University Town Center has announced a monthly Hyattsville Artists' Market that will be held at Independence Plaza. Local artists and craftspeople will display and sell their original work from Noon to 5 p.m. on the following Saturdays:
25 comments - Posted by UTC Living at 9:08 AM - Categories: Events
The Carolina Kitchen Bar and Grill opened its Hyattsville location today to a busy dinner crowd. "The proprietor, Lance London, has done an exquisite job in designing this restaurant, combining both casual eating spaces with more formal white tablecloth dining room," said Tim Taylor, VP for Leasing for University Town Center. The 6,000 square foot restaurant has a full-service bar, dining rooms, and a takeout line. Beginning next week, Carolina Kitchen will validate parking for their guests.
The menu features soul food and American cuisine, including favorite dishes from the original restaurants and some new items for the new location. I had a very good meal that was also reasonably priced. And I've never seen such a friendly and attentive staff - I'm sure it was at least partially due to the grand opening excitement, but it seemed genuine and I hope it will continue.
24 comments - Posted by UTC Living at 7:49 PM - Categories: UTC Retail
There was a great concert on the plaza tonight. Deb Callahan, a blues signer from Philadelphia, performed with her band for a big crowd of all ages. I haven't heard who will be featured next week yet, but I'm told they will be continuing to mix up the genres a little bit more (it began as a weekly jazz concert).
In other news, it appears that we will be able to enjoy two new restaurants in the next two weeks. Carolina Kitchen is scheduled to open this weekend and Wild Onion is planning to open next week. There is quite a buzz about Carolina Kitchen - the windows are uncovered and everyone who walks by stops to take a peek as the employees are being trained. The interior looks very impressive and I've heard many good reviews of the food at the Largo location. The windows are still covered at Wild Onion, but there is activity inside and I look forward to eating there soon as well.
21 comments - Posted by UTC Living at 9:09 PM - Categories: Events | UTC Retail
Wild Onion cafe has announced a tentative opening date of June 7, 2008. This chef-owned cafe will be opening on the ground floor of One Independence Plaza, facing the fountain. They will serve hot and cold entrees, sandwiches, soups, salads, and desserts.
Wild Onion is now hiring. Applications for employment are available in front of the restaurant.
The restaurant's website is www.wildonioncatering.com.
Wild Onion will be joined this summer by Original Soup Man, Old Dominion Brewhouse, and Gifford's Ice Cream on the plaza level of One Independence Plaza.
36 comments - Posted by dbw63 at 1:46 PM - Categories: UTC Retail
It looks like they are putting the finishing touches on The Carolina Kitchen Bar and Grill, which is scheduled to open in early June. The restaurant is located right next to the Royale 14 movie theater on America Boulevard at University Town Center.
The original Carolina Kitchen in Silver Spring burned down in 2003 and relocated to the Boulevard at the Capital Centre in Largo in 2005. The new Hyattsville location will be more than twice the size of the Largo restaurant, seating up to 375 people. It will serve soul food and American cuisine, and will feature a full-service bar with a fireside lounge, waterfalls, jazz performances, and two rooms for private events. According to owner Lance London, "The concept is incredible home-style cooking done with an upscale flair."
London has big plans for his new location. "Carolina Kitchen Bar and Grill needs to not just impress but amaze customers.... It is one of the most magnificent build-outs ever seen--not just in D.C. but in America." He also has great things to say about Hyattsville, calling it "the new Bethesda." "When I saw all the wonderful things going on in Hyattsville, I new it was the place for my brand-new, explosive restaurant," says London.
Sources:
Restaurateur to take Carolina regional, Gazette.Net (3/7/2008)
Hyattsville is the new Bethesda, WhyHyattsville.com (5/2008)
Prince Georges Restauranteur Brings Las Vegas to Hyattsville, Inside Prince George's Advertising Supplement. Thanks to WhyHyattsville.com.
Posted by UTC Living at 8:29 PM - Categories: News | UTC Retail
Tonight's Chris Grasso concert has been cancelled due to the weather forecast. Be sure to come next Wednesday to see Marcus Mitchell Project at 5:00 on the plaza.
47 comments - Posted by UTC Living at 4:29 PM - Categories: Events
The Prince George's Arts Council and University Town Center present A Spring Thing! Cultural Festival on Saturday, May 31 from Noon to 6 p.m. Celebrate spring in Prince George's County with exciting performances by Colours Performing Arts Troupe, CAFE-Steel Pan, Projectnatale Jazz Ensemble, an artist's market and more. Located at University Town Center Independence Plaza on America Boulevard (between Belcrest Road and East-West Highway in Hyattsville, MD). Free!
22 comments - Posted by UTC Living at 9:54 PM - Categories: Events