For Immediate Release:
March 11, 2009

What's New on the DC Restaurant Scene

Here’s a look at what’s new and what’s to come for those with an appetite for DC’s foodie side:

The legendary Jockey Club, a DC power spot for decades, reopened in December after an extensive, multi-million dollar restoration that embraces its rich history inside the Fairfax at Embassy Row Hotel. During its four decade reign The Jockey Club hosted eight different presidents and first ladies. The menu features authentic cuisine, and Chef Daniel Bruce of the Boston Harbor Hotel oversaw the recreation of the menu, reviving classic dishes enjoyed by decades of diners.

DC favorite Zola is upping the ante with Zola Wine & Kitchen (9th & E St. NW; 202-654-2855), a distinctive wine shop and chef’s test kitchen. While wine shopping, vino enthusiasts can see new recipes in the making or sign up for a weekly cooking class taught by Executive Chef Bryan Moscatello and his culinary team.  

SEI, a hot new sushi spot and sister restaurant to DC’s Oya, recently opened up in Penn Quarter (444 7th St. NW; 202-783-7007). Aside from the cool décor, guests can enjoy an assortment of creative Japanese fare and sushi dishes, small plates and a lengthy sake list.

Joining the cupcake club in DC is the new Red Velvet Cupcakery (675 E Street, NW; 202.347.7895) in Penn Quarter. The cupcake recipes were created by David Guas, former executive chef for local favorites DC Coast and Acadiana, under the Passion Food Hospitality umbrella. And if that doesn’t satisfy your sweet tooth, Aaron Gordon has introduced a new outpost of tangysweet (675 E Street, NW; 202.347.7893) adjacent to the cupcakery, bringing the style and taste of California frozen yogurt to DC. The other tangysweet location opened last year in Dupont Circle.

Chef-restaurateur Todd English’s newest venture, Cha (1155 14th St. NW; hotel phone, 202-737-1200), opened in Thomas Circle’s Donovan House Hotel in January. The restaurant, which takes its name from the Chinese word for tea, serves an impressive array of artisan loose leaf teas and tea-infused cocktails, as well as a sushi bar.

The H Street Corridor dining and nightlife scene continues to grow with the opening of the H Street Country Club (1335 H St. NW; 202-399-HSCC). Traditional Mexican fare will be on the menu against the backdrop of tongue-and-cheek décor that pokes fun at the country club theme. Two floors offer multiple experiences under one roof – from the bar downstairs, to the upstairs dining room and even an indoor miniature golf course featuring a replica of the Washington Monument.

Potenza (15th St. and H. St. NW), a new 10,000 sq. ft. restaurant concept by Stir Restaurant Group, will open in late March in the landmark Woodward Building. Potenza will serve a wide range of Italian fare, with the menu concept currently under development by Stir Restaurant Group’s Executive Chef/Partner Bryan Moscatello in the company’s new showcase test kitchen, Zola Wine & Kitchen. Guests can anticipate dishes such as Tuscan bean soup with prosciutto, tomato oil and purple basil; and entrees such as a rotisserie of guinea hen with apples, chestnuts, figs and Ciabatta croutons.

DC’s Bread & Brew (1247 20th Street, NW; 202.466.2676) has the best of both “brews,” serving both coffee and beer. The multi-purpose café is Green Restaurant Certified, featuring artisan pizzas, organic coffee and also sandwiches and soups made with fresh ingredients from local purveyors.  

Martin Lackovic, formerly of Galileo, I Matti and The Caucus Room, recently opened his inaugural restaurant, Siroc (915 15th Street, NW; 202.628.2220) on McPherson Square. Chef Lackovic, whose tastes are inspired by his work in Italy, London and Cape Town, offers a menu of contemporary cuisine with Italian and Mediterranean influences. The menu is based around house-made pasta, innovative salads and entrees, and will revolve around the seasonality of key ingredients. 

In January, the Glover Park neighborhood northwest of Georgetown welcomed Kitchen (2404 Wisconsin Ave., NW; 202-333-3877), a two-story neighborhood restaurant serving Southern comfort foods and Southern themed drinks. Executive Chef Brandon Williams (formerly of Jaleo) has created a dinner and brunch menu featuring delicious and filling foods at affordable prices. Owned by Latin Concepts duo Mauricio Fraga-Rosenfeld and Fritz Brogan, Kitchen features brick walls, intimate dining areas and a full bar.

Buddha Bar (455 Massachusetts Ave., NW) has dazzled diners in cities across the globe like Paris and NYC. Its next stop is DC, and it’s slated to open in Mt. Vernon later this year. Look out for this trendy Asian restaurant and nightspot to occupy a new high-ceilinged, glass office building on Massachusetts Avenue. Décor will be sleek, featuring an oversized black lacquer Buddha.

Spotlight on U
If you are craving authentic Thai noodles with a twist, DC Noodles (1410 U Street, NW; 202.232.8424) is the place to go to sample more than 40 noodle combinations. The former Simply Home has been revamped and rejuvenated to provide diners with a more casual experience. Next door, the retail store Stem compliments the restaurant by selling men’s and women’s apparel and accessories by Thai designer Nannapat Pollert. 

The owners of Ben’s Chili Bowl went literal with their new restaurant Next Door (1211 U Street, NW; 202.667.0909), situated immediately next door to the DC staple. Season Three “Hell’s Kitchen” winner Rahman “Rock” Harper has created a diverse menu of upscale comfort food, but the restaurant still maintains the same enjoyable atmosphere. 

District Mixology
For specialty crafted house cocktails made from premium spirits and fresh fruit juices, head to Wisdom  (1432 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE; 202.543.2323), the newly opened parlor on Capitol Hill. Wisdom also features a vast selection of imported beers and Absinthe as well as non-alcoholic “mocktails,” so all can partake in the insightful experience.

The Gibson (2009 14th St., NW; 202.232.2156) brings a smooth twist to DC’s bar and lounge scene. This speakeasy-inspired spot is the perfect place to sip a creative cocktail made by illustrious mixologist Derek Brown (who is also an ambassador for the Museum of the American Cocktail in New Orleans). Credit is due to Eric Hilton, owner of Eighteenth Street Lounge and Marvin, for conceiving this cocktail Mecca. There is seating for 48 and no standing allowed, so plan ahead and make a reservation. Warm weather will allow for more patrons when the outside patio opens up.