Ever notice that during a party at home, people always seem to end up in the kitchen? Star Restaurant Group is taking that concept to a new level by offering Zola Wine and Kitchen, a private space that doubles as a chef’s test kitchen. Opened on December 1 around the corner from sister venues Zola and Spy City Café, the 3,400-square-foot space is comprised of two rooms: a wine shop and a test kitchen for private events. The kitchen features a custom dark wood table (on wheels) a stainless steel suite of appliances, including an Athanor range, and a European titanium steel range that is the first to hit Washington (and is one of a dozen made in the world). The space can seat 30 or hold 50 for cocktails.
Able to host interactive dinner parties and cooking classes, Zola Wine and Kitchen has with three cameras focused on chef Bryan Moscatello that broadcast on two flat-screen televisions. A test bar with a stained-concrete surface and floating glass shelves will develop new drinks. Recipes developed in the kitchen will appear at the company’s upcoming Italian restaurant, opening in downtown in 2009.
