Earlier this month ThinkFoodGroup restaurants in the D.C. region require proof of vaccination to dine indoors for people who are 12 and older.
This includes Spanish Diner, which opened in Bethesda this past May in the location that was formerly home to Jaleo.
According to Washington City Paper, “Andrés says, “protecting our team is the main goal.” A message on each restaurant’s webpage reads: “ThinkFoodGroup requires all staff and guests over 12 years of age who are dining indoors to be fully vaccinated.”
The article states that “customers who are 12 and older can show their vaccine card, a photo of their card, a government-provided digital record, or Health Pass by CLEAR, according to ThinkFoodGroup representatives.”
Jose Andres’ Spanish Diner Officially Opening on Thursday, May 13th
José Andrés ThinkFoodGroup will introduce Spanish Diner at 7271 Woodmont Avenue in Federal Realty’s Bethesda Row on May 13th. Formerly home to Jaleo, the new restaurant will bring to the DC area for the first time Chef Andrés Iberian take on the classic American all-day restaurant.
“Spanish Diner is here! I can’t wait to share the simple, satisfying cooking and warm hospitality of the place I come from with all of my neighbors in Bethesda, the place I call home,” shared Chef José Andrés.
The menu, inspired by Spanish home cooking, is simple and cooked with love. Under the culinary direction of Concept Chef Nicolas Lopez and Head Chef Daniel Lugo, breakfast is served all day including the famed Huevos Rotos Casa Lucio, eggs fried in olive oil served atop crispy potatoes, as they do at the Madrid restaurant for which the dish is named. New to the Bethesda menu will be dishes from Asturias, the northwest region of Spain where Andrés was born, including Fabana Asturiana, fabes stewed with morcilla, chorizo and smoked Ibérico pork bacon, and Arroz con Leche, a traditional Spanish rice pudding.
The beverage program, guided by Cocktail Innovator Miguel Lancha, will feature Spanish favorites like a selection of gin + tonic and sangrias, Spanish beers and wines. Highlights include Boticario #1 with gin, Little Spain Custom Tonic no.1, orange bitters and citrus; and Media Combinación, a classic aperitif featuring Spanish sweet vermouth, gin, Cynar and Angostura bitters.
Located in Federal Realty’s Bethesda Row, the 6,500 square foot, 108-seat restaurant was transformed by Spanish Architect and longtime collaborator of Chef Andrés Juli Capella. Drawing from the design of the original Spanish Diner in New York, which is situated underneath The High Line, there are exposed railway-style gusseted beams soaring above and graphic art by Spanish desgner Mikel Urmenta. Additionally, a 48-seat patio extends the casual, high-energy environment outside. Health measures for guests and staff include hands-free ordering and payment options, and hospital-quality air purification with Rensair air purifiers that are proven to purify 99.7% of the air that circulates placed ever 1200 cubic feet.
Hours are Wednesday – Sunday from 11:30 AM – 9 PM. For reservations go to SpanishDiner.com and for more information follow ThinkFoodGroup on Instagram @thinkfoodgroup, Facebook at Facebook.com/ThinkFoodGroup, and Twitter @ThinkFoodGroup.
Huevos Fritos con Aguacate
Huevos Rotos Casa Lucio
Mejillones en escabeche
Interior
Interior
