Executive Chef Bader Ali takes the culinary reigns of eatery, while refreshing menu, relaunching neighborhood-fave brunch
Gerrard Street Kitchen at The Darcy Hotel will reopen with new Executive Chef Bader Ali helming the globally-inspired eatery. The restaurant on the edge of Scott Circle, which originally debuted two years ago, draws inspiration from London’s eclectic West End and has featured a medley of international cuisines, including from Japan, Korea and India.
During a temporary closing, Gerrard Street Kitchen “restructured” its food & beverage program, as well as its culinary team, according to an announcement. Ali comes from the Naples, Fla. area, most recently serving as executive chef of the Naples Grande Resort. The three-decade restaurant industry veteran has worked at notable luxury properties, which include Revere Hotel Boston Common in Boston, Mass.; New York City’s New York Palace, and Cheeca Lodge & Spa in Islamorada, Fla.
Born in Lebanon, Ali was inspired to become a chef by the appreciation of his family for food and cooking. “His family was skilled in Mediterranean food with a special French twist,” noted The Darcy. And his culinary technique and direction draw heavily from French Mediterranean cuisine cooking style.
Ali will add new dishes to the menu at Gerrard Street Kitchen, including Salmon Bibimbap, New York Strip, Chicken Tagine, Burrata Salad and the Vegan entree, which is served in a signature tiffin, featuring Ali’s choice of seasonal vegetables.
Here are some sure-to-be-popular dishes landing on the menu:
- New York Strip – cognac sauce, Yukon Gold garlic and potato puree (shown above)
- Salmon Bibimbap – crispy rice, seasonal vegetables and gochujang
- Chicken Tagine – couscous, cured lemon, olives, harissa, and saffron broth
- Burrata Salad — heirloom tomato, watermelon, walnuts, and balsamic vinaigrette
- Vegan – chef’s choice of seasonal vegetables served in a tiffin
What’s more, Ali will return the popular brunch service at Gerrard Street Kitchen, headlined by an expansive weekend menu. A bottomless Bloody Mary and Mimosa bar are definite hits. Brunch service explores the flavors of Japan, India and South Asia with exquisite entrees such as Garam Masala Chicken, and Salmon Bibimbap.
“Gerrard Street Kitchen pays tribute to a variety of international cuisines where the multifaceted flavors of Japan, Morocco, and South Asia join together with British and Indian culinary fare,” says Ali. “Guests have the ability to journey around the globe with authentic tastings of street-style foods at various ports-of-call.”
[Related story: The Darcy Hotel opens Bader Ginsburg event space]
At the bar, check out the velvety DC Decadence – Chocolate City, which features Godiva chocolate liqueur, raspberry liqueur and espresso.
Gerrard Street Kitchen is open for dinner service Wednesday to Sunday, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m in the dining room and outdoor patio. with brunch served on both Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. There is also a lounge that is open during restaurant operating hours.
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