Soon-to-open Capitol Hill restaurant is chef’s new passion
Chef Kevin Tien is leaving Himitsu for a new passion, Emilie’s. His much-anticipated, new, Washington, D.C. restaurant is now slated for a September opening. The 100-seat Capitol Hill eatery’s menu features seasonally-inspired family-style dinners, as well as small plates that are rolled out on carts, Dim-Sum style. Diners will be drawn to the historic Capitol Hill location, now the site of brand new, luxury residences.
Tien is entrusting the award-winning Himitsu to the current co-owner, Carlie Steiner, in addition to incoming executive chef, Amanda Moll. She previously worked as executive sous chef at Doi Moi. Tien’s last dinner service at Himitsu will take place September 15.
Said Tien, “While this was a very difficult decision to make, I’m looking forward to writing the next chapter and sharing my passion with the community on a larger scale and (in) a different service style.”
The dim-sum style carts will “facilitate Tien’s mission of promoting and supporting the local community of producers, farmers, and ranchers,” said the restaurant’s announcement. A service style with a variety of dishes allows the kitchen to experiment while bringing out the best of team Emilie’s creativity and flair.
The 5,175 square-foot restaurant will be located at 1101 Pennsylvania Avenue Southeast, the site of the redeveloped Frager’s Hardware. As a result, the setting of this opening of Emilie’s, at the Penn Eleven luxury residences, is both upscale and historic.
Tien’s youth belies his extensive experience as a chef, having cooked under chefs Aaron Silverman, at Pineapple and Pearl, David Chang, at Momofuku CCDC, and Jose Andres, at Oyamel. As a recipient of the Rising Star Chef of the Year in 2017 and 2018, and a Food and Wine Best New Chef of 2018, he’s just getting started. In March, Tien opened Hot Lola’s, a fast-casual restaurant featuring spicy chicken in Ballston Quarter Market.
The opening of Emilie’s in the Capitol Hill neighborhood marks a new chapter for the chef and a new eatery foodies must certainly try this fall.
Emilie’s, 1101 Pennsylvania Avenue Southeast, Washington, D.C. 20003
Photo credit: Himitsu
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