Zagat Survey Discussions

New Restaurants

New Nightspots

Coming Soon

Food Matters

Chef duo Christy and Tom Przystawik (ex Café Atlántico) will helm this Contemporary American cafe and gourmet market opening in early fall in Alexandria's newly minted Cameron Station neighborhood (191 Somerville St.); in addition to a wine and beer bar, there will be a 15-seat dining room that will serve a communal dinner three to five nights a week spotlighting locally sourced ingredients.

Standard Bar & Grill

In September, the shuttered Source Theatre on newly trendy 14th Street above Logan Circle (1835 14th St. NW) will be recast as an American bar and grill by the entrepreneurial team behind Buffalo Billiards and other cue corners; pool tables, backgammon and tiddlywinks will enliven the meatloaf, salad and burger fare.

Wasabi

Conveyor-belt dining is coming to the K Street area (910 17th St. NW) in mid-May at this modern storefront where chef-founder Miguel Choy (London's itsu and K10 restaurants) plans to infuse traditional Japanese dishes with Latin flavors.

Also Coming Soon

Chef Peter Smith (ex Vidalia) will channel his peripatetic childhood as an army brat, and his love of travel, at a forthcoming Penn Quarter restaurant (900 7th St. NW) specializing in seasonal, regional American fare; the as-yet-unnamed eatery is scheduled to open in late summer.

Good Deals and Other News

Ardeo

On Wednesday nights beginning April 6th, new chef Christopher Bradley (who last cooked at NYC's Saul) will prepare a weekly changing four-course menu with matching wines (2.5-oz. pours) for $52, in addition to his regular, seasonal New American bill of fare. An added inducement: outdoor dining on the just-opened upstairs deck.

Equinox

A vegan tasting menu, offered daily with a choice of three, four or six courses ($55, $70 or $85, respectively) and an optional wine pairing ($120 for six courses), showcases chef de cuisine Ethan Mckee's ingenuity with seasonal produce.

Merkado

Troy Walker (ex 15 ria), who now heads the kitchen crew at this Logan Circle bistro, is simplifying its Latin-Asian cuisine with a springtime focus on herbaceous seafood dishes and citrus-accented vegetable slaws.

Oval Room

This dining spot by the White House is offering a designated entree paired with a glass of wine for $15 (lunch and dinner) at its sidewalk tables only – it's a bargain even without the bonus of the high-profile people-watching.

Poste

Starting May 4th, chef Robert Weland will conduct weekly guided tours of the nearby Penn Quarter farmer's market (held Thursdays on 8th St. NW between D and E Sts.); afterwards, he will prepare a three-course dinner paired with organic wines that will feature the products the group has selected (5:30 PM; $50 per person; 202-783-6060).

Primi Piatti

Maestro Savino Recine synthesizes rustic Italian fare and sleight of hand on Saturday nights (7–10 PM), when he performs tableside illusions (and cooks special dishes on a portable stove on request); guests can order from the regular menu or call 202-223-3600 to customize the meal and performance. At Racine's other Italian restaurant, Finemondo, rotating magicians also entertain on Saturday nights (7–10 PM).

Ray's The Steaks

Isn't taking reservations anymore; chef-owner Mike Landrum wants to re-establish a more laid-back, neighborhood vibe at his modest 45-seat emporium.

Sala Thai

Has branched out to the Arlington Virginia Courthouse area (2300 Wilson Blvd.; 703-807-5860), where marigold yellow silk cushions and wraparound windows create a sunny setting and there are outdoor tables for catching the rays.

Viridian

New top toque Antonio Burrell (ex Bis) is maintaining this New American's seasonal, locally sourced, produce-driven culinary ethos, and is adding a bar menu featuring a petite croque monsieur and crispy crusted deviled eggs. (P.S. Real butter, chocolate and eggs are now used to make the decadent desserts.)