Brent Kroll Taps Friends to Help Launch Maxwell Park Wine Bar, Plus More Intel

Wine wiz Brent Kroll is looking to raise the bar on neighborhood eating and drinking this April with the debut of his first personally led project, Maxwell Park (1336 Ninth Street NW). The well-known sommelier updated Washingtonian about plans for the Shaw-based wine bar he is opening in conjunction with Fat Baby, Inc. — the Max Kuller-led family of restaurants which includes Kroll’s current employer, Proof.

Per Washingtonian, Kroll has surrounded himself with an opening team set to include wine pros Daniel Runnerstrom (Iron Gate) and Niki Lang (Voltaggio Brothers Steak House), as well as Kroll’s Oval Room buddy, chef turned restaurateur (turned menu designer) Tony Conte. [Washingtonian]

Opening Alert

Dolci Gelati Cafe co-founder Marcello Minna has shifted from sweet to savory with the debut of Trattoria Da Lina. The new restaurant, which has taken up residence in Takoma Park, Maryland (7000 Carroll Avenue), features traditional Italian cuisine prepared by chef Fabio Capestrano, who has worked in local kitchens ranging from Il Canale and Al Dente to The Italian Store.

Minna told Eater the focal point is on house-made pasta and locally sourced ingredients. He is also excited about the sweet and savory crepes that have been built into the brunch menu. Status: Open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday, and brunch on Sunday.

Charity Wire

As part of its annual “Day of Giving, the proceeds from all subs sold today at the 36 Jersey Mike’s locations across the DMV is scheduled to flow through to five local charities: Capitol Area Food Bank, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Luke’s Place, Powerful Beyond Measure, and Relay for Life.

Switcheroos

ARLnow reports that The Board Room is interested in expanding across the river. The Dupont Circle-based bar/game room has designs on taking over the plot Sehkraft Brewing left behind when it closed its doors in early January. [ARLnow]