News for Restaurants in Washington DC
May 2008 Archive

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RESTAURANT NEWS

Openings

La Sandia, the brainchild of Richard Sandoval of DC's snappy Zengo, opened in Tysons Corner Center in early May. Its menu features intriguing spins on the traditional and contemporary foods that represent Sandoval's style and fit his food memories. La Sandia, Tysons Corner Center, McLean, VA 22102, 703-893-2222.

Just in time for mid-summer partying, chef Jamie Leeds of Hank's Oyster Bar restaurants is opening the area's first British-inspired gastropub in Columbia Heights. The menu can be described as British "modern classics." Leeds plans to lighten up traditional British fare with fresh local ingredients and modern cooking techniques. The menu will include scotch eggs, fish ‘n' chips and Welsh rarebit. CommonWealth will be open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch and will honor the British tradition of the "Sunday Roast" each week, the British Sunday afternoon supper, featuring a selection of roasted meats with accompanying sides. The eatery will also feature an extensive beer list with a focus on American microbrews and top-quality beers from the United Kingdom. The wine list will be international, with a food-friendly and value-oriented selection. CommonWealth, 1400 Irving St. NW, Washington, DC 20010, no phone available yet.

News Bytes

Ping by Charlie Chiang’s Honors Men and Women in Uniform
Newly opened Ping by Charlie Chiang's is honoring American servicemen and women by offering a special discount to those who show a military ID or wear their uniform in the restaurant throughout the month of May. From May 1 through May 31, military officials will receive a complimentary entrée when they purchase any other entrée, Monday through Friday, from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Situated in the redeveloped Shirlington neighborhood, Ping by Charlie Chiang's is located within minutes of a number of military office buildings including the Pentagon, Fort Meyer and the Navy Annex. Ping by Charlie Chiang’s, 4060 Campbell Ave., Arlington, VA 24503, 703-671-4900.

Oceanaire Seafood Room Features Alaskan King Crab
Just in time for the launch of the new season of Discovery Channel's show, "Deadliest Catch," The Oceanaire Seafood Room will be featuring Alaskan king crab legs from an unprecedented boatload purchase from the fishing vessel, Time Bandit. The vessel is a member of the crab fishing fleet featured in "Deadliest Catch." After the catch was processed, Oceanaire acquired 40,000 pounds of its king crab clusters, which will be served in the Washington, DC restaurant and its sister locations. The king crab is served in two- and three-pound clusters and can be cracked and prepared tableside by an Oceanaire server. This menu item is priced at $37 per pound and will continue to appear throughout 2008 or as long as supplies last. The Oceanaire Seafood Room, 1201 F St. NW, Washington, DC 20004, 202-347-2277.

Zola Unveils a Silk Petal Martini
This summer Washington is hosting a groundbreaking exhibition: Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures from the National Museum, Kabul, which will be making its U.S. premiere at the National Gallery of Art. It will showcase nearly 230 of the finest artifacts from the Kabul National Museum in Afghanistan. To celebrate, Zola, which is only four blocks from the National Gallery, has unveiled a Silk Petal Martini incorporating ingredients found along the Silk Trade route. The Silk Petal Martini will be available until September 7, and incorporates arrack, a liquor which is distilled from palm sap typically found in the regions of India, Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia. Arrack is then blended with rose petal nectar, kaffir lime and pomegranate seeds, creating a balanced cocktail with a smooth, silky finish. Zola, 800 F St. NW, Washington, DC 20004, 202-654-0999.

Alison Swope's New Menu
Patrons frequenting Restaurant K by Alison Swope will experience a new menu as Swope introduces inspiring dishes that reflect her recent journey to Charleston, South Carolina and her repeated visits to favorite places, including Texas; Santa Fe, New Mexico; and Mexico. Breakfast is served Tuesday-Friday with such featured dishes as the huevos Motuleños, corn tostadas topped with refried black beans, roasted tomato-chipotle salsa, pan-fried ham and peas with two eggs over easy. Lunch is served Monday-Friday and will offer the fried green tomato BLT. Dinners, served Monday-Saturday, feature such dishes as Carolina pickled shrimp. Restaurant K by Alison Swope, 1700 K St. NW, Washington, DC 20006, 202-974-6545.

Chef Shuffle

Ryan Arnold is the new executive chef of Hudson Restaurant & Lounge, the West End neighborhood restaurant. Most recently of the Brasserie in New York City, Arnold honed his skills in kitchens from Paris to North Carolina to New Orleans. Arnold brings his passion for simple preparations and flavors, unencumbered by heavy sauces or artificial ingredients, with recognizable and approachable, yet contemporary dishes, called "evolved American." Hudson Restaurant & Lounge, 2030 M St. NW, Washington, DC 20036, 202-872-8700.

Closings

CLOSED FOR GOOD
Take your taste buds on a walk down memory lane! Check out our exclusive closed restaurant database for Washington D.C. to virtually visit your favorite dining spots from the past. La Colline, R.I.P.

Check back soon for more news.

CULINARY EVENTS
Want to learn to cook? Try new dishes? Meet a foodie friend for fun? Check out our compilation of culinary events in your area.

View our calendar of Wine Dinners & Tastings in Washington DC

BEYONCE INSPIRED LIBATIONS

Try these whiskey cocktails inspired by Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter album.

Check the recipes.

BOURBON IN YOUR AIOLI

This cashew aioli recipe gets a kick with bourbon.

Get the recipe.

GAYOT'S RESTAURANT AWARDS

Over the years, we have been electing restaurants to be on GAYOT's Yearly Restaurant Awards.

Check the list.

News for Restaurants in Washington DC May 2008 Archive

News for Restaurants in Washington DC
May 2008 Archive