💆Why DC sold prime real estate to a shady mega-spa

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DC Sold Prime Real Estate to a Shady Mega-Spa

A European spa is coming to Anacostia — and D.C. says it will become a transformative destination. But the company behind it was recently the subject of a scathing New York Times report claiming it has misled city governments and exaggerated its reach. [City Cast DC 🎧]

Braveboy Wins PG Executive Seat

Aisha Braveboy won the Prince George's County Executive seat, defeating her Republican opponent in a landslide. She will fill the seat left empty by Angela Alsobrooks, who was elected as the U.S. Senator to Maryland. [ABC7]

Trayon White MIA At Ward 8 Candidate Forum

Former Councilmember Trayon White skipped the candidate forum for the upcoming July 15 special election to choose a new Ward 8 councilmember. White has indicated he plans to run despite being expelled from the council in February. [City Paper]

Candle Thieves Apprehended

A group of thieves stole $32,000 worth of candles in Fairfax County. The thefts — 15 total — began in February. So far three have been arrested. [Washington Post 🔒]

DC's Best New Restaurants and Bars

As D.C. mourns the loss of Beuchert’s Saloon on Capitol Hill, it’s consoling to know we’ve got some exciting stuff coming to town. A New York bagel joint, some greek ice cream, and Ethiopian fried chicken, to name a few 😋

Marcus DC (NoMa)

NYC chef Marcus Samuelsson just opened his latest restaurant at The Morrow Hotel, blending modern American cooking with Black culinary traditions from D.C. to Ethiopia. Think mambo-sauce roast chicken, crab with rice and pickled okra, and blue cornbread with berbere honey.

Mélange Foods (Shaw)

D.C. Chef Elias Taddesse reopened his fan-favorite restaurants, Mélange and Doro Soul Food, under one roof (with a third concept coming soon). Doro Soul Food may just be the best fried chicken in D.C. (IMHO), while Mélange DC serves Ethiopian American style burgers and handspun milkshakes.

Lobby Bar (Barracks Row)

A new all-American concept is now open in the old Boxcar Tavern space with an extensive raw bar, smash burgers, and unique martini program. Try the Maryland crab cakes with a caper brine dirty martini.

H&H Bagels (Mount Vernon Triangle)

This quintessential New York City bagel shop — featured in “Sex and the City” and “Seinfeld” — is coming to D.C. on June 12. The bagels are proofed, kettle-boiled, then oven-baked on site every day. Call Your Mother better watch out.

Lucky Danger (Penn Quarter)

Renowned D.C. chef Tim Ma is transforming his COVID-era Chinese American take-out concept, Lucky Danger, into a new full-service restaurant and community hangout in Penn Quarter. It’s got a completely new menu, cocktail bar, and high-tech mahjong parlor at the back. “It’s like an upscale version of my house,” Ma told us.

Sushi Gaku (Georgetown)

Georgetown is blowing up with sushi lately and Sushi Gaku is the latest contender. Located in a cozy basement off M Street, chef Yoshi Ota’s newest spot will serve traditional and modern takes on sushi, including the elusive and slightly scary pufferfish.

Tarì Trattoria (Union market District)

This Amalfi Coast-inspired restaurant is set to open mid-June on the ground floor of The Gantry with locally-sourced seafood dry-aged onsite, shareable aperitivo snacks, and housemade pastas.

Neighborhood Shoutouts

ICYMI: Every week, we include some D.C. recs from our City Cast City Neighbors, from food to local orgs!

• 📢 Austin B. recommends Snappy's Small Bar in Petworth. A tiny dive bar that's somehow never too full and never too empty. Beer and shot combos, anyone?
• 📢 Adam V. wants to shout out local nonprofit Casey Trees for making D.C. greener, cleaner, and more appealing!
• 📢 Taylor C. says to stop by East City Bookshop near Eastern Market. “Their staff is kind, welcoming, and so knowledgeable about all types of books. And the book clubs!”

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