Michele’s, the trendy Eaton hotel eatery influenced by French cuisine and overseen by acclaimed chef Matt Baker since 2021, abruptly closed its doors on Thursday, January 22. The shutdown follows the D.C. government seizing the restaurant due to alleged tax issues. At 1201 K Street NW, the venue was secured with chains and prohibited from conducting any business, according to official city notices posted at the entrance. Despite the closure, the reservation system remains operational.
Matt Baker is not unfamiliar with financial troubles. His one-Michelin-starred Ivy City tasting room, Gravitas, received a sales suspension notice from the D.C. Office of Tax & Revenue about a year ago, though those issues were eventually settled. Additionally, Baker, who also operates the all-day café Baker’s Daughter within the Eaton, made headlines last March for his social media activity, which included sharing inflammatory content regarding immigration and recently laid-off federal employees. He later issued an apology, clarifying, “I never intended to hurt this city or its people.”
Snowy Discounts in the Capital
As D.C. braces for up to 10 inches of snow beginning Saturday night, various restaurants are rolling out enticing snow day specials. One standout offer is from El Tamarindo, offering a Storm Kit for $49 that includes six pupusas or tamales, two sides, and an agua fresca, available for takeout or delivery. Daniel Kramer’s diverse restaurant range across D.C. (Duke’s Grocery, Problem Child, Gogi Yogi) features discounted boozy hot chocolates and espresso martinis for just $8 from Saturday through Monday. Meanwhile, Neighborhood Restaurant Group (including Shorty’s, the Roost, the Sovereign, Bluejacket, and Rustico) is also planning several special promotions. Whitlow’s offers warmly welcomed $10 beer-and-shot combos and a Frostbite Fighter cocktail garnished with Rumpleminze for just $9 to its patrons on the Wharf and U Street.
New Hopeful Bidder for Compass Coffee
Washington Business Journal remains closely engaged with the ongoing situation surrounding Compass Coffee. As reported on Friday, European coffee chain Caffe Nero has emerged as the “stalking horse” bidder mentioned in the company’s recent Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. This prospective acquisition, which comes as the company has announced the closure of 10 of its stores across the DMV area, is valued at $2.9 million.
Celebrity Sightings in D.C. Restaurants
This past week in D.C. saw a flurry of celebrity activity, with a variety of notable figures dining in various establishments. Jon Bernthal, a native of the capital and star of upcoming summer blockbusters such as The Odyssey and Spider-Man, was spotted enjoying a meal at the long-standing Italian restaurant Filomena in Georgetown. Meanwhile, Real Housewives of Salt Lake City cast member Angie Katsanevas, who was advocating for franchising rights on Capitol Hill, co-hosted an event on Thursday evening at Bar Angie in the West End. During her visit, she also dined at the newly opened Ned’s Club. Additionally, Eater reported that 60 Minutes correspondent Bill Whitaker was spotted savoring a glass of wine at the Fairmont hotel’s lobby bar on Thursday night, where he also made time for a delightful meal at the esteemed Indian restaurant Rasika.
