Johnny Spero’s Reverie to Open Oct. 6
By • October 4, 2018 0 1075
The long-anticipated Reverie restaurant by chef Johnny Spero is set to open this Saturday, Oct. 6.
With the Drink Company’s help, it is Spero’s first solo restaurant. He calls its cuisine “new American.”
In an alley off 3210 Grace St. NW, next to Dog Tag Bakery, the 64-seat Reverie — with its spare, clean look, in line with Japanese and Nordic designs — should become the town’s hot reservation. There is no dress code. The restaurant’s official address is 3201 Cherry Hill Lane NW. Other nearby eateries include Sundavitch, South Block Juice Co., Grace Street Coffee, Neopol Savory Smokery and Chaia tacos.
Spero has worked at José Andrés’s Minibar, so expect his menus to be packed with creative ingredients and modern twists. Working at stellar European spots like Mugaritz in Spain and Noma in Denmark, he learned to experiment and create exceptional culinary experiences. Some of his Reverie dishes — “something simple with special touches” — were previewed at Shaw’s Columbia Room.
Reverie’s a la carte menu has items ranging from $12 to $30 on up to bigger ones around $100. There will also be a pay-what-you-can tasting menu for two diners per night.
Why Georgetown in the first place? “It’s the most iconic D.C. neighborhood,” Spero told The Georgetowner in August. “It stands the test of time. It’s a place with a lot of history and will always be the way it is, which is great. We loved walking down the alley — and fell in love with the space.”
At the same time, Spero said he wants his new place to be “transportative — you could be anything, New York or Copenhagen. You are with us.”
Reverie will be open from 5 to 10 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday, and from 5 to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday. Its general manager is Evan Zimmerman.
Spero lives in the Dupont Circle neighborhood with his wife Alexis. Expecting their first child this fall, they already have a dog, Nacho.
