“4 New Bib Gourmands Make 2022 MICHELIN Guide Washington DC” including Two from Petworth!!

photo courtesy Honeymoon Chicken

From The MICHELIN Guide:

“The MICHELIN Guide has chosen 36 restaurants in Washington deserving of the Bib Gourmand distinction, including four new additions. This announcement precedes the MICHELIN Guide Washington DC Star Revelation event on Wednesday, May 4.

Bib Gourmand restaurants offer a full menu of a starter, main course and dessert, making it possible to order two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for around $40 or less (tax and gratuity not included).

Here’s the list of new Bib Gourmands, with inspector notes from each restaurant (inspectors’ comments in full on the MICHELIN Guide website and mobile app):

Daru (Indian cuisine)
Rasika vets Dante Datta and Chef Suresh Sundas are behind this much-anticipated Indian operation. The corner space, flaunting a windowed façade and white-ringed Sanskrit logo, is an instant attention-grabber. Weather permitting, a large sidewalk increases the dining capacity. Inside, at the bar-counter set abuzz with vibrant tunes, the kitchen team takes classic Indian cuisine in a novel direction.

Dauphine’s (Creole cuisine)
The old adage “Never judge a book by its cover” couldn’t be more apt for this operation, which seems a most unlikely candidate for “serious food.” It’s vast and spread over three levels, but when you’re seated in that perfect nook full of pretty people and tantalizing cocktails you’ll start to get the drift. There is no denying Chef Kristen Essig’s immense skill, as she prepares a delicious tapestry of New Orleans dishes — with zero fuss and maximum flavor.

Honeymoon Chicken (American cuisine)
Chef Rob Sonderman of the Federalist Pig has expanded to chicken — well, an updated version of fried chicken to be precise. This Petworth perch resembles a modern diner with old-school vibes. Yellow-upholstered booths in alcoves are a haven of privacy, while the ubiquitous counter is best for solo guests. The menu, not unlike the concept, is focused. Guests can build their own bucket (or combo) and sandwich.

Menya Hosaki (Japanese cuisine)
Once a pop-up and now a full-fledged brick-and-mortar establishment, this young’un is making waves in the city’s ramen scene. The kitchen runs the length of this sleek, narrow space in Petworth; and the young chefs running it move about with the deftness of a team many years older. They are as focused as the menu, which is all ramen except for the karaage served with yuzu mayo. Carefully composed bowls feature thin, chewy, house-made noodles accompanied by delicate broths with nuance and depth.

“We’re thrilled to announce these new Bib Gourmand restaurants,” said Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the MICHELIN Guides. “Washington, D.C., rarely disappoints the MICHELIN Guide inspectors, and this 2022 selection lived up to those lofty standards.”

The full list of Bib Gourmands will be available at the time of the Star Revelation event on May 4.”