Exciting new culinary adventures sometimes occur in unexpected places. This has seldom been more vividly illustrated than by Knead Hospitality + Design’s next project-a Pan-European café and bistro called Café Monet located in the McLean Project of the Arts (MPA) Berlage Arts & Education Center. The brand new concept is set to begin welcoming guests later this month.
The cafe will be bringing its “seasonally driven menu, rooted in the French bistro tradition, with broad Mediterranean influences” to a 6,100 square foot space at the center of 6910 Fleetwood Road. A press release provided to What Now DC explains that while Café Monet will function as a stand-alone concept it is also: “the connective thread between every experience the Center offers — the place where a ceramics student settles in after class, where a gallery visitor lingers over a glass of wine, where a neighbor arrives for dinner and leaves having discovered something unexpected on the walls.”
The eatery will have 54 seats inside with another 50 exterior seats available seasonally. Café Monet will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 8 am to 9 pm.
Visitors to Cafe Monet will be able to enjoy their meals knowing that they are satisfying their hunger and helping support the arts: “Revenue from the café directly supports MPA’s nonprofit programming, funding exhibitions, education initiatives, and community outreach.”
Cafe Monet’s menu-described as a Pan-European “rooted in the French bistro tradition”-will be overseen by Executive Chef Mario Pineda. The press release offers a sampling of what’s in store, certain to make area stomachs rumble in anticipation, “beginning with lemon ricotta pancake and croissant sandwiches, then easing into lunch with shareable plates like jamón ibérico croquettes and seasonal mezze. All-day favorites include French Onion Soup Gratinée, tuna crudo, and a traditional Jambon Beurre, while evening brings comforting bistro classics such as steak frites, roasted branzino, and Beef Bourguignon.”
Visitors will be able to slake their thirst with a drink program overseen by Beverage Director Darlin Kulla. Cafe Monet will have a dedicated spritz menu, signature cocktails, an impressive wine list, and plenty of spirit-free options available.
DMV diners won’t have to wait much longer to enjoy Cafe Monet’s delicious fare and evocative atmosphere; the concept is set to open its doors on May 6.
