The great mystery of the future of the former South Street Steaks building at 4856 Cordell Avenue in downtown Bethesda may have been solved. Permits have never listed the name of the business filling the space. Construction work has been shielded not just by paper over the windows, but more recently, by plywood boards. While no public announcement has been made, from what I have learned, the future tenant is a new concept from the owner of Ted's Bulletin and Federalist Pig called Ensemble.
Ensemble will feature some items from both of those restaurants on its menu of American cuisine. It will also offer a sandwich and other fried entrees from one of owner Steve Salis' concepts that is yet to debut in the District, Honeymoon Chicken. There will be burgers, salads, and breakfast items, as well, on a menu that touches on many culinary regions of the country.
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| The building in September |
In a building more suited to takeout and delivery than to large numbers of indoor diners, Ensemble could in some ways function as a ghost kitchen for several Salis brands in Bethesda. This sounds like it could be a very smart move at a time when delivery is king, and when governments can order all restaurants to close their dining rooms at any moment. Salis knows success, as before he acquired brands like Ted's and Kramerbooks, he was also a co-founder of the very popular &pizza chain.
The best thing about South Street is they stayed open late. They were the only carry-out option if you had to work late on a Wednesday for example. Any ideas if this palce will stay open late?
ReplyDeleteThere is that new place.. Avenue Cafe I think..? on Rugby Ave that stays open late and has cheesesteaks that are decent.