Business Ins & Outs Oct. 10, 2018

In: Johnny Spero’s Reverie

The long-anticipated Reverie restaurant by chef Johnny Spero opened Oct. 6. 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 thetown’s hot reservation. There is no dress code. Its official address is 3201 Cherry Hill Lane NW. Nearby eateries include Sundavitch, South Block Juice Co., Grace Street Coffee, Neopol Savory Smokery and Chaia tacos.

With the Drink Company’s help, it is Spero’s first solo restaurant. He calls its cuisine “new American.” 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.

Reverie’s a la carte menu has items ranging from $12 to $30 on up to bigger onesaround $100. There will also be a pay-what-you-can tasting menu for two diners per night. It will be open from 5 to 10 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday, and from 5 to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday. The general manager is Evan Zimmerman.

Rebekah Kelley of Virtue Skincare and The Georgetowner and Charles Paloux, Vice President, Asset Management for Hersha Hospitality Trust, at St. Gregory reception. Courtesy St. Gregory Hotel.

In: St. Gregory’s New Look

Friends and patrons of the St. Gregory Hotel at 2033 M St. NW gathered on Oct. 3 to check out the hotel’s makeover of 156 rooms and suites, along with — good news for their canine pals — new pet-friendly programs. The new penthouse floor has a stunning view of the city, which you can take in on an Indian summer night with whiskey and cigars, a couple of the elegant amenities now available to guests.

In: ‘Tech-Driven’ Reformation

Environmentally conscious and tech-savvy fashion brand Reformation opened at 3035 M St. NW. on Oct. 10. The store will feature “a tech-driven retail concept,”according to a press release, which basically means lots of computer screens throughout the two floors.

Coming: High Street Café, Café Georgetown

A future bistro called the High Street Café hung a small sign at the former Paolo’s Ristorante at 1305 Wisconsin Ave. NW. The adjacent property at the corner, once part of Paolo’s and, earlier, a Little Tavern hamburger joint, is being leased separately. Around the corner at 3141 N St. NW is Café Georgetown, fixing to open in about a week — much sooner than High Street.

Coming: Greek Food in the West End

Chef Argiro Barbarigou, well-known by foodies for her excellent Greek cuisine, will open an eatery at 1118 23rd St. NW in the West End next week. The restaurant, which will seat about 150 including patio service, will focus on the authentic Greek dishes that Barbarigou promotes on her television show in Athens and in hercookbooks. The name of the place is still being negotiated, but Mamma Mia’s has anice ring to us.

Out (Temporarily): Rosewood Hotel

Rosewood Washington, D.C. — at 1050 31st St. NW — will close Oct. 17 for renovations, including the addition of Cut steakhouse by Wolfgang Puck. The property will also expand to six neighboring townhouses, south of the hotel on 31st Street, offering even more luxurious accommodations. The new and improved Rosewood will be back next spring.

Afloat in More Ways Than One

As one local business marks its first year, another is just getting started (or, shall we say, paddling). Jack Maher and Jack Walten have launched their Potomac Paddle Pub company, billed as the first “Cycleboat” experience on the Potomac River. The BYOB journey with human power — there’s an engine when needed — departs from Washington Harbour on the Georgetown waterfront. Coming up: visit georgetowner.com for the review of our river adventure.

1st Anniversary: Shop Made in DC

Shop Made in DC, the retail incubator that sells goods by local artisans, is celebrating its first anniversary — and its community partner, Kimpton Hotels, is helping out with the party. Stop by the Dupont Circle storefront at 1330 19th St. NW on Oct. 18 for cocktails, cake and the requisite party favor: a photo booth. Since its opening a year ago, Shop Made in DC has promoted 185 local creatives and invested $600,000 back into the local economy. The shop’s products are used and promoted at all 10 ofKimpton’s boutique hotels in D.C.