Celebrated chef and restaurateur Marcus Samuelsson is set to open his new restaurant, Marcus DC, on June 3, located at 222 M Street, NE, in Washington, D.C.
This lively dining destination aims to showcase the richness and diversity of the Black culinary experience, a vision Samuelsson shares with Executive Chef Anthony Jones.
Samuelsson, who marks three decades in the culinary world this year, draws on his extensive travels and cultural heritage to curate a modern American menu that reflects a cross-cultural culinary lens.
Among the signature offerings at Marcus DC is the warm Blue Cornbread, served with yassa butter and berbere honey, paying homage to Africa’s rich culinary traditions.
A standout dish called Swediopian combines cured salmon in a vibrant goldenberry broth, paired with a delicate crisp made from teff, an ancient Ethiopian grain, merging Samuelsson’s Swedish and Ethiopian roots.
Samuelsson expressed, “These dishes are deeply personal—they reflect where I’ve been, who I’ve cooked with, and the incredible creativity that defines Washington, D.C.”
Working closely with Chef Anthony Jones, the duo has created a menu that encapsulates their inspirations and a diverse array of ingredients.
Jones brings his own narrative to the menu with Mel’s Crab Rice, which features hot sauce-pickled okra and uni béarnaise, inspired by his childhood experiences near the Chesapeake Bay and family visits to a local crab shack.
With a background that includes working on the opening team at Red Rooster Overtown in Miami, Jones has also held influential positions in the D.C. area at notable venues such as Alta Strada and Dirty Habit at Hotel Monaco.
In a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to storytelling and cultural representation, Chuck B’s Roast Chicken stands out as a bold interpretation of a classic dish, complete with the city’s iconic mambo sauce and a carrot dukkah salad.
Additional menu highlights include the 32-ounce Dry-Aged Tomahawk served family-style with collards and benne seed miso butter, and Grilled Whole Black Bass, accompanied by crab curry, swiss chard, and crispy batata.
Entrees such as Smoked Clam Pepe—a creative take on cacio e pepe with English peas and preserved lemon—Roasted Rockfish with seafood chili, and Miso-Spiced Cauliflower illustrate the restaurant’s culinary innovation.
Desserts at Marcus DC are crafted by Executive Pastry Chef Rachel Sherriffe, who has honed her skills in renowned kitchens such as Jean-Georges in New York and locally at Rooster & Owl.
Sherriffe’s Jamaican heritage influences creations like the Flourless Chocolate Cake served with plantain ice cream, alongside unique offerings such as Thai Basil Rice Pudding and Plum Almond Teff Cake paired with berbere pistachio brittle.
The restaurant’s bar program, curated by consulting mixologist Glendon Hartley, reflects the culinary spirit of the kitchen, featuring signature cocktails like the Abyssinian Blaze made with gin, Campari, and berbere.
Non-alcoholic options will include the coffee-infused lemonade known as Addis Sol, creating a well-rounded beverage selection.
The interior design of Marcus DC is described as rich with texture and storytelling, thanks to the work of Kamille Glenn, the founder of dsgnrswrkshp, who aimed to weave a cultural tapestry throughout the space.
Her design strategy considers the essence of energy and time in relation to the African Diaspora, utilizing natural materials and bold patterns to convey cultural connections.
A striking centerpiece of the space is an abstract collage by Derrick Adams, a celebrated artist from Baltimore, which contemplates identity and the fragmentation of structure and surface.
The design of Marcus DC encourages interaction and movement, featuring an open kitchen and raw bar as well as a chef’s table that invites diners into the creative process.
For special gatherings, an intimate private dining room adorned with art by emerging DMV artists and framed wallcoverings encapsulates cultural nostalgia, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere of the restaurant.
With Marcus DC, Samuelsson and Jones not only present a unique dining experience but also celebrate the diverse narratives and flavors that define the Black culinary heritage in Washington, D.C.
image source from：https://www.popville.com/2025/06/marcus-dc-chef-marcus-samuelsson-opens/
