Good Eatin': 14th Street About To Be Un-Corked

There have been a number of new additions to the neighborhood dining scene recently — Veranda on P St. opened to rave reviews, Marvin brought the ESL guys out to 14th and U to offer their pricey mixed drinks and $15 burgers, and Vinoteca Wine Bar (not to be confused — as I did — with Veritas, over in Dupont) uncorked their first bottle over at 11th and U St. Soon, however, an unprecedented second wine bar, Cork, will be opening up at the former location of Sparky's Espresso, near 14th and S.

A recent walk-by of the place still showed the brown Cork-logoed paper still covering the windows, but a sign promising an opening soon. Unfortunately, the proprietors of the establishment, two Logan Circle residents, didn't respond to my email to them asking for additional details about their opening and offerings. Their website promises a wine selection "from unexplored regions of the world" along with "simple, local food." I know that a lot of people were upset at the closing of Sparky's (many also noted that its demise had, in fact, occurred long before it finally shut its doors), but my initial impression of Cork seems to be one of a couple of neighborhood residents who are striving to create an accessible place with a true community feel. With price points and food offerings not yet announced, it's unclear exactly how many of Cork's offerings will be accessible to those throughout the neighborhood (Marvin's aforementioned $15 hamburger drew much scorn, for instance), but it's certainly a place we're looking forward to trying.

In other gastronomical-related news . . . Logan Tavern on P St. is in the process of a build-out on an addition to their existing space. No news on when it might be completed.

Just in time for the chilly fall weather, Mar Del Plata (near 14th and Rhode Island) is making use of their recently granted sidewalk permit and have added a couple of tables outside. Good for them.

Still no word on the "tapas-style" eatery that was to open in the space formerly occupied by the 100% Mexico store. I've been unable to find anything about this, so I suspect that the project was hung-up during the alcohol license application process (which would be shocking), or the owners have had trouble raising sufficient capital to open the place.

Finally, in the midst of pushing all of the newcomers to the neighborhood, I'd be remiss if I didn't also put in a good word for our favorite Ethiopian restaurant, Lalibela. The wonderful food (the Lalibela tibs and vegetable sampler are our favorites -- better than Dukem, we think) and an unbelievably friendly staff make it perhaps our favorite comfort food in the District. (The Saturday night musical entertainment is also frequently unintentionally comical.) Sometimes, in the midst of all of the new places popping up, it's easy to lose track of some old favorites, so don't forget about all of the places that were around the 14th-U corridor before 14th and U was "it". And, seriously, try the tibs at Lalibela. They're spectacular.