I finally got a chance to stop into Chef Mike Isabella's new Graffiato restaurant on Friday. I loved the Chesnut Agnolotti. The place was packed. Mike now announces
plans to open his second restaurant in Washington, D.C., in early 2012.
Bandolero will open as a modern Mexican small-plates concept in the
former Hook restaurant space in Georgetown (3241 M St. NW). Hook has
been closed since June 29, 2011, due to a fire. The Bandolero space is
owned by Jonathan Umble, restaurateur and proprietor of Hook and Tackle
Box.
“My vision for
Bandolero is a high-energy, high-volume restaurant to match the bustling
vibe of the Georgetown neighborhood and feed the late-night appetite of
its college students. The menu will change frequently with my twist on
classic Mexican dishes and a large cocktail menu,” said Chef/Partner
Mike Isabella. “Jose Garces has been one of the most influential chefs
of my career. With Bandolero I’ll draw from my early culinary experience
with him learning to create modern Latin American dishes.”
Much like Graffiato,
the Bandolero menu will feature sections of small plates including
salsas, guacamoles, ceviches, tacos, vegetables and more. Large-format
“carbons,” Chef Isabella’s take on fajitas, will be available for the
table. Nontraditional fillings such as duck, goat and off-cuts of meat as
well as surprising flavor combinations will keep the menu interesting
and anything but traditional Mexican cuisine. The 5,000-square-foot
space will be open for lunch and dinner seven day a week. After the
kitchen closes, tacos and guacamole will be available through last
call.
Chef Isabella will
draw from the Graffiato talent pool to open Bandolero. Plans include
moving James Horn, Graffiato General Manager, and mixologist Sam Babcock
to the Georgetown restaurant.
The Bandolero beverage
list will feature at least two dozen cocktails, including a section for
margaritas and modern cocktails made with tequila or mezcal. While the
wine list will be significantly smaller than Graffiato’s 60-plus
bottles, Prosecco on tap will flow at Bandolero as well.
Congrats on all of your success!
Photo by Emily Clack
Photo by Emily Clack
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