Cleveland Park’s Getting a New Italian Restaurant, Plus More Intel

Coming attractions

The former home of Cleveland Park’s now-closed Ripple space is about to have a new tenant. Popville reports that Italian restaurant Cucina Al Volo is moving in soon. It’s a bright spot for Cleveland Park dining, which faced a spate of closures earlier this year. Cucina Al Volo is growing its DC footprint: it already has locations in Union Market and Adams Morgan (the former Pasta Mia spot), and an outpost is opening in Ballston next year. [Popville]

Mmm...doughnuts

Washington Post staffers took on a massive D.C. doughnut tasting challenge, putting 24 varieties to the test. Their assessment? Duck Donuts wins for chocolate glaze, B. Doughnut in Leesburg makes a mean classic glaze, and don’t sleep on District Doughnut’s everything-cream-cheese flavor. [WaPo]

Coming attractions

Maryland chain Fish Taco’s got Bethesda Row in its sights. According to Robert Dyer, the fast-casual taco spot is headed to Woodmont Avenue. [Robert Dyer]

The evils of brunch

The American Conservative works overtime to cast brunch in D.C. as part of the culture wars. “It is a peculiarly coarse, even uncivilized ritual, cloaked in the respectability of Sunday morning.” [American Conservative]