Latin-Asian Chain Zen Taco Arrives Downtown, Plus More Intel

Switcheroos

Just days after snuffing out failed smokehouse Lincoln’s Bar-B-Que, New York-based the Restaurant Group is back to shuffling around D.C. eateries — this time, replacing the Fuel Pizza downtown (1747 Pennsylvania Avenue NW) with build-your-own tacos/bao buns/soba noodle bowl operation Zen Taco. In addition to the cross-cultural dining options, the New York version of Zen Taco serves over a dozen cocktails cooled by popsicles. Zen Taco is projected to open soon.

The Shutter

Bethesda Magazine reports that after 25 years in business, the flagship Spring Mill Bread Co. store (4691 Elm Street, Bethesda, Md.) is closing next month. The local chain, which continues to operate locations elsewhere in Maryland, as well as on Barracks Row and in Arlington, Virginia, produces fresh baked breads, pastries, and sweets.

Down the road in Rockville, Store Reporter points out that neighborhood eatery Tara Asia disappeared “without explanation after the holidays.”

Growing pains

The full scope of the totally renovated Wharf complex won’t be apparent for years to come, but fans of the historic Maine Avenue Fish Market (slated for an upgrade this year) are keeping their fingers crossed that developers will do right by the venerable shopping hub. “It’s disheartening to see all of the change, but this market, it’s iconic,” one devoted customer tells the Washington City Paper. “It is D.C.’s own little monument.”