This week's top dish from Eater DC, Curbed's restaurant, bar, and nightlife blog...
PENN QUARTER—After more than three years of waiting, it's now clear that Wagamama will not be opening in the space they leased on 7th Street NW — or anywhere in D.C. anytime soon. The chain will focus on expanding around Boston.
EATER MAPS—Curious where all those wealthy, hot Republicans toss back a beer or a cocktail? Here's a map of popular GOP member haunts, from Smith Point to the Capital Grille.
D.C.—Baltimore breakfast and lunch favorite Miss Shirley's has its sights set on the District. The owner of the popular mini-chain would like at least one location in D.C. proper, and has looked in Bethesda as well.
EATALY-OBSESSING—It's looking less likely that Mario Batali's Eataly concept is considering D.C. a priority for its expansion. The mega food hall has signed a lease in Chicago and most of the potential sites for the market are either being filled by retailers or are too small.
DOWNTOWN—Tom Sietsema might not have been thrilled with Equinox, given his recent 1.5 star review of the longtime restaurant near the White House, but the owners are fighting back. They're letting their patrons decide, organizing a poll where they can vote on their favorite menu (including one made up of the dishes the critic both liked and dissed).
H STREET NE—The latest restaurant to get President Obama's seal of approval is Smith Commons, where the president dined last week. Eater has the details of the dinner.
THE CRITICS—Tom Sietsema unleased his 2012 Fall Dining Guide on the masses this week. Eater picks apart the details, and sees which restaurants are now on the critic's list of favorites.
GEORGETOWN—Georgetown mainstay Mie N Yu (famous for its bathrooms) shuttered Monday. There's rumors floating around that New York's Dos Caminos might replace it, but nothing's too firm.
GEORGETOWN—Michel Richard branches out into the New York market with his plans for multiple concepts in the New York Palace hotel. But he also plans to get the shuttered Citronelle back open in its original location by next spring.
14TH STREET—Take a look inside the latest restaurant from the Matchbox group. The restaurant in the former Club Bali space will have floating tables and wines on tap.
SHAW—Chef Frederik de Pue (the guy who bought the old Minibar building this week) shares more details about his upcoming Table Restaurant, which will open near the Convention Center next month.
ZOMG NUTELLA—The long-awaited Nutella food truck hit the D.C. streets on Monday.