A preview of what is to come: Fall DC area restaurant openings.

Just as last year around this time, we had a ton of new restaurant openings. This year is no different according to this long listing; however,  this year’s Fall dining forecast includes a few spin-offs, a slew of New York imports. Which new restaurant opening are you most excited about?

Tiled walls at Arlington Rooftop. Photos by Design Strategies.

Arlington Rooftop Bar & Grill: American fare with affordable prices in a contemporary setting and of course, a rooftop deck will be the draw at this latest gathering spot in trendy Clarendon, opening possibly this month. Inside there will be high ceilings, beautifully tiled walls in leather with penny round accents (see design photos), wooden stairs, The restaurant is being built atop the current Dehli Dhaba and Subway restaurants at 2424 Wilson Blvd.

Casa Nonna: The BLT Restaurant Group based in the ‘Big Apple’ is expanding their brand and opening a family-style Italian restaurant, Casa Nonna in Dupont Circle (1250 Connecticut Ave. NW). Casa Nonna, the name for the 190-seat establishment (“House of the Grandmother” in English) will join BLT Steak downtown and the forthcoming BLT Burger (at 1317 Connecticut Ave. NW), which is also opening this spring. According to the twitter feed, the restaurant will be officially open for business this coming Wednesday, September 15. They are accepting telephone reservations at (202) 629-2505. (1250 Connecticut Ave. NW).

Cuba Libre Old Havana Restaurant & Rum Bar: The menu showcasing the flavors of various Latin regions featuring piqueos, or small tasting plates, ideal for experiencing a multitude of delicious flavor combinations was specifically developed for Washington by Chef-Partner Guillermo Pernot with Executive Chef Jason Kaufman to oversee the day-to-day operations of the kitchen. The decor will highlight the pre-Castro bygone era in an energetic atmosphere distinguished by authentic Cuban architecture. Diners will enter onto a piazza that looks straight out of Old Havana with ornate carved wood, stone and wrought-iron balconies, along with yellow stucco walls and elaborate house fronts replicated from vintage photographs. Old-fashioned street lamps will illuminate the handsome bar, high-tops and tables, where diners will enjoy Nuevo Latino fare and trendy cocktails. On weekends, around 10–11 PM, the tables will be moved back for dancing (801 Ninth St. NW, 202-408-1600). Stay tuned for a sneak peek coming in 2 weeks. Cube Libre is slated to open September 17th 27th.

DC-3: Opening sometime this fall, DC-3 will join pizzeria bistro Matchbox and Ted’s Bulletin, an upscale diner concept, in the Barracks Row section of Capitol Hill. Combating the recent burger craze in DC,  the menu will feature gourmet hot dogs from around the region, such as a Cincinnati chili dog, Chicago dog, NY dirty water dog, and will cost about $6 with a side order. The vintage aircraft–themed space is tiny and seats just 20 and will showcase an actual DC-3 propeller and a wing for a sign (423 Eighth St. SE.).

Photo courtesy of Prince of Petworth

GO Burger: In addition to Casa Nonna, BLT Restaurant Group has another newcomer coming to Dupont Circle — this time a  hamburger joint (patterned after NYC’s  BLT Burger) and will be serving up trendy milkshakes, classic patties, and dogs.  This section of Connecticut Avenue has been dubbed “Red Meat Row” by Metrocurean (see her nifty graphic) due to the competition. Several other burger spots, including the Big Apple’s, Shake Shack, which is slated to open early next year, just a few steps away (1317 Connecticut Ave. NW). (So sad! I loved Salad Mio! Photo courtesy of Prince of Petworth)

Michel: World renown chef/restaurateur Michel Richard will launch his third DC area restaurant in about 5 weeks, according to Mel Davis.  Richard describes his latest project as being in between Central and the upscale Georgetown dining room, Citronelle. This casually elegant new French-American bistro will serve boeuf bourguignon and coq au vin in the former Tysons Corner Ritz-Carlton’s Maestro space, redone in burgundy and silver gray, with a whimsical light fixture inspired by his signature plate sculpture. The opening is slated for late September or early October (1700 Tysons Boulevard, McLean VA; 703-506-4300).

Palena: The Cleveland Park premises of this popular Italian bistro are being expanded to include a new kitchen, a wood-fired oven and grill, and, best of all, more seats for its bargain-priced cafe/bistro menu; renovation should be completed by early October, with a market (in the old Magruder’s grocery store space) opening soon after (3529 Connecticut Ave. NW; 202-537-9250).

Pizza Paradiso Alexandria: – Now that the DuPont Circle location is complete and up-and-running, Ruth Gresser has decided to cross the Potomac River and into Old Town (*gasp*). Pizza Paradiso will open another outpost in industrial modern quarters, in the former Discovery Store space.  The 3300 square foot space will be renovated and will provide plenty of space for its brew-focused offerings by late September/early October. Check out their slideshow of construction on Flickr (118 King St.).

P.J. Clarke’s, a New York icon is looking to take over the space formerly occupied by Todd English’s Olives at 16th and K St. NW. Washingtonian Mad Men fans will be the first to celebrate. The DC outpost will replicate its original menu and will serve its legendary burger, steak and raw bar. Diners can expect the familiar P.J. Clarke’s iconic design elements like a tin ceiling, wood floors, subway tiles on a weathered bar and red-and-white checkered cloths on the tables. Downstairs, Sidecar will be a spiffy gentlemen’s club with overstuffed leather banquettes and fancier American fare. They’re both slated for early October (1600 K St. NW).

Queen Vic: Named for a British soap opera, this Brit-themed gastropub by Owner Ryan Gordon (The Pug) plans on offering a traditional pub menu fare; however, using local DC area seasonal produce. The menu will include an English breakfast, which will be offered all day, meat pies (including eel and kidney), fish `n chips, and will feature British ales and ciders. For a little spice, Gordon will feature a special Indian-style curry-of-the day. Queen Vic is slated to open in an Atlas District townhouse in the early fall. (1206 H Street, NE).

Rustico: A Ballston location is in the works for this popular beer-centric restaurant which specialize in wood-fired oven cookery and will also offer outdoor seating with views of the bustling neighborhood. Steve Mannino will serve as the Executive Chef for both locations. And, for those of you with a sweet tooth, the Ballston offshoot will have a Buzz Bakery next door. Will Chef Josh Short all man the kitchen at the new Buzz? We’ll see! (4075 Wilson Blvd.).

Photo courtesy of Smith Commons blog

Smith Commons: Belgian Chef, Frederik de Pue formerly of the European Commission Delegation Ambassador will be at the helm of this new restaurant, which is slated to open early fall in the Atlas District. Smith Commons will offer a seasonally-inspired international menu of approachable cuisine for every palate. From Maine Lobster to Fish & Chips to Eggplant Lasagna. A wine director and beer sommelier will oversee a menu of 70 domestic and international wines and bottled beers, 12 craft beers on tap.  The three-story neighborhood bistro, which used to host a carpet warehouse, will feature a bar on each level, second and third floor patios, and loft space that overlooks the dining room below. Decor includes low lighting, high-back chairs, soft lounge furniture and a contemporary mix of finishes, textures and a variety of original artworks by local fine artists. Check out their blog about construction. I love the photos of the progress. (1245 H. St. NE).

Rammy nominations announced!

RISING STAR CHEFS ... Liam LaCivita, The Liberty Tavern; Jon Mathieson – Inox, Mike Isabella Zaytinya; Nicholas Stefanelli – Bibiana; Shannon Overmiller – Majestic Café. Photo by Michael Birchenall http://bit.ly/d6XeMU

On Tuesday, March 23, 2010, restaurateurs, celebrity chefs and key restaurant industry players flocked to The Ritz-Carlton in Washington, DC for a celebration as the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington announced the 2010 RAMMY Award Nominees. Hosted by emcees Nycci and David Nellis, hosts of Dishing it Out on Federal News Radio, Washington, DC’s only food and beverage centric radio show.

The nominees for the DC’s “Oscars” annual restaurant awards, aka the Rammys Winners from the following categories will be chosen by a panel of judges, and announced June 6. The following nominees are chosen by an anonymous panel judges comprised of  esteemed food/restaurant writers and critics:

Fine Dining: The nominee is a member restaurant that demonstrates an unwavering standard of dining excellence in food, service and ambiance.  The nominee must have been in business a minimum of two years by December 1, 2009. 

• Fine Dining Finalists: 2941, Michel Richard Citronelle, Minibar by José Andrés, The Oval Room, The Source by Wolfgang Puck

Upscale Casual: The nominee is a member restaurant that demonstrates a commitment to dining excellence in food, service and ambiance. The dining experience may be more casual than Fine Dining, the price point lower, but the commitment to excellence is paramount. The nominee must have been in business a minimum of two years by December 1, 2009.  

• Upscale Casual Finalists: Central Michel Richard, The Liberty Tavern, Proof, Vermilion, Zaytinya

New Restaurant: A restaurant that must have been opened between December 1, 2008 and November 30, 2009 and already distinguishes itself as a pacesetter in food, beverage and service.

• New Restaurant Finalists: Bibiana, Birch & Barley, Bourbon Steak, Eventide, Inox

Chef: The nominee is an executive chef or chef de cuisine who demonstrates consistent standards of excellence and serves as an inspiration to other food professionals.  The nominee displays a dedication to the artistry of food, exhibits an ongoing commitment to the community and may be from any type of establishment.  The nominee must have been a chef for the past five years with a minimum of two years based in the Metropolitan Washington area.

• Chef Finalists: Bertrand Chemel of 2941, Scott Drewno of The Source, Daniel Giusti of 1789, Vikram Sunderam of Rasika, Haidar Karoum of Proof

Rising Culinary Star: The nominee is an “up and coming” chef who demonstrates exemplary talent, shows leadership and promise for the future.  The nominee must have been based in the Metropolitan Washington area for a minimum of two years.

• Rising Culinary Star Finalists: Michael Isabella of Zaytinya, Liam LaCivita of The Liberty Tavern, Shannon Overmiller of The Majestic, Nicholas Stefanelli of Bibiana, Jon Mathieson of Inox

Pastry Chef: The nominee is a restaurant pastry chef who prepares desserts and pastries and demonstrates a high standard of excellence and culinary artistry.  The nominee serves as an inspiration to other food professionals.  The nominee must have been a pastry chef for the past five years with a minimum of two years based in the Metropolitan Washington area.

• Pastry Chef Finalists: Anthony Chavez of 2941, Amanda Cook of CityZen, Josh Short of Neighborhood Restaurant Group, Fabrice Bendano of Adour, Travis Olson of 1789

Wine Program: The member restaurant is distinguished by the quality, diversity, clarity and value of its wine program.  The nominee’s wine program best suits the cuisine and style of the restaurant while enhancing the dining experience.  The nominated restaurant must have been in operation for a minimum of two years by December 1, 2009.

• Wine Program: 2941, Michel Richard Citronelle, Dino, 701/Ardeo/Bardeo/Bibiana/Bombay Club/The Oval Room/Rasika, Proof

Beverage/Mixology Program: New for 2010! The member restaurant is distinguished by the quality, diversity, creativity, clarity and value of its beverage program.  The nominee’s beverage program best suits the cuisine and style of the restaurant while enhancing the restaurant experience.  The nominated restaurant must have been in operation for a minimum of two years by December 1, 2009

• Beverage/Mixology Program Finalists: Brasserie Beck, EatGoodFoodGroup (Eve, PX), Founding Farmers, PS 7’s, Tabard Inn

Manager: The nominee is a manager or general manager in the food service industry who displays the highest level of professionalism and leadership with a member business. This person must be an inspiration and mentor to all his/her co-workers displaying outstanding service, an excellent work ethic and a positive image.

• Manager Finalists: Souheil Moussadik of CoCo. Sala, Ryan McCarthy of Passion Food Hospitality, Ashley Williams of Mie N Yu, Mark Politzer of Bourbon Steak, Fernando Contreras of KAZ Sushi Bistro

Employee: The nominee is a non-managerial employee of a member business who serves as a model employee by displaying outstanding service, an excellent work ethic and a positive image.  This nominee must have been working in the food service industry for a minimum of three years by December 1, 2009.

• Employee: Corina August of Mie N Yu, Joe Bolam of Urbana, Adolfo Cajchon of Seasons, Marco Guzman of Café Atlantico, Jose Orantes of Dino

The public at large will have the esteemed opportunity to weigh in and choose the winners in the following category with a special ballot appearing in The Washington City Paper April 29 or online at www.ramw.org:

Neighborhood Gathering Place: This nominee is a restaurant that demonstrates a high standard of quality and congeniality rooted in its neighborhood.

• Neighborhood Gathering Place: Bar Pilar, Belga Café, Cork, EatBar, Kemble Park Tavern

Restaurant Power Spot: This nominee is a top choice member restaurant, a spot to “see and be seen” with the movers and shakers on the national and local political and business scene.  It best exemplifies “how Metropolitan Washington works.”

• Restaurant Power Spot: Art & Soul, BLT Steak, Bombay Club, The Source, Teatro Goldoni

Hottest Restaurant Bar Scene: This nominee is a member restaurant or hotel bar that is innovative with an energetic scene (atmosphere, drink menu, etc.) with a hip and eclectic crowd and is a great people watching and meeting place.

• Hottest Restaurant Bar Scene: Birch & Barley and ChurchKey, Bourbon Steak, Masa 14, Posto, POV

The 2010 RAMMY Award winners will be announced at the RAMMY gala on June 6, 2010 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, DC. The theme of the 2010 RAMMY Awards is “We’ll Always Have… Restaurants,” and is a play on a famous line from the 1940’s movie Casablanca. 1940’s era glamour will influence the décor and attire and infuse the evening with an air of intrigue. Tickets to the RAMMYS may be purchased by calling 202.331.5990 or by email at rammys@ramw.org.
 
A portion of the proceeds from the gala will benefit the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Association Education Foundation to fund scholarships for culinary education students, enabling them to develop and expand their career opportunities in the restaurant industry.