Newton’s Noodles Now Open Downtown

1129 20th Street, NW

In the beginning of the week we learned that Newton’s Noodles hoped to open this week pending DCRA approval. They got it. From a press release:

“Chorks and fuzu have officially arrived in Dupont: Newton’s Noodles, the new fast-casual concept from award-winning Executive Chef Dennis Friedman, opens today at 11 a.m. The restaurant revolves around Friedman’s signature fuzu, a customizable noodle dish that gained popularity at the chef’s acclaimed Bethesda restaurant, Newton’s Table.

Friedman created his signature fuzu (shrimp, scallops, chicken, egg, carrots, snowpeas, onions, bean sprouts, scallions, crispy shallots and black sesame) on his first day as an executive chef and later brought it to Newton’s Table, where it gained a formidable critical and popular following. The dish serves as the foundation of the Newton’s Noodles menu: guests can order the original or customize with their choice of noodle, protein, sauce and vegetables. And, all varieties of the made-to-order fuzu will be prepared using all-natural, locally-sourced ingredients prepared at a speedy clip. Friedman has perfected the dish throughout his tenure at both restaurants, a taste he describes as “the perfect mix of salty and sweet, with a touch of heat.”

The fuzu flavor profile translates to noodle-free offerings as well, including seared ahi tuna bites, duck confit spring rolls, kapow chicken, beef wontons and desserts such as Pattycake, Friedman’s wife Patty’s signature rum cake. Newton’s Noodles will also premiere the chork – a fork that splits into chopsticks – at both locations.

Handcrafted, Fair Trade Certified sodas from Maine Root will flow on tap at the eatery. Newton’s Noodles will also feature Doctor Dread’s Famous Jamaican Jerk Kettle Chips. The all-natural, preservative-free snack was developed by Gary Himelfarb, a close personal friend of Friedman.

The Dupont eatery will feature an expansive 70-seat interior as well as a 40-seat patio, both of which incorporate modern, sustainable design elements. All-natural materials like wormy maple wood and recycled leather constitute the walls and furnishings, and dozens of single lightbulbs and wooden clouds hang from exposed ducting the open-air ceilings. The layout allows small and large parties to move easily throughout, and high-tech touches like digital menu boards streamline the ordering process.”