As the holidays swing into full gear, much is happening in the restaurant world. First, the good news: Chef/restaurateur Matt Baker is ing the growing steakhouse family with the unveiling of Lucille’s Modern Chophouse. The upscale steak palace will slide into the ground floor of the Kimpton George Hotel, 15 E St. NW. That’s where restauranteurs Jeff and Sallie Buden operated Bistro Bis for 26 years.
“It’s a new market, neighborhood and genre that we haven’t tapped into yet,” Baker told Eater DC. Baker’s citywide 101 Hospitality group encomes Michelin-starred Gravitas and Baker’s Daughter, both located in Ivy City; French-themed Michele’s (downtown) and catering company CMB at Home.
Lucille’s will dry-age its meats—including Japanese and Texas wagyu plus home-grown prime beef—in a locker displayed in the dining room. The plan is to showcase four or five cuts at any given time. To accompany all that protein: twice-baked potatoes and other sides. Adding to the vibe will be martini carts delivering drinks tableside. For Lucille’s updates visit www.hotelgeorge.com.
On the Avenue…
Butterworth’s, a classy café/restaurant/bar, has opened at 319 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, where Coastline Oyster Company used to be. We’ve peeked inside; the décor is gorgeous yet funky: Victorian-style furnishings, including comfy sofas, mirrors and paintings, all pointing toward an open kitchen.
The open kitchen offers a daytime menu with smoked salmon, avocado toast, crepes, oysters, smoked lamb shoulder on sourdough. Dinner brings steak tartare, skate wing, ratatouille, veal shank. An innovative cocktail, beer and wine list enhances the eclectic menu offerings. Watch for details. For more information visit www.butterworths.club.
Adios Joselito
Now the bad news: We were dismayed to learn that Joselito Casa de Comidas, the cozy Spanish restaurant at 660 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, is closing. According to Eater DC, Spanish-born Javier Candon’s 70-seat charmer “is up for lease.” (Full disclosure: Joselito is our favorite local restaurant. Not only is the food, wine and ambience wonderful, Joselito is only two and a half blocks from our home.)
Replacing a former creamery/cheese shop, Joselito debuted in 2017. Chef David Sierra soon wowed diners with gazpacho Andaluz, grilled octopus, cod fritters, seafood paella, enjoyed with Spanish wines. We loved the stylish, white-tiled décor, bistro chairs and even the cramped, marble-topped tables.
“Unfortunately, despite its great reputation, Joselito never recovered from COVID,” Candon told Eater DC. (We the darkest days of the pandemic shutdown when Joselito was selling household supplies.)
“This is especially sad for what Joselito represents for my family,” Candon said, adding that he will determine the closing date once someone signs a new lease. That should take two to three months. Joselito—a homage to Candon’s late father whose favorite bullfighter was named Jose—will probably depart early next year.
Ser, Joselito’s sister restaurant in Ballston (Arlington) is “still going great” and will remain open. For updates and more information visit www.joselitodc.com.
Next Year on H…
Aldi, the popular German-based supermarket chain, is slated to open an outlet at 801 H St. NE in the sprawling Rappoport Avec complex. Don’t rush over right away; the much-needed grocery store won’t arrive until early next year. For updates and more information visit www.stores.aldi.us.
Brussels Mussels
Speaking of H street: Peter and I recently revisited an old favorite, Granville Moore, 1238 H St. NE. After attending a performance at the nearby Atlas Performing Arts Center, our group of six enjoyed a delightful supper at “DC’s original Belgian Tavern.” The dark, cozy atmosphere, with roughhewn tables and benches, is reminiscent of an 18th century tavern.
Granville Moore is famous for mussels. Diners may choose from the classic mariniere (steeped in white wine, garlic and herbs); bleu cheese with pork belly and onions; spicy Thai curry. Peter and I shared the mariniere, along with an order of piping hot fries, which come with mayo-based sauces: truffle, Old Bay, chipotle, curry. (Everybody loves those crunchy fries; the kitchen goes through more than 1,400 pounds of spuds a week.)
To wash down those mollusks (1,200 weekly), the bar pours a rotating selection of beers, mainly Belgian brews, plus a few wine and cider choices. Granville Moore is open daily, including for brunch and happy hour. For more information visit www.granvillemoores.com.
I Scream for Ice Cream
Finally, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream has opened at 660 Pennsylvania Ave. SE (Seventh Street entrance), near Eastern Market. The upscale ice cream parlor is the latest in the nationwide chain. For more information visit www.vanleeuwenicecream.com.
Good Company
You’ll find more than doughnuts and coffee at Good Company Doughnuts & Café, which opened in May at 1000 Fourth St. SW (Waterfront Station). “It seems like a shiny, new yet old-fashioned diner offering sandwiches, bagels, egg dishes, salads, soups and more,” observed Peter. He recently sampled a bowl of delicious, piping-hot butternut squash soup with Natalie’s Lemonade for only $14. Customers place their orders at the front counter, take a number and sit comfortably at the full bar or tables in the attractive dining area where wait staff serves your selections including beer, wine and mixed drinks.
The comfy eatery offers such breakfast dishes as egg and cheese burritos, chorizo, pork belly, brisket, as well as lox and bagels, avocado toast, oatmeal, quesadilla and fruit cups. For lunch or dinner, you can order Cubano, roast beef, chicken pesto, BLT, and “worth the wait” spicy grilled cheese on sourdough bread. Or settle for a Cobb or Stella’s artisan salad, pasta Carmellata, mac-and-cheese. Oh yes, the doughnuts are delicious.
Good Company is open daily. For hours and more information visit www.gocodough.com.
And…
As always, La Plaza, our beloved neighborhood Tex-Mex/Salvadoran restaurant at 629 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, will be open for business on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, as well as New Year’s Eve and Day. For menus, hours and more information visit www.laplazaWashington.com.
Gone?
Joey’s, 527 Eighth St. SE, has closed, at least temporarily. A sign in the window read: “Closed for Vacation.” We miss their homemade chili, pastrami, zesty Buffalo wings and convivial atmosphere. We wish proprietor John Boyle the best and hope Joey’s reopens soon.
