When Knightsbridge Restaurant Group owner Ashok Bajaj opens his latest, Rosedale (4465 Connecticut Avenue), near Van Ness/UDC later this Spring, guests will be drawn to its inviting U-shaped bar for cocktails and an intimate scale dining room designed to be a neighborhood gathering place for connecting with friends. But did you know the restaurant’s name was inspired by the home of a Revolutionary War hero?
“This new restaurant will have a relaxed but refined atmosphere offering an inviting dining room with an open kitchen, outdoor dining, and a small private dining room for special occasion gatherings,” Bajaj says about Rosedale, which he named, in part, for an important estate in Cleveland Park’s historic district, the Rosedale Farmhouse.
The Farmhouse dates back to 1793, built by Revolutionary War Colonel Uriah Forrest incorporating an even older small stone cottage into his construction, and making Rosedale what is believed to be the oldest surviving house in what is now Washington, D.C.
Legend has it Forrest was an outgoing guy, and he wanted the house and grounds of Rosedale to be a center for political discussions and social entertaining. He even threw a large dinner party for President John Adams on his estate in June of 1800!
No word yet on whether Knightsbridge Group’s Rosedale will entertain policymakers and presidents, but this new American concept will certainly be a welcome addition to Northwest D.C.
Rosedale will have 100 seats indoors and a patio with 30 seats for outdoor dining, weather permitting, serving dinner and Sunday brunch. Be on the lookout for a Spring 2024 opening to be announced!
