SHAW: Preview of Restaurant Openings - Before the End of The Year
Shaw is still one of the busiest areas of the city for upcoming restaurants - no arguments there. So I thought that I would put together a short listing of what's coming (and approximate time-lines).
The Dabney
Much anticipated restaurant from Jeremiah Longhorne - we first reported the South Carolina Chef, Jeremiah's search for space in DC and then his choice of the Blagden Alley/Gang of Three in Shaw. Work is almost completed and it looks like the opening will be in weeks - 2 sources have a slight variation, one in a week, one a soft opening in 2 weeks. The restaurants interior is pretty much done, and exterior work is nearing completion. The Dabney is located in Blagden Alley at 122. Enter from 9th Street Alley entrance.
Convivial
Located at 8th & O Streets NW, part of the City Market at O Campus, Chef Cedric Maupillier and Saied Azali are putting the final touches on Convivial. Described to Tom Sietsema as "a hybrid of a French café and an American diner serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. I’m going to do what I’m known for by bringing over flavor, precision, execution and quality products" Convivial looks to be ready to open in the next week or so. There is some finishing work being completed but staff are training and most fixtures are in place also expect free parking for patrons in an adjacent garage.
Chao Ku
Staying on 9th Street NW, Chao Ku is located at 1414 9th Street NW (between O & P Street's)I spoke recently to John Fielding (co-owner) and they are shooting for an early December opening. As reported earlier by Badwolfdc, the framing is up, and barring any "DC Gov" issues, according to John the work will go pretty quick from here on out...so to be safe I would say that local residents will be eating Chao Ku Chinese (and take-out) before the end of the year - as a disclaimer, this is one that I am really looking forward to opening.
Columbia Room
Derek Brown's new and improved Columbia Room is located above The Dabney (no access) in Blagden Alley/Gang of Three. The space is considerably larger than the 7th Street NW version (at rear of The Passenger) but Derek is sure that his plans will still provide that intimate, classy feel that his incredible cocktails invoke.
There will be an exterior element, a private area, and 2 bars. I spoke to Angie Salame, Dereks partner and CEO at Drinks Company, she is hoping to have Columbia Room open before New Years (this is the 1 year anniversary of the closing on 7th Street NW) and knowing how driven Angie and Derek are I would put my money on them hitting the date.
Of Interest
La Colombe Coffee
For fans of La Colombe, a new location is set to open at 6th & I Streets NW. With the success of the coffee purveyor in Blagden Alley, this comes as no surprise. My sources tell me that they are on track for a 6 - 8 week opening date (read before the end of the year) The new (2nd) DC location is on the corner of 6th & I Streets NW, across from the Synagogue, a shorter walk for the residents of Mount Vernon Triangle, and easy access for those who live and work in Penn Quarter. Its always worth a visit.
Shaw Bijou
Still a little early to look at an opening, but New York chef Kwame Onwuachiis planning his new venture at 9th and Q Streets NW. He recently told the Washington Post "Shaw has a lot of history, besides being an up-and-coming part of D.C. right now,” he said. “It’s just a perfect place to open a restaurant. D.C. has always held a special place in my heart," he said. His family would come to Washington over the summer to spend time with his grandfather, who would fly in from Nigeria.”
The Post went on to explain that "on Tuesdays through Saturdays, the Shaw Bijou's 32-seat dining room
will serve a tasting menu, probably 15 to 18 courses, Onwuachi said. The
second-floor members-only bar will seat about 50 guests and specialize
in rare and vintage liquors.
Onwuachi describes his food as "modern American with global inspiration." He credits the "melting pot" of the Bronx and his mother, who also cooked professionally, with exposing him to a variety of cuisines. Onwuachi has been traveling around the country and the world for the past year, with stops in such locales as Mumbai and Hong Kong." Shaw Bijou has a projected November opening (look for before end of year)
In the meantime chef Kwame Onwuachi will compete on season 13 of Top Chef!
Starbucks
What you say! I noticed today that Starbucks on O Street, at City Market, have applied for a liquor license - so I guess (what?) beer and wine coming soon? I saw that 5 Starbucks in DC were applying, didn't realize our 'local' was one of them
So there it is excitement is building in Shaw (yet again) and anticipation is on the rise.
I will try to get more information on each of the above - and get it out to you all
The Dabney
Much anticipated restaurant from Jeremiah Longhorne - we first reported the South Carolina Chef, Jeremiah's search for space in DC and then his choice of the Blagden Alley/Gang of Three in Shaw. Work is almost completed and it looks like the opening will be in weeks - 2 sources have a slight variation, one in a week, one a soft opening in 2 weeks. The restaurants interior is pretty much done, and exterior work is nearing completion. The Dabney is located in Blagden Alley at 122. Enter from 9th Street Alley entrance.
Convivial
Located at 8th & O Streets NW, part of the City Market at O Campus, Chef Cedric Maupillier and Saied Azali are putting the final touches on Convivial. Described to Tom Sietsema as "a hybrid of a French café and an American diner serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. I’m going to do what I’m known for by bringing over flavor, precision, execution and quality products" Convivial looks to be ready to open in the next week or so. There is some finishing work being completed but staff are training and most fixtures are in place also expect free parking for patrons in an adjacent garage.
Staying on 9th Street NW, Chao Ku is located at 1414 9th Street NW (between O & P Street's)I spoke recently to John Fielding (co-owner) and they are shooting for an early December opening. As reported earlier by Badwolfdc, the framing is up, and barring any "DC Gov" issues, according to John the work will go pretty quick from here on out...so to be safe I would say that local residents will be eating Chao Ku Chinese (and take-out) before the end of the year - as a disclaimer, this is one that I am really looking forward to opening.
Other Restaurants Hoping to Be Open before the New Year
Columbia Room
Derek Brown's new and improved Columbia Room is located above The Dabney (no access) in Blagden Alley/Gang of Three. The space is considerably larger than the 7th Street NW version (at rear of The Passenger) but Derek is sure that his plans will still provide that intimate, classy feel that his incredible cocktails invoke.
There will be an exterior element, a private area, and 2 bars. I spoke to Angie Salame, Dereks partner and CEO at Drinks Company, she is hoping to have Columbia Room open before New Years (this is the 1 year anniversary of the closing on 7th Street NW) and knowing how driven Angie and Derek are I would put my money on them hitting the date.
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| Rendering |
La Colombe Coffee
For fans of La Colombe, a new location is set to open at 6th & I Streets NW. With the success of the coffee purveyor in Blagden Alley, this comes as no surprise. My sources tell me that they are on track for a 6 - 8 week opening date (read before the end of the year) The new (2nd) DC location is on the corner of 6th & I Streets NW, across from the Synagogue, a shorter walk for the residents of Mount Vernon Triangle, and easy access for those who live and work in Penn Quarter. Its always worth a visit.
Shaw Bijou
Still a little early to look at an opening, but New York chef Kwame Onwuachiis planning his new venture at 9th and Q Streets NW. He recently told the Washington Post "Shaw has a lot of history, besides being an up-and-coming part of D.C. right now,” he said. “It’s just a perfect place to open a restaurant. D.C. has always held a special place in my heart," he said. His family would come to Washington over the summer to spend time with his grandfather, who would fly in from Nigeria.”
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| Picture: Washington Post |
Onwuachi describes his food as "modern American with global inspiration." He credits the "melting pot" of the Bronx and his mother, who also cooked professionally, with exposing him to a variety of cuisines. Onwuachi has been traveling around the country and the world for the past year, with stops in such locales as Mumbai and Hong Kong." Shaw Bijou has a projected November opening (look for before end of year)
In the meantime chef Kwame Onwuachi will compete on season 13 of Top Chef!
Starbucks
What you say! I noticed today that Starbucks on O Street, at City Market, have applied for a liquor license - so I guess (what?) beer and wine coming soon? I saw that 5 Starbucks in DC were applying, didn't realize our 'local' was one of them
So there it is excitement is building in Shaw (yet again) and anticipation is on the rise.
I will try to get more information on each of the above - and get it out to you all
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