A Flurry of Restaurant Openings

Just a month ago, I listed some of the restaurants expected to open in April. And thanks to a flurry of activity in these last few days of the month, it looks like we could be about six for nine from that list. Now open are Brasserie Beck, Casa Oaxaca, Hook and The Liberty Tavern, and the first of three Vapianos (in Ballston) is expected to open today.

Washingtonian's Best Bites blog has an inside look at Georgetown's Hook, including the menu, which will no doubt change often given chef Barton Seaver's focus on local, seasonal and fresh products.

And washingtonpost.com's GOG Blog has more juicy details on some of our newest restaurants, including a new steakhouse called Rarely Legal in Bethesda.

Meanwhile, midtown's Mio and Alexandria's "casually swank" Majestic are just days from opening their doors. Keep an eye on May 1. And look for Proof to open sometime in May.

Comments

Anonymous said…
I'm excited about Hook. Just checked out their website though and their menu (while it looks delicious) has no prices on it. What do you think the price range is for appetizers and entrees? And how about brunch?
4/26/2007 9:54 AM
Anonymous said…
Any word on why Proof is taking so long?
4/26/2007 10:39 AM
Amanda said…
I think there were some issues with the building, which is not unusual.

I don't envy any restaurant owner trying to wade through the muck of permits, gas lines, hood vents, etc. It can be a mjor headache from what I've seen in the past.
4/26/2007 12:12 PM
Michael said…
so many new places to choose from ... what will the fickle foodie do ... I hope no one gets hurt as they rush wildly from new place to new place ... and how can Tom get them all reviewed within 30 days ... maybe the sports section can give up some space and he can run reviews on Friday, Saturday, Sunday.
4/26/2007 11:03 PM
Unknown said…
vapiano in ballston was good. i was impressed.
4/26/2007 11:24 PM
Anonymous said…
Inital reports of the Ballston Vapiano are good. This bodes well for the Gallery Place location.

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/395901#2519537
4/27/2007 12:42 PM
MonkeyBoy said…
Going to Hook tonight for dinner. Very excited! :)
5/02/2007 1:49 PM
Amanda said…
Report back, monkeyboy! I'm hearing good things.
5/02/2007 3:15 PM
MonkeyBoy said…
And all of the good things you have heard are true. The only negative was a slight wait for an 830 reservation (had to wait until 8:50 or so). But for a new restaurant, I truly believe that that is excusable. A comment wouldn't do a full review justice, but if you go I highly recommend the Sablefish, cooked perfectly and served over a bed of mushrooms and lentils with a cranberry red wine reduction sauce on the side (NOT draped over the top which would have obscured the buttery taste of the sablefish). The blackfin tuna was also excellent, and we had a few crudos, a bottle of prosecco and very delicious profiteroles, as well as an appetizer. Total cost was around $130 for two. Not bad considering all that we had. I highly recommend it! Great space, fantastic service, Mr. Seaver makes several appearances on the floor to say hello to friends and guests, and the whole place just has a New England Summer vibe to it.
5/03/2007 9:20 AM
Amanda said…
Glad to hear it!
5/03/2007 12:06 PM
Anonymous said…
Saw a Hook menu with prices on Washingtonian.com
Hook menu
5/04/2007 1:56 PM
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