Family Farmers Sprouting Roots in Georgetown
DCist loves family farmers. The local farmers who tailor their crops and livestock to their land and its capabilities, take pride in producing quality food instead of blasé tons of McIngredients, and spit in the face of corporate agribusiness make us swoon. Accordingly, we’re giddy about the news that the North Dakota Farmers Union has chosen Georgetown Harbor as the first location for Agraria, a farmer-owned and -sourced restaurant. Nice! What place is better than D.C to open a political statement masquerading as a restaurant? Plus, we’re suckers for a restaurant with good politics. Though see here for a lesson in what not to do.

The restaurant has named Paul Anthony Morello, formerly of Les Halles, as executive chef. The restaurant will only use ingredients from family farmers and small producers from the United States, even down to the wheat for house-made pastas. This is good not only for a local farmers, but for D.C.’s diners as well. We wish more places would have such a commitment, as we know the taste of the food gets better the closer you get to the farm from whence it came.

According to the Agraria’s development firm, The Magnate Group, the restaurant plans to open in spring of this year. We wouldn’t hold our breath on that date, but look forward to the place nonetheless. We’ll keep our ears to the ground for more news on the place.