Thursday

05-22-2025 Vol 1968

Dovetail Restaurant and New Food Ventures Thrive in D.C. Area

Viceroy Washington D.C. has officially placed its food and beverage spaces up for lease, including the 3,750-square-foot restaurant Dovetail, a rooftop pool bar, and a lobby-level coffee shop.

The upscale hotel, which opened two years ago, has become a notable part of the vibrant 14th Street NW corridor.

In 2022, it debuted the elegant American restaurant Dovetail, which quickly became known for its inviting indoor-outdoor dining atmosphere, kicking off with a high-profile Hollywood celebration during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner weekend.

Chef James Gee, who previously spearheaded the kitchen at I’m Eddie Cano and Cittanuova, crafted an extensive menu showcasing seasonal produce, fresh seafood, and top-quality burgers and steaks, making Dovetail a culinary hotspot.

However, after recently parting ways with the LA-based hospitality company, Gee’s future at the restaurant has come into question.

The successful bidders for the space will also take over the catering operations for the boutique hotel.

In response to the ongoing situation, Viceroy has reassured patrons that there are no immediate plans to close Dovetail.

The hotel remains open, expressing its commitment to providing exceptional service to guests and locals alike, while also remaining receptive to new partnerships and opportunities.

In other exciting developments, the team behind Ivy City’s renowned amaro distillery, Don Cicco & Figli, is ready to launch Tarì Trattoria in the Union Market district next month.

Founder Francesco Amodeo draws inspiration from his Amalfi Coast heritage, planning a menu that includes delectable whitebait fritters with almond pesto, homemade rabbit pasta infused with thyme, and a unique dessert showcasing eggplants, candied fruits, almonds, and chocolate.

What sets Tarì Trattoria apart is its commitment to freshness; seafood from Italy and Japan will be dry-aged on-site, with dishes featuring olive oil and sea salt rather than butter.

Mixologist Alex Pisi, an alum of Barmini, is set to create a spiked version of Italy’s beloved rocketship popsicle, served on an edible licorice stick.

The restaurant will feature a cozy 32-seat dining area adorned with nostalgic photographs of Amodeo’s fisherman uncle, complemented by a spacious outdoor dining area for patrons.

In Downtown Frederick, Maryland, the Ordinary Hen closed its doors on May 17, making way for its trendy successor, 7th Sister.

Under the helm of chef Christian Blouin, who is known for his work at Firestone’s, 7th Sister commemorates the legacy of the Houck sisters, who built the historic mansion in the late 1800s.

The new menu will highlight mid-Atlantic flavors, featuring mouthwatering oysters in blackberry mignonette and exquisite seared crab cakes paired with whole grain mustard.

Reservations for 7th Sister are set to go live on May 29.

Lastly, Jake’s Tavern, a beloved Shaw neighborhood spot, has announced plans to expand with a much-anticipated second floor designed for private events, DJs, and game-day gatherings.

The growing demand for such a space reflects the vibrant community that Jake’s has fostered over the past six years.

As these dynamic food and beverage ventures continue to unfold, Washington D.C. and its surrounding areas remain a hotbed for innovative culinary experiences.

image source from:https://dc.eater.com/2025/5/20/24433898/logan-circle-viceroy-hotel-wants-to-offload-its-marquee-restaurant-am-intel

Benjamin Clarke