Looking Forward to 2009: Grand Opening Edition

I’m so far ahead of my time that I’m already thinking what I’m going to eat next year. 

Thankfully for me and you, some people still think they can make a go of it in the restaurant business.  My hats off to them (if I wore hats that is– but if I did, I’d probably not wear multiple hats at the same time).  I admire their gumption, their sticktuitiveness, their bluster, their steadfast disbelief in the economic doomsday machine crushing us all in its bloody jaws.  There are a few places on the horizon that have piqued my interest, and a few others that seem stuck in some wormhole feedback loop, never actually progressing towards any kind of state of readiness, yet producing waste product by the ton, trucked away in oversized trash receptacles once a month or so.  But I digress.  Here are a few spots that we should all keep and eye out for in 2009.

The Firestone Building– 16th and L- With a nightclub upstairs and two restaurants downstairs, the Firestone will add a little more to the16th street corridor of what the 16th street corridor already has, that being moderately upscale chains and clubby lounges.  Signs proudly announce that a California Pizza Kitchen will be arriving soon, as well as the slowly materializing Fleming’s Steakhouse (a Morton’s-like chain steakhouse), and finally “Mix,” an adult nightclub from the owner of Mason’s which is just one block away.  Now don’t get too excited, “adult nighclub” doesn’t mean leather masks and crotchless footie pajamas, but rather a club aimed at the over-30 set.

Hot Italian– 16th and Q- Will this thing ever open?  It’s been under construction since the Diocletian reforms. 

Magpie, Speakeasy, Burgers & Brew– 14th & R- Now this is what I’m talking about.  A collection of three complementary (not complimentary) businesses opening up in what is one of the coolest spaces in town.  Magpie catering hopes to be a successful upscale catering outfit and deli (a godsend for the nearby throngs of workaday professionals who might be a little burnt out on Dad’s).  Burgers & Brew is a Davis original and built on two things: you guessed it, burgers and brews.  Hopefully this second location improves on the original’s lack of craft when it comes to anything on the menu that isn’t a burger or brew.  Finally, Speakeasy has the potential to be on of the coolest bars in Richmond Grove with a retro vibe, live music, and non-manufactured atmosphere.  It’s still yet to be seen, but hopes are high.

12 thoughts on “Looking Forward to 2009: Grand Opening Edition”

  1. There was a planned restaurant on O St between 20th and 21st that I have been watching from the window of my office for 4 months. I even toured the inside when they were doing work and making plans. Nice group of folks. It was to be called Antigua and dining and dancing was planned. Sadly last week the sign is down and a for lease sign has replaced the permit application in the window. It seemed a bit over-ambitious
    BS

    Like

  2. A new joint should be opening in Old Sac in the building formerly known as the Orleans Hotel. The owners of The Firehouse have successfully transformed the building (which was vacant for years) into beautiful rental units, and the last I heard, they were conducting some focus groups on what kind of restaurant would be ideal for that spot.

    Like

  3. Oh, oh, I want to be in their focus group. I vote for the “Firehouse Cafe” which includes many Firehouse recipes but served in a more casual (and less expensive) environment. Oh, and more sushi, we definitely need more sushi.

    Like

  4. I mentioned to one of the owners that you have some good input, and he’s interested in talking to you, so maybe it could be a one person focus group. I’ll be in touch with you about this 🙂

    Like

  5. I think I mentioned it to one of the owners (or the owner’s son) — but it may have been some strange dream.

    Like

  6. Just wondering if it was our friendly grammar girl who got you on ‘complementary’ since you highlight it so prominently.

    Like

  9. Flemings is actually not opening in the building anymore, it will be “Sapporo Japanese Restaurant” instead. I’ve heard it’s a teppanyaki type place.

    In addition to Sapparo, ‘Mix’ and CPK…De Vere’s Irish Pub and a AT&T store will be opening in the project.

    http://www.deverespub.com/

    For the 14th and R project, yet another Fro-yo place is opening open by the owners of Burgers and Brew in addition to the ones you mentioned.

    Like

  11. I called Waterboy last fall to ask about One Speed and they claimed a January 09 opening. They still have a few weeks left…

    Like

  12. I work in the construction industry and rumor has it Crush 29 of Roseville will be opening a new location at 16th & K Streets in the building whose entrance is set back from the street.

    Like

Comments are closed.