[from Joe Martin]
El Torogoz invites the neighborhood to stop by to sample free appetizers this Saturday afternoon from 2-6pm when it inaugurates its outdoor cafe service. Outdoor table service continues at regular cost until 11:30pm.
El Torogoz sits on 9th Street between Upshur and Varnum within sight of Georgia Avenue across from the Petworth Library.
The one hitch is that there is a delay in the liquor license for outdoor service. The restaurant's attorney hopes to iron that wrinkle out soon. (Has something to do with the licensing people defining El Torogoz as a garden cafe, whatever that means.)
Regular outdoor service hours will start up on Sunday at 11:30am to 11:30pm and continue through the warm months.
While 9th & Upshur isn't exactly Paris, it will be OUR little Paris, sorta. How about a tree box project here? And with ANC funds perhaps. All those in favor, say "Aye!"
My own little editorial comment: Won't it be nice to show the naysayers that there is such a thing as responsible drinking -- even in outdoor cafes? There is an unfortunate notion in some quarters that serving alcohol only contributes to delinquency. We saw this argument used against Domku as it moved towards opening in late 2004.
With the "cherry park" potluck Saturday afternoon on the edge of Grant Circle and this, what a nice start of spring in Petworth.
I frequent Torogoz and look forward to supporting its expanding business. Happy to help with any related projects.
Posted by: Nina | April 04, 2006 at 11:54 PM
Toby, I agree... Son, thanks. I will follow-up at some point.
-JM
Posted by: Joe Martin | April 04, 2006 at 10:45 PM
What terrific news! I am very fond of watching sunsets from El Torogoz, with the burnt orange sky looming over the Petworth library, I look forward to enjoying this outdoors now. If you need help with beautification project (treeboxes etc.), lemme know. I can be of assistance on weekends up until 11am and the occassional Saturday day.
Posted by: Son | April 04, 2006 at 11:11 AM
We used to get carry out from El Torogoz when it was just Cuzcatleco and it was great, especially the carne asada, pupusas and tamales de pollo or tamales de elote. But our little Paris? Please!! Why not our little San Salvador? Though I get the point. Let's support this nice little neighborhood restaurant.
Posted by: Toby | April 04, 2006 at 09:42 AM
Well, now I know where I'm going after our yard sale...
Posted by: Mark | March 31, 2006 at 09:59 PM