Last night, local purveyors of fine chocolates ACKC hosted their first wine and chocolate pairing event since obtaining their liquor license late last year. As you can see by the crowd, the even was an overwhelming success for them:
Here's the thing about ACKC: I really like their hot chocolate--particularly the French style variety, which isn't found in that many places around DC. When they opened, their focus was on the aforementioned hot chocolate and homemade chocolate confections sold around the store, along with the artwork of ACKC co-owner Eric Nelson. It was a pleasant place to be, even if the service was spotty.
Now, they're serving wine and liquor. Which makes sense, I suppose, for its ability to pair well with chocolate (as well as to draw crowds). But wine bars adopt a different ambiance and attract a different crowd than a cocoa bar; to enjoy your Audrey Hepburn are you going to have to fight for a seat with someone enjoying a glass of Pinot? Clearly, there's a business case to be made for the wine bar concept, and the early returns have been a success. But I can't help but wonder whether we're losing what was a pleasant neighborhood establishment in exchange for yet another 14th Street establishment that serves as a magnet for individuals from outside the area. I suspect 'yes', but we'll see. This also begs the question of what is--or is not--a "neighborhood place," and whether we have many (any?) of them left in Logan. But that's another topic for another time...
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Chocolate + Wine Goodness at ACKC
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6 comments:
I would not call ACKC a wine bar. It is a chocolates store that serves wine and yes that does change the dynamics. They now have expanded their appeal to the Studio Theatre crowd and other evening outings.
However, I would think that in the mornings, they won't be a destination for people from outside the neighborhood, it will attract the neighborhood business during that time period.
That is the case for many of the businesses. Depending on time of day, and other factors, some places are destinations, some are local, but most fall somewhere in between.
I just hope the improve their uneven service. I still go but know neighborhood people who ahve stopped because the counter people seem not to care.
a purely neighborhood place... yeah, i really can't think of any
Logan has officially jumped the shark. If I see any more VA or MD license plates stealing my parking space I'm going to scream. We're moving to Shaw.
Strange. I go there all the time and have never once had bad service. On the contrary, I have always had great service. Maybe it's the time of day I go or something. I just wish they had more power outlets! :) And also got rid of their minimum credit card charge. Sometimes I don't go just because I didn't bring cash.
brap: you still have playbill! i'd say that's a pretty neighborhoody place on 14th.
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