Chef Frederik de Pue, owner of 42° Catering, will open the doors of his first restaurant early this November, on or about Friday, November 3. Located at 903 N Street NW in the burgeoning Shaw/Logan Circle neighborhood, near Bladgen Alley and the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Table (French pronunciation; Tahb-luh) will draw on classic European sensibilities to create a comfortable neighborhood dining experience.
“Much of the vision for Table comes from my experience growing up in Belgium and working in some of the most important kitchens throughout Europe,” explained Chef de Pue. “Everything is coming together just as I had hoped, from the menu and kitchen, to the space and location. I am truly delighted to open my first restaurant in the heart of Washington, D.C. and to share my approach to cooking and eating with clients, friends, and guests from all over.”
The dining philosophy behind the concept embodies a return to an old world, small-scale dining experience that emphasizes honest, delicious food with interesting, limited offerings and standards inspired by classic cooking. Table’s small menu will offer a selection of approachable yet innovative dishes, with a mix of standards and daily entrée specials, accompanied by appetizer, salad, main dish and dessert categories. Entrées may include frogs’ legs, rabbit, octopus, scallops, handmade pastas, and other interesting and infrequently seen restaurant menu items, and will change to reflect product availability, Chef de Pue’s palate and guest feedback. Handwritten menus will change to reflect fresh produce and quality meats available from local and regional purveyors.
The restaurant will serve dinner in the initial opening phase, expanding its offerings to breakfast, lunch, and weekend brunch at the start of February 2013. Breakfast/brunch and lunch menus will feature cheese and charcuterie plates, house-baked goods, egg dishes, and fresh juices. The bar will offercraft beer and about 20 wines by the glass, including a small selection of champagnes.
Originally an auto repair space, the restaurant building has been simply restored with a contemporary feel to retain the casual urban feel of the Shaw/Logan Circle neighborhood. De Pue has designed the 75-seatspace to include a modern, minimalist kitchen and clean-lined tables. A changing seasonal color palette will be reflected in the menus, staff aprons, artwork, and window décor, and a storefront patio and rooftop deck will provide seasonal outdoor seating.
