Connecticut Ave, NW in Chevy Chase, DC Needs Help!

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Connecticut Avenue in Chevy Chase, DC desperately needs some nice hip family friendly restaurants. Something that both parents and kids can enjoy. Something hip enough that parents aren't mortified to go to - with good food and drink for all. Maybe a nice updated and casual pizza place or similar. There are so many nights my family would love to grab a bite out close by or meet friends for Friday night dinner with kids. Comet is good, but it is always such a mob scene and not walkable from the circle. Seems like it is so popular a little competition might be good and needed up in Chevy Chase, DC. Seems like it would be a good idea for the old Chinese restaurant location - or get rid of the Bread and Chocolate next door and renovate that to be a cool family friendly restaurant - certainly has the large indoor and outdoor space to be focal point/flagship/cornerstone of the block.

Do you eat any of you go to Blue 44? Because it fits this description perfectly in my opinion.

I hate the decor of Blue 44. It's so dark and dingy. I would love a Pete's, Cactus Cantina, or Lebanese Taverna. I would also love it if the Diner underwent a major reno. That place smells like piss.

I have been to Blue 44 once despite living a short walk from it. Intellectually, I think I SHOULD love it. It is extremely well-executed food and the most talented chef in the village. It is also colossally boring food and ok decor. It reminds me of someone who got an A+ at the CIA and just decided to cook the CIA textbook for a living. It may objectively be the best restaurant in the village but I just have no desire to eat there.

I would have never in a million years guessed that the chef was "talented." The food is very, very unexceptional. And the service is s-l-o-w

The Avenue is not part of a village either if you are thinking of the the Village of Chevy Chase, that's Maryland. Blue 44 is edible, that's about it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:11:29, It's a little "simplistic" of you to think those are the exact places that need to go into spots on Connecticut Ave. I said "similar" options. Do you prefer what is there currently? When making suggestions on a discussion thread like this it is good to use examples that people are familiar with. New independent restaurants are good also, but hard to use as examples when they don't exist yet. Instead of knocking what others suggest would help improve the strip, why don't you make some suggestions that you think would work? Obviously diversity in options is a good way to appeal to the masses. Let's just hope you don't suggest Chick-Fil-A with your "good taste".

I'll pass on making suggestions about restaurants I happen to like, because my point isn't that either of our taste is better, its that either of us would just be making a list of stuff we happen to like. I've already said I think what would work there are restaurants with relatively limited seating that are high enough quality they are worth travelling for, and that finding those restaurants is very hard to do development planning around.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Connecticut Avenue in Chevy Chase, DC desperately needs some nice hip family friendly restaurants. Something that both parents and kids can enjoy. Something hip enough that parents aren't mortified to go to - with good food and drink for all. Maybe a nice updated and casual pizza place or similar. There are so many nights my family would love to grab a bite out close by or meet friends for Friday night dinner with kids. Comet is good, but it is always such a mob scene and not walkable from the circle. Seems like it is so popular a little competition might be good and needed up in Chevy Chase, DC. Seems like it would be a good idea for the old Chinese restaurant location - or get rid of the Bread and Chocolate next door and renovate that to be a cool family friendly restaurant - certainly has the large indoor and outdoor space to be focal point/flagship/cornerstone of the block.

Do you eat any of you go to Blue 44? Because it fits this description perfectly in my opinion.

I hate the decor of Blue 44. It's so dark and dingy. I would love a Pete's, Cactus Cantina, or Lebanese Taverna. I would also love it if the Diner underwent a major reno. That place smells like piss.

I have been to Blue 44 once despite living a short walk from it. Intellectually, I think I SHOULD love it. It is extremely well-executed food and the most talented chef in the village. It is also colossally boring food and ok decor. It reminds me of someone who got an A+ at the CIA and just decided to cook the CIA textbook for a living. It may objectively be the best restaurant in the village but I just have no desire to eat there.

I would have never in a million years guessed that the chef was "talented." The food is very, very unexceptional. And the service is s-l-o-w

The Avenue is not part of a village either if you are thinking of the the Village of Chevy Chase, that's Maryland. Blue 44 is edible, that's about it.

I refer to the stores immediately south of the circle as the village, which could be wrong, but this thread is literally the first time I have ever heard it referred to as The Avenue, and honestly, seeing you capitalize it each time like its a NY neighborhood strikes me as pretty weird.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Connecticut Avenue in Chevy Chase, DC desperately needs some nice hip family friendly restaurants. Something that both parents and kids can enjoy. Something hip enough that parents aren't mortified to go to - with good food and drink for all. Maybe a nice updated and casual pizza place or similar. There are so many nights my family would love to grab a bite out close by or meet friends for Friday night dinner with kids. Comet is good, but it is always such a mob scene and not walkable from the circle. Seems like it is so popular a little competition might be good and needed up in Chevy Chase, DC. Seems like it would be a good idea for the old Chinese restaurant location - or get rid of the Bread and Chocolate next door and renovate that to be a cool family friendly restaurant - certainly has the large indoor and outdoor space to be focal point/flagship/cornerstone of the block.

Do you eat any of you go to Blue 44? Because it fits this description perfectly in my opinion.

I hate the decor of Blue 44. It's so dark and dingy. I would love a Pete's, Cactus Cantina, or Lebanese Taverna. I would also love it if the Diner underwent a major reno. That place smells like piss.

I have been to Blue 44 once despite living a short walk from it. Intellectually, I think I SHOULD love it. It is extremely well-executed food and the most talented chef in the village. It is also colossally boring food and ok decor. It reminds me of someone who got an A+ at the CIA and just decided to cook the CIA textbook for a living. It may objectively be the best restaurant in the village but I just have no desire to eat there.

I would have never in a million years guessed that the chef was "talented." The food is very, very unexceptional. And the service is s-l-o-w

The Avenue is not part of a village either if you are thinking of the the Village of Chevy Chase, that's Maryland. Blue 44 is edible, that's about it.

I refer to the stores immediately south of the circle as the village, which could be wrong, but this thread is literally the first time I have ever heard it referred to as The Avenue, and honestly, seeing you capitalize it each time like its a NY neighborhood strikes me as pretty weird.

On top of that, it is Chevy Chase Village, not the Village of Chevy Chase. Someone is working hard at re-branding, but hasn't done his or her homework. Must be a Millennial.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:And why is there a seeming proliferation of "For Rent" signs on the many apartment buildings as you go up Conn Ave (Woodley and above)? Have the traditional younger renters moved on to trendier neighborhoods? Or is it a sign of the decline of Metro? No doubt I am 10+ years behind the times, as always ...

I am guessing that this is the case. It used to be that young professionals would rent up Connecticut Ave as other parts of the city were not as desirable. Now with the proliferation if new housing and trendy neighborhoods, while still desirable, it isn't the same. Look at Cleveland Park. Why would any restauranteur want to open there when there are slots on 14th Street, H Street, Navy Yard, Wharf etc which are, or will be teaming with people, but for daytime lunch and evening dinner?

BINGO! Restaurants are looking for dense street traffic with disposable income. Sorry, but families can't support these restaurants. They need working professionals or tourists during lunch and childless households during happy hour and dinner. This doesn't mean they can't "cater" to families. They just need the other traffic to pay the bills.

Then how does Pete's make money? Or Cactus Cantina and Pizzeria Paradiso before Cathedral Commons?

BTW, I'm another vote for locally-owned restaurants and a vote against putting money into sidewalks and curbs -- do you really even look at these?

Your examples:

1. A pizza chain that offers pick up on a busy thoroughfare;
2. A restaurant with good margaritas near a college campus;
3. A restaurant with limited seating that is critically acclaimed.

The first two are awful examples. The third one could maybe work in the village. All you need to do is come up with a new concept and execute it perfectly. Easy!

That stretch of Connecticut Ave seems as busy as Wisconsin w/re to car traffic and more so w/re to peds. Cactus Cantina is near AU, yes, but you also see oodles of families there. Two Amys (not Pizzeria Paradiso, BTW) has indeed enjoyed acclaim (though not so much lately), but, again, you see lots of families there.

And, BTW, I wouldn't expect any restaurants to open in CC Village anytime soon, but certainly many families there would be likely to patronize restaurants below CC Circle.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Connecticut Avenue in Chevy Chase, DC desperately needs some nice hip family friendly restaurants. Something that both parents and kids can enjoy. Something hip enough that parents aren't mortified to go to - with good food and drink for all. Maybe a nice updated and casual pizza place or similar. There are so many nights my family would love to grab a bite out close by or meet friends for Friday night dinner with kids. Comet is good, but it is always such a mob scene and not walkable from the circle. Seems like it is so popular a little competition might be good and needed up in Chevy Chase, DC. Seems like it would be a good idea for the old Chinese restaurant location - or get rid of the Bread and Chocolate next door and renovate that to be a cool family friendly restaurant - certainly has the large indoor and outdoor space to be focal point/flagship/cornerstone of the block.

Do you eat any of you go to Blue 44? Because it fits this description perfectly in my opinion.

I hate the decor of Blue 44. It's so dark and dingy. I would love a Pete's, Cactus Cantina, or Lebanese Taverna. I would also love it if the Diner underwent a major reno. That place smells like piss.

I have been to Blue 44 once despite living a short walk from it. Intellectually, I think I SHOULD love it. It is extremely well-executed food and the most talented chef in the village. It is also colossally boring food and ok decor. It reminds me of someone who got an A+ at the CIA and just decided to cook the CIA textbook for a living. It may objectively be the best restaurant in the village but I just have no desire to eat there.

I would have never in a million years guessed that the chef was "talented." The food is very, very unexceptional. And the service is s-l-o-w

I think that as a technical matter, its the best executed food on that strip, by a fairly large margin. As a random example, the zucchini fries are fried perfectly, and have a nice brown and crispness without being greasy. I am confident the kitchens at both Parthenon and Arucola would butcher that side dish. That's what I mean when I say the chef is talented. I don't know anything about the chef's backstory, but just by tasting the food, I would expect the chef was probably a star line cook at several excellent restaurants but for wahtever reason is being way too conservative about putting his or her own stamp on dishes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Connecticut Avenue in Chevy Chase, DC desperately needs some nice hip family friendly restaurants. Something that both parents and kids can enjoy. Something hip enough that parents aren't mortified to go to - with good food and drink for all. Maybe a nice updated and casual pizza place or similar. There are so many nights my family would love to grab a bite out close by or meet friends for Friday night dinner with kids. Comet is good, but it is always such a mob scene and not walkable from the circle. Seems like it is so popular a little competition might be good and needed up in Chevy Chase, DC. Seems like it would be a good idea for the old Chinese restaurant location - or get rid of the Bread and Chocolate next door and renovate that to be a cool family friendly restaurant - certainly has the large indoor and outdoor space to be focal point/flagship/cornerstone of the block.

Do you eat any of you go to Blue 44? Because it fits this description perfectly in my opinion.

I hate the decor of Blue 44. It's so dark and dingy. I would love a Pete's, Cactus Cantina, or Lebanese Taverna. I would also love it if the Diner underwent a major reno. That place smells like piss.

I have been to Blue 44 once despite living a short walk from it. Intellectually, I think I SHOULD love it. It is extremely well-executed food and the most talented chef in the village. It is also colossally boring food and ok decor. It reminds me of someone who got an A+ at the CIA and just decided to cook the CIA textbook for a living. It may objectively be the best restaurant in the village but I just have no desire to eat there.

I would have never in a million years guessed that the chef was "talented." The food is very, very unexceptional. And the service is s-l-o-w

The Avenue is not part of a village either if you are thinking of the the Village of Chevy Chase, that's Maryland. Blue 44 is edible, that's about it.

I refer to the stores immediately south of the circle as the village, which could be wrong, but this thread is literally the first time I have ever heard it referred to as The Avenue, and honestly, seeing you capitalize it each time like its a NY neighborhood strikes me as pretty weird.

They call themselves that. See: "Halloween on the Avenue" and other events. It's not like people refer to it that way a lot, but for the purposes of this discussion, it's helpful.

[Anonymous]

Well, in any case, I think everyone in this thread is referring to the strip of shops immediately south of the circle so I don't see the point of bickering over labels.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Connecticut Avenue in Chevy Chase, DC desperately needs some nice hip family friendly restaurants. Something that both parents and kids can enjoy. Something hip enough that parents aren't mortified to go to - with good food and drink for all. Maybe a nice updated and casual pizza place or similar. There are so many nights my family would love to grab a bite out close by or meet friends for Friday night dinner with kids. Comet is good, but it is always such a mob scene and not walkable from the circle. Seems like it is so popular a little competition might be good and needed up in Chevy Chase, DC. Seems like it would be a good idea for the old Chinese restaurant location - or get rid of the Bread and Chocolate next door and renovate that to be a cool family friendly restaurant - certainly has the large indoor and outdoor space to be focal point/flagship/cornerstone of the block.

Do you eat any of you go to Blue 44? Because it fits this description perfectly in my opinion.

I hate the decor of Blue 44. It's so dark and dingy. I would love a Pete's, Cactus Cantina, or Lebanese Taverna. I would also love it if the Diner underwent a major reno. That place smells like piss.

I have been to Blue 44 once despite living a short walk from it. Intellectually, I think I SHOULD love it. It is extremely well-executed food and the most talented chef in the village. It is also colossally boring food and ok decor. It reminds me of someone who got an A+ at the CIA and just decided to cook the CIA textbook for a living. It may objectively be the best restaurant in the village but I just have no desire to eat there.

I would have never in a million years guessed that the chef was "talented." The food is very, very unexceptional. And the service is s-l-o-w

The Avenue is not part of a village either if you are thinking of the the Village of Chevy Chase, that's Maryland. Blue 44 is edible, that's about it.

I refer to the stores immediately south of the circle as the village, which could be wrong, but this thread is literally the first time I have ever heard it referred to as The Avenue, and honestly, seeing you capitalize it each time like its a NY neighborhood strikes me as pretty weird.

They call themselves that. See: "Halloween on the Avenue" and other events. It's not like people refer to it that way a lot, but for the purposes of this discussion, it's helpful.

It's a very old-fashioned way of referring to that part of Connecticut Ave. it's what my great-grandmother called it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Connecticut Avenue in Chevy Chase, DC desperately needs some nice hip family friendly restaurants. Something that both parents and kids can enjoy. Something hip enough that parents aren't mortified to go to - with good food and drink for all. Maybe a nice updated and casual pizza place or similar. There are so many nights my family would love to grab a bite out close by or meet friends for Friday night dinner with kids. Comet is good, but it is always such a mob scene and not walkable from the circle. Seems like it is so popular a little competition might be good and needed up in Chevy Chase, DC. Seems like it would be a good idea for the old Chinese restaurant location - or get rid of the Bread and Chocolate next door and renovate that to be a cool family friendly restaurant - certainly has the large indoor and outdoor space to be focal point/flagship/cornerstone of the block.

Do you eat any of you go to Blue 44? Because it fits this description perfectly in my opinion.

I hate the decor of Blue 44. It's so dark and dingy. I would love a Pete's, Cactus Cantina, or Lebanese Taverna. I would also love it if the Diner underwent a major reno. That place smells like piss.

I have been to Blue 44 once despite living a short walk from it. Intellectually, I think I SHOULD love it. It is extremely well-executed food and the most talented chef in the village. It is also colossally boring food and ok decor. It reminds me of someone who got an A+ at the CIA and just decided to cook the CIA textbook for a living. It may objectively be the best restaurant in the village but I just have no desire to eat there.

I would have never in a million years guessed that the chef was "talented." The food is very, very unexceptional. And the service is s-l-o-w

The Avenue is not part of a village either if you are thinking of the the Village of Chevy Chase, that's Maryland. Blue 44 is edible, that's about it.

I refer to the stores immediately south of the circle as the village, which could be wrong, but this thread is literally the first time I have ever heard it referred to as The Avenue, and honestly, seeing you capitalize it each time like its a NY neighborhood strikes me as pretty weird.

They call themselves that. See: "Halloween on the Avenue" and other events. It's not like people refer to it that way a lot, but for the purposes of this discussion, it's helpful.

It's a very old-fashioned way of referring to that part of Connecticut Ave. it's what my great-grandmother called it.

PP here. I didn't know that! Cool!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Holy shit @ this whole thread

Seriously. People think that Cafe Deluxe would open another restaurant exactly in between the two restaurants it has already? And that Pete's needs another location a mile from the one they already have?

Cafe Deluxe used to be pretty good, but it is starting to show its mediocrity and its age as just another corporate restaurant concept. Chevy Chase DC deserves more locally owned, independent restaurants.

I agree about Cafe Deluxe, it has gone totally downhill. I also love Connecticut Ave. in Chevy Chase DC. I can't believe nobody has mentioned the Parthenon on this entire thread. Its one of the best greek restaurants in the DC area. Its not a generic trendy place by all means, and that is why I love it. Its homey, real and authentic, and most importantly, has fantastic food! Restaurants like this are a dying breed these days.

Totally agree about Cafe Deluxe. It's just another corporate restaurant concept. I would prefer that Chevy Chase's eclectic neighborhood strip of mostly independent businesses not get "Cathedral Commonized."

[Anonymous]

Is the new complex at Conn & Military getting commercial businesses in the first floor? That seems like the more sensible place for the next fast casual place to wind up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is the new complex at Conn & Military getting commercial businesses in the first floor? That seems like the more sensible place for the next fast casual place to wind up.

I'm pretty sure it's not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Connecticut Avenue in Chevy Chase, DC desperately needs some nice hip family friendly restaurants. Something that both parents and kids can enjoy. Something hip enough that parents aren't mortified to go to - with good food and drink for all. Maybe a nice updated and casual pizza place or similar. There are so many nights my family would love to grab a bite out close by or meet friends for Friday night dinner with kids. Comet is good, but it is always such a mob scene and not walkable from the circle. Seems like it is so popular a little competition might be good and needed up in Chevy Chase, DC. Seems like it would be a good idea for the old Chinese restaurant location - or get rid of the Bread and Chocolate next door and renovate that to be a cool family friendly restaurant - certainly has the large indoor and outdoor space to be focal point/flagship/cornerstone of the block.

Do you eat any of you go to Blue 44? Because it fits this description perfectly in my opinion.

I hate the decor of Blue 44. It's so dark and dingy. I would love a Pete's, Cactus Cantina, or Lebanese Taverna. I would also love it if the Diner underwent a major reno. That place smells like piss.

I have been to Blue 44 once despite living a short walk from it. Intellectually, I think I SHOULD love it. It is extremely well-executed food and the most talented chef in the village. It is also colossally boring food and ok decor. It reminds me of someone who got an A+ at the CIA and just decided to cook the CIA textbook for a living. It may objectively be the best restaurant in the village but I just have no desire to eat there.

I would have never in a million years guessed that the chef was "talented." The food is very, very unexceptional. And the service is s-l-o-w

The Avenue is not part of a village either if you are thinking of the the Village of Chevy Chase, that's Maryland. Blue 44 is edible, that's about it.

I refer to the stores immediately south of the circle as the village, which could be wrong, but this thread is literally the first time I have ever heard it referred to as The Avenue, and honestly, seeing you capitalize it each time like its a NY neighborhood strikes me as pretty weird.

On top of that, it is Chevy Chase Village, not the Village of Chevy Chase. Someone is working hard at re-branding, but hasn't done his or her homework. Must be a Millennial.

No, I was born in the 70's but I also grew up in this particular neighborhood and it's always been the Avenue. Sorry you think it's weird. There is, in fact, a Village of Chevy Chase in MD nearby. You are right I was confused about Chevy Chase Village on the other side of the circle.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Connecticut Avenue in Chevy Chase, DC desperately needs some nice hip family friendly restaurants. Something that both parents and kids can enjoy. Something hip enough that parents aren't mortified to go to - with good food and drink for all. Maybe a nice updated and casual pizza place or similar. There are so many nights my family would love to grab a bite out close by or meet friends for Friday night dinner with kids. Comet is good, but it is always such a mob scene and not walkable from the circle. Seems like it is so popular a little competition might be good and needed up in Chevy Chase, DC. Seems like it would be a good idea for the old Chinese restaurant location - or get rid of the Bread and Chocolate next door and renovate that to be a cool family friendly restaurant - certainly has the large indoor and outdoor space to be focal point/flagship/cornerstone of the block.

Do you eat any of you go to Blue 44? Because it fits this description perfectly in my opinion.

I hate the decor of Blue 44. It's so dark and dingy. I would love a Pete's, Cactus Cantina, or Lebanese Taverna. I would also love it if the Diner underwent a major reno. That place smells like piss.

I have been to Blue 44 once despite living a short walk from it. Intellectually, I think I SHOULD love it. It is extremely well-executed food and the most talented chef in the village. It is also colossally boring food and ok decor. It reminds me of someone who got an A+ at the CIA and just decided to cook the CIA textbook for a living. It may objectively be the best restaurant in the village but I just have no desire to eat there.

What the hell is this "the Village" nonsense? The Village is in Maryland. Chevy Chase DC is in the District, no different legally than Farragut north or eckington. And blue 44 isn't even inside the boundaries of Chevy Chase DC (which isn't A Village in the first place). Stop being so pretentious.

-- a longtime ccdc resident