Ghost kitchens are increasingly haunting Bethesda and Chevy Chase residents' food delivery apps, as traditional sit-down restaurants find their futures in danger under pandemic restrictions issued by Montgomery County government. Takeout and delivery now reign supreme, and that new normal is only likely to increase as we enter the worst of the coronavirus outbreak after Christmas and New Year's Eve. Oftentimes, that exciting new dining option on your cellphone screen is actually coming from a friendly neighborhood face - some of the same restaurants that are seeking new ways to stay afloat with indoor dining on-hold.
My personal favorite ghost kitchen name, Burger Mansion, is actually grilling those burgers at Cordell Avenue mainstay Caddies. Maybe you prefer Tiny Buns - Caddies is the purveyor of those, as well. Landmark Friendship Heights Italian restaurant Alfio's is the genius behind my second favorite ghost kitchen name, Beverly Hills Burger Bungalow. But it can also serve up New York City favorites as Deli Belli, if you prefer.
Dog Haus Biergarten has been one of the highest-volume takeout and delivery restaurants in Bethesda during the pandemic, which you can understand if you've eaten there. But even Dog Haus is going after other audience segments, with its ghost kitchen, Bad-Ass Breakfast Burritos. You may have had more than one pizza from Manny & Olga's during 2020, but have you tried a dish from their ghost kitchen delivery service, The Chicken Chicken Place?
Finally, Clyde's is one of the most reliable dining options in the DC area. But now they have at least three very appetizing-sounding ghost kitchens that may pop up on your delivery app, depending upon your street address: District Melthouse, which offers gourmet grilled cheese stacked sandwiches and mac & cheese; D.C. Spicy Fry Chicken & Shrimp with dry rub or signature sauce; and D.C. Street Pies with sweet or savory empanada-style pastries.
And as I reported last month, the owner of Ted's Bulletin and Federalist Pig is creating what is essentially a ghost kitchen for his various restaurant brands under one small roof at 4856 Cordell Avenue. It will be called Ensemble. When you see these ghosts around Bethesda and Chevy Chase, don't call the ghostbusters - call for a delivery order.
Thanks for pointing out these efforts of local restaurants. We all need to support them by eating outside, ordering takeout or delivery, and tipping generously, as often as possible.
ReplyDeleteYes but there's no danger from eating inside.
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