What to get excited about in 2016.
Spring kicks off busy season for D.C. restaurant openings, and there are plenty of blockbuster debuts to get excited about. Here are the top 15 most anticipated restaurant openings, as well as updates on many other projects in the works.
THE SHAW BIJOU
Address: 1544 9th St. NW
From: Gregory Vakiner, Kwame Onwuachi
The situation: This ambitious, tasting menu-centric restaurant got even more attention when its chef, Kwame Onwuachi (an Eleven Madison Park alumnus), was featured on this season of ‘Top Chef.’
Projected opening: Spring.
*The Shaw Bijou
KYIRISAN
Address: 1924 8th St. NW
From: Tim Ma, Nyi Nyi Myint
The situation: Ma hopes to pay homage to his Chinese roots with this homey restaurant, which is being designed by GrizForm Design Architects.
Projected opening: April
*Tim Ma
ALL PURPOSE
Address: 1250 9th St. NW
From: Michael Friedman, Michael O’Malley, Sebastian Zutant, Gareth Croke and Colin McDonough
The situation: This pizza restaurant from the Red Hen and Boundary Stone crews will also serve charcuterie and antipasti.
Projected opening: April
*All Purpose
SLIM’S DINER
Address: 4201 Georgia Ave. NW
From: Paul Ruppert
The situation: Slim’s will be a new D.C. diner from the owner of such places as Room 11.
Projected opening: Mid-April
*Slim’s Diner
BUTTERCREAM BAKESHOP
Address: 1250 9th St. NW
From: Tiffany MacIsaac
The situation: The beloved local pastry chef will finally get a shop of her very own in Shaw.
Projected opening: April
*Buttercream Bakeshop
HAZEL
Address: 808 V St. NW
From: Rob Rubba, Michael Babin, Brent Kroll, Greg Engert
The situation: Tallula veteran Rob Rubba will lead the kitchen at this new American restaurant.
Projected opening: Late April/Early May
*Hazel
PINEAPPLE AND PEARLS
Address: 715 8th St. SE
From: Aaron Silverman, Jeff Faile
The situation: The coffee shop portion of this restaurant from the Rose’s Luxury team has already debuted. Up next: its tasting menu evening portion, which will take reservations. It will cost $250 per person (an all-inclusive price tag).
Projected opening: Early April
*Aaron Silverman