Business INS + OUTS

IN: Donghia Celebrates Move to Cady’s Alley

Donghia — which specializes in decorative fabrics and furniture – celebrated its move to Cady’s Alley last week with a standing-room-only party. The 3,413-square-foot retail property is at 3334 Cady’s Alley, NW. Founded by the late Italian-American designer Angelo Donghia, the luxury contemporary home furnishing collection sells exclusively to interior designers and architects through its showrooms. Its furniture is made in the U.S. and accessories are handmade in Italy in Murano, next to Venice. [See Social Scene on page 30 for photos from the May 29 event.]

OUT: Serendipity 3 Shuts Its Doors

Georgetown’s Serendipity 3 closed its doors June 3. Since its opening in 2011, the home of the $1,000 “golden opulence” sundae, has had a bumpy ride. Health code violations and a disagreement among the owners caused temporary closures in 2012 and 2013. There is no word yet as to why Serendipity closed, but rumors quickly arose regarding a lawsuit from the landlord of the M Street restaurant, who is allegedly owed more than $98,000 dollars in rent, utilities, and other fees.

IN: Carine’s Bridal Atelier Acquires Second Location
?Carine Krawiec, owner of luxury bridal salon, Carine’s Bridal Atelier, has acquired a 4,200-square-foot second location in Georgetown, set to open a two-floor boutique at 1623 Wisconsin Avenue, former home of Georgetown Cafe, by Winter 2014-15.
Krawiec plans to provide a fresh take on the bridal shopping experience through the boutique’s cutting-edge design while enhancing its exceptional customer service and wide-array of high-end inventory.

“Our store has grown so fast over the past seven years, I wanted to provide a more spacious and luxurious atmosphere for our brides, while maintaining the welcoming and intimate reputation our store has become known for,” says Krawiec. The expansion into 1623 Wisconsin Ave., NW, will welcome rising stars, Zuhair Murad and Inbal Dror, to the boutique’s designer repertoire. The existing location, 1726 Wisconsin Ave., NW, will remain a part of the bridal retailer’s growing empire.

Since its establishment in 2006, Carine’s Bridal Atelier became home to legendary designers, such as Monique Lhuillier and Carolina Herrera, after Krawiec was encouraged by leaders in the industry to open a couture bridal atelier in the D.C. area.

OUT + IN: Bangkok Joe’s to Become Mama Rogue

Bangkok Joe’s, the Thai restaurant at the entrance to Washington Harbour at 3000 K St., NW, closed June 1, as its owners transform the space into a French-Southeast Asian restaurant, named Mama Rouge.

The new restaurant will open in September, owners — chef Aulie Bunyarataphan and Mel Oursinsini — told their patrons in a May 27 email. They also cited the changing tastes of customers. The same team runs Tom Yum District across Key Bridge in Arlington as well as T.H.A.I.

The self-described “dumpling bar and cafe” — reviewed by Zagat as having “dumplings “to die for” and “great cocktails to boot” — has attracted the likes of such boldface diners as Nicole Kidman and Nicholas Cage.

Opened in September 2003, Bangkok Joe’s is getting a re-boot, so to speak, to stay current with its guests. Along with a revamped menu, the space will be redesigned and get a new kitchen.

IN: Orange Anchor Coming to Washington Harbour

Restaurateur Reese Gardner is expanding to Washington Harbour with a nautical-inspired eatery, Orange Anchor. Next to Nick’s Riverside Grille and in front of the fountain, the new restaurant takes over the former Cabanas space and is set to open in August. Gardener runs other spots, such as the Might Pint, Cooperwood Tavern and Irish Public House.

Here’s how the Orange Anchor describes itself: “Our menu consists of seasonal small bites, Maryland crabs, a la cart proteins and shared sides, all sourced locally. The bar program will be highlighted by fresh squeezed orange cocktails and a large selection of rare rums.”

IN: Café Deluxe Opens on M Street in West End

Known for its spot up Wisconsin Avenue near Macomb Street, Cafe Deluxe has opened another place in the West End in the new Hilton Garden Inn at 22nd and M Streets, NW, across the street from the Ritz-Carlton.

Part of the hotel and restaurant in the neighborhood, Café Deluxe, according to the company, “will accommodate up to 130 people in the dining room with seating for 38 at the bar, about 50 in the private dining room area and an additional 2,500 square feet of event space in the hotel that can seat up to 225 — ideal for holiday parties and special occasions. Room service from the kitchen of Cafe Deluxe will be available nightly to all 238 rooms of the Hilton Garden Inn.”

IN: EverFi Celebrates New Offices on K Street

The educational tech firm, EverFi, which started in 2008 on Potomac Street, has moved again to 3299 K St., NW. Co-founded by Tom Davidson, EverFi has steadily expanded. The company occupies two floors and has a balcony overlooking the Potomac.

IN: Sushi Keiko Taking Over Sushi Ko Space

A restaurant named Sushi Keiko has leased 2309 Wisconsin Ave., NW, the former home of Sushi Ko, according to the Hyperlocal Glover Park blog: “The Sushi Keiko menu will feature a variety of Asian foods, including sushi and sashimi, small plates such as grilled baby octopus, and entrees including roasted Maine salmon.” One of the first sushi spots in D.C., Sushi Ko closed last summer in Glover Park but has another place up Wisconsin Avenue in Chevy Chase, Md.