Downtown

1990 M Street, NW

The Washington Post reported yesterday:

“After more than two decades of serving Southern fare to Washington, Vidalia is closing its doors. Vidalia’s last day of service for lunch and dinner will be Dec. 15.

When Vidalia closes, he’ll be turning over the keys to Hamilton Johnson, his former chef de cuisine. Johnson will turn the space into Honeysuckle…Johnson said Honeysuckle will be an “American regional” spot, with some Southern accents. (expected to open in mid-January)”.

Vidalia’s website says:

“For over twenty years, Vidalia has garnered both local and national recognition with its modern American cooking delivered with impeccable southern hospitality. From its magnolia walls gracing the entrance to the contemporary wine bar and lounge, the restaurant exudes graciousness and exceptional flavors. James Beard Award Winning Chef, Jeffrey Buben describes Vidalia’s cuisine as regional American infused with a heaping serving of Southern influence. Diners’ favorites include the delicate Crab Cakes, the famous Shrimp and Grits, popular renditions of Veal Sweetbreads and the much anticipated seasonal Baked Vidalia Onion. Each presentation is a complexity of textures and tastes. Frequent menu changes indulge in the myriad of local seasonal market ingredients and regional products. Emphasis is put on pairing hand-crafted wines, beers and spirits to the spectacular cuisine. Enjoy the quintessential American dining experience with a southern accent.”

eatsa K Street (1627 K Street NW) is the brand’s first location in Washington, D.C. (Photo Credit: Joy Asico)

From a press release:

“On Tuesday, November 29, eatsa, an unprecedented, fully-automated faster food experience, will open the doors to its first Washington location at 1627 K Street NW. The new eatsa, in the heart of downtown D.C., will be the largest location in the country. Washingtonians can enjoy the brand’s signature, customizable, healthy and flavorful bowls — with quinoa at the core — at an unbeatable price point.

Interior photo of the K Street eatsa, which is the brand’s largest storefront in the country (Photo Credit: Joy Asico)

With all eatsa bowls starting at $6.95, the K Street location is primed to become the city’s most sought-after new lunch destination with a wide variety of globally-inspired, personalized options, such as the teriyaki Bento Bowl, with edamame, stir-fry quinoa and apple-cabbage slaw and the Burrito Bowl, with guacamole, asada portobello mushrooms and tortilla chips. eatsa will be open for breakfast as well, serving coffee, tea and small sides, including fresh fruit and yogurt parfaits.

eatsa guests can order their meals via a first-of-its-kind automated food pick-up system featuring a collection of glass door “cubbies” that display personalized graphics, and produce a customized meal within minutes. eatsa’s delicious, hearty bowls are great for quick breakfast, lunch and dinner options that provide a substantial amount of protein and are served in as quickly as 90 seconds. Guests can also skip the line by ordering through the eatsa mobile app.”