Restaurants

“Chef José Andrés and ThinkFoodGroup announced they will temporarily close all of their restaurants in the Washington, D.C. and repurpose most of them as “community kitchens”

By Prince Of Petworth

From a press release:

“In response to the increasing risk of the COVID-19 coronavirus and to help encourage social distancing to stop its spread, Chef José Andrés and ThinkFoodGroup announced they will temporarily close all of their restaurants in the Washington, D.C., area and New York City as of today, March 15, and repurpose most of them as “community kitchens” with affordable plates of the day available for takeout purchase.

Said TFG Co-Founder Jose Andres, “We are in a serious global emergency and people need to take every precaution, including staying home as much as possible.  However, we also want to help provide food for those who want it in a safe manner, so we feel these community kitchens can help during this challenging time.  And those who cannot afford to pay we will welcome as well.”

The community kitchens will operate out of the restaurants’ side doors with a limited number of volunteers from 12 – 5 pm daily beginning Tuesday, March 17, offering only takeout service.  All restaurant employees will be provided with paid leave and current health benefits for at least the first two weeks.

Washington DC Metropolitan Area

  • America Eats Tavern, Georgetown: A community kitchen will operate from the front door.
  • China Chilcano, Penn Quarter: Due to the lack of outdoor space at the restaurant, acommunity kitchen will not be available.
  • Jaleo, Bethesda: A community kitchen will operate from the side door.
  • Jaleo, Crystal City: A community kitchen will operate from the patio space.
  • Jaleo, Penn Quarter: A community kitchen will operate from the side door.
  • minibar and barmini, Penn Quarter: The restaurant and bar both closed following the end of service on March 14. A community kitchen will not be available. Guests with existing reservations will be contacted to rebook, and deposits will be refunded.
  • Oyamel, Penn Quarter: A community kitchen will operate from the side door.
  • Zaytinya, Penn Quarter: A community kitchen will operate from the side door.

Additionally, starting today, March 15, the D.C.-area fast-casual Beefsteak  will offer delivery only at its Dupont Circle and George Washington University locations, available via its website.”