The Week in Openings, from Tacos to Pizza

September 9, 2016

1) SHAW: Today marks the opening of Smoked & Stacked, the brand new pastrami shop. (Eater got an inside look at the restaurant just yesterday.) Today's opening is a bit limited — lunch only; breakfast starts on Monday — but will be chock full of meaty sandwiches with hearty fillings. Status: Opening today. 1239 9th St., NW.

2) WOODLEY PARK: DC gets another Nando's Peri-Peri, this time in Woodley Park. The chain, which originated in South Africa, specialized in Portuguese-style flame-grilled chicken. Sunday, September 11 will be its opening day. 2631 Connecticut Ave., NW.

3) FOGGY BOTTOM: Italian restaurant Aperto has opened. More information here.

September 8, 2016

1) PETWORTH: It's opening day for Little Coco's, the latest Italian restaurant from the team behind Jackie's and Bar Charley. Head here for more details.

2) VIENNA: Today kicks off the second location of Taco Bamba, Victor Albisu's taco haven. The newest restaurant has much more space (about 2,000 square feet), a bigger menu, and even a full bar. Expect a selection of tostadas, tortas, nachos, and quesadillas, as well as several new taco varieties (ranging from goat and calamari to octopus). Even the guacamole got an upgrade for the new location. Drinks include draft margaritas, spins on palomas, and more.

During last night's pre-opening party, several people were already camping out overnight for the chance to win free tacos for a year. Status: Opening today. 164 Maple Ave. West, Vienna, Va.; website.

3) ALEXANDRIA: The Italian Place, a new market and cafe, has arrived in Alexandria. They have cookies, subs, salads, and plenty of carryout items. Status: Grand opening today. 621 Wythe Street, Alexandria, Va.; website.

September 7, 2016

After shuttering all summer for roof repairs, the historic 1789 Restaurant reopened this week, and it has shifted to become a tasting menu-centric restaurant.

Customizable for either four, five, or six courses (priced at $85, $97 and $109, respectively), the prix fixe menu is available seven nights a week. A few of the first menu selections from executive chef Samuel Kim include an uni jar with lobster, arctic char with zucchini, and duck accented with everything from cauliflower and couscous to Meyer lemon and huckleberry.

Tasting menus have exploded in D.C. in recent years (Eater recently explored their prevalence in the city). The highly-anticipated The Shaw Bijou, priced at $185 per person, is set to open doors Nov. 1.

While closed, Clyde's Restaurant Group invested in a new French top range for 1789 Restaurant, which means more concoctions can be created in the kitchen. The cozy fine-dining restaurant boasts an extensive wine cellar storing almost 200 different wines. Status: Reopened with a new menu. 1226 36th St. NW; website.