Sushi by Bou, a disco-themed Japanese omakase restaurant, opens tonight atop the citizenM Hotel near L'Enfant Plaza.Why it matters: Omakase is everywhere right now, but the NYC-based hospitality group behind Bou promises something different—more party, less stuffy.The big picture: Omakase dining—typically at a sushi counter, with chefs handing nigiri across—isn't new. But it's exploded in the U.S. in all styles and price points, from pricey Wall Street-fueled "bromakase" experiences to tastings beyond seafood, such as Kappo DC's wagyu omakase in the Palisades.Sushi by Bou is more about lively vibes at a gentler price point, popping up in niche lil' spaces...

The creators of Soho House are bringing an even fancier social club to Washington — The Ned, newly announced to open this winter.The big picture: Neighboring the White House, the members-only club will be inspired by the Roaring Twenties and the site's Art Deco architecture, once home to Riggs Bank. It'll take the upper three floors at President's Park on 734 15th Street NW. The rooftop terrace. Image courtesy of The Ned and The Brand Guild.The interior will be heavy on "vibrant gold, blue, and green," with custom mosaics beneath your feet.The 10th floor will be a tribute to American...

D.C. college students protesting the war in Gaza are demanding action from their institutions amid a larger reckoning on campuses nationwide.The big picture: U.S. colleges have become flashpoints for pro-Palestinian protests since the Israel-Hamas war began last October, write Axios' Sareen Habeshian, Rebecca Falconer, and Jacob Knutson.It has stirred debates about free speech as officials raise concern about increasing reports of antisemitism and Islamophobia on campuses — prompting the Education Department to launch investigations.Area demonstrations follow the arrests of protesters at schools like Columbia University, the University of Texas in Austin, Emerson College, and the University of Southern California since...

This weekend in D.C., check out Petworth PorchFest, the Georgetown French Market and the D.C. Chocolate Festival.1. 🎶 PorchfestEnjoy a full day of music by over 100 local bands and performers of various genres at Petworth's Porchfest.The latest: "Petworth PorchFest is particularly special because it brings together a broad group of neighbors to participate - as musicians, hosts, volunteers, and audience members - to celebrate and enjoy our wonderful community, the arts, and our local businesses," co-founder Clara Haskell Botstein told Axios.It's not too late to volunteer.Stop by: Music on porches will be 2-6pm and music on the main stage...

On Saturday, the biggest pre-game to the White House Correspondents' Dinner happens at the late Washington Post publisher Katharine Graham's old home. Beltway A-listers and reporters will rub shoulders over brunch and, at some point or another, probably also whisper about a topic that has had tongues wagging for years now: What will Mark Ein do with this grand old house?Why it matters: Graham had made it the crown jewel of 20th-century Georgetown socializing, a power center for hometown and company-town Washington alike.Today, even while Ein's profile grows, as entrepreneur and part-owner of the Washington Commanders, the Beall-Washington House still...

Seven World Central Kitchen aid workers killed in an Israeli military strike in Gaza are being commemorated in D.C. Thursday.The big picture: The killing of international aid workers drew worldwide outrage as chef José Andrés' D.C.-based nonprofit was one of the few organizations able to deliver food to Gaza, where more than 30,000 Palestinians have been killed since October.Israel has faced mounting pressure to allow more humanitarian aid in Gaza, with populations facing famine as well as a lack of access to clean water and medical supplies. WCK paused efforts after the attack.Andrés called the strike against his workers "unforgivable."...

The bar at the Riggs Hotel. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Hughes The Michelin Guide just released its first-ever hotel rankings for the U.S., bestowing "key" awards for outstanding properties in seven locales including the District.Why it matters: Michelin's hotel keys are like restaurant star rankings — a big international distinction that's been years in the making for the U.S.The big picture: Over 5,000 hotels are Michelin-ranked globally. For this new American list, California, Colorado, Florida, Atlanta, Chicago, New York, and D.C. were all eligible for keys.Seven D.C. properties made the cut. How it works: Reviewers judged hotels on five criteria: architecture and interior design, service, "overall personality and character," value for the price, and "a significant contribution to the guest experience in a particular setting."Keys rank from one to three, with three being the best.Zoom in: No three keys for D.C.Two keysRosewood Washington, D.C. (Georgetown)The Jefferson (Downtown)One keyEaton D.C. (Downtown)Pendry Washington DC (The Wharf)Riggs Washington DC (Penn Quarter)The Dupont Circle Hotel (Dupont Circle)The Hay-Adams Hotel (Downtown)

D.C. is expected to have a hotter-than-usual summer, according to new forecasts and scientific research.Why it matters: Extreme heat is a major public health threat and plays a role in droughts and wildfires.Hot weather, particularly when it occurs during prolonged heatwaves, also threatens the reliability of the nation's increasingly strained electricity grid.The big picture: Everywhere in the Lower 48 — except for North Dakota — is projected to be hotter than average, but with varying odds.D.C., along with areas spanning from Florida up to southern New Jersey, has a 40% to 50% chance of an unusually hot summer.Further north the...

A bunch of exciting new restaurants and pop-ups are coming to the D.C. area soon, and you can get the first taste at New Kitchens on the Block.Why it matters: The pop-up party, now on its 10th run, showcases some of the fastest-rising stars and biggest names in the biz before they launch their bars and restaurants.Zoom in: Co-founders Al Goldberg of Mess Hall—which hosts the June 1 event — and food writer Nevin Martell curate a lineup that mixes Michelin-level talent with promising pop-ups and fast-casuals.The past 60+ participants include Rose Previte with Maydan, Call Your Mother (before it...

Bookish readers can head to the Annapolis Book Festival this Saturday for a lineup of author panels, book signings, kids events, a book sale, and the comic celebration ComicKey.Why it matters: Summer reading season is right around the corner.Zoom in: The free festival will feature panels with big-name writers like Alice McDermott, Wesley Lowery, and the sister-writing duo Liv Constantine.The kiddos can check out events with children's book authors like Jonathan Roth and Meg Eden Kuyatt, a science show, and a magician.Over at ComicKey, check out interviews with comic creators, workshops, and pop-up shops.The festival will be held at the Key School in Annapolis from 10am to 5pm.

Goodbye, overpriced gummies and whimsical natural wines: Foxtrot Market has abruptly closed all its locations, including those in the D.C. area.Why it matters: Just like Tatte, it's hard to go a few blocks around town without seeing a Foxtrot. The Chicago-based boutique grocer filled with artisanal snacks and quirky seltzers quickly became a popular local spot after arriving in 2021 with several area locations.Driving the news: All of Foxtrot's 33 national stores closed as of Tuesday, per a company release.Delivery, the Foxtrot app, and customer credits also ceased."We explored many avenues to continue the business but found no viable option...

The Wharf's Maine Avenue has ousted downtown's Pennsylvania Avenue as D.C.'s priciest commercial street, per a new study by real estate group JLL.Why it matters: It's another sign of downtown's suffering office market — an issue squeezing city finances and forcing leaders to get creative with vacant spaces.The big picture: The Wharf's No. 1 spot comes as employers are increasingly trying to coax workers in with shiny new offices in bustling mixed-use areas full of housing, dining, and entertainment.It's the first time in almost 20 years a street that doesn't run through D.C.'s downtown has snagged the top spot: Pennsylvania...

The White House Correspondents' Association Dinner is this Saturday, which means the D.C. media crowd will be partying all weekend.Why it matters: "Nerd Prom" is Washington's version of the Oscars, and there's a long list of shindigs surrounding the main event.Wednesday, April 24Event: White House Correspondents' Dinner Week Reception: Celebrating the Next Generation of Leaders in CongressHost: Fulcrum Public Affairs, Bryson Gillette and ConexiónLocation: MITATime: 6pm - 9pmThursday, April 25Event: Washington Women in Journalism Awards CeremonyHost: Story Partners and WashingtonianLocation: Larz Anderson HouseTime: 6pm - 9pmEvent: Bytes & BylinesHost: Susanna Quinn, Eric Kuhn, Stephanie Cutter, Sarah Kate Ellis, Adrienne Elrod,...

Data: NIQ. Chart: Axios VisualsWhy is this grocery store trip different from all other trips? If you're observing Passover now through April 30, the traditional foods may be more expensive.The big picture: Unleavened matzo and gefilte fish are classic staples of the holiday table — but prices can vary across the country.Zoom in: In D.C., matzo and gefilte fish cost $5.04 and $7.36 on average, respectively, in the two weeks leading up to Passover, according to NIQ, which tracks buying behavior.Nationally, matzo is $5.07 and gefilte fish is $7.07, on average.The intrigue: That's nothing compared to prices for shmurah ("guarded") matzah — a specialized kosher variety whose ingredients are carefully selected and watched over to represent their purest forms, each kneaded and baked by hand.Boxes go for around $40 at D.C.-area Balducci's, which sources from matzah bakeries in Brooklyn — including a gluten-free oat variety.Anna's thought bubble: Don't kvetch before you try it, the flavor is worth the price — rich with deliciously charred edges from wood-fired ovens.

Data: UMD-LinkUp AIMaps. Note: "AI job" defined as a job requiring technical skills to build and/or use AI models; A bigger circle indicates more new jobs per capita. Map: Kavya Beheraj/AxiosThe D.C. area is an AI job hotspot, a new analysis finds, and there is an unmet need in government and the private sector.Why it matters: As AI emerges as the hottest new thing in tech, cities outside of Silicon Valley have a chance to get in on the action — and reap the potentially lucrative economic rewards.By the numbers: In the first quarter of 2024, the Washington region had 35...

D.C. is going all-in on pop-up stores to fill vacant downtown spaces.The big picture: Mayor Muriel Bowser is announcing a pilot program Monday that will allow pop-ups and art installations to bypass the traditional permitting process.For example, Capital Fringe will occupy a vacant spot downtown as part of its annual arts festival between July 9 and July 21."We are collaborating with creators and the business community to bring vacant properties back into safe and productive uses that benefit the community," said Brian Hanlon, director of the Department of Buildings.The fine print: The pilot allows pop-ups that plan to open for up to one year to gain approvals in 15 business days or less for previously vacant sites. They can bypass the traditional process to secure a Certificate of Occupancy.What's next: Bowser's budget proposal — pending D.C. Council approval in the month ahead — includes $2.5 million to incentivize pop-up and short-term retail in vacant spots downtown.

New York-style deli Beresovsky's just opened in Navy Yard with nostalgic eats like Reubens, latkes, and egg creams.Why it matters: D.C. is a strong sandwich town but we've suffered a classic deli drought — RIP Morty's, DGS, and others.Dig in: Knead Hospitality (Mi Vida, Succotash, etc.) is behind the sandwich counter just steps from Nationals Park, which adjoins their upscale diner Gatsby.Co-founder Jason Berry (O.G. Russian family name Beresovsky) is channeling his Jewish deli-loving roots for this venture, where most dishes are named after family members.The vibe: Bright, modern, and fast-casual, despite the old-school eats. Counter staff take orders, but...

D.C.-area parents whose kids have moved out are coping by working with empty nest coaches — aka life coaches who specialize in the transition surrounding a child's departure. Why it matters: There's a narrative that the party starts when your kid's gone, says Jay Ramsden, a Massachusetts-based empty nest...

Note: Data is pulled from the 834 institutions with Common App membership since the 2019-2020 application season. No D.C. public institution has been a member since then. Data: Common App. Chart: Axios VisualsThe number of people applying to college in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia has increased over the last five years, as have the number of applications received by schools in each of those areas, per Common App data. The big picture: D.C. saw the largest percentage leap in the number of residents applying to colleges and universities via the Common App between the 2019-2020 and 2023-2024 academic years —...

Source: The Freedonia Group; Chart: Deena Zaidi/Axios VisualsWashingtonians have spring (cleaning) fever, according to local professional organizers.Why it matters: A clear home can lead to a clear mind!The big picture: The psychological benefits of a tidy environment became clear in 2020, when we all spent more time at home, Eryn Donaldson, owner of The Model Home, tells Axios.Demand for home organization services hasn't slowed since, she says,"[Home is] a place that's within your control, in a world that sometimes feels out of control," Lauren Greenwood, founder of home organization brand YouCopia, tells us.The intrigue: Many aspects of our lives, from...