News: La Forchetta Opens in Spring 2012

Entrepreneur Hakan Ilhan owns a total of 21 successful fast casual eateries and gourmet markets in the Washington area including Gelato Dolce Vita in Georgetown, three Cafe Cantinas, three Einstein Bros. Bagels shops, nine Pizza Autenticas, City Wok at Dulles and the National Airport Grill. The Turkish native, who was educated in London before relocating to the USA in 1990, is now turning his sights to open a sleek, modern Italian restaurant in his own neighborhood of Northwest DC, La Forchetta at 3201 New Mexico Avenue, 20016.  He engaged designer friend Matt Norris, of Norris Design in Atlanta, to create a Ferrari-like interior, with vibrant colors, an exhibition kitchen with seating for 20, and a pizza station with seating for 12 guests along with an inviting 12-seat bar.