Business Ins & Outs: Tesla, La Bonne Vache, Reverie, Alara; District Doughnut
By • January 22, 2024 0 1600
In: La Bonne Vache to Open Jan. 31
La Bonne Vache, “The Good Cow,” will have its grand opening on Wednesday, Jan. 31, at the corner that held the beloved Booeymonger for 50 years. The renovated interior is now a full-fledged French bistro, ready for la clientèle (though without alcohol in its first days).
Last year, Georgetowner food writer Olga Boikess wrote, “Vibrant restaurant pros Claire and Ari Wilder (Chaplin’s, Kappo DC) are transforming the former Booeymonger space at 3265 Prospect St. NW, into an imaginative, French-accented wine bar/bistro, with a menu highlighting burgers dressed up with a Gallic touch.”
La Bonne Vache will open Jan. 31. Photo by Kimberly Kong of Nom Digital.
Soon: Reverie
Chef Johnny Spero’s Reverie will return to service in February, he says. An August 2022 fire shut down the Michelin-starred and intimate restaurant at 3201 Cherry Hill Lane NW.
In: Smoothie King on Jan. 25
Smoothie King will celebrate the opening of its first location in Georgetown, D.C., with a grand opening at 1 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 25, featuring an appearance from “Bachelor” star, Jason Tartick — along with a ribbon cutting, prize and gift card giveaways, free smoothies, photo opportunities and more.
Alara to Open in August
The long shuttered Paolo’s Ristorante at 1303 Wisconsin Ave. NW, most recently High Street Grill, will become Alara, a Turkish restaurant by Hakan Ilhan. Meaning “beautiful water fairy,” Alara will feature menus and wines with a focus on Mediterranean cuisine.
On Saturday evening at a packed Brasserie Liberte, Ilhan spoke with The Georgetowner and confirmed that the old restaurant space needed work before Alara could make its debut in August.
Coming: Tesla on M
A second Tesla showroom is looking to open in Washington, D.C. — this time in Georgetown, Urban Turf first reported.
“Plans have been filed with D.C.’s Old Georgetown Board for a new Tesla showroom along M Street in Georgetown,” according to the real estate blog. “The luxury electric carmaker would be located at the Eastbanc-owned building at 3307 M St. NW. The space will have room to display four vehicles, along with individual offices.”
The other D.C. spot for Tesla is at CityCenter DC on 10th Street NW.
Curiously enough, that same block in Georgetown boasted a car dealership for decades. The more things change …
A Tesla dealership is planned for 3307 M St. NW.
Out: District Doughnut
District Doughnut closed its location at 3333 M St. NW, Georgetown Metropolitan first reported. The shop opened at this location last June after years of occupying a spot on Cady’s Alley.
The message in the M Street store’s window reads: “We are so sorry to share that we are closing this location down. We recently received an offer from another restaurant to buy this location so please stay tuned to what’s coming next!”
The M Street spot was the first location of Sweet Green; the property is owned by Eastbanc.
