The Latest Dish: Creative Cocktails Kick off the Season
By • November 3, 2022 0 2417
Adams Morgan News: Scott Parker of Scott Parker Brands (Don Tito, Don Taco, Barley Mac) plans to open Baja Tap in Q1 2023 at 2436 18th St. NW in Adams Morgan where Big Sky used to be — and Mellow Mushroom before that… Jesiree’s Chop House & Lounge is slated to open at 2434 18th St. NW, where Copacabana used to be, with seating for 170 inside and 30 out front.
When the Museum of Illusions opens later this year at CityCenterDC, although there will not be a restaurant or bar on site, neighborhood restaurants will be able to offer cocktails that complement the unique illusions. Guests can be reminded of the wandering eyes of George Washington that followed them while enjoying an “I’m Following You” whiskey cocktail. “Metro Upside Down” tequila cocktail, adds a finishing touch to the Reverse Room, where guests appear to hang from the Metro car’s ceiling. Museum guests who appear to grow and shrink as they walk across the Ames Room can follow it with a “Go Ask Alice” wine spritzer. The Vortex Tunnel that tricks mind and body into believing that the ground beneath them is moving might as well conclude the day with a “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On” bourbon beverage.
Just Opened: Miami-based Hoja Taqueria opened at Dupont Circle’s Generator hotel at 1900 Connecticut Ave, NW. Brought to you by Bar Lab of Broken Shaker bar brand, it features tacos and tequila… Neighborhood Restaurant Group’s Show of Hands opened inside Capitol Hill’s the Roost, with spirits director Nick Farrell at the helm of the 12,500-sq-ft spirit-centric tribute to low-ABV cocktails from spirits that Nick makes himself…. Little Miner Taco grew out of its Mix’t food hall space and moved across the street into its own spot (with a bar) at 4308 Rhode Island Ave. in Brentwood, MD… Matteo Venini and Antonio Matarazzo (Stellina Pizzeria) opened Marcellino Pane & Vino in NoMa featuring the cuisine that the two owners grew up eating in Italy. It seats 36 inside and 20 on the outdoor patio. It’s named after Matteo’s son, as Stellina is named after Antonio’s daughter…. Johnny Rockets opened at 1501 Rhode Island Ave. NW in Logan Circle.
Just Re-Opened: Sign of the Whale, at Dupont Circle emerged from the ashes of the fire that closed them for seven months, with a new menu that goes back to its roots as a good ol’ sports bar… Blueridge Restaurant Group’s Copper Canyon Grill in Silver Spring also reopened after a fire, with a newly renovated exterior and additional private party space.
Ch-Ch-Changes: Tawle, the kebab-centric Eastern Mediterranean concept slated to open in Fairfax’s Mosaic District, will now be called Kirby Club. It’s brought to you by Marcelle Afram and Rose Previte of Maydan and Compass Rose.
As the new CEO of WineLair in DC’s West End, Jonathan Krinn added an enhanced food & wine pairing component. He hired Chef Kene Izegbu, (Kinship and Métier), and 4 new sommeliers under the tutelage of general manager Alissa Pelkola, a Wine, Sprit and Education Trust Level 3 sommelier.
Linda Roth is Founder & CEO of Linda Roth Associates (LRA), a D.C.-based public relations and marketing firm that specializes in the foodservice and hospitality industries. Follow her at: @LindaRothPR, #LindaRothPR, or www.lindarothpr.com.
