After 30 years, it finally happened…!
After 30 years, it finally happened…!
Last week, we opened The Bazaar in the Old Post Office Building.
Hola my friends!
It was almost thirty years ago when I came to Washington DC to become the chef at my first restaurant, Jaleo…and it was around that time that I discovered the Old Post Office Building, which was blocks away from the restaurant. It was one of those buildings that just stopped me in my tracks: such incredible architecture and a place with so much history! Two things you know I love. I knew that from day 1, I wanted to open a restaurant there.
The Old Post Office Building, with its beautiful clock tower, was built in the 1800s — can you imagine doing this sort of construction by hand, brick by brick? It first opened in 1899, and it served as DC’s General Post Office until 1914. It’s been through so much over its lifetime. In the 1920s it was nearly torn down during the construction of the surrounding Federal Triangle complex. Then in the 1970s, it was almost demolished again to make room for more buildings in the Federal Triangle area. It was renovated again in the 70s and 80s, and went through a few different hotel owners.
Last year it was bought by the Waldorf Astoria, one of the oldest names in American hotels…and at long last, we finally opened a restaurant, The Bazaar!! I am happy to say that we have made it through some bumps in the road and we finally opened last week! This, for me, is an American dream come true.
The Bazaar is a brand we created 15 years ago in Los Angeles. It is a celebration of the markets, mercados, souks, and bazaars that are the beating heart of a city…these are the places where people come together to celebrate community through food. You know what I’m saying…it’s Longer Tables, people!
Since then, we have opened another in Miami’s South Beach, and we are planning another in New York City. We also have Bazaars in Las Vegas and Chicago, and another to open later this year in downtown Los Angeles, near our new restaurants San Laurel and Agua Viva.
The Bazaar that opened in DC last week means so much to me! Not only the historic building, but creating a menu that focused on American food, a little bit like what we did with America Eats Tavern if you remember that one. We have a lot of dishes that reference US history, like the Beef Cheeks “Eisenhower Stew,” which is a tribute to President Eisenhower’s favorite dish. We also have a few very classic American dishes that were represented on our menu at America Eats: my version of a Waldorf Salad (naturally for the Waldorf Astoria!), a Crab Louie Cone, a "Philly Cheesesteak" Airbread, and a Norwegian Lobster "Newberg.” And of course we are using many of my favorite local ingredients like Maryland blue crab, Rappahannock oysters, and more from the beautiful Chesapeake Bay.
My friends, this is a restaurant that is between the Capitol and the White House, in a place that is full of history, located in the heart of my hometown, where I get to serve historic American dishes! It’s very exciting to me, and I can’t wait to welcome you and hear what you think!
In hospitality and meetings, I've wanted to see the inside of the Old Post Office for so long and could not morally do so. Now you're there and the hotel is other-owned and managed, we will go. The restaurant, alas, is booked solid and because I use a mobility device, I can only be on level one and near where I can park. I hope at some point to be able to get a reservation. It is a wonderful addition to our n'hood that is yours as well and for all that we are kvelling!
I love this--especially how you so graciously mentioned the hotel had "previous owners." For that comment alone, I am sending another check to World Kitchens. Sir, you do such good work. When do you sleep?