Indian Chain Spice 6 Debuts in D.C.

D.C. restaurant openings

Budding chain Spice 6 its opening its latest quick-service Indian restaurant Friday, May 4 in the space formerly occupied by homegrown deli On Rye. Washington City Paper reports that customers who visit the new eatery today will receive a free mini dosa with the purchase of any meal. Status: Scheduled to open at 11 a.m. 740 Sixth Street NW; website.

Brunch wire

Crimson whiskey bar, one of the trio of eateries installed at Chinatown’s Pod hotel by local restaurateurs Eric and Ian Hilton, is rolling out brunch service on Sunday, May 6. The new menu, which will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays, includes Southern-style dishes such as grillades and grits, as well as a breakfast strata combining eggs, andouille sausage, shrimp, and cheddar cheese. There’s also cheese-covered fried chicken sandwiched between a grilled glazed doughnut.

Scroll down to see the whole menu:

Up in Cleveland Park, new restaurant Sababa is holding its inaugural brunch on Saturday, May 12. The Israeli-style eatery, which recently welcomed first daughter Ivanka Trump, plans to serve dishes including shakshuka, French toast with labneh and pistachio, and ful medames from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends.

Controversies

Washington Business Journal reports that Alexandria restaurateurs fear a proposed 1 percent meals tax hike will drive customers to more affordable dining destinations. The city currently levies a 4 percent meals tax on tap of the 6 percent tax imposed statewide; opponents say bumping it up to 5 percent would put Alexandria restaurants at a disadvantage against eateries operating in lesser taxed zones such as Arlington, Fairfax, or D.C.

The shutter

According to Store Reporter, 30-year-old Chinese restaurant Seven Seas is closing at the end of May. The long-standing Rockville carry-out’s lease was up and management has no plans to relocate elsewhere.

• Sip Moonshine Cocktails at Chinatown’s New Underground Whiskey Den [EDC]