Consumed. DC » 14th Street

Cork Market set to open Friday

Consumed.DC — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:20:24 +0000

Cork Market Opens

The long awaited extension of Cork, Cork Market, is set to open this Friday and we couldn’t be more optimistic about its potential.

Set to open on popular 14th Street, the market is billed as serving as a food and packaged goods market, but also a community gathering spot. In addition to selling the wines featured at the main restaurant across the street, local producers will showcase jams, dairy products and desserts. Carry-out dishes will also be available, with nightly specials prepared by Blacksalt sous chef, Kristin Hutter.

We’re excited about the combination of goods offered at Cork Market, as well as the additional loft space they plan to make available for meetings and special exhibits. While restaurants like Tryst and Busboys & Poets (and even Whole Foods to an extent) have tried to fill the role of community hub in the past, they seem to fall short in their ability to attact patrons who are interested in spending time there on a regular basis. Maybe it’s our busy schedules to blame – or simply the nature of living in a bit city that have made it difficult to achieve such an organic environment.

Despite these challenges, we can’t help but think that with the right combination of features and the ability to manage crowds efficiently, a place might be able to fill this void and truly become a meeting and gathering place for neighborhood friends. We’ll see if Cork Market holds that potential this Friday.

Cork Market’s hours will be: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.

The Gibson expands to include upstairs

Consumed.DC — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:10:09 +0000

For The Gibson, lines at the door are just not acceptable. In fact, they don’t even want to tell you where the door is located. Instead, patrons are either flat-out refused entry or are offered a chance to leave their phone numbers where they can be reached if a bar stool or table opens up.

We happen to prefer this up-front, no excuses kind of approach. It’s like the “he’s just not that into you” of the bar scene. Either you’re in, or you’re not. End of story.

But to help ease the pain of so many being turned away, The Gibson has decided to give us just a few more seats by opening an upstairs level. The bar will nearly double in size when the upstairs level opens this weekend and will feature two private rooms that can be rented in advance.

They’ll be kicking off the whole thing at their Corpse Revival Halloween Party, which, for $75 for the night will include cocktails and snacks (also a new addition)from 8:30pm to 2:30am.

The Gibson, 2009 14th Street, NW

Proof goes Spanish and comes to Logan Circle

Consumed.DC — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:30:57 +0000

The Washington Post is reporting that the owners of Proof in Chinatown have secured a new restaurant space on 14th Street for a new venture named Estadio. Set to open in Spring or Summer of 2010, Estadio will feature food and wines from northern Spain in the form of small bites, tapas, and main entrees. Casa Mono in New York – owned by renowned restaurateur Mario Batali – will serve as inspiration.

Metrocurean was able to secure some additional details, including that the restaurant will seat up to 100 diners, including 20 bar seats and three communal tables. Although the restaurant will only serve dinner to start, plans for brunch and lunch are in the works, reports Metrocurean.

The new space will be located at 1520 14th St. NW, recently vacated by Garden District.

We can’t wait!

New Garden District location is open

Consumed.DC — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:31:08 +0000

Garden District's new location

A few weeks ago we were struck with panic while walking down the sidewalk of 14th Street. There were vacant windows, empty shelves and closing signs! One of DC’s best resources for seasonal plants and gardening supplies appeared to be closing.

But thankfully, Garden District has just moved to a larger location just up the street. This is the second time Garden District has changed its shop around, but it looks like the move was definitely worth it. They’ve combined their separate indoor shops and outdoor shops (also on 14th Street) and they’ve added some expansive outdoor space.

The effect is a creative transformation of an old service station into a new use. And apparently the original shop will be retained by the owner and converted into a new surprise.

Check out the new space at 1740 14th Street, NW (at the intersection of S Street). Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday 9 – 7 & Sunday 10 – 6.

It’s official: Birch & Barley and ChurchKey to open Thursday…

Consumed.DC — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:08:49 +0000

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Metrocurean is reporting that the long-awaited opening of Birch & Barley and ChurchKey will take place this Thursday! Time to pull on your drinking pants and line up at the door. The address for the split level building that contains both the restaurant and bar is 1337 14th Street, NW.

ChurchKey will host close to 500 beers with 50 on draft, while Birch & Barley will feature an American menu with inspiration from special brews.

We’ll have a full report of our experience this weekend.