Hey Tom - long time reader so thanks for all you do and for adapting to these unusual times in a way that makes restauranting still fun. And here's my essay from yesterday, looking at some of the creative approaches area restaurants are taking during the crisis. But I'm pleased to roll out my 21st annual collection today, a celebration of restaurants that not only have good taste and consistency in their favor, but are shining a light on the path forward. “My toughest critics,” figures the chef.ĬREAM OF THE CROP: Were you worried there wouldn't be a fall dining guide this month? I had my doubts earlier this year. The small family event will include Tien’s out-of-town mother and grandmother, who will be among the first to taste dishes from his forthcoming menu. Not only is he opening a new establishment, he’s getting married on Monday, to the woman whose name was featured at his last job, Emily Potter.

Moon Rabbit, he says, is like having “my own restaurant without the hassle of running a business” during a global pandemic. While he says he initially had no interest in joining a hotel, the owners are giving him free rein to do his own food. “This is a new beginning for me and my cooking,” says Tien. His latest project, the 48-seat Moon Rabbit, takes its name from Vietnamese folk lore and will highlight elevated, French-inflected versions of family recipes, says the chef. Kevin Tien, the talent behind the late Himitsu and the ongoing Emilie’s, tells me he’s taking over the Kith/Kin space in the InterContinental hotel as early as the end of October. Restaurants, if any of you are planning on offering T-Day feasts for two this year (and what a good idea that is), please let me know and I'll post the news here.įOOD FLASH: The Wharf is poised for a fresh restaurant from a respected chef. We haven't even gotten to Halloween yet! But I digress.

Coastal flats gaithersburg