Dish

Discussion Policy

Comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

BRING ON THE PASTA: The lease is signed, the design is created and the space has been cleared for Ashok Bajaj's next act: an Italian restaurant that will take the place of the late Luigino at 1100 New York Ave. NW.

Bibiana Osteria-Enoteca probably won't open its doors until September. "The economy is soft," but "I'm optimistic," Bajaj explains. The veteran restaurateur describes the 120-seat dining room as "reflective of the high style of Milan," with an abundance of "glass, chrome, wood and leather." Bibiana's bar seats will offer a glimpse of the kitchen through colored glass; two private dining rooms will offer space for parties.

Bajaj is known for his contemporary American and Indian restaurants. Why the change of accent? "Italian cuisine is the way I love to eat," he says. Plus, "there's a demand for good Italian restaurants in the city." Bibiana is a feminine name, chosen in part because "it sounds good to my ears."

Chefs looking for a change of venue, take note: Bajaj has yet to hire someone to head what will be his seventh kitchen in the city. "I'm looking all over the country and even abroad."

-- Tom Sietsema