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 12^th 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 6^th 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 30^th 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 8^th 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 14^th 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 8^th 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.

Download the Latest Dish

CALENDAR ANNOUNCEMENT

Contacts:

Anthony Hesselius

Linda Roth Associates, Inc.

(703) 417-2703

anthonyh@lindarothpr.com

Martha Miller

Linda Roth Associates, Inc.

(703) 417-2709

martha@lindarothpr.com

September 24-26, 2010

The Capital Home Show – Dulles Expo Center

What Fall in love with your home again at the Capital Home Show!  Meet area experts in home design and renovation, discover the latest developments in green home products, and snag cutting-edge creative ideas.

Where Dulles Expo Center

4368 Chantilly Shopping Center

Chantilly, VA 20153

map

When Friday, Sept. 24 & Saturday, Sept. 25: 10:00am – 9:00pm

Sunday, Sept. 26: 10:00am – 6:00pm

Tickets: Purchase Online for Discounted Tickets

Adults: $9 (online); $12 (at the door)

Children 6-12 years: $3

5 and under: FREE

Features: Complimentary valet parking, celebrity guests from HGTV and Lifetime’s Project Runway, kitchen demonstrations from local chefs, and a fall harvest festival with activities for the entire family.

Online: www.capitalhomeshow.com

Download Announcement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                 Contact: Jessica Zachar

Jessica@lindarothpr.com

703.417.2701

“Take Me Out to the Ballgame” Cruise

Provides Game Transportation to Nationals Park

Washington, DC [July 19, 2010] — Take your family to the ballpark in style, by cruising on the Capital Elite to a Washington Nationals game! Throughout the month of August, the “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” cruise offers one-way transportation for guests attending the Sunday afternoon Washington Nationals games.

Providing a true baseball experience on the water, the cruise offers classic baseball snacks like popcorn, peanuts and crackerjacks! All guests will receive one drink ticket, valid for soft drinks or beer and wine for guests over the age of 21. The hour-long scenic ride will provide a tour of the city before dropping off guests at Nationals Park right in time for the game.

The “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” cruise will sail to Nationals Park for the following games:

• Sunday, 8/1/10; 1:35PM – Philadelphia Phillies at Nationals
• Sunday, 8/15/10; 1:35PM – Arizona Diamondbacks at Nationals
• Sunday, 8/29/10; 1:35PM – St. Louis Cardinals at Nationals

The cruise is priced at $17.90* per person and does not include a ticket to the Washington Nationals game. Boarding is at 11:45 a.m. and the boat sails from noon-1 p.m. The Capital Elite dock is located on the Southwest Waterfront (600 Water Street SW) and is three blocks from the Waterfront Metro Green line station. Paid parking is available at the Colonial Parking lot across from the Spirit Pier entrance. To book, call 866.306.2469 or reserve online.

For media quality images and more information about any of Entertainment Cruises’ unique ships, contact Jessica Zachar at jessica@lindarothpr.com.

*Prices are subject to change and do not include taxes and fees.

**The Capital Elite is not wheelchair accessible.

About Entertainment Cruises

Chicago-based Entertainment Cruises, Inc. was formed in 2006 when Spirit Cruises LLC, and Premier Yachts Inc., joined forces (www.EntertainmentCruises.com).  The company serves 1.5 million guests annually with a fleet of 24 ships in nine cities – Baltimore; Boston; Chicago; Norfolk, Va.; Philadelphia; National Harbor, MD; New York; Washington, D.C.; and Weehawken, N.J.  Entertainment Cruises’ brand portfolio includes dining and entertainment cruises Odyssey Cruises, Spirit Cruises, Mystic Blue Cruises, and Bateaux New York; Atlantica by Bateaux and Elite Yacht Charters, which offers custom private charters; and sightseeing excursion vessels, Seadog and Baltimore Harbor Cruises.  Ships are one-, two- and three-deck vessels, and accommodate from 110 to 850 guests, depending on the individual ship, for lunch, dinner and sightseeing cruises year-round.  The company and its products are known for outstanding product quality and service.

###

Download Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Anthony Hesselius

Linda Roth Associates, Inc.

Phone: (703) 417-2703

anthonyh@lindarothpr.com

Summer is Sizzling at Morton’s

New Menu Items Introduced

Washington, D.C. (July 6, 2010)—Morton’s The Steakhouse is firing things up this summer with new menu items sure to please any palate.  The updated menu features new steaks and sides, fresh fish, desserts, and tasty additions to the popular Bar Bites menu available only at the bar.

Morton’s signature USDA Prime steaks have always been available in a variety of cuts, but Morton’s is excited to offer two new filets – the Double Cut Filet ($45.00), and the Bone-In Filet ($56.00), both thick cuts of lean filet, seared to temperature, served with Bearnaise sauce on the side, and absolutely bursting with flavor.

The Bar Bites menu is available anytime at Morton’s bar, offering a variety of small plates designed to share.  But during Power Hour (Monday through Friday – 4:00pm to 6:30pm; 9:30pm to 11:00pm) all the Bar Bites items are discounted offering the perfect chance to try a mix from the land or the sea.  This summer Morton’s is introducing several new items from under the sea including a Smoked Salmon Pizza ($6.00 during Power Hour; $13.00 regularly), one of the most popular recipes featured in co-founder Klaus Fritsch’s “Morton’s The Cookbook” released late last year.  Layers of smoked salmon are studded with capers and chopped purple onion, mixed with dill and sour cream and served on a warm oven baked crust.  Also new are miniature Crab Cake BLTs ($6.00 during Power Hour; $14.00 regularly).  The trio of sandwiches is served on mini burger buns with mustard mayonnaise and topped with lettuce, tomato and crispy bacon.

Swimming onto the dinner menu is a decadent broiled Chilean Sea Bass ($39.00), served as an entrée with tangy pineapple-pepper salsa.

Sides at Morton’s are designed for sharing too – plated as hearty portions and served family style.  As a response to growing customer demand, Morton’s has added Onion RingsSteak Fries ($9.00 as a side) have become the new standard, replacing the smaller version which previously accompanied a variety of entrées and sandwiches. ($10.00) to the roster of classic American favorites.  The crispy rings are cut to a medium thickness and served with ketchup and Thai cream sauce.  Additionally, Steak Fries ($9.00 as a side) have become a the new standard, replacing the smaller version which previously accompanied a variety of entrées and sandwiches.

And for a perfect end to a perfect meal, Morton’s is now offering the Legendary Sundae ($16.00).  This sundae earns its name from the mouthwatering piece of Morton’s Hot Chocolate Cake served over two scoops of Häagen-Dazs Vanilla Ice Cream, sandwiched by a third scoop on top, topped with caramel and fresh whipped cream.

The new menu items are available at any of the seven Morton’s locations in Virginia, DC and suburban Maryland:

Arlington; 1750 Crystal Drive; (703) 418-1444

Bethesda; 7400 Wisconsin Avenue; (301) 657-2650

Downtown DC; 1050 Connecticut Avenue, NW; (202) 955-5997

Georgetown; 3251 Prospect Street, NW; (202) 342-6258

Reston; 11956 Market Street; (703) 796-0128

Richmond; 111 Virginia Street; (804) 648-1662

Tysons Corner; 8075 Leesburg Pike; (703) 883-0800

About Morton’s

Morton’s Restaurant Group, Inc. is the world’s largest operator of company-owned upscale steakhouses. Morton’s steakhouses have remained true to its founders’ original vision of combining generous portions of high quality food prepared to exacting standards with exceptional service in an enjoyable dining environment.

The company owns and operates 76 Morton’s steakhouses located in 64 cities in 27 states, and in Puerto Rico and five international locations (Toronto, Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau, and Mexico City), as well as one Italian restaurant.

###

Download Release

By Linda Roth Conte

Clyde’s Restaurant Group is expanding outside its familiar “borders” with a new project that incorporates live music into their popular food & beverage operations. Borders Books will move out of its 35,000 square foot downtown 14^th Street space. The working name is Hamilton Square Grill, aptly named for the neighborhood. There is a lot of renovation to make it a music spot, so a late 2011 opening is planned.

New York Invasion (continued):  New York landmark, P.J. Clarke’s, is the latest of the New York restaurants that is making a move into DC. They plan to open at 16^th & K Streets, NW where Olives was, by the end of September. They just around the corner from another NYC landmark, Kellari. And speaking of high profile New Yorkers, Bobby Flay has been checking out the restaurant scene in DC, so look out for a new casual concept from the high profile NY chef and TV personality.

Pure Hospitality Restaurant Group’s Jonathan Umbel will open a second Tackle Box at the former site of a McDonald’s in Cleveland Park, by year’s end.  He’s hiring a consulting chef to oversee all his restaurants – Hook and Georgetown’s Tackle Box as well. That will be revealed soon. He’s also scouting locations in Chinatown and Bethesda.

Chef Update:  Michel Richard has hired Levi Meznick to run his newest operation, Michel at The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner. He is the former executive chef at The Jockey Club, but his CV also includes stints at New York’s Per Se, Daniel and Café Boulud. Enzo Febbraro, late of D’Acqua is now at Bond 45 at National Harbor.

Chef Ed Witt no longer at Morso in Georgetown. Chef RJ Cooper no longer at Vidalia, but plans to open his own place soon.

GM Update: Dave Crane, formerly of Morton’s in Bethesda is now running the LexusPresident’s Club at National Park for Levy Restaurants. Andres Hayes has been named general manager of B. Smith’s at Union Station.

Pizza Autentica is opening on 3^rd St, SW – its fifth location in the area, as they have units open in Penn Quarter (7^th Street, NW), Tenleytown (4200 Wisconsin Ave, NW), downtown (15^th Street, NW) and Ballston.

Look for a new steakhouse to open after Labor Day in the 600 Watergate spot with some familiar faces running it.   Looking forward to a Buzz Bakery and Rustico restaurant in Clarendon.  Vapiano is planning to open a new store in Bethesda before end of summer, in the building under construction at corner of Elm & Woodmont. That will make #5 in the area.

Rockville-based Panas Gourmet Empanadas will open in the P Street space vacated by Pizza Paradiso.  Federico Garcia Lopez is making empanadas that are not necessarily like his mother used to make.  Lopez acknowledges that many of his flavors are “more sophisticated and less traditional,” but he plans to keep Mom’s beef empanada on the menu (or risk her wrath)..

Opening Date Update: Matchbox in Rockville is now slated to open in late fall. Sala Thai just opened its newest location in Petworth – props to that part of the city. Casa Nonna in downtown DC is aiming for an August opening date. Georgetown’s Serendipity3 is still renovating but plans to be open in the fall.  Roberto Donna says Galileo III will open in August.

Download the Latest Dish

CALENDAR ANNOUNCEMENT

17^th Annual Funniest Celebrity in Washington Contest

WHAT: High profile comedy competition produced by Richard Siegel, with contestants that include

Members of Congress, lobbyists, media personalities and state governors. This year’s contest

benefits The Fisher House Foundation, a “home away from home” for more than 12,000

families of patients receiving medical care at military and veterans medical centers. The

proceeds from this event will go towards the house that is under construction at the Veterans

Affairs Medical Center in Washington, DC.

WHO: Past participants include: Dan Glickman, Tucker Carlson, Paul Begala, Gov. Mike Huckabee, Rep. Barney Frank, Rep. Pat Schroeder, Sen. Joe Lieberman, Sen. Tom Daschle, Ed Gillespie, Christopher Hitchins, Jim Bohannon, Matt Cooper, Sam Donaldson, Arianna Huffington, Chris Matthews, George Stephanopoulos, Sen. Ben Nelson, Rep. Susan Molinari, Sen. Arlen Specter, Rep. Dennis Kucinich, Grover Norquist, Irving Fryar, Laura Ingraham, Tim Russert, Tony Snow

WHEN: Wednesday, September 22, 2010

WHERE: B. Smith’s Restaurant

50 Massachusetts Ave., NE at Union Station

Washington, DC

COST: $200 per person;  $250 per person includes dinner

Sponsorship tables of four: $2000 – $5000

About the Funniest Celebrity Contest

The Funniest Celebrity Contest was founded by Richard Siegel in 1987,as a fundraiser for area and national non-profits. Each year, the contest brings together 10 celebrities from the worlds of politics, media and sports to  compete for the title of The Funniest Celebrity in Washington.  The Funniest Celebrity Foundation also holds similar contests in San Francisco and Baltimore. For more information visit http://www.funniestcelebrity.org/.

MEDIA CONTACT:  Linda Roth Conte, Linda Roth Associates, 703-417-2700; Linda@lindarothpr.com

###

Download Announcement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                 Contact: Jessica Zachar

Jessica@lindarothpr.com

703.417.2701

ENJOY FRONT-ROW FIREWORKS ABOARD THE ODYSSEY OR SPIRIT OF WASHINGTON

Washington, DC [June 17, 2010] — Grab a front-row seat at one of the country’s most spectacular firework displays by taking an Independence Day cruise on The Odyssey and the Spirit of Washington. Celebrate America’s birthday with impeccable dining, dancing, and priceless views of Washington’s historic sights.

On Sunday, July 4, the Odyssey offers guests a romantic evening under an illuminated night sky, with a dinner cruise featuring live entertainment and dancing. The dinner will offer favorites including Shrimp and Scallop Mélange with creamy spinach and Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese and Mohito Salmon with fire roasted vegetables and Colusari red rice.  Indulge in one of Odyssey’s decadent desserts including Odyssey’s Signature Decadent Chocolate Truffle Torte. Dinner is priced at $199.90* and includes a premium open bar; sailing from 8:00pm – 11:00pm. All passengers must be 21 or older with ID. To book, call 866.306.2469 or reserve online.

The Spirit of Washington is also offering a unique venue to enjoy the fireworks show on Sunday, July 4.  Guests can dance the night away with the Spirit’s playlist of top dance hits, enjoy a premium bar and the Spirit’s renowned Grande Buffet. Boasting entrees like the pan-seared Chicken Fontina, stuffed with Fontina cheese and spinach, generous seasonal sides and the Sweet Dessert Duo of Traditional New York-style Cheesecake and Sweet Chocolate Mousse Truffle, the bountiful buffet pleases guests of all palates. Dinner is priced at $149.90* and includes a premium open bar; sailing from 8:00pm – 11:00pm. All passengers must be 21 or older with ID. To book, call 866.306.2469 or reserve online.

For guests aiming to celebrate America’s rich history with the whole family, the Spirit of Washington is offering a special Independence Day lunch cruise. The afternoon cruise will feature amazing sights of the city, dancing, and a buffet with carved to order Roasted Rosemary Beef and Old Smokehouse Carved Ham, along with entrees like the fresh vegetable and meatball Pasta Italiano, sides, and signature desserts. Lunch is priced at $39.90* for adults and $19.95* for children ages 3-12; sailing from 11:30am – 1:30pm. To book, call 866.306.2469 or reserve online.

Guests can also celebrate Independence Day by visiting George Washington’s former residence, Mount Vernon on Monday, July 5. The Spirit of Mount Vernon cruise offers round-trip transportation to Mount Vernon and includes an admission ticket to the estate and a narrated tour of the Potomac River. The cruise is priced at $42.95* per person. Ship boards at 8:00am and arrives at Mount Vernon at 10:00pm; ship leaves Mount Vernon at 1:30pm and returns to the dock at 3:00pm. To book, call 866.306.2469 or reserve online.

For media quality images and more information about any of Entertainment Cruises’ unique ships, contact Jessica Zachar at jessica@lindarothpr.com.

*Prices are subject to change and do not include taxes and fees.

About Entertainment Cruises

Chicago-based Entertainment Cruises, Inc. was formed in 2006 when Spirit Cruises LLC, and Premier Yachts Inc., joined forces (www.EntertainmentCruises.com).  The company serves 1.5 million guests annually with a fleet of 24 ships in nine cities – Baltimore; Boston; Chicago; Norfolk, Va.; Philadelphia; National Harbor, MD; New York; Washington, D.C.; and Weehawken, N.J.  Entertainment Cruises’ brand portfolio includes dining and entertainment cruises Odyssey Cruises, Spirit Cruises, Mystic Blue Cruises, and Bateaux New York; Atlantica by Bateaux and Elite Yacht Charters, which offers custom private charters; and sightseeing excursion vessels, Seadog and Baltimore Harbor Cruises.  Ships are one-, two- and three-deck vessels, and accommodate from 110 to 850 guests, depending on the individual ship, for lunch, dinner and sightseeing cruises year-round.  The company and its products are known for outstanding product quality and service.

###

Download Release

CALENDAR ANNOUNCEMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts:

Taylor Kiland

tkiland@navymemorial.org

The United States Navy Memorial

202-737-2300

Jessica Zachar

jessica@lindarothpr.com

Linda Roth Associates, Inc.

703-417-2701

Live Music Under The Stars!

United States Navy Band Performs Summer 2010 “Concerts on the Avenue”

WHAT:     “Concerts on the Avenue” – U.S. Navy Band Summer Concert Series

Free, live concert performed by various U.S. Navy music ensembles every Tuesday evening now through August 31.  Musical performances include patriotic, country, rock music and Broadway show tunes.

July Line-up

• 7/06/10 – Evening Concert – Commodores
• 7/13/10 – Evening Concert – Country Current
• 7/20/10–  Reception and Concert- U.S. Navy Band & Sea Chanters with Drill Team performance
• 7/27/10 – Reception and Concert - U.S. Navy Band & Sea Chanters with Drill Team performance

WHEN:     Every Tuesday evening at 8:00 p.m.*

WHERE:   United States Navy Memorial Plaza

701 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, D.C.  20004

www.navymemorial.org

Metro: National Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter (Green and Yellow lines)

COST: Free and open to the public. No RSVP required, but seating is limited.

*Concerts are subject to last-minute cancellation due to inclement weather. Call (202) 737-2300 for more information.

About the United States Navy Memorial

Conveniently located on Pennsylvania Avenue – halfway between the White House and the Capitol, the United States Navy Memorial provides a living tribute to Navy people and a place for them to gather and celebrate their service.  The outdoor plaza features a “Granite Sea” map of the world, towering masts with signal flags, fountain pools and waterfalls and The Lone Sailor© statue.  Adjacent to the plaza is the Naval Heritage Center, where visitors can find educational displays about the contributions of the men and women of the Sea Services (Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine).  Also housed in the Naval Heritage Center is the Navy Log – the online place for Navy people to stay connected with each other, celebrate their service and preserve the memories of their service.  There, Navy veterans can build a record of their service online and anyone with a passion for the Navy can create and join affinity communities.  Call (202) 737-2300 or visit www.navymemorial.org for more information.

###

Download Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jessica Zachar

Jessica@lindarothpr.com

703.417.2701

CELEBRATE FATHER’S DAY WITH A RELAXING CRUISE ON THE ODYSSEY OR SPIRIT OF WASHINGTON

Washington, DC [June 11, 2010] — The Odyssey and the Spirit of Washington offer the perfect way to honor dad this Father’s Day.  Relax with the entire family and enjoy Washington’s gorgeous scenic views.  On both ships guests are treated to musical entertainment, dancing and delicious cuisine to ensure a relaxing and sophisticated day.

On Sunday, June 20, the Odyssey offers early brunch, late brunch and dinner cruises.  Brunch features a variety of sweet and savory brunch favorites, including Scrambled Eggs with Wisconsin Cheddar; Strawberries and Cream French Toast filled with strawberry cream cheese; and Penne Rigatta au Gratin tossed with broccoli, mushrooms, red peppers and a smoked gouda cream sauce.  Brunch ends with an assortment of pastries and Odyssey’s signature chocolate fountain.  Both brunches are priced at $69.90* per adult and $34.95* for children ages 3 – 12; sailing from 11:00am – 1:00pm and again from 3:00pm – 5:00pm.  To book, call 866.306.2469 or reserve online.

Father’s Day dinner aboard the Odyssey begins with a variety of first course items like Lobster Bisque and Shrimp and Scallop Mélange with scallops, shrimp and blue crab baked with creamy spinach.  Main courses feature Beef Short Ribs, Syrah braised short ribs with red-skinned smashed potatoes; and Roasted Chicken Santa Cruz, roasted smoked chicken breast served atop sautéed vegetables and chicken chorizo.  End the night with sweet indulgences like Odyssey’s Signature Decadent Chocolate Truffle Torte and Peach and Blueberry Cobbler with vanilla bean ice cream.  Dinner is priced at $79.90* per adult and $39.95* for children ages 3 – 12; and sails from 7:00pm – 10:00pm. To book, call 866.306.2469 or reserve online.

On Sunday, June 20, the festive Spirit of Washington offers afternoon lunch and dinner cruises.  Both cruises feature a Grande Buffet with a carving station of Roasted Rosemary Beef and Old Smokehouse Carved Ham.  Entrees include favorites like Wild Alaskan Salmon and Pasta Italiano with fresh seasonal vegetables and turkey meatballs.  Finish your feast with Traditional New York-style Cheesecake and Sweet Chocolate Mousse Truffle. Afternoon lunch is priced at $65.90* per person and sails from 3:00pm – 5:00pm.  Dinner is priced at $69.90* per person and sails from 7:00pm – 10:00pm.  Both cruises are half priced for children ages 3 – 12.  To book, call 866.306.2469 or reserve online.

For media quality images and more information about any of Entertainment Cruises’ unique ships, contact Jessica Zachar at jessica@lindarothpr.com.

*Prices are subject to change.

About Entertainment Cruises

Chicago-based Entertainment Cruises, Inc. was formed in 2006 when Spirit Cruises LLC, and Premier Yachts Inc., joined forces (www.EntertainmentCruises.com).  The company serves 1.5 million guests annually with a fleet of 24 ships in nine cities – Baltimore; Boston; Chicago; Norfolk, Va.; Philadelphia; National Harbor, MD; New York; Washington, D.C.; and Weehawken, N.J.  Entertainment Cruises’ brand portfolio includes dining and entertainment cruises Odyssey Cruises, Spirit Cruises, Mystic Blue Cruises, and Bateaux New York; Atlantica by Bateaux and Elite Yacht Charters, which offers custom private charters; and sightseeing excursion vessels, Seadog and Baltimore Harbor Cruises.  Ships are one-, two- and three-deck vessels, and accommodate from 110 to 850 guests, depending on the individual ship, for lunch, dinner and sightseeing cruises year-round.  The company and its products are known for outstanding product quality and service.

###

Download Release

By: Linda Roth Conte

Mike Anderson, of Mango Mike’s, has been Alexandria-centric in his restaurant ventures. Staying within those borders, he has set his sights on Delray. He also set his sights on barbecue—and found the BBQ Boys, aka three lobbyists from whom he has licensed the name of his new barbecue restaurant – Pork Barrel BBQ.  The tag line makes it game-set-match: “Monumental Flavor.”  Next door, he will open Chop Chop, an Asian fusion restaurant. The third space is a lounge open evenings serving sushi and saki. The three spaces will share a kitchen, storage area and general manager.

Cathal and Meshelle Armstrong will expand their Old Town, Alexandria empire with a butchery, market and bakery on S. Washington St. And even more so when they open Virtue Feed & Grain, a casual Irish and American gastropub named after the grain store that used to be there. More recently, it’s where Olsson’s bookstore used to be on S. Union Street.

Thompson Hospitality’s American Tap Room will open its second location, in Bethesda. Similar to the original in Reston, the Bethesda restaurant will offer entertainment – in the form of a piano. It will be in fine form for Sunday jazz brunch or, of course, if Sir Elton John happens to stop by. A July opening is planned.

Food & Wine Co. will open on Wisconsin Avenue in Bethesda this summer where Pizzeria Uno used to be. It is geared for those who love wine with their meal, but do not love the usual 3x mark-up. Owner Francis Namin is a veteran of Centro Italian Grill (also in Bethesda) and Red Tomato Café in DC. He plans to charge only a $5 mark-up – which is more like a corkage fee. Francis is not hiding the actual price, as he sells wine at Cork 57, his Bethesda-based wine shop. The food will salute French, Italian and American cuisine with everything from steamed mussels & fries, to pasta & pizzas, to sandwiches & burgers. Paolo Buffa, formerly of Centro Italian Grill, has been named Executive Chef. He will be joined by Kyle Christie, from Wolfgang Puck Group. A June opening is planned.

No sleep this summer for the Matchbox guys. They plan to open a third location on the-very-happening Barracks Row on 8^th Street, SE. Plans are for DC-3 Dogs to be a sandwich shop with something special for hot dog aficionados, i.e. a “Chi-town” char dog with tomatoes and sport peppers as well as a traditional Coney Island dog. Partner Drew Kim is excited to work his secret homemade kimchi recipe into a beef dog recipe.

The H Street Corridor (aka the Atlas District) keeps challenging the rest of the culinary community in DC. Next to open: The Queen Vic, a British-style gastropub, from the team behind The Pug. A summer opening is forecast. An Italian restaurant with the serious name of Vendetta is a collaboration between Atlas impresario Joe Englert and Teddy Folkman, the chef at Granville Moore’s. Rest assured the name will not reflect on what happens after you eat your meal.

Quick Hits: Café Manna will take over the location of Good Thyme Food Court at 1900 M Street, NW serving much of the same. Michel is the official name of Michel Richard’s new restaurant in The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner. An early autumn opening is scheduled. Dave Crane, formerly of Morton’s in Bethesda, is now general manger of the Lexus President’s Club operated by Levy Restaurants, at Nationals Park. New Jersey-based McLoone’s Pier House is slated to open at National Harbor the end of June, serving American-style food both indoors and outdoors. Pizzeria Orso, Falls Church’s upcoming pizzeria with a pedigree, is aiming for an early June opening.

Openings Update: Crumbs Bake Shop (another cupcake joint) signed its first location in Union Station. Over on the other side of town, in Georgetown, Sprinkles hopes to be selling s cupcakes by July. Owner Qaiser Kazmi is looking towards a July opening for Merzi, his Indian QSR concept on Seventh Street, NW in Penn Quarter.  Roberto Donna’s Galileo III is slated to open where Butterfield 9 used to be by end of June. Carmine’s in Penn Quarter is aiming for an end of summer August/September opening. The new Great American Restaurant Group restaurant in Fairfax, Ozzie’s Corner Kitchen, is slated to open in early October.

Mad Fox Brewery will be the second brew pub to open in quaint Falls Church. Bill Madden, of Leesburg’s Vintage 50 Restaurant & Brew Lounge, is the brewmaster. Russel Cunningham, formerly of Agraria and Centerplate catering, is the executive chef.

On the Calendar:  RAMW’s RAMMY Awards are Sunday, June 6 at the Marriott Wardman Park. The theme is a retro nostalgic “We’ll always have …restaurants.” It’s black tie (we do all clean up well).  Remember there is a seated theater-style awards program (like the Oscars) followed by dinner and dancing.   Saval Foodservice’s 7^th Annual Golf Tournament is Tuesday, June 8 at Whiskey Creek Golf Club in Ijamsville, MD. It benefits The Children’s Cancer Foundation. For more info: dennisbarry@savalfoods.com.   Wine Enthusiast’s “Toast of the Town” is Friday, June 11 at the National Building Museum. Over 500 of the world’s best wines will be sampled with culinary complements from greater DC’s best restaurants. If you are a Wine Enthusiast subscriber or advertiser, expect to receive an invitation. Or go to www.wineenthusiast.com.  Monday, June 14 is Food & Friend’s annual fundraising WOW event, Chef’s Best, starring 60 chefs from the DC culinary scene serving over 1300 supporters. The live and silent auctions are what it’s known for too, at the Hilton Washington.  For more details, go to www.foodandfriends.org.

Download the Latest Dish