Ellē Bar Manager Plans to Open a Place for Indian Cocktails Near H Street NE

Indian cocktails incoming

Dante Datta, the bar manager at impeccable all-day cafe Ellē in Mount Pleasant, is partnering with a former co-worker from his days at Rasika West End to open a small cocktail bar serving Indian-influenced drinks in the H Street NE corridor. Washington City Paper reports that Datta and chef Suresh Sundas hope to open the neighborhood watering hole, called Daru, by the end of this year. Datta, who also has experience at Columbia Room and Bibiana, will mix drinks infused with Indian spices like cardamom, coriander, and fenugreek along with regional fruits and spirits in a two-level space located at 1451 Maryland Avenue NE. Sundas is planning a bar food menu that includes wings in pickled mango sauce. [WCP]

New Bandit Taco

Bandit Taco, which impressed Washington Post food writer Tim Carman after it opened on New Hampshire Avenue NW last year, started welcoming customers at a second location in Tenleytown yesterday.

Even more poke

A Popville reader snapped a photo of signage for a new Aloha Poke Co. location at the shuttered Jamba Juice in Dupont Circle, adding to a crowded scene for fresh fish bowls. Recently opened Poke Papa, Abunai Poke, and Poki D.C. are all within about five blocks of the Aloha site. The Chicago-based fast-casual planted its first D.C. store inside Union Station early last summer. The arrival came shortly before the company felt the need to issue a public apology for triggering an emotional response by sending Hawaiian businesses cease and desist letters because it had trademarked “Aloha Poke.” [Popville]

Thai treat in Pentagon City

A new food court stall selling bubble tea and Thai rolled ice cream is coming to the mall at Pentagon City, ARLnow reports. Named Panda Tea House, it will replace the closed Kokee tea location. [ARLnow]