The Latest Dish
By Linda Roth Conte
Oren Molovinsky is the new Managing Partner for Harry’s Tap Room, working with Michael Sternberg and Michael Kaufman on updating the concept and incorporating more Farm to Table elements into the current and future locations. He is still officially associated with Mie N Yu in a “back office position.” Oren will continue to operate the Farm to Table DC program with their member restaurants and DC Central Kitchen.
Jerome Bailey plans to open Smith Commons in the Atlas District on H Street NE. Plans call for a modern bistro grill with Chef Frederique Depue (of Belgium descent) at the helm. Given the price point, it looks to be the high-end spot in the district, serving porterhouse, prawns & lobster. It’s not Jerome’s first restaurant venture, as he also owns Library Bar & Grill on 12th Street, NW.
GM Update: Janet Cam, renowned co-owner of the legendary Le Pavilion and former GM of Lutece in NYC, is new GM for Casa Nonna, on Connecticut Avenue, NW where California Pizza Kitchen used to be. It’s a new concept from the BLT folks. She joins fellow Dame Amy Brandwein, who is the chef there. A September opening is planned.
Chef Update: Max Knoepfel, executive chef at Belle Haven Country Club (as well as gigs at Kennedy Center, Washington Convention Center and Anton Airfood) will move to Rye, NY as he’s accepted the position of Executive Chef at the prestigious Westchester Country Club. Mike Isabella, known best from his rise at Zaytinya (and Top Chef) plans to open his new Italian restaurant on 6th Street near the Verizon Center sometime around the first quarter of 2011.
Quick Hits: Noodles & Company is opening in Bowie this August it will be their 30th Chop’t has signed two new locations in DC: Union Station and on K St. NW. Barracks Row, my how you’ve grown. Newest addition: Hello Cupcake on 8th Street, SE. Keram Dris of Siroc has signed a deal to open a casual Italian restaurant on P St in Dupont Circle where Mimi’s used to be.
The four partners who feed you at matchbox and Ted’s Bulletin signed a deal to open their fourth matchbox – and first in Northern Virginia — in Merrifield. So now they can put DMV (District Maryland Virginia) in their signature as they will have a store in Rockville, MD this fall. The Merrifield store will open in what is being referred to as the Mosaic District, at the intersection of Gallows Road and Lee Highway. Opening is planned for 2012. Black Restaurant Group also committed to opening a restaurant in this new mixed-use project in Merrifield, also slated for 2012.
What’s retro-newer than hot dogs right now? Businessman Bob Hisaoka, brother of PR legend, Joan Hisaoka, plans to open Chidogo, a hot dog QSR based on the classic Chicago-style dogs and Italian beef dogs he grew up with and loved in Chicago. Instead of going back to Chicago for his “hot dog fix,” he’s bringing it closer to home. Bob plans a September opening in the hot Columbia Heights area on 14th Street near U Street, NW. To make it a perfect Chicago hot dog experience, he also plans to serve Goose Island312 beer on draft. He must have studied his demographics as Chidogo (dogs to go) will stay open until midnight during the week, and 4am on weekends. He’ll be following closely on the heels of DC3, the hot dog concept that the matchbox partners will open on 8th Street, SE on Barracks Row in late summer.
It’s a tri-fecta. If you like Cava in Rockville and Barracks Row, you will be able to enjoy Cava in Clarendon soon. The Greek restaurant has signed a deal to open its third area location within the new Station Square development along Clarendon Boulevard in Arlington. Owner Ted Xenhristos said his first Northern Virginia restaurant will be large like the Capital Hill store, which is twice the size of the original in Rockville.
Beer is here. Brandon Skall and Jeff Hancock plan to open DC Brau, the District’s first distribution brewery. Skall’s business background is in wine, as he worked for The Country Vintner and Frederick Wildman & Sons, but he’s been home brewing for over a year. Hancock worked at Flying Dog and Franklin’s Brew Pub, so he’s got industry experience. The brewery is being designed to produce beers for restaurants and retailers, rather than being set up as a brewpub.
And speaking of beer, Port City Brewing Co. is slated to open in Alexandria, headed by another wine industry veteran, Bill Butcher.
Sweetgreen plans to sell their signature salad and tangy frozen yogurt with lotsa toppings in Fairfax and Arlington — Reston on Democracy Drive and in Ballston on Wilson Blvd. Reston opens soon and Ballston aiming for September. They still have their SweetflowMobile unit in Crystal City, so I guess they are already in Arlington.
Loeb’s Deli, the 15th Street, NW deli institution, having been in business for 51 years, will relocate just down the street to 1712 Eye St. NW, as their “deli home” building is undergoing renovation. They won’t be moving until after September.
In the batter’s box: Bobby Flay’s new Bobby’s Burger Palace stores…. A new owner and operation for Bullfeathers
On the Calendar: Man your stations. D.C.’s Summer Restaurant Week is August 16-22. March of Dimes Signature Chef auction, is October 26, with Honorary Chef Chair, Ris Lacoste at the helm.
