Tysons Corner Center will be the site of a new Indian restaurant this fall, American Tandoori, from a New Delhi, India-based company. The new concept launches in the U.S. in Northern Virginia. They also plan to launch a quick service version of the Indian concept, with a name to be determined.
Chef Troy Williams plans to open two new Spots: The Spot Deli at 701 H St., NE, later this year, and The Spot on H restaurant and bar early next year. Williams currently runs food service at Howard University Hospital, but has previously worked at Georgia Brown’s, J. Paul’s and Old Ebbitt Grill.
French- and Japanese-inspired Crane & Turtle restaurant opens in Petworth, brought to you by the folks who brought you Passenger and Room 11. Chef Makoto Hamamura, a six-year veteran of CityZen, is creating a unique menu to complement the sakes, ciders, and large-format beers.
Chef Update
Restaurateur Manuel Iguina named Roberto Hernandez the new executive chef for Mio Restaurant. Hernandez has been a featured guest chef at Mio. Previously, he was at Blue Door Restaurant at the Delano Hotel in Miami… Clyde’s Restaurant Group named Samuel Kim the new executive chef for the iconic 1789 Restaurant at 1226 36th St., NW. He most recently served as the executive sous chef at Colicchio and Sons… David Lofgren has been named executive sous chef for härth at Hilton McLean Tysons Corner. He joins härth’s culinary team after working as a chef at the Ritz Carlton in Washington, D.C. Bar Dupont has hired Jonathan Yeronick as beverage program director. Most recently, Yeronick served as dining room manager at Le Diplomate… Art & Soul chef de cuisine, Douglas Alexander now becomes executive chef. He replaces Wes Morton, who is returning home to his roots in Louisiana to start his own
restaurant.
Just Opened
Boss Shepherd’s debuted on July 21 in the Warner Theater building at 13th & E Streets, NW, with chef Jeremy Waybright at the kitchen helm, serving locally sourced ingredients. Three words: Pot Pie Fritters … Chaplin Restaurant & Bar, from mixologists Ari and Micah Wilder, is now open at 1501 9th St., NW, previously the location of Mandalay. The 83-seat Chaplin is named for the famous film comedian and designed to evoke the early days of cinema. Chef Jeremy Cooke, formerly assisting at Toki Underground on H Street, NE, oversees its Asian-inspired menu. His previous gigs include chef jobs at Argonaut, Elisir & Siroc. Sauf Haus Bier Hall, a German beer garden at 1216-A 18th St., NW in Dupont Circle opened its doors on July 24.
Willie T’s Lobster Shack on Connecticut Ave NW, is Dupont Circle’s latest addition, focusing on lobster and other seafood rolls … Bryan Voltaggio has opened his fast casual Frederick-born soups, salads and sandwich place, Lunchbox, in Chevy Chase Pavilion … Water & Wall’s new pop-up Chinese lunch, 3811 N. Fairfax Drive in Arlington is serving reinvented takes on Chinese favorites …. GRK opened its doors on July 18 on 19th Street in the Golden Triangle, serving fast casual Greek yeeros (gyros) … Penn Commons, the newest restaurant from Passion Food Hospitality team opened on Aug. 4 at 6th & H Streets, NW, serving classic American tavern food with 40 beers on tap.
Openings Update
Chef-owner RJ Cooper’s Gypsy Soul has opened his 135-seat restaurant in Fairfax’s Mosaic District. It reflects the chef’s travels through the South and mid-Atlantic. One of two sous chef positions has been filled by Allyson Lara, who comes from L’Academie de Cuisine in Gaithersburg … Jose Andres’ modern Chinese-Peruvian concept, China Chilanco, is slated to open this fall in the heart of Penn Quarter, featuring Chifa favorites–the cuisine known throughout Peru, melding Chinese style and native ingredients… Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House at CityCenterDC is slated to open in mid-September… Del Frisco’s Grille in Rockville at Pike & Rose is slated to open in mid-September as well… San-Francisco-based Tadich Grill is aiming for a late October opening at 10th Street & Pennylvania Avenue, NW, where Ten Penh used to be.
Linda Roth is president of Linda Roth Associates, a public relations & marketing firm that specializes in the hospitality industry, providing creative connections through media relations, marketing initiatives, community outreach and special events. Reach her at: Linda@LindaRothPR.com or 703-417-2700.
