Make a Reservation for Cool: The Reserve

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A NEW RESTAURANT, wine bar and lounge on L Street NW hopes to take diners around the world with "international tapas." The Reserve, which opened a month ago, is the brainchild of owner Moe Hamdan, who worked as a promoter in D.C. for years.

"I recently got married and had a little boy," he says. "I got tired of not being able to have a place to take my wife out and have dinner, a cocktail and relax."
He also wanted something with a lounge feel.

"In Los Angeles, New York, Miami, lounges are more a sit down, have conversations with friends over food and stay for drinks kind of thing," he says. "Here, every place describes itself as a lounge, but it isn't that."

Frederik De Pue, a chef from Belgium who also runs 42 Degrees Catering Services, is helming the kitchen. "I've reworked classics and have a number of vegetarian options," De Pue says. "The entire menu will change seasonally, but I'll keep a couple classic dishes."

One dish he says is very popular is the tequenos, a wonton of queso blanco served with avocado dip.

"The dish shows what our menu is about," Hamdan says. "Frederik creates something very simple but adds a touch to it to make it different."

The menu is broken into categories: vegetables (risotto cakes), fish and shellfish (roasted scallops with fennel and grilled pineapple), meat (grilled beef medallion with shallots, potatoes and spinach) and dessert (almond pear tart). The Reserve suggests ordering two to three plates per person.

The second floor -- which has dark woods, red walls and black leather furniture -- will eventually be used for wine classes, and you can also hold parties in the space. Soon, Hamdan says, the third floor will be open for parties as well.

» The Reserve, 1426 L St. NW; 202-628-8900. (McPherson Square)

Written by Express contributor Amy Cavanaugh
Photo by Jay Westcott