Scoop: Food News Round-Up

Minibar vacation: Dishes like 'cauliflower in textures' will return when the restaurant-within-a-restaurant reopens in January.
cafeatlantico.com

• José Andrés' minibar will be closed until Jan. 11, while the chef and his team focus on two brand new Las Vegas restaurants, Jaleo and China Poblano in the new Cosmopolitan (oh, and dodge daring casino heists). Minibar's multi-course experience will cost $150 per person come January. A
major renovation has been kicked around for some time, but an
expansion will wait a little longer. Andrés tweeted recently that an 18-seat minibar could arrive in 2012.


• Rock Creek restaurant in Bethesda is closing Jan. 1, reports Missy Frederick for WBJ. Chef Dennis Friedman, formerly of Bezu, will open Newton's Table in the same space, according to TBD.

• American Ice Co.
opened last week at 917 V St. NW (about a block west of the 9:30 Club).
Metrocurean popped in for beers and bubbly served in jam jars. The
streamlined food menu offers a few barbecue options, like smoked pork
shoulder and turkey. The patio out front should be a great hangout come
spring. BYT has some purty photos.


• The pan-Asianization of Chinatown continues with Vietnamese noodle joint Pho DC opening at 608 H St. NW.


• Speaking of Chinatown, Mike Isabella's forthcoming restaurant Graffiato has its website up. You can read more about the chef's plans for the Italian spot here.