Annabelle, opening in former Restaurant Nora Space next Friday – Have a look inside and at the menus

2132 Florida Ave., NW

“Dear PoPville, any word on the opening of Annabelle? The space has been under construction for months, but it looks like they’re finishing up now.”

I was lucky enough to take a preview tour yesterday and oh my goodness we are in for a treat (lots more photos below.) Here are the menus:

Dinner Menu

annabelle_barmenu

Annabelle_Dessert

Annabelle_TastingMenu

New Wine List

From a press release:

“Award-winning restauranteur Ashok Bajaj is pleased to announce Knightsbridge Restaurant Group’s new fine dining concept Annabelle, located at 2132 Florida Ave., NW Washington, D.C. 20008. On January 17, 2020, Annabelle, the 95-seat, fully renovated legendary space will open for dinner. Located in the heart of the Kalorama neighborhood, Annabelle was designed by James Beard Foundation’s award-nominated restaurant designer Martin Vahtra of Projects Design Associates of New York. It is made up of three different historic buildings. The perfect balance of old and new, each room sports patterns on patterns, with artwork from Cara Tomlinson, the restaurant interior is contemporary, with a hint of mid-century modern vibe.

Bajaj tapped Frank Ruta as executive chef for his newcomer Annabelle. Ruta’s distinguished career spans over three decades and includes eleven years as executive sous chef at the White House, serving under three presidents and as owner/chef of the award-winning Palena. Prior to joining Annabelle, Ruta served as executive chef at the notable Mirabelle in Washington, D.C.

Annabelle’s menu showcases fresh and flavorful, locally-inspired cuisine.

The menu tells the story of the local growers and producers and features the best quality products from around the world. Guests can anticipate snacks, appetizers, seafood, and meats which will be aged in Annabelle’s cellar, in addition to main plates and seasonal sides. Menu items are priced from $9 to $110. A sampling of Executive Chef Frank Ruta’s opening menu will include dishes such as Ossetra Caviar with caramelized onion blini, dauphine and melba; Coffee and Cardamom Cured Fluke with eggplant purée, picked eggplant and puffed rice; Consommé Célestine with pheasant royale, crepe, truffle and tapioca pearls; Sheep’s Milk Ricotta Ravioli with spinach coulis, demi-sec piennolo tomato; Hand Cut Whole Wheat Pasta with confit duck, turnip and truffle; Snake River Farms American Wagyu Beef, aged in the Annabelle cellar and served with bearnaise and daily market harvest vegetables; Gilson Martin Ranch Lamb with celery leaf oil and red pepper gastrique, as well as Maine Diver Scallops Meuniere Style with Chanterelle mushrooms, parsley purée, roasted Marconi peppers and yuzo kosho.

For libations, guest can look forward to a highly approachable wine list showcasing Old World and New World as well as Classic and Neo-Classic varietals from popular producing regions such as California, Oregon, France, Spain, Italy Germany and Austria. Over 150 wines are available with prices ranging from $50 to $300 per bottle. 15 wines are also available by the glass, with prices ranging from $12 to $20. The corkage fee is $35 per bottle with a two-bottle minimum. A rotating list of classic cocktails are also available and spotlight many local spirits, tonics and sodas. Gin, bourbon and rye spirits is the focus of this cocktail list.

Upon entering the restaurant, guests are welcomed by a glass-encased hostess stand and a 10-seat peninsula bar, reminiscent of an art deco club. Bar Barlow is surrounded by brass shelving which will house wine, liquor bottles and unique glassware, creating a sense of fullness. A bay window, situated off the entrance, has been transformed into a four-seat booth to complete the room. Bar Barlow will have a whimsical menu showcasing the Barlow-Burger, Chicken Pot Pie, and a “Good & Bad” Snack Plate of crudités, steak fries and onion rings. The full dinner menu can also be ordered while seated in Bar Barlow.

A porthole opening into the main dining room is finished in a rich, dark walnut trim. The Garden Room feels like an atrium offering glass ceilings and a large planter box suspended from the ceiling with cascading greens and ivy. Large walnut and glass doors can be closed to accommodate private events.

Annabelle offers three exclusive rooms for various private dining needs.  The Kalorama Room, located off the main dining room, can accommodate 24 seated, or 50 for a standing reception. The Garden Room will be available for more intimate gatherings of up to 16 guests seated. One can also book a table in the upstairs art gallery which will have works by featured local arts for sale. This Gallery Andrea room, with its baby grand piano, can accommodate up to 45 guests seated.

Annabelle is located at 2132 Florida Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 20008. Hours of operation are Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday, from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. The restaurant is closed on Mondays. Brunch will debut at a later date and will be served Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For reservations or additional information, please call (202) 916-5675 or visit www.annabelledc.com.”

More awesome photos:

While there is some great greenery in the main room (see above) I was obsessed with the little back room: