New Kitchens on the Block (NKOTB) 5: A Knock Out

Remember the days when you would have to wait for a restaurant to open before you could actually taste the food? Yeah, that’s no longer a thing in DC, thanks to Al Goldberg and Nevin Martell, founders of New Kitchens on the Block (NKOTB).

The duo launched the popular event at Mess Hall in 2016 to give attendees sneak peeks of upcoming restaurants. The event took off and last Sunday marked the fifth edition.

The public had an opportunity to preview 12 new concepts, sample representative dishes, and meet face-to-face with the chefs. While it may be months or sometimes longer before the doors open, appetites are whet for what’s to come.

NKOTB 5 was notable for its proliferation of well-established and highly regarded DC chefs.  The line-up attracted a sell-out crowd. Some are extending current concepts, while others are going in an entirely new direction.

New Kitchens on the Block
the fun-loving chefs and organizers of NKOTB 5
Photo by Deb Lindsey

Says Martell: “Every edition of New Kitchens on The Block, we try to push ourselves to procure the hottest upcoming restaurants, offer the most exciting food and drinks possible, create an environment that’s a ton of fun for the guests and the chefs, and outdo ourselves in general. This was our biggest event yet on several levels. It was the first time we had 12 concepts. We used more of Mess Hall to stage the event. We created a lineup featuring the most high-profile chefs ever. Al went above and beyond to acquire specialty equipment for the chefs so they could execute their vision for their restaurant.”

My anticipation for NKOTB 5 was high. I debated my approach and asked the Twitterverse whether I should eat breakfast before attending the noon session or save room.  Opinions were mixed. I decided to eat a light breakfast so I wouldn’t knock over other guests with a hangry entrance.

It was a solid decision that enabled me to sample every one of the masterful dishes. Here’s what you can look forward to as bright additions to the already dazzling DC restaurant scene.

Bar Jônt – Ryan Ratino (Bresca). Ratino was awarded a Michelin Star for Bresca and was named “Rising Culinary Star” at the 2017 RAMMY Award’s. He will add an indulgent tasting menu experience for 18 guests on the second floor of Bresca called Jônt, with the accompanying Bar Jônt, a 35-seat lounge with bites and cocktails.

NKOTB Dish:  In addition to cocktails, including one spruced up with foie gras foam, Ratino served rinds dusted with ranch powder and a dollop of caviar.

Location: 1906 14th St NW; Anticipated Opening:  Late Spring 2019

New Kitchens on the Block, Bar Jônt, Ryan Ratino
Ryan Ratino, Bar Jônt 
Photo by Deb Lindsey

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Cracked – Mike Tabb, Ross Brickelmaier, Alex Buc, and AJ Zarinsky. This foursome may be new to most of us, but they made quite an impression with their sandwich “The Mayor.” They plan to open Cracked as a 24-hour breakfast sandwich shop.  They’ve been conducting taste tests with a variety of private and now public audiences and will be ready to roll soon. They plan to partner with Compass Coffee.

NKOTB Dish: “The Mayor” featuring sweet and spicy candied bacon (!!!), salt and pepper scrambled eggs, and a blend of cheddar and American cheese served on a buttered brioche bun.

Location:  TBD; Anticipated Opening:  TBD

New Kitchens on the Block, Cracked sandwich, The Mayor

Cracked sandwich, The Mayor
Photo by Deb Lindsey

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Dauphine’s -Chef Kyle Bailey (The Salt Line).  Bailey is a 2019 RAMMY nominee for Chef of the Year.  New Orleans inspired his upcoming restaurant, which will open in Midtown Center.

NKOTB Dish: Oyster shooters with Green Hat gin and gumbo with smoked andouille, shrimp, crab, and oysters.

Location: Midtown Center, DC; Anticipated Opening:  Fall 2019

New Kitchens on the Block, Dauphine's gumbo and fried boudin
Dauphine’s gumbo and fried boudin
Photo by Deb Lindsey

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Emilie’s – Kevin Tien (Himitsu). Named “Best New Chef” by Food & Wine Magazine in 2018, Tien will focus on international cuisine when he opens his new restaurant on Capitol Hill.  An open kitchen will be center stage. Look for roving carts with oysters and seasonal small plates.

NKOTB Dish: 62° egg dressed up with truffle, potato foam, caviar, and parmesan tulle. A sumptuous dish.

Location: Capitol Hill, DC; Anticipated Opening: Late Spring 2019

New Kitchens on the Block, Kevin Tien
Kevin Tien
Photo by Deb Lindsey

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Hatoba– Katsuya Fukushima (Bantam King, Daikaya, Haikan). The highly-regarded Chef Fukushima and his crew toiled on a high-powered wok range brought in for the event to showcase his upcoming Sapporo style ramen shop. Plus, there was a blow torch.

NKOTB Dish: Akamiso Gyokai (spicy red miso seafood ramen) with pork.
Get excited.  This bowl was a stunner.

Location: Navy Yard; Anticipated Opening: Late Spring 2019

New Kitchens on the Block, Katsuya Fukushima
Katsuya Fukushima
Photo by Deb Lindsey
New Kitchens on the Block, Sapporo ramen noodles

Sapporo ramen noodles
Photo by Deb Lindsey

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Philotimo– Nicholas Stefanelli (Masseria, Officina). This Michelin-starred chef will open a Greek restaurant at the Midtown Center, a 14-story mixed use complex that’s now under construction.

NKOTB Dish – A spring awakening of Cretan cuttlefish with fennel and peas.

Location: Midtown Center; Anticipated Opening: Fall 2019

New Kitchens on the Block, Nicholas Stefanelli with Cretan cuttlefish

Nicholas Stefanelli with Cretan cuttlefish
Photo by Deb Lindsey

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Piccolina – Amy Brandwein (Centrolina).  Chef Brandwein is a finalist this year for James Beard Best Chef Mid-Atlantic and won a RAMMY Award for “Chef of the Year” in 2018.  Her new restaurant will be in CityCenter DC, directly across from Centrolina.  Look for wood-fired everything at this all-day café.  Her market will also move from Centrolina to the new space. 

NKOTB Dish – Two varieties of Sicilian scacce (stuffed dough) made in a wood-fired oven brought in for the event by Mess Hall founder Al Goldberg. One was filled with tomato, cheese, sausage, and greens and the other was a combination of lamb sausage and broccoli raab. Check out @piccolinadc on Instagram for food photos.

Location:  CityCenter, DC; Anticipated Opening:  Summer 2019

New Kitchens on the Block, Amy Brandwein
Amy Brandwein

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Prima– Michael Schlow and Ed Scarpone (Alta Strada, Casolare, Nama, The Riggsby, Tico, and more) Michael Schlow won a James Beard Award for Best Chef, Northeast in 2000.  His expanding restaurant empire will now include a fast-casual Italian restaurant in Bethesda Row featuring customizable bowls and a gluten-free menu. I’m fired up about this group’s expansion into Montgomery County.

NKOTB Dish- Dragged Through the Garden, a combo of peas, cauliflower, pickled onions, and quinoa.

Location:  Bethesda Row, Bethesda, MD; Anticipated Opening:  TBD 2019

New Kitchens on the Block, Prima, Dragged Though the Garden
Prima, Dragged Though the Garden
Photo by Deb Lindsey

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Oyster, Oyster– Rob Rubba. The former Hazel chef led the restaurant to its RAMMY Award win for Best New Restaurant of the Year in 2017. Oyster, Oyster will be a plant-based restaurant which will make an exception for bivalves. (Some vegans and vegetarians eat them because they play a vital role in the ecosystem and don’t feel pain.) I attended an Oyster, Oyster pop-up and eagerly await this restaurant’s debut.

NKOTB Dish– Toasted spelt cracker with spring peas, sprouts and herb salad, and smoked oyster

Location:  Shaw, DC; Anticipated Opening:  July 2019

New Kitchens on the Block, Oyster, Oyster: toasted spelt cracker with spring peas and smoked oyster
Oyster, Oyster: toasted spelt cracker with spring peas and smoked oyster

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Daru Dante Datta (Ellē) and Suresh Sundas (Rasika West End).  This duo is partnering on Daru, a cocktail bar with Indian-influenced drinks and snacks.

NKOTB Dish: Avocado Sev Puri, a Guacamole-like blend of tomatoes, avocado. onion, chilis, yogurt and Indian spices served on a crisp puri chip.  Kalighat Punch showcased the upcoming cocktail menu created by Datta, who is currently the bar manager at Ellē.

Location:  H Street, DC; Anticipated Opening:  Late 2019

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Sloppy Mama’s Barbecue– Joe Neuman.  From a food truck to a stall inside Union Market, this barbecue purveyor with the motto of #porkforall will open his first restaurant in Arlington.

NKOTB Dish: Cheese & Crackers. Smoked pork and pimento cheese served on a happy cracker.

Location:  Arlington, VA; Anticipated Opening: Late Spring 2019

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Dos Mamis – Carlie Steiner, Anna Bran-Leis.  According to Bon Appetit, Carlie Steiner Is “Making the World More Fun to Drink In.”  I concur.  Steiner and Bran-Leis who owns Taqueria Del Barrio will open Dos Mamis, across the street from Himitsu.  Dos Mamis debuted two cocktails Buenas Ondas with local vodka, Rose, strawberry and ginger and Mint Jewel Up with locally made bourbon, powdered sugar and mint

Location:  Petworth, DC; Anticipated Opening:  Late Spring 2019

New Kitchens on the Block, Carlie Steiner, Anna Bran-Leis

Carlie Steiner, Anna Bran-Leis


Related Posts on New Kitchens on the Block

The Hits Keep on Coming at New Kitchens on the Block Event (11/17)

New Kitchens on the Block 2.0: A Jump Start on What’s Next in DC Dining (3/17)

Mess Hall Produces a Pop-Up Sensation with NKOTB (8/2016)

Ramen World 4 at Mess Hall: How Did I Manage to Miss 1, 2, and 3?

As a restaurant obsessive living in the DC area, I relish the fact that in any given month there is an abundance of food events where I can explore the offerings of local chefs and restaurants all under one roof.  More often than not, these gatherings are fundraisers, so I can stuff myself silly and […]

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