The Manhattan Project
Morning Roundup: Second Helpings Edition
Compromise Uncertain on Same-Sex Marriage Law
Fire at 17th and L NW Forces Evacuations
Sculpture Garden Ice-Skating Rink Remains Closed
Eric Ziebold
The Mandarin Oriental will convert the existing Cafe MoZu into the new restaurant in early summer. South by Southwest will feature dinner entrees that average $22 with desserts that are $5 each. Ziebold will lead the concept with current CityZen sous chef Rachael Harriman as chef de cuisine.
I checked in with Chef Ziebold for some more details about the concept. From our Chewing the Fat interview with him, it was apparent that what separates his restaurant is his dedication to ingredients, many of which he works very closely with local producers to get. Those ingredients tend to be pricier, so I asked what he planned to do with procurement for South by Southwest. He responded, "It may be some of the same purveyors for some items. It could be the type of scenario where CityZen has Rabbit Loin on the menu and South by Southwest has Braised Rabbit Leg [a less expensive cut] on the menu. Produce will be the same farmers that we currently deal with, and we're looking at options for some of the things we don't use at CityZen like chicken for example. The big challenge is balancing everything out so that we CAN use the best products available."
Small Bites
Gelato, the new froyo?
Pitango Gelato is opening its first D.C. location across from Whole Foods on P Street NW in April. Founder Noah Dan opened his own dairy to ensure that he has access to the best milk and eggs possible. Aside from traditional flavors of gelato and sorbetto, Pitango will offer freddos—blended coffee-gelato freezes—and affogato—a double shot of espresso served over a scoop of gelato. Another location is slated for late April in Reston Town Center.
Big Chicken in Dupont
Nando's Peri-Peri Chicken will be opening its second location in D.C. at 1210 18th St. NW on April 8. The restaurant will be open will be open seven days a week, 11:30 a.m. until 11 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, and 11:30 a.m. until midnight on Friday and Saturday. So now in addition to the delicious smell of cupcakes wafting through Dupont, you can add grilled chicken. Or at least we can hope it does something to cancel out some of the other smells...
Chef bites food
Metrocurean introduced a new feature this week: chef's top five favorite bites in the area. During its debut week, updates have been daily with bites from Central's Michel Richard, Buzz Bakery's Josh Short, Passion Food Group's David Guas, Restaurant Eve's Cathal Armstrong, and the kinda dishy Taberna del Alabardero's Dani Arana.
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I might give that ground skirt steak burger a try. At home, that is. If I can round up some kidney fat, it might not end up a rockhard $h!tcake. Maybe!