Smithsonian's National Postal Museum completed renovations to its historic lobby as well as a major expansion with the new William H. Gross Stamp Gallery in September. The museum now has the world’s largest gallery dedicated to philately. Located next to Union Station, the Beaux-Arts museum’s front exterior is newly accented with a glowing wall of windows illustrated with reproduction of 54 historic United States stamps, plus an outdoor terrace that stretches along Massachusetts Avenue with dramatic views of Capitol Hill. In the lobby, four programmable video screens can display presentations during events. The lobby seats 300 or holds 800 for receptions, while the full museum seats 450 or hosts receptions for 1,100. The museum’s atrium and two small meeting spaces are also available for rental.
In September, José Andrés and ThinkFoodGroup’s Jaleo Bethesda closed for a weeklong renovation to create a more contemporary look for the 12-year-old tapas restaurant. Architect Juli Capella incorporated art pieces and avant garde Spanish design, including two foosball tables that serve as dining tables and a mural from Barcelona artist Rafael Vargas. There are 165 seats in the dining room, 40 bar seats, and 60 seats in the outdoor dining room in the Bethesda restaurant.
Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC completed a $2 million renovation of the hotel’s 13,500 square feet of event space, adding an Apple iPad lighting system, audiovisual enhancements, and digital signage capabilities. The property's eight meeting rooms now include 62- to 72-inch high-definition TVs that can be completely covered behind custom millwork doors. Hand-painted ceiling coves in the prefunction area, custom wool carpets in rust, eggplant, gold, cream, and brown, and original artwork all contribute to the refreshed design. Outside, the event space’s patio now includes a fire pit with lounge-style seating.
New music venue and bar Gypsy Sally’s opened in Georgetown in September, hosting local, regional, and national Americana acts. Corporate and private events can be hosted at the 7,000-square-foot space, which consists of two rooms: the 3,500-square-foot main Music Room for 300, and the 2,500-square-foot Vinyl Lounge, which holds 250.
New Italian small plates restaurant Rialto opened in September on M Street. From the owners of Thunder Burger & Bar and Bodega, Rialto’s decor is inspired by Venice. The restaurant holds 200 for events, and in addition to the main dining room, Rialto includes a downstairs lounge and dining room called Sala Grifone.
The Roof Terrace Restaurant at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts unveiled a new look in October when the venue reopened for the Kennedy Center's 2013-2014 season. With a reimagined menu of seasonal, French-accented dishes, the Roof Terrace Restaurant now includes an extended bar area and a private dining room that doubles as a lounge during normal restaurant hours. The main dining room hosts receptions for 400 and seats 250 for dinner; the private dining room accommodates 40 guests for a reception and 30 for dinner. New navy carpets, rose-tinted drapery, and contemporary wood and leather furniture help modernize the space.
Now open directly above artisan food hall Union Market in Northeast is Dock5, a 13,000-square-foot event venue. The industrial warehouse space accommodates about 500 people. The raw space includes exposed concrete floors, 22-foot-high ceilings, and glass garage doors. Events at Dock5 can extend into the venue’s private outdoor alley.
Chef Richard Sandoval opened El Centro D.F. Georgetown, a replica of his 14th Street El Centro D.F. concept, in September on Wisconsin Avenue. The new two-story Mexican restaurant hosts 59 guests on the first level, 99 guests on the second floor, and 55 on the patio. Mexico City-inspired decor elements include materials such as reclaimed word, used metal, and Mexican newspapers.
Global Korean fried chicken brand BonChon's new location in Arlington opened in July, with space for 85 diners. The 3,400-square-foot restaurant's contemporary look was designed by GrizForm Design Architects and includes curved details, wood and metal materials, and neutral colors enhanced by red as a nod to the franchise's Korean logo.
New in Shaw is Thally, a 70-seat restaurant with a focus on modern American cuisine. Design details include vintage barn-door hardware, blackboards, wood and steel tables, exposed brick, antique pipe fittings, and custom wall graphics. A semiprivate, raised dining room seats 25. The restaurant is available for full buyouts on Mondays.
