The downstairs lounge at Source.
Photo: Colin Loughlin for BizBash
Opening tomorrow, the Freedom Forum’s restaurant, Source, offers two versions of the Wolfgang Puck experience: a menu of pizza and calzones in the more casual downstairs lounge, or a fine-dining experience upstairs with a contemporary American Asian fusion menu (think chili crabs, Peking-style duck, and pad Thai).
The decor on both levels is continuous and contemporary, with a color scheme of dark chocolate and taupe and an emphasis on glass, stainless steel, and clean lines—especially evident in the seamless glass staircase that floats between the bilevel space. The wine vault is equally modern, with room to display 2,200 backlit bottles. Floor-to-ceiling windows are shaded by screens that reduce glare during the day while still providing views of the busy streetscape. The restaurant takes on a glow after dark thanks to low lighting and backlit booths.Downstairs, the low-slung taupe couches and dark-chocolate leather bar stools at the communal tables encourage mingling. Guests in the 70-seat casual dining lounge are privy to views of the open-air kitchen (helmed by chef Scott Drewno), or they can watch the three TVs positioned over the sprawling bar.
The low lighting, stainless-steel accents, and room-dividing screens continue upstairs in the 130-seat main dining room, which has a small terrace offering a view of Pennsylvania Avenue and the National Gallery of Art—a good spot for a cocktail party. A subterranean private dining room for 40 is expected to open in January. Source will also offer valet parking.
The decor on both levels is continuous and contemporary, with a color scheme of dark chocolate and taupe and an emphasis on glass, stainless steel, and clean lines—especially evident in the seamless glass staircase that floats between the bilevel space. The wine vault is equally modern, with room to display 2,200 backlit bottles. Floor-to-ceiling windows are shaded by screens that reduce glare during the day while still providing views of the busy streetscape. The restaurant takes on a glow after dark thanks to low lighting and backlit booths.Downstairs, the low-slung taupe couches and dark-chocolate leather bar stools at the communal tables encourage mingling. Guests in the 70-seat casual dining lounge are privy to views of the open-air kitchen (helmed by chef Scott Drewno), or they can watch the three TVs positioned over the sprawling bar.
The low lighting, stainless-steel accents, and room-dividing screens continue upstairs in the 130-seat main dining room, which has a small terrace offering a view of Pennsylvania Avenue and the National Gallery of Art—a good spot for a cocktail party. A subterranean private dining room for 40 is expected to open in January. Source will also offer valet parking.
