Courtesy Eliser: Dinner Menu
Ok, so if you’re the least bit familiar with restaurants and the supposed opening dates in DC, you know that they are almost never met due to permitting delays, construction delays, staffing delays…you get it. Still, the eternal optimist, these are the five restaurants I can’t wait to try when they open later this year. (Note: I better not have to wait until 2012 to see you!)
1) Elisir:
The fine dining, Italian restaurant brought to us by Enzo Fargione will join the culinary heaven that is Penn Quarter. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because Chef Fargione was previously the chef at K Street’s Teatro Goldoni. Publicist Janet Donovan tells me that the restaurant will open sometime in the Fall — so I’m crossing my fingers for late September/early October. Elisir’s Facebook page is getting more and more active, which is always a good sign. You can check it out for construction and menu updates.
427 11th St NW
ETA: Fall 2011
Courtesy Pearl Dive Oyster Palace
2) Pearl Dive Oyster Palace
Not too many recent Facebook updates, but there is an event soon underway. Pearl Dive Oyster Palace will host a Pre-Opening Charity Cocktail Party on September 10th to benefit Children’s National Medical Center. Get tickets here for $30. The two story, Southern-inspired venue in Logan Circle will have an oyster bar (obviously) and a 75 seat dining room. An upstairs bar with a bocce ball court will be named Black Jack. Oh, and Bocce Ball will be open all night at the event.
1612 14th St. NW
ETA: September 2011
- Courtesy The Hamilton: Construction
3) The Hamilton
I forgot all about The Hamilton until I drove by it on my way to Old Ebbit Grill this weekend (yes, I am a DC native and love this place). It seems like we’re all about naming restaurants after presidents or founding fathers these days. The downton Hamilton will have a mix of everything from Sushi to charcuterie, and seasonal & regional American fare. Named after the “dueling politico” Alexander Hamilton, the restaurant hopes to be DC’s “newest destination for music and entertainment [and] is dedicated to celebrating the talent and passion of America’s best artists.” Oh, and it’s open 24/7. Learn more about the nightclub/restaurant/patio by following The Hamilton on Twitter or liking it on Facebook.
14 & F Streets, NW
ETA: December 2011
- Courtest Boqueria Tapas Bar and Restaurant
4) Boqueria Tapas Bar and Restaurant
Are you loving all the DC Restaurants coming to us via New York? I’m looking at you especially Luke’s Lobster, Hill Country, and burger joints. Well, this fall you can welcome Boqueria to Dupont Circle. It’s the establishment’s third location, but first outside of New York. Head here for Barcelona-inspired tapas. The press release tells us Boqueria will offer classic tapas like Bombas de la Barceloneta (beef and potato croquettes with garlic alioli), Pintxos Morunos (seared marinated lamb skewers with salsa verde) and Txipirones a la Plancha (seared baby squid with frisée, romesco vinaigrette, tomato confit and crispy scallions).
1837 M Street, NW
ETA: Fall 2011
5) Mintwood Place
I had actually forgotten about Mintwood Place until I read about it again in Prince of Petworth…and got excited all over. PoP ran into the restaurant’s chef and got some insights. That said chef is Cedric Maupillier who has worked in the kitchens of Central and Citronelle. PoP writes: “Maupillier told me that he is going to try to keep the menu as local as possible and it (as well as cocktails) will change seasonally.” Mintwood Place will be open for breakfast too – score. My only question is why isn’t Mintwood Place on Mintwood Place?
1813 Columbia Rd, NW
ETA: October 2011
Happy eating!
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