Café Atlantico Closing; Transforming Into Pop-Up, America Eats Tavern

Café Atlantico

Nationally acclaimed chef-restaurateur José Andrés is shuttering his Nuevo Latino Café Atlantico on June 12. Then on July 4, its Penn Quarter space will be transformed into a six-month pop-up, America Eats Tavern, that will showcase America’s culinary history. The new operation, run in partnership with the Foundation for the National Archives, is meant to be an edible extension of the upcoming exhibit "What’s Cooking, Uncle Sam? The Government’s Effect on the American Diet,” happening at the National Archives building just a few steps away. The menu will spotlight American classics and local ingredients in dishes ranging from burgoo to oysters Rockefeller.

Andrés’ six-seat Minibar will continue to operate on the second floor of America Eats through 2011. When the exhibit closes in January 2012, Andrés will begin preparations for the next incarnations of both concepts.