Nice tan, Washington. While you were sunning yourself on the beach, Mai Tai in hand, we were sweating it out here in town—running from new restaurant to new restaurant to bring you previews of the must-try spots that have recently opened or are just about to. The good news: There is a lot of great stuff to check out. Oh, and swimsuit season is officially over—go get a homemade pop tart already.
Jackie Greenbaum and Gordon Banks, the duo behind Jackie’s, Sidebar, Quarry House Tavern, and El Chucho, are opening this little spot in the former Cajun Experience space next to Lauriol Plaza. Chef Diana Davila-Boldin designed the menu of small plates; LaMont Mitchell is the acting chef. There are really cool drinks on the bar, including a pickleback Jell-o shot, an orange crush, and two on-tap tiki drinks. Charley debuts officially on Thursday.
Doi Moi and 2 Birds 1 Stone
You’ll find Haidar Karoum cooking at this new Southeast Asian spot on 14th Street, Northwest. In the basement, Adam Bernbach helms the long-and-light bar at 2 Birds 1 Stone, a gorgeous new cocktail spot that seats 60.
Top Chef-er Timothy Dean makes
his DC debut with this bar-and-burger joint in NoMa. Flame-grilled
burgers set his sandwiches apart, says Dean. The fact that he’s serving
lobster salad and foie gras pizza helps distinguish this new
neighborhood spot, as well.
Ted’s Bulletin on 14th Street
Fans
of the Barracks Row original know Ted’s is the spot for all-day
breakfast, boozy milkshakes, and house-made pop tarts. The throwback
replicates itself on 14th Street with nearly double the seating
capacity. Also the bakery is making doughnuts.
Ron Tanaka—opening
chef at Cork Wine Bar—cooks at this new neighborhood spot on Ninth
Street, Northwest. Seasonal menu are dictated by ingredients, and you’ll
find original cocktails including the Blagdon, with Soho lychee liquor,
Plymouth sloe gin, house-made sour, lychee purée, and lychee fruit
garnish, the creation of co-owner Sherman Outhuok. Look out for wine and cocktail classes and, eventually, lunch service.
