Restaurateur David Guas, the owner of Bayou Bakery in Arlington, plans to bring a new restaurant concept called Neutral Ground Bar + Kitchen to McLean in early 2024.
Guas, a New Orleanian chef, told the Washingtonian that his decision to open Neutral Ground comes after his McLean neighbors expressed their interest in seeing a new concept that is different from the existing dining areas in downtown McLean.
“You have all these people that are well-traveled, well-educated wanting something different and more sophisticated — but at the same time, just an uncomplicated, unpretentious, neighborhood spot,” he said.
“Neutral Ground” is a term that refers to the grassy ground along Canal Street in New Orleans that was deemed a common zone between neighborhoods that experienced tensions following the Louisiana Purchase of 1803.
The tensions between French Creoles and Anglo newcomers divided the city, but that green space along Canal Street was the common ground where both groups could trade and engage with each other. The term “neutral ground” then came to glorify that common zone that later became part of New Orleans’ culture and history.
However, Guas’ new restaurant will not feature a New Orleanian theme like Bayou Bakery, but it will be centered around seasonal American cuisine with wood-fired cooking.
Dishes will include double-cut pork chop, fire-roasted oysters with garlic butter and parm, smashburgers, and anchovy pasta. The drink menu will feature old and new wines, frozen cocktails, draft beers, and non-alcoholic beverages.
What Now DC reached out to David Guas by phone for comment and additional information.
