Raku, The Riggsby, Not Your Average Joe's Opening

1) CATHEDRAL HEIGHTS: The Cathedral Commons location of Raku opened its doors last night. They're serving up the same Asian fare as Dupont Circle, which is temporarily closed. Status: Certified open. 3401 Idaho Ave.NW; website.

Raku [Photo: Facebook]

2) BETHESDA: It's opening day for the Bethesda branch of New England restaurant chain Not Your Average Joe's. The restaurant is known for bringing American and global dishes to the suburbs. Status: Opening today. 10400 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, Md.; website.

3) DUPONT CIRCLE: Michael Schlow's second D.C. restaurant, The Riggsby, opens today in The Carlyle, a Kimpton hotel. The menu aims to serve the kind of food diners can turn to every day, from schnitzel to pasta to stellar salads and chocolate cake. Schlow was inspired by memories of his father for many of the dishes.  Philippe Reininger, formerly of J&G Steakhouse, is cooking.More details and photos to come. Status: Opening tonight. 1731 New Hampshire Ave. NW; website.

4) VAN NESS: D.C. gets another Thai joint with the opening of Thai Pad. PoPville says it's located in a former Quizno's space. Status: Certified open. 4481 Connecticut Ave. NW; no website.