One of the DMV’s most celebrated-and busiest-chefs is helping DC kick off the new year in style. James Beard semifinalist Elias Taddesse is bringing distinctive fusion cuisine to the Bridge District when he opens Mélange, a restaurant that specializes in Ethiopian-French fusion fare, reports the Washington Business Journal.
Mélange will be bringing its unique cuisine to 632 Howard Road SE. The restaurant will span 3,200 square feet, allowing Chef Taddesse plenty of space to craft his fare, including the concept’s intended specialty-burgers. It is not yet clear when, precisely, diners will be able to stop into Mélange for a bite, however it is eying an early 2026 opening.
Taddesse has had a busy year; earlier this year he launched three restaurants-Doro Soul Food, Moya Ethiopian Mexican Cuisine and a miniature version of Mélange.
Mélange has been a pet project of Taddesse for quite some time. The chef opened the concept’s first iteration in 2020, however could not fully realize his vision for the restaurant owing to pandemic complications. The new space will allow him to bring his full plans for Mélange to fruition, including elevated dishes and freshly baked bread.
