Viridian Snags Chef

Viridian, the forthcoming 14th Street restaurant from Perry's owner Saied Azali, has recruited Rebecca Byrnes, formerly of The Reef, as chef, reports Linda Roth Associates. Byrnes oversaw The Reef's menu of organic and sustainable bar food, including free-renge bison burgers and chili rubbed Niman Ranch pork chops.

The enormous space, located next door to the Studio Theater at 1515 14th St., has been under construction for some time, and not many details have been publicized. Early reports from Washingtonian's Ann Limpert and Post food critic Tom Sietsema indicate that Viridian will be a seasonal American restaurant, overseen by Sidra Forman, a former pastry chef at Ruppert's and a consulting chef for Perry's. "The menu is expected to change daily and include 'a meat, a fish, a chicken' and 'a bunch of side dishes,' " Sietsema wrote in a recent dining chat.

Viridian's Web site sends visitors to Perry's Web site for now, but stay tuned for more news.

Comments

Anonymous said…
It should be noted that the 1515 building, the ground floor of which will house Veridian, is home to four art galleries and one framemaker. Saied Azali has been a longtime friend to the District art scene and, as I understand it, plans to host video art installations in his space.

Haven't heard whether these installations will be by local artists or whether they will be permanent. It all sounds kind of dubious.
10/09/2005 11:15 PM
Amanda said…
Thanks for the info. I noticed an exhibit was using the space right now and couldn't really get a feel for what the place will look like.
10/10/2005 8:41 AM
Anonymous said…
i have known rebecca for years, and we worked together breifly as well. she is a very talented and passionate chef. i am confident that she will be a solid asset to the culinary community in this new position.
10/19/2005 8:36 PM
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