Expect a time-honored California institution to debut in Downtown and D.C. in the first quarter of 2014. Tadich Grill, San Francisco and the state’s oldest restaurant, will assume space once occupied by TenPenh (1001 Pennsylvania Avenue), the Asian-themed eatery shuttered two years ago (has it really been that long ago?). Established in 1849, Tadich specializes in seafood fitting the “Bubba” test—broiled, charcoal broiled, pan-fried, deep fried, sautéed, and baked en casserole. We understand its signature dish, cioppino—a fish stew—is to die for. Once it opens, Tadich will join other out-of-towners, including Del Frisco’s Grille (1201 Pennsylvania Avenue), Carmine’s (425 7th Street) and Hill Country (410 7th Street)—which hailed from Dallas, New York and Central Texas, respectively, and made their mark here in a big way. Its décor and ambiance will likely match that of the San Francisco location, which features a long wooden bar, starched white tablecloths, alcoves with booths, and servers in white coat. Also expect a casual elegant dress code.
Meanwhile, J&G Steakhouse (515 15th Street) is revamping its appearance inside the W Washington Hotel to give its space a more “playful, energetic, and approachable vibe,” while the signage for yet another Paul Bakery is now visible at the Columbia Square building (555 13th Street), on the F Street side near the Metro Center station.
It seems like it was only yesterday that world-famous chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten opened the Steakhouse. But the four-year-old restaurant will undergo a month-long renovation beginning in August. Look for the addition of a martini-focused bar, Bar 515, once the Steakhouse reopens. Paul, France’s leading bakery, now appears to be conducting an independent, sugar-laden invasion of D.C. With four locations opening here in less than two-and-a-half years, the old-fashioned Parisian bakery’s fifth shop will occupy 2,500 square feet in space once used by Firehook Bakery & Coffeehouse and a good portion of the space formerly occupied by Trover, the greeting card, gift and novelty shop. The bakery plans to open in early fall.