|
Washington DC Search
/ Openings / Chef Shuffle / News
Bytes / Culinary
Events / Wine
Dinners / Sign
up for our free, monthly newsletter / News
Archive
Openings
Just in time for folks to enjoy its food and outside patio, Blue Ridge has opened in the Glover Park area. Chef Barton Seaver showcases seasonal, sustainable and local ingredients, gathered primarily from the mid-Atlantic region. Look for such fare as fried catfish with sorrel aïoli, a pork chop with red-eye gravy, and a Piedmont pork meatloaf with buttermilk mashed potatoes. Blue Ridge, 2340 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20007, 202-333-4004.
Bayou Bakery is slated to open in June 2009. Pastry chef David Guas has joined in partnership with Stephen Fedorchak and Brian Normile, and their team at The Liberty Tavern. Guas will produce all the Southern sweets and balance the menu with a selection of savory casual fare. Guas will initially serve pressed-to-order hot sandwiches along with a simplified dessert menu featuring cupcakes and heavenly hash through the summer. Also look for Guas' soft serve ice cream, in flavors with a distinctly Southern twist, such as with chunks of praline. Bayou Bakery, 3211 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201, no phone available yet.
Located in the W Washington D.C., J&G Steakhouse (to open mid-summer), the signature restaurant by chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, will be the chef's first foray into the Washington cuisine scene. J&G Steakhouse will offer sophisticated steakhouse classics with a worldly twist. Hotel guests and locals will be able to enjoy Vongerichten's cuisine whether relaxing in-room, dining among other patrons, or attending an event held at the hotel. J&G Steakhouse, W Washington D.C., 515 15th St. NW, Washington, DC, DC 20004, no phone available yet.
Proof Serves Purified Water
Proof has become the first restaurant in the Washington, DC area to offer guests Nordaq FRESH, a purified tap water that has been filtered to remove impurities and unwanted flavors while leaving behind the natural salts and minerals. Nordaq FRESH is served at some of the country's leading restaurants, including The French Laundry, Per Se and Le Bernardin. The use of Nordaq FRESH will also help reduce Proof's impact on the environment by allowing the restaurant to filter the water on site, and serve both flat and sparkling water in reusable glass bottles. Proof, 775 G St. NW, Washington, DC 20001, 202-737-7663.
CommonWealth Comes Up with Hot-Weather Fare
Just as the rising temperatures hit Washington, CommonWealth, The People's Gastropub introduces a new menu featuring light dishes appropriate for summer dining. Diners will find new snacks that make good starters to a meal such as lemon thyme gnocchi with asparagus and wild mushroom broth; ale-steamed mussels with spring onions, garlic and house-made mustard; and grilled squid with roasted tomatoes, capers and olives. As for the main dishes, chef Jamie Leeds offers poached wild Alaskan halibut with spring peas, baby carrots and tarragon white wine broth; and lemon roasted Cornish hen stuffed with garlic and thyme. The restaurant features an extensive beverage list with a focus on imported beers from the UK and the commonwealth states. CommonWealth, The People's Gastropub, 1400 Irving St. NW, Washington, DC 20010, 202-265-1400.
Farm Table Dining at Planet Wine
Hosted by Evening Star Café's executive chef Will Artley and Planet Wine, the "Farm Table" provides small groups with a private dining experience. Low lighting and soft music convert the Planet Wine wine shop into a unique dining venue offering menus that reflect the change in seasons and highlight the quality of local ingredients. The Farm Table offers guests a choice of three menu options: the market menu is priced at $60 per person and includes a seasonal cocktail with two canapés, an appetizer, a pasta course, a choice of two entrées and a dessert course. Guests can add a supplemental cheese course for $10 per person. The second option allows diners to design their own multi-course menu, and includes a personal consultation with chef Artley and the Planet Wine team. The custom menus start at $85 per person. The third option allows families and friends to share Sunday supper at the farm table. The traditional southern fried chicken dinner (priced at $45 per person) includes cocktails and canapés, the Farm Table salad, an entrée of fried chicken with classic Southern sides, and a dessert of fruit crisp with homemade ice cream. Planet Wine, 2004 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA 22301, 703-549-3444.
Art and Soul Starts Summer Special
Art and Soul recently opened its seasonal patio and is introducing Crab and Beer Wednesdays when guests can relax by the new outdoor fire pit while indulging in Maryland's finest and enjoying iced-cold local brews. The Crab and Beer Wednesdays special includes three super jumbo crabs, corn on the cob or seasonal vegetables, hushpuppies and potatoes. Price will vary depending on the market price of the day. In addition, patrons with furry friends can bring them by the patio for the Puppy Patio Menu complete with doggie drinks, treats and desserts, which are available now. Art and Soul, The Liaison Capitol Hill, 415 New Jersey Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20001, 202-393-7777.
Barry Koslow, formerly executive chef of Mendocino Grille & Wine Bar in Georgetown, has moved across the river to cook at Arlington's Tallula Restaurant. A meticulous chef who is devoted to simplicity and the use of ultra-fresh ingredients, Koslow also brings a sense of humor to his work. Tallula Restaurant, 2761 Washington Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201, 703-778-5051.
Possibly as a sign of the times, Roberto Donna recently closed his Crystal City restaurant, Bebo Trattoria da Roberto Donna, after several years in business. Donna, the former chef-owner of DC's Galileo, may look for another opportunity.
Sad news: Talented chef Mourou Outtara has closed his ultra-contemporary restaurant, Farrah Olivia, with the promise that he will reopen elsewhere in 2010. In the meantime, he and his brother are working on establishing an Italian restaurant to occupy the Crystal City location of Roberto Donna's Bebo Trattoria.
|
Looking for more restaurants in the DC area? Check out our Maryland Suburbs 
Washington DC Dining
Restaurant Awards
Our annual restaurant issue features the Best Cheap Eats and our top 40 U.S. selections, including Alinea in Chicago, Per Se in New York and more!