We’re not going downtown to work, or shop, or dine like we did prior to the pandemic. So one downtown restaurant is coming to us.
In January, Little Sesame is opening a rotisserie chicken pop-up at Sugar Fox (5027 Connecticut Avenue). The pop-up already has a takeout and delivery menu, which includes a whole or half chicken, sides and a dessert collaboration with Sugar Fox.
Washingtonian reports a Little Sesame co-owner grew up in the neighborhood and attended Wilson High School. “For a long time everyone went downtown to eat,” Nick Wiseman tells the magazine. “We’re trying to do the same things we do, but re-shift what we do and who we do it for.”
The Little Sesame pop-up will be open Wednesdays through Saturdays from January 6th through March 14th. Its hours will be 5 to 9 p.m. (Corrected: Our article originally said the pop-up would be open Sundays as well.)
Forest Hills gets its first “streatery”
Outdoor dining at I’m Eddie Cano (5014 Connecticut) has gradually expanded over the past several months from its own patio to the unused patio at the former Jake’s American Grille next door, and now into the Connecticut Avenue, where the District has placed concrete barriers in the parking lane.
I’m Eddie Cano is sharing this “streatery” with Rosemary Bistro Cafe, which is putting up small greenhouses for private dining. We’re getting more details on those.
Here’s what we do know: Both restaurants have special Christmas and New Year’s Eve menus. And both appreciate your business during the holidays and every day.
Woodley Park Main Street profiles Rosemary’s owner
Before Fred Darricarrere opened his Forest Hills restaurant, he ran Petit Plats in Woodley Park for 20 years. The Woodley Park Main Street article talks about his Basque Country roots, his culinary training in France and his experience at Michelin-starred restaurants. But he’s been in the U.S. for 32 years, and “he considers himself to be a DC boy!”
Tino’s pops up in Cleveland Park
Tino’s Pizzeria closed in November, but returned last Friday for what was supposed to be a two-day appearance. Its loyal customers cleaned them out in one night.
The next Tino’s pop-up is this Friday and Saturday, December 18th and 19th. Read more about the Tino’s “farewell tour” at Eater DC.
Fast-casual pivot in Tenleytown
Seoulspice locations in Tenleytown, NoMa and College Park have continued to sell carryout bowls throughout the pandemic. A month ago, Seoulspice added full-service dining at the Tenleytown and NoMa restaurants, in the form of all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue prepared on a tabletop grill. Washingtonian has more details and includes some good news: Seoulspice hasn’t had to lay off any employees.
New aid for restaurants and retail
Restaurants and stores can now apply for grants through DC’s Bridge Fund. The deadline for restaurant applications is Monday, December 28th. Stores can apply through January 8th. Find more information here.