The long awaited Smith Commons is poised to open its doors for the first time on December 21st. The establishment will feature fine dining catering towards the "everyman," as well as a large wine and beer list (with many beers on tap). Smith Commons is located at 1245 H Street.
Want the full scoop? Well maybe you should read the press release (after the jump).
Smith Commons Dining Room and Public House Opens on H St. NE on December 21
Chef Frederik De Pue Offers Causal, International Fare and Craft Beers in New Neighborhood Bistro
Washington, DC – December 9, 2010 Smith Commons officially opens its doors to the H St. corridor dining scene on Tuesday, December 21. The three-level vintage building underwent a complete renovation, transformed from a carpet warehouse to a contemporary neighborhood bistro. The dining room and public house, a culinary destination in the Atlas Arts District, will open at 5:00 pm daily, Tuesday through Sunday to offer a worldly menu and extensive list of craft beers, wines and artisanal cocktails.
Executive Chef, Frederik De Pue, developed the internationally-inspired menu with comforting dishes like free-range roasted chicken and penne carbonara, as well as gourmet treats like confit of duck leg and Maine lobster. Well-paired bar food compliments the vast array of libations, beer and wine selections. Smith Commons is a different kind of dining destination in Washington, DC serving artfully crafted dishes prepared by chefs with multi-continental flare, without the white tablecloths or the pretense. From charcuterie to wood-grilled entrées and classics like fish and chips, this neighborhood restaurant offers enticing comfort food for every palate.
Born and culinary trained in Belgium, Chef Frederik arrived in Washington, DC in 2001 to become Executive Chef of the European Commission Delegation Ambassador. After six years on Embassy Row, Chef Frederik opened 42º Catering in 2007. Smith Commons is his first restaurant in the District.
“The H St. NE corridor of Washington, DC is a rapidly growing community of artists, craftsman and Hill staffers hungry for new dining experiences and a welcoming neighborhood destination,” said Chef Frederik De Pue. “Smith Commons combines a warm, inviting lounge atmosphere with unique international cuisine designed to be enjoyed with craft beers, wines and cocktails carefully paired by our expert team.”
Alexander Odent, also from Belgium, will serve as Chef de Cuisine. Chef Alexander trained at the Hotel School Ter Duinen, where he first met Chef Frederik. He has a wide range of culinary experience with restaurants, brasseries and high-profile events across Europe. He recently moved to Washington, DC to join the Smith Commons team.
Daily dinner and bar service Tuesday through Sunday begins at 5:00 pm. The Smith Commons rendition of ‘happy hour’ – the Smith Hour – features a curated selection of beer, wine, cocktails and small plates – for $5 each, served at the bars on all three levels from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Tuesday through Friday. Beer guru and Smith Commons Managing Partner, Miles Gray has assembled a diverse selection to make Smith Commons the District’s newest destination for craft beers from all over the world. Nearly 40 permanent and seasonal selections are served on tap and in bottles from breweries across the United States, Canada, Belgium, Germany, Scotland and Italy.
Similarly, the wine list offers 60 carefully selected choices, which the wine director can pair with any of Chef Frederik’s dishes. General Manager, Sheldon Robinson, tapped Sommelier Andrew Stover to consult on the wine list of small production, boutique wines. Drawing from his experience with unusual domestic wine regions, Stover has amassed a selection of more than 10 domestic wines by the glass, hailing from California, Idaho, New York, Oregon, Virginia and Washington plus a bottle list from both domestic and iconic international regions. Handcrafted cocktails will add another layer of distinct flavor to this neighborhood destination.
Bailey Holdings LLC owns and developed the restaurant, led by longtime Washington, DC resident and businessman Jerome Bailey. Concept Developer Miles Gray, and General Manager Sheldon Robinson, oversee Smith Commons day-to-day, and all three have worked together at restaurants and lounges around the city.
Architect James Phillips and interior designer Tynesia Hand-Smith of Design 36ixty, transformed what used to be a carpet warehouse, into a dining room and public house that mixes the charm of the original historic construction with contemporary design elements. Fabrics and finishes are juxtaposed for dramatic effect – ebony-stained oak wall panels and original brickwork stand across from fabric-upholstered walls. Larger-than-life sepia stained wallpaper graphics reflecting turn-of-the century Washington, DC adds a hint of whimsy to the warm, inviting space.
Industrial meets comfortable with high-back tufted sofas, tailored burlap curtain walls and custom adjustable crank tables for an optional dining or lounging experience. Low lighting, soft lounge furniture and an eclectic music mix create an inviting atmosphere for guests nightly.
For photos and event news, visit the Smith Commons blog at www.SmithCommonsDC.com, and follow Smith Commons on Facebook and Twitter @SmithCommonsDC.
Location: 1245 H St. NE, Washington, DC 20002, Atlas Arts District along the H St. Corridor
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday: 5:00 pm – 2:00 am; kitchen closes at 11:00 pm
Friday and Saturday: 5:00 pm – 3:00 am; kitchen closes at 12:00 am
Sunday: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Phone: 202-396-0038
Web Site: www.SmithCommonsDC.com
Facebook: Smith Commons
Twitter: @SmithCommonsDC
Reservations: Via www.SmithCommonsDC.com through OpenTable, or by phone
Menu: International bistro cuisine, pairs well with craft beers, fine wine and unique cocktails http://www.smithcommonsdc.com/index.php/menu
$$: Average dinner check is approximately $30 – 40 / per person
Seats: 75 dining seats on three levels with additional bar seating on each level; approximately 50 seats on the first floor “Smith” level; additional seating in “the Commons” on levels two and three
Getting there: Valet Thursday-Saturday, metered and non-metered street parking; shuttle from Union Station
60 comments:
Looks like a solid addition to the stretch. The prices of their entrees are a bit much for me but I'm glad to see that $8 bar food menu.
This does sound great. Also good news from NoMa BID which just announced:
Chef Gillian Clark plans to open a new neighborhood restaurant in NoMa at Third and K Streets, NE, in the Loree Grand at Union Place. “Kitchen on K Street” will open in April or May, bringing back the popular Colorado Kitchen concept Clark is known for.
Don't let the jokers at Smith Commons fool you, they are impressarios, not restauranteurs and Miles Gray isn't really a "Dr.). Check out their marketing/events website http://teambbc.com to get a better idea of what they are all about. It won't be long before Smith Commons postcards will be stuck on windshields outside nightclubs...
Kitchen on K sounds awesome!
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, with Brunch on weekends.
Chef Gillian Clark has my dollar. Love it.
Anyone know what is being built on the NE corner of Congress and L Street NE? Just north of Loree Grand.
Also, the new Harris Teeter is AWESOME!
@dcjaded
I found this info on google, I'm sure someone else will be able to add to it.
http://www.blakedickson.com/files/99.pdf
@DCJaded "Harris Teeter is AWESOME!
This is great news, and I'm psyched. I'm a huge HT fan and am psyched it's so close to my house. Baller.
@DCJaded
Corner of Congress & L will be a three story office and retail building. Third floor (office) is already rented, and they're hoping for a restaurant on the ground floor. Construction will take about 6 months.
Great who/what is renting the top floor on Congress Street ? Any pics of the completed building. Please share.
Building isnt done yet. When I biked past earlier this week looks like they were digging foundations for the one building.
Check out their marketing/events website http://teambbc.com to get a better idea of what they are all about
^ I went to the site and (1) the events look classy (common is a pretty class act, google him) (2) that's no guarantee that this spot will be like that, we'll see (I think the flyer issue is reducing generally as a phenomena; I got some when Twelve opened but haven't had a flyer in my windshield anywhere other than U St on a Saturday in some time).
Anon 2:20,
Despite the weight the Chefs carry, I'm also a little uneasy about this place. Three floors means a lot open space... Hopefully not for a dance floor.
Whats the problem with a dance floor? God, sometimes you people piss me off. Lots of places on H have dance floors. Whats your issue. Moral objection to dancing? Don't have any rhythem? Hips broken in a horrible rocking chair related incident?
I think I can guess what the issue is
No particular problem with dance floors. Or for night clubs. Cheeky Goose and Gander talk, that's all.
Not at all what you thought, is it ro?
Given that I haven't posted in a while, I should have added more blatant sarcasm. My apologies.
Anonymous stated: go to their website as if their website http://teambbc.com . I went to the site....what's the problem? am I missing something?
Dance floors lead to littering!
Lil Miss Wiskey's has a great dance floor, and I don't witness littering? Again, am I missing something?
dancing leads to sex. it's unholy
This place seems amazing and reasonably priced for what it is. It will be a wonderful addition, and once the initial wave of people dies down, I can really see myself going there.
Just one thing, would be nice to have one NA Beer.
I don't get it. Are we upset because there might be black people at this place and they might dance? First chicken bones then dancing people who aren't white. This is totally going to wreck my property values!
God, didn't any of you people see Footloose? Next thing you know all of the kids will be gathering there to do the Chicken Wing.
Tubbs,
It's not the black folks that upset people here, or even that they'll be dancing. It's that they'll be dancing BETTER than the folks in the non-chicken winged establishments. Have you actually ever been to Lil Miss Whiskey's on an average dancing night? The lack of coordination and general hygiene is disturbing.
A serious dance floor such as U street dance hall will do well on H street once they establish a name. Hope they play good hip hop or house music. There are students from my Joy of Motion dance studio who would love to try out their latest moves on the dance floor which is just a block away. Btw- I don't see any littering outside JOM which is teeming with some serious dancers.
anon 2:20, you're just a hater. You're going to take one website, and with a broad stroke suggest that this is what they're all about. That's pretty damn naive and stupid to suggest. And your postcards comment is insulting, and downright uncalled for.
The damn place hasn't even opened yet, and here you are, flaming the operators.
Put your money where your mouth is. Otherwise, shut the hell up!
Frank from Sova
+100. For Frank. Dude's got balls of steel, and runs a successful business, unlike most of the posters..... 'cept fer Tony.....
In retrospect their comments are going into the history books. Not the Lame posters like "anon"......
They truly rule h street.
That is all.
I am so damned confused right now. How can a guy who runs a coffee shop have "balls of steel"? More like balls of creamer, or something like that. I bet these past few comments were left by that dodger who runs the 7-11.
What the hell is going on now? Jesus christ, it's the god damn holidays. Relax, come to the pug, enjoy the xmas decor, gaze across the road at the controversial smith joint, have a whisky, and some cheese balls.
Tonyt
thepug
@Tonyt >> Jesus christ, it's the god damn holidays.
That's got to be the all-time best or the worst tag line for a holiday card I've ever heard.
It's pretty damn naive and stupid to suggest. And your postcards comment is insulting, and downright uncalled for.
It's pretty damn naïve to look at the business owners, their past events/interests, and the new space (including its menu, furniture, and design) and then abandon what is a healthy degree of skepticism. And it's pretty damn stupid to lash out at someone for being critical of a new business.
When I see the owners have organized events with NBA basketball player Jason Jerry, Mary J. Blige, and the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta (two black sororities), I get the feeling they are club/lounge promoters/impressarios rather than serious restauranteurs.
When I see a no-name chef with that has a Embassy experience (big deal), a new catering company and time spent at "The Reserve" proposing to serve an impressive New Years Menu on a website that touts fish and chips and lasagna, I get the feeling there is serious inconsistency in the business plan.
When I see a massive beer list, a massive wine list, discussion of cocktails, and dark-paneled space, exposed brick, bars on each level, a roof deck, comfy chairs, etc. I get the feeling this is going to be nothing more than a lounge with a restaurant facade.
What is ultimately going to happen? Fancy beer/wine will go away, because margins are low. A full dinner menu will be supplanted with heavy hors d'oeuvres and tapas. Bottle service will arrive (if not already planned). The "ultra lounge" will soon be a club.
We need more true restaurants on H Street, establishments interested in serving food first, alcohol second.
@anon 11:40 We need more true restaurants on H Street, establishments interested in serving food first, alcohol second.
You mean like Ethiopic, Taste of Jamaica, Liberty Tree, Atlas Room, Granville Moores, Cap City Diner, etc?
A good mix of businesses is good for everyone.
I for one am excited, I stopped by there at the H St. festival and the food was very tasty....
anon 11:40
" When I see the owners have organized events with NBA basketball player Jason Jerry, Mary J. Blige, and the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta (two black sororities) "
I resemble that remark (Alpha Kappa Alpha), and I'm insulted that you would lump NBA players and women from a sorority in the same sentence. What does one have to do with the other ? And the fact that you put parentheses around " two black sororities" as if that made any difference is pure racism. I have to agree with Frank that you have no idea what you're talking about.
" We need more true restaurants on H Street, establishments interested in serving food first, alcohol second. "
Just for some perspective, I come from a family that owns two successful restaurants in New Orleans, so I grew up around the restaurant business my whole life. What restaurant do you know that doesn't make a significant portion of their revenue in alcohol sales. You can still serve 50 beers and wines and be a serious restaurant. Again, you have no idea what you're talking about.
" What is ultimately going to happen? Fancy beer/wine will go away, because margins are low "
You couldn't be more incorrect. Number one, there's little to no waste in beer, wine and cocktails like there is food. And they all have varying percentages of profit margins. None of which is as low as food margins.
" When I see a no-name chef with that has a Embassy experience (big deal)... "
So what, if it doesn't say Wolfgang Puck, Eric Rippert, or Mario Batali it won't work ? Are you serious ? Do you really believe that yourself ? So I guess Teddy Folkman was a big name chef before he came down here, huh ?
The fact that you would even use the word naive, and then spout off all this nonsense and false info is pretty damn funny.
I was pretty mad and insulted about your racist black sororities comment at first, but then I started feeling like this guy is clueless.
Jessica from G St.
Sorry for the repeated postings guys. I kept getting a Google error message.
Jessica from G St.
You mean like Ethiopic, Taste of Jamaica, Liberty Tree, Atlas Room, Granville Moores, Cap City Diner, etc?
Are you for real?
Taste of Jamaica does mostly carry-out business. The Diner is buried on Bladensburg. Atlas Room is brand new. And I would say Granville Moore's modus operandi emphasizes beer just slightly more than food.
Oh man, I'm officially back to reading and posting comments. This is too funny!
Now, I really do hope Smith turns out to be a club. The AKAs threw some great parties at Howard back in he day.
Comfy chairs and dancing! Oh noes! There goes the neighborhood. Sell your houses now while you can folks. Before you know it zombies will be doing the Dougie up and down H st.
Ro said: Before you know it zombies will be doing the Dougie up and down H st.
Can you teach me how to Dougie?
It's starts with dancing, but pretty soon you'll be seeing tractors playing chicken with the X2 on H.
I was going to post a cheeky comment or two, but as I scrolled down, I realized what's going on here is really not funny at all. I'm not a minority, but after reading these comments, I feel a few of them fall somewhere between inappropriate and shameful. I own several businesses in Atlas and I feel "Heavy skepticism", as you call it, rooted solely in this guy's past business relationships with black people and "two black sororities" is poorly hidden racism. I don't know what businesses anyone on H Street partook in before their H Street endeavors, and I don't know that anyone is going around investigating. What better way for "these jokers", or anyone, to become a "serious restaurateur" than by opening a restaurant??? I would like to open one myself soon so please post a list of the following 1) which races are allowed to invest in H street (I'm white, but I'll still keep my fingers crossed) 2) what the menu and decor should be to gain your approval 3) bring it all home for us by listing what viable restaurant you know of that is "serving food first, alcohol second" - every time I sit down at any dining establishment, the first thing I'm asked is what I want to drink. I'm assuming alcohol is the key to profitability in most establishments. I think Frank lashed out at you because you lashed out at his race, because you were never really "critical" of Smith. Critical people get all the information they can. You haven't mentioned meeting with ownership, and none of us have had much more than that kick ass burger from the festival. By posting crap like this you make us look worse than you are trying to make them look. I would wish them great success, but in this case I'll just wish them a chance to get open in this now hostile environment you've created. I'll remain anonymous since my businesses accept visa, mastercard, and even the racist's dollar. Thanks neighbor.
@10:18
I was going to post a cheeky comment or two, but as I scrolled down, I realized what's going on here is really not funny at all. I'm not a minority, but after reading these comments, I feel a few of them fall somewhere between inappropriate and shameful.
Racist trolls will always troll. You give them too much credit by implying that they hold anything like a majority opinion.
Going back through the comments, it looks like there was exactly one negative comment @2:20, and a stream of snark and repudiation.
Everyone likes to get to feel like they're the defender of all that's good and decent, but let's not get too carried away.
I like to defend everything that's cheap and trashy.
Anonymous Tony T.
the pug
(my only real concern is they'll be too fancy for the stick ball league).
h street needs:
wood-burned pizza a la pizzeria paradiso or coppis
a gourmet burger joint
a kebab place a la moby dick or house of kebab
southeast asian food
indian food
seafood sans fried "lake trout"
h street doesnt need any more:
new american
lounges
bars with food
chinese food
h street needs most:
kobe beef hotdogs
more raccoons
H St. really needs a dance-off. Someone sweep the chicken bones out the way and let's do this.
What the hell is a gourmet burger? What h street needs is for you to open one of those joints.
Wouldn't you just throw a sheet of linoleum on top of the bones?
Also, you need a special permit for dancing. Maybe the southeast asian kobe hot dog joint can get a dance permit from abra.
tonyt
the pug
On the Hot Dog tip,
We need Toki Underground to open and start churning out those Pho Dogs from the H Street Festival--anyone (Tony?) know what the timing might be on that place??
What the hell is a gourmet burger?
tonyt are u for real
Gourmet burger? There's only so many ways to reinvent the wheel i guess. Don't worry, it wasn't a racial attack or anything. I suppose running the pug has left me insensitve to people's gourmet needs. Personally, i need a twenty dollar burger like i need a twenty dollar whisky.
Tonyt
the pug.
That reminds me, I've been meaning to raise the issue of gourmet cheese balls with you.
Here some pics from Urban Daddy ... looks thuggarific!!
pics
--cb
WOW--ljust ook how far these guys will go just to sneak their thug-club in under our noses!! All that nice furniture, the expensive build-out, the great looking sitting area near those wonderful exposed brick fireplaces, the ample tables and seating--jeez, some people will stop at NOTHING to trick us!
Shoot, next thing you know, the food will be great, the beer selection will be top notch and I'll end up going there and having a great time.
Man....I'm gonna be SOOO blind sided...
hmm, looks like the perfect place for a post-Tweed Ride celebration/ and the nicest place to open on H St. so far. i wonder why people would be against this place.
Well ro, i hate to break it to you, but things aren't always as they seem. I know o'bama was elected and everything but really, you have to realize, nobody wants the irish around. First they get comfy seats and a plush, non steerage environment, then comes the gourmet burger. All of a sudden though, the food' good, but it's a little steep for h street, the menu dumbs down a little, and bang they're playing the pogues to a bar full of o'possums. Ro, you don't want to admit it but the threat is real.
no more irish on h.
Tonyt
the pug.
i'll pour out little Jameson on the curb for all my Irish homies lost in the struggle
I concur,
You need more cheese puff options to match your PBR cans, Tony. Maybe Organic White Cheddar?
Just sayin
Eh Jameson, that be Protestant whiskey
those fireplaces would be great places to roast raccoons
Parker, you're gonna ruin it for everybody. Don't let anyone know that whole catholic/protestant whisky thing is made up. Ro, i'm not sure if you've heard or not, i'm always ready to poor a wee shot for those in the struggle. Come by sometime, and we can pick a struggle to lament with some whisky.
Tony
thepug
i look forward to it
I was in the H st area...and actually got to take a look inside this place (workers doing construction were kind enough to let me in).
The place is HUGE for a H St establishment, but most of the room is taken up with tables and chairs which will make it more geared toward a restaurant. I asked specifically "is this a club or restaurant" and about 4 men quickly responded with "RESTAURANT!" lol.
H St has not seen anything like this yet when it comes to creativity and design inside. I wanted to steal some of the furniture and run out! lol
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