I've been 3 times, twice while it was under Dave Nugent. Last night I went back and I have to say that the food has taken a turn for the worse under the new chef/direction. We had mussels (of course) but the sublime Belgium Triple mussels that Dave was cooking up (listed ingredients: beer, garlic) have now morphed into an overly bacon flavored stew of beer, bacon, onions, garlic, and some other things.
I had the mussels Provencale, and they were underwhelming to say the least. The fries were fine, but now they're charging for the condiments which I think is spectacularly stupid, as well as getting rid of the curry mayo which I thought was fantastic.
The menu is about half the size now, with the only things other than moules/frites being an argula salad (which was good), a sausage sandwich, a burger and a veggie sandwich. Nothing to be excited about.
Not to mention the lack of tact that Chris, the manager and our waiter, showed when I joked that the menu was tiny. Not only did he slam Dave, he went on about how they had taken his best recipes and made them better (which isn't true by a long shot), and basically "good riddance to bad rubbish". I understand that things might not have worked out between them, but I think it's completely and totally unprofessional to voice that to your customers in such harsh and strong terms. Oh well.
And you can't order draft beers from downstairs if you're sitting upstairs. WTF?!
Talk about a meteoric rise and fall. It went from being my new most favorite place to drink and eat in the city, to someplace I probably won't go again.
Seems like everyone expected Granville Moore's to be the next Kinkead's. I've been when Dave Nugent was the chef, and it was really good. I haven't been since Teddy Folkman took over the kitchen, but I've eaten his fare in the past, and he is a phenomenal chef. Give the place a chance.
I've eaten there since the chef change and found the food to be just as good, maybe even better. Chris told us that the menu would be growing in the next week or so as the new chef gets situated. I think that the place is going through some growing pains but has the potential to be a great neighborhood pub.
I think the place is great. I consider myself a chowhound, not a foodie, and seems like the food is on par with most Washington restaurants - but more casual with better beer. This is what they were after as far as I can tell, and it is right for this area. If it is someplace you "probably won't go again" - that's ok.
Honestly, I thought that the food was on-par or better than Belga Cafe while it was under Dave. And for that to be the case within the first weeks of opening I thought was a very impressive accomplishment for everyone there.
I have heard the mantra of "they're going through growing pains" from too many people as an excuse for the latest changes. Quite frankly, the neighborhood is so starved for attention, that I think people are wary of being critical of anyone who ventures our way. I say screw that, expect the best, give them your feedback and let the cards fall as they may.
Regardless, I still think that Chris' rant about Dave to my table was highly unprofessional and tactless. I only hope the fight was between them and didn't include Joe Englert. If he could get Dave back on H st in a place with a real kitchen, then we'll really have some great food on H!
We went early on and the food was very nice. We went again the other night and my friends were all happy with their mussels, except for one who had a lot that were not opened. The staff bent over backwards to get her a new plate...they were very nice about it. I had the Croq Saucisson, which tasted fine but was on a hamburger bun like you'd buy in a pack of eight at Safeway. That was a bit of a surprise. But the stuff inside it was very tasty. The frites were pretty soggy/greasy...it's been so long since I was in Belgium I couldn't tell you how they're "supposed" to be...
No. But I do believe that good work should be rewarded. What is your problem with that? The one place on the street so far that had the beginnings of being a really nice place to eat *dinner* (not a beer and sandwich) has reversed directions. I can get pub food elsewhere, and I can certainly get Belgiums elsewhere, but the combo of a really good full fare menu and a great compliment of beers I thought was killer. The managers I guess didn't, but that won't stop me from still wanting a nice sit down restaurant on H St.
But hell yes, I do wish I did have some financial interest in the redevelopment of the street. Too bad I was too scared to buy a property on the 1300 blk of H st for the grand sum of $100,000 five years ago.
I've been there 3 times now, never for food. I tend to just drink at bars so the whole Chef debacle hasnt really bothered me. I am, however getting concerned that only Joe Englert is opening stuff on H. Isnt anyone else doing anything?
Eric, Other stuff is on the way (e.g. Twelve, Napa, Liquid, the crepe place in the 1300 block, the ice cream place in the 1300 block, some development on Florida, a coffee shop around 5th & L, a place on Benning Road & more) & other stuff is here: H Street Playhouse, Atlas, Sanctuary, Rose's Dream, Sidamo, Dissident Display, British Ink, Jimmy Valentine's (located on Bladensburg Road), & the gallery above Sidamo are an incomplete list. Plus, many of the places associated with Joe Englert were either places opened not by him, but by people he knew (such as the Pug and the Red & the Black), or places where he had an interest, but has since sold it (like Palace of Wonders). So, yeah other people are opening stuff on H Street.
I went when it first opened and it was really good. I went later(I thought is was after the chef change, but don't really know) and it was good. I am going again Thursday to see how it really is. the point is even if it is not as good as it was, it is still the best food on H st, and one of only two sit down places on H st. The Aurgonaut is fine, but the food their is reheated stuff like you get at the Hawk and Dove or the Lounge. I mean Granville's is actually attempting real food which is a first for H st.
I should point out that I only mentioned newer arts/eating oriented places. A few other (I'm not going to try to list them all) places that have opened in recent years, or are in the pipeline: Pap & Petey's (jazz bar), Willpower Health & Fitness, SOVA Espresso & wine bar, Bikram Yoga Capitol Hill, H Street Martini Lounge, Joy of motion, Stella Bleu, Total U Fitness, and assorted other spots.
I think all of us in the area are just craving somewhere good to go sit and eat. Anyone could look at the LINE waiting to sit down for food at Granville Moore's to see that.
Mr. Englert and friends, we don't need another drinkin' place in the neighborhood, we need restuarants! P.S. Popeye's doesn't count.
I haven't heard anything like that about the Pug. When I was there a week, or so, ago they were talking about maybe introducing sandwiches this winter.
Granville Moore's will be offering 5-8 different mussel preparations a day. There will be five or more fritte sauces. There will always be several salads and at least a scallop or shrimp appetizer. There will be two or three entrees a night, as well as angus, venison or lamb burgers. There will be charcuterie. There will be sausage and cheese plates, too. This is a restaurant through and through with a great bar to boot. Two or three years ago, I said exactly what I intended to do or hoped to help recruit. Phase One: 5-7 bars, nightclubs and taverns Phase Two--3-5 restaurants. Granville is one. Sticky Rice is two. Sova is three (with coffee and a wine bar as well. And I think I will be able to annouce 1-2 more by late Fall. Hopefully, Mexican or wood burning pizza Phase Three is next--chocolate shop, ice cream, mini-golf etc. Just wait, good things are going to continue to happen. P.S.--we are looking to continue to improve Argonaut and add lots of new things to the menu as well this Fall. A kitchen renovation will really help move things along for us. That is happening soon. Thanks
By the way, the Pug is doing quite nicely. Maybe you misheard that Tony was closing in on a SECOND location because he was doing so well. Cassandras, the sky is really not falling. It isn't!
P.S.---Name a neighborhood in the city that in three blocks has 1) Five or seven bars/restaurants/a rock and roll club, outdoor patios, etc that are as interesting as H. And we haven't even been provided any infrastructure as well. Also, Steve Hessler is about to open 5-buildings worth of art galleries. Things are going to be really nice people. KEEP THE FAITH!
I've been there twice. Both were good but the second was better -- and it was after the change in chef. On visit one we had mussels which were quite tasty. On the second it was a salad and crab cakes, both of which were quite excellent.
On both occasions we had the same waitress and she's improved over time. Visit #1 several beginner mistakes. Visit #2, zero mistakes.
During the most recent visit on Monday night it was really busy. The crowd was old and young, neighbors and folks who'd driven a ways to get there.
Inked - what's the place opening on Benning Rd? I saw that a Langston Bar and Grill had applied for a liquor license awhile back on the 1800 block of Benning - is that the one you're referring to? If so, that would be awesome for the likes of me ... I love the Argonaut but it's too dangerous to walk home from there after a night of drinking.
Joe -- God bless you! I know you're a businessman and a successful one at that, but I can't help feeling like you are like an old-fashioned town booster -- keeping the faith while others falter!
Long live Mr. Englert! Long live H Street! Long live entrepreneurial zeal!
Off topic, I checked out Jimmy Valentine's last night. I actually really liked the vibe. As always, I think the prices for the neighborhood were a bit much, and the hipster pretense was truly absurd. But hey, I enjoyed all the same. Wouldn't have found it without Elise, though.
Wait, wait. Joe is calling Sova a restaurant? Oh man do I hope that is true.
But I remember this from a Voice of The Hill story a long, long time ago -- "Hankins, whose background includes some experience in the restaurant business, does not intend to offer a full menu or hire kitchen staff. Rather, Sova Wine and Espresso will serve desserts and light fare to accompany its beverage selections."
Anyone have insight?
And thank you, Joe, as always for your attitude and what you are doing.
Then why do you think the Hanna Barbera folks name Scooby's nephew Scrappy? That kid seemed to have his crap together if you ask me. Especially compared to his uncle and that pothead, Shaggy! I take the H Street "scrappy" reference as a compliment in that light.
Exactly! I took "scrappy" as a compliment. A little rough on the edges, but always getting up again and trying. Tough, resourceful, etc. I've already started using "scrappy" instead of "edgy" "up and coming" etc.
You're correct to say that Sova will not be a restaurant. It will be a coffeehouse, lounge, and wine bar, that will start out serving morning pastries and bagels, and also dessert type food in the early afternoon through the evening.
My issue with offering other foods when I open is as follows. I need to be as efficient with my staff hirings as possible. So that means having simple fare that a cashier, or barista for that matter, can easily get and serve, and then move on to the next customer. I used to go to the previous owners business, and nothing irritated me more than to have someone order a made-to-order sandwich right in front of me, when all I wanted was a cup of coffee or soft drink. I do hope to expand on the offerings as time and demand permits.
I expect to open the coffeehouse portion within the next month (wine and bottled beer will be closer to November), and I hope you all will be pleased. I really want to creat a comfortable neighborhood meeting place where all can meet and mingle, and I'm designing the place with that in mind.
I'll give further details through Elise as I get closer to opening. But until then, long live H St. NE, and long live the other business owners who are also taking the risk to bring this great neighborhood the conveniences they deserve, and the establishments they can be proud to patronize.
Mr. Englert--thanks for the tip of the hand as to what else is in the pipeline for H street et al. Your neighborhood additions to this point have been spot-on excellent and I am sure they will continue to be the same. Regarding GM's--I have only been since the new chef came in, and had a great experience. Continue to give things a chance to get into full swing--let's not bite the hand that feeds up (at least not too hard).
Also, Mr. Hankins--thanks for the update on SOVA. We are looking very much forward to having a coffee spot at the east end of H. It will be a welcome addition.
43 comments:
wow! that's one of the most positive reviews i've ever seen of any place, anywhere!
congratulations GM!
Have any of your readers been there? What was their impression?
I've been 3 times, twice while it was under Dave Nugent. Last night I went back and I have to say that the food has taken a turn for the worse under the new chef/direction. We had mussels (of course) but the sublime Belgium Triple mussels that Dave was cooking up (listed ingredients: beer, garlic) have now morphed into an overly bacon flavored stew of beer, bacon, onions, garlic, and some other things.
I had the mussels Provencale, and they were underwhelming to say the least. The fries were fine, but now they're charging for the condiments which I think is spectacularly stupid, as well as getting rid of the curry mayo which I thought was fantastic.
The menu is about half the size now, with the only things other than moules/frites being an argula salad (which was good), a sausage sandwich, a burger and a veggie sandwich. Nothing to be excited about.
Not to mention the lack of tact that Chris, the manager and our waiter, showed when I joked that the menu was tiny. Not only did he slam Dave, he went on about how they had taken his best recipes and made them better (which isn't true by a long shot), and basically "good riddance to bad rubbish". I understand that things might not have worked out between them, but I think it's completely and totally unprofessional to voice that to your customers in such harsh and strong terms. Oh well.
And you can't order draft beers from downstairs if you're sitting upstairs. WTF?!
Talk about a meteoric rise and fall. It went from being my new most favorite place to drink and eat in the city, to someplace I probably won't go again.
Z
Seems like everyone expected Granville Moore's to be the next Kinkead's. I've been when Dave Nugent was the chef, and it was really good. I haven't been since Teddy Folkman took over the kitchen, but I've eaten his fare in the past, and he is a phenomenal chef. Give the place a chance.
I've eaten there since the chef change and found the food to be just as good, maybe even better. Chris told us that the menu would be growing in the next week or so as the new chef gets situated. I think that the place is going through some growing pains but has the potential to be a great neighborhood pub.
I think the place is great. I consider myself a chowhound, not a foodie, and seems like the food is on par with most Washington restaurants - but more casual with better beer. This is what they were after as far as I can tell, and it is right for this area. If it is someplace you "probably won't go again" - that's ok.
"in an otherwise scrappy neighborhood." Hmmm. Scrappy. For some reason I really like that term to describe our neighborhood.
Honestly, I thought that the food was on-par or better than Belga Cafe while it was under Dave. And for that to be the case within the first weeks of opening I thought was a very impressive accomplishment for everyone there.
I have heard the mantra of "they're going through growing pains" from too many people as an excuse for the latest changes. Quite frankly, the neighborhood is so starved for attention, that I think people are wary of being critical of anyone who ventures our way. I say screw that, expect the best, give them your feedback and let the cards fall as they may.
Regardless, I still think that Chris' rant about Dave to my table was highly unprofessional and tactless. I only hope the fight was between them and didn't include Joe Englert. If he could get Dave back on H st in a place with a real kitchen, then we'll really have some great food on H!
Z
It sounds like someone has a personal interest....
I've eaten here a couple times and liked it. Everyone was nice and it seemed pretty cool. Just my 2 cents.
We went early on and the food was very nice. We went again the other night and my friends were all happy with their mussels, except for one who had a lot that were not opened. The staff bent over backwards to get her a new plate...they were very nice about it. I had the Croq Saucisson, which tasted fine but was on a hamburger bun like you'd buy in a pack of eight at Safeway. That was a bit of a surprise. But the stuff inside it was very tasty. The frites were pretty soggy/greasy...it's been so long since I was in Belgium I couldn't tell you how they're "supposed" to be...
A "personal interest"?
No. But I do believe that good work should be rewarded. What is your problem with that? The one place on the street so far that had the beginnings of being a really nice place to eat *dinner* (not a beer and sandwich) has reversed directions. I can get pub food elsewhere, and I can certainly get Belgiums elsewhere, but the combo of a really good full fare menu and a great compliment of beers I thought was killer. The managers I guess didn't, but that won't stop me from still wanting a nice sit down restaurant on H St.
But hell yes, I do wish I did have some financial interest in the redevelopment of the street. Too bad I was too scared to buy a property on the 1300 blk of H st for the grand sum of $100,000 five years ago.
Oh well.
Z
I've been there 3 times now, never for food. I tend to just drink at bars so the whole Chef debacle hasnt really bothered me. I am, however getting concerned that only Joe Englert is opening stuff on H. Isnt anyone else doing anything?
Eric,
Other stuff is on the way (e.g. Twelve, Napa, Liquid, the crepe place in the 1300 block, the ice cream place in the 1300 block, some development on Florida, a coffee shop around 5th & L, a place on Benning Road & more) & other stuff is here: H Street Playhouse, Atlas, Sanctuary, Rose's Dream, Sidamo, Dissident Display, British Ink, Jimmy Valentine's (located on Bladensburg Road), & the gallery above Sidamo are an incomplete list. Plus, many of the places associated with Joe Englert were either places opened not by him, but by people he knew (such as the Pug and the Red & the Black), or places where he had an interest, but has since sold it (like Palace of Wonders). So, yeah other people are opening stuff on H Street.
I went when it first opened and it was really good. I went later(I thought is was after the chef change, but don't really know) and it was good. I am going again Thursday to see how it really is. the point is even if it is not as good as it was, it is still the best food on H st, and one of only two sit down places on H st. The Aurgonaut is fine, but the food their is reheated stuff like you get at the Hawk and Dove or the Lounge. I mean Granville's is actually attempting real food which is a first for H st.
I should point out that I only mentioned newer arts/eating oriented places. A few other (I'm not going to try to list them all) places that have opened in recent years, or are in the pipeline: Pap & Petey's (jazz bar), Willpower Health & Fitness, SOVA Espresso & wine bar, Bikram Yoga Capitol Hill, H Street Martini Lounge, Joy of motion, Stella Bleu, Total U Fitness, and assorted other spots.
I think all of us in the area are just craving somewhere good to go sit and eat. Anyone could look at the LINE waiting to sit down for food at Granville Moore's to see that.
Mr. Englert and friends, we don't need another drinkin' place in the neighborhood, we need restuarants!
P.S. Popeye's doesn't count.
JB
For those complaining about too many bars in the neighborhood, I heard the Pug is closing. Can anyone confirm or hopefully refute this?
Wow. Please someone say that's not true.
The Pug closing?!?! Hope this is just a rumor. It's one of the best places on H. Anonymous, can you tell us where you heard this?
I haven't heard anything like that about the Pug. When I was there a week, or so, ago they were talking about maybe introducing sandwiches this winter.
Joe Englert said:
Granville Moore's will be offering 5-8 different mussel preparations a day. There will be five or more fritte sauces.
There will always be several salads and at least a scallop or shrimp appetizer.
There will be two or three entrees a night, as well as angus, venison or lamb burgers.
There will be charcuterie. There will be sausage and cheese plates, too.
This is a restaurant through and through with a great bar to boot.
Two or three years ago, I said exactly what I intended to do or hoped to help recruit.
Phase One: 5-7 bars, nightclubs and taverns
Phase Two--3-5 restaurants. Granville is one. Sticky Rice is two. Sova is three (with coffee and a wine bar as well. And I think I will be able to annouce 1-2 more by late Fall. Hopefully, Mexican or wood burning pizza
Phase Three is next--chocolate shop, ice cream, mini-golf etc. Just wait, good things are going to continue to happen.
P.S.--we are looking to continue to improve Argonaut and add lots of new things to the menu as well this Fall. A kitchen renovation will really help move things along for us. That is happening soon. Thanks
Joe Englert said:
By the way, the Pug is doing quite nicely. Maybe you misheard that Tony was closing in on a SECOND location because he was doing so well.
Cassandras, the sky is really not falling. It isn't!
P.S.---Name a neighborhood in the city that in three blocks has
1) Five or seven bars/restaurants/a rock and roll club, outdoor patios, etc that are as interesting as H. And we haven't even been provided any infrastructure as well. Also, Steve Hessler is about to open 5-buildings worth of art galleries. Things are going to be really nice people. KEEP THE FAITH!
I love Granville Moores. Maybe I am behind on the times, but when did the chef change? Anyone know why?
I've been there twice. Both were good but the second was better -- and it was after the change in chef. On visit one we had mussels which were quite tasty. On the second it was a salad and crab cakes, both of which were quite excellent.
On both occasions we had the same waitress and she's improved over time. Visit #1 several beginner mistakes. Visit #2, zero mistakes.
During the most recent visit on Monday night it was really busy. The crowd was old and young, neighbors and folks who'd driven a ways to get there.
I'm a big fan and just love to go there.
Thank you, Joe!
Pug lover said:
Pug is closing a couple of days in August and September for routine vacation days that a lot of businesses take this time of year. Chill
Inked - what's the place opening on Benning Rd? I saw that a Langston Bar and Grill had applied for a liquor license awhile back on the 1800 block of Benning - is that the one you're referring to? If so, that would be awesome for the likes of me ... I love the Argonaut but it's too dangerous to walk home from there after a night of drinking.
Liz,
I was indeed refering to the Langston bar & Grill.
Joe -- God bless you! I know you're a businessman and a successful one at that, but I can't help feeling like you are like an old-fashioned town booster -- keeping the faith while others falter!
Long live Mr. Englert!
Long live H Street!
Long live entrepreneurial zeal!
Off topic, I checked out Jimmy Valentine's last night. I actually really liked the vibe. As always, I think the prices for the neighborhood were a bit much, and the hipster pretense was truly absurd. But hey, I enjoyed all the same. Wouldn't have found it without Elise, though.
Wait, wait. Joe is calling Sova a restaurant? Oh man do I hope that is true.
But I remember this from a Voice of The Hill story a long, long time ago -- "Hankins, whose background includes some experience in the restaurant business, does not intend to offer a full menu or hire kitchen staff. Rather, Sova Wine and Espresso will serve desserts and light fare to accompany its beverage selections."
Anyone have insight?
And thank you, Joe, as always for your attitude and what you are doing.
about the reference to H street being a 'scrappy' neighborhood.
yes, it is.
scrap·py1 /ˈskræpi/ –adjective, -pi·er, -pi·est. made up of scraps or of odds and ends; fragmentary; disconnected.
Poo,
Then why do you think the Hanna Barbera folks name Scooby's nephew Scrappy? That kid seemed to have his crap together if you ask me. Especially compared to his uncle and that pothead, Shaggy! I take the H Street "scrappy" reference as a compliment in that light.
Poo - I'm goiing to guess you're being tongue in cheek here, but I figured it's worth noting that scrappy also means "full of fighting spirit."
Personally, I'm just glad they called us "otherwise scrappy" and not "otherwise crappy."
Exactly! I took "scrappy" as a compliment. A little rough on the edges, but always getting up again and trying. Tough, resourceful, etc. I've already started using "scrappy" instead of "edgy" "up and coming" etc.
Nate B and all,
You're correct to say that Sova will not be a restaurant. It will be a coffeehouse, lounge, and wine bar, that will start out serving morning pastries and bagels, and also dessert type food in the early afternoon through the evening.
My issue with offering other foods when I open is as follows. I need to be as efficient with my staff hirings as possible. So that means having simple fare that a cashier, or barista for that matter, can easily get and serve, and then move on to the next customer. I used to go to the previous owners business, and nothing irritated me more than to have someone order a made-to-order sandwich right in front of me, when all I wanted was a cup of coffee or soft drink. I do hope to expand on the offerings as time and demand permits.
I expect to open the coffeehouse portion within the next month (wine and bottled beer will be closer to November), and I hope you all will be pleased. I really want to creat a comfortable neighborhood meeting place where all can meet and mingle, and I'm designing the place with that in mind.
I'll give further details through Elise as I get closer to opening. But until then, long live H St. NE, and long live the other business owners who are also taking the risk to bring this great neighborhood the conveniences they deserve, and the establishments they can be proud to patronize.
Peace,
Frank Hankins, Owner of SOVA
Frank:
Greatly looking forward to your arrival in my backyard. I miss Alfonso and Kim and can't wait for the space to come back to life.
Ken
oh.
inked...
you forgot the wicked english tattoo artist that has a shop on H.
i know it doesn't fit in to arts, or restaurants, or yoga.
but it's a great addition.
the only other fairly decent tattoo shops are in gtown and near dupont.
anyway, welcome tattoozi folks! we love you too!
good luck on the potential series!
ok, i'm not good at this 'budgeting' thing, but i'm definitely securing some funds for sova... as well ad GM.
the fact that the owners actually post here is AWESOME. it really lends credibility and enthusiasm for the 'new' joints on H street.
joe has it right. h street has to start somewhere, and he's made the start - a very successful one at that.
the restaurants will come, as will the trader joe's etc.
but joe and frank get enormous kudos for helping turn the street around. as do elise and alan, of course. it's a community effort.
if you can avoid a starbucks, and hang at the local joints, you're doing yourself and the rest of the community a favour.
hang in there.
this neck of the hood is going to be a very, very funky place.....
thanks, joe, frank, alan, and elise.
and the countless others behind the scenes.
H street is going to be a pretty fun neighborhood.. (north and south).
like joe said, don't be cassandras.
believe!
Poo Poo,
I listed British Ink!
Mr. Englert--thanks for the tip of the hand as to what else is in the pipeline for H street et al. Your neighborhood additions to this point have been spot-on excellent and I am sure they will continue to be the same. Regarding GM's--I have only been since the new chef came in, and had a great experience. Continue to give things a chance to get into full swing--let's not bite the hand that feeds up (at least not too hard).
Also, Mr. Hankins--thanks for the update on SOVA. We are looking very much forward to having a coffee spot at the east end of H. It will be a welcome addition.
Linden Place Dweller (LPD)
Thanks for the update, Frank. I'm glad to hear things are moving ahead and look forward to your opening.
As much as I'd love another restaurant, I'm excited for the wine bar and coffee shop. Also, your logo rocks.
oops!
i read to fast and think to slow.
my bad.....
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