What's Open in Cleveland Park During Hurricane Sandy?

I hope everyone is staying safe and dry during this storm. I'll try to keep you updated as to what I notice is open in case you need/want to venture out. So far, this morning, I've noticed that the bridge between Cleveland Park and Woodley Park is already starting to flood (just south of Macomb.) Moving water on streets can be misleading and dangerous, so don't try to navigate it. has been cleared.

I also am happy to report that Brookville Market is open and I spotted delivery trucks in the alley, so it's likely also restocked on a lot of items that were running low yesterday. Our Twitter friends report they have batteries, though not the coveted D batteries.

And the Solar Planet tanning salon is open (but plans on closing early.) Would it be odd to go tan in a fall hurricane?

Firehook is cranking out coffee and baked goods still. until 3pm. now closed.

Nanny O'Briens is opening at noon for lunch and dinner - AND $5 Hurricanes. 

Atomic Billiards is open for business with Dave behind the bar and Bacardi & Bud specials.

As of now, Cafe Deluxe is planning on opening. We'll stay tuned to Twitter and let you know if anything changes: now closed.

Neighborhood newcomer, Uptown Tap House has decided to open at 4pm and offer $12 all you can eat wings: 

So, what's closed for sure on Monday? Dino, Medium Rare, Ripple and California Tortilla.

New on the Menu: Fried Fish Sandwich at Palena's Brunch

I loved this light and flaky open-faced fried fish sandwich at Palena brunch today. It came with house made slaw and chips...

Open-Faced Fried Fish Sandwich at Palena in Washington, DC (credit: Tammy Gordon)

Oh, and a side of water & egg for Ike, who enjoyed a nap in the patio.

Ike, my toy rat terrier, loves napping in the sun (credit: Tammy Gordon)

Palena is located at 3529 Connecticut Avenue, right at the Cleveland Park Metro stop. You can follow them on Facebook and Twitter or read the full brunch menu here (pdf). Brunch hours are from 11:30am - 2:30pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Live in Cleveland Park, follow me on Facebook & Twitter for the latest happenings in the 'hood.

Must Try: Ardeo's Cheese Fondue Fries

I didn't think Chef Nate Garyantes could top his last disco fries creation, but picture this: cheese fondue topped with a mound of French fries then topped with bacon.

Better yet: don't picture it, go eat it.

I also just learned that Ardeo + Bardeo is now doing "Sunday Suppers" from 5-10pm where you can make your own prix fixe menu for just $30 - if you do that, make sure it involves Brussels sprouts and the rabbit bolognese!

Ardeo + Bardeo is located at 3311 Connecticut Avenue NW (in between Macomb and Ordway). They have valet parking or it's easily accessible by metro and bus lines. Don't forget to follow Ardeo's Chef, Nate Garyantes on Twitter.

Live in Cleveland Park? Follow me on Facebook & Twitter for the latest happenings in the 'hood.

Hot Right Now: Dino's Grilled Apricots & 7th Anniversary Specials

All of the foodie types had been buzzing about what Dino was doing with apricots this week so I had to sneak up there after the rain Sunday and try them out. The photo doesn't do it justice. Wrap your brain around this: grilled apricots, wrapped in prosciutto and stuffed with mascarpone cheese.

Dino's Grilled Apricots

This was supposed to be the last of them for the season (usually there's only a two week window for locally grown apricots), but Dean just told me that he scored another flat that will be delivered on Tuesday so get them while they last.

While you're there, congratulate Dean & Kay on the 7th anniversary of Dino and you just might get treated to a taste of the 1999 Cerbaiona Brunello on Wednesday or the 1999 Pertimali this Friday. They've also got an amazing tasting menu celebrating their favorite regions of Italy.

Dino is located at 3435 Connecticut Avenue NW (at Ordway Street) - right across from the Cleveland Park metro stop.

Live in Cleveland Park, follow me on Facebook & Twitter for the latest happenings in the 'hood.

Ripple's Grilled Cheese Bar

Jen and I made plans to meet at Ripple for happy hour, which was great because I'd been dying to try the grilled cheese bar. The hours aren't so friendly to Washington workaholics because you have to get there before 6:30 (or after 10). But if you do, you'll be rewarded with a ooey gooey crispy set up pre-selected combos or you can get all DIY and make your own.

As with all things Ripple, you must start off with one of Josh's custom cocktails. I asked for gin and refreshing. I got a house infused gin with grapefruit soda combo that was perfect to combat the day's heat.

Gin & Grapefruit

I ordered the Krusty Krab grilled cheese which is made with Cowgirl Creamery Mount Tam cheese, Maryland crab and sugar snap peas. Everything in this gorgeous sandwich comes from nearby!

The Krusty Krab:Mount Tam, Maryland Crab and Sugar Snap Peas

We also tried the Lotsa Mozza which is made with proscuitto, mozzarella and arugula.

Lotsa Mozza

Make plans to sneak out of work early and try your hand at making the best grilled cheese combo.

Ripple is located in Cleveland Park at 3417 Connecticut Avenue in Washington, DC.

Live in Cleveland Park, follow me on Facebook & Twitter for the latest happenings in the 'hood.

Gorgeous Spring Flowers on Ordway Street

Every time I walk around our neighborhood I wish I had a camera. That's especially true right now on Ordway Street where along one block there are multiple colored hydrangeas and roses. What are your favorite flowers?

Lavender Spongecake with Strawberry Ice Cream Sandwich at Sugar Magnolia

Some listings on menu blackboards stop you in your tracks. That was the case on a very sunny Sunday afternoon in Cleveland Park when I spied the "lavender spongecake/strawberry ice cream sandwich" at Sugar Magnolia.

Lavender shortcake + strawberry ice cream at Sugar Magnolia

Sugar Magnolia is located next to-slash-inside local source star, Ripple, at 3417 Connecticut Avenue.

The Burger at Dino

Let's be honest Cleveland Parkers, we're wallowing in one of the best burger blocks in the entire District. Nestled between the decadence of Frank Ruta's Palena cheeseburger and Nate Garyante's burger at Ardeo, lies The Dino Burger. And, it's the first one that I had after being away in Europe for a week.

The Dino Burger

One of my favorite thing about Dino in general is their commitment to amazing, locally sourced ingredients. The burger is ten ounces of grass based, grain finished Roseda Farms (from neighboring Maryland) beef. It's served on grilled ciabatta bread with relish and Sriracha mayonaise. When your server asks you if you want North Country Smokehouse bacon, Prairie Breeze American cheddar cheese and caramelized onions, just say yes. If you want to amp it up more, there are mushroom and Gorgonzola options.

The only question is, does it taste better on the patio or at the bar? Either spot will get you a burger and a local craft beer or Menabrea Italian beer for just $15 - all night, every night.

Fathers Day (Month) Special on Burger & Brew at Dino

Dino is located at 3435 Connecticut Avenue NW in Washington, DC - directly across Ordway Street from Cleveland Park Metro stop. You can follow them on Facebook and Twitter or sign up for owners Dean & Kay Gold's famous email newsletter. 


Live in Cleveland Park, follow me on Facebook & Twitter for the latest happenings in the 'hood.

First Visit: Bandolero Pop Up at Tacklebox

I'm a huge fan of Chef Mike Isabella's first restaurant, Graffiato. So, when I heard his next was going to be Mexican with a two week Cleveland Park home base, it was done and done.

I went Thursday night to Bandolero (which is in the middle of a trial run in the old Tacklebox space) to try the $65 pre fixe menu. You start out with delicious guacamole and chips PLUS pork rinds - don't flinch, it totally works! Oh, and don't miss Sam's lineup of sweet and spicy margaritas and cocktails at the bar (I loved the jalapeño infused tequila.)

Next, you pick three items from the menu. My favorites ended up being the mahi-mahi tacos, albondigas and the nachos with crispy goat and goat cheese.

Lots of fun options at Bandolero

They were out of my first choice at dessert, tres leches cake, so I settled on the coconut pineapple flan.

There are a few kinks they are working out, but it was a lot of fun being a part of the test opening. The manager came by and engaged us in a serious conversation about what we loved and what we would change.

I'll be back next week to try a few new things. Let me know what you thought and what I should order next!

Bandolero is temporarily located at 3407 Connecticut Avenue in Cleveland Park. It'll move to it's new home in Georgetown shortly, so try it while it's here - and if you can't get a reservation, the Cinco de Mayo party will be open to everyone.

Strawberries & Graham Cracker Crumb Cake at Ripple

Do you ever choose where to eat dinner based on what you want to get for dessert? Ever since I saw Ripple's tweet that they had fresh strawberries in and were serving them with a graham cracker crumb cake, pistachio brittle and mascarpone cream, I knew I'd be visiting ASAP.

Strawberries & Graham Cracker Crumb Cake (photo: Tammy Gordon)

My partner in crime ordered up a peanut butter ice cream sandwich (you can get the same ice cream sandwiches that are for sale at Sugar Magnolia.)

Stop by and check them out while strawberries are in season - it's a sweet bite of spring, even though it's still chilly out!

Ripple is located at 3417 Connecticut Avenue NW (between Macomb and Ordway Streets), just one half block from Cleveland Park metro.