Acclaimed chef Elias Taddesse is having quite the 2025. The award-winning chef has several concepts in the works, one of the most notable being the opening of a new location of Mélange, which is showing signs of life at its upcoming Shaw location, reports local media outlet PoPville.
The restaurant has placed its liquor license placard in the window of its new 2108 8th Street, NW home-to-be. The 1,800 square foot space previously housed Roy Boys and-according to paperwork filed with the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration-will be able to accommodate up to 80 guests, with interior seating for up to 62 visitors.
Mélange does not have an official opening date yet, however Tadesse intends to be prepared for guests in the next one-to-two months.
Tadesse launched the earliest incarnation of Mélange in September of 2020. COVID complicated the restaurant’s success and Tadesse unfortunately had to shutter the operation in 2023. He is, however, extremely enthusiastic about pursuing the concept under better circumstances. He tells the Washington Business Journal “When everybody was closing is when we opened, so now, this will give me the full potential to really express myself. We’ve had a lot of challenges before, but there’s going to be no excuses now.”
Described as a “ dining concept that blends contemporary French cuisine techniques with American and traditional Ethiopian flavor”, Mélange’s return is certain to be welcomed with open arms and hungry stomachs by DC foodies.
