In what may be one of the fastest company turnarounds in Connecticut Avenue history, the Coat of Arms restaurant in Van Ness was bought out before it even opened. The Coat of Arms owner told me that a few days before the place was due to open, someone stopped by, took a look at the decor, and, "made an offer I couldn't refuse." That was in early December. The Coat of Arms opened on December 16 and the new place, Indian Ocean, opens January 5, 2007. So we're going from British food -- and I was there on opening day and had a very tasty shepherds pie --to Indian. The sign in the window says "seafood/Northern Indian cuisine" to be precise.At least that's the way it was this afternoon, by the time you read this it might be a Taco Bell.
6 comments:
I grew up on Shepherds Pie and I cant stand the stuff. Actually I don't care much for any English cuisine. Let's hope Indian Ocean sticks around a little longer.
I had wondered what happened to the Coat of Arms. Actually, I never knew it was open. I saw the awning, I thought they were still working on it, and then...poof! Indian food. Also what happened to the prior ribs/steak place that was there? They worked on the building for what seemed to be six months, and then it closed after maybe three months. Does Van Ness really stink as a location?
- Van Ness resident.
The barbecue place was called Riedel's and I believe the owner was finishing off an existing lease. When that was over he decided the place wasn't paying its way and so closed it down.
I don't thnk Van Ness is such a bad location -- there are, after all, lots and lots of apartments and houses in the area -- but that spot is not the best. Many of those apartments are to the north of the Metro station and the restaurant is to the south. so anyone living up there and using the Metro never has to go as far south as the restaurant's location. People driving by will never see it because they're paying attention to the road -- we hope! So if the owners don't advertise adequately, lots of locals may never even be aware of the restaurant's existence. From what you said, you sound like you may be a case in point.
Thanks for the blog. I encourage you to post more often (but I realize this is your free time). It's always good to get these smaller stories about my neighborhood that are unlikely to be mentioned in the Post or the Current.
- Van Ness resident
As a Van Ness resident, I also really appreciate this blog.
Yesterday I passed by Indian Ocean to see a Coat of Arms sign covering up all of the Indian Ocean signs, saying that it was "Under New Management."
Does anyone know why the switch again? I've never seen a restaurant open, switch, and switch again all in the course of a month. Strange.
I know why Restaurants keep changing hands in the Van Ness area. It is because the ANC and specifically the lady that makes all "her own personal decisions" as for the Liquor License stipulations. I have personally had dealings with this women. She has a lot to say and never frequents any of the establishments. If anyone is looking to open a restaurant in this ANC's boundries, do so carefully and don't plan on making your money in alcohhol sales.
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