Business Ins & Outs: Preppy Fitzgerald’s, Aerie, M&T
By • June 28, 2021 0 2810
In: The Preppy Chic, Cozy Fitzy’s
Clyde’s Restaurant Group and 1789 Restaurant have gone back to the future with the second reboot to replace the celebrated, longtime F. Scott’s, companion to the Tombs and 1789.
“Fitzgerald’s will celebrate a return to classic Georgetown, elegance, embracing historic connections, while adding an elevated emphasis on food from critically-acclaimed Executive Chef Kyoo Eom and a modern bar program led by General Manager and Beverage Director Brian Zipin — both also of next door culinary sibling and award-winning fine dining restaurant 1789,” Clyde’s announced last week.
“Featuring 2,500 square feet of space, Fitzgerald’s new design and aesthetic was led by designer Pam Farrell featuring rich deep shades of blue, preppy plaids, tweed and velvet pillows, candlelight, and warm cognac leather booths,” according to Clyde’s. “The space features a large bar with stools and seating for 12, a main dining room area with a variety of seating and tables for about 36. Both spaces are adorned with original artwork featuring a vintage sporty theme including football paintings and sports memorabilia. Fitzgerald’s also includes a second large dining space connected via a lower level decorated with modern colorful artwork by notable Nantucket artist, David Lazarus. Total seating at Fitzgerald’s is for around 70 guests.” It opened June 26.
Zipin’s bar program showcases seasonal craft cocktails, classic cocktails, an impressive list of about 10 rotating Japanese whiskeys, wine selections and mocktails. Chef Kyoo Eom’s menu highlights include herbed truffle fries, Korean chicken wings, ricotta gnocchi, soy-honey glazed halibut, Peking duck burger and grilled Wagyu shortribs. Newly hired pastry chef Erin Garcia, also of 1789, contributes a chocolate pot de crème, fruit Charlotte and an assortment of house made ice cream and sorbets. Zipin will also be offering a variety of boozy after-dinner drinks including a Buena Vista Irish coffee and an espresso martini.
“We are very excited for the opening of Fitzgerald’s as it is the culmination of several years of both a structural and conceptual renovation that compliments our historic 1789 Restaurant,” said David Moran, Area Director of Operations for Clyde’s Restaurant Group.
“We believe that Fitzgerald’s will be the place to be when you are looking for a sophisticated culinary experience in Georgetown. It will serve a wide range of guests with its bistro-style menu and creative cocktail program. Whether you are looking to just drop in for an early evening drink and a light bite, want to make a full night out of it, or looking for the perfect place for a nightcap, ‘Fitzy’s’ will be the perfect spot. In Georgetown’s heyday of the 1970s and 80s, F. Scott’s was an integral part of the nightlife community, and we think Fitzgerald’s will be part of the renaissance that is now emerging in this historic neighborhood.”
Located at 1232 36th St. NW, the cocktail-centric Fitzgerald’s gets its name, as did F. Scott’s, which closed in 2016, from mid-20th century novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald, who was related to Francis Scott Key. In 1814, The “Star-Spangled Banner” author lived one block south of the future three restaurants, the brainchildren of original owner Richard McCooey.
In: Aerie for All Ages
Aerie will soon open at 3235 M St. NW in the former Calvin Klein underwear place. Pittsburgh-based American Eagle sells lingerie and other fine apparel.
In: Tea, as in Gong Cha Bubble
Gong Cha Bubble Tea & More is arriving at 3279 M St. NW, just as the shopping crowds have increased.
Out: Another Bank
The M&T Bank branch at 1420 Wisconsin Ave. NW has closed. In 2012, M&T took over the space once occupied by the famed Commander Salamander, which made a brief resurrection in the film, “Wonder Woman 1984.”
