Elisir (427 11th Street), the contemporary Italian fine dining restaurant, closed its doors today and will reopen at 5 p.m. on Friday, March 15, as Osteria Elisir, catering to more modest tastes. After the rebranding, expect main courses—from meatballs to grilled lamb steak—to average around $26. The average check at Elisir, established by Chef Enzo Fargione one-and-a-half years ago, was $130.
Other openings: Daikaya (705 6th Street), the much-anticipated ramen noodle restaurant, drew an impressive crowd when it opened on Valentine’s Day. Will its upstairs izakaya —a casual drinking spot that also serves food—attract the masses? See for yourself when it opens toward the end of the month (sorry, no firm date as of yet). For now, though, you can delight in Daikaya’s miso, shio (salt), shoyu (soy) and vegan ramen. For more ethnic fare, note the Carving Room (300 Massachusetts Avenue), the deli with a Jewish-Moroccan flair, also opened last month, setting up digs in the Mass Court apartment building. Equipped with a full kitchen, 55 seats, and a bar (yes, you did read correctly). In fact, join the happy hour, which runs every day from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. And look out for a 40-seat outdoor patio, debuting when warmer weather graces us with its presence. (Sigh)
Fans of Ebbitt Express (675 15th Street) were disappointed to see the popular carry-out annex behind Old Ebbitt Grill shut down last month. Open for nearly 20 years, the spot offered Downtown workers, shoppers and visitors quick, on-the-go breakfast and lunch. Not to despair, die-hard fans: Old Ebbitt Grill now offers carry out.
Speaking of Old Ebbitt Grill, last year the historic bar and restaurant began providing diners up-to-the minute news from the Associated Press (1100 13th Street). Located on separate “news receipts” issued with meal receipts, the newsy items are tailored to D.C. readers and can now also be found at The Hamilton (600 14th Street), another Clyde’s Restaurant Group eating place. Eventually, Clyde’s expects to roll out the AP news program at all of its restaurants, totaling more than a dozen locations.