TenPenh closing its doors

After nearly 11 years of catering to Washington’s power-hungry (and just plain hungry) politicians, TenPenh is closing its doors. The Penn Quarter restaurant will serve up its last batch of Asian dishes, such as Peking-style duck roll and Korean barbecued pork ribs, on Thursday.

A spokeswoman says the main reason involves a lease disagreement.

The eatery played up its Pennsylvania Avenue location, holding political-themed contests and events. Back in 2004, then-Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry’s favorite ice cream flavor, white chocolate macadamia nut, crushed President George W. Bush’s flavor of choice, praline, in a vote by TenPenh patrons.

The silk-upholstered dining room also hosted a mash-up of D.C. lawmakers and Hollywood celebs, including singer Alicia Keys (who dined on lobster), Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), actress Natalie Portman and former first lady Laura Bush.

It would seem that President Obama was touting healthy eating even before first lady Michelle’s Let’s Move! campaign. A spokeswoman for TenPenh says before he became president, Obama’s office would order the Illinois senator the restaurant’s grilled salmon with steamed vegetables.

TenPenh’s owner, the Passion Food Hospitality Group, plans on opening two new restaurants in Washington Circle: District Commons and Burger, Tap, and Shakes. Both are set to debut at the end of August.

TenPenh will offer half-price wine and other specials all day Thursday, its last day in business.

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