Outside of Vendetta

We were very impressed with redesigned space–it was almost impossible to recognize that it used to be the Red Palace (check out a Frozen Tropics post here for more details on the space).  Vendetta is an Italian restaurant with a strong focus on pasta (check out their menu here).  To start, we tried Vendetta’s bread which was served with an unusual, but quite good, peach jam.  Their olive appetizer was fine but only as exciting as a plate of olives can be.

For entrees, diners are encouraged to try one of the different preparations of pasta featuring a variety of proteins ranging from pancetta to pork meatballs to squid as well as several vegetarian offerings.  Once you have selected a preparation, you pair it with one of their many different types of pasta (there are seven different types ranging from penne to gnocchi).  We sampled two of the different pastas.  We tried the squid ink with seared squid accompanied by penne pasta.  While the appearance of the dish might be off-putting to some because of the squid ink sauce, the dish’s taste made up for it.  Tender squid combined with a savory sauce made for quite an enjoyable evening.  We also sampled the meatball and turnip ragu which featured somewhat spicy meatballs in a garlic and pepper sauce.

Vendetta’s service was still working out the opening night kinks but was extremely friendly and happy to explain the menu.  The restaurant has a fairly extensive wine selection and several beers as well as a complete cocktail menu (and also a happy hour).  For the second night of business the restaurant was fairly busy.  While it was only our first visit, we are already excited to check out Vendetta again soon.

Patio at Tru Orleans

Since it opened almost two years ago, something has happened.  The restaurant still has a very cool set up with its large patio and open second floor that has a New Orleans-esque railing and balcony.  However, it doesn’t have much else going for it anymore.  Over the past two years, our experiences have ranged from mediocre to just bizarre.  One time during brunch, we watched in horror as a server argued with a table full of customers for several minutes when one of them mentioned that he had messed up their order.  Another time during brunch our eggs benedict came out with an alleged “special” sauce on the side: it turned out to be caesar salad dressing.  Cajun food that was initially promising (if somewhat expensive) has turned into overpriced dishes that lack freshness and taste (based upon their website it appears the initial chef has departed).

Tru Orleans has also been accused of being a bad neighbor.  Frequently when one passes the restaurant late at night it resembles more of a club than a restaurant with music blasting so loud that it rocks the entire block.  It frequently hosts large parties with a DJ on the open second floor, so that the music projects into the street.  Several neighbors are protesting the renewal of Tru Orleans’ liquor license arguing that it has become a nuisance and a problem for neighbors.  At recent community meetings we’ve heard stories about how nearby neighbors struggle to sleep some weekends because the music is so loud (apparently the restaurant has toned it back slightly because the renewal of its liquor license is under protest).

This is a shame.  The restaurant is in a prime location and structurally has a great environment.  Initially, it had pretty good food and much better service.  We hope that as its two year anniversary approaches the restaurant’s management will do a review and improve.  The neighborhood currently deserves better.

Chorizo and al Pastor Tacos at Sol Mexican Grill

Currently only the first level is open until they open their second floor and patio in a few weeks.  When they open the upstairs section, it will feature a more expansive menu and table service.

We stopped by on Saturday to enjoy our first lunch.  We tried several of the tacos and were very impressed.  The chorizo and al pastor tacos reminded us of the authentic tacos that we used to enjoy out in L.A. and were quite delicious.  We also recommend the fish tacos as well.  Even though it was 1:30pm, Sol was doing a steady lunch business on its second day.  We look forward to many more trips in the future.

Opened this Winter

• Batter Bowl Bakery (401 H Street)–delicious new bakery from the owners of Ethiopic (next door) that is open all day and serves a variety of baked goods, sandwiches, and salads (see menu here).
• Hikari Sushi and Sake (644 H Street)–new sushi restaurant with two floors and extensive bar.  See our initial review here.
• Thaaja Indian Food Bar (NoMa region, 1335 2nd Street, NE)–features customizable Indian food in a format similar to Chipotle.  See our opening night review here.
• Mother Ruckers Subs (1101 Bladensburg Road, NE)–new sub shop near H Street Corridor.  See more from Frozen Tropics.

New Concepts Announced this Winter

• Chupacabra (822 H Street)–sit down restaurant/patio version of the Chupacabra food truck that serves various kinds of tacos.  Frozen Tropics broke the news in March.
• Vendetta (1210 H Street)–Italian restaurant from H Street titan Joe Englert that is replacing the Red Palace (closed on New Years Eve), will be quite big and even feature a bocce court.  Plans to open in May.  More from H Street Great Street.
• Carolina Kitchen concept (1309 H Street)–owners of Carolina Kitchen in Hyattsville are planning a new concept for this three story, interesting looking building that currently has a “coming summer 2012″ sign on it (the owners of Carolina Kitchen had previous interest in H Street that didn’t work out).  Washington Business Journal broke the news in March.
• The Elroy (1423 H Street)–“a futuristic bar” from one of the owners of the former New York Avenue Beach Bar that, while it is a transfer of the Beach Bar’s liquor license, will not be a recreation of the Beach Bar.  More from Washington City Paper.
• New hibachi restaurant (unknown)–the owners of the new Hikari Sushi and Sake are planning on opening a second restaurant on H Street that will be a hibachi restaurant.  See our post here.
• TD Burger (3rd and K Street, NE)–Top Chef participant Timothy Dean will open his second TD Burger in the first floor of the Loree Grand apartment building.  Check out our preview here.

Progress on Future Restaurants

• PoBoy Jim’s (709 H Street)–poboys and other cajun food with bar and patio in the back (see our preview here).  During the winter, the space has undergone massive renovations and the front of the building is completely new.  A peak inside the window shows that they still have a ways to go but could perhaps be ready by summer.
• Ben’s Chili Bowl (10th and H Street)–restaurant from the popular U Street restaurant, will be two levels and feature a bar as well.  No visual progress this winter.
• Mythology (1005 H Street)–steak and seafood as well as brunch from current general manager of the popular Atlas Room.  Space currently occupied by gym, no visual progress this winter.
• Newsom (1110 H Street)–will feature global cuisine and have two stories complete with bars and a karaoke booth (see our preview here).  Over the winter there appear to have been repairs to the floor inside, and restaurant still appears ready to open but no word on any progress.
• Sol Mexican Grill (1251 H Street)–Sol currently operates two food trucks serving burritos and tacos throughout D.C., and it will be opening a new two story restaurant and bar with a patio the first weekend of April.  See our preview and the menu.
• The Spot (1255 H Street)–new restaurant will feature Latin American cuisine (h/t Frozen Tropics and H Street Great Street).  This winter the restaurant continued to undergo a complete renovation (including removing walls, windows, and exterior doors) and appears to have a ways to go before opening.
• Chicken Tortilla (1324 H Street)–restaurant currently has a location in the southernmost part of Barracks Row, this location will serve Peruvian food and have a bar as well (h/t Frozen Tropics and H Street Great Street).  Recently the space has begun renovations that appear to be moving quickly.
• Maketto (1351 H Street)–Maketto will likely be a mix between Eastern Market and Union Market (although in a smaller location) by being part restaurant, part market (see more details from D.C. Eater and The Washington Post).  Recently began renovations.
• Impala Cantina y Taqueria (1358 H Street)–Impala Cantina y Taqueria initially opened as a popup restaurant on H Street and was extremely popular, its permanent location will open as a full service restaurant and bar in a completely renovated space.  Impala has held two popup events this winter at Toki Underground (the food at the first one that we went to was delicious) while completing its renovation.  We’re told they are aiming to open in May.
• RedRocks (1348 H Street)–the local pizza/Italian restaurant will open a three story restaurant that has a rooftop (h/t Prince of Petworth).  Renovations have been going on all winter, and the restaurant is planning to open in May.
• Manny and Olga’s (1409 H Street)–D.C. pizza chain will also offer delivery.  Construction appears to be progressing but no word on when they plan to open.
• Bardo (1200 Bladensburg Road, NE)–brewpub that will have a very large space (enough room for over 300 people) and an outdoor patio, will likely not have major food options (see more details from The Washington Post).  No real work during the winter.

Entrance to Sol Mexican Grill

After quickly completing a full renovation of its space, Sol Mexican Grill (1251 H Street, NE) plans to open next week for lunch, dinner, and late night service.  Sol currently operates two food trucks serving tacos, burritos, and burrito bowls in the downtown area.  Sol took over the space previously occupied by Danny’s Carryout and transformed the space into a beautiful two story restaurant, featuring an upstairs bar and patio area.

Upstairs Bar at Sol Mexican Grill

Sol’s new restaurant will have two parts: a downstairs area featuring quick and takeout service much like its two trucks and an upstairs area (including the patio) that will feature table service and a full bar (and tableside guacamole service).  You can view the extensive full menu here.

Patio at Sol Mexican Grill

The owners plan to open Sol in two phases.  The first phase next weekend will be for the downstairs area.  They plan to have a soft opening Friday night and then a full opening for the downstairs area on Saturday night.  In approximately three weeks, they will open the upstairs section and patio for complete service.

Kitchen at Sol Mexican Grill

Once fully open, Sol Mexican Grill will be open everyday beginning at 11am for lunch service.  Sunday through Thursday, they will stay open until about 9pm (subject to change) and then on Friday and Saturday they will stay open until 3am.  They may also keep the upstairs open late night during the week, depending upon how the first few weeks of business go.

Upstairs Windows at Sol Mexican Grill

Sol will offer an extensive drink menu.  They will have a variety of beers, margaritas, and many different tequilas including some small batch tequilas from small farms in Mexico.

Downstairs at Sol Mexican Grill

For now, the owners plan on continuing to operate both of their food trucks during the week downtown.

Upstairs Bar and Doors out to Patio at Sol Mexican Grill

The owners of Sol took over the space many months ago, and there had not been any construction activity until January of this year.  Late last year, some (District Cuisine included) had begun to worry that something had changed their plans to move into the space.  Quite to the contrary, the owners explained that the D.C. Government had held up their construction plans until January of this year.  Once they were able to begin construction in January, they worked around the clock (many times 14 hours a day) to renovate the space and get ready for opening.  They have done quite a lot of impressive work in only three months.

Stairs to First Floor at Sol Mexican Grill

Sol’s exciting new space and impressive looking menu combined with their already great tasting food they serve from their food trucks make their opening this weekend quite exciting for the neighborhood.  We can’t wait to check it out.

Windows Overlooking H Street at Sol Mexican Grill

Table at Sol Mexican Grill

From the Washington City Paper preview several months ago:

The D.C. location of TD Burger will be similar to the original, which serves burgers, Neapolitan-style pies, sandwiches, milkshakes, and more, but with the addition of a full service bar. Dean will also rename the burgers after various presidents who he’s cooked for or crossed paths with over the years, including Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama. And instead of the Martin O’Malley burger, which is available at his Maryland location, a D.C. councilmember may also get his or her own meat patty.