By Tom Sietsema
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 28, 2007

LOOKING AHEAD: The gals behind Colorado Kitchen (5515 Colorado Ave. NW; 202-545-8280) in Brightwood Park are poised to open a second restaurant this summer, and they're hoping that their General Store and Post Office Tavern (6 Post Office Rd., Silver Spring; 301-562-8787) will address some of the problems custom ers have raised at Colorado Kitchen, including the lack of carryout and the long waits for service. The forthcoming restaurant, in "a little blue building in Forest Glen," will offer "takeout and no servers," says Robin Smith, who co-owns both enterprises with chef Gillian Clark. Patrons will place their orders at a counter and find their own seats.

Now being renovated, the General Store and Post Office Tavern takes its name from what the structure used to be. The main floor will house a dining room and weave in such details as the old post office window; the basement will become a pub serving wine, beer and pizza. Clark, who will remain at Colorado Kitchen and will hire someone to execute her ideas at the new business, plans to feature family-style Sunday suppers, a menu of seasonal waffles for brunch, and such comforts as fried chicken and collard greens during the week. Let the lines begin.