Filipino Pork Belly Restaurant Kuya Ja’s Is Here

More pork belly for all

Pop-up turned brick-and-mortar restaurant Kuya Ja’s Lechon Belly today joins the expanding universe of D.C’s Filipino restaurants. In addition to serving his slow-roasted, stuffed pork belly, founder Javier Fernandez has also worked up adobo chicken wings, veggie lumpia, a sisig and garlic fried rice-filled burrito, and more. Status: Scheduled to open at 10 a.m. 5268-H Nicholson Lane, Rockville, Md.; website.

Expansions

Spanish restaurant Boqueria is adding a second location in Penn Quarter. Washington Business Journal reports that the tapas chain is moving into the space formerly occupied by Asian eatery Oya and short-lived lounge Boe (799 Ninth Street NW).

Switcheroos

Popville reports that Barracks Row restaurant Senart’s is turning into a gay bar called Orchid. Lesbian bar Phase 1, which was located on the same strip for decades, closed in 2016.

Taking charge

Cheesetique founder Jill Erber has started an online petition urging local officials to roll back a meals tax increase on Alexandria restaurants. The restaurateur is also asking for a 3 percent rebate to offset credit card transaction fees.

• A Guide to D.C.’s Thriving Filipino Restaurant Scene [EDC]
• The Most Anticipated Restaurants in D.C., Spring 2018 [EDC]