We’ve loosened our belts this year with more eatery openings than closings. Here, for our second annual rhyming year-end wrap-up, is a look back at what closed and opened—and what we’re looking forward to in 2012.
Goodbye, 12th Street Taphouse. Farewell, Batesville Store. We loved you, Downtown Hotdog. Escafé? Loved you more. It’s true Penne Lane and Carlton’s didn’t last very long, and losing Padow’s and The Tavern felt flat out wrong.
Peace out, Wild Greens and 300 Valley Street. Enoteca, your bruschette was a favorite late-night treat. We lost two grocery stores—Stoney’s and Corner Market. We’re not done with this list—sit yourself down and park it.
Arrivederci, Raggazi’s. We sure miss you, Rise. And, hey, Staunton Grocery? Can you hear our hungry cries? See ya later, Barracks Road Quiznos and Hollymead’s Maggie Moo’s. (We never knew we had so much to lose!) We lost Toliver House and, in Belmont, Two Sides. But there’s still more to be eaten! Let us be your guide…
Welcome, Buttz BBQ and Burger Oasis. The switchover at Monsoon Siam barely phased us. Everything’s great at Elliewood’s Pigeon Hole. Try the stone-ground grits—we could eat a whole bowl!
And ditto the pearl balls at Peter Chang’s Grill; catch a glimpse of the chef and you’ll get a big thrill. In the old Enoteca spot, Positively Fourth Street. And one block up, see the Skybar—it’s real neat.
Get your delish kabobs at Nicola’s or Afghan. In the mood for sushi? Now & Zen—we’re big fans! Down the street above Fellini’s opened 9 1/2 and a new sandwich spot’s name, Which Wich, makes us laugh. In the old 12th Street space, you’ll find El Jaripeo. And in ex-Salad Creations, Downtown Deli (hold the mayo!). The once-mobile Lunchbox is now brick-and-mortar, but the roving kitchen will still take your order.
Belmont Pizza & Pub’s where Two Sides used to be, and somewhat nearby is a new Gibson’s Grocery. Just down the street, near The Bridge is The Farm and just off the Mall, we hear Tempo’s got charm.
Over on West Main, the Spice Diva is stocked and Sweethaus has the best treats on the block. And speaking of treats, have you heard about Sweet Frog? For Hollymead and Barracks’ froyo, go whole hog. And speaking of hogs, in Palmyra, there’s Two J’s. The barbeque’s smoked to perfection in two ways.
If it’s coffee you want, Trailside and Atlas are new. And don’t forget Java Dragon. It’s open now, too.
Expresso Italian is here for the long haul; getcha some pancakes—a big order, not small. The mother-son team at Wild Wolf’s charming, and the cured meat at Balkan’s so good it’s disarming.
There are bakeries like Great Harvest and Yoder’s Sugar & Spice, and there’s always pizza from Little Caesar’s or Slice. Over in Greene, The Standard sounds good, even if it’s a bit of a drive from our ’hood.
In 2012, we’ll be licking our lips—you know what they say, “forever on the hips.” Andy McClure’s bringing an eatery to Garrett, and Livery Stable will open (we swear it!). An unnamed street food spot’s coming Downtown, and in the old Escafé, what’s going down? In that space, it’s The Whiskey Jar’s time. Now we’ll note Vu Nguyen’s pho joint and—finally!—end this rhyme. Happy New Year, foodies.
