A Custard Sundae Shop Will Fit Into the Roost Food Hall Coming to Southeast

The Roost, the incoming food and beer hall that Neighborhood Restaurant Group is overseeing in Capitol Hill, released plans last week to include a fancy sundae shop called State Fair.

Pastry Chef Allie Cheppa (Buzz Bakeshop) will make frozen custard in chocolate and vanilla flavors. Those will serve as the base for exorbitant combinations of toppings, like an Oh Fudge! sundae that tops chocolate custard with hot fudge, gluten-free brownie pieces, and candied cocoa nibs. Espresso syrup, toasted almonds, and molasses cookie crumbs will cover vanilla custard for a Notsofogato, flavor. Buttered popcorn and peanuts are responsible for a riff on Cracker Jack. There will be a flight of three mini sundaes and a build-your-own sundae bar, too.

The complex (1401 Pennsylvania Avenue SE) will also include retro German health food from one of Richmond’s top chefs, a taco stand from Red Apron butcher Nate Anda, and a beer bar full of brews sourced by the expert behind Churchkey, among other things.

In other news...

• Vegan Bolivian restaurant Ali Pacha is no longer headed to Northeast Latin food market La Cosecha, WCP reports. Mexican restaurant Amparo Fondita also nixed plans at the slow-developing market this year. The 20,000-square-foot project, which debuted last fall (1280 4th Street NE), is currently home to Colada Shop’s Serenata cocktail bar and a counter for sandwiches and rotisserie chicken from the Peruvian Brothers. The market is still only running from Thursday through Sunday.
• A new Mexican restaurant called DC Corazon is coming soon in Petworth. The corner newcomer, located next to Italian staple Little Coco’s, slides into the space formerly occupied by Latin American eatery Golden Paradise (3903-3905 14th Street NW). The female-led restaurant comes from chef Josefina Arias, who hails from Mexico City. The 68-seat restaurant, which has a TBA opening date, will also sport a 26-seat sidewalk cafe.

• Wood-burning newcomer the Grill just added weekday lunch (11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.) at the Wharf development. New, midday dishes include crispy fish sliders with herb-covered fries; a grilled chicken club; and a niçoise salad loaded with tuna confit, olives, green beans, and red peppers.
• Chinatown pregaming spot Bar Deco just unveiled a newly covered rooftop in time for April showers. Sides remain open to let the breeze blow through freely.
• Shaw’s Oaxacan oasis Espita says it’s nearing the 100,000th sale of its hit Mayahuel margarita (some 67 are sold per day). The lucky guest who buys the milestone drink, predicted to occur some time between March 18 to 25, will get a $250 gift card.
• Downtown Columbia, Maryland, will welcome two brands from Baltimore’s Hampden neighborhood: chef Chad Gauss’s the Food Market (late 2020) and popular ice cream shop The Charmery (this summer).