LivingCocial UnCorks Confusion with Coupon Deal

In some respects, Logan Circle residents have an embarrassment of riches: numerous top-rated restaurants and bars, great shopping options, a thriving arts scene, and two similarly named wine retailers. Recently, that last one led to a bit of confusion for people who didn't read the fine print--or, in this case, the name of the establishment.


A few weeks ago, local Deal of the Day purveyor LivingSocial announced a deal that many Logan Circle wine lovers couldn't pass up: $25 worth of food and wine at a Logan Circle wine merchant with the word "Cork" in the name for only $10. Sounds like a great deal, and it was snatched up by a number of area residents eager to get a deal on their favorite wines and gourmet foods at local wine merchants Cork Market.

A slight problem arose when these purchasers went to Cork Market to redeem their coupon: the coupon was actually for Cork and Fork, an entirely different retailer located a few blocks south of Cork Market's 14th and S street location. The situation presented a dilemma to Cork Market's owner Khalid Pitts.

"People started coming in expecting to redeem this coupon they had purchased for what they thought was our store," Pitts said. "When we realized what had happened, we kind of had that moment of awkwardness where no one is quite sure what to do."

Ultimately Pitts decided to accept the coupons at his store.


"When they learned that the coupon they had purchased wasn't for us, people were saying things like 'Oh, we wouldn't have bought it if we realized it wasn't for your store.' We're very grateful to have such loyal customers, so we decided to accept the coupons anyway."

In all, Pitts estimates that "at least 30" people made the mistake but were allowed to redeem their coupons at Cork Market. So, is this the latest chapter in a rivalry between the two closely named 14th Street wine merchants?

"Well, we both know that the other one is there...but really we're just trying to be good neighbors. I think the biggest difference between them and us is that Logan is our neighborhood--we live here. So it means a lot to us to have relationships with our neighbors and customers."

Pitts also mentioned a couple of upcoming events at Cork Market, including its first-ever beer tasting next month.

As for the LivingSocial subscribers: next time, you might want to read the offer a bit more carefully.

Point Chaud Creperie is Open for Business

Remember last year when we thought for a time that there might be two creperies opening across from each other near the intersection of 14th and S streets? Well, one of those--"Crepes on the Corner"--which was slated to go into the former Garden District space has since moved over to Capitol Hill (or, "Hill East" if you're getting specific about it).

The second, Point Chaud, took its time moving into the former Circle Boutique space next to clothing retailer Redeem, but this weekend they finally opened their doors.

Here's my crazy, off-the-wall prediction for this place: this place will do mad business. Mr. and Mrs. 14thandyou stopped by yesterday evening; it was pretty quiet, as to be expected on a Sunday evening by a restaurant that just had a soft opening.

Point Chaud has a lengthy list of both savory and sweet crepes to enjoy (for anyone who has never enjoyed a nutella-filled crepe, you have missed out on one of life's finer little enjoyments). Each of us decided on a chicken-filled crepe: I went with sautee, and the Mrs. went with grilled. Both were very good--fresh ingredients, good flavor and well-sized. They didn't skimp on the filling, either. My one complaint is that it would be helpful to garnish the plate a bit to aid in the presentation--a little side of fruit, or event some parsley can go a long way.

They did a nice job with the build-out of the interior space, which features about a dozen tables and chairs, along with a few outdoor seats as well.

Perhaps Point Chaud's greatest attribute is its price. One of the consistent gripes we have heard about restaurant options in Logan and along 14th Street is that there are so few decent, low-cost options. Well, Point Chaud certainly helps to fill that void: two people can easily get crepes and drinks there for under $20. Many of the dessert crepes are in the $4-$5. As much as we may enjoy Cork and Saint-Ex, it's nice to have a good, lower-cost option in the neighborhood.

Point Chaud will be openfor breakfast at 7 AM during the week, a bit later on weekends (memo to file: good potential cheap brunch spot.) Monday through Wednesday, they will stay open till 10 PM, Thursdays through Saturdays they will be open until 3 AM, and will close at 9 PM on Sundays.

I couldn't locate a website for these guys (if you know of it, please post in the comments), but I can tell you that the crepe selection is plentiful. Overall a very good first impression, and we'll definitely be going back.

Sneak Peek: Cork and Fork

A new wine retailer is about to open along 14th Street.

Gainesville, VA-based Cork and Fork, wine merchants who specialize in "some of the finest wines, beers, and cheeses from around the world not available at your local grocery store" will be opening to the public on Saturday, May 8. This evening, they held a soft opening, where we were treated with a tasting of some of the wines they will be carrying (and at least one beer), along with some light hors d'oeuvres.

Co-owner Dominique Landragin will be managing the store which will be located near the corner of 14th and Church streets, next door to the Homemade Pizza Co. In addition to the Gainesville location, Cork and Fork also has an outpost in Bethesda.

Landragin discussed the idea behind the store, which will include a lot of tastings, as well as wine-and-food pairing events that will introduce people to wines they may not be aware of, as well as some hard-to-find beers. (The one they were tasting tonight, a Spanish beer called Estrella, was a lovely, light wheat beer that reminded me a bit of Allagash White.)

While there, I asked Landragin what, to me, seemed to be the obvious question: are there any concerns with being mistaken for the guys a couple of blocks up the street? "Not at all," he said. "People will know that there is a difference between us."

Time will tell, I suppose. The official opening will take place this Saturday. Those wishing to learn more may do so at www.corkandforkva.com.

Can you find the car in this picture?

The radio antenna on the driver's side might be the only clue.

In other "who's open" news, Cork Market is open today, and doing wine tastings all day. That sounds like a pretty good way to warm up to me.

In case you haven't noticed, the snow has picked up right now--it seems that Logan is smack in the middle of a band of particularly heavy snow at the moment. Also, blizzard warnings have been put in effect until 10 PM. Please be careful out there.

Cork Market Opens Today

To those of you waiting with breathless anticipation for the arrival of Cork Market--the new gourmet wine and cheese market from the owners of wine bar/restaurant Cork--you may rejoice. As of today, they have officially thrown open their doors for business.

The opening was a bit behind their long-ago anticipated opening in October, but hopefully it will be worth the wait. To celebrate their grand opening, owners Khalid Pitts and Diane Gross have lined up a series of special tastings throughout the weekend. On Friday from 5-7 PM, Ed Addiss of Wine Traditions and Lisa Guifre from Elite Wines will be on hand to kick off a weekend of tastings from France, Italy, Spain and elsewhere.

Cork Market, located at 1805 14th Street (between Pulp/Rue 14 and Home Rule) will be open M-F from 10a - 10p, on Saturdays from 9a - 10p, and on Sundays from 9a - 8p.

More Restaurant News: "Cork and Fork", Seafood Market Headed to 14th Street

The pace of restaurant growth along 14th Street continues, seemingly unabated.

First, in a move certain to raise eyebrows at 14th Street wine bar/small plate restaurant Cork, Virginia-based wine shop "Cork and Fork" are headed to 14th Street, in the currently vacant space across from Garden District at 14th and Church streets. Metrocurean has the scoop.

This finally settles the question of what might end up in that space, but it begs several others: with the Cork Market set to open this fall, Cork already in place and Whole Foods (not to mention several nearby liquor stores) nearby, does Logan need yet another wine-themed establishment? And, are the owners of "Cork and Fork" seeking to build on Cork's name and reputation by opening up a store only two blocks south, or is their arrival merely coincidental?

The build-out in the space is currently ongoing, and according to the owners the aim is to have the space open by December.

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In other restaurant-related news, many of you may remember Chef Barton Seaver from his days as chef at local mainstay Saint-Ex (or, if you're Mrs. 14thandyou, you remember him from high school). Seaver left Saint-Ex to take over the kitchen at Georgetown's Hook, where his sustainable seafood mantra led to widespread acclaim for the restaurant.

Now, fresh off the opening of Glover Park's Blue Ridge, Seaver is set to open an as-yet-untitled seafood market and restaurant at the long-vacant former home of 100% Mexico on the 1600 block of 14th Street, next to the HR-57 jazz club.

Scant details of the establishment are available, aside from the fact that his partner will be aforementioned Blue Ridge owner Eli Hengst.

The opening should provide joy to area seafood lovers since the loss earlier this year of seafood-themed Mar Del Plata from the 1400 block of 14th Street.

Congratulations to Cork

In case you haven't heard the news, 14th Street wine bar Cork was recently named the winner of the "Best New Restaurant" award at the Restaurant Association of Washington's annual RAMMY awards. Cork was the only Logan/Shaw restaurant to collect an award at the RAMMYs, which are awarded to the "best" DC restaurants across a variety of categories.

Congratulations to Diane, Khalid and the entire Cork crew!

Support Neighborhood Business - Cast Your Wammy Vote

The Resstaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington is in the process of soliciting votes for their 2009 "Rammy" awards. Among the contenders are two Logan/U Street establshiments: Cork and Marvin, who are both up for "Best neighborhood gathering place". I'm certain the competition will be fierce.

You can cast your vote for either of these two establishments (provided you think they are deserving) by clicking here. Note that voting closes on Sunday, May 10.

Where to Wine and Dine Tomorrow

If your Tuesday work day leaves you in need of a drink or if you just don't cook during the week, give Cork a try tomorrow night.

The new wine bar at 1720 14th Street (between R and S Streets) will debut publicly at 5 p.m. Late night sippers and the crowd-averse can pop in until midnight. If you and seven or more of your friends have theater tickets, you can also call ahead for reservations. The rest of us can call ahead 30 minutes prior to arrival to claim a spot on the guest list.

Though the wine and food menus have not been posted on the website, an email from Cork today promises a large selection and fair prices. Wine consultant Vickie Reh created a wine list of over 130 options. Prices for the 35 wines offered by the glass will range from $6-14. There's no word yet on how much wines by the bottle will set you back. Food pricing will start at $4 per small plate — on par with Vinoteca at 1940 11th Street, and consistent with the by-the-glass pricing of other DC wine bars like Bardeo.

It sounds like there will be no need to fear wine snobbery at Cork. According to today's email Architect Eric Gronning worked to create a "a warm, intimate and inviting space." Don't sweat choosing the perfect wine pairings; suggestions will be offered and tasting notes will be down-to-earth. As well, patrons will be supporting local business and local residents. Business partners Diane Gross and Khalid Pitts have lived in our neighborhood for over 10 years.

If you pop in and like your experience, Cork will also be available to private events and tastings. Happy sipping!