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Filipino Pork Belly Restaurant Kuya Ja’s Is Here

Plus, tapas chain Boqueria is branching out to Penn Quarter

Assorted dishes at Kuya Ja’s Lechon Belly.
Kuya Ja’s [Official photo]

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.

Boqueria

807 West Fulton Market, , IL 60607 (312) 257-3177 Visit Website

Cheesetique Specialty Cheese

2411 Mount Vernon Avenue, , VA 22301 (703) 706-5300 Visit Website