In memory: Calvert Woodley owner Michael Sands announced on January 29th “with great sadness” the passing of employee Kori Devoe.
“Kori was a beloved and popular member of our team, working for several years in our La Cheeserie, and was known for her Boston accent, her smile, and her energy,” Sands said in a statement. “She really took customer service personally, forging relationships with many of ‘her’ customers…. Kori was a special person and will be missed by so many.” Devoe’s customers helped push a GoFundMe for her funeral and other expenses well beyond its $6,000 goal.
The “Big Cheese” at La Cheeserie retires: On January 22nd, Calvert Woodley threw a party for Carlos Estrada, who is retiring after almost 40 years as its cheese department manager. Estrada helped Washingtonians – and even the White House – with wine and cheese pairings for nearly six decades.
Thank you for the wonderful turnout to celebrate Carlos earlier this week! 🎉 Thank you to each and every individual who showed up.
His impact on our community is immeasurable, and we’ll always cherish the decades of memories made at our La Cheeserie. pic.twitter.com/NixksLuYfu
— Calvert Woodley (@CalvertWoodley) January 24, 2024
Flavor Garden returns: The restaurant at 4400 Connecticut (Days Inn) now reopens Friday, February 9th after a renovation that started in mid-December. The original reopening date was February 6th. “Unforeseen circumstances” are behind the delay. (Such is life, and pretty much every remodeling project.) Flavor Garden is open for breakfast and lunch Tuesday through Sunday, and for dinner Tuesday through Saturday.
Rosedale details: A day after we published our last Business in Brief, Bajaj’s Knightsbridge Restaurant Group announced a springtime opening for its first Van Ness restaurant (at 4465 Connecticut), and revealed more about the concept and name. Rosedale’s namesake is the almost 300-year-old Cleveland Park estate.
Marking the February holidays: Mardi Gras, Lunar New Year, Valentine’s Day… and Super Bowl Sunday? “Super Bowl Sunday is the first holiday on our February calendar so we have created a menu of hoagies and cheesesteaks here at Bread Furst,” writes general manager Scott Auslander. “Yes, we make a 5-footer for the big game!” Call Bread Furst at 202-765-1200 to pre-order all things above… and below.
Bread Furst is also making King Cakes for Fat Tuesday: “a cinnamon-filled brioche topped with cream cheese icing in the traditional color display.” (Plus, the “Baby stuffed somewhere inside.) And at the bakery, Valentine’s dinner is a family occasion: “Growing up I recall memories of my mother always making a point of having a special family dinner on Valentines Day,” says Auslander. “It seemed like a tradition that maybe through dinners I could share with others.” The $98.50 meal serves four.
Other Valentine’s specials: Rosemary Bistro Cafe’s three-course menu is also available to go. Sfoglina Pasta House is serving its Valentine’s menu through February 17th, and its at-home dining kit can be picked up as soon as February 13th. The Valentine’s specials at I’m Eddie Cano can be combined for a four-course prix fixe meal or ordered ala carte. These restaurants (and the others up and down Connecticut Avenue) would likely be delighted to contribute to your Super Bowl spread as well.
And the Lunar New Year: Or, as it is called in Vietnam, Tết starts on February 10th and ends on the 24th. Viet Chopsticks is one of the DC-area restaurants serving kho, a popular Tết dish in south Vietnam.
Do you miss the Van Ness Burger King? The folks at DCist do. The Burger King franchise at 4422 Connecticut Avenue, famous region-wide for its unique movies and rock ‘n roll decor, closed abruptly in January 2023.
ivanalee nunez says
This was my grandmother, i’m so grateful she’s not in pain anymore and i hope she’s having so much fun in heaven. i wanted nothing but the best for her, no pain, no problems. i pray shes happier than ever. i love you nani.
FHC says
We’re so sorry for your loss. Your grandmother had many fans here.