While DC area diners have had to say “adieu” to one beloved French concept, a potential “bonjour” is over the horizon, alongside a definitive upcoming “bienvenu” for a new Indian concept. Local rockstar restaurateur Ashok Bajaj has shuttered his restaurant, La Bise, but is actively pursuing locations for a new French eatery while opening Malabar early next year, reports the Washington Business Journal.
La Bise closed its doors at 800 Connecticut Avenue NW on December 20, despite earning critical raves. Bajaj explains: “There’s a lot of emotion, but I honestly know where I am, and the location has changed. I just had to make a big decision. I was not even able to open for lunch because there’s no lunch traffic. This is not going to change any time soon.”
The busy and prolific restaurateur is planning to add another French concept to his profile, though he tells What Now DC that it is too soon to share details, as no lease has been signed yet.
DMV diners won’t have to wait indefinitely to try Bajaj’s next innovation, however. He will be opening his newest restaurant, Malabar, in mid-January. The modern Indian concept will feature a menu designed and curated by James Beard Award–winning chef Vikram Sunderam.
