacksquirreldc.com

Ulah Bistro
The new Ulah Bistro has a lot of things going for it: A great U Street location, in the heart of the action right near the metro; a very chic decor with a great bar and plentiful seating options; and delicious American cuisine. Sounds like a winning combination from the folks who brought us Tunnicliff’s Tavern on Capitol Hill and Stoney’s Bar & Grill in Logan Circle. Expect typical, solid American fare, such as New York strip steak, pork chops, seared tuna, and the like. The pizzas are a major hit, especially the Carnivale (mozzarella, sun dried tomato, basil, shaved parmesan and prosciutto), which is to die for. Drinks are solid all around, with a good wine and beer selection, as well as some specialty Mojitos. We liked seeing Leffe Brune on tap. Added bonus: carry out. A recent visit saw someone order 15 pizzas. They know what’s up.
Ulah Bistro: 1214 U. St., NW, D.C.;
202-234-0123; www.ulahbistro.com.

Asian Nine
There’s a new bar and lounge in Penn Quarter: Asia Nine. Think Asian fusion, with elements of Thai, Japanese, Chinese and Vietnamese. Highlights include a lengthy sushi selection, plenty of curry options, and tapas. The cocktails are adventurous, including Asian Sangria and something called “One Night in Bangkok.” Keep an eye out for the occasional culture show, Thai dancing or DJ.
Asia Nine:  915 E St., N.W.
202-629-4355;  www.asianine.com.

Doraku Sushi
Another Asian food joint, this one in burgeoning Bethesda. Look for plenty of sushi and “modern Asian fusion.”
Doraku Sushi: 7820 Norfolk Ave., Bethesda, MD;
301-654-7851

Pizza Milano
Pentagon Row boasts a plethora of sit down dining options but, other than the food court at the mall, not much in the way of super casual spots. Pizza Milano is a no-frills joint offering pizza, calzones and wings.
Pizza Milano: 1201 S. Joyce;
703-412-1130

NOTABLE

The Rammy’s 2008
The finalists have been announced for the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington’s Rammy’s. The theme for this year’s awards is “Setting the Global Table” because of the amazing diversity in DC restaurants, so much so that instead of choosing five finalists for the “Restaurant of the Year” category six were chosen. The awards gala is set to take place on Sunday, June 29th at the Marriott Wardman Park. Tickets are $200 for RAMW members and $250 for non-members and some of the ticket proceeds will go towards the organization’s scholarship fund. To reserve tickets call 202-331-5990.
Marriott Wardman Park: 2660 Woodley Rd.,
NW, DC; 202-331-5990; www.ramw.org

Alto Plaza
Short on time for lunch? Don’t grab a hot dog from the street vendor. Alto Plaza Express offers over ten express selections with Latin American and Mexican flavors from $7.95 to $12.95 that will satisfy you with time left to spare. After that hectic day be sure to stop by Alto for their “Appy Hour” appetizers from 5 to 7 p.m., when every appetizer is half price.
Alto Plaza: 5800 Old Centerville Rd.,
Centreville, VA; 703-266-8811; www.altoplaza.net

Ardeo/Bardeo
What could be more romantic than a rooftop dinner? Ardeo/Bardeo, located near the National Zoo, offers dinner and weekend Sunday Champagne brunches on their rooftop patio.
Ardeo/Bardeo: 3311 Connecticut Ave.,
NW, DC; 202-244-6750

Bastille
Bastille is celebrating the warm weather with a new menu of bistro dishes featuring fresh and local ingredients. Have the three-course lunch during the week or try Sunday brunch for only $19. The restaurant also offers a three-course meal from Monday through Wednesday for $29 or the six-course tasting menu available nightly for $49. While you’re there be sure to try one of Bastille’s signature bubbly spring cocktails like Pomegranate Fizz, made with Prosecco and pomegranate juice or their Charlotte cocktail, made with Italian orange soda and Blanc de Blanc.
Bastille: 1201 N. Royal St., Alexandria, VA;
703-519-3776; www.bastillerestaurant.com

Blue Duck Tavern
From May 5 through May 11, Park Hyatt Washington will donate 100 percent of cookie proceeds to the Make-a-Wish Foundation, so head to Blue Duck Tavern and try four new cookie flavors, available in the pastry shop of the restaurant every day. Try the Raspberry Walnut Rugelach, Chocolate Pecan Cranberry, Cherry Pistachio Almond or Rum Raisin cookie. Or mix all four together for a delicious assortment. The cookies will be $9 a bag.
Blue Duck Tavern: 24th and M Streets, NW, DC;
202-419-6755; www.blueducktavern.com

Brasserie Beck
Can’t get enough of the warm springtime weather? Head over to Brasserie Beck, which has just opened its new outdoor dining room. Relax outside while enjoying one of their 126 choices of Belgian beer .
Brasserie Beck: 1101 K St., NW, DC; 202-408-1717; www.beckdc.com

Ceiba Inca Trail Cooking Class
Learn the Peruvian cooking secrets of Ceiba with their Inca Trail Cooking Class May 31 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Executive Chef and co-owner Jeff Tunks will teach the preparation of each dish while sharing stories of his travels on the Inca Trail. If you want a good meal and good stories then this class is for you. Visit the website for more details.
Ceiba: 701 14th St., NW, DC; 202-393-3983;
www.ceibarestaurant.com

Cowboy Cafe
This magazine is a big fan of Cowboy Cafe. Heck, check out the review we did of this neighborhood joint in May of 2007. This Lee Highway landmark has been around for 40 years, and is now under new ownership: Brothers Zac and Matt Culbertson. The siblings have worked in the local restaurant biz — from bartending to dish washing — for years, and Zac worked at the Cowboy Cafe for the past seven. In taking over the place the brothers have done some remodeling and a little polishing, but we don’t expect the good vibes to change. Be sure to head over and see for yourself, and check out the new food and drink specials, as well as live music.
Cowboy Cafe:  4792 Lee Hwy, Arlington, VA;
703-243-8010;

Doggie Happy Hour at Hotel Monaco
Don’t miss the doggie happy hours at the Hotel Monaco in Old Alexandria. From 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday nights, you and the pooch can each enjoy yourselves: Cocktail and snack specials for the humans, water and treats for the four-legged customers.
Hotel Monaco Alexandria:  480 King St., Alexandria, VA; 703-549-6080; www.monaco-alexandria.com

Doubletree Hotel Bethesda
Take a mental break with Doubletree’s new “intellectual breaks.” More than your average meeting break, General Manager Michael McMahon incorporates comics, puzzles and toys into meeting breaks complete with fun foods like fried peanut butter and jelly sandwiches by Elvis, sautéed spinach by Popeye and New York street foods cooked up by Frank Sinatra. The hotel will also be incorporating a “Wellness Walkers” program where hotel staff members lead walks through downtown Bethesda to promote a healthier lifestyle. The walks will be available Monday through Friday.
Doubletree Hotel Bethesda: 8120 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, MD; 301-652-2000;
www.doubletreebethesda.com

Extra Virgin
Chef Carmen Gianna Piazza is bringing new Italian-style dishes to the menu at Extra Virgin. With homemade pastas and pizza crusts, she adds a touch of real Italy to the menu. The menu now includes Mediterranean infused dishes such as capesante su risotto alle fave, a pan seared sea scallop over fava bean risotto, and filetto al pepe verde, tender beef tenderloin with green peppercorn cream. For the sweet tooth, try the new tortino di cicoccolato al Gran Marnie, a chocolate cake made with Grand Marnier, candied orange and served with vanilla ice cream.
Extra Virgin: 4053 Campbell Ave., Arlington, VA; 703-998-8474; www.extravirginva.com

Hudson Restaurant and Lounge
Ryan Arnold has been named the new executive chef of Hudson Restaurant and Lounge. Arnold, who has cooked in kitchens from Paris to New York to North Carolina, will bring some new flavors to the menu. Arnold’s menu will include lobster risotto and grilled salmon with hearts of palm. His “evolved American cuisine” will change with the seasons.
Hudson Restaurant and Lounge: 2030 M St., NW, DC; 202-872-8700;
www.hudson-dc.com

Jaleo DC
Jaleo DC welcomes the warm weather with outdoor seating for 24 people. Enjoy the bustling neighborhood and tapas from their sidewalk style café. Also check out their Bethesda and Crystal City locations for more outdoor seating and great food.
Jaleo, DC: 480 7th St., NW, DC;
202-628-7949; www.jaleo.com
Jaleo, Bethesda: 7271 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda, MD; 301-913-0003;
www.jaleo.com
Jaleo, Crystal City: 2250-A Crystal City Drive, Crystal City, VA; 703-413-8181;
  www.jaleo.com

The Majestic
Sunday is usually “Nana’s Sunday Dinner” at the Majestic, but in May all the glory goes to mom. The Majestic will be serving “Mama’s Sunday Dinner” in May with their favorite menu items family style. Reservations are recommended. $75 per person for a table of four. Also head to The Majestic for “My Mothers Civilized Picnic” with buttermilk fried chicken and mac ‘n cheese.
The Majestic: 3200 16th St., NW, DC;
202-332-6400

The OZ
Want to learn to eat and cook healthy? The Oz’s Executive Chef, Timothy Jones, will teach four exclusive cooking classes featuring fresh, local ingredients. The cooking classes focus on healthy-alternative meals. There will be four unique classes: Mother/Daughter, Thrill on the Grill, Healthy Entertaining, and Healthy Holiday Dining. $50 a person. Call to register.
The OZ at Doubletree Hotel: 8120 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, MD; 301-664-7300;
www.doubletreebethesda.com


Ping by Charlie Chiang’s
Throughout May, Ping will honor America’s military with special discounts for those wearing a uniform or with military ID. Members of the military can receive a complimentary entrée with a purchase of any one entrée, Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Ping will also offer an “express lunch” with a choice of entrée over rice and a spring roll for those with only a little spare time to grab a bite to eat.
Ping by Charlie Chiang’s: 4060 Campbell Ave., Arlington, VA; 703-671-4900;
www.charliechiangs.com

Rasika
“Mango Madness” is the theme for Rasika this month. The May menu will feature India-inspired mango dishes and drinks by Chef Vikram Sunderam. Try the Pannatini cocktail made with Stoli, raw mango, cardamom and black pepper. Or have a taste of Fish Manga, a sea bass with red chili, pearl onion, tamarind and raw mango. To satisfy your sweet tooth have a bit of the Mango Saffron Kulfi.
Rasika: 633 D St., NW, DC; 202-637-1222;
www.raskiarestaurant.com

Restaurant K
Enjoy the extra hour of sunlight with Restaurant K’s new daylight savings time menu, Summer Savings. The three-course tasting menu is available for dinner and you get your choice of an appetizer, entrée and dessert for only $29.95. The menu is available Friday and Saturday night during the summer. Restaurant K will also be introducing Southwestern inspired dishes created by owner Alison Swope. Swope was inspired to create the menu by her trip to Charleston, SC, and frequent visits to towns south of the border. Reservations are highly encouraged.
Restaurant K: 1700 K St., NW, DC; 202-974-6545;
  www.restaurantkbyalisonswope.com

Rustico
Craving the great food from Rustico but don’t want to sit down? Now Rustico offers carryout, and to make the deal even better, carry out a mixed six-pack of micro-brews to go with your meal. Take a pick from The Hip-Hoppy Six, The Belgium Half-Dozen and The Session Six, all put together by Greg Engert.
Rustico: 827 Slaters Lane, Alexandria, VA;
703-224-5051; www.rusticorestaurant.com

The Salsa Room
Cecilia’s Nightclub on Columbia Pike is now The Salsa Room. Check out lessons, dancing and live music Thursday thought Saturday.
The Salsa Room: 2619 Columbia Pike,
Arlington, VA; 703-785-0790

701
701 has a new executive chef, Bobby Vaura, who will be cooking up some tasty new dishes. Try crispy tempura Ahi tuna rolls and soy tapioca caviar. Also sample some new cocktails by Mo Taheri, including the 701 Passion Martini.
701: 701 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, DC;
202-393-0701; www.701restaurant.com

Starfish Café
If you’re a brunch lover, this is the place for you. Star Café will now host a new Creole Brunch. The menu includes Grand Marnier French Toast, Crab Cake Benedict, shrimp and grits, and a large assortment of fresh vegetable and seafood omelettes. Also enjoy $6 Bloody Mary’s and $5 Mimosas. Or try the more unique Cajun Shrimp Mary for $11 and the Blinie Peace Mimosa for $5.
Starfish Café: 539 8th St., SE, DC;
202-546-5006; www.starfishcafedc.com

Town & Country Bar
The master mixologists of Town and Country Bar have concocted their own versions of three special cocktails to celebrate the Triple Crown during the month of May. For $14.50 all day, Town and Country will offer the Mint Julep, Belmont Breeze and Black-Eyed Susan.
Town and Country Bar: 1127 Connecticut Ave.,
NW, DC; 202-347-3000; www.marriott.com

Vegetate   
Try the new spring-inspired menu at Vegetate, including new dishes on their Bites, Small Plates and Large Plates menus. With fresh vegetables from spring harvest, Vegetate has cooked up edamame with smoked sea salt, spring onion soup with coconut milk and Risotto with seasonal veggies and cashew cream. In the mood for some new cocktails? Try the Thai Basil Gimlet or the house-infused vodka special, the Chai White Russian. Vegetate also has some new spring hours. The restaurant will be closed Sundays and Mondays but open from 6 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 6 to 11 p.m. Fridays; and 12 to 11 p.m. on Saturday.
Vegetate: 1414 9th St., NW, DC;
202-232-4585; www.vegetatedc.com

Zola
To honor the U.S. premiere of the exhibition “Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures from the National Museum, Kabul” at the National Gallery of Art, which includes over 200 artifacts on loan from the Kabul National Museum in Afghanistan, Zola has created a Silk Petal Martini incorporating ingredients found on the silk trade route. The $9 drink will be available from May 11th to September 7th and includes “Arrack” liquor distilled from palm sap with rose petal nectar, Kaffir lime and pomegranate seeds.
Zola: 1875 800 F St., NW, DC;
202-654-0999; www.zoladc.com

NO LONGER

Bye, bye Asahi Kaiten in the Ballston Mall. We’ll miss the sushi and good times.


- On Tap staff contributed to this article.
 

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