“Urban Backyard” Spot Coming to Blagden Alley, Plus More Intel

Coming attractions

Washington City Paper reports that Blagden Alley will soon boast another restaurant when the cozy Calico — from Greg Algie and Nathan Beauchamp — opens early this fall. As al fresco dining is the main draw at Calico, its owners are requesting that folks call it not a beer garden, but an “urban backyard.” Menu will have a picnic-y vibe, with corn on the cob (topped with beef jerky butter), barbecue oysters, and fried clams. The pair are hoping for a late-September opening.

Surcharge debate

A POPVille reader sent the blog a picture of a receipt from Oceanaire Seafood Room, the bottom of which explained why the restaurant tacked on a 3% surcharge for the meal. Oceanaire added the increase to the bill, citing “rising costs of doing business at this location, including costs associated with higher minimum wage rates.” POPVille commenters are debating if the restaurant could have done the price hike in a different, less “political” way. Spoiler: they think yes.

Give them credit

POPVille also gives word that Red Derby — beloved Columbia Heights bar/grill — has decided to stop accepting only cash as legal tender from customers. Red Derby is also celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, with a party on October 16th.

Poké Power

DC is getting another spot for poké — Aloha Poké Co., a Chicago-based company, is expanding across the country, including the DMV. A press release states that DC will get one storefront.