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News for Restaurants in Washington DC
March 2013 Archive

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RESTAURANT NEWS

Openings

Featuring assorted wood-fired grilled meats and flatbreads typical of Northern Greek cooking, Kapnos from Mike Isabella is slated to open late spring or early summer. Next door to Kapnos, Isabella plans to open a casual Italian eatery called simply G, a sister to his Graffiato by Mike Isabella. It will serve big, hunky Italian subs during the day; more refined large-meal Italian tasting menu dinners will be offered at night, all priced at $40. These meals will feature wood-fired meats or fish plus dessert. Kapnos, 2201 14th St. NW, Washington, DC 20009, no phone.
 
Chef Stephen Starr is opening a French-based eatery along the 14th Street corridor called Le Diplomate. Look for brasserie meals enhanced by a specialty coffee program and an in-house bakery. It is slated to open in April. Le Diplomate, 1601 14th St. NW, Washington, DC 20009, 202-332-3333.
 
Bryan Voltaggio has opened his fourth restaurant in the metro area. Range has the distinction of offering 300 seats and an open kitchen that provides a wide array of foods. Expect charcuterie and a raw bar, a bakery, wood-fired meats and pizzas, and desserts and a coffee bar. This is the sort of place where you can eat to your heart's content for lunch and/or dinner and probably never tire of Voltaggio's repertoire. Lunch & Dinner daily. Range, 5335 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20015, 202-803-8020.
 
Bart Vandaele, the chef-owner of Belga Cafe who recently competed on "Top Chef," will open B Too in Logan Circle. The two-story space will encompass a main dining room, kitchen bar, chef's table, a private dining area, and a waffle and frites bar. Offering a contemporary take on Belgian cuisine, the menu will feature dishes like mussels cooked with saison beer, spring onions, bacon, shiitake mushrooms, celery root and thyme; braised rabbit with prunes, onion and mushrooms; and whole pheasant with Belgian endive, Brussels sprouts and brown jus. B Too, 1324 NW 14th St., Washington, DC 20005, 202-627-2800.
 
In late March, the matchboxfoodgroup is opening its sixth restaurant and the first for Virginia. The executive chef overseeing this new location of matchbox is Jacob Hunter, who has been involved with the group since 2008. The menu will feature many favorite American dishes and the restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner daily with brunch on weekends. matchbox, Mosaic District, 2910 District Ave., Fairfax, VA 22031, no phone.
 
DGS Delicatessen offers modern Jewish cookery led by chef Barry Koslow. The restaurant features a full-service bar, a sandwich shop, a to-go menu, and a 20-seat private dining room. Items to look for include smoked salmon tartare with "Everything" aïoli and "Bagel Crunchies," plus assorted cocktails, beers and wine. Lunch & Dinner daily. DGS Delicatessen, 1317 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036, 202-293-4400.
 

News Bytes

Burger Bounty in Bethesda
Executive chef Michael Harr likes to experiment with whipping up unique burgers and toppings. At Food Wine & Co., lunchtime patrons will benefit because he has introduced a new burger menu starring USDA Prime beef, lamb, salmon and other options. You many even find a special truffle burger, if you hit the right day. Food Wine & Co., 7272 Wisconsin Ave., Ste. 2, Bethesda, MD 20814, 301-652-8008.
 
James Beard Award Nominations Announced
The nominees for the 2013 James Beard Foundation Awards have been announced. Among the Washington, D.C. representatives are CityZen for Outstanding Wine Program. The annual Awards Ceremony and Gala Reception will take place on May 3 & 6, 2013, at Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall in New York. Find reviews for the restaurants nominated on GAYOT's James Beard Foundation Awards coverage.
 
National Empanada Month at Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar
April is officially National Empanada Month and Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar is creating three new choices of the stuffed pastry to join its five traditional varieties on its daily menu. Before April, Cuba Libre fans can submit their own favorite empanada recipes through Facebook or Twitter between March 1 and March 9. For an extra incentive to come in to enjoy empanadas, Cuba Libra will offer on April 8, from 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m., seven specialty and signature empanadas. Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar, 801 9th St. NW, Washington, DC 20001, 202-408-1600.
 

Chef Shuffle
Toronto chef Susur Lee will no longer be involved with Zentan, the restaurant at Donovan House, as of the end of March. Jennifer Nguyen will take over and introduce a new menu in May. Zentan, Donovan House, 1155 14th St. NW, Washington, DC 20005, 202-379-4366.
 

Closings

CLOSED FOR GOOD
Take your taste buds on a walk down memory lane! Check out our exclusive closed restaurant database for Washington D.C. to virtually visit your favorite dining spots from the past. La Colline, R.I.P.

Viet Thai in Adams Morgan has closed. Viet Thai, 2408 18th St. NW, Washington, DC 20009, no phone.
 

CULINARY EVENTS
Want to learn to cook? Try new dishes? Meet a foodie friend for fun? Check out our compilation of culinary events in your area.


View our calendar of Wine Dinners & Tastings in Washington DC

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