The 30-seat sidewalk patio from Assaggi
Photo: Kaveh Sardari
Warm weather is finally here, and with it come some new options for alfresco dining.
Assaggi, a new restaurant in Bethesda that opened in May, has one edge on other Washington Italian restaurants: The spot, whose name translates from the Italian as "tastings," boasts the only mozzarella bar in the U.S. The chilled, glass-enclosed marble counter displays cheeses from Italy, California, and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Guests can taste their mozzarella inside, where they'll find seating for 100 (including a chef’s table) or opt for the 30-seat sidewalk patio complete with roomy bamboo armchairs.Brasserie Beck just opened a 70- by 40-foot patio, with room to seat 70. Encircled with tropical plants and covered by 10- by 10-foot canopy umbrellas, the space includes a more intimate, 10-seat chef’s table. Patrons can enjoy the restaurant’s 126 Belgian brews and signature dishes like mussels and frites on the patio, and for those interested in Brasserie Beck’s cigar offerings, smoking is allowed there.
Apparently José Andrés's Salt-Air Margarita is best sipped outside, as the contemporary Mexican spot Oyamel recently installed a 16-seat outdoor patio. Furnished with brown all-weather rattan seating, the area is exposed to sunlight all day, with umbrellas offering shading. The patio is also open for evening dining, so guests can take in the lively Penn Quarter scene.
Assaggi, a new restaurant in Bethesda that opened in May, has one edge on other Washington Italian restaurants: The spot, whose name translates from the Italian as "tastings," boasts the only mozzarella bar in the U.S. The chilled, glass-enclosed marble counter displays cheeses from Italy, California, and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Guests can taste their mozzarella inside, where they'll find seating for 100 (including a chef’s table) or opt for the 30-seat sidewalk patio complete with roomy bamboo armchairs.Brasserie Beck just opened a 70- by 40-foot patio, with room to seat 70. Encircled with tropical plants and covered by 10- by 10-foot canopy umbrellas, the space includes a more intimate, 10-seat chef’s table. Patrons can enjoy the restaurant’s 126 Belgian brews and signature dishes like mussels and frites on the patio, and for those interested in Brasserie Beck’s cigar offerings, smoking is allowed there.
Apparently José Andrés's Salt-Air Margarita is best sipped outside, as the contemporary Mexican spot Oyamel recently installed a 16-seat outdoor patio. Furnished with brown all-weather rattan seating, the area is exposed to sunlight all day, with umbrellas offering shading. The patio is also open for evening dining, so guests can take in the lively Penn Quarter scene.
