After last year’s vandalism, DC kissed The Oval Room goodbye, but next month, better kisses are coming.
Ashok Bajaj, founder, and CEO of the award-winning Knightsbridge Restaurant Group recently announced the opening of La Bise, a “modern, bright, and colorful” 21st-century French restaurant. La Bise, french for ‘kiss’, will open mid-June at 800 Connecticut Avenue, NW, just steps from the White House.
“We are striving to make La Bise the sophisticated but approachable, new fun French Restaurant in the neighborhood,” said the interior designer of record, Martin Vahtra of Project Design Associates of New York. “The décor will mirror the memorable French cuisine of La Bise, as it is plated and served from the dynamic open kitchen.”
That kitchen activity is at the heart of the experience at La Bise, flanked by two dining rooms — like the french kiss on each cheek — each showing off a distinctly different style. One evokes Paris with romantic tufted banquettes and clusters of framed wall art. The other a bit bolder, marked by a mirrored wall, bold striped fabrics, and walls colored salmon.
An extended bar also draws some excitement, especially since it offers a comfortable vantage point to watch the chefs at work. And open on all sides, the bar creates a lively place where the bartender’s art is equally as engaging as the eats.
An expanded outdoor patio completes the scene at the new La Bise, which soon opens with fresh energy and french flair.
