Thai Synergy

Taking over the former Julia's Empanadas location on U Street is next-door neighbor Simply Home Cuisine. It sounds like the space will be incorporated into the existing take-out spot, possibly with a few tables added into the mix. The expansion will also add more space to sell merchandise like that offered at the Simple Home furnishings store in Dupont, creating a space to "eat + drink + shop," as the sign states.

The furnishings store, which offers Thai furniture and linens, silk pillows, wooden vases and more, was Thai native Sak Pollert's first shop in the District. He took his knack for style and followed that success with Rice on 14th Street. The increasing requests for take-out from Rice prompted the opening of Simply Home Cuisine on U Street, where a similar menu is available for delivery and carry-out.

There was also a rumor that Pollert might open a sushi restaurant in the space adjacent to Rice, which is currently a giant construction pit. Could be a year or more off, but I'll be eagerly watching.