Eating Around: Oyamel Plans Mid-February Return

IF YOU WONDERED when Oyamel was going to reopen in its new space (formerly occupied by Andale at 7th and D streets NW), the Mexican restaurant will open to the public sometime in mid-February. Although restaurant openings are often bogged down by delays, THINKfoodGROUP's Jose Andres and Rob Wilder are planning a three-night fundraising campaign for Feb. 12, 13 and 14 to correspond with Oyamel's opening. Something different, but it's a good way to showcase the restaurant and raise money for charity — in this case, Aid to Artisans on Feb. 12, Children's Research Institute at Children's National Medical Center on Feb. 13 and Many Hats Institute on Feb. 14. It's $75 per person, excluding, tax, tip and alcohol, and you can order an unlimited amount of food a la carte. Call 202-628-1005 for reservations.

» RISING: If you've wondered how Peter Smith's newish PS7's has been doing, here's an assessment from Washingtonian magazine food critic Todd Kliman of the place on I Street NW between 7th and 8th streets:

After a sluggish start, PS 7 ... has found its rhythm, not unlike its surging tenants a few blocks away, the Wizards, whose blue, copper and black color scheme the new place seems to be evoking. There's a lot to like these days.

[Free Ride/Express; Washingtonian]

» THE BEST AT ETETE? Among dining purists, Etete on 9th Street NW offers up the best Ethiopian food in a neighborhood crowded with restaurants that offer similar fare. So if you've never tried Ethiopian, what should you get? In a reply to a Chowhound inquiry on what to get at the restaurant, one board member responded:

Get the fastening food platter (this is a vegetarian selection). Add the fish for 2 bucks or so. And order the derek tibs. Really, for your first time out you should go for the best.

This writer can personally endorse the derek tibs choice. [Chowhound]

» IT LOOKS GOOD, BUT ... according to this week's Weekly Dish in The Post, critic Tom Sietsema reports that Tysons Corner's new Brazilian churrascaria, Chima, leaves much to be desired. "What sounds like carnivore heaven tastes an awful lot like purgatory." If that's the case, Ponderosa must taste like hell. [WaPo]

» WHEN YOU'RE NEAR ... Farragut West and you're in search of a good, reasonable Japanese bento box for lunch, your best bet is Kaz Shishi Bistro. [Don Rockwell]

Photo by Caroline Nosal

Posted By Michael Grass at 1:59 PM on January 10, 2007 Tagged in Food & Drink , Free Ride

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