WASHINGTON, D.C. – With a nod to the Chesapeake Bay watershed states, the esteemed Art and Soul restaurant at 415 New Jersey Avenue, NW has reopened with an entirely fresh look and feel. The iconic Capitol Hill eatery located at the new YOTEL Washington DC hotel, has undergone a multi-million dollar comprehensive redesign and refurbishment that presents a sleek, sophisticated 5,100-square foot multi-functional restaurant space featuring three contemporary private indoor dining rooms and an adjacent bar. The gem of Art and Soul, the 1,900-square-foot patio, boasts an inspiring view of the U.S. Capitol dome and can host up to 150 for a reception or event.
Designed by the acclaimed New York-based Wimberly Interiors, the reimagined Art and Soul restaurant builds on the popularity, reputation and location of the existing hospitality space, featuring curated everyday objects and artworks. The interior’s blue hues are reminiscent of its Chesapeake influence and bring fresh, airy tones to the new modern space alongside whimsical neon lights, handwritten recipes, kitchen utensils, and abstract depictions of DC monuments. Custom-made chairs in contrasting colours and forms provide style and comfort, creating an atmosphere that is both relaxed and dynamic at once with three private dining areas and elongated bar with separate seating. Allowing for greater use of space and in keeping with COVID guidelines, the restaurant also benefited from exterior upgrades of the outdoor dining area to allow for year-round use.
Driven by the talented Chef Danny Chavez, Art and Soul’s menu introduces an original take on seasonal, locally sourced dishes from the Chesapeake Bay watershed communities and the diverse cuisines that influence modern-American food today.
The Art and Soul culinary fare features appetizers that include Roasted Mushrooms with Focaccia and Pan Seared Octopus and signature entrées featuring house made spring Spaghetti, Adobo Rub Pork Belly and Roasted Chicken Roulade. Meals are enhanced with creative takes on classic cocktails, local draft beer program and food and wine pairing selections. No meal is complete without an exquisite dessert, such as Rhubarb & Apple Crisp, Tres Leches Panna Cotta or Strawberry Bread Pudding that are also inspired by the flavors of the season. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with an extensive Saturday and Sunday brunch service.
“Guests are getting a coastal tour with a modern twist during their dining experience at Art and Soul, as we pay homage to the plentiful ingredients grown and created throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed communities,” says Chef Chavez. “Our refreshed restaurant offers a refined, unpretentious dining experience that blends delicate techniques and beauty of presentation with the genuine passion and love we have for wholesome ingredients and genuine hospitality.”
Chavez hails from a diverse culinary background with assimilated techniques from his Latin roots as well as French, southern and farm-fresh cooking. He started his career at Art and Soul as a line cook, but in the span of only a few years advanced to Sous Chef and then Executive Sous Chef. Danny also worked as Sous Chef at the Michelin star appointed restaurant, Plume at The Jefferson hotel in Washington, D.C.
Art and Soul serves dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., lunch Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Grab + Go breakfast from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Tuesday through Friday, with brunch served from 9:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. The lounge is open from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and until the end of brunch on Sundays.