The French-Mediterranean concept from the founders of fast-casual CAVA and Cava Mezze should be opening by September at Pike and Rose. Ted Xenohristos, Ike Grigoropoulos, and Dimitri Moshovitis—the same three innovators who founded the CAVA and Cava Mezze concepts—are launching Julii. Their new project, Julii, is a sit-down restaurant and the CAVA founders have hired Sasha Felikson of Doi Moi fame as executive chef, according to Bethesda Magazine.
Sasha Felikson was interviewed last year by Eatery Pulse News (DC) when he was in contention for the 2017 RAMMY Award for Rising Culinary Star. He has worked at Bim Bam Boo out in Boulder, Colo. His work includes stints at Kapnos, Graffiato and Yona, three Mike Isabella Concepts. Additionally, Felikson worked at former D.C. upscale restaurants City Zen at the Mandarin Hotel, Rogue 24 and Table in the Shaw.
Felikson helped open MBK and also worked with chef-restaurateurs Johnny Spero and José Andrés at Minibar.
During Felikson’s tenure at Doi Moi, the restaurant was added to the prestigious Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand list. Expect great things from him as Felikson’s career seems to be heating up and gaining momentum in the Washington, D.C. area. His anticipated Julii debut is sure to add excitement to the Pike and Rose opening.
View the interview abstract here, or to read the full Sasha Felikson story, navigate to Eatery Pulse Streem.
Photo credit: Eatery Pulse Media (featured photo); Julep Productions (inline)