The Capitol Hillbillies’ foot-stomping music and a giant sandwich welcomed folks as Mott’s Market celebrated its gala reopening on August 11. Bubbles floated through the late summer air as children enjoyed face painting and balloon sculpting. On the patio, prosecco flowed. Ward 6 Council member Charles Allen thanked everyone who had helped to preserve the market.
“We are thrilled to welcome neighbors back to Mott’s Market,” said Market Manager Peyton Sherwood. Another speaker noted the absence of Mott’s contractor, Abel Aragon. Aragon—who had lived in the US for 20 years—was snatched by ICE earlier this year and eventually self-deported to his home country, Belize. “Even though he was not yet a US citizen, he was a part of our community.” 
The highlight of the festive event was the ceremonial slicing of a six-foot sub in lieu of the usual ribbon cutting, “since we nourish the community.” Afterwards, guests shared the overstuffed sandwich. Among other attendees were Mike Skinner, president of Mott’s Neighborhood Market LLC, event emcee Christine Campbell, vice chair of Mott’s Market LLC, Elissa Silverman (Independent at-large member-elect of the DC Council), ANC commissioners, and retired WJLA Channel 7 bureau chief Sam Ford.
Located at 233 12th St. SE (east end of Gessford Court), Mott’s is closed Monday. For hours and more information visit www.mottsmarket.com.
More Subs…
Speaking of subs, Jersey Mike’s was handing out “$3 subs” at its Capitol Hill unveiling at 209 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. The sandwiches were free, and the three bucks went to the Make a Wish Foundation. We chose the Original Italian, a sesame roll (you can get gluten-free) crammed with provolone, ham, salami and peppers. We also tried the club sub (turkey, ham, provolone and crispy bacon). Both sandwiches were tasty and filling; you can also find cheese steaks, bowls, chips and sodas. Jersey Mike’s bright cheery interior includes a few tables; there’s outdoor seating. Open daily; for more information visit www.jerseymikes.com
Room with a View
At the District Wharf, we’ve checked out Moonraker, 655 Water St. SW, the four-year-old Japanese fusion restaurant atop the glitzy Hotel Pendry. Our group of five first settled at a corner table inside. But we decided that since we were paying for the view, we might as well enjoy it. So, we snagged an outdoor table and comfy sofa with a stunning view of the Washington Channel and beyond.
From Moonraker’s “Bites” menu, Peter zeroed in at Tokyo fried chicken. “This is not my grandmother’s southern fried chicken,” Peter rhapsodized as he bit into a crispy, tender nugget. “Grandma made good fried chicken, but this is even better.” The crunchy morsels were enlivened by a kanzuri mumbo sauce—a local product meets Japan. 
Tempura-fried cauliflower was equally tasty; the firm flowerets stood up well to deep frying. Less successful was the overpriced crab-fried rice. Although the dish was replete with egg, peas, ginger and shreds of crab, it needed seasoning. However, “lacy shrimp gyoza” was a quartet of melt-in-your-mouth dumplings enhanced with house-made shiitake chili oil. We also loved the beautifully presented sushi pieces filled with eel, shrimp, avocado, and spicy mayo. The morsels tasted as good as they looked.
Peter slurped a “hanami harmony” (non alcoholic tea drink made with Sakura blossom tea, pineapple, tea, coconut cream). I nursed a $20 glass of G Paco & Lola Albarino.
Service was good, and the kitchen accommodated a guest’s MSG allergy. Our tab for two came to $159.50. Moonraker is a splurge—a special occasion place. In fact, a group of elegantly clad ladies from Georgia were celebrating a birthday, and they provided a flashy fashion show as they posed for celebratory photos. For more information visit www.pendry.com.
Virgin Island View
Speaking of rooftops: Croix arrived last month at 69 Q St. SW, on the ninth floor of the Cambria Hotel near Buzzard Point. Celebrating the sunny cuisine of the largest of the US Virgin Islands, the kitchen showcases saltfish mille-feuille; johnnycake wafers; beef and conch pates; wagyu burgers enlivened with fiery Scotch bonnet peppers; rum-soaked black cake; tropical cocktails. Watch for more details. For more information visit the Cambia website: www.choicehotels.com.
New Vietnamese
Saigon Kitchen, 1101 Fourth St. SW, arrived in late July, replacing the short-lived 54 Noodles Bar and before that—the longer-lasting Masala Art (Indian). While the Southeast Asian newcomer specializes in myriad noodle concoctions, you can also find assorted “small plates” including spring rolls with choice of filling, summer rolls, skewers, wings, banh mi, a mid-day special. 
On a sultry late summer afternoon, we sat inside, enjoying the handsomely appointed interior. Perusing the small plates listing, I was curious about crispy quail. Unfortunately, they were out of the little birds, but the kitchen provided a complimentary serving of spring rolls. I decided on the banh mi. Peter ordered the weekday $18.95 luncheon combo—a cup of pho (actually a bowl), a pair of spring rolls (he chose chicken), and a soda (ginger ale). The dish was so generous I cancelled my banh mi order; instead, we shared the pho. The signature soup was replete with brisket, noodles and crunchy bean sprouts, but it badly needed the accompanying sauces. One dip was sweet, the other fiery, providing an ideal balance.
Among Saigon Kitchen’s heartier options are filet mignon, caramelized pork belly, lemongrass curry chicken. An alcohol license is in the works. For updates visit www.54noodlesbar4th.com.
Yap it up
On Barracks Row, Matchbox, 521 Eighth St. SE, invites four-legged (and two-legged) guests to Yappy Hour each Wednesday on the sidewalk patio. From 3 to 6 p.m., guests can enjoy drinks and vittles, including Matchbox signature sliders and pizza. Yes, there will be doggie treats. For more information visit www.matchboxrestaurants.com.
Coming Soon
South Block, a smoothie café, is slated to arrive early next year at 700 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. You’ll find it around the corner from Eastern Market, next to Little Engine. An offshoot of a Virginia-based chain, South Block will also offer acai bowls, fresh juices and other healthy options. For updates visit www.southblock.com.
Gone
Bumblebirds, 303 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, has flown the coop. A joint venture by celeb chef Carla Hall and Sunnyside Restaurant Group, the six-month popup has departed. “This isn’t goodbye forever, it’s just goodbye for now,” Carla posted. We will miss her fried chicken sandwiches and homemade biscuits, and we hope Bumblebirds pops up again soon.
